8 Best Short Barbells in 2024

If you are about to build your home gym, perhaps, the first thing to have a look at is the best short barbell. Compared to a standard one, such a barbell can become a perfect solution for limited space or beginners who need something to start their weight training with.

In my article, we will go through the most popular options on the market together and choose a compact barbell that will save both your space and money. Let’s waste no more time – read my review of 8 small barbells and make up your mind!

Top 8 Short Barbells Reviewed

I have tested 8 short barbells and compared them by the main qualities: material, reliability, knurling, spin, versatility, and price-quality ratio. Find a brief summary in the table below and then jump into all the details!

1. Eleiko XF Short Bar – Best Overall
2. Rogue T-2.5 Technique Bar – Best for Beginners
3. RAGE Fitness Olympic Barbell – Best 6ft Barbell
4. Titan 15kg Olympic Technique Barbell
5. RitFit 4FT Olympic Barbell – Best 4ft Barbell
6. CAP Olympic Ultra-Lite Training Bar
7. Body-Solid Oly 5ft Power Bar – Best 5 ft Olympic Barbell
8. SMIDOW 6ft Olympic Weight Barbell

Product	Total	Material Quality	Reliability	Knurling	Spin	Versatility	Price-Quality
Eleiko	59	10	10	9.5	10	10	9.5
Rogue	58	9.5	9.5	10	10	9.5	9.5
RAGE	58	9.5	9.5	10	10	9.5	9.5
Titan	57.5	9.5	9.5	9.5	9.5	9.5	10
RitFit	57.5	9.5	9.5	9.5	9.5	9.5	10
CAP	57	9.5	9.5	9.5	9.5	9.5	9.5
Body-Solid	57	9.5	9	9.5	9.5	9.5	10
SMIDOW	57	9.5	9	9.5	9.5	9.5	10

1. Eleiko XF Short Bar – Best Overall

• Material: Steel
• Weight: 33 lbs. (15 kg)
• Length: 69.61”
• Diameter: 1.1”
• Shaft length: 44.09”
• Knurling: mild
• Knurl marks: dual
• Weight limit: 3306.9 lbs.
• Sleeve length: 12.28”
• Finish type: Chrome

Eleiko XF short bar definitely wins the game in terms of overall quality and reliability. The brand is well-known for making the best barbells and it hasn’t screwed up this time as well.

While doing first-class equipment for professional sports and competitions, Eleiko decided to take care of home and garage gyms, too. This short option is approximately 69” long so it won’t take up all the space and will be easy and convenient to move around the room.

Nevertheless, you can load this short version almost the same way you do with the standard one. It will be a perfect choice for advanced athletes. The sleeves are long enough to handle several plates and the steel is suitable for heavy weights as well.

However, if you are going to do heavy squats, pay attention to your racks if you already have them. The shaft length is only 44” which means it won’t fit the standard rack width. If you have a more narrow option, you can easily go for Eleiko XF, and it will have no drawbacks for you. Yet, it may become a serious obstacle if you need only a bar to finish or improve your home gym, already equipped with standard racks.

Another downside is the price. Obviously, Eleiko is a premium brand so all products are on the higher end. If you are on a tight budget, you may not consider such an investment reasonable enough. Still, if you are all into heavy training and have some spare cash, check this out!

As Eleiko is used to making elite barbells, this one isn’t an exception. The spin is flawless and really stands out among most options on the market. And the overall feeling of the bar is almost the same as a standard Oly version – you can get that once you put your hands on the steel.

All in all, the Eleiko XF short version is a great choice for advanced athletes who are limited in space but still need a reliable and sturdy barbell, even for the highest price.

2. Rogue T-2.5 Technique Bar – Best for Beginners

• Material: Aluminum
• Weight: 5.5 lbs. (2.5 kg)
• Length: 51”
• Diameter: 0.87”
• Shaft length: 41.2”
• Knurling: mild
• Knurl marks: dual
• Weight limit: 40 lbs.
• Sleeve length: 4.125”
• Finish type: Aluminum

Rogue T-2.5 technique bar may become a great option if you are completely new to weightlifting or want to engage your kids in training.

The extremely low weight allows you to work with minimal loads, but good knurling and great spin make the bar at the same time comfortable and suitable for the proper technique and mechanics. I must admit – it copies an “adult” bar pretty well!

But not only kids can benefit from using this Rogue bar – any beginner, female who doesn’t go heavy, or athlete who needs a small bar only for accessory exercises may find this option a great choice. In terms of overall quality, it meets all expectations – the construction is well-built and everything works flawlessly.

