Barbell tensile strength explained:
Does tensile strength really matter when buying a barbell? While some claim “high tensile strength = good bar,” it’s not that simple.
But….what is barbell Tensile Strength?
Tensile strength measures how much pressure a barbell can handle before breaking. Expressed in PSI (pounds per square inch), this rating indicates the maximum amount of stress the barbell can endure before breaking. In simpler terms, a bar with a higher tensile strength can handle more weight and force without snapping.
Closely related is yield strength, which refers to how much weight the bar can take before it permanently bends. A high-quality barbell should have a good balance between flexibility and rigidity—able to bend slightly under heavy loads but return to its original shape.
Most standard barbells have a tensile strength between 190,000 PSI and 205,000 PSI, which is suitable for general strength training and Olympic lifting. Budget-friendly bars may fall below this range, making them more prone to bending over time. On the other hand, powerlifting bars often exceed 220,000 PSI, making them much stiffer to handle extreme weights with minimal flex.
What this means for you
When choosing a barbell, a higher PSI generally means better durability, but anything above 190,000 PSI is more than enough for most lifters.
All our barbells have a PSI of 190’000, which is a solid, high-quality option that will hold up well under heavy training, making it a reliable choice for all lifters.
