The 84 inch Olympic barbell is a vital piece of equipment for anyone serious about weightlifting. Its size and design make it ideal for a wide range of exercises, from squats and deadlifts to Olympic lifts like the snatch and clean and jerk. When selecting a barbell, it’s important to consider key factors like size, weight, and build quality. The 84 inch Olympic barbell typically offers a higher load capacity, making it suitable for heavy lifting and intense training. Durability is also crucial, as a high-quality barbell ensures long-lasting performance, even under extreme pressure. Price can vary, but investing in a durable 84 inch Olympic barbell will ultimately support better weightlifting results and performance.
What is an 84 Inch Olympic Barbells?
Definition of the 84 Inch Olympic Barbell
An 84 inch Olympic barbell is a long, high-quality barbell designed specifically for weightlifting and strength training exercises. This barbell is generally 7 feet in length, providing ample space for proper lifting technique and making it ideal for various strength training movements. The 84 inch Olympic barbell typically features a thicker and stronger build compared to standard barbells, ensuring durability under heavy loads. The design includes rotating sleeves, allowing for smoother lifts, particularly in Olympic-style lifts like the clean and jerk or snatch.
Common Uses of the 84 Inch Olympic Barbell
The 84 inch Olympic barbells are versatile pieces of equipment used in a wide range of exercises. It’s most commonly used for compound lifts such as squats, deadlifts, and overhead presses. The length and stability of the bar make it ideal for exercises that require greater load capacity and smooth sleeve rotation, such as the bench press, rows, and Olympic lifts. For lifters who need a more compact option, the 60 inch barbell offers a practical alternative, especially for workouts in smaller spaces or for targeted strength training exercises. Whether you’re lifting heavy weights or performing dynamic exercises, the 84 inch Olympic barbell provides the necessary support for both professional athletes and casual fitness enthusiasts. Its robust design allows for safe and effective lifting in gyms or commercial fitness centers.
Dimensions of the 84 Inch Olympic Barbells
Length of the 84 Inch Olympic Barbell
The 84 inch Olympic barbells are 7 feet long, which is a common and standard length for Olympic barbells. This length provides ample room for lifting with proper technique, allowing for the use of standard 2-inch weight plates on the sleeves. The 84-inch length ensures that the barbell can accommodate a wide range of exercises, from basic lifts like squats and bench presses to more technical Olympic lifts such as the snatch and clean and jerk. Its extended length also ensures that the barbell fits comfortably on weightlifting platforms, providing stability and control during intense training sessions.
Diameter of the 84 Inch Olympic Barbell
The 84 inch Olympic barbell features a diameter of approximately 2 inches for the sleeves, which is the standard size for Olympic weightlifting equipment. This larger diameter allows the bar to fit securely with Olympic weight plates, which have a 2-inch hole. The bar itself typically has a diameter of 1-1/16 inches, providing a comfortable grip for lifters while maintaining the necessary strength to handle heavy weights. The diameter of the bar also plays a role in determining the overall weight and balance of the barbell, with a larger diameter bar providing more stability during lifts.
Weight of the 84 Inch Olympic Barbell
The typical weight of the 84 inch Olympic barbell ranges from 44 to 45 pounds (approximately 20 to 20.5 kg), depending on the manufacturer and specific design features. This weight is ideal for Olympic-style lifting, offering enough resistance for both beginner and advanced lifters. The weight of the bar itself is an important factor to consider when selecting a barbell for different training goals. A heavier barbell, such as the 84 inch Olympic barbell, is well-suited for powerlifting and Olympic weightlifting, where strength and stability are crucial.
Load Capacity of the 84 Inch Olympic Barbell
One of the standout features of the 84 inch Olympic barbell is its impressive load capacity. Depending on the materials used and the barbell’s design, it can typically handle between 600 lbs to 1,500 lbs of weight. This makes the 84 inch Olympic barbell ideal for athletes who are lifting extremely heavy loads, whether for strength training or Olympic weightlifting. The high load capacity allows the bar to withstand the stress of maximal lifts, providing durability and reliability during intense workout sessions. Lifters can confidently load the barbell with substantial weight, knowing it is built to endure heavy use without compromising performance or safety.
