7 Best Women’s Barbells in 2024

Reviewed by: Tanya Shaiko (News Editor, Olympic Lifting Enthusiast)

The amount of explosiveness and momentum shifts with the type of exercise. Therefore, the equipment should also complement your fitness goals. And none is more important for weightlifting than a barbell.

Are you taking control of your snatches or squats? Maybe, you’re looking for a general-purpose bar to bulk up your garage gym.

Female athletes have to further narrow their search for the best women’s barbells. They have slightly different specifications. Here are a few top-rated options for all sorts of lifts and budgets.

Best Women’s Barbells

Top 7 Best Women’s Barbells Reviewed

  1. ROGUE Bella Bar 2.0 – Top Pick
  2. TITAN Olympic Technique Barbell – Runner Up
  3. ELEIKO IWF Competition Bar – Premium Pick
  4. SYNERGEE Open Olympic Barbells – Budget Pick
  5. ARCHON Olympic Barbells
  6. X TRAINING Olympic Weightlifting Bar
  7. STEELBODY Women’s Olympic Barbell
ProductTotalSize & WeightDurabilityKnurlingRotationWhipFinishValue for Money
Rogue69.51010109.5101010
Titan68.59.5109.59.5101010
Eleiko681010101010108
Synergee66.59.51099.59.5910
ARCHON661099.58.510109
X Training65109.5889.51010
Steelbody6410108.58.59108

1. Top Pick: Rogue Bella Bar 2.0

Rogue Bella Bar 2.0 instagram

The Bella Bar is a widely-owned female barbell. It has perfected its dimensions and durability to help you lift heavy in gyms and rank first in competitions.

  • Material: Steel
  • Tensile Strength: 190K PSI
  • Grip Diameter: 25 mm
  • Total Length: 79.13 in
  • Sleeves Length: 13 in
  • Knurl Marks: Dual
  • Weight: 15 Kg (33 lbs)
  • Finish: Cerakote, Black Zinc, E-Coat, Stainless

When compared to 20 kg bars, it comes with a thinner shaft and smaller length according to the standards of most women’s games. It flexes under bigger weights, as you’d expect from a Rogue bar.

The Bella is a dedicated barbell for women, a lighter version of the famous Ohio lineup. Steel is as strong, thus confiscating the F6-R durability rating. (‘R’ indicates the heavy-duty hardening treatment.)

It is named after the pet dog of the company’s founders, Bill and Caity Henniger. 

Caught her on the end caps yet? 

Generally, the bar is resilient to oxidation and corrosion. The stainless steel version costs you the maximum. Other options include electro-coat and zinc. But chalk, metal-on-metal contact, and sweating tend to lighten these coatings over the years of gym abuse.

You can go stylish with the 2.0 cerakote finishing. There are infinite colors and customizations. Rogue partners with champion fitness ladies for special editions, such as Katrin Davidsdottir or Tia-Claire Toomey.

There are snap ring bronze bushings. They allow a good enough spin for Olympic weight exercises. Simultaneously, you can rely on them for exercises that value friction, i.e., squats and deadlifts.

To maintain this versatility, there are dual marks – both for powerlifting and weightlifting. Knurling itself can be described as balanced. If you’re used to power bars, it might feel too passive. The center of the shaft is free from knurling. It’ll only come as a disadvantage when doing back squats.

All in all – Bella is the best women’s barbell for multiple resistance training, attested by thousands of happy customers and ensured by customer service of no parallel.

69.5 EXPERT SCORE

The Bella Bar is a widely-owned female barbell and it has perfected its dimensions and durability to help you lift heavy in gyms and rank first in competitions.


Size and Weight:0
Durability:0
Knurling:0
Rotation:0
Whip:0
Finish:0
Value for Money:0

Positives:

  • Dual knurl marks
  • 190K PSI strong steel
  • 25mm grip is ideal for women
  • Various finishing options
  • Warranty against bending

Could be better:

  • Weightlifters demand more spin

2. Runner-up: Titan Olympic Technique Barbell

Titan Olympic Technique Barbell

This barbell targets young and new athletes looking to master weightlifting on a budget. A great capacity and construction win it a permanent space in commercial and home gyms.

