Choosing the right equipment is key to a good home gym setup. A common question many beginners face is: should i get a 6ft or 7ft barbell? The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all and depends on your goals, space, and strength.
Should I Get a 6ft or 7ft Barbell
This is the core decision. A 7-foot bar is the Olympic standard used in most commercial gyms. A 6-foot bar is a shorter, often lighter, version designed for limited spaces. Picking the wrong one can hinder your progress or even damage your home.
Key Differences Between 6ft and 7ft Barbells
It’s not just about length. Several important features change with the size.
- Length & Space: A 7ft bar is about 86 inches long. You need at least a 9×9 foot clear area to use it safely. A 6ft bar (approx. 72 inches) fits easily in smaller rooms or low-ceiling basements.
- Weight Capacity: A standard 7ft Olympic bar holds 1,000+ lbs. Most 6ft bars have a lower capacity, often between 300-600 lbs. This is crucial for advanced lifters.
- Bar Weight: A 7ft men’s bar weighs 45 lbs (20kg). A women’s bar is 35 lbs (15kg) and 6.5ft. A 6ft bar typically weighs between 15-30 lbs, making it easier for new lifters or teens.
- Sleeve Length & Plates: 7ft bars have longer sleeves, fitting more weight plates. 6ft bars have shorter sleeves, limiting the total weight you can load, which can be a problem for leg exercises.
Who Should Choose a 7-Foot Olympic Barbell?
The longer bar is the professional choice for serious training. Here’s when it’s the clear winner.
- You have a dedicated, spacious home gym area.
- Your primary focus is on heavy compound lifts like squats, deadlifts, and bench press.
- You plan on eventually lifting very heavy weights (over 400 lbs).
- You want to use standard Olympic-sized weight plates (2-inch center hole).
- You’re training for powerlifting or Olympic weightlifting sports.
Who is a 6-Foot Barbell Better For?
The shorter bar is a fantastic tool for specific situations. It adresses common home workout constraints.
- Your workout space is compact, like a bedroom corner or garage with cars.
- You are new to strength training and a 45lb bar is to heavy to start with.
- Your main exercises are curls, presses, and rows with moderate weight.
- You need a bar that’s easier for multiple family members, including younger users, to handle.
- You budget is tight; 6ft bars are generally more affordable.
Consider Your Primary Exercises
Think about your routine. Some moves are harder with a shorter bar.
- Squats & Deadlifts: A 7ft bar is superior. The wider grip and load distribution feels more stable under heavy weight. A 6ft bar can force a narrower stance, which might feel awkward.
- Bench Press: A 7ft bar is the norm. However, a 6ft bar can work if your rack is adjustable and you don’t load extreme weight.
- Overhead Press & Rows: Both bars work well here. The lighter 6ft bar can be a advantage for mastering form.
- Arm Exercises & Accessory Work: A 6ft bar is often prefered for curls and skull crushers due to its lighter weight and easier maneuverability.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Your Choice
Follow these steps to make a confident decision.
- Measure Your Space: Clear the area where you’ll lift. Measure the length and width. Remember, you need extra room to walk the bar out for squats.
- Check Your Ceiling Height: Ensure you have clearance for overhead presses. A 7ft bar overhead needs about 8 feet of clear ceiling.
- Assess Your Current Strength: Be honest. Can you safely lift with a 45lb empty bar for exercises like overhead press? If not, a lighter 6ft bar is smarter.
- List Your Long-Term Goals: Do you aspire to lift heavy like a powerlifter? Or is general fitness with moderate weights your aim? Your ambition guides the choice.
- Check Your Equipment Compatibility: Will the bar fit in your squat rack or bench stand? Most racks are made for 7ft bars, but many accommodate shorter ones.
Don’t Forget About Plate Compatibility
This is a often overlooked detail. There are two main plate hole sizes.
- Olympic Plates (2″ hole): Fit both 7ft and most 6ft Olympic-style bars. Always confirm the sleeve diameter before buying a 6ft bar.
- Standard Plates (1″ hole): Only fit bars with thinner, 1-inch sleeves. These are common on very light, beginner 6ft bars. They limit weight capacity significantly.
For future-proofing, choose an Olympic-style bar (2″ sleeves) even if you pick a 6ft length. This way, your plates will work if you ever upgrade.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Learn from these frequent errors people make.
- Buying a 7ft Bar for a Tiny Room: It becomes a hazard and you won’t be able to use it properly, wasting money.
- Choosing a 6ft Bar for Heavy Powerlifting: You’ll outgrow its weight capacity quickly, forcing a second purchase.
- Ignoring Sleeve Length: A very short sleeve means plates might fall off during deadlifts if you don’t use collars.
- Forgetting About Bar Feel: A cheap bar has poor knurling (grip) and spin. Try to test bars in a store if possible, or read detailed reviews online.
FAQ Section
Can I use a 6 foot barbell for squats?
Yes, you can, but with limitations. The shorter length may require a narrower grip, which can effect upper back tightness. More importantly, check the bar’s weight limit to ensure it can handle you load.
Is a 7ft barbell to long for home gym?
Not necessarily. It depends entirely on your available space. If you have a dedicated area that’s at least 9 feet square with a high enough ceiling, a 7ft bar is perfect for a home gym.
What’s the weight difference between a 6 and 7 foot bar?
A standard 7ft Olympic bar weighs 45 pounds. A typical 6ft Olympic-style bar weighs between 20 to 30 pounds. Always check the product specifications, as weights can vary by brand.
Are 6ft barbells cheaper than 7ft?
Generally, yes. Due to less material and often a lower weight capacity, 6ft barbells are usually more affordable. However, high-quality specialty bars in any size can be expensive.
Can I do deadlifts with a short barbell?
You can, but the shorter sleeve length means you might not be able to fit all the plates you need for very heavy pulls. Also, the bar may bend more easily under heavy load compared to a stiff 7ft power bar.
Final Recommendation
For most people building a versatile home gym with space, the 7-foot Olympic barbell is the best investment. It’s the standard for a reason. It handles heavy weight, fits all standard equipment, and prepares you for lifting in any gym.
Choose the 6-foot barbell if space is your primary concern, you’re a beginner needing a lighter bar, or your training focuses on accessory and moderate-weight exercises. It’s a excellent tool that fits where a larger bar simply won’t.
Take your time, measure your space, and think about where you want your fitness journey to go. The right bar will serve you well for years to come and make your workouts more effective and safer.