The greatest CrossFit barbells allow you to complete all Olympic lifts (jerks, snatches, and cleans), all power exercises (deadlift, back squat, and bench press), and any accessory work.
As the popularity of CrossFit grows, everyone wants to sell you a CrossFit bar. To be frank, there are a large number of low-quality CrossFit bars on the market.
That's why, as a certified fitness trainer, I teamed with colleagues and friends to evaluate as many CrossFit Barbells as possible and compiled this list of the ones that stood out as top.
Our Top Crossfit Barbell for Home Gym (September 2023)
1 - Rogue Ohio Bar (Editor's Choice)
The Rogue Ohio bar is available in stainless steel without a finish, steel having a black zinc texture, or cerakote with numerous color combinations.
The Ohio Bar is basically identical to the Rogue Bar 2.0 but features bronze bushings and additional finish options.
The Rogue Ohio Bar has a 28.5-millimeter shaft diameter with double knurl markings to suit both power and Olympic lifting. However, it lacks a center knurl.
I liked that the Ohio Bar has a 190,000 PSI tensile steel strength (200,000 for stainless steel) and a 16.4-inch sleeve length to withstand high loads.
It is suitable for Olympic lifting, bodybuilding, powerlifting, and CrossFit.
The Ohio Bar's bronze bushing system produces plenty of spin and whip and can last a lifetime.
Product Facts:
- Bar weight : 44 lbs
- Diameter : 28.5 mm
- Sleeve length : 16.4 inches
- Strong tensile toughness for supporting CrossFit loads/dropping
- Has different coatings, including stainless steel, black zinc, cerakote, and more
- Excellent for a range of training methods
- It has two passive knurling markings
- It lacks center knurling, and is somewhat more expensive
2 - Rogue Bella Bar 2.0
This training bar is excellent for women, but it's also great for junior athletes and men who want a smaller grip. Most 33-pound power bars feature a 25mm shaft, which is smaller than the shaft on 44-pound bars [1].
The smaller layout also implies less loadable area on the sleeve length, which isn't a concern for most of us.
The Bella is designed to be a multipurpose power bar, as seen by its dual knurl markings for Olympic weightlifting and powerlifting, lack of a center knurl, bronze bushings, as well as 190,000 pound force per square inch (PSI) tensile strength.
I believe among the winnings to the Bella power bar is how it comes in a variety of styles and finishes: E-coat, black zinc, as well as stainless steel.
Product Facts:
- Bar weight : 33 lbs
- Diameter : 25 mm
- Sleeve length : 13 inches
- There are several finishing options
- It has a tensile strength of 190,000 PSI
- The shaft is 25mm in diameter and has dual knurling marks
- It lacks center knurling, and the dual knurls are pretty passive
3 - Rogue Bar 2.0
The knurl depth on the Rogue Bar 2.0 is medium. It's intended to provide some grip without causing pain in your hands. As a result, it's great for high-rep workout of the day (WOD) work.
It's also appropriate for hard max-effort exercises; however, chalk will be necessary at heavier weights.
For a 28.5mm multifunctional bar, the whip is average. It will bend enough to assist you in catching your cleans more quickly, but it will not give you a significant whip like that of Olympic barbells.
I like how its rotation is reliable and smooth.
This bar features composite bushings rather than the casting bronze bushings seen on several Rogue fitness bushings bars.
It contains International Powerlifting Federation (IPF) knurl markings on both sides for weightlifting and powerlifting hand positions.
Machined grooves in the sleeve collars allow you to insert replaceable bands.
Product Facts:
- Bar weight : 44 lbs
- Diameter : 28.5 mm
- Sleeve length : 16.4 inches
- It has a tensile strength of 190,000 PSI
- It features composite bushings
- It is an extremely versatile Crossfit barbell
- There is only one finish option for this Crossfit Barbell
4 - CAP the Beast Barbell
This is the type of bar you'd see at a gym, and it's specified in length at 2.2 meters (or little more than 7 feet) and has the weight of a typical squat bar at 20 kg (or about 45 pounds).
This popular Olympic barbell for home gym setups can be utilized for both dynamic exercises like cleans, snatches, and jerks and more static movements like squats, rows, deadlifts, and bench presses that are a staple in 5x5 workouts.
"The spin isn't quite as smooth as it would be with a high-end bar with bearings (which is incredibly costly), but it's enough to keep you safe from strains and injuries."
- Brian Bram, Fitness Coach
This CAP barbell additionally has diamond-pattern knurling (scored areas) with average depth to maintain your grip throughout heavy repetitions up to 1,200 pounds. I like that the bar is composed of cold-rolled steel, rendering it sturdier and more durable.
Product Facts:
- Bar weight : 44 lbs
- Diameter : 30 mm
- Sleeve length : 15 inches
- A low-cost barbell
- The grooved sleeves aid in the tightening of the clips and plates
- Excellent knurling for the novice or intermediate weight trainer
- Not meant for people who lift heavy weights
5 - Rep Fitness Gladiator MX Barbell
The REP Fitness Gladiator MX Barbell is a great choice with characteristics that will fit various weightlifting needs: tensile strength of 190,000 PSI, no center knurl, and a modular design ideal for almost any use.