  • Material: Steel
  • Tensile Strength: 21,145 PSI
  • Grip Diameter: 28 mm
  • Total Length: 72 in
  • Sleeves Length: 10 in
  • Knurl Marks: IWF
  • Weight: 15 Kg (33 lbs)
  • Finish: Chrome

It’s not the first time Titan Fitness has followed Rogue so closely. In fact, trainers and athletes often warn not to compare the two on dinner. The rivalry even reached the court when Rogue filed a lawsuit.

Titan sources its raw material from China. It brings one upside: cheaper price tags. It is also evident in this technique barbell for women, selling below $100.

Its overall length is shorter – 6ft instead of the standard men’s 7 and women’s 6.7. Sleeve-to-sleeve distance is still 50 inches. So you can easily station it at your squat racks. You can also log 2” bumper plates with PROLOC 1 collars. 

Achieving a 500 lb max capacity with a training barbell is a miracle. Most cap out at 50 lbs!

Before moving forward, it's pertinent to clarify that you'll eventually upgrade to a regular Oly barbell, be it the Bella or some other. For just staying in shape, it’ll remain loyal to you nonetheless. 

What makes it the second-best women's barbell?

First, the length and weight are easy to handle. Secondly, the chromed stainless steel holds up pretty well. The consistent tensile strength of over 21K pounds per square inch is okay. You’ll be watching after your form and technique most of the time. 

The shaft diameter is 28 mm, so your grip strength doesn't disrupt once you switch the bar. Women go for 25 mm variants. Cross it out if it’s a problem for you. Otherwise, brass bushings and medium-depth knurl ensure a mind-blowing experience with multiple exercises. There is only one ring at each side of a knurl-free center.

68.5 EXPERT SCORE

This barbell targets young and new athletes looking to master weightlifting on a budget.


Size and Weight:0
Durability:0
Knurling:0
Rotation:0
Whip:0
Finish:0
Value for Money:0

Positives:

  • Durable chrome finish
  • Rackable on average 48” racks
  • Astounding load capacity
  • Affordable for beginners
  • Free shipping and 1-year warranty

Could be better:

  • Thicker shaft disagrees with small hands

3. Premium Pick: Eleiko IWF Competition Bar 

Eleiko IWF Competition Bar

This women’s Olympic bar is the highest-quality option for competitive athletes. All features are handpicked to allow a foolproof one-rep max progression.

  • Material: Steel
  • Tensile Strength: 215K PSI
  • Grip Diameter: 25 mm
  • Total Length: 79.13 in
  • Sleeves Length: 12.6 in
  • Knurl Marks: IWF
  • Weight: 15 Kg (33 lbs)
  • Finish: Chrome

Eleiko is the prime supplier of Olympic games. It justifies the price the company demands. 

Eleiko is the Ferrari of the fitness industry. Not everyone goes for it. But those who do never regret the decision.

The competition bar is available in two weight categories: 20 and 15 kg. The latter has a 25 mm thick, aggressively knurled, and hard chromed shaft with minimum tolerances. You’re supposed to outrank your lifting PRs instead of correcting the technique.  

Crafted with ultra-clean proprietary steel from Sweden, it boasts 215K tensile strength and up to 1500 lb support. The NxG 2017 barbells introduced a meticulous hardening treatment. It makes them stronger without cutting down on flex and whip.

Dustproof and self-greasing sleeves are also new. They seal out dust and debris from the rotating mechanism, building a coherent and consistent spin. As a women's weightlifting barbell, there are eight-needle bearings to reduce friction at all loads. Meanwhile, sleeves won't lock in mid-air, protecting shoulder and arm muscles.

Grip marking is for weightlifting: no center knurl and single rings. By now, you understand this premium barbell for women isn't made for powerlifting or fitness WODs. You should buy it if you're training for cleans, snatches, and drills and willing to appear in competitions.

