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Want to get a great barbell that will last you a lifetime but won't break the bank?
Don't worry! We got you covered.
Summary
| Name | Weight bearing capacity | Our Rating | Price |
| Rogue Echo Bar 2.0 | Not mentioned by the manufacturer | 4.6/5 | Check Price |
| Titan Fitness Economy Olympic Barbell | 700lbs | 4.5/5 | Check Price |
| Rep Basic Barbell | 700lbs | 4.5/5 | Check Price |
| CAP Barbell ‘The Beast’ | 1000lbs | 4.7/5 | Check Price |
| Annzoe Olympic Barbell Bar | 700lbs | 4.5/5 | Check Price |
| Titan Fitness Olympic Power Bar | 1500lbs | 4.5/5 | Check Price |
| Body-Solid OB86B Olympic Bar | 600lbs | 4/5 | Check Price |
| Sporzon Olympic Barbell | 700lbs | 4.3 | Check price |
| Synergee Regional Barbells | 1500lbs | 4.7 | Check Price |
The Premium Pick: Rogue Echo Bar 2.0
Rogue’s products are hardly affordable for most of us but this Echo Bar is an exception. It costs around $250, so it doesn’t fit our list of best Olympic barbells below $200. Yet, we thought we should include it in our list just in case you are willing to spend some more for a bar that will last for a lifetime. Suitable for intermediates and advanced weight trainers.
Features:
- Weight: 44lbs i.e. 20 kg
- Weight bearing capacity: Not mentioned by manufacturer by buyers have stated that you can use it to lift more than 400lbs
- Dimensions: Total length-86.75″, loadable sleeves length-16.40″, handgrip diameter-28.5mm
- No central knurling
- Comes with a one-year warranty, which is a bit disappointing because all other barbells from Rogue Fitness are covered by lifetime warranty.
What we like about it:
- Rogue Echo 2.0 barbell is coated with zinc. If you don't know, zinc coating provides maximum protection against rusting. This is one of the few budget friendly barbells that you can safely keep in your garage or any other area where it will get exposed to extreme temperature and humidity. The ones with clear coating will rust away sooner than expected. You need to store them properly. This one is meant for rough use.
Things that can be improved:
- Despite being priced above $200, the Rogue Echo bar 2.0 doesn’t come with central knurling. If you want to use your barbell for squats and catches, it could be a problem.
- The sleeves have fine grooves that help keep the weight plates locked in their position. The grooved sleeves, however, make a lot of noise when you load or unload the plates. Well, we suggest that you should ignore the noise because the grooves do help prevent the plates from sliding.
Our Rating: 4.6/5
Our Verdict:
The only reason why we have rated it a bit low is that it doesn’t come with central knurling despite being priced fairly. Rogue Echo Bar 2.0 is built for rough use, so durability isn’t an issue. Worth its price.
While searching for barbells, we came across this Rogue Barbell Cleaning Kit. It is suitable for all barbells irrespective of their coatings. Don’t forget to buy it.
The Affordable Option: Titan Fitness Economy Olympic Barbell
If you are looking for a cheap barbell we highly recommend this Economy Olympic barbell from Titan Fitness. As you can expect from a $100 barbell, it is a very basic product but it gets the job done. Plus, it can hold enough weight for beginners as well as intermediates. Offers maximum value for money.
Features:
- Weight: 44lbs /20kg
- Weight-bearing capacity: 700 lbs
- Dimensions: total length- 84”, loadable sleeves length-16”, handgrip diameter-30mm
- Comes in chrome finish
- 1-year warranty
- Knurling at the ends of the shaft as well as at the center.
What we like about it:
- Did you know it is made of cold-rolled steel which is stronger than hot-rolled steel? This means cold-rolled steel can bear more weight. So, the manufacturer's 700lbs weight-bearing capacity claim could be true. Numerous buyers have stated that it holds up well till 400lbs. None of them have tried a higher weight. The $100 barbells usually can’t stand anything above 200lbs.
- Although being just a $100 Olympic barbell, the Titan Fitness Economy bar won’t disappoint you in terms of quality and durability. Some buyers have claimed that it is as good as Rogue’s low-end barbells.
