When you’re setting up your home gym or a commercial space, knowing who is Bars and Barbells is the first step to getting serious equipment. This company has become a major name for anyone focused on strength training.
They specialize in making durable, high-performance gear for lifting. From powerlifting barbells to full racks, their products are built to handle heavy, consistent use. Let’s look at what makes them a go-to choice for so many athletes.
Who is Bars and Barbells
Bars and Barbells is a fitness equipment manufacturer dedicated to strength sports. They are known for producing professional-grade barbells, weight plates, racks, and accessories. Their primary focus is on the needs of powerlifters, weightlifters, and functional fitness athletes.
The company emphasizes direct-to-consumer sales, which often means better value. By cutting out the middleman, they can offer robust equipment at competitive prices. This model has helped them grow a strong reputation in a crowded market.
Their product line is carefully curated. You won’t find every single fitness gadget here. Instead, they concentrate on the core items you need for effective training.
* Barbells: Their specialty, including power bars, Olympic weightlifting bars, and multi-purpose bars.
* Bumper Plates: Durable, color-coded plates designed for dropping.
* Power Racks and Squat Stands: The foundation for safe, heavy lifting.
* Benches: Adjustable and flat benches for pressing movements.
* Essential Accessories: Like collars, landmines, and storage solutions.
What Sets Their Equipment Apart
Not all fitness gear is created equal. Bars and Barbells focuses on a few key principles that define their products. Understanding these will help you see why they stand out.
First, they use high-quality steel and coatings. Their barbells are made from strong, whippy steel that meets international specifications. The knurling is aggressive enough for a secure grip but won’t tear up your hands unnecessarily.
The bearings and bushings in their sleeves are another critical feature. A good bar should spin smoothly. Their weightlifting bars have composite bushings or bearings that allow for fast rotation during snatches and cleans. This protects your wrists and allows for better technique.
Durability is a non-negotiable. Their equipment is tested for weight capacity far beyond what most users will ever load. This means a longer lifespan and greater safety for you. The welds on their racks are clean and strong, and the powder coat finishes resist chipping.
Choosing the Right Bar for Your Training
Selecting a barbell is a personal decision. The best bar depends on the type of lifting you do most. Bars and Barbells offers specific bars for different sports, which is a sign of a specialized company.
For Powerlifting, you need a stiff bar. A power bar has aggressive knurling and very little whip. It’s designed to hold massive weight securely for squats, bench presses, and deadlifts. The center knurling helps keep the bar anchored on your back.
For Olympic Weightlifting, you need a bar with whip and spin. A weightlifting bar is more elastic to help you get under the weight. The sleeves spin effortlessly to reduce torque on your arms during the catch. The knurling is usually less aggressive.
A Multi-Purpose or Cross-Training Bar is a great hybrid. It has moderate whip and spin, with versatile knurling. If you do a mix of power moves and Olympic lifts, this is a smart, single-bar solution. It’s the most common choice for home gyms.
Key Bar Specifications to Check
When comparing, look at these details:
* Tensile Strength: Measured in PSI. Higher is generally stronger (190k+ PSI is excellent).
* Sleeve Rotation: Bushings are good, needle bearings are very smooth.
* Knurling Marks: Most bars have center knurling and ring marks for hand placement.
* Finish: Bare steel, chrome, and cerakote are common. Each has different feel and maintenance needs.
* Weight and Length: Standard bars are 20kg (44lbs) and 7.2 feet long, but women’s and training bars vary.
Building a Complete Home Gym Setup
A barbell is useless without plates and a place to lift. Building a coherent setup from one brand can ensure compatibility and quality. Here’s a step-by-step approach using Bars and Barbells as your core source.
1. Start with the Foundation: Your rack is the most important safety item. Choose a power rack or squat stand that fits your space and ceiling height. Ensure it has a safe pull-up bar and options for accessory attachments.
2. Select Your Primary Barbell: Based on your training style (see above), pick your main bar. This is your most-used piece, so invest here.
3. Acquire Weight Plates: Start with enough bumper or iron plates to challenge your main lifts. Bumper plates are essential if you plan to drop the bar, even from a modest height.
4. Add a Quality Bench: An adjustable bench dramatically increases exercise variety. Make sure it’s stable and has a sturdy pad.
5. Incorporate Safety and Storage: Don’t forget spotter arms for the rack, weight plate storage, and barbell collars. A clean gym is a safe gym.
Maintaining Your Investment
Good equipment lasts a lifetime with proper care. Neglect can lead to rust, stuck sleeves, and a degraded feel.
Clean your barbell regularly with a stiff brush to remove chalk and dust. For bare steel bars, a light coat of 3-in-1 oil prevents rust. For coated bars, a simple wipe-down with a dry cloth is often enough.
Rotate your bars if you have more than one. Don’t let a specialty bar sit loaded in a rack for weeks. Store them horizontally on a rack, not leaning against a wall, which can cause bending over time.
Check the bolts on your power rack and bench periodically. They can loosen over time with heavy use and vibration. A quick tighten with a wrench every few months keeps everything solid.
FAQ: Common Questions About Bars and Barbells
Q: Where is Bars and Barbells equipment made?
A: Their products are designed in-house and manufactured overseas, following strict quality control protocols to meet high standards for strength athletes.
Q: Do they offer warranties?
A: Yes, they typically offer robust warranties on their barbells and major equipment. This reflects their confidence in the materials and construction. Always check the specific warranty for the item your considering.
Q: Is Bars and Barbells good for beginners?
A: Absolutely. While their gear meets professional specs, beginners benefit from using proper equipment from the start. It develops good habits and is safer than cheap, unstable alternatives.
Q: How does their pricing compare to other brands?
A: They are generally positioned as a premium value brand—higher quality than big-box store gear but often more affordable than other specialty brands with similar features.
Q: What’s the delivery and assembly like?
A: Shipping is usually direct to your door. Larger items like racks come in heavy boxes and require some assembly. Most people with basic tools can manage it, but having a friend help is recommended.
Choosing the right equipment is a crucial part of your fitness journey. By understanding who is Bars and Barbells, you can make an informed decision about whether their products fit your goals. Their focus on core strength training tools offers a clear path to building a effective training space.
Remember, the best equipment is the equipment you use consistently. Quality gear from a trusted source removes excuses and provides a safe platform for progress. Take your time to research, plan your space, and invest in pieces that will support your training for years to come.