Weightlifting Bar
A good weightlifting bar is no doubt the most important piece of equipment a weightlifter can invest in. There are various manufacturers of weightlifting bars such as Eleiko, Werksan, York, and others. Eleiko is considered top of the line in regards to weightlifting equipment and is used in international events worldwide. When shopping for a weightlifting bar the following characteristics will help you determine whether the company is selling a high quality weightlifting bar or whether it is just a piece of junk.

Important Bar Characteristics
One crucial but obvious characteristic is that the bar should conform to the specifications given by the IWF (International Weightlifting Federation). The last thing anybody wants is to buy a bar from a manufacturer and find out that it isn’t up to par with what the manufacturer stated and are essentially wasting money. Remember if it does meet the standards set forth by the IWF, look it buying another bar that does meet the requirements.

The knurling on the bar is a very important aspect and it is what helps the lifter keep their grip on the bar and allows them to lift the weight. For those that do not know want the knurling is, it is the tiny diagonal cuts on the bar. If the diagonal cuts are too shallow it will not allow a secure enough grip, however if they are too deep it may cause the calluses on the hand to tear and scrape the shins and thighs. Knurling that is just in the middle is usually ideal for lifters, not too deep to tear the skin, but just enough for a secure grip.

Making sure the bar rotates properly is another important characteristic that one should look for. The bar should rotate roughly one to two times any more than that might mean it is too loose. If the bar is too loose it can place too much stress on the lifters joints when lifting because the looseness of the bar will create almost a gyroscopic effect.

Check the bar for the quality of the steel and to see if there are any warps in the bar, especially if you are buying a used bar. The bar should be made of a high quality steel if it is not then the bar probably will not have a good spring to it and will also warp after a period of use.

How much does it cost?
High quality weightlifting bars are not cheap to purchase. However, since it is high quality weightlifting bar it should last a very long time if properly taken care of. Think of it like buying a Toyota. The initial cost may seem very high, however, with proper maintenance and care it should easily last when the car finally gets in the 100,000 mile range. Similarly a weightlifting bar if taken care of will last throughout the years of training and competition.