We test and review fitness products based on an independent, multi-point methodology. If you use our links to purchase something, we may earn a commission. Read our disclosures.
The general purpose barbell is the barbell for anybody at any time. It can be used for most movements and do a good job at all of them. These are our picks.
The General Purpose Barbell is the barbell for anybody at any time. If you’re going to buy one bar, this is probably the bar you should buy. You can deadlift, squat, clean, jerk, snatch, curl (yes, you should curl barbells), press, and throw if you want to.
For the majority of people whether you’re looking for an Olympic barbell, a barbell for CrossFit or a powerlifting barbell, having just a general-purpose barbell will suit them best.
There’s a large market for people looking for a general-purpose barbell and there are all different price ranges and features. A few attributes that I think are best for a general-purpose barbell are:
- Price
- Durability
- Low Maintenance
- Medium Knurl
- Low Whip
- Strong Steel
Let’s Dig In…
The General Purpose Barbells
- Top Pick: Rogue Chan Bar
- Runner-Up: American Barbell Training Bar
Top Pick: Rogue Chan Bar
Rogue Fitness
Rogue Chan Bar
Pros & Cons
Pros
- The Chan Bar has a stainless steel shaft with a 200,000 PSI tensile strength that both looks great and resists corrosion extremely well.
- The black Cerakote color spray over the stainless steel gives the Chan Bar a very unique look, especially with the Samurai logo.
- For the quality of the product and because it is made by Rogue, the price is a great deal. You could easily spend more than double on other barbells that aren't any better than the Chan Bar.
- Dual knurl marks and a center knurl make it easy to find and keep your grip no matter what lift you are performing.
- It was co-developed with Crossfit Games Athlete Matt Chan and designed for Crossfit athletes. As
- The center knurl is pretty passive, while the outer knurl is more aggressive (even more aggressive than the Rogue Ohio and 2.0 Bars.)
- A Lifetime warranty with Rogue customer support and service on your side. There is also a lifetime guarantee against bending.
- It is manufactured in Columbus, OH rather than being farmed overseas.
- The outer knurling starts a bit wider out than a standard barbell which helps prevent scarring on the shins.
Cons
- If you're a powerlifter, purchase a bar with more aggressive knurl and less whip.
- The wider knurling is ideal for taller lifters and could give shorter people an issue.
Bottom Line
The Rogue Chan Bar is a great all-around bar and would be perfect for CrossFit or high rep lifting. While it's not made for really heavy powerlifting, it would serve that purpose when needed because of the Chan Bar's great versatility. At a great price and with the features mentioned above, we would endorse this product for anyone who plans on training for CrossFit or wants a bar that can work for just about any movement.
In my opinion, the best general-purpose bar available is the Rogue Chan Bar, named after Matt Chan, a multi-CrossFit Games Athlete, and overall awesome dude.
Specifications:
Machined and Assembled in Columbus, OH, USA
Lifetime Guarantee Against Bending*
Diameter: 28.5mm
Dual Knurl Marks for O-Lifts and Power Lifts
“Passive” Center Knurl
Outer Knurling is slightly more aggressive for easier hold during high rep barbell work
- Available in Murdered Out (Black Zinc with Black Sleeves)
There are many reasons why I think the Chan bar is the best General Purpose Barbell.
Finish Options
Many barbells don’t come in hard chrome unless they’re a specialty bar like an Eleiko Weightlifting bar. With the Chan bar, you have that option and more.
What I’ve found with hard chrome bars is that the finish is extremely durable. For me, I don’t like spending a lot of time oiling the bar and brushing the knurling. Chrome will resist oxidizing better than any finish I’ve seen, and it always looks good. Whether chalky or not.
2. Passive Center Knurl.
If all you’re doing is high rep barbell work then a center knurl isn’t necessarily something you want. But if you’re doing anything behind your neck, you want the extra confidence of a center knurls gripping your shirt.
You want the center knurl to be passive as well, which the Chan bar has.
RELATED: Barbell Exercises
3. Price
A general barbell needs to have a good price. This is less important in the BEST OF THE BEST category, but the Chan Bar as of this writing is a little bit below $400.
4. Warranty
Rogue Fitness has the best customer service in the industry and this bar comes with a Lifetime Warranty. You can’t beat that.
5. Diameter
28.5 mm diameter is good for nearly all applications.
6. Dual Knurl Marks for Powerlifting or Olympic Weightlifting
7. Slightly More Aggressive Outer Knurl
Great for maximum lifts, but not too much for high rep work.
Runner Up: American Barbell Training Bar
American Barbell
American Barbell Training Bar
Product Highlights
- Medium-depth knurling
- Hard chrome finish
- Lifetime warranty
- 20kg and 15kg options
- 190K PSI tensile strength
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Medium-depth knurling
- Hard chrome finish
- About one-third the price of the Eleiko
- Lifetime warranty
- 20kg and 15kg options
- 190K PSI tensile strength
Cons
- Subject to corrosion and chrome plating can cause premature damage
- Rotation system is known to take a while to break in
- Knurling will be too passive for some
- IWF knurl markings only
Bottom Line
The American Barbell Training Bar is an affordably priced piece of equipment useful for Olympic weightlifters thanks to a high PSI tensile strength, great spin, and IWF knurl markings.
