ExRx.net

I've been toying with the idea of getting an olympic bar recently, but I don't know if I really need one. (Or if it's worth the money.)

Here's my situation, I'm a novice that's doing the SS program. I'm not doing any Olympic style lifts other than a power clean.

I have a standard bar and about 110kg worth of weight. I will need to buy some more weight soon as my deadlift will get above 110 in a few weeks.

I work out at home, so I can't drop weights onto my floor thus bumper plates aren't an advantage at this point.

So would there be any point in me getting an olympic barbell? Or should I just keep on getting standard plates and get a olympic bar when I move out and can afford to set up a proper gym?

I was in the same situation....which to stock up on. It didn't take much convincing from the fine folks here that I needed Olympic. I still use standard on my cable machine and use them for dumbbell work.

So I use both now...lol. Is that a good answer?

You can find good deals from time to time......Sports Authority had a 300 lb set for $200.....granted the bar only weighs 35 lbs.....still a good deal. Or craigslist....

O sets are nice, but can be cost prohibitive. Just assess your current fiscal situation. A cheap alternative, n your case, already having cast iron standard, would be to get a 7 foot standard bar and extra 25's and 50's.. Much cheaper, and for SS, you really don't need the revolving sleeves. Just my .02.
Tim

I'd say watch Craig's List, and grab an O-bar when you see a good deal. I've seen really great prices. I'd guess Mom was selling off Junior's unused stuff after he left for college, or some such. Sometimes benches and racks all for a good price.

I think I might stick with my standard for now, unless I find something cheap. I want an olympic bar, but I don't need one.

The problems is also weight, it'd take about $450 to buy all the weight I need, and I won't be able to use it with my standard bar or my storage rack.

How can you have a weight storage rack that won't store Olympic weight?

An A frame that has standard size pegs.

Though that'll still work actually.

:)

Get olympic, higher end equiptment was designed for olympic bars. Higher variety of accessories, racks, etc.

I think that in the long run, you'll be happy you did. Even if it means you have a standard set on the side for a while. Don't get trapped by sunk costs of having already bought some standard plates. Even a cheap 45-pound O-bar is a useful tool, and if you get really into lifting, it's easier to find a high-quality O-bar in my experience.