The Best Powerlifting Barbells for Strength Training

Whether you’re a beginner or experienced lifter, a powerlifting barbell is a great home gym addition that offers maximum benefits while taking up minimal space.

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A host of health benefits are associated with strength training, including improved heart health, reduced risk of injury and lower levels of anxiety. For those who enjoy strength training for these many health benefits, investing in a high-quality powerlifting barbell is a worthwhile investment. A powerlifting bar can be used for three popular weightlifting exercises: squats, deadlifts and bench presses. These barbells generally have a stiffer and more rigid design to accommodate precision lifts that are slow and steady, and are often thicker or longer to hold heavy weight.

If you’re looking for the top powerlifting barbells that can withstand maximum loads, slide weight plates on and off easily and have high-quality knurling, you’ve come to the right place. Whether your goal is to find the perfect deadlift bar or you’re just starting your weightlifting journey and need a little help figuring out which squat bar is beginner-friendly, our best barbell for powerlifting guide has the answers; plus, we’ll even highlight different equipment for different needs and budgets.

Our Picks for the Best Powerlifting Barbell:

• Best Powerlifting Barbell Overall: REP Deep Knurl Stainless Steel Power Bar EX
• Best Powerlifting Barbell for Squatting and Deadlifting: Fringe 20KG Stiff Power Barbell
• Best Powerlifting Barbell for Beginners: REP Stainless Steel Power Bar
• Best Multi-Purpose Powerlifting Barbell: Force USA Pro Series Barbell
• Best Powerlifting Barbell for Experienced Lifters: Titan Fitness Midway Olympic Power Bar
• Best High-End Powerlifting Barbell: American Barbell Elite Power Bar
• Best Budget Powerlifting Barbell: Rogue Ohio Power Bar

Best Powerlifting Barbell Overall: REP Deep Knurl Stainless Steel Power Bar EX

REP Fitness

Key Features:

• Price: $449.99
• Finish: None (stainless steel barbell)
• Knurling: Aggressive
• Tensile strength: 200,000 pounds per square inch
• F-scale rating: N/A
• Bar length: 87.4 inches
• Bar weight: 44.1 pounds
• Bar diameter: 29 millimeters
• Warranty: Limited lifetime warranty

Our top pick for the best powerlifting barbell overall is the REP Deep Knurl Stainless Steel Power Bar EX. This smooth-sleeved bar from REP Fitness, a leading strength training brand, is made out of durable stainless steel with a 200,000 pounds-per-square-inch tensile strength rating. It has a center knurl and International Powerlifting Federation (IPF) markings (which show you where the widest grip is), and while its knurling is aggressive, it has a much finer knurling than similar bars—making this bar a more comfortable option. Very deep knurling, for example, can potentially cut into or hurt your hands. With its mid-level price tag of just under $450, we love this power bar not just for its tolerance, but for its affordability.

Like most traditional powerlifting barbells, REP Deep Knurl Stainless Steel Power Bar EX has a 29-millimeter shaft diameter that will be comfortable to hold in most hands, bushing sleeves and a longer loadable sleeve length of 16.9 inches. Not only is the shaft of this powerlifting bar stainless steel, but so are the sleeves, which isn’t a common find. Not only does the stainless steel finish increase durability and longevity, but it also provides rust resistance, since it's a higher grade material than zinc or chrome. Another great feature of this bar is its limited lifetime warranty, which adds security to your purchase.

Pros:

• Stainless steel shaft and sleeves
• Longer sleeve length of 16.9 inches
• Comfortable aggressive yet fine knurling
• IPF knurl markings show even hand placement

Cons:

• Some people may prefer textured sleeves

Best Powerlifting Barbell for Squatting and Deadlifting: Fringe 20KG Stiff Power Barbell

Fringe

Key Features:

• Price: $415
• Finish: Chrome
• Knurling: Aggressive
• Tensile strength: 216,200 pounds per square inch
• F-scale rating: N/A
• Bar length: 86.6 inches
• Bar weight: 44 pounds
• Bar diameter: 29 millimeters
• Warranty: Lifetime warranty

Lifters who love to do squats and deadlifts in particular can benefit from adding Fringe 20KG Stiff Power Barbell to their home gym equipment collection. This matte chrome finish power bar has a high corrosion resistance (meaning it’s designed to last through years of tough workouts) and bronze bushings that encourage even rotation. To help you reach your weightlifting goals, it also has a longer 16.3-inch loadable sleeve length. With an impressive 2,200-pound weight capacity, this powerlifting bar is suitable for even the heaviest lifts, making it a great choice for slower lifts like deadlifts and squats that require precision. Its 216,200 pounds-per-square-inch tensile strength also helps keep this bar whip- or flex-free for stiff lifts; a barbell whip is also an attractive feature of Olympic weightlifting bars.