A Made in the USA barbell in a chrome finish with free shipping and a lifetime warranty. This is the bar bargain hunters dream of!
Where to Purchase: American Barbell
Specifications:
- Application: Olympic Weightlifting, Weightlifting, Competition
- Bushing System
- Center knurl: No
- Shaft: Hard Chrome Coating
- Sleeve: Precision Ground Steel with a Hard Chrome Coating
- IWF Specification
- Made in USA
- Warranty: Limited Lifetime*
Reasons why the American Barbell Training Baris the BEST VALUE barbell in the General Purpose Category:
1. Finish
American Barbell is using a chrome finish with this bar, which I think is awesome. It not only looks good, but it is very durable as well.
2. Price
< $300 is a decent price for this bar. But, when you see that it comes with Free Shipping like is plastered all over their website, it becomes a pretty good deal.
3. Made in the USA
I love USA-made products.
4. Lifetime Warranty
LIFETIME WARRANTY. Nothing makes me happier than this combination of words.
5. Whip
Has a great whip, but not too much. Perfect for general lifting.
6. Tensile Strength
190k tensile strength steel is a steal at this price.
The Competition
Rogue Fitness
Rogue Bar 2.0
Product Highlights
- Barbell made in the USA
- 190K PSI tensile strength
- Multiple composite bushings
- 28.5 mm shaft diameter
- Dual knurl marks for Olympic lifts or powerlifting
- Lifetime warranty
Pros & Cons
Pros
- 190K PSI tensile strength
- Made in the USA
- Multiple composite bushings
- Good value
- 28.5 mm diameter with dual knurl marks for versatility
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
- Black zinc coating can fade over time
- Passive knurling
Bottom Line
The Rogue 2.0 Bar is a good barbell with great value. With a good tensile strength and versatile use, this is a great multipurpose bar for the home gym.
The Rogue Bar 2.0 is an absolute workhorse for the price. There’s a reason they are the top fitness equipment supplier for people who actually use their equipment.
Where to Purchase: Rogue Fitness
Specifications:
- Manufactured in Columbus, OH
- Diameter: 28.5MM
- Weight: 20KG
- Dual Knurl Marks for Oly and Power lifts
- No Center Knurl
- 190,000 PSI Tensile Strength Steel
- Composite Bushings for Reliable Spin
- Machined Grooves with Replaceable Bands
- Finishes: Black Zinc Shaft, Bright Zinc Sleeves
Things I like:
1. Price
As of this writing, the Rogue Bar 2.0 is right around $250. For a barbell like this, that’s a steal!
2. Warranty
Rogue has one of the best lifetime Warranties going. There are other bars that I would say are a little bit cheaper and have the same specs and performance, but can’t hold a candle to the warranty Rogue offers. Bill Henniger has built his company by putting the customer first. It’s what has allowed Rogue to be in the top spot as far as equipment manufacturers.
3. Tensile Strength
The Rogue 2.0 uses 190k steel that is great for Olympic weightlifting, powerlifting, bodybuilding, CrossFit, and everything in between. This is a great tensile strength for general purpose lifting and is actually a bar I once owned and only got rid of because I upgraded or degraded to the Rogue Ohio Bar which is essentially the same bar, just Made in America, which I personally find to be of importance.
4. Dual Knurl Marks
Both Oly and Powerlifting Knurl marks
5. Whip
Has some whip, but is not overly whippy. Great for just about everything.
6. Durable
Utilizes Bright Zinc Sleeves and a Black Zinc Shaft. This is a durable finish and I especially like the Bright Zinc sleeves as they won’t show abuse as bad as a Black Zinc sleeve will
Things I don’t like:
1. Finish
They only give you one option and I’m not a huge fan of black zinc as it shows wear quickly.
Where to Purchase: Rogue Fitness
Fringe Sport
Fringe Sport Wonder Bar V2 20KG Barbell
Product Highlights
- Ideal as a multi-purpose bar
- Dual knurl marks
- 205,000 PSI
- Fringe Sport has free shipping
- Lifetime warranty
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Knurling is somewhat passive
- Ideal as a multi-purpose bar
- Dual knurl marks
- 205,000 PSI
- Bearings or bushing are available
- 28MM in diameter
- Fringe Sport has free shipping
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
- Black zinc finish will fade over time
- Sleeves prone to scarring rather quickly
- Not made in USA
Bottom Line
The Fringe Sport Wonder Bar V2 is one of the best value general training/CrossFit barbells on the market that we've reviewed. For under $200 you get a crazy good spec sheet and a barbell that will perform in any workouts for as long as you keep it. If you're on a budget, but want a great barbell, we suggest this one.
