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The Ultimate Guide to Olympic Barbells: Choosing the Right One for Your Fitness Journey

When it comes to strength training and Olympic lifting, having the right barbell is crucial. Olympic barbells are specifically designed to withstand heavy loads and provide optimal performance during various exercises. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore their features, variations, and which one might be the perfect fit for your training needs.

So you come to our website, you see a huge range of different barbells. You can see that we have men’s, women’s, specialised, beginner’s  and cerakote barbells. Let’s say you want a 20kg barbell, so you go to the men’s category, but you get lost in all the specifications. Don’t worry, we’re here to help you. After reading this blog you will know all the differences. Now, let’s dive into the different types of Olympic barbells and their specifications.

Yasmin Zammit Stevens at FIBO 23 performing a clean jerk with KingsBox equipment

Different use, different types of barbell

  • Powerlifting Barbells:

If you prioritize heavy lifting and strength-focused workouts, Kingsbox powerlifting barbells are ideal. With a more rigid construction and higher weight capacity, they provide stability and support for intense powerlifting movements like squats, deadlifts, and bench presses. They are made from more rigid steel, the Knurl Marks are spaced closer together and the diameter is wider.

  • Weightlifting Barbells:

KingsBox weightlifting barbells are specifically designed for Olympic weightlifting movements, such as the snatch and clean and jerk. They feature more whip and spin to facilitate explosive lifts, allowing for better performance and technique. The steel is more elastic; this way the bar can bend more and have a better “Whip” to it.

  • Hybrid Barbells:

Are suitable for a wide range of strength training exercises. They blend the characteristics of both powerlifting and weightlifting barbells, offering a balanced design that caters to multiple fitness goals. They have dual marks, the weightlifting and powerlifting marks.

  • Beginner Barbells:

For those who are new to weightlifting or strength training, Kingsbox offers beginner barbells with a lighter weight and more forgiving specifications. These barbells provide a comfortable grip and are designed to help users develop proper form and technique.

  • Specialized Barbells:

Kingsbox specialized barbells cater to specific training needs. Whether you’re focused on training for CrossFit, Strongman competitions, or other specialized disciplines, these barbells offer unique features and specifications tailored to your requirements.

Coating Types

We offer a variety of coatings for the barbells, each with its own unique characteristics. Let’s explore some of the most common coating options:

  • Black Zinc: Provides corrosion resistance and durability. Quite good protection but quickly lose its shine.
  • Hard Chrome: Offers a smooth, hardened surface with excellent corrosion resistance.
  • Cerakote: Known for its exceptional durability, scratch resistance, and vibrant color options.
  • Titanium: Lightweight and incredibly durable, suitable for high-performance lifting.
  • Powder Coating: Provides a textured finish for enhanced grip and durability.
  • Cataforesis: A corrosion-resistant coating that ensures long-lasting protection
Cerakote barbells coating

Knurling and Knurl Marks

Knurling refers to the textured pattern on the barbell’s grip area. Kingsbox offers different types of knurling to suit various preferences:

  • Fine Knurling: Provides a less aggressive grip, suitable for those who prefer a smoother feel during lifts.
  • Medium Knurling: Strikes a balance between grip and comfort, offering moderate aggression for most lifters.
  • Aggressive Knurling: Delivers maximum grip for advanced lifters and those who prefer a more secure hold.
Different types of knurling: no knurling, medium, aggresive and fine knurling

Additionally, some Kingsbox barbells feature central knurling, which provides extra grip during movements that involve resting the barbell on the body, such as squats. The Hybrid Bars come without central knurling. That is because the hybrids are designed for functional and cross-training where high repetition sets of exercises are the norm. Athletes doing high reps could hurt their knees or sheens if there was a central knurling.

Tensile Strength

Tensile strength refers to the maximum amount of weight a barbell can withstand before it permanently bends or breaks. The tensile strength test is a process that tests how much pressure it takes for a barbell to deform permanently. It is measured in Pounds per Square Inch (PSI).

Testing a Kings bar II. olympic barbell and its tensile strength (drop test)

Kingsbox barbells come in different tensile strength ratings, allowing you to choose the appropriate level of durability for your training intensity.

Good quality barbells start at 165.000 PSI. When the PSI goes above 190.000 we start talking about supreme-quality barbells. The rule is: the higher the PSI, the higher the price.

180.000 PSI: QUEENS BAR OLYMPIC BARBELL (217,31€)

190.000 PSI: KINGS BAR II. OLYMPIC BARBELL (242,78€)

195.000 PSI: THE C BAR – WOMEN’S OL BARBELL (298,9€)

205.000 PSI: GOLD BAR (336,72€)

215.000 PSI: ROYAL WL BAR II. (771,65€)

Choosing the Right Barbell for You

Now that we’ve explored the different types, coatings, knurling, and tensile strength, let’s recommend five Kingsbox barbells suitable for various fitness goals:

This is a hybrid barbell for all types of training. Whether you plan on weightlifting or powerlifting, this barbell will serve its purpose. It is made from high quality steel and coated in durable hard chrome. You can get it at a very affordable price.

If you prefer weightlifting and you’re looking for a special and excellent barbell, this is the one for you. It is made from the highest quality steel for the most demanding athletes. That’s why it’s a little more expensive.

Of course we need to highlight the best powerlifting barbell too. It is perfect for performing squats, bench press and dead lifts, where knurl marks ensures a good grip. The central part is coated in black zinc while the sleeves are chromed. The bar also has central knurling.

Again, if you’re looking for a good hybrid barbell at an affordable price, but you’re also a visual person and matching outfits with your barbell means a lot to you, cerakote bars are for you. In addition to the Europe bar, you can also find a Kings or Queens bar.

It would be a sin not to mention and recommend this one. It is the top selling barbell. Why is it a bestseller? For a very reasonable price you can get a good quality hybrid barbell. It has four needle bearings that ensure smooth and uninterrupted rotation. It is made of steel with high flexibility and durability (190,000 PSI) and is covered with a hard-chrome coating that protects against external factors.

Conclusion

Selecting the right Olympic barbell is essential for maximizing your strength training and weightlifting endeavors. Consider your specific needs, experience level, and training style when choosing a Kingsbox barbell, and elevate your performance to new heights.

Note: Make sure to explore the complete selection of Kingsbox barbells on our website. If you still don’t know what to buy, you are welcome to contact our team directly for personalized advice on selecting the perfect barbell for your specific requirements: info@kingsbox.com

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The Ultimate Guide to Olympic Barbells: Choosing the Right One for Your Fitness Journey
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Olympic barbells are specifically designed to withstand heavy loads and provide optimal performance during various exercises. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore their features, variations, and which one might be the perfect fit for your training needs.
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