As we dive into the world of the best CrossFit gear, specifically focusing on the best Olympic barbells designed to enhance your CrossFit workout experience, it’s important to consider factors like durability, grip, and versatility. From Olympic lifts to intense WODs, having the right barbell can make all the difference in your performance and results.

If you’re a seasoned competitor or just starting out on your fitness journey, finding the right barbell can be a game-changer for your performance. In this article, we will explore a curated selection of top-notch barbells that meet the demands of any CrossFit athlete. Get ready to elevate your training sessions and unleash your full potential with one of these exceptional barbells for CrossFit

Top Picks for CrossFit Barbells

• The Ohio Bar (Rogue) – Best Overall
• Evolution Olympic Barbell (Again Faster)
• XF Bar (Eleiko)
• The B.O.S. Bar 2.0 (Bells of Steel)
• Games Barbell (Synergee)
• Starting Strength Bar (Texas Power Bars)
• Competition Barbell (IronBull)

The Ohio Bar

The Ohio Bar by Rogue is one of the best barbells for CrossFit and an ideal choice for Olympic lifting as well as your CrossFit WODs. This bar is shrouded in mystery and intrigue, drawing. With its dimly lit interior and eclectic furnishing that hints at a dark past, stepping into The Ohio Bar feels like entering a realm where secrets are kept and stories are whispered among the shadows.

Rumors swirl around this enigmatic establishment, with whispers of clandestine meetings held in the back rooms and deals made under the cover of darkness. Some say that only those with a taste for adventure dare to enter its doors, while others claim that The Ohio Bar holds the key to unlocking hidden truths about the city itself. Whatever the truth may be, one thing is certain – once you step foot inside The Ohio Bar (Rogue), you can never be sure what mysteries will unfold before you.

Evolution Olympic Barbell (Again Faster)

1. This is a game-changer that has sent shockwaves through the industry. This barbell isn’t just a piece of gym equipment; it’s a symbol of innovation and excellence, designed to push athletes beyond their limits and redefine what is possible in strength training.
2. With its sleek design and cutting-edge technology, the Evolution Olympic Barbell stands out as a beacon of quality and performance.
3. Its unparalleled durability, precision engineering, and ergonomic grip make it the weapon of choice for elite athletes and beginners alike.

Join us as we delve into the world of Evolution Olympic Barbell by Again Faster, where every lift is not just a movement but a testament to human potential.

XF Bar Eleiko

With its sleek design and superior craftsmanship, this bar is a game-changer in the world of weightlifting. The diamond knurling provides an unbeatable grip, allowing athletes to confidently lift heavy weights without worrying about slippage or discomfort.

• XF Bar’s spring steel construction ensures durability and longevity, making it a worthwhile investment for serious lifters.
• This barbell will elevate your training and help you reach new heights in strength and performance.
• XF Bar by Eleiko sets a new standard for quality and innovation in the world of weightlifting.

The B.O.S. Bar 2.0 (Bells of Steel)

The B.O.S. Bar 2.0 is designed with precision engineering and innovative features, this barbell offers a superior grip and durability that can withstand even the most intense workouts. The black zinc finish not only adds a sleek aesthetic but also provides enhanced rust resistance, making it ideal for both indoor and outdoor use.

What truly sets the B.O.S. Bar 2.0 apart is its unique dual knurling pattern, allowing for a secure hold during various lifts while minimizing discomfort on the hands and skin. This attention to detail showcases Bells of Steel’s commitment to creating products that prioritize both performance and user comfort.

In addition to its functional prowess, the B.O.S. Bar 2.0 also boasts an impressive weight capacity of up to 1,500 pounds, making it suitable for powerlifting enthusiasts looking to push their limits. With its versatile design and premium quality construction, this barbell is a versatile tool that caters to all fitness levels and goals. Experience the difference yourself by incorporating the B.O.S. Bar 2​​​​​ into your workout routine – you won’t be disappointed with what this exceptional piece of equipment has to offer.

