For a home gym, start with a 7 ft Olympic bar with 2" sleeves, a 28 to 30 mm shaft and a load rating that is well above anything you will lift. A standard 7 ft bar weighs about 44 lb and fits regular power racks. Shorter bars fit tight rooms. Specialty bars come later.
The numbers that matter
- Length. 7 ft (86") fits a standard rack and leaves room for plates. 6 ft and 5 ft bars fit small rooms but may not sit on the J-hooks of a wide rack.
- Weight. A 7 ft bar is about 44 lb. Count it in every lift.
- Shaft diameter. 28 to 30 mm feels good in most hands. Thinner bars are easier to grip for pulls. Thicker bars feel steady on squats and presses.
- Sleeve length. Longer sleeves hold more plates, which matters with bumpers.
- Load rating. Pick a rating far above your heaviest lift. Rated weight is not the same as a weight you should drop.
- Knurling. The rough grip pattern on the shaft. Center knurl helps the bar stay on your back in a squat. Some lifters like a bar without it for cleans.
Body-Solid bars compared
| Bar | Length and weight | Rating | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| OB86C Chrome Olympic Bar, $236.99 | 7 ft, 44 lb, 30 mm, 15.75" sleeves | 600 lb | Most home gyms |
| OB86B Black Olympic Bar, $234.99 | 7 ft, black finish | — | A darker look |
| OB86P1000 Power Bar, $347.99 | 7 ft, 44 lb, 15.25" sleeves | 1,000 lb | Heavy squats and deadlifts |
| OB79EXT Bar, $266.99 | 6.5 ft, 33.8 lb, 12.5" sleeves, 205,000 PSI | 1,000 lb | Strong lifters in tighter rooms |
| OB72B Olympic Bar, $200.99 | 6 ft, 40 lb, 11.25" sleeves | — | Small rooms, lighter loads |
| OB60B Olympic Bar, $187.99 | 5 ft, 30 lb, 9.75" sleeves | 600 lb | Curls, presses, very small spaces |
| OB72A15 Aluminum Bar, $251.99 | 6 ft, 15 lb, 28.5 mm | — | Learning technique, youth and rehab |
Trainer tip: a light aluminum bar is a great tool for patients and new lifters. It lets them groove the pattern before the load goes up.
Specialty bars worth adding later
- OTB100 Open Trap Bar, $325.99, 58 lb, rated to 1,000 lb. Deadlifts with the load in line with your body, easier on the lower back.
- OBSS50B Safety Squat Bar, $398.99, 47 lb, rated to 1,000 lb. Squat with sore shoulders or a stiff upper back.
- OB86FG Fat Grip Bar, $161.99, 2" grip, 29 lb. Builds grip strength.
Check your rack and room
A 7 ft bar needs about 10 to 11 ft of width once you count room to load plates. Measure before you order. See How Much Space Do You Need for a Home Gym? If you lift with bumper plates, read Bumper Plates vs. Iron Plates.
FAQ
Does a 6 ft bar fit a power rack?
Often not. Many racks are too wide for the 46" inside length of a 6 ft bar. A 7 ft bar is the safe choice for a rack.
Chrome or black?
The finish changes the look and feel more than the strength. Wipe either bar down after sweaty sessions.
What is PSI on a bar?
Tensile strength, how much force the steel takes before it fails. Higher numbers mean a tougher bar.
Not sure which bar?
Send your rack model, room width and main lifts on WhatsApp. We will reply in writing with a bar that fits. Shipping is free across the contiguous US. See all barbells and bars.