With aggressive knurling, Fringe 20KG Stiff Power Barbell features a deep center knurl and deep IPF knurling to help you find proper hand placement. While the knurling is certainly deep, it isn’t sharp (and you can see that the points have been very gently blunted), so you can comfortably lift this power bar without putting too much pressure or pain onto your hands. It also has deep grooved sleeves that help keep your heavy weight plates secure.

Pros:

• High weight capacity of 2,200 pounds
• Grooved sleeves can help prevent weight sliding
• Matte chrome finish with high corrosion resistance
• Sleek look and design

Cons:

• Chrome is more prone to oxidizing than other finishes

Best Powerlifting Barbell for Beginners: REP Stainless Steel Power Bar

REP Fitness

Key Features:

• Price: $429
• Finish: None (stainless steel bar)
• Knurling: Medium
• Tensile strength: 200,000 pounds per square inch
• F-scale rating: N/A
• Bar length: 87.4 inches
• Bar weight: 44.1 pounds
• Bar diameter: 29 millimeters
• Warranty: Limited lifetime warranty

If you’re new to weightlifting or just getting started on your fitness journey, one of the best powerlifting barbells for beginners is REP Stainless Steel Power Bar. With its medium knurl and smooth sleeves, it's ideal for learning proper grip, technique and form without running the risk of tearing your hands up. After all, experienced lifters will do better with more aggressive knurling since their hands have gotten used to heavy lifts or have become calloused with time. This stainless steel power bar–which has high corrosion resistance–also comes with a center knurl and IPF knurl markings to help beginner lifters get a sense of correct hand placement.

Although this power bar is beginner-friendly, it’s just as formidable as other bars on our list. The heavy-duty REP Stainless Steel Power Bar has a high tensile strength rating of 200,000 pounds per square inch, a long loadable sleeve length of 16.9 inches to stack weight plates onto and a 1,500-pound static rating. Plus, its smooth rather than grooved sleeves allow for much quieter workouts. (Grooved sleeves tend to make zipping noises that some lifters find distracting or annoying.)

Pros:

• Groove-free sleeves create quiet lifts
• Medium knurling is beginner-friendly
• Stainless steel has high corrosion resistance
• Smooth and even rotation system

Cons:

• Knurling isn’t deep enough for advanced lifters

Best Multi-Purpose Powerlifting Barbell: Force USA Pro Series Barbell Bar

Force USA

Key Features:

• Price: $369.99
• Finish: Black and bright zinc
• Knurling: Medium
• Tensile strength: 190,000 pounds per square inch
• F-scale rating: N/A
• Bar length: 86.6 inches
• Bar weight: 44.09 pounds
• Bar diameter: 28.5 millimeters
• Warranty: Limited lifetime warranty

As the name says, Force USA Pro Series Barbell Bar is a pro-level powerlifting barbell that’s versatile and effective for a variety of lifts. Unlike the barbells we’ve already covered, this bar doesn’t have a center knurl, which allows lifters to do more dynamic movements. It also comes with grippy medium knurling that’s effective for lifts that require precision grips and many CrossFit movements. Plus, the medium knurling makes this power bar another great option for new lifters that are just learning the ropes of how to properly do squat, deadlift and bench press exercises.

With its black zinc shaft coating and bright zinc sleeve coating, Force USA Pro Series Barbell Bar has a smooth, shiny finish that looks high-end, but comes in at an affordable price point of just under $370. It also has a high 190,000 PSI tensile strength, durable bronze bushings and dual knurl marks for both Olympic and powerlifting proper hand positioning and alignment. 

Pros:

• Can be used for both Olympic and power lifts
• High-end look at an affordable price point
• No center knurl allows for more dynamic movements
• Medium knurling is beginner-friendly

Cons:

• Serious lifters may prefer aggressive knurling
• Slightly smaller-than-average grip diameter

Best Powerlifting Barbell for Experienced Lifters: Titan Fitness Midway Olympic Power Bar

Titan Fitness

Key Features:

• Price: $159.99
• Finish: Chrome
• Knurling: Medium
• Tensile strength: 165,000 pounds per square inch
• F-scale rating: N/A
• Bar length: 86 inches
• Bar weight: 45 pounds
• Bar diameter: 30 millimeters
• Warranty: One-year warranty

If you’re an experienced lifter, you probably know first-hand how important it is to have a grippy power bar with a durable finish and high weight capacity. For a powerlifting bar that meets these needs–and has an extremely affordable price point–Titan Fitness Midway Olympic Power Bar is your best bet. Coming in at just under $160, this budget power bar has a medium knurl and dual knurl marks for both Olympic and power lifts. It also has smooth chrome sleeves and a sleek chrome shaft that make it equally durable and versatile for indoor and outdoor workouts.

