Should I get an Olympic bar?

TGM · Post by **TGM** » Mon Dec 14, 2009 8:26 am

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?

jps · Post by **jps** » Mon Dec 14, 2009 9:11 am

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....

Post by **TimD** » Mon Dec 14, 2009 11:43 am

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

Post by **Jungledoc** » Tue Dec 15, 2009 2:21 am

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.

TGM · Post by **TGM** » Tue Dec 15, 2009 10:50 am

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.

frogbyte · Post by **frogbyte** » Tue Dec 15, 2009 11:57 am

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

TGM · Post by **TGM** » Tue Dec 15, 2009 9:58 pm

An A frame that has standard size pegs.

Though that'll still work actually.

frogbyte · Post by **frogbyte** » Wed Dec 16, 2009 11:48 am

Post by **ironmaiden708** » Thu Dec 17, 2009 4:11 pm

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

pdellorto · Post by **pdellorto** » Thu Dec 17, 2009 5:02 pm

ironmaiden708 wrote: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.