Things that can be improved:
- A few buyers have stated that the knurling is a bit aggressive. We, however, found it appropriate for beginners who aren’t very confident with weight training. Slightly aggressive knurling will help them get a good grip over the bar.
- Just like the Titan Fitness Olympic power bar listed above, it too has a handgrip diameter of 30mm whereas the Olympic standard is 28mm. The 2mm can matter a lot if you have small hands. Keep this in mind while ordering.
- The chrome finish is not that perfect. You can feel the imperfections but it doesn’t shred metal splinters.
Our Rating: 4.5/5
Our Verdict:
Titan Economy Olympic barbell is incredibly affordable and surprisingly good for its price. Here is its detailed review.
Another Affordable Option: Rep Basic Barbell
If you are on an extremely restricted budget, check out this Rep basic barbell. Rep Fitness is a good brand and products are often of decent quality. They are often better than the competitively-priced Chinese products. This barbell is no exception. Although it is a no-frills Olympic standard barbell, it gets the job done right for most of us.
Please note that Rep Basic Barbell is not meant for Olympic Weightlifting, so you cannot use it for jerks, snatches, cleans, etc. This is because it is a beginner’s barbell. If you need a better one, you can check out the REP SABRE BAR or the other options listed here.
Features:
- Weight: 45 lbs i.e. 20 kg
- Weight-bearing capacity- 700lbs
- Dimensions: Total length- 87.25”, loadable sleeves length- 15.25”, handgrip diameter-30mm
- Has a chrome finish.
- Knurling at the center as well as at both ends of the shaft.
- 1-year warranty
What we like about it:
- We absolutely love the price at which Rep Fitness is selling it. It is hard to find a barbell from a renowned brand at this price range.
- It has a zinc coating which helps prevent oxidation. Well, this doesn’t mean you can expose it to humidity. But, this does indicate that the Rep basic barbell is durable enough to last for years until you have outgrown it.
- No one has tried 700lbs on it but most buyers have stated that it is a solid piece of equipment and can easily hold 350lbs, which is enough for most of us.
Things that could be improved:
- REP basic barbells are hardly ever in stock. Their demand has increased manifolds during the pandemic when most of us are investing in home gym equipment. We have been trying to buy it for weeks now but no luck. Rep Fitness should gear up the production to make it available.
- The handgrip i.e. the shaft diameter is 30mm, just like the Titan Fitness barbells. If you have small hands, you might find it difficult to grip.
- A few buyers have stated that the paint starts to chip off from the sleeves after a few weeks. This is a fairly common issue with even mid-priced and expensive barbells. The chipping is not too much to cause any botheration.
Our Rating: 4.5/5
Our Verdict:
One buyer has mentioned that ‘there is nothing basic’ in this basic barbell from Rep Fitness. We agree with him. This is indeed a great piece of home gym equipment for lightweight training, benching, deadlifts, etc.
Best on Amazon: CAP Barbell ‘The Beast’ 7-Foot Olympic Bar for Weightlifting and Powerlifting
Suitable for beginners and intermediates, ‘The Beast’ is one of the top-rated products of CAP Barbell. Although it has a weight-bearing capacity of 1000lbs, we do not recommend it for advanced trainers because many buyers have stated that it starts to bend when you use more than 350lbs weight or drop it roughly.
Features:
- Weight: 44lbs
- Weight capacity: 1000 lbs (as claimed by manufacturer but buyers disagree)
- Dimensions: shaft length- 51.5”, loadable sleeves- 15”, Handgrip diameter 28.5 mm, total length: 86”
- Compatible with 2” Olympic plates
- No central knurling
What we like about it:
- It is one of the most affordable Olympic barbells manufactured by a renowned brand. Suitable for most of us.
- The sleeves have a good spin, which helps reduce strain on our wrists. This is where CAP ‘The Beast’ barbell surpasses most other affordable barbells whose sleeves often do not spin freely. If you use them frequently for lifting heavy weights, you could end up with wrist pain or injury.