The quality is verified, reaffirmed, and guaranteed through a dozen manual and automated checkpoints. From assembling to packaging, Eleiko conducts rigorous assurance procedures. It promises zero maintenance and a lifetime warranty to back the end products.

68 EXPERT SCORE

This women’s Olympic bar is the highest-quality option for competitive athletes. All features are handpicked to allow a foolproof one-rep max progression.


Size and Weight:0
Durability:0
Knurling:0
Rotation:0
Whip:0
Finish:0
Value for Money:0

Positives:

  • Fine, firm, and flexible steel
  • IWF-certified bar
  • Tacky knurling for a safe grip
  • Redesigned sleeves and bearings
  • Accompanies a magnetic brush

Could be better:

  • Costs over $1000
  • Suitable for weightlifting only

4. Budget Pick: Synergee Open Olympic Barbells 

Synergee Open Olympic Barbells

Synergee Opens claim the least you must spend without sacrificing the quality. It’s a budget-friendly womens fitness barbell that gives you confidence during the toughest workout sessions.

  • Material: Alloy Steel
  • Tensile Strength: 150K PSI
  • Grip Diameter: 25 mm
  • Total Length: 79.13 in
  • Sleeves Length: 14.4 in
  • Knurl Marks: Dual
  • Weight: 15 Kg (33 lbs)
  • Finish: Black Phosphate

After the huge success of Rogue, many small brands tried to capture the sprawling wave of fitness athletes. Among them, Synergee is a decent outlet with its full focus on construction. Sometimes, it comes at the expense of delivery and post-sales services.

You'll get a standard barbell with a perfect 25 mm grip and 79.13” length. Dual knurl marks indicate where to place your hands for weightlifting and powerlifting movements.

Synergee has six lines: Technique, Essential, Open, Regional, Games, and Rhino. It has moved to bearings now. A pair of four needles produce a balanced spin for general-purpose barbells.

I'd suggest looking somewhere else for exclusive squats and overhead presses. Knurling isn't aggressive, and the center is smooth. However, it would be adequate to entertain multiple disciplines of lifting. The knurl-free center is preferred for deadlifts and front squats, as you don't want to scrap your shins or neck.

The company says that textured knurling is 1.2 mm deep. It's the same as Eleiko on paper but not in practice! Perhaps, it’s the black phosphate coating. The finish looks amazing. You should stick to the maintenance guidelines.

Sleeves are chrome-plated and better equipped to withstand wear and oxidation. Synergee has expanded its area and compressed shaft length. When you surpass two-digit weights, it fails to offset mounting pressure with an effective whip in the bar. 

To sum it up, the 15kg Synergee Open has put extra effort into producing a cost-efficient and versatile barbell for women. It's neither rudimentary training equipment as the Titan Technique bar nor an expert-level Rogue Bella. Smartly, the price is also set in the middle of $100-$300.

66.5 EXPERT SCORE

It’s a budget-friendly womens fitness barbell that gives you confidence during the toughest workout sessions.


Size and Weight:0
Durability:0
Knurling:0
Rotation:0
Whip:0
Finish:0
Value for Money:0

Positives:

  • Rugged and affordable
  • Dual marks and medium knurling
  • 1000 lb max capacity
  • Chromed sleeves with bearings
  • Suitable for cross-training

Could be better:

  • Bar feels stiff
  • Short return and replacement window

5. ARCHON Olympic Barbell

ARCHON Olympic Barbell

It stands where functionality meets fancy. These versatile women’s weight bars have a sleek appearance with stylish end caps and sleeve bands.

  • Material: Alloy Steel
  • Tensile Strength: 170K PSI
  • Grip Diameter: 25 mm
  • Total Length: 80 in
  • Sleeves Length: 12.75 in
  • Knurl Marks: Dual
  • Weight: 15 Kg (33 lbs)
  • Finish: Black Zinc, Cerakote

It’s a relatively young company based in Florida and picked up the pace during the lockdown. The majority of the home-use equipment manufacturers went extinct once gyms reopened. But ARCHON impressed gym owners too! There are problems with quality control. But the customer service is swift and speedy. 

