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If you want the best barbell for home gym, there are an endless list of factors you have to consider.
To help you out and save you some time, we have curated this list showcasing the best options in the industry based on strength, price, utility and size.
If you are looking for the best barbell that money can buy, the Synergee 7ft Barbell is going to be the right choice for you.
While it is certainly on the pricey side of things, it is most definitely not the most expensive barbell out there, and it is on the same level as barbells that are worth over £2000.
To put it simply; it doesn’t get much better than this.
Its weight capacity of 1000lbs/453kg is more than enough for professional powerlifters, and this is impressive considering its price tag.
If you just want to get one barbell that is going to last you the rest of your life or you are a serious weightlifter who is looking to train hard for years on end, then the Synergee 7ft Barbell is going to be a perfect fit.
The Xersci 7ft Elite Chrome Olympic Barbell is an unbelievably strong barbell for its price.
Having a weight capacity of 700lbs/317kg is just unheard of within this budget range, and if you do not have the money to splurge on an expensive barbell, then the Xersci 7ft Elite Chrome Olympic Barbell is going to be right down your street.
This barbell is everything you need.
While it might not last as long as some of the other barbells on this list, you will be able to get years of use lifting heavy weight with this option.
For such a low price, it really is an exceptional barbell.
The Dripex Olympic Hex Bar is one of the best trap bars on the market.
It’s affordable, high-quality, and has a weight capacity of 800lbs/362kg.
The package that this trap bar entails gives a ton of value for a low cost, and it is going to be a great choice for those of you who are looking to create a full home gym.
Of course, this isn’t going to be something you want to go for if you are just looking for a conventional barbell – it is not able to do many of the things that a regular barbell can.
However, it still excels at what it does.
Whether it be deadlifts, shrugs, or farmer’s walks, the Dripex Olympic Hex Bar has the strength and the durability to handle anything you throw at it.
How We Chose the Best Barbells
Now that we have been through the list, let’s take a more in-depth look at some of the factors we took into consideration when ranking the barbells and weights.
Task At Hand
One of the main factors that we took into consideration when going through the rankings is the task at hand.
Not everybody wants to squat 1000lbs or bench 415lbs.
While it is always good to get a barbell that is as strong as possible, not everyone is going to need a barbell that can hold that kind of weight.
That’s why only a few of the options we listed had this capability.
This is because there is usually a direct correlation between price and weight capacity.
There’s also the fact that different shapes and sizes of barbell are better suited to different people.
This is why we included a wide range of options, ensuring that you will be able to get the best barbell for you no matter who you are or what your goals may be.
Every barbell we listed was the best at its designated task, and this is why we are confident that this article will be of genuine use to you and other readers.
Durability
Durability is vital when searching for a barbell.
If a barbell isn’t able to hold the weight you need or is only going to last a few weeks, then it’s fair to say it would be a complete waste of money.
The durability of a barbell is determined by a plethora of factors, with the main ones being the materials and craftsmanship.
Each and every one of the barbells we listed has been tried and tested by thousands of people, and we only decided to include barbells that we knew would stand the test of time.
Price
Price is always going to be a factor that is extremely important.
Barbells can be expensive, and while we did include a few expensive options on our list, we made sure to include options that will be suited to a range of budgets and price points.
As a general rule of thumb, the higher the price, the better the quality of the barbell.
That’s not to say that you cannot get some exceptional barbells for a good price – all of the barbells we listed fit this criterion perfectly.
However, if you truly are looking to get the best of the best or price is not an issue for you, then the more expensive barbells we listed are going to be a better choice for you.
How Much Do Barbells Cost?
The cost of a barbell can vary drastically depending on branding, size, materials used, and overall quality.
This means that some of the more inexpensive barbells can cost as little as £100 (this is incredibly cheap for a barbell), while more expensive options can range into the thousands.
For example, if you just want a 4ft Olympic barbell for doing light workouts for general fitness, you might be able to pick yourself up a brand-new barbell for £90.
Alternatively, if you are an elite powerlifter who wants to lift monstrous weights, then you could be looking at £1000+ to get a barbell that will suit your needs.
The quick answer? It depends how good you want your barbell to be and what you need it for.
How to Choose the Best Barbell for You?
While knowing what factors you need to look out for when buying a barbell can help, there are still a plethora of considerations you have to make to ensure that you choose the right barbell for you.
Perhaps the most important is intent.
What do you plan on using your barbell for?
Are you an elderly woman who’s looking to gain a little strength to stave off the effects of old age, or are you a middle-aged man looking to put on some muscle?
There is no point in getting a barbell that is far beyond your requirements.
Doing so will just cost you much more money, and you could have got away with going for a much cheaper option.
Saying this, you also don’t want to get a barbell that you are going to outgrow within a year or two.
If you get a barbell that is just able to support what you are currently lifting, what are you going to do in a few month’s time when you go over the limit? This is where things get dangerous.
You need to think about what you want to use your barbell for and plan accordingly, and only then will you be able to get the perfect barbell for you.
Of course, cost is also going to be a prime factor too.
Depending on your budget, you may or may not want to get a much better barbell than you need.
As a general rule of thumb, go for the most expensive option that you can reasonably afford.
This will make sure you get a good barbell while also ensuring you don’t spend more than you can afford.
