Olympic Barbell Buying Guide: Bushings, Bearings & Knurl
Not all barbells are created equal. We explain tensile strength, whip, and the difference between powerlifting and weightlifting bars so you buy the right steel.
Quick list
- Powerlifting Bar: Stiff, aggressive knurl, center knurl present. Built for the Big 3 (Squat, Bench, Deadlift).
- Olympic Weightlifting Bar: Flexible ("whip"), smooth bearing rotation, no center knurl. Built for the Snatch and C&J.
- Hybrid / Multipurpose Bar: The "CrossFit" standard. Medium whip, medium knurl. Best for garage gyms.
- Bushings: Brass or bronze rings. They offer a slow, controlled spin. Ideal for powerlifting where you want stability. Low maintenance.
- Bearings: Needle bearings offer rapid, sensitive spin. Essential for Olympic lifters to prevent wrist injury during the turnover of a clean. Expensive.
Introduction: The Soul of Your Gym
The barbell is the connection between you and the gravity you are fighting. It is the single most important piece of equipment in a strength setup. Yet, beginners often buy a cheap $100 "big box store" bar, only to have it bend permanently after one heavy deadlift session.
In 2026, the market is flooded with high-quality options. Understanding the specs—PSI, whip, and sleeve rotation—is the key to investing in a bar that will outlast you.
Quick Summary: Bar Types
- Powerlifting Bar: Stiff, aggressive knurl, center knurl present. Built for the Big 3 (Squat, Bench, Deadlift).
- Olympic Weightlifting Bar: Flexible ("whip"), smooth bearing rotation, no center knurl. Built for the Snatch and C&J.
- Hybrid / Multipurpose Bar: The "CrossFit" standard. Medium whip, medium knurl. Best for garage gyms.
Key Specs Explained
1. Tensile Strength (PSI)
This measures how much force the steel can take before breaking.
The Rule: Avoid anything under 165,000 PSI. A good standard bar (like the Rogue Ohio Bar) is usually 190,000 PSI. Elite power bars go up to 215,000 PSI.
2. Bushings vs. Bearings
This refers to the mechanism that allows the sleeves (where the plates go) to spin.
- Bushings: Brass or bronze rings. They offer a slow, controlled spin. Ideal for powerlifting where you want stability. Low maintenance.
- Bearings: Needle bearings offer rapid, sensitive spin. Essential for Olympic lifters to prevent wrist injury during the turnover of a clean. Expensive.
3. Knurling (The Grip)
Knurling is the crosshatch pattern cut into the steel.
Hill style: Passive and comfortable (good for high reps).
Volcano style: Sharp peaks with a crater (best grip-to-comfort ratio).
Mountain style: Extremely sharp peaks (aggressive, tears calluses, necessary for max deadlifts).
Coating Comparison
| Coating | Oxidation Resistance | Knurl Feel | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bare Steel | None (Rusts fast) | Best (Raw metal) | Low |
| Black Zinc | Medium | Good | Medium |
| Cerakote | High (Ceramic) | Medium (Fill in gaps) | High |
| Stainless Steel | High (No rust) | Best (Raw feel) | Very High |
FAQ
Do I need a center knurl?
If you squat heavy back squats, yes. The center knurl grips your shirt and keeps the bar from sliding down your back. For Crossfit or cleans, it will scrape your neck, so avoid it.
What is "Whip"?
Whip is the ability of the bar to flex and rebound. Olympic lifters use whip to launch the weight up. Powerlifters hate it because it makes the bench press unstable.
Conclusion
If you are building a general garage gym, buy a Multipurpose Bar (28.5mm diameter, bushings, dual knurl marks). If you only care about your Squat/Bench/Deadlift total, buy a stiff 29mm Power Bar.
Next Step: Read our comparison of the Rogue Ohio Bar vs. Texas Power Bar.
Discussion
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