Where are our Crossfit athletes? If you raise your hand, you want to pay attention to this article on the best barbell for Crossfit. We’ll discuss why Crossfit barbells are not your average barbell, give you our recommendations for the best barbell for Crossfit, and help you understand what qualities to look for in a superior barbell. By the end, if you aren’t a Crossfit enthusiast, you will want to be.
- Each Ohio Bar finish offers a different level of oxidization protection and has a direct effect on the feel of the knurl
- The Ohio Bar is assembled with bronze bushings which act as bearing surfaces between the bar sleeve and bar shaft.
- Medium-depth diamond knurling for a secure grip.
- Weight capacity- 500 pounds
- The Bella Bar is Rogue's go-to multipurpose 15KG barbell for female athletes.
- Optimized for Olympic weightlifting, powerlifting, and/or a CrossFit WOD.
- Medium/deep knurling provides plenty of grip for heavy lifts
- Composite Bushings for Reliable Spin
- Machined Grooves with Replaceable Bands
High-Quality Barbells Matter
Crossfit is a cardiovascular and strength training exercise program known for its high-intensity workouts. Since Crossfit athletes perform an array of movements quickly and with maximum intensity, Crossfit barbells must be made with high-quality products to increase durability. Using an insufficient Crossfit barbell could result in injuries and broken equipment. It could also negatively impact your workout.
Differences between CrossFit Barbells and Regular Barbells
CrossFit barbells differ from regular barbells because they design them to withstand high-intensity movements. They are higher on the tensile strength scale and made from durable stainless steel to ensure resilience during tough training sessions. Crossfit barbells have higher weight capacity and are more versatile than regular barbells.
Regular barbells have less knurling for a more comfortable grip but are less durable than the CrossFit barbell. Also, standard barbells are for frequent weight lifting without intense movements.
Qualities to Consider for Crossfit Barbells
Before we give you our research recommendations, let’s discuss the essential qualities to look for when buying a Crossfit barbell.
Weight Capacity
Like all exercise programs, Crossfit increases the heaviness of your weights over time to challenge muscles and build lean muscle mass. Decide the weight capacity you want to start with in your Crossfit journey, and then choose a Crossfit barbell that exceeds that weight capacity. This process ensures you have room to grow your weightlifting capabilities.
Knurling
Knurling is the finishing process on a barbell that produces lines in different directions to assist with grip. Angled, vertical, and horizontal lines ensure the barbell doesn’t slip out of your hands, especially when the sweat kicks into high gear. Power bars range in the knurling, and not everyone’s hands need the same techniques. Make sure the Crossfit barbell you choose fits comfortably in your hands for long-term enjoyment.
Flexible Barbells
Crossfit barbells need to have a degree of flexibility, especially as you begin to add heavier loads. Flexibility reduces the risk of stress on your joints during heavy lift training sessions.
Durable
It may go without saying that your Crossfit barbell is durable. We mentioned Crossfit is intense, and we weren’t kidding. A durable Crossfit barbell ensures the bar won’t break or falter under the number of weighted plates you add over time. Look for high-quality stainless steel Crossfit barbells with protective coatings to ensure they are durable for the long haul.
Finish
A rust-resistant finish on top of the Crossfit barbell is essential. Sweat, humidity, and various environmental factors wear down equipment. With quality finishes, your Crossfit barbell withstands them all.
Sleeve Spin
The sleeve spin on the bar allows weights to rotate as you train, reducing the amount of pressure on the wrists and elbows. Choose a Crossfit barbell with a smooth spin, and weight plates are quickly loaded and unloaded onto the sleeves.
Price
It is possible to find a budget Crossfit barbell that meets all the standards already listed. Look for durability without breaking the bank. Our budgets matter.
Crossfit Barbells
It’s time to bring you the Crossfit barbells that range depending on your fitness level and price. Grab a pen to jot down your favorites as we go through them.
1. Rogue Ohio Bar
You guessed it. The Rogue Ohio Bar is machined and assembled in Ohio. It has black oxide sleeves and a shaft that looks pretty slick if we say so ourselves. Weighing 20 kg (approximately 44 lbs) and 28.5 mm (1.1 inches) in diameter, the Rogue Ohio bar has a dual knurling without a center knurl.
This Crossfit barbell has a 190,000 PSI tensile stainless steel build with bronze bushings for an excellent spin on the sleeves. Speaking of sleeves, the Rouge Ohio Bar holds 16.40″ in weight plates.
There is a lifetime warranty on the Rogue Ohio Bar against bending, and it features four different available coating options, bare steel, black zinc, Cerakote, or stainless steel.
We recommend the Rogue Ohio Bar for its dual knurl marks and various finish options. Daily powerlifters will thoroughly enjoy this Crossfit barbell.