Because the Barbell is intended for Olympic weightlifting, the sleeves (the sides of the bar where the plates slip on) allow for simple loading. The plates could also freely rotate as the bar swings.
I like that the knurling marks are sufficient to increase your grip strength without being so severe that they tear up your arms with repeated use.
Because this Barbell is designed for 1,500 pounds, most users will not have to stress about it bending during repeated, heavy loading.
Even though the guarantee is just five years, you are still obtaining high-quality equipment.
Product Facts:
- Bar weight : 44.1 lbs
- Diameter : 28 mm
- Sleeve length : 16.3 inches
- Has a high tensile strength of 190,000 PSI
- It features a medium knurling design
- Its sleeves are multifunctional and simple to utilize
- Only available in hard chrome finish
6 - Rep Excalibur Bar
Compared to our top option, Excalibur's sleeves employ bearings (rapid spin) and bushings (moderate spin). This improves stability during power lifts while increasing spin during Olympic bar lifts.
This is something that many CrossFitters will praise with the wide range of lifts performed.
Another feature of the Excalibur is its tensile strength of 215,000 PSI.
It's inexpensive, plus it employs my favorite CrossFit barbell diameter of 28.5mm.
I appreciate how the training bar employs a combination of bushings and bearings, implying that it will spin more than bars that solely use bushings [2].
Simply said, if you plan to do more Olympic-style lifts like the highly beneficial clean and jerk or snatch, this is the bar for you.
Product Facts:
- Bar weight : 33 to 44 lbs
- Diameter : 25 to 28.5 mm
- Sleeve length : 12.6 to 16.9 inches
- It features both bearing and bushing sleeves, making it spin more
- It has the highest tensile strength of 215,000 PSI
- It comes with a hard chrome finish and dual knurl marks
- It is made overseas and only has a 5-year warranty
7 - Bells of Steel Utility Barbell
Bells of Steel's Utility Bar offers specifications that rival far more costly bars.
This alloy steel bar has a tensile strength of 190,000 PSI, medium-light knurling at the sleeves and in the middle, and brass bushings that enable a smooth rotation while changing positions.
It features a capacity of 1,000 pounds and a zinc finish on the shaft with chrome sleeves for increased durability. The sleeves are additionally ribbed to keep the plates from sliding during your set.
I appreciate that it comes with a diameter of 28.5 inches, which is unusual for most bars; thus, thicker than typical Olympic barbells but narrower than a good powerlifting bar.
The sleeves are standard 2 inches; thus, it will fit any normal-size Olympic weight plates.
Product Facts:
- Bar weight : 44 lbs
- Diameter : 28.5 mm
- Sleeve length : 16.14 inches
- It is a low-cost barbell
- It has medium-light knurling
- It has ribbed sleeves
- It is not as smooth as other barbells
8 - Fringe Sport Wonder Bar V2
Fringe Sport develops some of the greatest low-cost home gym equipment available. The Wonder Bar V2 is no different. This bar's specifications are outstanding.
You won't find many cheaper barbells featuring 205,000 PSI steel, let alone one with IWF and IPF (International Powerlifting Federation) knurl hash markings.
The knurling is great for all-purpose training, which is exactly what you need in a CrossFit barbell.
I appreciate that the Wonder Bar V2 is made with high-impact bronze bushings, so it should last you a long time, even if you drop it frequently.
The bushings have reasonable spin, but it's nothing like what you can get with a bearing bar, but thankfully you can turn your Wonder Bar into a bearing bar.
Product Facts:
- Bar weight : 33 to 44 lbs
- Diameter : 25 mm
- Sleeve length : 16 inches
- You can select between a bearing or a bushing system
- It features a strong tensile strength of 205,000 PSI
- It is inexpensive and has a 33 lb and 44 lb option
- It has very few whips and scuffs easily
9 - Fringe Sport Hybrid Barbell
The Fringe Sport Hybrid Barbell's outer knurl is somewhat more aggressive than the center knurl.
The outer knurl extends farther from the center than a standard barbell.
It is among the few multifunctional bars with a center knurl.
This makes it a "hybrid" training bar because squatting with the center knurl is much simpler, especially if you're putting up solid numbers.
The whip is modest for a 28.5mm CrossFit bar. It will provide just enough flexibility to make cleans, and other Oly lifts easier.
I liked that each sleeve in the rotating system includes four needle bearings.
Product Facts:
- Bar weight : 44 lbs
- Diameter : 28.5 mm
- Sleeve length : 16.3 inches
- It contains knurl markings on both sides for weightlifting and powerlifting grip positions
- It has a tensile strength of 216,200 PSI and a yield strength of 209,000 PSI
- Each sleeve in the rotating system has four needle bearings
- It is on the expensive side of the barbells
10 - Eleiko XF Bar
The Eleiko XF barbell includes dual knurl marks as well as a comfortable grip that is ready for anything, making it an excellent CrossFit barbell. It's made of high-quality steel.