The only concern that you may have is the weight capacity. Yes, the bar is made of Aluminum and isn’t meant to handle heavy and even moderate deadlifts, squats, etc. It is only a starter option that can be loaded with no more than 40 lbs. Unless your grip is rather narrow, the bar won’t work for adult snatches as well because of the short shaft length. The sleeves are rather small, too. On the other hand, everything is quite predictable, considering the weight capacity.

At the same time, the bar’s price is not that low. Rogue is known for making high-quality equipment just as our winner is. But this bar is, in my opinion, a little bit overpriced, taking into account the limited loads and exercises that it is designed for.

All in all, the Rogue T-2.5 barbell can become a great option for lightweight workouts and honing technique, or it can turn out to be the favorite tool for your kids.

3. RAGE Fitness Olympic Barbell – Best 6ft Barbell

• Material: Aluminum
• Weight: 15 lbs. (6.8 kg)
• Length: 72”
• Diameter: 1.1”
• Shaft length: 49”
• Knurling: medium
• Knurl marks: dual
• Weight limit: 300 lbs.
• Sleeve length: 11.5”
• Finish type: Chrome

Rage Fitness becomes almost the runner-up on my list. This 6ft option can become a good tool for your moderate home workouts while not putting as much pressure on your wallet as Eleiko does.

However, the overall quality and, thus, weight capacity are significantly lower as well. Rage barbell will work well for rather light training – it could be only a great starter option. As it is made of Aluminum, the bar is not sturdy enough to handle a heavy weight. The brand states that you can load up to 300 lbs on it but I don’t recommend going that high anyway.

Still, it is a good barbell for beginners who want to do a lot of technical work. The spin works great so you can even do some Olympic lifts with it. Also, the grip is great – medium knurling makes it comfortable on the skin while staying non-slip and reliable enough. Additionally, the shaft length allows it to fit standard racks so you can perform even moderate squats, overhead presses, jerks, etc.

Even though the Rage Fitness bar isn’t suitable for extreme weights, it still has enough sleeve space to handle several thick plates. If you have bumper plates and worry that they won’t fit a short bar, have a look at this option. Again, it is a very good choice for beginner Oly weightlifters or Fitness Athletes.

All in all, the Rage Fitness short bar will come in handy for light training as well as learning or honing your technique in Olympic exercises.

4. Titan 15kg Olympic Technique Barbell

• Material: Steel
• Weight: 33 lbs. (15 kg)
• Length: 72”
• Diameter: 1.1”
• Shaft length: 49.6”
• Knurling: medium
• Knurl marks: single
• Weight limit: 500 lbs.
• Sleeve length: 10”
• Finish type: Chrome

Titan 15-kg barbell is another decent product on the market. Though its qualities make quite a competition for other bars, the price stays at the very affordable point.

First of all, I have to mention that Titan is one of the longest options on my list. It is 72” so will not be as compact as others. However, it guarantees higher versatility, fitting standard racks, so it can be used for squats, etc. Also, the shaft length provides enough space for average snatch grip so it works well for Olympic lifts as well. On top of that, the sleeves can handle several plates, depending on their thickness.

Another benefit of the Titan bar is its weight capacity – 500 lbs. It is one of the sturdiest options on my list but at the same time one of the most affordable. Thus, the bar allows you to go even heavier in your lifts. Anyway, I wouldn’t risk and load it with 500 lbs but it definitely gives you more prospects and space for improvement.

The knurling is great as well. It is not too harsh and feels comfortable on the skin. I guess it can become a good budget female bar, considering all the specs. The characteristics are close to the standard and it can work well for most female weightlifters in terms of weight capacity.

All in all, the Titan short bar is a reliable and affordable option for those who are not extremely limited in space but want a versatile product on their racks.

5. RitFit 4FT Olympic Barbell – Best 4ft Barbell

• Material: Steel
• Weight: 17.5 lbs. (7.9 kg)
• Length: 47.2”
• Diameter: 0.98”
• Shaft length: 31.5”
• Knurling: medium
• Knurl marks: dual
• Weight limit: 350 lbs.
• Sleeve length: 7.9”
• Finish type: Chrome

RitFit offers an amateur-friendly 4-ft barbell that will become a great addition to most home gyms because of its price and size.

First of all, it is the most compact barbell on my list – it is only 4 ft long. There are also other sizes available on Amazon but the weight capacity is the same for almost all options. Thus, it might be just a perfect match for light accessory exercises – you can hide it anywhere, carry it around easily, and perform various drills even in the most limited spaces.