This 15 kg barbell is made for women looking to level up their Olympic lifts.

It has a super-whippy combination. Each sleeve contains a brass bushing. These golden walls separate matte-finished sleeves from the bar. And magenta rubber rings make an eye-catching wrap. The real job is done by two needle bearings smoothly rotating from the inside.

In comparison, the Bella has high-quality bronze bushings to support multi-disciplined training. Whereas, Eleiko fits eight-needle bearings to hit competition-grade weightlifting.

Ball bearings are fast and furious. Even a flick on the racked bar will end up spinning the sleeves. On the other hand, bushings allow a controlled performance under heavy loads.

Dual grip marking tries to enchant all customers. But the double-punch rotation is a real hindrance to your powerlifting game. Keep deadlifts and squats aside if you're targeting to get as close to the 700 lb stated limit as possible. Anyways, don’t strain ARCHON with even half that load.

It’s alright for small weights and short-interval  fitness benchmarks. As far as cleans and jerks are concerned, you’re in for a memorable treat.

There are two finishes: black zinc and ceramic. Both look almost identical. But the cerakoted shaft remains sturdy against prolonged commercial use. That’s why it hikes the price by twenty dollars.

66 EXPERT SCORE

These versatile women’s weight bars have a sleek appearance with stylish end caps and sleeve bands.


Size and Weight:0
Durability:0
Knurling:0
Rotation:0
Whip:0
Finish:0
Value for Money:0

Positives:

  • Good-looking premium design
  • Zinc and ceramic coatings
  • Top-notch spin for weightlifting
  • High deflection
  • Free replacements without return

Could be better:

  • Unsuitable for serious powerlifters
  • Doubtful load capacity and tensile strength

6. X Training Olympic Weightlifting Barbell

X Training Olympic Weightlifting Barbell

X Training sells 190K PSI steel gears at a reasonable price. It’s truly a multifaceted Olympic and power bar with downsides that may not matter to you.

  • Material: Alloy Steel
  • Tensile Strength: 190K PSI
  • Grip Diameter: 25 mm
  • Total Length: 79 in
  • Sleeves Length: 12.5 in
  • Knurl Marks: Dual
  • Weight: 15 Kg (35 lbs)
  • Finish: Chrome

First of all, recount the features the XOB got right. It has a standard length and grip for a women’s weight bar with dual knurl marking and bushings. These specs indicate that the manufacturer put painstaking effort into making it a versatile piece of lifting equipment.

The bar has a durable chrome finish: hard on sleeves and altered for a black shaft. Shorter sleeves increase shaft length by 1”, generating substantial whip in hefty deadlifting.  

Have you noticed rattling metal when you rack your bar or drop that on jerk blocks? Loosely machined sleeves smack snap rings, causing that sound. But tolerances in X Training barbells are near to non-existent. However, it earns a few demerit points. 

All 20kg and 15kg bars have a slight bend from the collar area. There is no problem with workout, but it gives way to the second undervaluation: low weight capacity. Warranty coverage installs ceiling at only 600 lbs. Lastly, tight-fitting interferes with spin as well.

Knurling is comfy but not too great. Honestly, its sharpness is conservative even for Olympians' exigency. I'm not a fan of cheese grater texture. Let's say aggressiveness is lost in order to take the rip away from the grip. 

You won't find any grease on it right out of the box. But make sure to clean and chalk it thoroughly before use.

If XOBs are redesigned with 1-2% greater tolerance and 1 mm deeper knurls, they will emerge as the best-selling barbell for women. It has ideal size and weight ratings which Synergee narrowly misses. But mediocre spin and knurling are holding back its both weightlifting and powerlifting potentials.

65 EXPERT SCORE

It’s truly a multifaceted Olympic and power bar with downsides that may not matter to you.