Pros:
- Knurling is top-notch for grip
- Excellent value for your money
- F-8R rating means exceptional durability
- Bronze bushing is self-oiling for consistent spin
Cons:
- Some complaints that the knurling isn’t aggressive enough
- The bare steel version rusts quickly
User Reviews
The Ohio Bar - Black Oxide
- Manufactured in the US and has proven to be one of the best steel variants
- Assembled with bronze bushings which act as bearing surfaces between the bar sleeve and bar shaft
- Dual Knurl Marks for Oly and Power lifts
- No Center Knurl
- 190,000 PSI Tensile Strength Steel
- Bronze Bushings for Reliable Spin
- 16.40" loadable sleeve length
2. CAP Six Foot Olympic Barbell
First, this Olympic barbell is available on Amazon. Do we even need to continue? The CAP Six Foot Olympic barbell is an excellent option for budget-friendly wallets, beginner weightlifters, and those who don’t require a full-size bar immediately.
This Olympic weightlifting barbell weighs 12.7 kg (28 lbs) and holds a maximum capacity of 500 lbs. It features a medium-depth knurling, which is less aggressive than some competitors.
It does come with a center knurl, unlike the Rogue Ohio bar. It’s made from alloy steel with a black powdered coating. These Crossfit bars have smooth rotating sleeves to prevent wrist and elbow injuries while preventing damage to the barbell.
We like this CrossFit barbell at only 1825 mm (75 in) in length for its at-home gym friendliness.
Pros:
- Size fits most home gyms
- Inexpensive CrossFit barbell option
- Smooth rotating sleeves relieve pressure on wrists and elbows.
Cons:
- Some reviews complain that the weight capacity of 500 lbs is less than other Olympic weightlifting bars on the market.
- The finish could be more high-quality and may wear with time and use.
- Reviews claim the smoothness of the sleeve spin could be better than some competitors.
- The knurling on the bar is rough and needs to be more profound for some Olympic lifting athletes.
User Reviews
CAP Barbell 6-Foot Solid Olympic Bar
- Smooth rotating sleeves.
- The compact design of this bar allows it to easily fit in any home or garage gym.
- The features medium-depth diamond knurling for a secure, tight grip when weight lifting.
3. Rogue Bella Bar 2.0
Rogue strikes again with one of the best CrossFit barbells for women due to its smaller diameter, lighter weight, and grip.
This training bar is made in the USA and weighs 15 kg (33 lbs). The diameter is 25 mm (0.98 in), making it ideal for people with smaller hands. It features dual knurl marks and no center knurl.
The Rogue Bella Bar 2.0 has a 190,000 PSI tensile strength like the Rogue Ohio bar and features a black zinc-coated shaft and sleeves.
Pros:
- Extremely durable CrossFit barbell that lasts for years
- Non-aggressive knurl is excellent for beginners or those with sensitive hands
- A great CrossFit barbell for casual weightlifters who occasionally perform powerlifting exercises
- Inexpensive considering the durability and quality of these power bars
Cons:
- Not recommended for powerlifters
- Some reviews say the finish wears over time and becomes cloudy
- CrossFit barbell comes with bushings instead of bearings which could be better for a weightlifting bar.
User Reviews
The Bella Bar 2.0 - Black Zinc
- The Bella Bar is Rogue's go-to multipurpose.
- The 25MM Bella Bar has no center knurl.
- 190,000 PSI tensile strength as our flagship 20KG Ohio Bar.
- Black Zinc Coated Shaft.
- Bright Zinc Coated Sleeves.
4. REP Excalibur Bar
The REP Excalibur bar is a solid, affordable CrossFit barbell for heavy weightlifting and CrossFit workouts. It’s made from stainless steel with dual knurl marks and no center knurl with medium depth.
The shaft coating is hard chrome, and the tensile strength is 190 KSI (190,000 PSI). The weight of this powerlifting bar varies between 15 kg (33 lbs) and 20 kg (44.1 lbs).
The 15 kg training bar’s diameters are 25 mm (0.98 in) and 28.5 mm (1.1 in). This training bar features a hybrid of bearings and bushings and is made in China.
Pros:
- Dual knurl marks make this an excellent choice for Olympic weightlifting and powerlifting.
- The whip is minimal, providing better stability during powerlifting moves.
- 15 kg size is excellent for women
- The stainless steel bar comes with a lifetime warranty.
Cons:
- Medium to deep knurl marks are only for some due to the rough texture and may require gloves.
- Bronze bushings make the spin less smooth than other competitors’ bars
- Some reviews say the training bar is stiff with little flexibility, putting more stress on joints during weightlifting exercises.
User Reviews
Excalibur Barbell | REP Fitness
The Excalibur Barbell is a high-caliber, mixed-use barbell featuring hybrid bearing and bushing sleeves and medium/deep knurling.
- Hybrid bearing and bushing sleeves provide stability during powerlifting movements.
- No center knurling lends well to high-volume training.
