The Best Olympic Barbell Products
The Olympics are the standard of athletic excellence across all countries, cultures, and events. It can be truly inspiring to watch champions from all nations compete and perform on a level never seen before. Sadly, the majority of us will never be Olympic athletes, but that doesn’t mean you can’t train like one. If you’re looking to stay in shape and achieve the best physique of your life, you can use all the same quality gear that the professionals use. For weightlifting, that can be crucial. You don’t want to end up working your muscles on gear that isn’t up to par with Olympic standards. That’s why we’ve made a list of the best Olympic barbell equipment to get your workout more powerful than ever before. While researching our list, we considered a few types of products that all serious weightlifters should have in their training room, including weights, barbells, and weight collars and clips. For the latter, our favorite is the Iron Lab Olympic barbell collar, which is easier to use and offers even more security than traditional clamps. And if you're a beginner looking to bring your workouts from the gym to your home, you can't go wrong with an Olympic weight set from CAP, which includes all the pieces you need to get pumping that iron immediately. Read on to discover more of our favorite Olympic barbell tools. Who knows? Maybe one day you’ll make it to the finish line at your own Olympic games.
Iron Lab Olympic Barbell Collar
Tough as nails
A set of weights is only as good as the bar that it’s on and the clamps holding it in place, because if they start to slide off, it could ruin your workout or even injured you. If you’re using heavy-duty weights, the standard clamps may not be up to par. These collar clamps from Iron Lab are made to keep your weights in place using a simple clamp.
Made to work with 2-inch thick Olympic barbells, these collars can handle even the toughest of weights. Unlike spring collars, these clamp down into place to give a secure lock. The simple design makes it easy to use. Just slide them onto the bar, place them up against the weights, and clamp down to lock them in place. Your lifting routine just got that much simpler.
Pros:
- They’re made of durable, high-strength nylon, so they won’t wear out anytime soon.
- They’re extremely easy to use, which allows us to spend less time setting up and more time lifting.
- We love that they come in a handful of different colors, so we can pick one that matches the rest of the gear in our gym.
Cons:
- They’re a bit more difficult to remove than they are to install.
Nuviqo Barbell Pad Squat Pad
Killer comfort
Doing squat lifts can be strenuous on your leg muscles, but it can be even tougher on your shoulders. Laying a rigid metal bar across your shoulders with heavyweights on them can put a lot of stress on your bones and even leave bruising or soreness. To get a solid workout without unnecessary pain, try using these squat pads.
Made with high-density foam, this soft but durable pad fastens to the barbell to prevent shoulder discomfort or injury. Just slip it on the bar, fasten the straps, and you’re good to go. You can use it for multiple exercises to get a comfortable workout time after time. With the bar pain gone, you can focus more on reps and getting a solid pump.
Pros:
- If you do a lot of squats, hip thrusts, or other leg workouts, these are an absolute must.
- Unlike cheaper versions, the high-density foam of this pad won’t collapse over time.
- We appreciate that they come in three different colors, including black, pink, and red.
Cons:
- Fastening the straps can be a hassle.
CAP Barbell Solid Olympic Bar
More weight
Any casual lifter can hang out at the dumbbells all day, but if you’re serious about heavy lifting, you’ll need to move on to the barbell at some point. If you think you’re ready to take your lifting to the next level, strap in. This thing is the real deal.
Weighing in at 28 pounds, this heavy-duty Olympic bar is made of solid, cold-rolled steel. It’s only six feet long, but its compact size is perfect for home gyms and easy access. It has a max weight of 500 pounds, so it can handle even the heaviest lifters. With two-inch-thick sleeves, perfect for Olympic weights. If you’re ready to take the leap, this is the perfect bar for you.
Pros:
- The solid, cold-rolled steel feels sturdy and comfortable in the hand.
- It has a weight limit of up to 500 pounds, making it great for deadlifts.
- Compared with similar models, the price is pretty decent.
Cons:
- The powder-coated black paint may chip and rub off after a while.
Sunny Health & Fitness Olympic Hex Bar
Think outside the bar
This hex bar may look like a strange tool or a car part if you’ve never seen one before, but this is just another method of lifting weights at the Olympic level. Shaped like its namesake, this hex figure bar has 2-inch thick sleeves to fit Olympic weights. If you haven’t tried one yet, it could be your secret weapon to a more controlled workout.
With a weight capacity of 750 pounds, this bar is no joke. It has diamond knurled handles for a solid grip, and many lifters consider it to be more comfortable than standard barbells. When standing inside the hex, just kneel down and lift using the handles for a more controlled and natural-feeling lift. With the proper form, lifting with a hex bar could even prevent back pain. It may look strange, but with this many potential benefits, it’s worth a shot.
Pros:
- This accommodates Olympic weights, making it suitable for training purposes.
- The diamond-knurled hex design can help provide better control than other models.
Cons:
- It’s a bit pricey given the overall quality.
CAP Barbell Cast Iron Olympic Weight Set
Mix and match
It may seem like a no-brainer, but to lift weights you need … weights. But, you can’t just use any weights; you need the right weights. Even if you have a barbell and all the right gear, you still need Olympic-sized weights to fit on your Olympic barbell. This set from CAP Barbell is the perfect entry set.
With 300 pounds total, this set comes with two 45-pound, two 35-pound, two 25-pound, two 10-pound, four 5-pound, and two 2.5-pound Olympic weight plates. That’s 14 total weights, with plenty of flexibility to mix and match. This set also includes a 7-foot Olympic barbell and two collar clips. If you’re starting from scratch, this set is everything you need to start lifting on the professional level.
Pros:
- We love that this comes with Olympic bar, so we can get to lifting immediately.
- Given the quality and number of pieces included in this set, it’s really a great value.
Cons:
- Some of the weights may peel over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is an Olympic barbell different from standard barbells?
An Olympic barbell has to meet a certain criteria of measurements and weight in order to be considered up to par. They are 7.2 ft long and weigh 44 lbs. They also have two-inch sleeves for adding weights instead of the one-inch sleeves on standard bars. Any barbell that doesn’t meet those requirements is not regulation.
Can you use Olympic weights on a standard bar?
Yes, if you have the right adapter. Standard weights have a one-inch hole, while Olympic weights have a 2-inch hole to fit the thicker bar. If you have an adapter, you can still use Olympic weights on a standard bar, but you can’t use standard weights on an Olympic bar.
About the Author
Why Trust Us
With the constantly shifting landscape in the world of technology, GameRevolution seeks to provide gamers and tech-enthusiasts with the information they need to select the right products for their needs. Since 1996, our experts have used their knowledge on all the latest gadgets – everything from headphones to standing desks – to help millions of people navigate specs and answer common questions.