Size and Weight:0
Durability:0
Knurling:0
Rotation:0
Whip:0
Finish:0
Value for Money:0

Positives:

  • Tough construction
  • Fit and finish of expensive models
  • Bushings-based spin
  • A conditional warranty for a lifetime 

Could be better:

  • Shallow knurling
  • Low weight capacity despite 190K PSI 

7. Steelbody Women’s Olympic Barbell

Steelbody Women’s Olympic Barbell

This barbell for women athletes is built to last. With a black and red color scheme, it makes a fashion statement and lives up to the motto: strong is the new sexy.

  • Material: Alloy Steel
  • Tensile Strength: 190K PSI
  • Grip Diameter: 25 mm
  • Total Length: 79 in
  • Sleeves Length: 12.5 in
  • Knurl Marks: Dual
  • Weight: 15 Kg (35 lbs)
  • Finish: Cerakote

Steelbody is a subsidiary of Impex Fitness along with Marcy, Bionic Body, APEX, and others. The material’s durability is described as the focal point of this production line. That’s the reason it enjoys a better reputation than the parent company.

Commercial-grade steel of the highest quality is precisely molded into reliable gym equipment. More colors of ceramic shafts and nitride sleeves should be added to the 15kg series. It’s supposed to hold up to 1500 lbs, enabling general Olympic and power lifts. Don’t forget dual knurl marking.

When too lazy to go out, break your personal record streaks, not the weight bars. You’d be surprised to meet such a treasure late in this list of best women’s barbells. 

Well, there are dire concerns!

Start with the double-punched weight-plate spin. It has brass bushings with four bearings, ruling out comfortable bench presses and squats with its enhanced spin. It's labeled as IWF standard. However, knurling gives us other cues: two rings, plenty of sharpness, and a smooth center.

The production plan was ripe for a jack-of-all-trades. Only high-caliber bronze bushings could’ve realized that. Still, you can use Steelbody for various low-resistance, high-rep training.

On top of that, shipping and warranty are unsatisfactory, especially in the United States. UPS doesn't share the bond – delaying, losing, spoiling, or asking you to pick up packages. Shop from Amazon so that you can file for a refund or replacement.

Price-wise, this women's weightlifting bar stands in the same category as Rogue Bella. And overall experience might be poles apart.

64 EXPERT SCORE

This barbell for women athletes is built to last. With a black and red color scheme, it makes a fashion statement and lives up to the motto: strong is the new sexy.


Size and Weight:0
Durability:0
Knurling:0
Rotation:0
Whip:0
Finish:0
Value for Money:0

Positives:

  • 190K PSI indestructible shaft
  • Max 1500 lb load capacity
  • 25mm grip with textured knurling
  • Electrostatic ceramic coating

Could be better:

  • Handling and shipping
  • Excessive spin for powerlifting

Subscribe!

The latest reviews of must-have home gym training equipment, apparel, and supplements that will enhance your performance and bring you new results.

Men’s vs. Women’s Weightlifting Bar: What’s the Difference?

A lot of strength athletes despise categorizing gym equipment based on gender. There are no female barbells but different varieties – some more suited than others! 

Weightlifting was a male-dominated sport until very recently. So, 40lbs and 7ft barbells were commonly used by men. In the 1990s, a lighter and shorter bar was introduced to accommodate increasing numbers of women.

Then ushered the new century. Women weightlifters entered the Sydney 2000 Olympic games for the first time. In the same year, fitness was launched with inclusive Olympic lifts. Almost all gyms now have so-called men's and women's weight bars. Here are four key differences.

1. Weight

Men’s bars weigh 20 kg, and the ones for women are 15 kg. You’d notice this difference before completing the turnover. fitness gyms admit these bars under 45 and 35 labels. But the actual poundage may be ±10%.

2. Length

The barbells for women are also shorter. Normal bars are 86”. As you have seen from the above recommendations, some of the best women's barbells are 79" instead. Remember that sleeves bear this cut-down so that shaft length is universal and rackable on common squat racks.