With a slightly larger shaft diameter of 30 millimeters that fits Olympic-sized weight plates, this Olympic barbell is an excellent choice for serious lifters who demand heavy weights. It’s also a good option for individuals with larger hands who require more grip room on their bars. As a stiff and whip-free bar, Titan Fitness Midway Olympic Power Bar is perfect for slow and steady lifts. The one-year warranty could be better, but it’s hard to beat the price point, and it leaves you extra funds to invest in additional strength training equipment like a good power rack.

Pros:

• Budget-friendly price point
• Can be used indoors or outdoors
• Dual knurl marks for Olympic and power lifts
• Grippy diamond-textured knurling

Cons:

• Shorter loadable sleeve length of 15.25 inches
• Lower tensile strength rating than other bars

Best High-End Powerlifting Barbell: American Barbell Elite Power Bar

American Barbell

Key Features:

• Price: $570
• Finish: Hard chrome
• Knurling: Medium
• Tensile strength: 190,000 pounds per square inch
• F-scale rating: N/A
• Bar length: N/A
• Bar weight: 44.09 pounds
• Bar diameter: 29 millimeters
• Warranty: Limited lifetime warranty

For the ultimate splurge, look no further than American Barbell Elite Power Bar. Our best high-end powerlifting barbell costs just around $100 more than some other higher-end barbells on our list, but nets you a truly gorgeous piece of strength training equipment. With its hard chrome sleeve finish and precision-grade stainless steel shaft, this power bar not only looks sleek, but can withstand years of tough workouts, thanks to the high durability of stainless steel. While stainless steel and chrome finishes cost more (and are reflected in the higher price of this bar), you can feel confident in your purchase and know that your power bar is designed to last.

American Barbell Elite Power Bar has a high tensile strength of 190,000 pounds per square inch, grippy medium knurling and a center knurl plus powerlifting knurl marks. It’s also very stiff with virtually no flex, making it a great bar for the precision lifts that deadlifts, squats and bench presses require. In addition, this powerlifting bar is made in the U.S. and comes with a limited lifetime warranty. It also has an impressive 4.9/5-star rating from verified reviews from satisfied customers.

Pros:

• American-made
• Uses precision-grade stainless steel
• Beautiful hard chrome sleeve finish
• Includes a center knurl and knurl marks

Cons:

• Higher price point
• Knurling may not be aggressive enough for some

Best Budget Powerlifting Barbell: Rogue Ohio Power Bar

Rogue Fitness

Key Features:

• Price: $290 to $415
• Finish: Bare steel, black zinc, E-coat or stainless steel
• Knurling: Aggressive
• Tensile strength: 200,000 to 205,000 pounds per square inch
• F-scale rating: F2 to F8-R
• Bar length: 86.52 inches
• Bar weight: 45 pounds
• Bar diameter: 29 millimeters
• Warranty: Lifetime warranty

The Rogue Ohio Power Bar is often considered to be the holy grail of all powerlifting barbells, in addition to being our top pick for lifters on a budget. This revered power bar is a fan-favorite amongst the powerlifting community because of its ultra-high tensile strength of 200,000 pounds per square inch or more and five finish options which include bare steel, black zinc, E-coat (an electrically-applied paint) and two types of stainless steel (one is standard and the other has a matte black coating). Depending on the type of finish you choose, your price will vary, but the most cost-effective is bare steel at $290; the most expensive, on the other hand, is traditional stainless steel at $415.

All variations of the Rogue Ohio Power Bar come with aggressive knurling, a center knurl and bushing sleeves. They also have a longer loadable sleeve length of 16.25 inches. These bars are extremely rigid and have almost no whip or flex, making them great for precision lifting. While the knurling is definitely very aggressive with a deep, coarse pattern, it’s slightly blunted to keep it from being sharp or aggressive. Therefore, the Rogue Ohio Power Bar is often praised by happy customers for its comfort while remaining grippy and secure. Unfortunately, the Rogue Ohio Power Bar doesn’t come with the ultra sleek and shiny black oxide finish option that the standard Rogue Ohio Bar offers, which is the only major drawback to the power bar line.