Key Features of the 84 Inch Olympic Barbells
Barbell Sleeves
The 84 inch Olympic barbell features 2-inch rotating sleeves, a key design element that makes it suitable for a variety of advanced lifting techniques. The rotating sleeves allow for smooth and controlled rotation during lifts, which is especially important for Olympic lifts like the clean and jerk, and the snatch. The rotation of the sleeves reduces torque and strain on the wrists and elbows, preventing injury and ensuring a more fluid movement. This feature helps the lifter maintain better form, as it minimizes the stress on joints during dynamic lifts. The 84 inch Olympic barbell’s sleeve rotation is one of the defining features that differentiate it from standard barbells, making it ideal for both professional athletes and serious fitness enthusiasts.
Durability and Construction
The 84 inch Olympic barbell is built with durability in mind. It is typically made from high-quality steel, often cold-rolled or hardened for maximum strength and longevity. The strong construction ensures that the barbell can withstand the intense wear and tear of heavy lifting without losing its shape or performance over time. To further enhance its durability, many 84 inch Olympic barbells come with a chrome or other rust-resistant finishes, which help protect the bar from corrosion caused by sweat, moisture, and prolonged use. This rugged construction makes the 84 inch Olympic barbell a long-lasting investment for commercial gyms, ensuring that it remains in excellent condition for years of use.
Center Knurling
A distinctive feature of many 84 inch Olympic barbells is the center knurling, which provides additional grip stability. This is especially useful for lifts like back squats, where the barbell needs to stay securely in place on the lifter’s back. The knurling design can vary depending on the intended use of the barbell; for instance, competition-level barbells typically have more aggressive knurling to enhance grip during heavy lifts. The 84 inch Olympic barbell’s center knurling helps to prevent the bar from slipping, allowing for a safer and more controlled lifting experience. The design of the knurling can also vary between manufacturers, with some opting for more subtle knurling for comfort during higher-repetition lifts.
Bearings/Bushings
The 84 inch Olympic barbell is available in two types of sleeve mechanisms: bearings or bushings. Bearings provide the smoothest rotation for the sleeves, making them ideal for Olympic lifters who need precision and fluidity during dynamic movements. The bearings reduce the friction between the sleeve and the bar, allowing for faster rotation, which is crucial in lifts like the clean and jerk. On the other hand, bushings offer a more affordable option, providing a slightly less smooth rotation but still allowing for good performance in various lifts. While bearings are typically found on higher-end 84 inch Olympic barbells, bushings are often used in more budget-friendly models without sacrificing too much on durability or functionality. Both options ensure that the 84 inch Olympic barbell delivers reliable performance during heavy lifts and high-intensity training sessions.
These key features of the 84 inch Olympic barbell—rotating sleeves, durable construction, center knurling, and bearings or bushings—make it a top choice for athletes who want a versatile and high-performing barbell for their weightlifting and strength training needs. Whether you’re lifting in a gym or a commercial fitness center, the 84 inch Olympic barbell is designed to provide maximum performance and long-term durability.
84 Inch Olympic Barbells Weightlifting Performance
Ideal for Powerlifters and Olympic Lifters
The 84 inch Olympic barbells are specifically designed to cater to the needs of both powerlifters and Olympic lifters. Its robust construction and optimal length make it an ideal choice for athletes engaged in heavy lifting and dynamic movements. Powerlifters benefit from the bar’s load capacity, which can withstand immense weight during exercises such as squats, deadlifts, and bench presses. Meanwhile, Olympic lifters appreciate the 84 inch Olympic barbell for its precise sleeve rotation and ability to handle explosive, high-intensity lifts like the snatch, clean, and jerk. The barbell’s smooth rotation allows for fluid movements, reducing stress on the wrists and elbows, which is essential for executing these technically demanding lifts with precision and control. Whether you’re lifting heavy for strength or performing fast-paced Olympic lifts, the 84 inch Olympic barbell provides the versatility and durability required for both types of training.
