10 Reviews: Best Barbell for Bench Press (Apr 2024)
Meet your ultimate fitness goal with these top-tier bench press bars
by A. Wahyu · updated on · price $74.99 - $599.00 · 687 views · 3 visitors liked products on this page
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Comparison Table
Product Image |
1
CAP Barbell
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2
Sunny Health & Fitness
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3
Axle
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4
Bells of Steel
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5
Body-Solid
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6
Rogue
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7
CAP Barbell
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8
Marcy
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9
American Barbell
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10
Kabuki Strength
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Product Name | Barbell 60” Standard Solid Threaded Bar | 60 Inch Threaded Chrome Barbell Bar | The Axle Barbell | Barenaked Powerlifting Bar 2.0 | Tools Olympic Straight Bar (OB86) | 45LB Ohio Power Bar - Black Zinc | 7-Foot Olympic Bar | Standard Weight Bench with 80 lbs Vinyl-Coated Wei... | Cerakote Mammoth Power Bar | The Power Bar |
2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | |
Features | Budget-friendly for everyday fitness | Best for beginner | High portability | Low price, high quality | Great for weight workouts | Superior performance | The knurling is a dream! | A complete package | Long-term performance | Unparallel tensile strength |
Bar Weight | 12.75lbs | 12Ibs | 11.2lbs | 44lbs | 44lbs | 45lbs | 44.1lbs | 80lb (a set) | 44lbs | 44lbs |
Diameter | 25mm | 25mm | n/a | 29mm | 30mm | 29mm | 28.5mm | 25mm | 29mm | 29mm |
Weight Capacity | 250lb | 250lb | 150lbs | 1.500lbs | 600lbs | n/a | 1000lbs | 600lbs (on bench) | n/a | n/a |
Tensile Strength | n/a | n/a | n/a | 210.000 PSI | n/a | 205.000 PSI | 132.000 PSI | n/a | 210.000 PSI | 250.000 PSI |
Rotation | n/a | n/a | n/a | Bushing | Bushings | Bushing | Bushings | n/a | Bushing | n/a |
Finish | Chrome | Chrome | n/a | Chrome | Chrome | Zinc | Phosphate/Zinc | Powder | Cerakote | Zinc |
Warranty | 30-Day | n/a | n/a | 30-Day | 30-Day | Lifetime | 5-Year | 2-Year | Limited Lifetime | 5-Year |
price | $74.99 | $79.49 | $164.99 | $199.99 | $241.70 | $295.00 | $302.68 | $399.99 | $550.00 | $599.00 |
Buy at | view product on CAP Barbell view product on Amazon view product on eBay | view product on Sunny Health & Fitness view product on Amazon view product on eBay | view product on Axle view product on Amazon view product on eBay | view product on Bells of Steel view product on Amazon view product on eBay | view product on Body-Solid view product on Amazon view product on eBay | view product on Rogue view product on Amazon view product on eBay | view product on CAP Barbell view product on Amazon view product on eBay | view product on Marcy view product on Amazon view product on eBay | view product on American Barbell view product on Amazon view product on eBay | view product on Kabuki Strength view product on Amazon view product on eBay |
Nowadays, it seems like every exercise has its own barbell and it makes finding the right one more challenging (and confusing). To make it easy, generally, a 30mm or 32mm shaft is perfect for bench pressing. Yeah, it’s a bit thicker than some other bars, but that thickness prevents the bar from digging into your hands when you start getting the heavy weight. Even so, that’s not an absolute rule, you can choose the one that’s thinner (and sits well in the wallet). In order to save your time and keep you from buying the wrong product, we dive into the internet and bring you our best findings. These ten picks will help you achieve increased performance while dodging away from injuries. Good luck!
Table of contents
Product list
- CAP Barbell Barbell 60” Standard Solid Threaded Bar: Budget-friendly for everyday fitness
- Sunny Health & Fitness 60 Inch Threaded Chrome Barbell Bar: Best for beginner
- Axle The Axle Barbell: High portability
- Bells of Steel Barenaked Powerlifting Bar 2.0: Low price, high quality
- Body-Solid Tools Olympic Straight Bar (OB86): Great for weight workouts
- Rogue 45LB Ohio Power Bar - Black Zinc: Superior performance
- CAP Barbell 7-Foot Olympic Bar: The knurling is a dream!
- Marcy Standard Weight Bench with 80 lbs Vinyl-Coated Weight Set: A complete package
- American Barbell Cerakote Mammoth Power Bar: Long-term performance
- Kabuki Strength The Power Bar: Unparallel tensile strength
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
For your information...
Can you tell me about barbell knurling?
Knurling seems like a small feature, but it’s actually quite important since it allows hands or fingers to get a better grip. Yup, it is the crosshatch pattern that you find on the shaft. Nearly every barbell has a different knurl, but generally, there are three basic shapes that are commonly used: hill, pointy mountain, and volcano.
What is the difference between barbell for men and women?
Here are their major differences:
Men’s barbell
– Length: appx. 7.2ft
– Weight: 20kg (44 lbs.)
