The Best Barbells for Your CrossFit Workouts

These barbells are designed to accommodate the wide range of exercises performed during CrossFit workouts. Here's what a personal trainer thinks about the best one for you.

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A generic barbell might not seem like the most intricate piece of workout equipment, especially if you’ve only had the opportunity to work out in conventional gyms where the barbell is used for the bench press, shoulder press, squat and deadlift. However, as with most things, once you dive a little deeper it becomes clear that there is a wide variety of different barbells fabricated for specific purposes such as Olympic weightlifting or powerlifting. The Olympic barbell is the standard barbell used in Olympic weightlifting competitions. It’s seven feet long, weighs 20 kilograms for men and 15 kilograms for women, and is made with high-quality bearings or bushings which provide a smooth spin during explosive lifts like the snatch and clean and jerk. A powerlifting barbell is similar to the Olympic bar in length, but is usually stiffer to handle heavier weights and has more aggressive knurling for a better grip during heavy lifts.

This brings us to the question: With so many different barbells on the market, designed for specific purposes, which one is the best for a sport like CrossFit? CrossFit is a training style made up of constantly varied, high-intensity functional movements that can include both Olympic lifts, conventional power lifts and a wide range of less common movements like the sumo deadlift high pull and thruster. This means you need a high-quality, durable barbell created to take on a wide variety of different movements. In this article, we review some of the best barbells for CrossFit training. We will cover the quality, durability, price point, customer reviews and anything else you need to know to help you make an informed decision when purchasing your next barbell.

Our Picks for the Best Barbells for CrossFit:

• Best Overall Barbell for CrossFit: REP Fitness Gladiator MX Barbell 
• Best CrossFit Barbell for Heavy Lifters: REP Fitness Deep Knurl Power Bar EX
• Best All-Purpose Barbell for CrossFit: REP Sabre Barbell
• Best Heavy Duty CrossFit Barbell: American Barbell Training Bar
• Best Value Barbell for CrossFit: Fringe Sport Wonder Bar V2
• Best Luxury Barbell for CrossFit: Eleiko XF Bar
• Best CrossFit Barbell for Experienced Lifters: Get RXd Stealth Bar

Best Overall Barbell for CrossFit: REP Fitness Gladiator MX Barbell

REP Fitness

Key features:

• Knurling: Medium
• Diameter: 28 millimeters
• Bar length: 86.6 inches
• Bar weight: 20 kilograms (44.1 pounds)
• Finish: Hard chrome
• Warranty: Five-year warranty
• Bushings, bearings, or dual: Needle bearings
Price: $395.99

The REP Fitness Gladiator MX Barbell features a bearing system suited for powerlifting, Olympic weightlifting, and CrossFit-style training. The bearing design provides stability for heavy powerlifting exercises like the squat, bench press and deadlift, and allows plenty of spin for Olympic-style lifts such as the clean and jerk or snatch. This bar is built tough and has a static weight rating of 1,500 pounds and the ribbed sleeves help keep the weight plates in place. Even though you will likely never have that much weight on the bar, a high-tensile strength barbell is extremely durable and should last a lifetime.

It comes with a hard-chrome coating which is rust-resistant but will show wear and tear over time. The medium knurling pattern on the bar is enough for a solid grip on those heavy lifts, but it’s not so deep that it rips up your hands during a higher-rep workout. There is also no center knurl on the bar which is actually beneficial for CrossFit-style training. This is because certain movements such as the clean are caught in the front rack position and the center knurl can rub up on and irritate your chest when performing multiple rep workouts. The Gladiator MX also has IWF (International Weightlifting Federation) knurl markings to help users with hand placement during a workout of the day (WOD).

Overall, the Gladiator MX Barbell from REP Fitness is a high-quality, durable product that’s designed to withstand the rigors of even the most intense CrossFit workouts for many years. These factors, along with the high-value price points of the bars, are why we feel the Gladiator MX Barbell is the best overall CrossFit barbell on the market. As far as maintenance goes, REP advises removing dirt or chalk from the knurling of the bar and keeping the bar dry. The brand also offers a five-year warranty that protects against defects in material or workmanship.

