Many people don’t realize that a barbell is, in fact, the most important investment you can make. Think about it. You use them for most of your exercises, including the heaviest and most important ones. And it’s equipment that you’re in direct contact with while you’re exercising. It’s the only one that can support hundreds of pounds of weight.
You need something that is safe and performs well. Never choose cheap dumbbells.
You need to be at least as careful in your choice of the barbell as you are in your choice of a power rack. This does not necessarily mean that barbells are more expensive than power racks.
However, the lowest price range for a quality barbell that you will not “outgrow” after two or three years of strength training is $200 to $350 retail; a bar in the $350 to $500 range will offer even more quality and performance. The best value bars, in my opinion, are in that range. Also, if you want top-of-the-line, you will probably spend more than $500.
The improvement in quality and performance of a $500+ bar relative to a $300-$500 bar is much less than that of a $300-$500 bar relative to a bar under $300.
Therefore, there must be a specific and realistic reason for choosing a bar in the higher price range. Otherwise, you may end up paying for features that are not commensurate with your training style or experience level.
How Much Does a Barbell Cost | Ultimate Guide 2024
Factors Affecting the Cost of Dumbbells
Dumbbells are quite expensive compared to other gym equipment because they are designed to safely handle heavy loads. However, they are a worthwhile investment for most gyms because they are effective for a variety of exercises and can replace several smaller machines.
Material
The most common materials for dumbbells are cast iron and stainless steel. Both metals are strong, but stainless steel is preferred because it is stronger and easier to clean. Stainless steel is more expensive than cast iron, and buying steel dumbbells can be expensive.
Manufacturers also apply a variety of protective coatings to prolong the life of the metal. These finishes help protect your investment but come at a higher price.
Consistency.
Dumbbells used for competition tend to be the most expensive. This is not only because of size and weight but also because of quality control.
Manufacturers need to ensure that dumbbells meet all standards and are made to the proper specifications. Taking the time to ensure this consistency drives up the price of dumbbells.
Components.
Modern dumbbells are knurled for better grip, have rotating sleeves for easier snatching, and bearings for easier loading and unloading of weights. These features increase the price but allow you to lift more weight and achieve greater strength gains.
Strength and Durability
The more weight a dumbbell supports, the greater its tensile strength. This is expressed in pounds per square inch (PSI) and indicates how much weight can be supported. Good quality dumbbells have a tensile strength of over 180,000 pounds per square inch, but the higher the tensile strength, the higher the cost. Dumbbells that can hold heavier weights will cost more.
Compare cheap dumbbells to expensive dumbbells (are they worth the price?).
Inexpensive dumbbells are designed for lighter weights and are generally smaller and less durable. They are suitable for beginners who have not yet lifted heavy weights and may be suitable for some intermediate lifters.
If you are training for advanced or competition, you will probably need to invest in more expensive dumbbells. Mid-range and high-end dumbbells are longer, more durable, and allow you to train with competition-quality equipment. These dumbbells are comfortable to use with heavier weights and will last longer than less expensive models.
There are also specialty dumbbells, such as safety squat dumbbells, that can help you improve your form. They are a bit more expensive but may be worth the extra money for beginners as they help you learn the correct movements.
All dumbbells are fairly easy to use, so you don’t have to spend a lot of money to get started. High-end dumbbells will last longer and have more long-term value, but if you don’t have the money, you can settle for an entry-level model. Find the right dumbbells for your current strength level and make sure you get the best value for your money.
Disadvantages
Starting with bare steel, we can go from rust-resistant to rust-prone. ……
Bare steel
Steel without coatings or plating is the least rust-resistant. It also rusts much faster. Nevertheless, some hardcore weightlifters prefer bare steel dumbbells. The advantage of bare steel is that there is nothing to interfere with the knurling, and the rust formation gives the workout a gritty feel and look. Rust will always come off if you scrape it off, but then you lose the knurling and eventually you lose the only advantage of bare steel. Many people recommend avoiding bare steel dumbbells unless you want to perform regular maintenance such as oiling and degreasing. Most dumbbells on the market have some sort of coating anyway. But if you value your time outside of lifting and placing dumbbells, look for ones without coatings.