3. Shaft Diameter

Womens fitness barbells are not only smaller and lighter but thinner as well. Gripping the standard 28mm thick shaft is mostly impossible due to naturally small palms. Therefore, the crucial difference in these bars was to reduce the grip diameter to 25mm while retaining 50mm sleeves.

4. Knurl Marking

The depth and pattern of knurling are similar. However, the center knurl has been rubbed off women’s Olympic bars. It can severely irritate your skin. And none of the current moves require that. Men’s bars are only the continuation of legacy – 1896, 1904, and 1906 games included one-hand lifts.

woman's barbell in use

Men’s vs. Women’s Olympic Barbells: IWF Specifications

FeaturesMen’s BarWomen’s Bars
MaterialChromed steel with machined knurlChromed steel with machined knurl
Length220 cm201 cm
Weight20 kg15 kg
Grip Section2.8 cm diameter2.5 cm diameter
Center knurling12 cm long--
IdentificationBlue marks on each sideYellow marks at each side and center
Sleeves41.5 cm long32 cm long

Types of Women’s Weightlifting Bars

Most of us start our lifting career with whatever equipment is accessible. If you plan to appear in some competition, purchasing a specified bar to leverage your practice in the arena is better. 

As far as professional or recreational weightlifting is concerned, there are three types of barbells for women. Generally, all top-of-the-line models issue their 15kg variant.

1. General Purpose Bars

These are versatile barbells like the Rogue Bella. You'll find dual marks with medium-depth knurling. They try to balance all features for you to train diversely. Meanwhile, a general-purpose bar will flex under heavy loads but not too much to destabilize your squats or benches.

Rotation is tough to get right. High-end models incorporate composite bushings for a controlled yet seamless spin of weight plates. Other companies experiment with a combination of bearings and bushings. Such an offer will favor your cleans and snatches.

2. Weightlifting Bars

IWF regulates only two Olympic lifts. In the snatch, you break the bar off the floor to lift it above your head in a single motion. On the other hand, clean-and-jerk is the fusion of two movements: bringing weights to the chest (clean) and then dipping a knee to finish straight (jerk).

Eleiko Competition bars eclipse all others in the Olympic Weightlifting. It has high-quality lubricated bearings in the sleeves for a fast spin. There is more whip than general bars to allow carrying bigger weights. 

3. Power Bars

Powerlifting revolves around three exercises: squats, deadlifts, and bench presses. It's an offshoot of weightlifting that established itself as a separate sport under the keen eye of Bob Hoffman.

You'd need a center knurl for low-bar squats. Otherwise, there's a risk of the shaft rolling down your back. Knurling catches the shirt. Many people go for a smooth center to avoid injuries. Power bars showcase stiffness with less whip and spin.

4. Other Options

If you’re looking past three main options, stop seeking 15kg women’s barbell weight. Hit the common fitness center, and there are several specialty bars you might like!

  • Technique or Training Bars are the lighter and shorter version of men’s 20kg competition barbells. You’d meet 15kg and 6ft models to correct your form and technique.
  • Deadlift Bars address the odd one out of powerlifting with a more whippy and smaller grip surface on the bar. You can lift heavy weights with them. However, their length is 90".  
  • Safety Squat Bars (SSB) have arched ends and two front handles. You can do squats, lunges, and other lower-body exercises with less strain on the shoulder. 
  • Trap Bars, also known as Hex, are geometric cages wherein you stand and hold the handles in a neutral grip. It helps you outrank your own deadlift PRs.
  • EZ Curl Bars are not straight but rather waved. You can hold them with supinated or pronated grips to do bicep curls and tricep extensions.
  • Swiss Barbells have a row of multi-grip handles to reduce pec engagement and stress tricep muscles. You’d mostly find them on bench stations.

How to pick the best women’s barbell for you?

training with barbell

If you're thinking of jumping into weightlifting, get on with it. There is nothing more deserving of care than our physical fitness. 

Do you know that there are more women fitness than men? Trends tend to attract marketing gimmicks. Well, this shopping guide for the best women's barbell will help you select the right fit for your arsenal.

