I am looking to purchase an olympic bar. I have been using a standard bar for cleans and snatches, but I think I need to upgrade to the real thing.
I have found a number of bars locally (in Australia) but would like some opinions on a few things:
The bar I am looking at has a 1500lb rating, and has thrust bearings instead of brass sleeves, so it should spin quite freely. The only concern is that it is 32mm thick, instead of the standard 28mm. I have large hands, so I am pretty sure I will still be able to get a good hook grip on it, but I am in a different state and cannot test it before I buy.
The next option is a 1000lb rated one that is 30mm thick.
I will not be using anywhere near the weight limit of either one of these and am leaning towards the 1000lb’er due to the slightly thinner handle.
I know thick bar work is good for deadlifts etc, but I have no experience with that for olympic lifting. Any comments or experiences are most welcome.
Also, do I really need the thrust bearings, or is a standard sleeved bar adequate?
Scrooge,
Sorry to be the only one to reply to your post & not have an answer but…
I am moving to Australia in Jan & need to get a O-bar & bumpers (or just rubber-coated P.O.S.s if bumpers are too expensive).
Who are you considering buying through?
About your question, why not email Dan John or the Smitty @ dieselcrew.com?
(I don’t have experience with thick bar O-lifts).
If it’s upwards of 700-800 I’d check Eleiko bars, they’re top notch.
If it’s lower I’d check out Glenn Pendlay’s bars (~350, I have one and enjoy it thoroughly). There’s another bar, it’s a bit more and also has received good feedback. I really can’t remember the name, when I do though I’ll PM or post it ASAP.
A lot of the more expensive bars have roller bearings, which of course should be very smooth. I don’t think that means that you NEED them though. Brass bushing should be fine if they’re higher quality and you keep them properly oiled (which isn’t a thing done often). Bushings are still used extensively in machinery, so they’re not poor technology.
Check out Glenn’s website (store.wfwclub.com/me20webar.html) and look around the web for the reviews he’s gotten. I have one personally, you can shoot me a PM if you have any questions and I’ll see if I can answer them.
Edit: I should also note that when you’re selecting a bar check the whip on it. You don’t want a very stiff bar.
The thinner bar will not only be easier to hook grip, but it will most likely give you more rebound. For olympic lifting, this is a good thing. In fact, pliability is one thing that seperates elieko from other brands.
Also, a bar that rotates very well is a huge plus. Go clean in a commercial gym, and then clean on an elieko bar, and you’ll understand that it DOES in fact make a difference.
[quote]wressler125 wrote:
The thinner bar will not only be easier to hook grip, but it will most likely give you more rebound. For olympic lifting, this is a good thing. In fact, pliability is one thing that seperates elieko from other brands.
Also, a bar that rotates very well is a huge plus. Go clean in a commercial gym, and then clean on an elieko bar, and you’ll understand that it DOES in fact make a difference.[/quote]
Yes not only will your weights probably improve just from the higher quality bar, but it won’t be hell on your wrists either.