Have you ever lifted something up off the ground? If so, congratulations, you've done a deadlift. In all seriousness, deadlifting is a functional movement that often occurs in our everyday lives. When incorporated into your exercise routine, it can stimulate multiple joints and increase functional strength by activating muscles in both your upper and lower body.
If you already have your platform, weights, and lifting shoes ready to go, you're on the right track—all you need now is a bar. With dozens of options on the market, it may be hard to choose between REP Fitness, Rogue, and other brands to find the best deadlift bar for you. The ACTIVE Reviews Team has researched and put together our choices for the six best deadlift bars in this comprehensive guide.
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The Best Deadlift Bars - Our Top Picks
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- Best Overall Deadlift Bar: REP Fitness Stainless Steel Power Bar
- Best Budget Deadlift Bar: REP Fitness Excalibur Barbell
- Best Deadlift Bar for Beginners: Rogue Ohio Deadlift Bar
- Best Sumo Deadlift Bar: REP Fitness Stainless Steel Power Bar
- Best Multi-Purpose Deadlift Bar: TITAN Series Deadlift Bar
- Best Hex Bar for Deadlifts: Rogue TB-2 Trap Bar
Best Overall Deadlift Bar - REP Fitness Stainless Steel Power Bar
SPECS
- Length: 87.4"
- Weight: 20 kg (44.1 lbs.)
- Finish: Stainless steel
- Knurl: Medium
- Diameter: 29 mm
- Tensile strength: 200,000 PSI
The REP Fitness Stainless Steel Power Bar is our choice for the best overall deadlift bar because it's made with high-quality stainless steel which is more rust-resistant than other finishes. It has a tensile strength of 200,000 PSI (pounds per square inch) and a static rating of 1,500 pounds, making it extremely durable and ready to handle those higher weights.
The smooth sleeves make it easy to load and unload the bar and to put on your barbell collars. It has a bushing design with snap rings, making this an ideal choice for deadlifts since it's a slower and strength-focused movement. If you prefer knurling that is grippy but not too rough on your hands, you'll appreciate that this deadlift bar has less aggressive, medium knurling.
What We Like
- Stainless steel has a high level of oxidation resistance
- International Powerlifting Federation (IPF) knurl markings help with hand placement
- Limited lifetime warranty included
- Bushings are designed for slow, strength-based movements
What We Don't Like
- Beginners may not need a bar that can handle up to 1,500 lbs.
- Expensive
BUY: REP Fitness Stainless Steel Power Bar
Best Budget Deadlift Bar - REP Fitness Excalibur Barbell
SPECS
- Length: 79.1" or 86.6"
- Weight: 15 kg (33 lbs.) or 20 kg (44.1 lbs.)
- Finish: Hard chrome
- Knurl: Medium/deep
- Diameter: 25 mm or 28.5 mm
- Tensile strength: 190,000 PSI
If you have a limited budget, we recommend the REP Fitness Excalibur Barbell. The bushing design feels stable as you deadlift and the bearing allows for plenty of spin if you want to incorporate Olympic lifts into your training. The knurling provides plenty of grip while you lift and this bar can support up to 1,500 pounds.
Finished with hard chrome, this deadlift bar isn't as rust-resistant as stainless steel, but that helps to keep this bar’s price low. There are two available weight options to choose from and you can upgrade the hard chrome coating to stainless steel for an additional cost for the 20-kilogram bar, if you'd like.
What We Like
- 2 weight options available
- Hybrid bearings and bushings make it versatile
- Mild ribbing on sleeves to keep plates from sliding
- Weight capacity of 1,500 lbs.
What We Don't Like
- Knurling may be too aggressive for some
- Hard chrome is not as rust-resistant as other finishes
BUY: REP Fitness Excalibur Barbell
Best Deadlift Bar for Beginners - Rogue Ohio Deadlift Bar
SPECS
- Length: 90.50"
- Weight: 20 kg (44.1 lbs.)
