The Top 5 Deadlift Bars Reviewed
If you’re working out from home or developing your own home gym, there are few more versatile tools for you to invest in than the deadlift bar. A deadlift bar isn’t just for deadlifts and for working your back and legs. These weights allow you to work out your entire body, and you can even use them for exercises such as squats and bench presses.
As a result of this, it’s always a good idea to invest in a decent deadlift bar. The only issue is that there are a lot of options to choose from. It can be difficult, then, to narrow down what option is going to suit you the best. Thankfully, we’ve got you covered! Read on to find out more about the best deadlift bars. We’ve also written a nifty buyer’s guide to help you to narrow down your decision.
Best Deadlift Bars
1. Yaheetech Olympic 7 Feet Weight Bar
If you’re just getting into deadlift but you don’t have the kind of money to spend on a premium deadlift bar, then why not give the Yaheetech Olympic 7 Feet Weight Bar a try?
This deadlift bar has been rated for up to 300 pounds. Of course, this is a a relatively low amount of weight so it should be noted that this is designed more for people that are just getting into lifting, rather than powerlifters who are looking to get their name into the book of world records. With that being said, this is still a decent amount of weight so it’s ideal for most people.
Of course, there is a downside in that it can be a little more difficult to grip. This is because the bar is thicker, measuring 30mm in diameter as opposed to the standard 27mm you would find with standard deadlift bars. Otherwise, this is a great choice for anyone looking to lift some weights without breaking the bank to do so.
2. XMark Lumberjack Men’s Olympic Bar
The XMark Lumberjack Men’s Olympic Bar is yet another great option for someone that doesn’t want to spend a fortune on a barbell, but they want to be able to lift weights in their spare time to get stronger.
The XMark olympic bar is able to support around 700 lbs worth of weight, so while you won’t be lifting astronomical amounts of weight, this is a pretty sizeable amount that’s perfect for anyone lifting as a hobby. The deadlift bar consists of a manganese phosphate shaft and it has a moderate whip. This means you can do all sorts of lifts with this bar.
The bar features moderate knurling, with marks that are a little bit like powerlifting knurling marks, and the kinds of marks that you would see for weightlifting competitions. Of course, this bar isn’t going to be perfect for every single person. It’s ideal for someone that wants a decent bar on a budget to help build up their home gym. On the other hand, if you’re a serious powerlifter and you’re lifting far more than 700 lbs, then you may want to steer clear of this bar because you’re going to need one that can handle more weight.
3. Valor Fitness OB-DL Deadlift Bar
If you want to be able to lift heavier loads, you need a deadlift bar that’s able to support that. If that sounds like something you need, then you’re in luck with the Valor Fitness OB-DL Deadlift Bar. This barbell is able to hold a whopping load of 1200 pounds.
The bar has a pretty attractive design with a sleek black finish, so you can lift in style! Not only this, but the bar features a deep knurling which means that you can keep a solid grip, even when you’re dripping with sweat after a particularly intense workout.
If you’re looking for a deadlift bar that’s going to stand the test of time, we’re pretty confident this is it. It’s ideal for when you’re getting stronger and stronger and you need equipment that can support that. Of course, it should be noted that this may not be the ideal bar for beginners, but if you aren’t afraid of a little excess weight don’t let that stop you!
4. Okie Deadlift Bar
The Okie Power Bar is a pretty well loved deadlift bar in the weightlifting world, and it has even been used in competitions across the globe. It has an immense weight capacity of 1500 lbs, so it’s perfect if you’re looking to break some records while lifting.
The bar has knurling with very little bite. This means that it will be easy to get a good grip on the bar. It also has a diameter of 28.5 mm, and 15.5 inch sleeves. This means that there is more than enough room to be able to load the plates onto it.
The bar is pretty versatile, and you can use it for a range of different lifts, such as shoulder presses, squats, Olympic lifts and more. Of course, this is the ideal deadlift bar for competitions and training, but because of this it’s understandably a little bit expensive. If you have the money to spend on a top quality deadlift bar, then you should certainly consider investing in this one.
5. CAP 7 Foot Olympic Bars
This Olympic deadlift bar is the ideal choice for anyone who’s on a budget who’s looking to kit out their home gym with high quality equipment. This is by far one of the most affordable deadlift bars out there and it has a lot to offer.
This barbell is a full length option, so it’s ideal for taller folks that are looking to get into lifting or hone in on their skills. It has a 28.5 mm diameter and an attractive finish consisting of black phosalate. The bar has moderate knurling and doesn’t have any center knurling, so if you’re deadlift or doing Olympic lifts it’s perfect for those movements.
The bar consists of cold roller steel and it has a tensile strength of 110000. It’s also rated for up to 1000 lbs so it’s ideal if you’re lifting heavy weights. Of course, you can’t drop it in the same way you would in Crossfit training, so keep that in mind. In addition, while there is knurling on the bar as you may expect, the knurling isn’t exactly great so this is something that you should keep in mind.
Deadlift Bar Buying Guide
Things To Consider
In order to get the best possible deadlift bar for you, there are a couple of things that you need to think about first. Things such as weight, cost and durability are some obvious things to think of, but there are also some things that you may not have considered.
Whip
The whip of a deadlift bar is essentially how much the barbell is going to flex when you are lifting it. For instance, if the bar has a high amount of whip then it’s going to be more flexible when you use it. If you’re using the barbell for a particularly heavy bench press, for example, you’re going to need a fairly low whip otherwise it can feel very overwhelming for you.
Tensile
Tensile is essentially the amount of weight that a bar is able to handle before it starts to break. It’s measured in pounds per square inch of PSI, or it can be measured in thousands of pounds per square inch, or KPI for short. You should be avoiding any barbells providing you with less than 165KPI.