If you are not going to place the barbell on the racks, it works well. But in case you need a rackable option, you better have a look at other products – the shaft length is only 31.5” which is not enough for this purpose.

Also, the sleeve length is rather limited. Perhaps, you might not need several plates for exercises that you can do with this barbell so it isn’t a huge problem after all. Still, you can check other sizes if this option doesn’t meet your needs.

As for other qualities, the knurling feels quite good. And the spin works well, too. On top of that, despite a small size, it still has dual marks so you can choose and remember the best grip for you. It will come in especially handy for those who are just starting their path in weight training. In general, the RitFit bar is really comfortable to work with.

All in all, go for the RitFit 4-ft barbell if you need a starter option for a very reasonable price.

6. CAP Olympic Ultra-Lite Training Bar

• Material: Steel
• Weight: 30 lbs. (13.65 kg)
• Length: 73”
• Diameter: 1.1”
• Shaft length: 51.5”
• Knurling: medium
• Knurl marks: single
• Weight limit: 250 lbs.
• Sleeve length: 9.75”
• Finish type: Chrome

CAP ultra-lite bar is very similar to the Titan option. It is also longer than you may expect from a short barbell and, thus, versatile but it still saves some space in the home gym.

For a reasonable price, it offers decent quality. The length allows you to use the bar on the racks and load several plates on it as well.

However, always remember about the weight capacity. The fact that you can place a bar on the racks doesn’t mean you can squat heavy with it. In this case, the limit is 250 lbs which is not too little for a short bar but still doesn’t allow you to get carried away.

Nevertheless, it is a good option for beginners. The knurling is medium and the spin is good, thus, it is fairly comfortable to work with as well. Still, pay attention that the bar has single marks, compared to most options on my list.

All in all, choose the CAP ultra-lite barbell in case you don’t work with heavy weights but still need a versatile option for your home gym.

7. Body-Solid Oly 5ft Power Bar – Best 5 ft Olympic Barbell

• Material: Steel
• Weight: 30 lbs. (13.6 kg)
• Length: 60”
• Diameter: 1.18”
• Shaft length: 37”
• Knurling: medium
• Knurl marks: single
• Weight limit: 600 lbs.
• Sleeve length: 9.75”
• Finish type: Black oxide

The Body-Solid 5-ft barbell is another amateur-oriented option on my list. If you need a really short budget barbell for accessory exercises, check it out.

First of all, this bar will work only for some light drills. For example, I wouldn’t use it for Olympic lifts or heavy deadlifts. The brand states that it can handle up to 600 lbs but the practice doesn’t prove that. The bar doesn’t look as if it can hold such a weight so I wouldn’t take a risk anyway.

Also, it doesn’t fit standard racks. It won’t be a good option for squats or other similar exercises. Still, it can fit some small bench press racks, so analyze your needs and always check the rack width if it matters to you.

The point that I really like about this bar is its color. Black looks fairly stylish and stands out among other barbells. In practice, it doesn’t change anything but it might be a good bonus if you like fancy equipment in your home gym.

As for more practical upsides, I have to mention its size. The bar is highly compact so will work perfectly well for limited spaces.

On top of that, the price is really affordable. Obviously, you get what you pay for so don’t expect first-class quality similar to Eleiko. However, there is no need to overpay if you are looking for a simple bar to do some bicep curls, overhead presses, or rows.

All in all, the Body-Solid 5-ft barbell might become your favorite short bar for light workouts and saving plenty of space.

8. SMIDOW 6ft Olympic Weight Barbell

• Material: Steel
• Weight: 25.35 lbs. (11.5 kg)
• Length: 70.86”
• Diameter: 1.1”
• Shaft length: 45.66”
• Knurling: medium
• Knurl marks: single
• Weight limit: 350 lbs.
• Sleeve length: 10.5”
• Finish type: Chrome

SMIDOW 6-ft barbell is the last on my list but still is a very good choice for light home workouts. The price makes it affordable for most athletes but the overall quality allows you to do almost all accessory exercises comfortably.

Let’s start with the drawbacks. The first one that I noticed is that the overall length of the 6-ft bar is quite significant but the shaft doesn't fit standard racks. It is not an issue if you are not going to use it that way or if your rack width allows you to fit such a size. Still, it can be an obstacle for some athletes.

On the other hand, the sleeves have enough space to put a few discs on them easily. Thus, the bar may be very comfortable for the deadlift in case your plates are rather thick or you want to load it for some heavy reps from time to time.

