Premium Barbells

Features of Our Range of Premium Barbells

• Engineered for Performance – Bars suitable for all styles of training from general strength work to serious competition prep
  

• Multiple Shaft Options – Choose from 25mm, 28mm and 29mm shaft diameters to suit your grip and lifting discipline
  

• Knurling Profiles – Mild, medium and aggressive patterns available, with centre knurl and dual IWF/IPF markings on select bars
  

• Rotation System for Olympic Bars – Options include bushings for strength work,  needle bearings for fast Olympic lifts, or a combination of both for hybrid multi-purpose bars
  

• Protective Coatings – All bars feature durable protective finishes designed to resist corrosion and wear. Specific coatings vary by model but are selected for longevity and performance, and include nickel plating for superior corrosion protection and hard chrome for exceptional durability under heavy use
  

• Plate Compatibility – Models available to suit both Olympic (50mm) and standard (29–30mm) weight plates and bumper plates

• Versatile Applications – Ideal for home gyms, commercial facilities and strength sports including powerlifting and Olympic weightlifting

Whether you're investing in your first serious gym barbell or upgrading your existing setup, you’ll find the right fit in our range.

Completing Your Set-up

Pair your premium barbell with quality equipment to get the most from your training:

• Weight Plates – Olympic and standard styles, including cast iron and rubber coated weight plates, bumper plates and steel calibrated plates
  

• Gym Benches – Flat, incline and adjustable benches for presses, rows and accessories
  

• Racks & Stands – Safer lifting setups for squats, overhead presses and more
  

• Bar & Plate Packages – Great-value barbell bundles to simplify your purchase
  

FAQs

What’s the difference between standard and Olympic barbells?
Our standard barbells have fixed 28mm shafts and take plates with 29–30mm holes. Olympic bars feature 50mm rotating sleeves with bushings or bearings, built to handle dynamic, heavy lifting.

Which bar is best for beginners vs. experienced lifters?
Beginners often start with a standard bar because it’s affordable and easy to handle with smaller weight sets. Experienced lifters benefit from Olympic bars, which offer greater durability, heavier load limits, and smoother sleeve rotation.

How do protective finishes (chrome, nickel, hard chrome) affect a barbell?
Protective coatings impact both durability and feel. For example, hard chrome and nickel resist corrosion best, are durable and offer a clean feel.

What barbell weight should I choose?
Most standard bars weigh around 10–15 kg, while Olympic bars are typically 20 kg for men and 15 kg for women. Beginners may prefer lighter bars to focus on technique, while experienced lifters usually choose full-weight Olympic bars for heavier training.

Can I use one barbell for everything?
A straight barbell can cover most needs, but specialty bars like loadable dumbbells, safety squat bars, trap bars or EZ curl bars offer better ergonomics and different lift-specific advantages.

What type of specialty bar should I choose?
Specialty bars are designed to reduce strain, target muscles differently, or add variety to training. For example, a trap bar is great for safer deadlifts, while a safety squat bar helps lifters with shoulder mobility issues. Both can also help create diversity in your training.

Looking for Advice on Premium Barbells?

Choosing a barbell is a long-term investment in your training. Whether you need a versatile gym barbell for home use or a specialised bar for competition prep, we’ll guide you to the best choice. Call, email or visit us for expert help.

Based in Melbourne?

Little Bloke Fitness is proudly based in Melbourne. Come to our showroom to compare barbells in person, test the feel and get advice from experienced lifters who understand your goals.