– Shaft diameter: 28-32mm
– Sleeve: 16.4″
Women’s barbell
– Length: 6.5ft
– Weight: 15kg (33 lbs.)
– Shaft diameter: 25mm
– Sleeve: 12″
What materials are best for barbells?
Reporting from GymCrafter, universally, barbells are made from high tensile strength steel which ranges from anywhere from 125,000 psi to 200,000 psi and over. Nicer bars will be in the 180,000+ PSI category with the highest-end bars coming in at 210,000 PSI or so.
How to choose the best barbell for me?
1. Ask yourself: What type of training will you be doing? The answer will really help narrow down the choices. Whether Olympic lifting, powerlifting, Strongman, CrossFit, or general gym use, we recommend leaning towards the one you do most.
2. Consider the essential features like barbell strength (it must be durable), tensile strength (nicer bars will be in the 180,000+ PSI category), load capacity, knurling, materials used, and the finish
3. Check the warranty. If you’re not that serious about lifting, then lower-end warranties will often be fine, but if you’re sinking a lot of money into your barbell, then looking at better warranties is always a safe idea.
10 Reviews: Best Barbell for Bench Press (Apr 2024)
1.
CAP Barbell
Barbell 60” Standard Solid Threaded Bar
Budget-friendly for everyday fitness
If you think the affordable price is the only factor that makes this product popular, then you get it wrong. The CAP Barbell 60” Standard Solid Threaded Bar is that barbell you can rely on your everyday fitness routine and is able to accommodate weights of up to 250 pounds without a doubt. What’s more, it’s manufactured with solid steel with a chromed finish and threaded ends which means it’ll last for ages.
This 5 ft long is great for me. I'm a 5' woman and this straight bar is good for my bench presses. I didn't want the bar extending so far off the sides of my bench because of space concerns and it also takes my smaller size olympic size metal plates. The threaded collar keeps my plates firmly on the bar.
by Melli
Bar Weight | 12.75lbs |
---|---|
Diameter | 25mm |
Weight Capacity | 250lb |
Tensile Strength | n/a |
Rotation | n/a |
Finish | Chrome |
Warranty | 30-Day |
2.
Sunny Health & Fitness
60 Inch Threaded Chrome Barbell Bar
Best for beginner
If you’re a beginner who doesn’t aim to break strength records, this one is for you. Sunny Health & Fitness 60 Inch Threaded Chrome Barbell Bar is made of solid steel, weighs 12 lbs, and can handle up to 250 lbs. The price, which is not even more than a hundred dollars, coupled with its compact design, makes it the perfect pick to start your home-gym.
I bought it bec it's cheap. Perfect for curls, should press, bench press bent over rows or how ever you want to use it. The best part since it's cheap, I bought a couple so I don't have to remove and reinsert plates. I have fixed plates on them now. Makes working out easier. Less time bending your back.
by C.Partey
Bar Weight | 12Ibs |
---|---|
Diameter | 25mm |
Weight Capacity | 250lb |
Tensile Strength | n/a |
Rotation | n/a |
Finish | Chrome |
Warranty | n/a |
3.
Axle
The Axle Barbell
High portability
Let’s move to the one and only collapsible, portable barbell. Yup, you can disassemble the Axle Barbell by simply unlocking the collars and taking them anywhere. It features a sleek design that makes it perfect for a wide variety of workouts and routines, making it a great option for folks who live in tight spaces (looking at you, apartment renters). This product surely takes your exercise regimen to a whole new level.
love my axle !! my trainer uses with me all the time, its so versatile ! and i love the workouts that come with it. the gym in my building is kinda limited equipment-wise and i find it to be an awesome way to use weights in so many different ways !
by meldra
Bar Weight | 11.2lbs |
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Diameter | n/a |
Weight Capacity | 150lbs |
Tensile Strength | n/a |
Rotation | n/a |
Finish | n/a |
Warranty | n/a |
4.
Bells of Steel
Barenaked Powerlifting Bar 2.0
Low price, high quality
If your budget is no more than $200, no need to worry, you can still check out Barenaked Powerlifting Bar 2.0 from Bells of Steel. It promotes 210k PSI tensile strength, 1,500lb weight capacity, as well as an aggressive knurl with a bare steel finish. These features make it ideal for the squat, deadlift, and bench. It is a great budget option for those wanting a high-quality power bar.
So far the bar is everything I hoped it would be. Feels like a bar that would cost a lot more than it did. Will be buying more from you
by Rueben R.
Bar Weight | 44lbs |
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Diameter | 29mm |
Weight Capacity | 1.500lbs |
Tensile Strength | 210.000 PSI |
Rotation | Bushing |
Finish | Chrome |
Warranty | 30-Day |
5.
Body-Solid
Tools Olympic Straight Bar (OB86)
Great for weight workouts
If you’re into weight workouts, this product is a must-have in your home gym. The Body-Solid Tools Olympic Straight Bar is a high-quality bar that will hold up to 600lbs and is designed for heavy workloads such as squats, deadlifts, and bench presses. Not only that, the chrome finish protects your investment against rusting, chipping, scarring, and peeling. Great bar without breaking the bank.
