How to choose a Barbell for Olympic Weightlifting
If you are serious about weightlifting, then investing in an Olympic weightlifting barbell is a smart choice. While commercial gym barbells may be cheaper, they are simply not designed to handle the demands of Olympic weightlifting. In this article, we will discuss the reasons why you should buy an Olympic weightlifting barbell.
Designed to be loaded heavy and dropped
One of the primary reasons to buy an Olympic weightlifting barbell is that it is designed to handle heavy loads and can be dropped without causing damage. In weightlifting, athletes frequently lift weights overhead for your snatch and clean and jerk. As a result, they often need to drop the barbell after completing a lift to avoid injury. Commercial gym barbells and powerlifting barbells, on the other hand, are designed for low-impact use and are not meant to be dropped from a significant height. This means that if you try to use a commercial gym barbell for Olympic weightlifting, you run the risk of damaging the bar or injuring yourself.
Smooth spinning bearings, Prevent Injuries
Another advantage of Olympic weightlifting barbells is that they have smooth spinning bearings. These bearings help to reduce friction and allow the bar to spin more smoothly during lifts, such as the snatch and the clean and jerk. Poor bearings can cause the bar to stick, which can be dangerous and potentially injure your wrist when receiving a lift overhead.
Versatile
Olympic weightlifting barbells are not only designed for weightlifting, but they are also versatile enough to be used for other types of training such as powerlifting, CrossFit, and general strength training. This is because they are of a standard size, length, and weight and can accommodate a wide range of plates. This means that you can use your Olympic weightlifting barbell for various exercises such as deadlifts, squats, bench presses, and overhead presses.
High-Quality Steel, whip
Another advantage of Olympic weightlifting barbells is that they are made of high-quality steel with more elasticity than the steel used in commercial gym barbells. This elasticity helps to transfer the momentum generated by your body into the bar more smoothly, resulting in a more efficient lift. This is why many athletes report that competition barbells feel lighter than their training bars. The increased elasticity in Olympic weightlifting barbells also helps to reduce the stress on your joints and muscles, making it easier to lift heavier weights and reducing the risk of injury.
If you're considering purchasing an Olympic weightlifting barbell, there are a few things you should keep in mind to ensure that you're getting the best value for your money.
Price
Price is a significant factor to consider when purchasing an Olympic weightlifting barbell. While commercial gym barbells can cost as little as $50, a high-quality Olympic weightlifting barbell typically costs between $300 to $600. The higher price tag reflects the higher quality steel used in manufacturing, as well as the attention to detail required to make a barbell that can withstand heavy loads and drops.
Brand
Brand also plays a role in the price of Olympic weightlifting barbells. Different brands compete with each other, spending a lot of money on marketing and branding. While popular brands may offer a higher quality bar, it is also true that you may end up paying more for a bar with a more recognizable brand name. Therefore, it's essential to weigh the pros and cons of purchasing a barbell from a well-known brand versus a lesser-known one.
Quality
Quality is perhaps the most critical factor to consider when purchasing an Olympic weightlifting barbell. To understand the quality of the bar, it helps to have experience with many different barbells. Coaches and athletes who have been in the sport for years, like Coach Ma with his 40 years of weightlifting experience, have used a range of barbells from all over the world. They can tell you which bars are worth the investment and which ones to avoid. Therefore, it's important to do your research and seek out advice from experienced weightlifters before making a purchase.