Pros:

• 190 KSI tensile strength which is important for sustaining CrossFit-style training
• Needle bearings have a quick, smooth and quiet turnover
• Rated up to 1,500 pounds

Cons:

• No other finish options available 

Best CrossFit Barbell for Heavy Lifters: REP Fitness Deep Knurl Power Bar EX

REP Fitness

Key features:

• Knurling: Aggressive
• Diameter: 29 millimeters
• Bar length: 87.4 inches
• Bar weight: 20 kilograms (44.1 pounds)
• Finish: Stainless steel
• Warranty: Lifetime
• Bushings, bearings, or dual: Bushings
• Price: $449.99

The REP Fitness Deep Knurl Power Bar was designed with the experienced lifter in mind. This barbell features a stainless-steel finish and aggressive deep knurling for maximum grip during heavy lifts. At $449.99 this barbell is a luxury product that’s intended to help you lift as much weight as possible. While this bar can handle all of the movements typically incorporated into a normal CrossFit workout, the deep knurl and limited spin make it less suited for high-rep Olympic lifting exercises and better for strength training. The bushing system is also more efficient for powerlifting movements which are slower and more strength-focused. If you enjoy CrossFit-style workouts but also want to get stronger by incorporating heavyweight powerlifting into your training, then this is the bar for you.

It’s important to note that this barbell is only available in the 20-kilogram weight and size.

Pros:

• Top-end weight capacity and tensile strength
• Stainless steel barbell
• Lifetime warranty
• Free shipping

Cons:

• Expensive when compared to other CrossFit barbells
• Aggressive knurling may not be suitable for all CrossFit workouts
• More suited to powerlifting than Olympic-style lifts

Best All-Purpose Barbell for CrossFit: REP Sabre Barbell

REP Fitness

Key features:

• Knurling: Medium
• Diameter: 25 millimeters (15 kilogram bar), 28.5 millimeters (20 kilogram bar)
• Bar length: 79.1 inches (15 kilogram bar), 87.4 inches (20 kilogram bar)
• Bar weight: 15 kilograms (33 pounds), 20 kilograms(44.1 pounds)
• Finish: Zinc (15 kilogram bar); zinc or black zinc (20 kilogram bar)
• Warranty: One-year warranty
• Bushings, bearings or dual: Bearings
• Price: 15 kilogram bar with zinc finish ($179.99), 20 kilogram bar with zinc finish ($206.99), 20 kilogram bar with black zinc finish ($259.99)

The REP Sabre Barbell is a solid, hybrid barbell that’s offered at an affordable price point. This multi-purpose bar comes with a zinc finish which helps protect the barbell from corrosion but isn’t quite as durable as hard chrome or stainless steel in regard to day-to-day wear and tear. The medium knurl provides a good grip without tearing up your hands while doing high-intensity CrossFit-style training. A benefit of this bar is the high-performance ball bearing sleeve design which provides smooth sleeve rotation making the REP Sabre barbell a great choice for a hybrid training style like CrossFit. All in all, this multipurpose barbell provides everything you need to hit any style of CrossFit workout at a very affordable price range.

Pros:

• Affordable price point
• High performance ball-bearing sleeves
• Medium depth knurling optimal for high-intensity, high-rep CrossFit workouts

Cons:

• One-year warranty (compared to industry-standard lifetime warranty)
• 150 KSI tensile strength is not as durable as other available barbells

Best Heavy Duty CrossFit Barbell: American Barbell Training Bar

American Barbell

Key features:

• Knurling: Moderate
• Diameter: 25 millimeters (15 kilogram bar), 28 millimeters (20 kilogram bar)
• Bar length: 2.01 meters/ 79.1 inches (15 kilogram bar), 2.2 meters/ 86.6 inches (20 kilogram bar)
• Bar weight: 15 kilograms (33 pounds), 20 kilograms (44.1 pounds)
• Finish: Hard chrome
• Warranty: 10-year warranty
• Bushings, bearings or dual: Bushings
• Price: $360 (15 kilogram bar); $394 (20 kilogram bar)