Black Oxide
Black oxide is a type of coating that prevents rust, but it is hardly the best choice. Nevertheless, if kept in a well-controlled environment, there is little danger of rusting. Some people also like the look of black oxide. It gives the black barbell a unique look. A good example of this is Rogue’s The Ohio Bar – Black Oxide, which is versatile. Note that black oxide wears off with use. So, if you put your hands on the barbell a lot, you can expect it to wear out gradually. Therefore, they will not always look new. But for the serious lifter, the more used the dumbbells are, the better.
Bright Zinc and Black Zinc
Zinc falls somewhere in the middle of the strength spectrum and costs slightly more than black dye. Zinc has the advantage of being much stronger than oxide, making it suitable for those who want less maintenance on their dumbbells. However, zinc is a consumable. Those with well-worn zinc-plated dumbbells say it is difficult to keep them in new condition. The good thing is that zinc can protect steel at the expense of steel. Therefore, if the zinc is worn away or scratched, exposing the steel, the zinc is gradually consumed before the steel rusts. One problem with zinc dumbbells is that the plating covers the iron and fills in the knurling. They do not have a hard grip. However, some companies, such as Rogue, have succeeded in making zinc dumbbells with knurls that feel good to the touch. It is almost as rough as bare steel. Black zinc provides double protection because it is black zinc plated over bright zinc. Black zinc will become cloudy after some time of use, but this is only an aesthetic problem. The black zinc may eventually wear off, but the bright zinc is underneath and should be protected next.
Chrome.
Not all chrome is created equal. You want hard chrome, not cheap chrome barbells. Chrome is a very rust-resistant material. In fact, it almost never rusts, but it can scratch and wear if it is not hard chrome. The only downside to chrome, and hard chrome for that matter, is that you lose the feel of the knurling. Also, if you are serious about doing this, you will need a choke for lifting. All in all, hard chrome barbells are great and will last forever, but they are getting harder to find these days.
Nickel.
Nickel plating has an impressive finish and is extremely rust resistant. However, inexpensive nickel plating will chip more easily than hard chrome. At Kabuki Strength, we are able to offer very high-quality nickel barbells because we use nickel (electroless nickel) used in the aerospace industry. This type of nickel barbell is superior to hard chrome. However, if you are talking about lower-quality nickel dumbbells, chrome is the way to go. Overall, nickel is not widely used, and the only one we can recommend is Cubquist Length’s The Power Bar. But expect to be on a waiting list and pay a hefty price when it becomes available. If you can get it, it is certainly a great option, as it does not wear and tear easily. They can withstand being slapped on a rack all day long.
Note: If you are allergic to nickel, it would be safer to avoid nickel plating.
Cerakote
Until the invention of Cerakote, chrome was the predominant material used for dumbbells. It was invented fairly recently by the firearms industry to prevent rust from rusting on guns. Shortly thereafter, dumbbell manufacturers began using it. Its near-perfect resistance to oxidation (rust) makes it an excellent choice. In addition, it has a beautiful matte finish that can be finished in several colors. It is also a very hard coating, but it can peel off if it comes in contact with metal. This is a problem if the cast iron plate is exposed. Perhaps of more concern is the fact that Cerakote is a coating that is subject to subtle changes in knurling force. Cerakote is generally more expensive than any of the above coatings but the following…
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is the ultimate choice for all of its tactile and protective qualities. At first glance, it may look like bare steel, but because it is stainless steel, you get the raw, knurled feel and protection from rust. In fact, it is the most rust-resistant option. The downside of stainless steel is that it is expensive. It’s a difficult material to process without the proper composition and heat treatment… Oh, and if color is your thing, don’t expect anything colorful. The only color is steel.
