Best Affordable Olympic Barbells (Under $200) for Your Home Gym

Regardless of whether you’ve had a home gym for quite some time and you want to level it up, or you’re currently planning on making one and you’re wanting to deck it out - Olympic barbells are an excellent form of equipment and will bring plenty of versatility to your home gym.

The only question is, which will offer the best value for your money?

If you're just getting started and are still wondering what olympic weightlifting is, you can check out our complete guide here. If you’ve already started shopping around for options on the market, then you might currently be finding it difficult to find budget-friendly options, especially given the fact there are so many models to choose from!

On top of that, you’ll also have to choose between what type of Olympic barbell to go for, so it’s easy to buy the wrong kind. 

If that sounds like you, then rest assured that you have clicked on the right article! To lend you a helping hand, in this article we are going to be talking you through the best Olympic barbells that are currently available to buy on the market.

Along the way, you will also find a helpful buying guide area that will ensure that you are able to buy the best Olympic barbell for yourself, while also ensuring that you get the very best value for your money! So, without further ado, let’s jump right in.

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Why Are Olympic Barbells A Home Gym Essential? 

If you are currently planning on creating your very own home gym or you’ve alternatively decided to upgrade your home gym with some new apparatus - then the Olympic barbell is one of the most important pieces of equipment that you should consider adding to your home.

Why? Well, for starters, Olympic barbells are deemed as being the most superior of all barbells, and this is simply because they are designed to be heavier, thicker, and more durable than other types of barbells.

Alongside that, Olympic Barbells also often tend to be made with bearings as opposed to bushings, which will allow for a more enjoyable lifting experience, as bearings offer a more energetic and quiet spin.

Thanks to the above, it means that besides offering you the chance to engage in a more versatile workout, you will also be able to utilize the increased weight load that an Olympic barbell brings - which means that they make a great investment as they will grow with you as you progress down your strength lifting journey.

On top of that, it should also be noted that, for the most part, Olympic barbells and standard barbells often tend to be placed at a similar price point, which means that by opting to go for an Olympic barbell as opposed to a standard barbell, you will be getting better overall value for your money. It’s a no-brainer!

Best Affordable Olympic Barbells: What To Keep In Mind

As we’re sure that you might already know by now, choosing a high-quality Olympic barbell isn’t as easy as it might sound! From a variety of different companies for you to choose from, all the way to its weight capacity and plate finish - there’s a lot to think about when deciding what type of barbell that you would like to purchase for your home gym.

Luckily enough, though, this is where we come in to lend you a helping hand! To ensure you’re able to make the most informed choice that you can, this mini buying guide is going to talk you through all of the main factors that you should take into consideration while choosing an affordable Olympic barbell. Check this out below:

Budget

So, even though you’re currently in the market for affordable Olympic barbells, that doesn’t mean that you should start shopping around for options to shortlist without setting a budget in mind prior to buying.

Before you start shopping for Olympic barbells, we first recommend that you take the time to decide how much you are looking to spend in total, as this will help to ensure that you are able to make a more wise spending decision.

Even though you want to purchase barbells that are under 200 dollars, are you interested in purchasing more than one set? Or do you have plans to purchase one and then add it to your home gym collection slowly but surely? These are the buying questions that you need to be asking yourself.

What Plate Finish Does It Have?

Another extremely important factor that you should be taking into consideration while selecting what barbells you would like to purchase is the barbell’s plate finish/coating.

If you weren’t already aware, all Olympic barbells come with their bar being covered in a finish that is intended to help serve the user a level of resistance that prevents the barbell bar from slipping out of their fingers. 

More often than not, the typical Olympic barbell will usually come covered with a metal coating, although there are some Olympic barbells on the market that come covered with chrome and various other types of coatings - including sometimes even plastic. 

On the flip side, you can also get Olympic barbells that are made of stainless steel. These types of barbells do not typically require a coating over the top of the stainless steel bar, as stainless steel already provides plenty of friction, while also being able to naturally protect itself from corrosion.

However, it is worth noting that some stainless steel barbells tend to be on the higher end of the price range, which is something to keep in mind when shopping for the more affordable options.

How Durable Is It?

As we’re sure you can likely already guess, the strength and durability of the Olympic barbell that you choose are going to be one of the most important considerations that you will need to make.

Generally speaking, even though the majority of barbells will come with a hefty weight limit of upward of 1,000lbs, you should also consider the overall strength of the barbell - which can be best seen from the overall yield strength.