- The knurling is neither aggressive nor smooth. It is just right and we highly appreciate it. Most barbells below $200 have severe knurling marks, which can often cause blisters.
Things that can be improved:
- Cap Barbell must take the shipping-related complaints seriously. Numerous buyers have stated that they received severely beaten packages, with dents and scratches on the products. This is a fairly common issue, no matter which product you order from this manufacturer.
- Just like most other products from CAP Barbell, The Beast too shred metal splinters. These fine metal particles can stick to your hand and get into your eyes or nose, causing irritation. They will also end up on the floor, leaving a mess for cleanup.
- Lack of central knurling means you can’t use it for squats.
Our Rating: 4.7/5
Our Verdict:
Cap Barbell ‘The Beast’ isn’t the perfect Olympic barbell but it is definitely a great option for weekend warriors, beginners, and even intermediate-level weight trainers. Currently, it is sold for around $150 but the price keeps fluctuating. Nevertheless, $150 is an OK price for it. If you are interested, do check our detailed review of CAP Barbell ‘The Beast’.
Annzoe Olympic Barbell Bar
This is not exactly an Olympic barbell because it weighs much less than the Olympic standards. However, it is a durable piece of home gym equipment, suitable for beginners and intermediates.
Features:
- Weight: 40 lbs as per manufacturer but most buyers have stated that it weighs around 35lbs
- Weight-bearing capacity: 700lbs
- Dimensions: total length-84.6”, loadable sleeves length- 14”, handgrip diameter-1.2”, shaft length-54.2”
- Compatible with 2” Olympic plates
What we like about it:
- Numerous buyers have confirmed that the Annzoe Olympic barbell can hold a decent amount of weight. No one has tried 700lbs but the bar has worked well for up to 400lbs, which is unbelievable considering its low price.
- Unlike The Beast Cap Barbell bar, it comes with central knurling, so you can perform a wide range of workouts. The knurling is just perfect for light to medium weights.
- No buyers have reported any issue of rusting or metal shredding, which means the quality of steel and the quality of finishing is definitely better than cheap barbells that rust within a year of use.
Things that can be improved:
- As per the manufacturer, the Annzoe barbell weighs 40lbs whereas as per buyers it weighs around 35 lbs. Again, the standard weight of an Olympic barbell is 44lbs or 20 kgs. The name is misleading and buyers didn't like it. This doesn’t qualify as an Olympic barbell in terms of weight. Well, it doesn’t really matter unless you are into competitive sports.
- The weight clamps that come with this barbell are unreliable and useless. You will require barbell collars to keep the weights locked in place. Here are some of the top-rated barbell collars that we recommend.
Our rating: 4.5/5
Our Verdict:
95% of buyers have rated it 4-stars and above. Hundreds of buyers have confirmed that it has exceeded their expectations and has been a valuable addition to their home gym. No wonder why it has made it to our list of best Olympic barbells, despite being a new product. Highly recommended for beginners and weekend warriors.
Titan Fitness Olympic Power Bar
If you are looking for an affordable and yet impressive barbell, do not forget to check out the Titan Fitness Olympic power bar. The manufacturer claims that it can support up to 1500lbs, making it suitable for powerlifters and weight trainers who are into competitive sports. However, we wouldn’t recommend it for lifting anything beyond 450lbs, which is more than enough for most of us.
Features:
- Weight: 44lbs i.e. 20 kg
- Weight-bearing capacity: 1500 lbs as per manufacturer
- Dimension: total length-86”, loadable sleeves length-15.25”, handgrip diameter-30mm
- Diamond textured knurling on either end of the shaft as well as at the center
What we like about it:
- It offers high value for money. The other Olympic barbells in this price range can hardly bear 200lbs. Plus they rust within a year if left in garages or outdoors. Titan Fitness Olympic power bar is made of rust-proof steel. We don’t claim it won’t rust no matter what. It will, but you can still expect it to last longer than the other competitively priced barbells.
Things that could be improved:
- It has bushings; not bearing, which is expected at this price range. A few buyers have complained that the bushings stop working or start squeaking after some time. This is a fairly common issue with all inexpensive barbells. You need to lube the bushings regularly. Watch the video below for detailed instructions on how to make your barbell spin better.