1. Fitness Goals

Buying a barbell leads to a zillion different destinations. You must take your strength goals into consideration before tailoring a purchasing plan. The basic idea is to overload particular muscles by lifting free weights.

You can gain weight with a muscular build or get a ripped body by shedding those extra pounds.

List your primary goal and a realistic regimen containing optimal exercises to achieve that. You may consult experienced trainers. See what category of the barbell is made for those movements. Mostly, it's a mix of strength training. You can't thank Rogue Bella enough if that's the case!

2. Strength

All barbells are made of steel. Its tensile strength is a barometer to judge how much weight it can handle and what level of lifters should use it. You'd see the 'pounds per square inch' rating explicitly mentioned in the product description. If not, steer clear because sellers don't hide the good stuff.

Apart from technique bars, any women’s weight bar with 150-220K PSI steel is a safe option. Equipment specified for commercial uses and competitions should fall higher in the range.

3. Sleeves

Sleeves are too consequential to overlook while purchasing. The material's durability tells you how much weight you should log, whereas the sleeves' length indicates how much you can.

Women’s Olympic bars have shorter sleeves. They strike about 13” on tape instead of 17” in bigger counterparts. Naturally, it means load capacity is going to take a blow. Accordingly, a lower tensile strength can also support it. Plus, that’d be cheaper.

Ever wondered why 15kg barbells are priced lower than the same 20kg models? 700-1500 lbs of stated limits are popular in barbells for women. You can manipulate the capacity by switching weight plates. For example, powerlifting plates are thin in contrast to Olympic bumper plates.

4. Spin and Whip

No matter the type of weight training, some angular momentum will force the bar as you lift it. Therefore, sleeves should have a separate rotating mechanism from the shaft. 

Bushings and bearings are two options. First is preferred for powerlifting and general fitness training. Bearings are more expensive and valued for Olympic weightlifting.

Just like the quantity of required spin, the whip also changes with the target exercise. It refers to deflection in the bar. Snatches, and cleans need more whip and flex than squats and bench presses. 

Yield strength is permanent deformation, in contrast.

5. Grip Dia

The diameter of barbells is also important. If you have small hands, a thicker shaft won't let you make a hook grip. That's the reason women's weightlifting barbells have a 25mm shaft. A thinner and longer shaft translates into a greater whip.

Men’s standard is 28mm for weightlifting, 29 for powerlifting, and 27 for specialty deadlift bars.

6. Knurling

The cross-hatching on the steel shaft is called knurling. These grooves stabilize your grip. Too weak, and the bar will slip out. Exceed the sharpness, and there are safety concerns!

There are different patterns: diamond, hill, mountain, and volcano (ranked least to most aggressive.) Start with a normal depth, then scale upwards for powerlifting techniques. Womens fitness barbells and Olympic ones sport such medium-depth knurls.

The small spaces left in the knurling at each side of the center are knurl marks. There are standards set by the International Weightlifting Federation and International Powerlifting Federation. General-purpose bars have dual marks to conform to both IPF and IWF. Inner rings are for powerlifting; outer ones highlight the hand placement for Olympic lifts.

7. Finish

The finish of the bar and sleeves serves a threefold purpose. It stamps the final depth of knurling as it coats the treatment. Also, it adds to the durability by making it corrosion-resistant. Lastly, the aesthetics and appearance depend upon it.

Nickel plating (hard chrome) is famous for sleeves. Women's Olympic barbells have chromed shafts. Others often come with a cerakote finish. It's durable and multi-colored. Then comes the zinc treatment, which dulls the knurling as well as falls weak against rust. 

You may see second-rate coatings of magnesium and phosphate in bargain basements. They’re fine for minimal home use.     

You also have a stainless steel option with no extra coating. It has unmatched corrosion resistance. But knurling feels more aggressive than necessary. Bella Bar is available with a bare steel shaft. 

