Choosing an Olympic barbell: bearings, knurling and load capacity

Written by Thibaud Martens, fitness advisor at Fitnessdepot

A barbell seems simple, but there is a big difference between models. When buying, you primarily look at the type of bar, how the sleeves rotate, the grip and the maximum load capacity. A good Olympic bar is used for squats, bench presses, deadlifts and overhead presses, so it deserves a well-considered choice.

Olympic bar or standard bar?

An Olympic barbell has sleeves with a diameter of 50 mm and fits Olympic weight plates. A men's bar is usually 220 cm long and weighs 20 kg. Standard bars with thinner sleeves are lighter and cheaper, but less suitable for heavy work and do not fit Olympic plates. Anyone with a rack and bumper plates should choose an Olympic bar.

Bushings or bearings: how do the sleeves rotate?

• Bushings rotate more steadily and are robust. Ideal for strength training such as squats, bench presses and deadlifts.
• Bearings rotate faster and more smoothly. Interesting for Olympic weightlifting, where the bar needs to rotate quickly during a clean or snatch.

Knurling: grip without damaging your hands

The knurling is the textured pattern on the bar. A more aggressive knurling provides more grip during heavy deadlifts, while a milder one is more comfortable for high repetitions. A centre knurling helps keep the bar in place on your back during squats.

Load capacity and finish

Look at the maximum load capacity and the tensile strength of the steel. These should be well above your training weight, especially if multiple people use the bar. A hard chromed or rust-resistant finish stays looking good for years and protects against sweat and moisture.

Other bars that are useful

In addition to an Olympic bar, an EZ curl bar can be useful for biceps and triceps, and a trap bar for deadlifts with less strain on the lower back. Start with one good Olympic bar and expand when your training requires it.

How much does a barbell and a barbell set cost?

A decent Olympic bar like the Martech PRO barbell 220 cm costs € 199. An EZ curl bar costs € 169 and an open trap bar € 299.

If you also want to include dumbbells, these are our dumbbell sets:

• Martech hexagon dumbbell tower 1-10 kg: € 599
• Martech hexagon dumbbell tower 1-25 kg compact: € 1,250
• Martech hexagon dumbbell set 5-30 kg + two-tier rack: € 1,599
• Martech hex dumbbell set 5-40 kg + three-tier rack: € 2,350

Prices as shown on our webshop on October 30, 2026. Also read why investing in a dumbbell set pays off and what hexagon dumbbells are.

What we see in practice

A cheap bar that bends after a short time or whose sleeves malfunction ultimately costs more. For complete home gyms, we therefore recommend a solid, high-quality bar, along with matching bumper plates and a rack that securely holds the bar.

Frequently Asked Questions

How heavy is an Olympic barbell?

An Olympic men's barbell of 220 cm typically weighs 20 kg. Shorter and lighter bars are also available.

What is the difference between bearings and bushings?

Bearings allow the sleeves to spin faster, which helps with Olympic weightlifting. Bushings offer a more controlled rotation and are ideal for strength training.

Does an Olympic bar fit in every rack?

A 220 cm bar fits in most power racks. Be sure to check the width of your rack and the space available to load the bar.

Which plates fit an Olympic bar?

Olympic plates with a 50 mm opening, such as bumper plates or tri-grip plates.

Also read: Buy a power rack · Choosing a rubber sports floor

Check out our barbells and weights or test them in the showroom in Ranst.