Of course, a 6-ft barbell won’t be 100% versatile but SMIDOW also offer two other sizes – a shorter 5-ft and a longer 7-ft option. Still, if you really need a small bar, I recommend 6 ft – just the middle ground.

As for other benefits, the knurling feels comfortable on the skin. Also, the overall construction is decent for this price. It would be a great option for beginners or those who don’t rush after weights but prefer moderate loads and safety.

All in all, have a look at the SMIDOW 6-ft bar if you are a beginner or amateur searching for a short barbell with great value for money.

How Have I Chosen the Best Short Barbell?

While choosing the best short barbell, I used the most game-changing qualities. Now, I want to walk you through all of them step by step.

1. Material Quality

The winner in these terms is definitely Eleiko who has been making elite equipment for ages. Their short barbell has no competition in steel reliability. But the price is the first and the most painful sign of such quality.

On the other hand, some bars are made of Aluminum. You may have already noticed that such barbells have a significantly lower weight capacity. This is because Aluminum can’t really handle a lot of kilograms, so such options are more suitable for kids, beginners, or those who are going to do the lightest exercises.

2. Reliability

Reliability is one of the most crucial qualities if you need a short barbell to save space but at the same time work to the fullest. The sturdiest option on my list – Eleiko – gets 10 points. It allows you to work with heavy weights with almost no difference which is quite rare among short barbells.

Other options are not meant to handle the same weights as you do with standard barbells. Thus, be really careful with them when you are going heavier than usual. As for the most unreliable bars, avoid options made of Aluminum, unless your loads are frankly lightweight.

3. Knurling

All barbells on my list have turned out to have good knurling. There are some mild and medium options but none is too harsh on your skin. Also, pay attention that there are dual and single marks. The first type indicates both IWF and IPF standards of the grip whereas the second one follows only one of them.

4. Spin

The spin is important for your wrists, especially if you are going to do Olympic lifts. Most barbells are more or less the same in terms of the spin but those who stand out a bit get 10 points. Have a look at them if you are into weightlifting or fitness. If you do only some simple exercises, all options on my list will work well for you.

5. Versatility

If a barbell has a good weight capacity and enough shaft length, it is versatile enough for most exercises. However, some options got 9.5 and even 9 for being not suitable for racks and, thus, limiting the range of possible drills. Still, there are some racks that are below the average width and allow you to use such bars for more exercises.

On the other hand, you should understand that most short barbells, especially budget ones, won’t give 100% versatility anyway. So the best decision is to analyze your training needs and equipment and then make up your mind.

6. Price-Quality

You may have noticed that our winner gets a lower score for the price-quality ratio. The reason is that the Eleiko bar is among elite equipment and doesn’t make sense for all athletes. Choose it only if you need a really strong barbell for heavy workouts.

If you are an amateur, looking for some budget options, move down on my list and find several affordable options there. They will work well for light workouts and honing your technique before you are ready to move on to a standard bar.

Also, the Rogue bar, in my opinion, has the lowest price-quality ratio. It is an option for children and it works perfectly well for that purpose. But if you don’t have kids, there is no sense to splash out on a barbell that will most likely become too weak for your loads quite soon.

What Are Short Barbells?

A short weight bar is any bar that is smaller than a standard Olympic one which is 86” long. Usually, such bars are within 4-6 ft, depending on the purpose, brand, weight, etc.

Most manufacturers cut the length by shortening bar sleeves. If your plates are rather thick or you lift really heavy weights, you should be careful with such options and always make sure that they have enough space to meet your needs.

The other option is to shorten the shaft length. In this case, you should check your rack width to choose a varsatile bar that will fit your equipment.

Why Buy Short Barbells?

Usually, short barbells are meant for home or garage training and can often be used for group workouts. Here are the main benefits that push athletes towards searching for a small Olympic bar.

1. Space

A barbell is nearly the most basic equipment needed for balanced and convenient training. Yet, it can take up plenty of space, be hard to transport or move around a small room, and finally can turn out to be quite pricey. Here comes a short barbell!

When you are setting up a home or garage gym, you are very likely to care about space to arrange everything in the most effective way. And short barbells are a wise solution for those who have limited room. It can also come in handy for group workouts in the gym. For example, when around 20 people are practicing functional fitness side by side, it is important to make their activities as safe and comfortable as possible.

2. Light Workouts

If you an amateur or just a beginner who doesn’t lift heavy weights yet, a short barbell can be a starter option for your home gym. Most such bars are rather light and allow you to begin any exercise with the minimum weight. Wether you are still learning the proper technique, pursue only recreational aims, or need a barbell for your kid, such options are a perfect match.

