The bench press bar, or barbell, is a common staple among weightlifters and gyms. They are ubiquitous in their applications, as you can use them for several exercises, including bench presses, squats, bent-over rows, etc. Despite their popularity, many people do not know essential details regarding barbells, such as their weights, lengths, properties, etc. As a result, this article will discuss how much does a bench press bar weigh and other essential information about the barbell.
In most gyms, the common barbell you will find is a standard 7-feet long bar that rests on the bench’s rack or the squat rack. This bench press bar typically weighs 44 pounds or 20 kg. However, there are also smaller bench press bars that weigh less. For example, a standard barbell weighs around 13 pounds at 5ft to 19 pounds at 7ft.
Types of bench press bars and their weights
Here are some variations of the bench press bars, their weights, and what you can use them for:
The traditional barbell
The traditional barbell is your run-of-the-mill barbell that you may find at most regular gyms. These bars are affordable and versatile, resulting in their popularity and widespread use. These barbells are ideal for bench presses because despite not featuring the unique aspects that come with specialty bars, they still get the job done. They are also great because people of all training and weight levels can use them. Most traditional bars are around the 44 pounds mark, but some with thicker diameters can weigh up to 55 pounds.
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Traditional barbells also enjoy reliability because you can find them at most gyms, and they are ideal for all bench press variations. However, because the bars are cheap, they can begin to bend or warp over time. This is because the manufacturers use less expensive materials to develop them, hence their affordability. Furthermore, it is difficult to get consistent features across various brands of barbells as different manufacturers put their unique spins on them.
You are more likely to get the most out of this barbell if you are training for general fitness. Furthermore, the bar is ideal for you if you are picking up weights for your home gym, as they are versatile enough for various barbell movements.
💡 Quick Tip: If you want solid weight plates with your traditional bar, try the Rogue USA Olympic Plates
Rogue USA Olympic Plates
The power bar
As the name implies, the power bar is more for powerlifting than regular lifting. You can identify the bar with its more rigid knurling and stiffness. Most regular gyms do not have power bars as most regular people do not need to use them. You are more likely to find them in private home gyms for powerlifters, where they replace the traditional bars. These bars weigh the same as most traditional bars at 44-45 pounds or 20 kg.
If you have wrist issues, you may not enjoy using the bar because of its straightness. Furthermore, if you are accustomed to lifting barbells that whip when you lift, the power bar may be uncomfortable for you. However, you will surely enjoy the power bar as a powerlifter, as they are made for powerlifters. With the barbell, you can lift heavier than you would with the traditional equivalent. If this type of bench press bar catches your fancy, you can look at the Rogue 20KG Ohio Power Bar.
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The swiss bar
The swiss bar is another peculiar barbell you will probably not find at your local gym. The bar has a design that allows you to grip different places. Because of this, it is also called the football or the multi-grip bar. The bar ranges from 35 to 65 pounds, depending on the brand.
With the swiss bars, instead of a straight bar that you just wrap your palms around, you have a wider rectangle with different vertical grip handles in the middle. As a result, the grip is more natural on your hand as you do not have to bend your palms around them as you would with a regular bar. The grip handles can come in various angles, giving you different grip options. However, some maintain uniform angles, with the only variation being the grip distance.
Because of its neutral grip, it is suitable for persons with existing or recurring shoulder issues because it leaves the shoulder in a more compact and comfortable position than with a traditional barbell grip. Using narrower grip handles, you can also develop your triceps and chest with the bar. However, for all its good intentions, you may require specialized bench racks to use this bar because they do not fit well into most racks, so you have to be careful when you are returning it after completing your reps. If you still want to go with this bar, check out the Rogue Mg-3 Multi-Grip Bar.
💡 Quick Tip: If you want a solid bench to go along with your heavy bench pressing kit, check out the Rogue Adjustable Bench 3.0
Rogue Adjustable Bench 3.0
The cambered bar
This is a very unique bar that will be difficult to see unless the person is into bars like that or uses it under a recommendation. The bar has the normal barbell shaft, but instead of the regular sleeves that hold the weight plates, the sleeves hang lower than the shaft, connecting to the shaft with parallel connecting shafts. This gives the bar a somewhat C shape as the weight plates hang much lower than the barbell’s shaft. As a result, when the bar is on your chest, the weight plates will be much lower.
Cambered bars are more challenging to use because the lower weights increase the bar’s instability. As a result, you will also have to keep stable while pushing and lowering the bar. Because of this, the bar is suitable for persons who need new challenges away from traditional bench presses. If you need such a challenge, you can cop the Cb-1 Rogue Camber Bar.
