What Are the Differences Between a Power Bar, Olympic Bar, and Deadlift Bar?

When it comes to strength training using bars there are a variety of options available. For those who aren’t familiar with the different types of weight training bars read on. This guide will help you learn more about power bars, Olympic bars, and deadlift bars, and how they can benefit your workout.

Power Bars

Power bars are the most common type of barbell, they tend to be about 7 feet long and are rigid, stiff bars. A power bar is considered to be a universal bar and can be used to perform squats, presses, and deadlifts. Power bars tend to be the most common type of bar you will see in traditional commercial gyms. 

Some common features of power bars are:

• Stiff steel to help facilitate slow, controlled movements with minimal whip action
• Center knurling to maintain friction on your back when performing squats
• Deep knurling to provide a no-slip grip
• Thicker shaft to be more comfortable for bench presses and squats
• Steel or brass Bushings to allow some spin
• High tensile strength to withstand being slammed on a rack

Deadlift Bars

A deadlift bar is a type of powerlifting bar, but is a bit more narrow in diameter as compared to a traditional power bar. They also have a more aggressive knurling which provides the user with a better grip. A deadlift bar has more whip which allows for the bar to bend more before the weight is lifted from the floor. This requires the user to build more speed at the start of the pull which helps to move bigger weight loads. 

If your main goal is to lift more weight from the ground, then you will likely benefit from using a deadlift bar.

Some features of deadlift bars are:

• Thinner than regular bars – most are approximately 27mm thick
• The knurling is more aggressive as compared to power or olympic bars
• The distance between the sleeves is increased and it has a longer overall length
• Made of very strong and elastic spring steel.

Olympic Bars

Olympics weightlifting consists of two types of lifts – the clean and jerk, and the snatch. Both are single, maximum effort lifts. The goal of Olympic lifting is to test an athlete’s explosive power and technique as opposed to testing their lifting strength. Olympic bars look similar to power bars, except they have sleeves that are built to different standards since they are repeatedly dropped. These bars also come with smooth, fast-rotating sleeves with needle bearings, that enable the lifter to get under the bar quickly and without releasing their grip.

Some features of Olympic bars are: 

• More flexible steel to facilitate the whip 
• No center knurling so it doesn’t scratch the front of your neck during cleans
• Soft or medium knurling on training bars so the bar can slide during your transition from the pull to the catch. 
• 910mm spaced ring markings
• Thinner shaft for a good pulling grip 
• Roller bearings so you can transition your wrists to catch the bar in rack position on your shoulders.

We recommend Olympic bars for those looking to lift heavier weights or who want to create a CrossFit type gym in their home or garage gym.

Order Weightlifting, Power or Olympics Bars for Your Home or Commercial Gym 

If you have any questions regarding any of the equipment mentioned in this blog contact us by phone, email, or message us right here on our website. 

We have our Gym Consultants standing by ready to answer all of your questions and will help you find the perfect products to match your home gym needs.