- Please note that the thickness of the shaft is 30mm whereas the standard Olympic barbells have 28mm thick shaft. 2mm thickness is no big deal but if you are already using a barbell and looking for a replacement, you would need some time to adjust to this slightly extra thickness.
Our Rating: 4.5/5
Our Verdict:
Titan Fitness is a go-to brand for anyone who wants medium-quality home gym equipment at affordable prices. Its products aren’t the best ones but they are decent enough for home gyms. This Olympic power bar is no exception.
Body-Solid OB86B Olympic Bar
This is one of the cheapest yet decent quality barbells for beginners. Don’t get surprised at its high price. It used to be sold at around $120 but the price has soared up due to high demand during the pandemic. One of the buyers actually bought it for more than $300! You can buy a Rogue for that price. Don’t worry, the price will get back to its normal range soon, which is $120-$130.
Features:
- Weight: 44lbs
- Weight-bearing capacity: 600lbs
- Available in chrome or black oxide finish
- Dimensions: Total length-86”, loadable sleeves length-15.5”, handgrip diameter-30mm
- Knurling at both ends of the shaft and in the middle.
- The sleeves have grooves to prevent the plates from slipping away.
What we like about it:
- Very few barbells available for beginners actually work as expected! Most of them have almost non-existent knurling marks. They are usually poorly designed, cheap Chinese products. Body Solid, however, is a renowned American brand. Although this barbell has many cosmetic flaws, the manufacturer hasn’t made any functional compromises just to keep the price low.
- It may not hold 600lbs as claimed by the manufacturer but it can still hold more than 250lbs which is enough for beginners, teenagers, and casual trainers.
Things that could be improved:
- Rusting is a major issue with the Body Solid OB86B Olympic Barbell. Some buyers have reported that it doesn’t last beyond a year or two. As we mentioned above, this is a beginners barbell. You will soon have to upgrade it anyway. Plus, you can use a rust removal solution to keep it clean and rust-free.
- Packaging and shopping definitely need improvement. Numerous buyers have stated that they have received beaten-up packages with dented products, which is just unacceptable.
Please note that Body Solid OB86B Olympic Bar comes coated with protective oil to prevent rusting. You need to remove this oil before use, so it doesn’t feel slippery.
Our Rating: 4/5
Our Verdict:
The only reason we have rated it a bit low is the rusting issue. But, do you know most inexpensive barbells rust, especially when exposed to humidity? They are not meant for outdoor use. You must not keep them in garages or any other place where they will get exposed to the harsh American climate. Body Solid OB86B Olympic Bar is anyways a starter product. Even if it lasts long, you will still outgrow it. So, if you are looking for a cheap barbell that gets the job done right, this is it.
Sporzon Olympic Barbell
Sporzon manufactures a wide variety of barbells, weighing between 10 to 45 lbs and measuring 5 to 7 feet. You can choose any of them that suits your exercising needs. All of them are made of the same steel and are chrome-plated to enhance their durability. All of them also have the same weight-bearing capacity and the same type of knurling. Only the weight and the dimensions differ.
Here we have reviewed the 2”-7ft Sporzon Olympic barbell.
Features:
- Weight: 45lbs
- Weight-bearing capacity: 700lbs
- Dimension: total length- 86.6”, loadable sleeves length- 15.3”
- Chrome-plated barbell with center and side knurlings
What we like about it:
- Although there is no dearth of home gym equipment no matter what your budget is, it is still difficult to find something that works as expected and still fits in your budget. Sporzon has made it possible for many of us, who are budget-conscious and yet want a great piece of equipment to be a part of our home gym. Highly appreciate the fact that it offers a higher value for money than expected.
- The finishing is perfect. None of the buyers have complained about the paint chipping issue or rusting issue, which is quite surprising for an inexpensive barbell like this.
Things that could be improved:
- A few buyers have stated that the diameter of the sleeves is slightly smaller than what is mentioned in the product description i.e. it is not 2” but slightly less than that. Your standard or spring collars may not be able to keep your weight plates locked in tightly. If you face this issue and find it unsafe, return it. Do not compromise your safety, no matter what.