Spin
This essentially relates to how much the part that you hold on the bar is going to turn. Usually a bar will be made out of either bushing or bearings to help spin. Bearings are usually beeter, but there are certain brands that use bushings instead. The amount of spin that you require is going to depend on what movements you are going to be doing with it. For example, if you are moving in such a way that will require you to rotate the bar, then a bar with high spin will be important to protect your wrists.
Knurling
This is basically the grip markings that you see on the bar. If there’s heavy knurling then there will be a lot of grip – on that note, if you get a bar with heavy knurling then watch that you don’t hurt your hands! Knurling is also pretty important so that you know where you need to put your hands during lifts.
Bolt and Snap Rings
Usually the ends of deadlift bars are secured with bolts or snap rings. The bushings and bearings usually work a little better with snap rings, and you also won’t have to righten them either. You tend to find bolts on cheaper options.
Materials
You will find that a lot of deadlift bars consist of bare steel shaft and sleeves, but there are also others that are anodized or painted in order to make them look more attractive. It’s not a smart idea to opt for painted bars as you will find that the paint will flake off. On the other hand anodizing is a lot better because it basically adds on another permanent layer and this bonds to the barbell, and it doesn’t chip or scratch. Anodizing is a pretty long lasting method, and it also increases the amount of resistance against decolorization and corrosion.
Sleeves
Usually deadlift bars will come with revolving sleeves and these are held into position with snap rings or hex bolts. If your bar has revolving sleeves then it means that the weight won’t twist in your hands when you are lifting. This can help you to get a more accurate deadlift and will hurt you less in the process.
Barbell Types
Olympic Barbells
Olympic barbells are pretty large and are needed so that you can perform more complex movements. They usually have a standard weight of around 20KG and don’t tend to be lower than 185KPI. They’re usually around 6 to 7 feet long and have a whippable diameter of 28mm. It’s important to have lots of spin on an Olympic deadlift bar, and the knurling can differ depending on what you go for – it’s still important that it’s light, however.
Powerlifting Deadlift bar
Powerlifting bars are generally what is used for lifts that require lots of weight, such as back squats, bench presses and, you guessed it, deadlifts. These bars usually weigh around 20kg, measure at around 5 to 6 feet long and feature a 28.5-29mm diameter. They usually have a tensile rating of around 190 KPI, which is designed to give you a high yield. There should also be a low whip and minimal spin. You will need a powerlifting bar to have high knurling to give you the best grip.
Multi Purpose Bar
If the Olympic Barbell isn’t your cup of tea, you may wish to invest in a multi purpose barbell. These bars are ideal for people that want to get the best form and built muscle. They usually have a tensile rating of roughly 175 KPI and they usually have a 28.5mm diameter, which means that a decent amount of flex can be supported but you can still powerlift without trouble. You don’t need too much spin and knurling either.
Trap Deadlift Bars
This is something that’s a little bit different than your standard deadlift bar, but if you are looking at primarily doing deadlifts then it’s certainly something that you need to consider.
A trap bar has a hexagonal frame, and you step into it which puts the grips by your side. Essentially this means that you get less pressure on your back when you’re deadlifting but your glutes and legs are still activated. It also means that you can execute a shoulder because your hands are at your side.
In addition to this, the bars usually also have very little whip and they usually don’t have any spin. They will, however, have a noticeable knurling which helps to ensure that you have a decent grip. They tend to have two different heights for grip, one that’s designed for shoulder shrugs and one that’s designed for deadlifts. It’s important that you also get a weight rating that’s high enough to cover you for heavier lifts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I lose weight by lifting a deadlift bar, or is it purely for strength gains?
Weight loss and strength gains are not necessarily exclusive of one another. Working with deadlift bars can actually help you to lose weight and they can help you to get stronger.
This may sound a little nonsensical at first – after all, if you gain muscle, you are theoretically also losing weight, right? As it happens, though, muscle tissue actually burns more calories than fat tissue does, so it’s pretty important to ensure that you’re still trying to do some form of resistance training as you try to lose weight. Resistance training can also help you to tone your physique as you go.
I’m a woman looking to start deadlift – do I need to buy a deadlift bar designed specifically for women?
Usually deadlift bars that are marketed for women actually aren’t necessarily for women – they’re designed more to be used by smaller people. If you’re a taller woman, you’re probably better off with a different kind of bar. With that being said, women’s bars are usually a little lighter, weighing around 33 pounds rather than the standard 45 pounds, and they are around a foot shorter.
If you are struggling to lift the standard barbell because you’re just starting out, for example, it may be worth spending some time with a women’s barbell, and that’s true whether you’re male or female. Men can use women’s deadlift bars too!
How do I deadlift?
To start with, place your feet flat on the floor. Then, bend your knees and grab onto the bar with your hands shoulder width apart. Make sure that you keep your head into a neutral position – just look forwards keeping your eyes fixed onto a specific area on the ground that’s around 2-3m ahead of where your feet are. Make sure that you keep the chin up so your head can stay in the best possible position for lifting the weight.
Make sure you keep your back straight, and lift the bar up by using your legs and pushing your hips forward. It should be a fairly quick lift that works your glutes and legs.Try to drive the weight upwards in as explosive a manner as you are able to muster.
Make sure that your shoulders are positioned a little bit in front of your hands up until the bar goes past the mid thigh level. Then, pull the shoulders back when you’re at the top of the move, then begin to lower the bar back onto the ground. As you do your deadlift, you should make sure that your form is correct throughout in order to avoid getting injured.