Typically, you can expect the yield strength amount to be listed in either the owner’s manual, instruction book, or even on the back of the box that the barbell came in. In addition to those common places, you should also be able to find the yield strength of the Olympic barbell in question located on the product description page. 

The Weight Limit

Unless you have plans on purchasing a fixed weight barbell, then it’s highly likely that you’re going to find yourself using your Olympic barbell for a variety of different weights, depending on how you’re feeling during each workout session and what type of exercise you are looking to do.

For this reason, you’re going to need to make sure that you are opting for an Olympic barbell that comes with a generous weight limit, as this will mean that you are able to use it to hold a variety of different weights and, in turn, make it way more of a versatile exercise apparatus.

No matter what the price might be, all basic barbells should typically offer a weight limit maximum of around 1000lbs, although some of the more affordable options usually tend to be a little bit less than this. 

What Do You Need Your Barbell For?

So, even though this point ties in closely with the weight limit factor that we raised above, we still think that it’s important to point out. If you are only planning on using your barbell for general usage, then you will likely find that a multi-purpose Olympic barbell is the best bet for you to opt for.

However, if you have plans on using your affordable Olympic barbell for a specific purpose (such as for weightlifting, for example) then you will need to consider purchasing an Olympic barbell that has been specifically designed with this in mind. 

Bar Whip

If you’re not overly familiar with Olympic barbells (or weight lifting barbells in general) then you might not be overly aware of what the “whip” of the bar is. So, if you’re unsure or you would simply like a knowledge refresh, the whip of the bar essentially refers to the way that the ends of a barbell bounce as soon as they make contact with the ground.

As a general rule of thumb, it’s always a good idea to opt for a bar whip that is moderate to high, as this will ensure that you will be able to utilize the bouncing motion to help propel each lift.

However, not all people like to use Olympic barbells that have a moderately high bar whip as it can feel a little “jumpy” or out of control, which means that it might not be the best option for beginners. 

Nevertheless, if you are interested in purchasing an Olympic barbell that has a strong bar whip, then we recommend that you make sure to keep an eye out for Olympic barbells that have been made from materials such as stainless steel, as well as the thickness of the Olympic barbell plate.

Ideally, you should try and opt for an Olympic barbell that comes with bumper plates, as the weight will be distributed towards the ends of the bar, and in turn, increase the bar whip.

Barbell Sleeves

Besides taking into consideration what the bar whip is, the next factor that we strongly recommend that you take into account when choosing which Olympic barbell to purchase is the sleeves of the barbell.

Believe it or not, the barbell sleeves are one of the most important features of the barbell - yet many people tend to find themselves overlooking them! The sleeves of an Olympic barbell are essential in determining how much spin a barbell is going to be able to offer.

In Olympic barbells, the spin is allowed thanks to the additions of bearings, which not only offer a super-fast spin but are usually made from little pieces of metal that are able to freely move within the boundaries of the sleeve.

To ensure that you have the best workout experience possible, it’s important to make sure that you opt for an Olympic barbell that comes with bearings, as this will ensure that you are able to enjoy a quiet and seamlessly fast spin, while also being able to enjoy plenty of reliability.

Safety Features

Last but certainly not least, the final factor that you should absolutely consider when choosing an Olympic barbell is whether or not it comes with safety features. No matter what your budget might be, it’s important to make sure that the barbell that you purchase is fit for use and not going to be a hazard at any point.

For this reason, we strongly recommend that you opt for a barbell that (at the very least) comes with knurled handles that will help to increase your grip while also lowering the chance of the bar accidentally slipping out of your hands and causing an injury.

Additional features that we recommend keeping an eye out for are silicone handles and high-quality construction. 

As a side note, seeing as you’re planning on adding Olympic barbells to your home gym, we strongly recommend that you consider purchasing a power rack or safety catch.

These types of apparatus are an essential part of solo strength training and will help to ensure that you stay safe while you train. In a nutshell, barbell safety catches (which are sometimes referred to as power racks) are specifically designed to offer solo gym-goers an additional level of safety while they are lifting barbells.

They typically have a weight limit of anywhere from 500 to 1000lbs and are designed to be able to “catch” the barbell in the event that you happen to unintentionally lose control of the bar.

Unlike other types of safety apparatus, safety catches are a fantastic choice to consider because they can be used in conjunction with a variety of common barbell exercises, including squatting, lunging, and bench pressing. 

