the difference between standard and olympic plates and bars
Yes – we’ve starting stocking Olympic plates and bars – which begs the question to anyone new to training – what is the difference between Standard and Olympic?. There are a few obvious differences worth pointing out:
- Diameter (of hole, bar) : Standard bars are around 25mm in diameter, whilst Olympic bars are a more noticeable 50mm.
- Weight (of bars) : a standard bar weighs anywhere from 5kg – 12kg, an Olympic one from 12kg-20kg plus (and as the weight of the bar is included in the total weight – this adds up).
- Strength (of bars) : Olympic bars can handle hundreds of kg safely (check with the manufacturer though), with some being rated at well over 500kg. Standard bars, on the other hand, may start bending at somewhere over 200kg.
- Bar ends: Most Olympic bars have what are called revolving ends. This means that the ends of the bar freely rotate. This combats the problem of added torque when doing certain exercises – less torque means less eventual bar warping, as well as lessening the possibility of hand slippage or strain.
- Cost : the major factor in the favour of standard bars and plates is the cost, which is generally considerably cheaper than the Olympic counterparts.
So how to decide? Think about where your training is going. Honestly! If you want to compete in powerlifting, you want to get HUGE (for real), or you are doing these already – go with Olympic. You’ll need them sooner or later and it’s cheaper in the long run.
If you’re planning on working out at home – want to get some muscles or get in shape – go the standard plates and bars. They are cheaper, easier to get, and will do the job fine.
(Note: While we offer Olympic and Standard plates at the same price (most do not), we sell the olympic bars at a higher cost because they cost more to make – that’s because they’re stronger and have moving bits)….
