DESPITE WHAT YOUR high school gym led you to believe, there’s more than one type of barbell.
These days, the better gyms feature a range of options—some specific to certain lifts, others more versatile. It’s enough to make your head spin. But with a little knowledge and some quality time handling the bars, you can take your workouts to the next level.
Here, we’ll run through a baker’s dozen of barbells, from triedand-true bars you’ll find in your standard big-box gyms to some seriously innovative newer options. We’ve also enlisted Brandon Smitley, a competitive powerlifter and co-owner of Thirst gym in Terre Haute, IN, to provide his expert tips on mastering each type of barbell.
THE GUIDE
DEADLIFT BAR
A deadlift bar has more whip—or flex—than a