Pros:

• Virtually no whip or flex
• Comes in five finish options
• Aggressive yet blunted knurling
• High tensile strength of 200,000 pounds per square inch or more

Cons:

• Price can easily go up based on finish
• Some people may prefer grooved sleeves

How We Chose the Best Barbells for Powerlifting

We determined which barbells were best for powerlifting based on extensive research and comparing dozens of products. We looked at specs like pounds per square inch tensile strength, durability, quality of steel, knurling, finish, loadable sleeve length and of course, cost. We also chose powerlifting barbells for our list that are manufactured by reputable and trustworthy fitness brands.

How To Choose the Best Powerlifting Barbell for You

If you’re on the fence between a few power bars or you’re just learning about what could make a weightlifting barbell right for your needs, we’ve simplified the process by gathering all of the important information for you. Here’s everything you should consider before making a purchase.

Steel

It may come as a surprise, but steel has different grades, types and qualities. Most powerlifting barbells are made out of some type of steel, with stainless steel bars coming in as the most expensive. That’s because stainless steel is a higher-quality material and the most durable. While the cost of your power bar will likely determine which type of steel it’s made out of, the one characteristic you’ll want to keep an eye out for is the PSI tensile strength rating, or pounds per square inch. This is essentially how much force your powerlifting bar can withstand before breaking. Look for a barbell with a PSI strength of 190,000 or more for the most durability. However, any powerlifting bar above 160,000 PSI will be suitable for many average lifters.

Knurling

A good powerlifting barbell should have medium-to-aggressive knurling for maximum hand grip. Knurling is typically a diamond or crosshatch pattern on the shaft of the barbell that improves your grip by increasing the amount of friction between your hands and the bar. This is a crucial safety feature that allows you to hold the bar securely without dropping it. Generally, there are knurl marks or knurl rings to help you position your hands properly. Knurling can vary greatly in knurl pattern, aggressiveness and depth. If you’re a beginner lifter or don’t plan on doing heavy deadlifts, a bar with medium knurling should be enough to support your exercises. Experienced or heavy lifters should look for aggressive knurling instead, which will offer a stronger grip.

Still, there’s a big difference between an aggressive knurl and a knurl that’s so deep that it tears your hands up. Aggressive yet fine knurling (like the knurling on the REP Deep Knurl Stainless Steel Power Bar EX) will be more gentle on your hands, while allowing you to maintain a good grip. Usually, you can tell from looking at photos of a power bar if the knurling is sharp or blunted. If you prefer to do more dynamic movements, you may also want to consider choosing a power bar without a center knurl; this will give you more options and versatility with your grip.

Rotation system

Barbells come with two rotation systems: bearing and bushing. Bearing bars are usually more expensive, but this doesn’t necessarily mean they offer better systems. Bearing barbells are better for faster lifts and Olympic lifting, since this system has a smoother rotation. Bushing barbells, on the other hand, are generally used for heavy and/or slow lifts that you’ll do with a power bar (like squats, benches and deadlifts). That’s why you’ll generally find a bushing rotation system in powerlifting barbells, and these systems serve an important purpose of slowly spinning to prevent the barbell shaft from spinning in your hands, which can cause injury.

Cost

Power bars come with a wide price range. You can scoop up a bar for as little as $100 or as high as $1,000 or more for the most high-end powerlifting competition bars. For most people, you’ll be looking at several hundred dollars to buy a high-quality powerlifting bar. In addition to the cost of the actual bar, you’ll also want to factor in costs for accessories such as weight plates, bumper plates, barbell collars and a good weight bench for bench presses. Be sure to carefully calculate all of these costs as you determine your budget for a power bar and any necessary extras, because the final price can quickly double when accessories are added. 

Finish

There’s no right or wrong answer as to what type of finish a quality barbell for powerlifting should have. All finish options and a bare steel bar each come with benefits and drawbacks. Bare steel will give you a more aggressive knurl, which has a better grip, but is prone to rusting more quickly. Stainless will be much more rust-resistant, but will also cost more. Then there’s chrome, which is a high-carbon steel that offers smooth knurling and doesn’t rust as easily.

Chrome, like stainless steel, can also be expensive, so a more budget-friendly finish option is black zinc; however, try to avoid a black zinc finish if you live in a humid environment or have a humid home, since humidity tends to eat away at this finish rather quickly. Lastly, cerakote finish is a thin, military-grade ceramic-infused coating applied to metal to prevent corrosion. You may want to lean toward one finish over the other (or no finish) depending on your interests.

