Differences Between Barbells

Open any fitness catalog, log on to any gym equipment website, or walk in to your local health club and you will notice a number of barbell choices. Some are long, some are short. Some are straight, some are bent. Some are light, some are heavy. The options seem nearly endless but each variation has its purpose.

Type

The types of barbells are numerous, including Olympic and standard barbells. This designation refers to the size of the sleeves at the end of the barbell where weight plates are added to increase the weight of the bar. Olympic barbells feature an enlarged sleeve that spins around the bar while standard barbells have sleeves that are the same diameter as the rest of the bar. Fixed weight barbells feature weights that are permanently fixed to the ends, resulting in a barbell that weights a specific amount.

Length

The length of barbells varies. Official Olympic barbells measures 86 inches in length. Women's bars are slightly shorter at 79 inches. Other barbells vary in length dependent on the manufacturer and specific design. The dead lift bar measures 66 inches in length. EZ curl bars measure 47 inches in length.

Shape

Although most barbells are straight in shape there are some specialty bars that take on unique designs. Dead lift bars have a U shape allowing the user to stand in the middle, making certain exercises, specifically the dead lift, easier to perform. Trap bars are diamond shaped and actually trap the user in the middle of the bar. This allows for a more even distribution of weight, which makes some exercises easier to perform. Also, EZ curl bars have angled grips, giving the bar a zig zag shape.

Weight

Barbells come in many weights and it is important to know the weight of your bar before exercising. Olympic bars weigh in at 45 lbs. with women's Olympic bars measuring slightly lighter at only 33 lbs. Most trap and dead lift bars will also weigh in at 45 lbs. EZ curl and other bar variations can weigh anywhere from 10 to 35 lbs.