With 215,000 PSI tensile strength Swedish steel, it offers outstanding durability and a bar feel. Swedish weightlifting steel is among the strongest in the industry.
Eleiko claims that the knurling on this bar is its least severe, making it ideal for CrossFit exercises requiring high repetitions and bar cycling.
Eleiko offers one of the industry's shortest warranties, based on what I've seen and read. The majority of top companies provide a lifetime guarantee on their barbells, and Eleiko provides a 12-year warranty on the XF bar.
Product Facts:
- Bar weight : 33 to 44 lbs
- Diameter : 28 mm
- Sleeve diameter : 50 mm
- It features a high tensile strength of 215,000 PSI
- It has a chrome finish
- You can choose between the 33 lb or 44 lb option
- It is costly
CrossFit Barbell Buyer's Guide
There are hundreds of different barbell models to pick from.
While they all appear to be quite similar, minor variances may greatly affect your training.
Before you purchase the first piece of iron you see in a sports store, be certain you understand what you're getting as you look for a CrossFit barbell for your home gym layout.
The following are the most significant factors to consider.
Price
As you can see from our list, barbells may be rather expensive. The good news is that, unless you're starting your gym, you will only need one Crossfit Barbell.
We recommend looking for a commercial-grade Crossfit barbell from a reputable manufacturer.
"The cheaper the bar, the more probable the sleeve rattles or rolls, which might prevent you from doing workouts properly."
- Ebenezer Samuel, Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist
High Durability
You will be dropping your bar from above or the front-rack position, moving fast through dozens of repetitions, and exercising in a non-climate-controlled environment.
All of these elements imply that you require a strong barbell with high tensile strength as well as a high-quality coating.
Look for tensile steel strength of at least 180,000 PSI.
In terms of oxidation protection, stainless steel bars are optimal, although other popular (and less expensive) finishes like hard chrome or cerakote also improve durability.
Medium Knurling
CrossFit barbells must be grippy, but not so much that they rip your hands up.
You should keep your palms for pull-ups and toe-to-bars exercises.
Medium knurling aids grip without pressing too deeply into the skin.
Bushings
Most CrossFitters require a bushing system rather than a bearing system.
Dual systems can also be used, but bushings on a CrossFit barbell are unmatched.
Who Should Invest in a Crossfit Barbell for Home Gym?
You should invest in a Crossfit Barbell for your home gym if you want to augment your deadlift, squat, bench press, Olympic lifts, and general training exercises.
Lifters who are looking for a barbell with high tensile strength, and lifting with multiple styles, will appreciate the knurls for both weightlifting and powerlifting.
Also, if you want a bar with a lot of spins, you will appreciate the ball and needle bearings that these Crossfit barbells come with.
Who Shouldn't Invest in a Crossfit Barbell for Home Gym?
You shouldn't invest in a Crossfit barbell for your home gym if you are an athlete who wants a stiffer bar, a lifter with a tighter budget, or is training for a sport that requires different specifications for a bar.
Powerlifters whose preferred federation does not allow bars that share the same whip and who seek a multipurpose bar should not invest in a Crossfit barbell for their home gym.
FAQs
What Type of Barbell Is Used for Crossfit?
The type of Barbell used for Crossfit is the Olympic Barbell which is 7.2 feet long or 2.2 meters and weighs 44 to 45 pounds.
Are Crossfit Barbells Different?
Yes, Crossfit barbells are different. But a solid one must be ideal for high-repetition exercises with a wide range of moves.
How Heavy Is a Crossfit Bar?
A Crossfit bar should be as heavy as 45 lbs (20 kgs) for men and 35 lbs (15 kgs) for women.
The Best Crossfit Barbell to Purchase
The Rogue Ohio Bar is my #1 selection for the greatest CrossFit barbell.
This Rogue Ohio power bar not only has all of the characteristics that a decent CrossFit bar ought to have, but it also comes in a variety of finish options, allowing you to choose the best choice for your home gym and the degree of maintenance you're willing to undertake.
This Ohio Bar is a multipurpose bar that can handle a wide range of workouts and strength levels.
The steel used to make this bar should allow it to last a lifetime, hence why Rogue fitness includes a lifetime warranty.
The knurling used here is a Rogue-specific volcano-style design that provides a tight grip when your hands start to sweat but won't tear them up while working out.
Our #1 Recommendation
Rogue Ohio Bar
- Strong tensile toughness for supporting CrossFit loads/dropping
- Has different coatings, including stainless steel, black zinc, cerakote, and more
- Excellent for a range of training methods
- It has two passive knurling markings
- Get the BEST PRICE until the end of September
- It lacks center knurling, and is somewhat more expensive
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