5. Rogue Bar 2.0
Clearly, we need more of the Rogue products, and Rogue Bar 2.0 is no exception. Made in Columbus, Ohio, the Rogue 2.0 is one of the best barbells for Olympic weightlifting, powerlifting, and other CrossFit workouts.
This stainless steel training bar is excellent for advanced CrossFit enthusiasts because it withstands high-intensity workouts. This CrossFit barbell exceeds expectations by weighing 20 kg (44.1 lbs) with a 28.5 mm (1.1 in) diameter and 190,000 PSI tensile strength.
It has dual knurl marks and no center knurl for weightlifting and powerlifting capabilities. It has composite bushings for a reliable spin and features machined grooves with replaceable bands.
Regarding finishes, the Rogue Bar 2.0 features a black zinc shaft and bright zinc sleeves.
Pros:
- Features 190,000 PSI tensile steel strength and is made in the USA
- Composite bushings produce excellent rotation
- Inexpensive option
- Black zinc coating looks nice
- Knurling isn’t too rough, making it suitable for CrossFit workouts
- Dual knurl marks are excellent for powerlifting
- The product comes with a lifetime warranty
- The durability rating is F-8R, which is extremely strong
Cons:
- Black zinc coating fades and can turn a dull green over time.
- Knurling needs to be more aggressive for some people.
- A chalk bar is required for better grip due to light knurling.
User Review
The Rogue Bar 2.0 | Rogue Fitness
- Dual Knurl Marks for Oly and Power lifts
- No Center Knurl
- 190,000 PSI Tensile Strength Steel
- Composite Bushings for Reliable Spin
- Machined Grooves with Replaceable Bands
More Considerations
Now that you know of some excellent CrossFit barbells, we want to share a few more considerations.
Know Your Needs and Preferences
This might sound strange, but you need to know what you want from your CrossFit workout. The type of weightlifting or powerlifting and Crossfit barbell exercises determine your required training bar. Aspects like weight capacity, knurling, flexibility, and durability are significant factors in your decision-making based on your preferences.
Budget, Budget, Budget!
Look for power bars within your range, whether your budget is high or low. You can always upgrade your CrossFit barbell in the future if you require more durability.
Reviews Are Vital
People love to complain, and they love to support an excellent product. Pay attention to both sides of the coin for the barbell you choose. Read reviews from several different locations to ensure you get a well-rounded opinion of the product.
Customer Support
Customer support is vital when choosing a product. Things go wrong no matter how durable the product may seem. Ensure the company has excellent customer support in case of an issue. Also, consider choosing a product that features a warranty. That way, if things go haywire unexpectedly, you are covered.
Onnit 6 Barbell CrossFit Routine
Since you know everything about CrossFit barbells, we are introducing you to our recommended barbell routine. Meet the Onnit 6 Barbell training program.
What is it?
The Onnit 6 Barbell is a six-week training program, working your entire body with only a barbell and light plates. You’ll burn fat while building muscle and core stability. It’s suitable for all fitness levels and customizable to your needs. It teaches you how to build a foundation and work out without joint pain or excessive stress on your extremities.
You’ll get four barbell and two yoga training sessions per week with the Onnit 6 Barbell. Each training session features warm-ups and cool-downs and is 60 minutes. You’ll perform supersets, EMOM (every minute on the minute) exercises, circuit training, and more. The combination of activities burns calories and fat while building endurance and strength.
As you begin, you’ll start with a progression that suits your fitness level. As you get fitter, three levels of advancements are customizable to your needs. The Onnit 6 Barbell comes with video instruction led by Onnit’s chief fitness officer, John Wolfe. The founder of Onnit, Aubrey Marcus, leads mindset strategies to ensure long-term success and sustainability.
Onnit 6 Barbell offers nutrition guidelines and healthy recipes to accompany the exercise program. Healthy eating and intense exercises lead to weight loss and lean muscle.
FAQs
What barbells are used in CrossFit?
Crossfit barbells are more durable and intended for more high-intensity workouts. They have high tensile strength and aggressive knurling patterns to ensure a proper grip while lifting heavier weights. A barbell for CrossFit also features higher weight capacity and is more versatile for different exercises.
How heavy are the barbells in CrossFit?
In CrossFit, a man’s barbell weighs 20 kg (45 lbs), and a woman’s barbell is 15 kg (33 lbs).
CrossFit Barbell Closing Thoughts
We covered plenty, so we applaud you if you are still here. We hope you learned more about what to look for in your CrossFit barbell and how they stand separate from regular barbells. Any of our recommendations provide excellent barbell exercises for CrossFit athletes. Grab one that is within your budget and get to work with the Onnit 6 Barbell training. Your body will thank you.
Kristen holds a bachelors in English from Louisianna university. With a longstanding passion for fitness, she owns and operate her own gym and is a certified jazzercise instructor.