- The manufacturer of Sporzon! Olympic barbells have claimed that all its bars can hold 700lbs of weight but buyers have disagreed. We haven’t tried it personally but after analyzing the reviews of other buyers we conclude that it shouldn’t be trusted for weight above 200lbs.
Our Rating: 4.3/5
Our Verdict:
87% of buyers have rated it 4-stars and above and thousands of buyers have mentioned that they are very happy with their purchase. No wonder why it has made it to our list of best Olympic barbells under $200. One thing that you should know though is that it is one solid piece of metal. The loadable sleeves are not separate ones, so there is no bushing or bearing that will provide you the spin you need. It is good for benchwork and lightweight training.
Synergee Regional Olympic 20kg Men’s Hard Chrome & Black Phosphate Barbells
If you are looking for an affordable barbell for weightlifting, we highly recommend this Synergee Olympic bar. It is meant for professional trainers, athletes, and powerlifters. Designed for intense workouts, this bar provides almost everything that you can expect from a professional-grade product, be it the spin or the knurling, or the weight-bearing capacity. Numerous buyers have stated that it outperforms almost every barbell below $250 and many others above $250. Let’s look at its key features:
Features:
- Weight: 44lbs or 20kg. Synergee also sells 15 kg barbells.
- Weight-bearing capacity: 1500lbs
- Dimensions: total length-86.75”, loadable sleeves length- 16.4, handgrip or shaft diameter-28mm, sleeve diameter-50mm
- Has 1.2mm diamond knurls, which helps provide a good grip even to sweaty hands
- Has needle bearings for spin
- Has black phosphate coating
What we like about it:
- Most barbells in this price range come with bushings and offer much lower spin than what a pro-level weight trainer or an athlete would need. The Synergee Olympic barbell has needle bearings, which surprised us! The manufacturer claims that there are 5 bearings in each sleeve, 10 in total. Needle bearings are used in high-end Olympic barbells like Eleiko. Most buyers have confirmed that the bearings aren’t cheap. They are fast and smooth.
- Many buyers have appreciated the near-perfect knurlings that this Synergee barbell has. The knurling is neither too shallow nor too aggressive to cut through your skin.
Things that could be improved:
- The shipping needs improvement. Many buyers have stated that there are no end caps on the cardboard tube, so the bar slides out and gets damaged during shipping.
- The buyers of the black phosphate Synergee Olympic barbell have stated that it is difficult to figure out the knurl marks on the black finish. Well, if you have been using barbells for years now, you don’t have to look at them. You can just figure it out because they are the standard features of barbells.
Our Rating:4.7/5
Our Verdict:
95% of buyers have rated it 5-stars and above. Hundreds of them have claimed that this Olympic barbell from Synergee has been one of the best investments they have made for their home gym. If you are looking to upgrade your beginner bar, this is where your search may end.
If the above-mentioned Synergee Olympic barbell doesn’t fit in your budget, you can check out Synergee Open Olympic Barbell, which has two bearings per sleeve and 1000 lbs weight-bearing capacity.
Wrap up
Recently, a person approached us asking why he should invest in a $250 barbell when his $79 barbell can hold the same amount of weight.
Well, barbells aren’t just for holding the weight no matter what. Have you wondered how much strain a loaded barbell can put on your wrist, arms, and the whole upper body if it doesn’t spin properly? Read this article and you will never buy a cheap bar.
The $80 barbells do not have ample whip, so they also pose a safety hazard. They often rust and flake. There are many other reasons why you must not fall for the cheaper barbells. Always choose a product that provides a good grip, doesn’t rust so easily, has a good spin and whip, and meets your workout needs.
Even though the barbells listed above are inexpensive, they are manufactured as per high quality standards. None of them pose safety hazards. When cared for properly, the above-mentioned best Olympic barbells can last for a lifetime or at least 3-5 years until you are ready to upgrade to a better one.
Don’t know how to care for them? This article from Rogue Fitness can help you.
