So, I started my journey to find a barbell, and let me tell you, it was quite an adventure. I decided to go with a 5-foot one because, well, it seemed like a good size for my home gym setup. First, I scoured the internet, checking out different online stores.
The sheer variety was overwhelming! I looked at brands like Synergee, Body-Solid, and York Barbell Company. They all had these shiny chrome ones, and some even had fancy coatings like black phosphate or red cerakote. I compared prices, read reviews, and tried to figure out which one would be the best bang for my buck. I even saw a used barbell, but I’m not sure used one is a good choice.
One thing I quickly realized was that these 5-foot barbells typically weigh around 25 pounds. They’re made to fit standard weight plates with 2-inch openings, which is perfect. I also learned that the loadable sleeve length is about 9.8 inches on each side, and the shaft length is around 39.8 inches.
Now, here’s where it got a bit tricky. I found out that the maximum weight these bars can handle varies. Some of the good quality chrome ones can hold up to 600 pounds, which is way more than I’ll ever need. But some cheaper ones can only handle around 130 pounds. That wouldn’t cut it for serious strength training, but maybe for endurance workouts, it would be okay.
After much deliberation, I finally decided on a barbell from Titan Fitness. It seemed like a solid choice, and the price was right. I placed my order, and a few days later, a big, long package arrived at my doorstep. I unboxed it with excitement, and there it was, my brand new 5-foot barbell.
- Weight: 25 lbs
- Length: 5 feet (63 inches)
- Sleeve Length: 9.8 inches per side
- Shaft Length: 39.8 inches
- Diameter: 28-29 mm
- Material: Chrome, and there are also Black Phosphate, and Red Cerakote
- Max Load: 600 lbs (varies depending on the brand and quality)
I added some weight plates, and it felt great. It’s the perfect size for exercises like curls, rows, and even squats. Now, I can get a good workout in without leaving my house. All in all, it was a bit of a journey, but I’m happy with my new barbell. It’s just what I needed to take my home workouts to the next level!
If you are going to buy a barbell, you need to know that a commonly used barbell has a 28-29 mm diameter shaft for men and 25 mm for women. And barbells come in all shapes and sizes, don’t be limited.
