Best squat bars buying guide
Almost everyone who has stepped foot in a gym has done squats. They are a great way to target your glutes, quads, and hamstrings, while also working your core. But if you’re looking to take your squats up a notch, you may want to try using squat bars. Not sure what they are? Don’t worry – we will explain everything in this best squat bar buying guide. I’ll also tell you why you should consider adding squat bars to your workout routine, and where you can buy them. So, whether you’re just starting out at the gym, or you’ve been working out for years, read on for all the information you need about squat bars!
back to menu ↑What are the best squat bars?
Below we have laid out our thoughts on the best squat bars around. We’ll also give you some insight on the characteristics of each to help you decide which would be best for you and your needs.
back to menu ↑What are the types of squat bars?
There are many types of squat bars that we talk about below. The type of bar that’s best for you largely depends on your goals, but also other factors like mobility.
back to menu ↑Powerlifting bars
Powerlifting bars (also known as power bars or IPF bars) are used for powerlifting competitions. They are the most rigid kind of barbell and give very little flex during a squat, so they put less strain on the wrists and elbows.
back to menu ↑Olympic weightlifting bars
Olympic weightlifting bars (also known as Olympic bars or competition Olympic barbells) are used for both the snatch and clean & jerk in Olympic weightlifting competitions.
back to menu ↑Thick bars
Thick bar training is a technique used by some powerlifters to strengthen the upper back muscles. It involves using a thicker than usual bar during squats or deadlifts to increase grip strength and engage more of the upper back muscles.
back to menu ↑Fat bars
A fat bar can be either an actual fat bar (a regular Olympic weightlifting bar with thick sleeves) or simply any kind of normal barbell that has been modified with thick rubber bands or thick dip grips.
back to menu ↑Bars for wide squats
If you’re using the correct squat technique (butt back and down, knees out, etc.), then you’ll need to use a wider than shoulder-width stance when you squat.
back to menu ↑Bars for narrow squats
If, on the other hand, you’re using too wide of a stance when you squat (butt forward, knees pushed together) then we recommend trying to move your hands in closer so that they are touching.
back to menu ↑What are the benefits of squat bars?
These are the benefits of squat bars:
back to menu ↑Wider Grip
Placing depth is easier with a wider grip. The hands are typically facing forward instead of out to the sides like on an Olympic bar.
back to menu ↑More Comfort
More comfort in the hole when squatting. Many feel that placing your hands in front of your shoulders places more strain on the body when squatting.
back to menu ↑Thicker Grip
Thicker grip for bigger forearms, which will make you stronger all around.
Your grip needs to be strong to hold onto a heavy squat bar, so building this strength will help you increase your lifts.
back to menu ↑Lighter Weight
Due to the wider grip of a squat bar, it’s typically lighter than an Olympic barbell. For those who don’t have strong enough traps or can’t hold heavier weights with an Oly bar, this may be an option to continue squatting.
back to menu ↑More Practice
For a bar to spin in the hands, it must have slack in the system. In an Olympic barbell, as you move from the ground up toward your hips, there is more space between the shoulders and inside of the elbows which allows for more slack.
What exercises can you do with squat bars?
There are exercises that you can do with the best squat bars that you can’t do with Olympic bars (and vice versa).
back to menu ↑Front Squats
Front squats are a little bit awkward to do with an Olympic bar because the collar of the bar may rub against your anterior deltoids. Fortunately, front squats with a squat bar present no such problem.
back to menu ↑Zercher Squats/Zercher Good Morning
You can’t do Zercher’s with an Olympic bar because the collar of one will bump your chest and/or chin on the way down. With a squat bar, this is not a problem – in fact, most people find it easier than doing Zercher with an Olympic bar.
back to menu ↑Snatch-Grip Deadlifts
This is one of those exercises where you can’t use an Olympic bar, but it’s not as simple as just picking up a squat bar and doing the same exercise.
back to menu ↑Sumo Shoulder Presses
Most people have problems performing this movement with an Olympic bar because the sleeve of the bar will bang against their abdominals on each rep. This can get painful fast. With a squat bar, however, this problem is avoided.
back to menu ↑How to choose the best squat bars?
back to menu ↑Features
The first thing you should pay attention to is the diameter of a bar. It must match your height and needs, as well as your body type. Shorter athletes will use smaller bars with 25-28 mm diameter, taller – larger ones with 28-32 mm diameter.
back to menu ↑Weight
Women usually choose one that weighs 20 kg (44 lbs), men’s – 25-30 kg (55-66 lbs). If you are much stronger, you might want to go with 30-35 kg (66-77 lbs) bars.
back to menu ↑Size
There are 7-foot-long bars, 6 feet or 5 feet 9 inches. The shorter ones usually weigh 20 kg (44 lbs) for women and 25-30 kg (55-66 lbs) for men.
back to menu ↑Safety
Even though you will be using this bar in your garage or basement, it still needs to be equipped with safety collars. Collars should provide solid grip so that plates won’t fall off while squatting or doing any other exercises.
back to menu ↑Comfort
The bar should fit your hand perfectly so that you won’t feel any discomfort during exercise.
back to menu ↑Budget
You need to determine how much money you want to spend on a barbell. There are lots of cheap bars under $300, so it’s up to you whether it suits you.
back to menu ↑Conclusion
I think that squat bars are a great option for anyone looking to add variety to their workout routine. They’re easy to set up, they don’t take up too much space in your home or office and you can use them at any time of day regardless of if the sun is out or not. In our opinion, it’s worth giving these types of bars a try!
Happy training!
Rich
Rich is an avid bodybuilder who has dedicated over 20 years of his life to the sport. He has a strong passion for health and fitness, living a clean lifestyle with a commitment to helping others educate themselves and fulfil their true potential.