3. Young Athletes

If you have a future athlete at home, a short barbell can turn out to be a great toy for them. Obviously, all parents want their kids to follow their example and learn to lift weights. And in most cases, children are even more eager to do that.

In this case, a short barbell, which is usually significantly lighter, allows your growing athletes to participate in your training safely. Some brands, such as Rogue, even have options designed particularly for the smallest enthusiasts. Thus, they can start with minimal weight and catch up with adults very soon.

4. Money

Usually, standard barbells are quite pricey if made of high-quality steel. However, you can save some cash by buying a short option for your personal use. It is especially beneficial if you don’t lift extreme weights but just need a bar to perform some accessory drills. You don’t usually put several plates for those so a short Olympic barbell will be both a convenient and affordable solution.

How to Pick a Short Barbell?

In order to pick a shorter Olympic bar, think about the main points to make the best decision. Here are the most important characteristics to keep in mind.

1. Shaft Length

The shaft length is critical if you are going to do squats or other exercises from the racks. Some mini barbells are smaller because of a shorter shaft which makes it impossible to rack a bar. In this case, you can only do some light accessory exercises such as bicep or tricep curls, overhead presses, etc. Thus, if you want to get a really versatile barbell, you better choose one that fits your racks.

2. Weight

Most short barbells are within 15-35 lbs, depending on the brand, length, and weight capacity. If you are choosing a barbell for beginners, children, or just light exercises, go for options that allow you to work with minimal weights. If you are going to do squats, deadlifts, snatches, or cleans, I recommend buying a 15 or 20-kg barbell to make it easy to count loads.

3. Sleeve Length

Most small barbells have a shorter loadable sleeve length but it is still crucial if you work with moderate or relatively heavy weights. In this case, you may need to put on several plates on a bar so there should be enough space for them. Also, have a look at your plates if you already have them in your gym. For example, most bumper options are quite thick and demand a rather long sleeve.

4. Weight Capacity

Another characteristic to keep in mind while choosing a compact barbell is weight capacity. If you are going to do heavy deadlifts or squats, be especially careful. Most bars of this type can’t really handle extreme loads. In this case, you better choose the most reliable and respectful brands which use first-class steel. Their short bars usually have a higher weight capacity, in some cases even close to standard options.

5. Spin

Spin is one of the most important qualities if you are going to practice Olympic weightlifting or fitness. A proper level of it comforts your wrists and contributes to the right technique and mechanics. You can test it if you put a palm on the shaft and slide it to rotate a bar. If it moves easily, it has a good spin.

If you do only basic exercises, this quality is not that game-changing for you. But still, it is easier to work with a barbell that rotates throughout the path. Therefore, you better choose a short barbell with at least some spin. And if you need a good rotating Oly bar, check if the manufacturer mentions this quality in the description.

FAQs

What is a short barbell for?

A short barbell in a home gym saves space and is usually more affordable. It is also used by beginners and children or for light exercises such as bicep or tricep curls. On top of that, it comes in really handy for group workouts when space is limited.

How heavy is a short Olympic bar?

All short bars differ in their weight, depending on the brand, length, weight capacity, etc. Usually, they are within 15-35 lbs.

Does the Length of a Barbell Matter?

The length of a barbell matters. If you want to save space at your home gym, a shorter bar may be a prefect solution. Still, if you lift extreme weights, most short barbells won’t work because of a shorter sleeve and lower weight capacity.

Can You Squat With a Short Bar?

Yes, you can squat with a short bar. However, remember that most short bars can’t handle really heavy loads and have a shorter sleeve so you usually need thin plates to set a desirable weight. Also, such barbells are often reduced in shaft length so might not fit all racks.

My Verdict

To cut a long story short, check out the winner – the Eleiko XF short bar – if you are looking for reliable and durable elite equipment. But you will need to spend some cash on it either! In case you need a very light bar, especially as a useful toy for your kids and future athletes, go for the Rogue T-2.5 option. And if you are an amateur and don’t really need the strongest barbell on the market, have a look at all other options and find the best balance in length and weight capacity in some more options there.

If you have any more questions about short barbells, get in touch with me right away in the comment section!

Also Read:

• Best Deadlift Bar
• Best Women's Barbell
• Best Barbell Pads For Hip Thrusts
• Best Barbell Storage
• Best Stainless Steel Barbell
• Best Weight Plates
• Best Bench Press Barbell
• Best Olympic Barbell

References:

1. The Ultimate Guide On How To Choose A Barbell // Bar Bend: https://barbend.com/how-to-choose-barbell