With so many types of exercise bars in gyms and on the internet, it can be hard to find one that suits your form and preferences. Our ultimate buying guide will help you learn everything you need to know about bench press bars so you can start working on your ideal body today!
There are two main types of bench press bars: standard and Olympic bench press bars. While they may seem similar, the two have some important differences. Olympic bench press bars are designed to hold more weight, which is why they’re often longer, wider, and have extended bar ends. They’re also thicker in diameter for a better grip and added strength.
Standard bench press bars are thinner and smaller in size. They have a maximum weight capacity of up to half that of an Olympic bar. People who are new to bench press exercises tend to prefer standard bars as they’re easier to manage and lighter in weight.
If you’re looking for the perfect bench press bar, keep the following factors in mind:
The bar’s weight is essential because it determines the build and weight capacity of the bench press bar. Most standard bars are around 40 pounds in weight, while Olympic bars can be above 50 pounds in weight. We recommend buying a bar that is easy for you to lift on its own and with some weights added to it.
Depending on your bench station, the length of the bar is critical. Most people prefer a 7-foot bar for both standard and Olympic bench presses. Narrow stations often have a 5-foot bar. This size is usually confined to standard bench press bars alone.
Most bench press bars are made of chromed steel, cold-rolled steel, or solid iron. Iron bars are heavier and have more strength as compared to steel ones. Steel bars offer more flexibility and can efficiently distribute shifting weights. If you’re looking to deadlift, we recommend considering a steel bar. Iron bars are perfect for shoulder and chest presses.
A good bar should be easy to grip since grip determines the amount of force you can put into your lifting and exercising. Some bench press rods have knurling, while others are textured and have spinning surfaces to ensure better grip and balance.
When it comes to weights, the diameter of the rod plays a crucial role in determining whether standard or Olympic weights will fit onto your rod. Standard weights have a smaller diameter while Olympic weights have a bigger one.
Lastly, you need to keep in mind what the weight capacity of your bench press bar is. This will help you understand how much weight can be loaded onto the bar so that you do not accidentally hurt yourself. Most bench press bars have a weight capacity of 250 pounds while some can hold as much as 1000 pounds.
Like most gym equipment, bench press bars have a tendency to rust if not taken care of properly. Here are some tips to ensure your bar stays in the best condition:
The Yeheetch Olympic Weight Bar is the perfect bench press bar for indoor and outdoor use. You can use this weightlifting bar at home or professionally at the gym. At 7-feet long, this bar’s quality iron construction allows it to withstand up to 300 pounds of weight. Weighing about 36 pounds, this durable bar won’t bend or snap, giving you stronger bench presses with each use. What’s more, this bench press bar is perfect for exercises like arm curls, bicep and tricep extensions and wrist curls. Since it accommodates a wide grip, you can also easily practice different movements with this impressive bar. We’ve chosen this bench press bar as our best overall pick due to its sturdy construction and unmatched durability.
If you’re new to weightlifting and looking for a bench press bar to improve your grip and form, the CAP Barbell Solid Olympic Bar is a perfect option! This 5-foot bar is made of solid steel with a 63,800 PSI tensile strength. What’s more, it has a tight, non-slip grip with a smooth rotating sleeve, which reduces the tension on your wrists and helps you safely lift the heaviest of weights. Speaking of weights, this bar can handle up to 500 pounds to help you reach your weightlifting goals. Weighing 25 pounds on its own, this is the perfect bench press bar for anyone who needs extra strength and durability.
There should be no compromise on safety when it comes to gym equipment. The Sunny Health & Fitness Barbell Bar features secure weight plates that won’t budge thanks to their star-locked collars. You can rest assured the weights won’t slide or slip off during your lift with this bar. What’s more, this barbell bar is perfect for upper and lower body workouts. With this bench press bar, you can easily do chest curls, shoulder presses, chest presses, squats and deadlifts. Plus, because this chrome-plated steel bar is 60 inches in length and can support up to 250 pounds of weight, it’s the perfect at-home exercise tool. Thanks to its enhanced safety measures, durable steel construction and multi-purpose fitness use, you’ll be lifting impressive weights in no time with this bar.
Powerlifting can be tricky since you need a bench press bar that can handle extra weight. The PAPABABE Solid Chrome Barbell is the perfect exercise rod for either a bench press bar at the gym or your home workout station. Although the bar itself weighs only 45 pounds, it can support weights up to 1000 pounds in total. This impressive weight-bearing capacity is thanks to the bar’s cold-rolled steel build, which goes the extra mile when it comes to strength and durability. Plus, the 2-inch sleeve diameter allows you to add Olympic weights onto the bar during lifting. This barbell is perfect for those looking to take their bench press game to the next level.
The Body-Solid Olympic Bar is the perfect bench press bar for Olympic weights. This 7-foot bar comes in two colors, both of which are rust and chip-proof. What’s more, it has collar bolts that ensure the Olympic weights stay in place when you use it to bench press. Plus, the knurled grip gives you better control over the bar while exercising with it. Since it can carry a load of up to 600 pounds in total, you can easily build up your muscles and increase your strength with this bar, making it the perfect bench press bar for anyone keen on using Olympic weights.
A: While you can do deadlifts with a bench press bar, we recommend using a deadlift bar, which has more flex to it than a regular bar. When deadlifting, make sure the weights are within the suggested weight limit for your bar.
A: No, standard barbells cannot accommodate Olympic weights as they have a different diameter. The weight will move on the ends of the bar and may cause issues in balance and more strain on your muscles.
A: If you feel like your current bar is not giving you enough grip, you can wear grip-enhancing gloves and do bench press exercises.