Sleeve length

While sleeve length isn’t the most important factor to consider in a power bar, it’s something to keep in mind if you’re an experienced lifter who plans on lifting very heavy weights. If so, look for a longer loadable sleeve length of 16 inches or more to guarantee that you’ll have enough room to load all of your weight and bumper plates. On the other hand, beginner or lighter lifters will probably find that any standard sleeve length that a power bar offers will be plenty.

Diameter

Like sleeve length, diameter shouldn’t make too much of a difference for everyday lifters. Most power barbell shafts have a 29-millimeter diameter, which is standard industry size, but there are a handful of bars with a 30-millimeter diameter. If you have smaller hands, you may want to avoid these thicker bars, but it’s not very common that you’ll come across them anyway. Women with smaller hands or younger teenage lifters can also go for power bars designed specifically for women, which tend to have a thinner diameter of around 25 millimeters, give or take.

Warranty

In a perfect world, your powerlifting barbell would come with a lifetime warranty—the holy grail of all warranties. While you can find lifetime warranties on many higher-end bars, like the American Barbell Elite Power Bar, some brands (like Fringe Sport) stick by the quality of their products with a lifetime warranty regardless of cost. A warranty can help protect you against manufacturing defects, and is something to consider as you shop around. A one-year warranty will likely be too limited, while anything in-between that and lifetime is a fair middle ground. As long as you take care of your powerlifting barbell properly, it should last you a lifetime, which is why having a lifetime warranty in place (even a limited one) is such an attractive option.

Who Are Powerlifting Barbells Right For

A powerlifting barbell is a great piece of strength training equipment to invest in if you’re a fan of weightlifting or if your fitness goals include building muscle mass. It’s also a great tool for people who prefer free weights over weight machines. Plus, since power bars take up so little room (and can be stored upright), they’re an excellent addition to smaller home gyms. They’re also the best equipment you can have on hand for precision lifts like squats, deadlifts and benches.

Who Are Powerlifting Barbells Not Right For

At the end of the day, powerlifting barbells aren’t right for everyone (as could be said with any fitness equipment). If you’re new to strength training and prefer lifting with more guidance, you may be better off investing in a weight machine or total home gym that automatically promotes proper form. Barbells do take a toll on your hands, so individuals with hand injuries or who are prone to blisters or painful calluses may want to consider steering clear of using a power bar.

Powerlifting Barbells FAQs

What is the F-Scale?

The F-Scale barbell rating is a program that Rogue Fitness launched in 2018. This scale rates barbell durability to make it easier for customers to choose the right bar for their needs. Finished barbell shafts are tested with a 4-Point Bend Test that determines how many cycles the shaft lasts when tested at a stress level that’s appropriate for the type of sleeve used on that bar. You’ll only find the F-Scale rating system used on barbells produced by Rogue Fitness.

What makes a barbell good for powerlifting?

A good powerlifting barbell will have several key characteristics. It should have high tensile strength above 190,000 pounds per square inch (PSI), medium-to-aggressive knurling and/or rust protection, and a longer loadable sleeve length if you’re a more experienced lifter.

What bar do powerlifters use for deadlifts?

Many powerlifters opt for powerlifting barbells for deadlifts because these barbells have more aggressive knurling than traditional barbells, which helps lifters maintain a more secure grip. They also have higher tensile strength and are less prone to bending or warping with heavy use.

What bar does the USPA use?

The USPA, or the United States Powerlifting Association, is a powerlifting federation created by lifters. USPA competitions use a deadlift bar (a 20-kilogram or 44-pound bar with more bend and whip) for deadlifts and a squat bar (a 25-kilogram bar or 55-pound bar that doesn’t whip) for heavier weight classes.

Final Thoughts

Both beginners and experienced lifters can benefit from having a good powerlifting barbell in their home gym, especially people who love to do deadlifts, bench presses and squats. Luckily, these bars take up minimal space and generally have more affordable price points, so they’re an investment that’s easy on your finances and square footage. If you’ve used a power bar before, you know how important deep knurling, a smooth finish and durable steel are to your workouts. Whether you’re looking for a powerlifting barbell that’s perfect for bench presses or a bar fit for beginners and learning proper technique, we’ve got you covered. Be sure to read our guide for our favorite picks and how to find a power bar that’s right for you before making a purchase.

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