Barbells & Accessories

Which barbell is right for me?

We carry barbells for every training focus: weightlifting (Alpha), powerlifting (Beta and Gamma), all-round training (Delta, Omega, Sigma), compact models for small spaces, technique bars, and lighter bars for women and beginners (Kappa, Yota, Zeta, Theta).

What's the difference between weightlifting and powerlifting bars?

Weightlifting bars are built specifically for Olympic weightlifting. High-quality bearings or bushings give them more spin, so the plates rotate freely — which takes strain off your wrists and forearms in dynamic lifts like the clean and snatch. They also have more whip, i.e. deliberate flex, which helps you during the lift and makes for a smoother, more powerful movement.

Powerlifting bars, by contrast, are deliberately stiffer. In squats, bench presses and deadlifts, maximum stability is what matters for moving heavy loads safely. Less flex means the bar stays rock-solid even under extreme loads. The particularly aggressive knurling ensures a secure grip and stops the bar from slipping — a decisive factor for safety and peak performance in powerlifting.

What lengths are available?

Men's bars: 220 cm | Women's bars: 201 cm | Compact models: 150–180 cm — ideal for small training spaces or lighter loads, like our Zeta.

How much does a barbell weigh?

A men's bar weighs 20 kg, a women's bar 15 kg. For absolute beginners we offer the Theta aluminum technique bar. It weighs just 7.5 kg and makes getting into barbell training easy for anyone.

Which shaft diameter is ideal?

Standard: 28 mm or 25 mm — thinner for smaller hands, thicker for larger hands.

What is knurling for?

Knurling gives you a secure grip. A center knurl adds extra grip on your upper back during squats.

What kind of knurling do you use?

All our bars use medium volcano knurling for excellent grip without tearing up your hands — except our powerlifting bars, which have aggressive knurling.

What kind of bearings do you use?

Our premium and all-round bars use ball and needle bearings from Japanese manufacturer NSK for smooth spin and dynamic lifts.

Which material and coating are best?

Hard chrome for the best grip and rust protection; Cerakote ceramic coating on colored models for long-lasting durability with no fading or rust.

What does the PSI rating mean?

The PSI rating tells you how much load a bar can take and how much it flexes. Weightlifting bars (Alpha) are more flexible to absorb the impact on your shoulders in the clean and jerk. Powerlifting bars like the Beta or Gamma are stiffer so they can hold extreme loads without bending.

How do I store my barbell properly?

Ideally horizontally, on a wall mount like our Blade or on the J-Hooks of a power rack. Don't leave it lying loaded on the floor for long periods.

Which weight plates do I need?

For weightlifting we recommend bumper plates, which are ideal for dropping the bar safely. For classic strength training, gripper plates are a great choice — their grip holes make them especially easy to handle.

A mix of small and large plates is important so you can train flexibly. A 95 kg set is more than enough for most beginners to start with.

What can you train with a barbell?

The barbell is a fundamental piece of training equipment that lets you work almost every muscle group. Compound lifts like squats, deadlifts, bench presses and overhead presses are especially effective for building functional strength, coordination and muscle. It's been a staple of competitive and recreational sports for a long time, and its versatility opens up countless training options.

What is a barbell's "whip"?

Whip is how much the bar flexes under load. It's desirable on Olympic weightlifting bars because it supports the dynamics of lifts like the snatch and the clean and jerk. On powerlifting bars, less whip is preferred — the bar should be stiffer to ensure maximum force transfer.

How do I care for my barbell?

Regularly cleaning off sweat and dirt is important. Bare or lightly coated bars may need the occasional treatment with a rust inhibitor or oil to prevent surface rust. Bearings should be checked regularly and lubricated if needed.

Should I buy a specialty barbell?

To get started with barbell training, an all-round bar like the ATLETICA Delta barbell is usually all you need. Specialty barbells (powerlifting bars, for example) are designed for the specific demands of their sport — stiffer steel, specific knurling or markings — and tend to be used by more advanced athletes.