Fringe Sport makes some of the best value equipment on the market. The Bomba V2 is no exception They price them really well and you can usually get Free Shipping if you look hard enough.
Where to Purchase: Fringe Sport
Specifications:
- Full year satisfaction guarantee, with Free Returns
- 100% made in the USA
- Black on black on black finish (black zinc)
- 28.5mm shaft diameter
- High impact bronze bushing
- 1200 pound weight capacity
- 160,000 PSIGreat knurl depth- neither cheese grater nor too soft
- IWF and IPF knurl hash marks
What I Like:
1. Great Price
At around $240 including shipping, it can’t be beaten.
2. Knurl
Has a good knurl for all-purpose workouts. As they say, “neither cheese grater nor too soft.”
3. Bronze Bushings
I really like the use of Bronze Bushings. They last forever, have a decent spin, and look great.
4. Made in the USA
For some this is important, for others they could care less.
5. Dual Knurling Marks
Both IWF and IPF.6. WarrantyFree returns is a big bonus
What I Dislike.
1. Tensile Strength
The Bomba V2 is listed as having 160k tensile strength. Although this is more than the majority of people will need, I really like to see at least 175k.
2. Warranty
I know I said I like the warranty, which I do for the free returns, but not for its length. A one-year warranty shows me they may not stand behind their product as much as someone with a 5-year warranty.
Where to Purchase: Fringe Sport
Eleiko Sport Training Bar
It’s an Eleiko. Therefore you know it’s going to be good. It just seems way overpriced.
Where to Purchase: Eleiko Shop
Specifications
- 8 Precision Bearings
- 215,000 PSI Swedish Steel
- Built to Last a Lifetime
- Fully Quality Tested
- 10 Years Warranty
What I Like:
1. It’s an Eleiko
Eleiko makes the best barbells in the world. Period.
2. Tensile Strength
210k. Very high, and very strong.
3. Finish
Chrome finish. The best finish there is in my opinion.
4. Needle Bearings
Has a high spin, a little too high for an all-around bar, but not way too much.
What I Dislike:
1. Knurling
Although they filed the knurling down a bit with this bar, it’s still a little too sharp.
2. Price
Overpriced in my opinion. Great bar, but too much for an all arounder.
Where to Purchase: Eleiko Shop
CAP Barbell Olympic Bar
Cap Barbell
CAP OB-86B Barbell
Product Highlights
- Priced under $200
- Works well as a multipurpose bar
- Comes in proprietary coatings
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Priced under $150
- Ships free with Prime
- Free returns
- Fits Olympic weight plates
Cons
- 30mm grip
- 110KPSI tensile strength
- Black phosphate finish
Bottom Line
The CAP Barbell is not the highest quality bar you can find, but it is one of the most affordable that we would still recommend for those who do not need a specialty bar or anything fancy.
Probably the best bar you can buy for under $150.
Specifications:
- Accommodates 2-Inch Olympic plates
- 1000-Pound weight capacity
- Black oxide finish with polished steel sleeves
- Medium-depth diamond knurl
What I Like:
1. Price
Sitting a little under $150 with free shipping from Amazon is crazy. Granted the bar isn’t the best, but it’s not meant to be. It’s for the person who doesn’t want to spend a ton of money, doesn’t plan on using
General Purpose Barbell FAQs
How much does a barbell weigh?
A basic Olympic barbell, like the ones seen in most gyms, weighs 45 pounds or 20 kilograms. There are, however, exceptions. Women’s barbells are often closer to 35 pounds, curl bars are typically 25–30 pounds, and there are a number of specialized bars weighing slightly varying amounts. However, most commercial gyms use a multifunctional Olympic barbell that weighs 45 pounds / 20 kg.
Can you build muscle with just a barbell?
Yes, absolutely. Barbells are one of the most effective tools for developing muscle and increasing strength. It’s convenient to have access to dumbbells, workout machines, and cable stacks, which is why commercial gyms are so popular, but they are simply conveniences. You can exercise with a barbell for a lifetime and never be restricted by it.
Further reading
In our Mosaic Meal Delivery review, we’ll cover the details from ordering to eating because we tested this plant-based meal delivery ourselves. Read more
The general purpose barbell is the barbell for anybody at any time. It can be used for most movements and do a good job at all of them. These are our picks.The General Purpose Barbell is the barbell for anybody at any time. If you’re going to buy one bar, this is probably the bar you should buy. You can deadlift, squat, clean, jerk, snatch, curl (yes, you should curl barbells), press, » Read more about: General Purpose Barbell Guide » Read more
What is a GOLO Diet? Explore its potential for healthy weight loss without calorie counting, plus insights from a registered dietitian on its pros and cons. Read more
We picked the six best budget recumbent bikes so you can start your cycle journey today. Read more