If you’re in need of a recommendation, then we strongly recommend checking out the CAP Barbell FM-8000F Deluxe Power Rack. Not only is it one of the most popular power racks in the industry, but it is extremely versatile and can be used to perform a variety of different movements, including pull-ups, deadlifts, squats, and more. While it is an investment, if you’re planning on using your barbells without a fitness partner, you won’t regret the extra level of safety and peace of mind that this power rack will bring. It’s also compatible with Olympic barbells and comes with special bar holders and ABS sleeves that are specifically designed for Olympic barbells. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What Olympic Barbell Should I Buy?

If you’re currently in the market for a brand new Olympic barbell (or perhaps even more than one) then you might currently be wondering about which type of Olympic barbell is the best option for you - especially if it’s going to be your first time purchasing one for your own, personal use.

Generally speaking, Olympic barbells do not differ too much from the types of barbells that you’ll find in your local gym, so you should find picking one for yourself relatively simple and easy to do.

However, if it’s going to be your first time purchasing one or you’re simply not too sure which type of barbell to opt for, then we strongly recommend that you consider purchasing a barbell that is designed for multi-purpose usage, as this will mean that you will be able to use it for a variety of different exercises.

In addition to this, we also strongly recommend that you opt for an Olympic barbell that has a weight limit of upwards of 1,000lbs. 

Even though this might seem like far too much weight than you’ll ever plan to use, it will mean that you have the freedom to be able to choose between a variety of different weights, while also allowing you to ensure you get the best value for your money, as the Olympic barbell will be able to grow with you as you develop and become stronger - and wish to move up weights gradually.

Are Olympic Barbells Better?

Even though this topic often tends to bring about much debate, it is generally considered that Olympic barbells are the better option to choose, as they tend to be longer and heavier.

Due to this, it means that Olympic barbells are often far more durable and long-lasting than regular barbells, which will ensure that you are able to enjoy a long service life. Not only that, but Olympic barbells are also a great option for people that are looking for a barbell that will be able to withstand regular, heavy-duty use. 

What Is The Difference Between Standard And Olympic Bars?

There are different types of weightlifting bars and barbells you can explore as a lifter, whether you're just starting out or are already a seasoned lifter. If you’re currently interested in purchasing some barbells, we’re sure that you’ll agree with us when we say that the multitude of options out there on the market can be confusing!

For that reason, it can be easy to wonder if there’s any significant difference between all of the different kinds, especially given the fact that some kids are more affordable than others - especially when it comes down to Olympic barbells and general-purpose barbells.

However, it is important to note that there are a variety of differences between the two that set them apart from each other, including the following:

• Durability - One of the biggest differences between general-purpose, standard barbells and Olympic barbells is durability.

Unlike standard barbells designed for regular gym use or for strength training, Olympic barbells are specifically designed to be able to offer a far greater weight capacity than standard barbells, and this, in turn, means that they are much stronger and durable.

For this reason, Olympic barbells often tend to feature larger bars that will be able to withstand the additional weights without issues.

• Price - Another main issue between standard and Olympic bars is the price. On one hand, you have the standard barbells which are typically deemed to be placed at a much more affordable price point, and the main reason for this simply comes down to the fact that standard barbells are intended for everyday training at a low to moderate intensity. 

On the other hand, you have Olympic barbells, which are barbells that are specifically designed in order to be able to hold extremely heavy weights (which means that they offer a greater weight limit than standard bars) while also being able to offer the user plenty of durabilities - so you won’t have to worry about regular replacements! 

• Bushings/bearings - If you’re already familiar with the barbells, then you might have noticed that Olympic barbells tend to have bearings, while regular barbells are often made with bearings. 

Even though they are both designed to serve the same purpose of helping to achieve a spin, Olympic barbells are generally considered to be superior as bearings are widely accepted to offer a smoother and more seamless spin than bearings can. 

To summarise all of the above, the main difference between Olympic and standard barbells is that Olympic barbells are typically designed for heavy-duty lifting and high-intensity weight lifting sessions.

For this reason alone, it means that Olympic barbells are usually more durable than standard barbells, offer a greater maximum weight load, and feature a variety of premium features that make them as enjoyable as possible to use - such as knurling handles which are able to increase your grip, and the inclusion of bearings that are able to maximize each lift with an energetic spin.