8. Cost and Care

Some are prepared to splurge and satisfied with nothing but the best women's barbell. Go for Rogue or even Eleiko. In reality, many are constrained by a low budget. You can downgrade the frequency and stage of weightlifting provided it checks off your fitness goals.

Titan Technique Barbell is an exceptional choice to kick off progress with a small investment.

I always say that after-sales service support is more significant than the monetary cost you pay once. A lifetime warranty, low maintenance requirements, friendly refunds, and replacements justify upscale products.

FAQ

What size barbell should a woman use?

Truth be told, anyone can use any barbell. The aim is to excel in our capabilities. And the right piece of equipment helps us do so. A woman would find 79" long barbells with 25mm shafts suitable and comfortable for strength training. However, that's not set in stone.

How heavy is a woman’s Olympic barbell?

Women's Olympic barbells are 15kg heavy. That's equal to almost 35 lbs. In comparison, men lift 20kg of barbells in competitions.

How can you tell a man’s bar from a woman’s bar?

A woman's bar differentiates in key specs. You'd catch it at first sight. It's 10 lbs lighter, 3-4mm thinner from the center, and 7” shorter in overall length when compared to men’s bars. Sleeves are made smaller as shaft length has to be constant for getting used in power racks.

Can a woman use a man’s barbell?

Yes! You should be comfortable with your bar. If a woman has no problem with the dimensions and weight of a man's barbell, why leave it then? 

That being said, weightlifting and powerlifting contests have mandated using 15kg barbells for women. Those planning to compete should practice with them.

Conclusion

Barbells are trendy, and searching for a perfect bar is difficult. However, the Bella 2.0 is the finest offering by Rogue Fitness. This best women's barbell is durable and versatile. 

In case you're just testing the waters, a training bar will be much cheaper. Tell us which weight bar you use. Also, we'd like your thoughts in comments below on whether biomechanics necessitate separate bars for men and women.

Also Read:

References:

  1. WEIGHTLIFTING EQUIPMENT // IWF:    https://iwf.sport/weightlifting_/equipment/

Why Trust Us?

With over 20 years in Olympic Weightlifting, our team does its best to provide the audience with ultimate support and meet the needs and requirements of advanced athletes and professional lifters, as well as people who strive to open new opportunities and develop their physical capabilities with us.

All products we select are primarily approved and tested by the Olympic Weightlifting Champion Oleksii Torokhtiy. Under his guidance, we provide honest and reasonable assessments of the products we review by checking their characteristics, packaging, design, comfort and durability features, and general product rating. We select products from only high-quality and trusted sports brands, thus vouching for their quality.

The product testing process is described in more detail here

Ihor Shymechko

Author: Ihor Shymechko
Pro Olympic Weightlifter, Coach

Experience: 26 years
Best Results: Snatch – 208 kg,
C&J – 240 kg

Ihor has been a professional weightlifter since 1996, boasting over two decades of competition experience. His notable achievements include clinching the European Championship in 2009 and securing a silver medal in the 105kg division at the Senior World Championships in 2011. Ihor represented his country in the 2008, 2012, and 2016 Summer Olympics. After retiring from competitive weightlifting, he transitioned to coaching, leveraging his vast experience to guide athletes who now compete on both national and international stages.

View author’s page

Tanya Shaiko

Reviewed by: Tanya Shaiko
News Editor, Olympic Lifting Enthusiast

Oly Lifting Experience: 6 years
Best ResultsSnatch – 61 kg,
C&J – 78 kg

I’m Tanya, and I just can’t do without fitness. About six years ago, I got into Olympic weightlifting and instantly fell in love with it. Weightlifting is like no other sport – it’s just you versus the bar. Driven by my unwavering passion for an active lifestyle, I’ve been eager to share my personal journey and sports enthusiasm with others. As a journalist and photographer, my interests come full circle, adding an extra dimension to the news column that I curate. This way, I keep my readers updated with the latest happenings in the sports world.

View reviewer’s page


If you have any questions/suggestions/any other inquiries considering product reviews, you can reach out to us via email – [email protected]

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *