The Best Weight Bars

Yes4All Total Body Workout Weighted Bar

Space saver

Try familiar barbell routines and many more with this weighted workout bar.

Best Overall

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If you’re new to barbell workouts, looking for a new addition to your routine, or simply in search of a compact home gym setup, this range of weighted bars from Yes4All could be exactly what you’re searching for. This workout bar can be used for many of the familiar barbell lifts, but it’s also ideal for a wide range of cardio, core strength, and high-intensity interval routines. Avoid the hassle of purchasing individual bumper plates and get straight to exertion with this compact, heavy-duty steel design. With a range of available weights from 5 to 30 pounds, there’s an option for everyone.

Pros:

• The grips on these bars are very comfortable, making them feel safe and secure in the hand when used for lifting or more dynamic workouts.
• We found that the weight distribution was very even across these bars, making them ideal for balance exercises.
• Thanks to the incredibly sturdy construction, these bars bounce back unscathed from accidental drops.

Cons:

• The diameter of these bars increases with weight, so the heaviest may be a struggle for those with smaller hands.

CAP Barbell The Beast Olympic Bar

Load up to the max

Challenge your weight limit with this seriously durable bar.

Best For Power Lifting

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Find a steely companion to your deadlifting sessions in this tough Olympic Bar. Designed to handle the mightiest workloads with a 110,000 PSI tensile strength cold-rolled Japanese steel construction, this bar will keep you balanced and secure during deadlifts, bench presses, and squats. Medium-depth diamond knurling gives you a steady grip for each lift. Best of all, the 2-inch diameter sleeves mean this bar will fit any standard Olympic bumper plate, making it a great all-rounder for any gym setup.

Pros:

• This bar has a seriously heavy-duty construction. We found that it could be used to lift weights of over 600 pounds.
• We like how the chrome finish on these sleeves allows bumpers to turn freely, bringing smoothness to each lift.
• The knurling on this bar makes for a comfortable and secure grip, and it can be easily lifted without using chalk.

Cons:

• If you aren’t careful in maintaining the bar with oils and careful bumper remover, the metal finish on the sleeves could chip and peel over time.

Sporzon! Olympic Standard Barbell

Somewhere to start

Coming in at a bargain, these versatile bars are a great choice for those new to the game.

Best For Beginners

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Lift in style with these sleek black zinc plated Olympic Standard barbells. With a mammoth weight capacity of up to 700 pounds, these barbells are built for the heftiest of deadlifts. A core construction of solid steel makes them resistant to even the fiercest punishment. These bars come with options for both 1-inch and 2-inch diameter sleeves, so you’ll be sure to find a bar to suit your bumper collection.

Pros:

• With length options ranging from 5 to 7 feet, these bars are well suited to both spacious home gyms and bedroom workout setups.
• These bars weigh in at 25 to 30 pounds, making them heavier than some other options and ideal for weight bar workouts without bumpers.
• We love the affordable price of this barbell, making it a great option for beginners or those on a budget.

Cons:

• We found that the knurling on this bar wasn’t as sturdy as some other options, so you may want to invest in tape or additional grips.

Marcey Triceps and Biceps Combo Curl Bar

Ergonomic grace

With a carefully crafted curved geometry, this bar will do wonders for your arms.

Best For Arm Workouts

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For a go-to solution for any arm day, this curl bar designed for tricep and bicep workouts will have you wondering why you stuck with a regular barbell. The ergonomically curved shape is designed to limit stress on the wrists, reducing tension and lowering the risk of injury. Safety spinlocks on each sleeve work to tightly secure your plates, preventing motion for a balanced and secure lift.

Pros:

• Its compact construction and 1-inch diameter sleeves are a great bar for lower-weight workouts.
• We found that the curl bar design was effective for isolating bicep and tricep motions, resulting in noticeable gains after a few weeks of use.
• Despite its irregular geometry, this bar is surprisingly sturdy and can sustain drops without taking damage.

Cons:

• We found that the spinlocks can gradually loosen during some lifts, so you might want to have an additional set of barbell clamps on hand.

Synergee Workout Bar Combo Set

Cushioned comfort

This set is an ideal introduction to the cardio wonders of workout bars.

Best Combo Set

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This color-coded 3-piece set from Synergee will have you up and running in no time. Burn fat and build muscle with these three lightweight bars ideal for aerobic workouts. Ranging from 5 to 10 pounds, these are sure to keep you light on your toes whilst also offering a subtle weight gradient that’s sure to help you break a sweat. A durable soft foam covering on each bar ensures the best grip and cushions any accidental knocks.

Pros:

• If you’re tired of knocking the lampshade during your workouts, you’ll love the small-scale length of 48 inches, which makes these well-suited for indoor sessions at home.
• We love that we didn’t have to hassle with changing weights during our workouts when using these bars.
• We found that the foam cushioning on these bars was a welcome break for our hands after handling metal knurling.

Cons:

• Although there are several sets available at different weight categories, we found that the range of weights in each set might not be wide enough for some.

Frequently Asked Questions

What exercises can I do with a workout bar?

If you’re new to incorporating a lightweight bar into your workout routine, you might be wondering how to get the best out of this equipment. These bars can be a great introduction to barbell exercises for those still building up strength. And with some options reaching a maximum weight of 30 pounds, they can still make you feel the burn after a few reps. With added mobility, workout bars are also a great tool for squats, lunges, overhead presses, and curls. The options are endless.

How can I protect my hands while using barbells?

We’ve all heard stories of accidents during a deadlift resulting in bloodied hands and an inevitable break from the gym. However, there is a simple solution. Try moisturizing your hands after each session. This can help to prevent callouses and skin roughening. If callouses do develop, you can try to reduce or remove them using a pumice stone after a shower.

About the Author

A filmmaker and musician, Jack has spent countless hours in recording studios and film sets. He's always eager to test out the latest technology, especially virtual reality and audio equipment. His hobbies aren't cheap, so he does his research to find the best deals on the best gear. If you want help navigating the fast-paced technology market, Jack is the perfect guide.

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