- Finish: Bare steel
- Knurl: Aggressive
- Diameter: 27 mm
- Tensile strength: 190,000 PSI
The Rogue Ohio Deadlift Bar has a shaft diameter of 27 millimeters, which is smaller than many other bars. That, paired with the extended length, makes this an ideal choice for beginners because it's easier to grip and designed for increased flex when pulling. Increased flex means you're able to pull from a higher point before the plates lift off the floor, which in turn could increase the amount of weight you lift.
The loadable sleeve length is 15.5 inches, which gives you plenty of space for your weights. It has a bushing system with snap ring construction that is made to last through repeated use. It does have a bare steel finish, which provides little protection against rust, so if you have to keep your bar in a humid environment, this is something you'll want to consider. There are black zinc and e-coat finish options available, but these are at an additional cost.
What We Like
- 27-mm diameter makes gripping easy
- Lifetime warranty
- Other finish options available
What We Don't Like
- Slightly lower tensile strength
- Aggressive knurling takes some getting used to
Best Sumo Deadlift Bar - REP Fitness Stainless Steel Power Bar
SPECS
- Length: 87.4"
- Weight: 20 kg (44.1 lbs.)
- Finish: Stainless steel
- Knurl: Medium
- Diameter: 29 mm
- Tensile strength: 200,000 PSI
We chose the REP Fitness Stainless Steel Power Bar as the best sumo deadlift bar because the IPF knurl markings and the center knurling help guide your hands to where they need to be for each rep. The center knurling also comes in handy during back squats, since it can help the bar stay in place.
At 29 millimeters, the diameter of the shaft is pretty standard and the bushing design was made with deadlifts and other strength-focused movements in mind. If you need to drop your bar at the top of a rep for any reason, the 200,000 PSI tensile strength can handle whatever weight you've loaded.
What We Like
- Center knurling is ideal for sumo deadlifts and is multifaceted
- Stainless steel has a high level of oxidation resistance
- 200,000 PSI tensile strength
What We Don't Like
- Outer knurling may scrape your shins if you're not careful
- 29 mm shaft diameter may be uncomfortable for some
BUY: REP Fitness Stainless Steel Power Bar
Best Multi-Purpose Deadlift Bar - TITAN Series Deadlift Bar
SPECS
- Length: 90.5"
- Weight: 20 kg (44.1 lbs.)
- Finish: Cerakote finish
- Knurl: Aggressive
- Diameter: 28.5 mm
- Tensile strength: 200,000 PSI
The TITAN Series Deadlift Bar has aggressive knurling and can handle up to 2,000 pounds, making this an ideal bar for a more experienced lifter. The shaft is 28.5 millimeters in diameter, which makes your grip feel a little more comfortable. If you're looking for a smooth roll, the bronze bushing on this bar provides a spin that's suitable for multiple lifts.
The shaft has a hard chrome finish that is Cerakoted. While we enjoy the aesthetic that the black Cerakote adds, its functional purpose is to provide a hard, durable finish to prevent oxidation and keep your bar looking new.
What We Like
- Excellent value for the price point
- Medium diamond knurling ensures supreme grip
- Black Cerakote finish protects from corrosion and scratches
- Weight capacity is 2,000 lbs.
What We Don't Like
- Warranty is only for 1 year
- Bushings spin more slowly than bearings
BUY: TITAN Series Deadlift Bar
Best Hex Bar for Deadlifts - Rogue TB-2 Trap Bar
SPECS
- Length: 88.5"
- Weight: 27.2 kg (60 lbs.)
- Finish: Black powder coat
- Knurl: Medium
- Diameter: 1.34" handles, 1.91" sleeves
- Tensile strength: N/A
Using the Rogue TB-2 Trap Bar for deadlifts can take the stress off your lower back, glutes, and hamstrings also while making them stronger. This happens because the weight is positioned closer to your center of gravity and your knees bend slightly further leading to a more upright torso.
The Rogue TB-2 Trap Bar is finished with the signature black powder coat, adding durability and making it more resistant to corrosion. The bar itself is heavier than other deadlift bars, weighing in at 60 pounds. It has a loadable sleeve length of 16 inches, which is plenty of space to add all the plates you'll need. The handles have a nice, grippy, medium knurling, but they are 1.34 inches in diameter, which is slightly more than traditional deadlift bars.