Features of Barbells
The bodyweight dumbbells are 7.2 feet tall, have a 29mm diameter shaft, and a 2-inch rotating sleeve, and weigh 44 lbs. Special features that make it ideal for strength and hypertrophy training include
Aggressive knurling
Beginners may find the knurling rough for a few weeks if they are not used to it. But it is only temporary, as your hands get used to it and the calluses form. Eventually, your hands will get used to it. Another effect of aggressive rolling is that it works better on deadlifts and barbell rows. There is no problem with the bar slipping out of your hands. Additionally, there is no need for endless amounts of chalk.
Bench Press Marks
Rowlett’s ring marks indicate the maximum width of the bench press allowed in a powerlifting meet. This is not important since we will be using different grip widths when training for muscle hypertrophy, but it is good to know where our grips are in relation to the maximum width used by powerlifters.
Center Knurled
Powerlifters have a knurled band in the center that is not found on other dumbbells. These bands are designed to keep the bar from sliding down your back during squats. They also have a smooth band on either side of the center knurling so you don’t have to worry about rubbing your shins during weightlifting (which squat bars don’t have).
Thick shaft
At 29mm, powerlifting dumbbells are 1mm thicker than Olympic dumbbells and 0.5mm thicker than regular dumbbells. This may not seem like a big deal, but it increases durability and prevents wobble when lifting less than 500 pounds. If the dumbbells are very heavy, they may still twist a bit, but will not whip around. Note: thicker handles are also more comfortable during bench presses because they don’t dig into your hands (only a problem when doing very heavy bench presses).
Ring bearings
In weightlifting, you don’t throw weights, so you don’t need fancy stuff like ball bearings or needle bearings. You lift with control. The reason Olympic lifters need high-grade bearings is to allow the weights to rotate freely and to keep their momentum from throwing the lifter off balance. This is not the case for powerlifters.
How Much Does a Barbell Cost | Video Explanation
FAQs
How much do Rogue dumbbells cost?
Rogue dumbbells can cost anywhere from $200 to $900, depending on their exact specifications. The full line of Rogue dumbbells can be found here.
How much do weight plates typically cost?
A typical weight plate costs about $1 to $1.50 per pound. Olympic weight plates are more expensive, ranging from $1.50 to $2.50 per pound. Please note that standard weight plates cannot be used with Olympic dumbbells due to their different diameters. Here are some recommended Olympic weight sets to add to your home gym.
What are the shipping costs for shipping dumbbells?
Depending on the exact specifications and distance of the dumbbells, you should expect to pay between $40 and $60 for shipping. Depending on the brand, shipping may be free or included in the price.
What is the price of used dumbbells?
Used dumbbells should sell for about 60% of their retail price. This means that a standard dumbbell should be available for about $50 to $100. Always check the quality before purchasing used fitness equipment.
How much does a good barbell cost?
A good quality Olympic barbell costs between $200 and $350; you can find entry-level barbells for under $150, but these are more likely to bend and rust over time. High-end barbells can cost $1,000 or more, but they rarely break and conform very accurately to IWF and IPF standards.
How much should a set of barbells cost?
When you start researching barbells, you will find that there are many different options and prices. Barbells can cost anywhere from $100 to $1,500 or more.
How much does a barbell weigh?
A standard straight barbell weighs 45 pounds, is about 2 meters long, and can be used for most lifts, including squats, deadlifts, bent-over rows, overhead presses, and bicep curls, Wickham says.
Conclusion
Choosing the right type of weightlifting bar can be very difficult. There are many different features and types of bars to consider before making a final decision.
In this barbell buying guide, we hope to provide you with the information and details you need so you can purchase the right type of weightlifting bar for your needs.
Hi, I am Matt Storace and I am a former personal trainer and founder of Beast Biceps. We had to find ways to train at home. When I started looking for the equipment I needed, I quickly realized that there were no good resources online. So I created Beast Biceps. It is a treasure trove of information developed from my experience and research. Read More Here