The American Barbell Training Bar is a solid, versatile barbell that’s perfect for CrossFit-style workouts. The bar shaft is made from precision ground alloy steel with a 190,000 PSI tensile strength and both the shaft and the sleeves are finished with hard chrome for added durability and corrosion resistance. This craftsmanship allows the bar to sustain repeated use over many years while still maintaining optimal long-term performance. Over 100 consumer reviews on the American Barbell website rate this barbell five out of five stars with one consumer writing, “The craftsmanship is outstanding, the knurl marks are perfect, no feathering at the edges, the recessed welds are beautiful and the hard chrome finish is a nice matte finish and holding up well, with no scratches on the sleeves.” This heavy-duty barbell does come with a fairly expensive price tag, but it’s built to last and with proper maintenance will last for many years.

Pros:

• 190 KSI tensile strength
• Composite bushing system
• Corrosion-resistant hard-chrome finish

Cons:

• Expensive barbell
• No stainless steel option available
• Single knurl mark

Best Value Barbell for CrossFit: Fringe Sports Wonder Bar V2

Fringe Sport

Key features:

• Knurling: Smooth knurl depth
• Diameter: 25 millimeters (15 kilogram bar), 28 millimeters (20 kilogram bar)
• Bar length: 79 inches (15 kilogram bar), 86 inches (20 kilogram bar)
• Bar weight: 15 kilograms (33 pounds), 20 kilograms (44.1 pounds)
• Finish: Black zinc
• Warranty: Limited lifetime warranty
• Bushings, bearings or dual: Bushings or bearings option
• Price: $239 (15 kilogram bar with bushings); $279 (15 kilogram bar with bearings); $269 (20 kilogram bar with bushings); $289 (20 kilogram bar with bearings)

The Fringe Sports Wonder Bar V2 is our choice for the best value CrossFit barbell on the market. You just can’t beat the quality of this barbell at the price point it is on sale for. This barbell is unique in that it’s offered in both a bushing or bearing format. For CrossFit-style workouts, we would recommend spending the extra money and purchasing the bearings, which provide a smoother rotation for explosive Olympic lifts. The barbell is made from plated alloy steel, has a 1,600-pound weight capacity, and includes a black zinc finish on the sleeves and bar. This does give the bar a very sleek look and helps protect the barbell from corrosion; however, black zinc finishes are known to scuff relatively easily when used often. Although I haven’t had the opportunity to test this bar myself, Fringe claims the knurling is “neither cheese grater nor too soft,” which leads me to believe it is a standard knurl depth that's great for high-rep CrossFit workouts. Fringe Sports also offers a full-year money-back satisfaction guarantee that gives you an entire 365 days to test out this barbell and determine if it meets your needs. This shows how confident Fringe is that you will love this barbell, and at this price point it’s hard to find a reason not to.

Pros:

• Phenomenal price for a bar with these specs
• 205 KSI tensile strength
• Choice of bushing or bearing system based on your training style
• Full-year satisfaction guarantee with free returns

Cons:

• Black zinc is the only finish available

Best Luxury Barbell for CrossFit: Eleiko XF Bar

Eleiko

Key features:

• Knurling: Mild
• Diameter: 25 millimeters (15 kilogram bar), 28 millimeters (20 kilogram bar)
• Bar length: 2.01 meters/79.1 inches (15 kilogram bar), 2.2 meters/86.6 inches (20 kilogram bar)
• Bar weight: 33 pounds (15 kilograms), 44.1 pounds (20 kilograms)
• Finish: Chrome
• Warranty: 12-year warranty
• Bushings, bearings or dual: Dual bearings and bushings system
• Price: $727 regardless of the 15 or 20-kilogram bar