What to Consider Before Buying a Barbell
Types of Barbells
The type of Barbell you need is going to have a huge impact on your decision.
If you are purchasing a barbell for a specific reason or specific exercise, you might need to get a special barbell to accommodate your needs.
Women’s Bars: These are barbells that are designed specifically for women, with a shorter length, smaller diameter, and lighter weight than standard men’s barbells, such as a 4ft barbell.
They also tend to have a different grip pattern and a lower load capacity, making them easier for women to handle.
Deadlift Bars: These are barbells that are specifically designed for deadlifts, with a thinner diameter, more flexible shaft, and less aggressive knurling than other barbells.
This allows for a better grip and more whip during the lift, which can help improve performance.
Squat Bars: These are barbells that are specifically designed for squats, with a stiffer shaft, more aggressive knurling, and a longer length than other barbells.
This allows for better stability and control during the lift, which can help prevent injury and improve performance.
Trap Bars: These are hexagonal-shaped barbells that allow for a more natural grip during exercises like deadlifts and shrugs.
They also tend to have a higher load capacity than standard barbells.
Knurling
Knurling refers to the pattern of ridges on the barbell’s grip area, which provides better traction and grip during exercises.
More aggressive knurling is better for exercises that require a strong grip, while less aggressive knurling is better for exercises that require less grip strength.
Bar Diameter (Grip Diameter)
A barbell’s diameter is the thickness of its grip area, which can vary depending on the type of barbell.
Thicker bars require more grip strength, while thinner bars are easier to grip.
Strength
This refers to the barbell’s load capacity, or how much weight it can support.
Different types of barbells have different load capacities, so it’s important to choose one that can support the amount of weight you need.
Tensile Strength: This is the amount of force that the barbell can withstand before breaking or becoming permanently deformed.
Yield Strength: The amount of force that the barbell can withstand before it begins to permanently deform.
Test: This refers to the process of testing a barbell’s strength and durability before it is sold.
Whip: Whip is the barbell’s ability to bend and flex during exercises, which can affect performance and comfort.
Beginner or Recreational Lifters
If you are new to weightlifting or do not take it very seriously, then this is something you need to factor into your decision.
There is no point in getting a £1000 barbell if you only want to squat 20kg/44lbs.
Weightlifters
If you are a frequent weightlifter who is trying to improve muscle size and strength, then it’s fair to say that you are going to need a pretty strong barbell to accommodate your current and future strength.
Powerlifters
For powerlifters, it is often a necessity to get a heavy-duty barbell.
It can be extremely dangerous to lift huge weight with barbells that are not equipped to handle it, so make sure you get a barbell that can accommodate your strength both for your safety and your hobby.
Warranty
It’s always a good idea to get a barbell with a warranty.
Fortunately, most barbells have a reasonable return time even without a warranty, so this is something that you most likely will not have to worry about.
Raw Materials and Finish
This refers to the materials used to make the barbell and the way it is finished, which can affect its durability, grip, and appearance.
Caring for your Barbell
This refers to the proper maintenance and storage of the barbell, which can help prolong its lifespan and ensure its performance.
If you do not have the space or the time to properly look after a barbell, then you probably do not want to go for one of the more expensive options.
Trap Bars vs. Conventional Bars
A trap bar is a hexagonal-shaped bar which is primarily used for farmers walks and shrugs, while a conventional bar is a common barbell that is used for a range of activities.
Make sure you get the one you want.
Barbells vs. Dumbbells
Barbells and dumbbells are two different things, and both can be used for different exercises.
You need to decide which piece of equipment is right for you depending on what exercises you want to be able to perform.
Best Barbell for Home Gym – FAQs
What is a Good Barbell?
A good barbell is strong, reliable, and the right size for your desired activities.
While size and weight capacity requirements may vary from person to person, a good barbell is always strong and reliable. This is non-negotiable.
This set has huge value, acting as a dumbbell, barbell, and kettlebell set all in one, and it is also incredibly high-quality for the price.
Should You Add a Barbell to Your Home Gym?
Yes, you should add a barbell to your home gym.
A barbell is one of the most versatile pieces of gym equipment you could get, and it will allow you to perform various exercises that are essential for gaining muscle and strength.
What is an Olympic Barbell?
An Olympic barbell is a barbell that is 2 inches thick and 7 feet long.
Olympic barbells are recommended for athletes who plan on lifting substantial weight, as they are generally much safer and more reliable than barbells that are less than 2 inches or 7 feet long.
This is a professional barbell that can support a ton of weight, and it is also priced extremely reasonably.
It also comes with weights which can save you the hassle of buying your own.
What Does a Barbell’s Tensile Strength Mean?
A barbell’s tensile strength is how much weight it can support before it breaks.
The higher the tensile strength, the stronger a barbell will be.
We hope this article will be of use to you! Finding the best barbell set can be a challenge if you do not know what to look for, but we have taken all of the guesswork out of the process to allow you to find the right home gym weight set for you.
Whether you want a 6ft Olympic barbell set, a pre-loaded barbell, or a 4ft Olympic barbell, this list has something for everyone.
If you would like more information surrounding the best barbell for home gym or would just like more fitness/self-improvement content in general, don’t be afraid to check out MovingForwards for more articles.