Starting Strength Bar (Texas Power Bars)

The Starting Strength Bar, also known as the Texas Power Bar. Constructed with high-quality materials and designed for maximum durability, this barbell is a staple in any serious lifter’s arsenal. What sets it apart from other bars is its unique knurling pattern that provides an exceptional grip without being too aggressive on the hands.

With a 29mm shaft diameter and a tensile strength of 190,000 PSI, the Starting Strength Bar can handle even the heaviest loads with ease.

Its stiff design allows for better power transfer during lifts, making it ideal for squats, deadlifts, and bench presses. Whether you’re a seasoned lifter or just starting out on your fitness journey, investing in a Texas Power Bar will undoubtedly elevate your training sessions to new heights.

Competition Barbell (Iron Bull)

The Competition Barbell by Iron Bull is not just a piece of equipment; it’s a symbol of strength, dedication, and determination. With its sleek design and superior craftsmanship, It is outstanding . Its precise knurling(if you want to know about barbell knurling click here) provides optimal grip during lifts, allowing athletes to push themselves harder and reach new personal bests.

Whether you’re hitting the platform for a competition or grinding out reps in your home gym, this barbell delivers consistent performance that can’t be matched. It’s more than just a tool for lifting weights; it’s a testament to your commitment to excellence and unwavering pursuit of greatness.

In the world of competitive weightlifting, every detail matters, and the Competition Barbell from Iron Bull doesn’t disappoint. From its precise whip to its unparalleled spin, this barbell offers an unparalleled lifting experience that will elevate your training sessions to new heights. Don’t settle for mediocrity when you can have excellence in your hands with the Iron Bull Competition Barbell – because in the pursuit of greatness, every lift counts.

Games Barbell (Synergee)

The Games Barbell by Synergee is unique with its durable construction and sleek design, this barbell is the perfect companion for any workout session. The knurled handles provide a secure grip, allowing you to push yourself to new limits with ease.

One of the standout features of the Games Barbell is its versatility. Whether you’re performing Olympic lifts or powerlifting workouts, this barbell can handle it all. Its high-quality bearings ensure smooth rotation, making each lift seamless and efficient. Upgrade your weightlifting game with the Games Barbell by Synergee and experience the difference firsthand.

In addition to its functionality, the Games Barbell also adds a touch of style to your gym setup. The sleek black finish combined with the vibrant colors on the sleeves make this barbell stand out among others. Elevate your workout routine and make a statement with the Games Barbell from Synergee – a must-have piece of equipment for any fitness enthusiast looking to take their training to the next level.

Buying Guide Best Barbells for CrossFit

A lot of the barbells on this list look pretty similar and they all weigh pretty much the same. Why the variance in pricing and intended use, then? This question will be answered as we go over the key criteria to look at with each of the best barbells for CrossFit.

Size & Weight

Contrary to popular belief, not every Olympic-sized barbell is the same size and weight. In fact, it only takes a quick, but focused glance and a second to hold a couple of different bars to instantly notice the difference.

In the context of “normal” lifting barbells only (not intentionally shortened barbells, training barbells, curl bars, or Strongman “log” barbells) men’s Olympic bars are always roughly 20 kilograms or roughly 45 pounds. Additionally, they are all roughly 2200 millimeters in length or roughly 86.6 inches. The shaft diameter (where you actually grip the barbell) generally varies between 28 and 28.5 millimeters.

In the same context as the men’s bars discussed above, women’s Olympic bars are always roughly 15 kilograms or roughly 35 pounds (there is a little bit more differentiation here as the kilogram-denominated bars end up weighing about 2 pounds less than the pound-denominated bars). Additionally, they are all roughly 2010 millimeters in length or roughly 79.1 inches. The shaft diameter is generally right at 25 millimeters.

As you can discern, men’s bars are significantly heavier, longer, and with thicker shafts than women’s barbells. These different proportions best support the unique body structures that men and women possess, better enabling them to maximize their lifts.

Knurl

Take a close look at any barbell and you’ll notice two very distinct deviations in the bar’s material: a relatively “smooth” portion and a “rough” portion. That rough, almost patterned-looking portion is the knurling.