This bar is the real deal, especially for a home gym. A little locktite red to the collar bolt treads would cure people's concern that they back out. Looks clean and well built, perfect balance and very inexpensive. It's not a commercial bar but 1 or 2 people could use this bar for years and not worry.
by PublicName
Bar Weight | 44lbs |
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Diameter | 30mm |
Weight Capacity | 600lbs |
Tensile Strength | n/a |
Rotation | Bushings |
Finish | Chrome |
Warranty | 30-Day |
6.
Rogue
45LB Ohio Power Bar - Black Zinc
Superior performance
Nobody does fitness equipment better than Rogue – and that includes barbells. The 45LB Ohio Power Bar will impress you with its superior performance supported by a 205,000 PSI steel shaft, single powerlifting knurl marks, and center knurling. Featuring a subtle and pristine 29mm diameter, this bar will quickly give you an experience of value and a powerful feeling both in your hands or across your back.
Bought this about over a month and absolutely love it. For the price, it handles anything from bench to squat, knurling is outstanding.
by RTG11
Bar Weight | 45lbs |
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Diameter | 29mm |
Weight Capacity | n/a |
Tensile Strength | 205.000 PSI |
Rotation | Bushing |
Finish | Zinc |
Warranty | Lifetime |
7.
CAP Barbell
7-Foot Olympic Bar
The knurling is a dream!
Already an Amazon best-seller, the 7-Foot Olympic Bar from CAP Barbell received a total of 4.6 stars from more than two thousand reviewers. The Boss, one of the series, excels with 132,000 PSI tensile strength steel that performs flawlessly for snatches and clean and jerks. Not only that, the knurling on this bar is a dream! It isn’t too deep nor too shallow, but it’s the perfect depth and coarseness.
... I bought this bar as an all-around bar for my home gym and it seems to work quite well for it. It has fairly good spin for cleans/snatches and works well for deadlifts/squats/bench. I haven't loaded it anywhere near it's alleged weight limit so I can't vouch for that, but up to 365 lbs it's held up just fine. ...
by Tim A.
Bar Weight | 44.1lbs |
---|---|
Diameter | 28.5mm |
Weight Capacity | 1000lbs |
Tensile Strength | 132.000 PSI |
Rotation | Bushings |
Finish | Phosphate/Zinc |
Warranty | 5-Year |
8.
Marcy
Standard Weight Bench with 80 lbs Vinyl-Coated Weight Set
A complete package
The bench press exercise needs the best bench and that’s why the Marcy Standard Weight Bench is here. This pick lets you hit your upper, lower, and mid-chest with the 3-position bench. Not only that, your purchase includes a steel bar along with two 25lb and two 15lb weight plates. Yeah, this is definitely a complete and inexpensive package to fill your home gym.
I bought this for my 16 year old son and he likes it a lot. I thought it would be difficult to put together but it went smoothly. I tried the bench out and it is very sturdy. Good value for the price.
Bar Weight | 80lb (a set) |
---|---|
Diameter | 25mm |
Weight Capacity | 600lbs (on bench) |
Tensile Strength | n/a |
Rotation | n/a |
Finish | Powder |
Warranty | 2-Year |
9.
American Barbell
Cerakote Mammoth Power Bar
Long-term performance
Proudly made in America, the American Barbell Cerakote Mammoth Power Bar is forged with a strong 210K PSI tensile strength. The blend of Cerakote finish over stainless steel makes it corrosion-resistant for long-term performance. The brand promises very little flex, making it ideal for a variety of max load lifts. And yeah, since this bar is on the expensive side of this list, we don’t recommend it for beginners.
This is a fantastic bar. It has a great feel and it is simply beautiful. Craftsmanship, that is all there is to it. I intend to take great care of it and use it for many years to come. Very happy with the purchase!
by Michael K
Bar Weight | 44lbs |
---|---|
Diameter | 29mm |
Weight Capacity | n/a |
Tensile Strength | 210.000 PSI |
Rotation | Bushing |
Finish | Cerakote |
Warranty | Limited Lifetime |
10.
Kabuki Strength
The Power Bar
Unparallel tensile strength
Just let the Kabuki Strength Power Bar closes this list with its unparallel tensile strength of over 250k PSI, outstanding knurling, and price. It is definitely constructed to take any amount of weight you can throw at it and keep on performing. Even the bar contacts the rack, the brand guarantees “it will maintain that fine, tacky, aggressive knurl, just like the day it was unboxed.”
This bar is incredible! best knurling I have ever laid hands on...throw your chalk away. Simply the best customer service on the planet.
by Gary Rimack
Bar Weight | 44lbs |
---|---|
Diameter | 29mm |
Weight Capacity | n/a |
Tensile Strength | 250.000 PSI |
Rotation | n/a |
Finish | Zinc |
Warranty | 5-Year |
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Conclusion
Choosing the right barbell can be very challenging and at the end of the day you want your money to go the distance. We hope our brief guide can help you find the best barbells that bring you closer to your workout goals.