Olympic barbell, trap bar or curl bar: which barbell do you need?
Your choice depends on your exercises and whether you already own weight plates:
- Olympic barbell (€199). A 220 cm, 20 kg barbell for squats, bench presses, deadlifts, overhead presses, cleans and snatches. For example, the Martech PRO barbell.
- Barbell with weight plates (€549.99 to €625). The PRO barbell combined with 107.5 kg weight plates, so you are ready to start training right away. For example, the PRO bar with tri-grip plates.
- Trap bar (€ 299). You stand inside the weight, which makes deadlifts, shrugs, and farmer's carries easier on your back. For example, the Body-Solid OTB100 open trap bar.
- Curl bar (€ 79 to € 169). Angled grips for biceps and triceps. For example, the Bodytrading Olympic curl bar.
Barbells compared
The Body-Solid OTB100 trap bar is on display in our showroom in Ranst, just like the 120 cm Olympic curl bar, so you can test the grips yourself.
| Bar | Type | Feature | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bodytrading curl bar | Curl bar | 120 cm, 50 mm plates | € 79 |
| PowerBlock Pro 100 EZ | Curl bar | Part of Pro 100 system | € 169 |
| Martech PRO barbell | Olympic bar | 220 cm, 600 kg | € 199 |
| Body-Solid OTB100 | Trap bar | 450 kg, built-in bar jack | € 299 |
| PRO bar + 107.5 kg tri grip | Set | Tri-grip weight plates | € 549.99 |
| PRO bar + 107.5 kg bumper | Set | Weight plates for dropping | € 625 |
If you want a rack, bench, and barbell set all at once, check out complete sets, such as the Martech M10 Bundle for € 5,999.
What should you look out for?
Weight capacity and steel
The weight capacity is the load a bar can handle without permanent bending. For the PRO barbell, this comes from steel with a tensile strength of 170,000 PSI.
Grip and knurling
The PRO barbell has a grip diameter of 28.5 mm, a standard size for strength training and Olympic lifts. The medium knurling in a Vulcan pattern provides a firm grip without tearing your hands.
Rotation and sleeves
For cleans and snatches, the sleeves need to spin smoothly. The PRO barbell rotates on 4 needle bearings and 2 brass bushings. The sleeves are 415 mm long and fit weight plates with a 50 mm opening.
Bumper plates or tri-grip plates
Bumper plates are made to be dropped and to bounce, suitable for Olympic lifts and CrossFit. The MT Bumper Plates combine recycled and natural rubber. Tri-grip plates have three integrated handles and a rubber coating, making them easier to carry around. The bumper set costs € 75.01 more.
Your rack and your flooring
A 220 cm bar fits in most power racks; if in doubt, send us the name of your rack. Place a 2 cm rubber sports floor under the area where you place your weight plates.
Showroom tip: even with bumper plates, it is best to lower the bar in a controlled manner rather than dropping it from waist height. This also minimizes noise for the neighbors.
Which barbell for whom?
- Home: the PRO bar with tri-grip plates is the logical starting point in a rack. The handles make loading and storing easier.
- PT studio: choose bumper plates if you teach your clients cleans or snatches. A trap bar is a safe first deadlift for beginners. More at fitness equipment for personal trainers.
- Physiotherapy practice: the trap bar features high and low handles, allowing you to adjust the range of motion to what a patient can handle. Also view fitness equipment for physiotherapists.
- Hotel and corporate gym: tri-grip plates are easier and safer to store for changing users. See custom corporate fitness.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an Olympic barbell weigh?
A standard 220 cm Olympic bar weighs 20 kg, such as the Martech PRO barbell.
Do your plates fit any barbell?
Our Olympic plates have a 50 mm opening and fit any bar with 50 mm Olympic sleeves.
Do I need a trap bar?
Not necessarily. However, an open trap bar like the OTB100 makes stepping in and out easy, and the bar jack simplifies loading plates.
How is a barbell delivered?
Delivery in the Benelux is free from € 199, so for every Olympic bar and every set. You have a 30-day trial period.
What warranty do you get and can I test the bars?
You get a 3-year warranty on Martech and a 2-year warranty on Body-Solid, Bodytrading, and PowerBlock. You can test the trap bar in Ranst: walk in freely from Monday to Thursday from 8:00 AM to 6:30 PM, Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and Saturday from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, or by making an appointment.
Want to know more? Our guide covers everything about the steel, knurling, and sleeves of an Olympic barbell.
Read the guideAdvice by Thibaud Martens, fitness advisor at Fitnessdepot. Prices updated on October 31, 2026.