The Eleiko XF bar is the most expensive barbell on our list, but also one of the highest-quality multipurpose strength and endurance training bars that are available. Already well known for its powerlifting barbells, Eleiko designed the XF bar specifically for functional fitness training like CrossFit. The bar features both needle bearings and bronze bushings to ensure optimal spin for fast explosive Olympic movements without compromising performance on heavy power lifts. The moderate knurling provides users with a solid group that gives full control while still remaining comfortable for higher volume training sessions. The barbell has a 215,000 PSI tensile strength as well as a corrosion-resistant chrome finish which delivers users unmatched durability. Despite all of the features and accolades this bar has received, it’s definitely hard to ignore the price. This is why this barbell is definitely a luxury purchase for individuals who are looking for the best CrossFit equipment available.

Pros:

• Made from Swedish steel
• Corrosion-resistant chrome finish
• 215 KSI tensile strength
• Dual knurl marks

Cons:

• $700+ price point
• 12-year warranty (compared to industry standard lifetime warranty)

Best CrossFit Barbell for Experienced Lifters: Get RXd Stealth Bar

Get RXd

Key features:

• Knurling: Aggressive
• Diameter: 25 millimeters (15 kilogram bar), 28 millimeters (20 kilogram bar)
• Bar length: 2.01 meters/ 79.1 inches (15 kilogram bar); 2.2 meters/ 86.6 inches (20 kilogram bar)
• Bar weight:  33 pounds (15 kilograms); (44.1 pounds) 20 kilograms
• Finish: Hard chrome or black zinc
• Warranty: Lifetime warranty
• Bushings, bearings or dual: Dual bearings and bushings system
• Price: $250 (15 kilogram bar with hard chrome finish); $265 (20 kilogram bar with black zinc finish); $270 (20 kilogram bar with hard chrome finish)

The Stealth Bar is Get RXd’s premier Olympic weightlifting bar, making it an excellent option for CrossFit-style training. The barbell has some impressive features including two oil-impregnated bushings and eight oversized needle bearings, making the spin on the Stealth Bar impeccable. The bar is also rated at 216,000 PSI tensile strength making it the most durable steel barbell on our list. Pair that with a hard-chrome finish and you have a barbell that should last a lifetime. Get RXd does also offer a black zinc finish on its 20-kilogram barbell; however, unless you need the black zinc to match your home gym's aesthetic, I would have to recommend upgrading to the hard chrome finish, especially when it’s only a five dollar difference in price. In regards to the performance, the Stealth Barbell has an aggressive knurling that’s consistent throughout the entirety of the barbell. This makes this bar a great choice for individuals who favor a wide grip towards the sleeves of the bar when performing the snatch. While the knurling is more aggressive than some of the other bars on our list, it’s not too sharp that it will cut up your hands but you may prefer a different barbell when performing high barbell cycling training. There is also no center knurling on the bar so that’s definitely a positive when performing high-volume workouts. This is one of the best value barbells on our list and is a fantastic option for beginners as well as experienced lifters looking for a high-quality barbell.

Pros:

• 216 KSI tensile strength
• Oil-impregnated self-lubricating bushings
• High value barbell at this price point
• Dual knurl marks

Cons:

• Aggressive knurling may not be suitable for all CrossFit workouts

How to Choose the Best CrossFit Barbell for You

Here are a few things to consider when looking to purchase a barbell for CrossFit.

Barbell use

When you’re choosing the best CrossFit barbell to meet your needs, you should start by thinking about the capacity in which the barbell is going to be used. In my opinion, the most important consideration is whether it’s primarily going to be used in a home gym by one or two people, or at a CrossFit affiliate where it will be used multiple times a day by many different people. If the barbell is intended for an affiliate then high-quality, multi-functional durable barbells are a priority because that barbell is going to take a beating, even under the best of circumstances. However, if you plan on purchasing a barbell for your garage gym then you should select a barbell to meet your specific needs. For example, if you plan on working on your Oly lifts at home then a durable barbell with spin is a must. On the other hand, if you want to focus on accessory strength work and will be doing power lifts like the bench press, squat and deadlift then a stiffer barbell with more aggressive knurling may suit your needs better.