What We Like
- Puts less stress on certain muscle groups while still building strength
- 16" loadable sleeve
- Heavier bar means less loading and unloading of weight
What We Don't Like
- 1.34" handle diameter may be uncomfortable for some
- Takes up more space than traditional deadlift bars
BUY: Rogue TB-2 Trap Bar
What Are Deadlift Bars?
Deadlift bars are designed with slower, strength-based movements in mind. Typically, the shaft has a smaller diameter than a power bar. You'll also find that they have more flex or whip, which just means it will bend before the weight is lifted from the ground. Since deadlifts are usually performed at heavier weights, deadlift bars often have more aggressive knurling to help with grip.
Benefits of Deadlift Bars
These bars tend to be more flexible, which can give you the ability to lift more weight. This is because the bend allows you to pull from a higher position and it creates a progressive movement starting from the middle and moving to the outside.
Deadlift bars tend to be longer than powerlifting bars, elongating the distance between the weight and the center where you're lifting. This can put you in a stronger position, which allows you to build more strength over time. Oftentimes, the shaft is thinner so you're able to establish a firm grip.
What To Look For in a Deadlift Bar
Finish
The finish of your deadlift bar can determine its longevity, especially if you have to store it in a place that is not temperature controlled. Stainless steel is the most corrosion-resistant finish we've mentioned, but that also comes at a higher price point. Bare steel is more susceptible to corrosion, however, it feels very grippy. Conversely, hard chrome will have a less-aggressive knurling but offers more protection against rust.
A black powder coat not only makes your bar black but also protects against chips and scratches that can happen with repeated use. One drawback is that this is an applied coating, so it can fill in some of the knurl depth, which makes it less aggressive.
Knurl
For a sure grip, you're going to want a more aggressive knurling. You may want to consider that this will feel rough on your hands for a while, but over time you'll start to build resistance (hello calluses). If you want to use your bar for other purposes, such as Olympic lifts or high-rep movements, you might want to consider a medium knurling. This is a versatile option that also feels more gentle on your hands.
Deadlift bars also have different knurl markings and the best pick for you depends on the intended purpose of your training. For the most part, the IPF standard markings work well for deadlifts because they help guide your hand placement. If you want to use your bar for sumo deadlifts, getting one with a center knurling is a great choice and you can utilize it for grip during back squats, as well. A center knurling isn't ideal if you want to use your bar for Olympics lifts though, because it will feel uncomfortable in the front rack position.
Diameter
The diameter of your deadlift bar should be no more than 29 millimeters. Deadlift bars are made for control and comfort, so any diameter greater than that can affect your grip. There are a few different ways to grip a barbell during a deadlift and what you choose depends on what feels stable and comfortable for you.
Keeping this in mind, a barbell shaft with a lower diameter can make your hook grip feel firm and strong. If you don't know which grip you'll ultimately use or if you like to integrate different variations, we recommend looking into deadlift bars with lower diameters so you have options.
Tensile Strength
This signals the yield or breaking point of a barbell and since deadlifts are typically done under a heavier load, you'll want to consider deadlift bars with a 190,000 PSI tensile strength rating or higher. On the other hand, a tensile strength rating that's too high won't give the bar the small amount of flex it needs. Deadlift bars with a tensile strength range from 190,000 PSI to 200,000 PSI are going to be your best bet.
FAQs About Deadlift Bars
Are deadlift bars good?
Deadlift bars are great because the added length and flex can put you in a more powerful lifting position and they create a progressive movement starting from the middle and moving to the outside, which can increase the amount of weight you can deadlift.
What bar do powerlifters use for deadlifting?
The REP Fitness Stainless Steel Power Bar is a great multipurpose option since powerlifters incorporate deadlifts along with other movements.
How long should a deadlift bar be?
Deadlift bars should be anywhere around 80 to 90 inches long.
About the Author
Rachael Gonzalez is a Staff Writer for ACTIVE. She spent five years in education before she joined the ACTIVE team in 2022. In this role, she is still able to make a positive impact on others by writing about something she loves: health and wellness.
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