The knurling is present in the portions of the barbell where you actually grip the barbell. This includes areas where you grip with your hands as well as areas where you “grip” with your upper back or shoulder (in the case of the center knurl, usually found on powerlifting/”power” bars).

Generally speaking, the more “aggressive” this textured metal is, the easier the barbell is to grip. However, if the knurl is overly aggressive, it can be uncomfortable to grasp and can even cut the lifter’s hands.

The knurl rings are the smooth, circular-shaped areas in the middle of the knurl. These are built into most barbells in order to “guide” lifters’ hand placements. While hand placement and grip width are very personal things, when competing in sanctioned powerlifting meets, lifters must be mindful of the knurl rings. The index finger of each hand may touch the knurl rings, but the grip cannot be any wider.

Spin

Olympic weightlifting movements (the clean and jerk and the snatch) and other, closely-aligned movements (ex. The hang power clean, the cluster) involves very fast transitions of the barbell within the lifter’s wrists. The faster these transitions take place, the more easily the lifter is able to execute each lift and maintain control of the barbell.

Barbells that “spin” faster accelerate these transitions and are universally preferred by those executing these movements. Barbell bearings and, more specifically, needle bearings, facilitate this and the top precision bearings can spin the barbell at speeds up to 15,000 revolutions per minute. 

Of the best barbells for CrossFit, the included “hybrid” bars and Olympic weightlifting specialty bars have all been screened for sufficient spin. The included power bars generally do not include bearings due to the much-reduced need for spin that the power lifts (bench press, squat, deadlift) necessitate (the bar is never transitioning in the hand during these movements).

Finish

The “finish” of the barbell is the “coating” that you find along the bar’s shaft and/or sleeves. The coating contributes to the overall “feel” of the barbell in your hands as well as the barbell’s resistance to the elements and wear (such as rusting and cracking). 

On a scale from least resistant to most resistant:

• Bare steel 
• Black oxide
• Chrome
• Zinc
• E-coat
• Cerakote
• Stainless steel

Durability

Barbell durability has a slight relationship with barbell finish as the wear and maintenance requirements of the barbell contribute to its lifespan. However, barbells can also be ranked on how much “abuse” (mainly from being dropped or thrown around) they can withstand over time. 

If you’re lifting in your own home or garage gym, official barbell durability ratings (such as Rogue’s F-Scale) are not very important. You are pretty much the only one using your barbell and are probably treating it better than random people in a CrossFit box or globo gym. You can expect at least 15 years of service from a CrossFit barbell from our list.

Price

To be honest, barbell prices are all over the place.

And I mean all over the place!

As you have probably noticed by reading our list of the best barbells for CrossFit, a good, quality barbell can cost you less than $200 while the top, expert-quality specialty barbells will set you back well over $1000.

Be sure not to conflate durability or overall quality with the price of a barbell, though.

Sure, there are plenty of cheap, low-quality barbells on the market (although none made our list) that will be chipping away and falling apart within months, or are simply “bad” for lifting.

However, where reputable brands and manufacturers are involved, the main determinants of barbell pricing are the “features” that each bar possesses. Like high-priced automobiles, you can save a lot of money by opting for a barbell that only has the features you need.

If you want to do a CrossFit metcon here and there, but don’t see yourself getting too interested in mastering the Olympic lifts, buying a bushing-only barbell will save you a bit of money.

Want to put your bar’s maintenance on auto-pilot and do little regarding upkeep? That stainless steel finish is probably best for you…but it’ll cost you!

Before balking at a seemingly high-priced barbell or hitting the “buy” button on a “bargain” bar, consider your needs and preferences. Once you have done so, you’ll have much better context for evaluating barbell prices!

FAQ’s

Conclusion

In conclusion, choosing the right barbell for CrossFit is essential to enhance your performance and prevent injuries. The best barbells for CrossFit are durable, versatile, and designed to withstand high-intensity workouts. When selecting a barbell, consider factors such as grip, knurling, weight capacity, and overall quality. Investing in a high-quality barbell will not only improve your training experience but also contribute to your progress in CrossFit. Take the time to research and choose the best barbell that suits your needs and goals so you can maximize your potential in every workout. Choose wisely and feel the difference in your performance!