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Barbell Types Guide

Know your bars: weights, specs, and best uses

Quick Reference

Men's Olympic Bar 20 kg / 45 lb
Women's Olympic Bar 15 kg / 35 lb
Technique/Training Bar 15 lb / 7 kg
Trap/Hex Bar 45-65 lb
Safety Squat Bar 60-70 lb
EZ Curl Bar 15-25 lb

Men's Olympic Barbell 45 lb / 20 kg

7.2 ft
Length
28mm
Diameter
2"
Sleeve
700 lb+
Capacity

Best for: Olympic weightlifting (snatch, clean & jerk), general strength training, CrossFit. The standard bar at most commercial gyms. Features spinning sleeves for Olympic lifts.

Women's Olympic Barbell 35 lb / 15 kg

6.6 ft
Length
25mm
Diameter
2"
Sleeve
500 lb+
Capacity

Best for: Olympic weightlifting for women, smaller-handed lifters. The thinner 25mm shaft provides better grip for those with smaller hands. Required in women's Olympic competition.

Powerlifting Bar 45 lb / 20 kg

7.2 ft
Length
29mm
Diameter
2"
Sleeve
1000 lb+
Capacity

Best for: Squat, bench press, deadlift. Stiffer than Olympic bars with no whip. Aggressive knurling and center knurl for squats. Non-spinning sleeves.

Trap Bar (Hex Bar) 45-65 lb

Varies
Length
Hexagonal
Shape
2"
Sleeve
500 lb+
Capacity

Best for: Deadlifts (neutral grip, reduced lower back stress), farmer's carries, shrugs. Great for beginners learning to hip hinge. Weight varies significantly by brand.

Safety Squat Bar (SSB) 60-70 lb

7+ ft
Length
Cambered
Shape
Padded
Yoke
700 lb+
Capacity

Best for: Squats with shoulder issues, front squat alternative, building upper back strength. The camber shifts weight forward, making it more challenging.

Technique/Training Bar 15 lb / 7 kg

5-6 ft
Length
25-28mm
Diameter
2"
Sleeve
100 lb
Capacity

Best for: Learning Olympic lifts, youth athletes, rehabilitation, perfecting form before adding weight. Not designed for heavy loads.

Calculate Plates for Any Bar

Our calculator supports all bar types. Select your bar and see exact plates to load.

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