Durability

The CrossFit training methodology necessitates high-durability barbells because athletes will be attempting to move through workouts as quickly as possible. This means that barbells are being dropped to the floor from the waist, front-rack or overhead positions frequently during training. Due to the space necessary to perform CrossFit-style workouts, barbells are often left in non-climate-controlled locations such as a home garage or warehouse-style gym. These factors mean that you need a durable barbell with high tensile strength (180,000 psi minimum) and a high-quality coating to minimize the wear and tear of daily use. Stainless steel bars are the highest quality and will last the longest, but other less expensive finishes like hard chrome, zinc and cerakote will also increase durability.

Knurling

CrossFit barbells should have enough grip so that the bar doesn’t easily slip from your hands during barbell cycling, but it also shouldn’t destroy your hands either. Most barbells designed for CrossFit use a medium knurling which assists grip without tearing into your skin. There are certain instances, such as a one-rep max deadlift, in which you might want a more “aggressive” or deeper knurling to optimize your grip. However, for the majority of workouts, standard or moderate knurling provides all the functionality you will need.

Bushings and bearings

Bearings are typically the way to go for CrossFit barbells. This is because bearings are typically made of high-quality steel and provide a much smoother and more precise spin than bushings. This makes bearings more suitable for Olympic weightlifting, where a smoother rotation can make a significant difference in performance. Bushings are typically made of low-friction material, such as bronze or plastic. They still provide a moderate level of spin and are suitable for most types of general fitness, but may not be ideal for individuals looking to max out their Olympic lifts. Since CrossFit workouts often incorporate Olympic lifts, and often for a high number of reps, we feel that spending the extra money for a bearings system is more than worth it.

Price

A high-quality durable CrossFit barbell is priced anywhere from $250 to $350. The price difference is usually based on the quality of the steel, the finish on the barbell, and whether they incorporate bearings, bushings or a hybrid system. Stainless steel is the most durable type of steel and requires the least maintenance but is also the most expensive. Alloy steel is a great secondary option as long as the barbell also comes with a solid protective finish such as cerakote or chrome. Aside from stainless steel, cerakote is the most durable long-lasting finish followed by an electrically applied paint called e-coat, then hard chrome, zinc and finally black oxide. 

Bar length and weight

The standard barbell size is 7'2" in length for a 20-kilogram bar and 6'5" in length for a 15-kilogram bar. Standard CrossFit bars weigh 20 kilograms for men and 15 kilograms for women. This equates to about 44 and 33 pounds respectively. Women’s barbells are smaller in diameter to accommodate the smaller hand sizes and still allow for a full grip on the barbell.

Warranty

Almost all companies offer some form of warranty on their barbells, with some being better than others. Certain companies even offer a lifetime warranty which is a great option for CrossFit affiliate owners who are purchasing barbells for their classes. It’s important to note that most of these warranties protect against manufacturer's defects and problems you may encounter outside of normal wear and tear due to use.

Price

The cost of a barbell can range from a few hundred up to a thousand dollars. It’s important to find a balance between quality and affordability, especially for a CrossFit barbell that’s intended for daily use. A price point to aim for when purchasing a high-quality barbell is usually between $250 to $350.

How We Chose the Best Barbells for CrossFit

We chose our list of the best barbells for CrossFit by taking into account all of the factors we listed above. We reviewed the quality of the materials, the durability of the barbell which includes the tensile strength and finish, as well as the type of knurling, price point, consumer reviews and whether the company includes a warranty on their products. Our list of barbells has all great options to help you crush your next WOD.

