Understanding Why Barbells Spin
When using a barbell, you’ll notice it consists of a shaft and two sleeves. These sleeves, which hold the weight plates, can rotate independently from the shaft. This rotation is crucial for preventing the shaft from spinning in your hands, which can be both uncomfortable and hazardous.
For instance, during rapid and dynamic Olympic lifts like the snatch, a non-spinning barbell could cause the bar to twist in your hands. This can either damage your skin due to the knurling or strain your wrists as you try to control the bar, ultimately compromising your balance and form. Thus, a smoothly spinning bar is essential for safe and effective lifting.
Types of Rotation Systems: Bushings vs. Bearings
Barbells achieve their spin through either bushings or bearings, each suited to different types of lifting.
Bushing Barbells
Best for: Powerlifting & General Training | Spin: Slow |
Bushings are the more common and economical option, offering a slower spin ideal for powerlifting and general strength training. Inside each sleeve, bushings are positioned near the collar and at the end to ensure a steady and consistent spin. This makes them perfect for linear movements like squats, bench presses, and deadlifts, where excessive spin could lead to instability and compromised form.
At LP Strength, we chose bronze bushings for our powerlifting barbell, the Bear Power Bar because it is durable and cost-effective.
Pros of Bushings:
- Versatile for all types of lifts
- Durable with minimal maintenance
- Generally more affordable
- Composite bushings reduce noise
Cons of Bushings:
- Less effective for weightlifting movements requiring fast spin
Bearing Barbells
Best for: Olympic Weightlifting | Spin: Fast |
Bearings provide faster spin rates, making them ideal for Olympic weightlifting exercises such as the snatch and clean and jerk. Bearing bars can have multiple cartridges in each sleeve, with higher quality bearings offering a smoother and more reliable spin. High-quality needle bearings fit tightly to the shaft and offer a smooth spin when loaded, though they can be costly.
Our Hawk and Lynx weightlifting barbell both have 8 needle bearing. Check them out!
Pros of Bearings:
- Excellent for dynamic Olympic lifts
- Achieve faster spin rates
Cons of Bearings:
- More expensive than bushings
- May require more maintenance
Which barbell to choose ?
Choosing the right barbell depends on your lifting needs. For general training and powerlifting, bushing barbells offer the best balance of performance and cost. For Olympic weightlifting, bearing barbells provide the necessary spin and precision.
Understanding these differences ensures you select the right equipment to enhance your performance and safety in the gym.
