Olympic Bar - what to look for?

CoderGal

I think my gym has fake ones and that's about it. How long is it suppose to be, how heavy is it suppose to be (45lbs/35lbs from what I have seen here and online but stores seem to have a different opinion), and are ones better then others? I read something about bearings. Fancy. Do they all have that? Is there a big difference from bar to bar? What makes a olympic bar 'fancy'.

fittiephd

Idk much about olympic bars but from the two gyms I've been to... both bars had the same like thicker ends where the plates go, but one had a thinner middle part than the other and I preferred the thinner middle part because it was a lot easier for my small hands to hold for deadlifts and such. Just something to consider.

CoderGal

Idk much about olympic bars but from the two gyms I've been to... both bars had the same like thicker ends where the plates go, but one had a thinner middle part than the other and I preferred the thinner middle part because it was a lot easier for my small hands to hold for deadlifts and such. Just something to consider.

Thanks scrunch butt. I'm assuming that's the 35lb bar (womens) vs the 45lb. I'm tall and have long 'piano fingers' so I'm thinking I'm going to try and go with the 45 just because it's longer (I'm assuming?)

3laine75

5' is 10k, 6' is 15k and 7' is 20k.

victoriannsays

http://www.overstock.com/Sports-Toys/CAP-Barbell-7-foot-Olympic-Bar/6355992/product.html?cid=202290&kid=9553000357392&track=pspla&ef_id=URhbmgAABZWyXTQM:20130220005037:s

45lbs

taso42

This is my barbell. It rules. - http://www.roguefitness.com/burgener-rippetoe-men-s-bar.php

This would have been my 2nd choice - http://www.roguefitness.com/rogue-power-bar.php

I have heard great things about The Texas power Bar

Some bars will have more "whip" and bendability than others. In an ideal universe, one would have a separate bar for deadlifts, oly lifts, and squats. But in the real world, you have to find a good compromise.

I would use the Men's Olympic bar specifications as a guideline: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barbell#Men.27s_bar

MiniMichelle

Bumpity Bump

CoderGal

http://www.overstock.com/Sports-Toys/CAP-Barbell-7-foot-Olympic-Bar/6355992/product.html?cid=202290&kid=9553000357392&track=pspla&ef_id=URhbmgAABZWyXTQM:20130220005037:s

45lbs

It says its 47? I guess people aren't very strict on that number?

hesn92

they weigh 45 pounds... look for the long one. The ones that they keep in the squat rack and on the bench press racks..

CoderGal

This is my barbell. It rules. - http://www.roguefitness.com/burgener-rippetoe-men-s-bar.php

This would have been my 2nd choice - http://www.roguefitness.com/rogue-power-bar.php

I have heard great things about The Texas power Bar

Some bars will have more "whip" and bendability than others. In an ideal universe, one would have a separate bar for deadlifts, oly lifts, and squats. But in the real world, you have to find a good compromise.

I would use the Men's Olympic bar specifications as a guideline: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barbell#Men.27s_bar

Wow, helpful. For some reason it didn't hit me to wiki it and I was finding different things on google. Thanks again Taso.

shutupandlift13

I love the Rogue bars, especially the women's bar although trying to hook grip a men's bar has definitely improved my hook grip when I do actually have access to a women's bar. I also am a fan of really rough knurling, love new Oly bars for that reason alone.

taso42

Oh, one other thing. Avoid chrome if possible. It will eventually start flaking off. The raw steel bars will last forever.

danimalkeys

There are different types of knurling on the bars. Some will tear your hands up while others don't have enough to help your grip, so check that out too. I like the grippy kind myself.