Benefits of CrossFit Barbells

A CrossFit barbell’s true benefit lies in its versatility. CrossFit workouts involve a variety of different barbell exercises from Olympic weightlifting, powerlifting and functional training, and a CrossFit barbell is designed to accommodate all of these movements. In addition, CrossFit barbells are typically made with high-quality materials and construction created to withstand the rigors of CrossFit-style training, such as dropping the bar repeatedly throughout a workout. These barbells are less likely to bend, warp or break during heavy lifts and drops.

How to Use a CrossFit Barbell

Using a CrossFit barbell is similar to using any other type of barbell. You load the weight plates on each end of the bar, secure the weight to the bar with clips and proceed to perform your lifts. CrossFit barbells also include knurling, small diamond-shaped ridges on the bar, that not only help athletes maintain a secure grip on the bar but also show them where to place their hands for specific lifts.

The Difference Between Olympic Lifting and CrossFit Lifting

Olympic weightlifting is a sport that focuses specifically on two lifts: the snatch and the clean and jerk. The goal of Olympic weightlifting is to lift as much weight as possible in these two lifts. CrossFit-style workouts include these two barbell movements in some of their workouts but, aside from the elite games athletes, individuals are less focused on maxing out these lifts. Instead, they perform these movements along with many others for higher reps and lighter weights.

Other Accessories You Need for a Home CrossFit Gym

There are countless other accessories you can purchase in order to build a full home CrossFit gym. However, in the context of exercises you can perform with a barbell, there are certain accessories you may want to purchase first. It may seem obvious but the first thing you need for your barbell is weights. Typically bumper plates are used for CrossFit-style training instead of steel plates so that they can be dropped during workouts. In addition to weights, it’s also helpful to purchase collars or clips that will secure the weight onto the bar during exercise. From there, if you purchase a rack and a bench then you are in a really great spot. This equipment will allow you to perform every CrossFit barbell movement in the comfort of your own home or garage CrossFit gym.

Barbells for CrossFit FAQs

What makes a barbell good for CrossFit?

A barbell that is good for CrossFit should be versatile and durable and have specific features that make it suitable for the demands of CrossFit training. These features include moderate knurling to provide a solid grip on the bar, bearings or bushings so that the barbell spins smoothly and a high-quality finish that will help preserve the integrity of the bar.

What type of material is best for a CrossFit barbell?

Stainless steel is best for a CrossFit barbell. This type of steel contains chromium, which makes it resistant to rust and corrosion and improves durability. Stainless steel barbells are more expensive than regular steel, but they are also more durable and require less maintenance. Stainless steel is a great choice for athletes who live in humid environments and plan to use their barbells in outdoor settings.

What type of knurling is best on CrossFit barbells?

A moderate or standard knurling is advised for CrossFit-style training. The knurling should be deep enough to provide a good grip, but not so aggressive that it causes discomfort or pain, especially when cycling a barbell.

Should CrossFit barbells have bushings or bearings?

High-quality bearings are more suitable for CrossFit-style training because this training methodology includes the Olympic lifts. It is essential to have a smooth rotation of the weight plates in order to perform these movements safely and effectively.

What’s the difference between an Olympic bar and a CrossFit bar?

An Olympic bar and a CrossFit bar are fairly similar. However, Olympic bars are generally more expensive and have a smoother spin, more aggressive knurling and higher “whip” on the bar. These features are ideal for Olympic weightlifters performing heavy and dynamic lifts like the snatch and clean and jerk. CrossFit bars are intended for a more versatile range of movements and are generally more durable with moderate knurling and slightly less spin and whip to help athletes maintain better control during non-Olympic lifts like the squat, deadlift and bench press.

Final Thoughts

If you are actively pursuing CrossFit, then I would definitely say it's worth it to buy a versatile and durable barbell that will enhance your training. Having the right equipment, especially when it comes to lifting heavy weights is essential for both performance and safety. The barbell in particular is one of the few pieces of gym equipment that will drastically change your performance based on its quality. In my opinion, it’s best to look at purchasing a high-quality barbell as an investment, that in most cases will last a lifetime.

Prices are accurate and items in stock as of publish time.