Benefits of an Olympic Barbell
One of the key advantages of the 84 inch Olympic barbell is its superior durability and ability to handle greater weights compared to standard barbells. Its high-quality construction, often with cold-rolled or hardened steel, ensures it can withstand the stress of repeated heavy lifts without warping or bending. This makes it more reliable for serious lifters who need to push their limits during training. Additionally, the 84 inch Olympic barbell is built to accommodate Olympic weight plates, which have larger holes (2 inches), and it offers higher load capacities—typically ranging from 600 lbs to 1,500 lbs—compared to standard barbells. This makes it a preferred choice for competitive and professional athletes, who require a barbell that can support maximal loads and provide a secure, stable platform for heavy lifts. With its enhanced weight capacity, durability, and performance, the 84 inch Olympic barbell is undoubtedly a valuable investment for those serious about strength training and Olympic weightlifting.
FAQs about 84 Inch Olympic Barbell
Olympic barbells are typically 7 feet long (84 inches). This is the standard length for most Olympic-style barbells used in competitive weightlifting and strength training. The 7-foot length allows for proper form during exercises like squats, deadlifts, bench presses, and Olympic lifts (e.g., snatch and clean and jerk). It accommodates standard 2-inch Olympic weight plates and provides enough space for the lifter’s hands to grip the bar comfortably, especially during wide-grip lifts. While 6-foot barbells are available, they are less common and generally used in settings where space constraints exist, or for specific lifting styles like training for smaller lifters or youth athletes. However, when it comes to professional or high-performance weightlifting, a 7-foot Olympic bar is considered the industry standard for both its length and performance capabilities.
Olympic barbells generally come in a few standard sizes depending on the intended use and the type of lifting. The most common size for adult Olympic barbells is 7 feet (84 inches), which is used for most weightlifting and powerlifting activities. However, there are variations in length, weight, and other specifications based on factors like the athlete’s gender, training purpose, and body size. Women’s Olympic barbells typically measure 6.5 feet (78 inches) and weigh 15 kg (33 lbs), with a thinner shaft diameter of 25 mm. Junior barbells are even shorter, often around 5 to 6 feet, and lighter, usually around 15 lbs (6.8 kg), for younger lifters or those in beginner stages. Additionally, specialized barbells such as training barbells or cross-training barbells may come in different lengths or with unique features like a lighter construction or non-rotating sleeves for a more affordable price. When selecting a size, it’s essential to consider both the length of the barbell and its load capacity to match your specific training needs.
The best Olympic bar length depends on the type of lifting you plan to do and the equipment you have available. The standard 7-foot (84-inch) Olympic barbell is widely regarded as the best for general strength training and competitive weightlifting. This length is ideal for exercises such as deadlifts, squats, and overhead lifts, offering enough space for proper hand placement and the safe distribution of weight. It’s also the preferred size for Olympic lifting, such as the snatch and clean and jerk. For those involved in powerlifting, a 7-foot barbell allows for wider grip options, which is especially beneficial for bench presses. However, if you have limited space, a 6-foot bar might be more practical. Women and youth athletes may prefer 6.5-foot or shorter barbells, which offer lighter weights and a slightly smaller grip diameter, making them more comfortable for smaller frames. Ultimately, for most adults and serious lifters, the 7-foot Olympic barbell remains the optimal choice, striking a balance between versatility, load capacity, and comfort.
A 72-inch Olympic bar generally weighs about 20 kg (44 lbs), which is in line with the standard weight of most adult male Olympic barbells. This 6-foot (72-inch) bar is slightly shorter than the typical 7-foot Olympic bar and is often used by those who need a more compact option for space-saving purposes or for smaller lifters who may find a 7-foot bar too long for their frame. The weight of a 72-inch Olympic bar is typically 44 lbs, but this can vary slightly depending on the manufacturer and materials used. These bars are usually designed to accommodate Olympic weight plates with 2-inch holes, similar to their longer counterparts. It’s worth noting that while the 72-inch bar is shorter, its weight-bearing capacity is still substantial, typically ranging between 600 and 1,000 lbs, making it a reliable option for both heavy lifting and dynamic training.
Welcome! I’m Jordan Mitchell, the dedicated editor at Leadman Fitness, where we specialize in manufacturing high-quality bumper plates, barbells, weight machines, kettlebells, and dumbbells. With a passion for fitness and a keen eye for detail, I ensure that our product information is clear, accurate, and engaging for our customers. My role involves collaborating closely with our design and production teams to highlight the innovative features and superior craftsmanship that set Leadman Fitness apart in the industry. Whether you’re a professional athlete or a fitness enthusiast, I’m here to provide you with the information you need to achieve your training goals with our top-of-the-line equipment.