Hit New PRs With The Best Deadlift Bars (2024)

A deadlift bar is only necessary for two purposes:

1. If you’re training to compete in a Powerlifting or deadlift competition that uses a deadlift bar,
2. You want to pull the maximum amount of weight off the floor.

If you don’t satisfy any of these criteria, a Powerlifting barbell (our budget pick, for instance) will serve you best.

If you meet the above criteria, here is our curated list of the top-rated deadlift bars for pulling big numbers.

• Best Deadlift Bar: REP Hades Deadlift Bar
• Best Budget Deadlift Bar: Rogue Ohio Power Bar
• Best Sumo Deadlift Bar: Strongarm Sumo Deadlift Bar
• Best Premium Deadlift Bar: Kabuki PR Deadlift Bar
• Best All-Round Deadlift Bar: Texas Power Bar

Best Deadlift Bar

REP Hades Deadlift Bar

Features	Specifications
Tensile Strength	190,000 PSI
Knurling	Aggressive Mountain Knurling
Center Knurling	No
Knurl Markings	Single Powerlifting
Shaft Diameter	27 mm
Length	91.7″
Coating	Black Cerakote
Bushing/Bearing	Bushings
Spin	Minimal
Whip	High
Weight Capacity	1500 lbs
Warranty	Lifetime

While all the barbells on the list are great, we picked the REP Hades Deadlift Bar as the best for several reasons—this is a deadlift barbell thoroughbred, has excellent specs, and is a fair price for the amount of value you get.

REP Fitness is a well-known name in the fitness industry, and you can usually find their products in our “top pick” or “value pick” categories, primarily because they have an excellent price-to-quality ratio.

But this time, their Hades Deadlift Bar tops our list simply because it gives so much more than other barbells for each dollar invested.

Besides the awesome name and great black cerakote look, this barbell is built for performance. In our criteria section, we mentioned how lifters often don’t prefer cerakote due to the feel.

However, REP did a great job here. They have selected very aggressive mountain knurling, ensuring the barbell sticks to your hand and never slips.

That means you will have the excellent durability and looks of a cerakote finish combined with great knurling. There is no center knurling, with markings for optimal hand placement.

This bar is longer than standard Olympic barbells (7.6’) and has a thinner shaft diameter (27 mm) while weighing a standard 20 kg.

The extra length and thinner shaft mean more flexibility – the bar will bend more as you lift it from the ground. This can be advantageous, allowing you to lift from a higher, stronger position, which translates to bigger lifts.

Hades bar also has longer sleeves, which means you can load more plates. Considering that deadlifts allow you to lift the heaviest weights, longer sleeves mean you can use this barbell no matter how strong you are. Bronze bushings inside allow a slow spin, which is preferable for powerlifting.

As for the price, the Hades bar certainly isn’t the cheapest. However, the number of premium-quality features it offers makes it an absolute best buy and the best deadlift barbell you can buy.

Best Budget Deadlift Bar

Rogue Ohio Power Bar

Features	Specifications
Tensile Strength	205,000 PSI
Knurling	Aggressive
Center Knurling	Yes
Knurl Markings	Single Powerlifting
Shaft Diameter	29 mm
Length	86.52″
Coating	Cerakote
Bushing/Bearing	Bushings
Spin	Minimal
Whip	No Whip
Weight Capacity	1500 lbs
Warranty	Lifetime Against Bending

Rogue is a well-established gym brand that made their name primarily by selling top-quality CrossFit equipment. Their Ohio Bar is one of their most famous product, and the Ohio Power Bar is its Powerlifting sister.

This isn’t a dedicated deadlift barbell. They have a Rogue Ohio Deadlift Bar. However, it doesn’t fit our budget criteria.

If you are on a tight budget, a deadlift bar might be out of your price range. This is your next best option.

If you don’t like Hades extra whip, you will love to hear that the Ohio Power Bar has a thicker shaft (29mm). This means minimal flexibility even at higher weights, giving it the feel of a Powerlifting barbell (since it is one). The barbell will remain straight throughout the movement, allowing total control.

205k PSI tensile strength will mean the bar can take a beating. While it’s not stated for some reason, considering the tensile strength, you can expect this barbell’s total weight capacity to be around 1500 lbs.

This bar has excellent, aggressive knurling that will stick to your hand. On the other hand, the granulated knurling will not rip your skin off.

Even though that sounds like a pro, Powerlifters usually prefer aggressive knurling. It also features center knurling, making it a good option for squats.

The sleeves are grooved, which helps keep the plates in place. Bronze bushings allow some spin but not too much, which is nice.

There are multiple finish options available – black zinc, E-coat, bare steel, stainless steel, cerakote, and stainless black. The only issue is that the price range varies, as the bare steel option is the only true budget one, but it has durability and corrosion resistance.

Best Sumo Deadlift Bar

Strongarm Sumo Deadlift Bar

Features	Specifications
Tensile Strength	180,000 PSI
Knurling	Aggressive
Center Knurling	Yes
Knurl Markings	No
Shaft Diameter	27 mm
Coating	Bare Steel (Chrome Sleeves)
Length	90.9″
Bushing/Bearing	Bushings
Spin	Minimal
Whip	High
Weight Capacity	1500 lbs
Warranty	Limited Lifetime

While you can do sumo deadlifts with other bars on this list, Strongarm Sumo Deadlift is made specifically for this type of deadlift.

Firstly, this bar has aggressive center knurling that’s longer than usual, ensuring you have a sturdy grip in the sumo deadlift position.

If you sumo deadlift with a regular Olympic barbell, you may find your hands on the smooth surface. Strongarm fixed this problem with the Sumo Deadlift bar.

But, equally important is there is no outer knurling – only center. This ensures you won’t scratch and bloody your shins when you deadlift, even if you train in shorts.

This bar has a thinner shaft diameter (27mm) and is also longer – 90.9″. This means better grip and more flexibility/whip. Because of this, you can lift from a higher position, leading to more PRs.

This bar has hardened chrome sleeves and a bare steel shaft. However, considering it is a sumo bar, one of the strongest forms of deadlifts, we are surprised to see a tensile strength of only 180k PSI and a weight capacity of 1.500 lbs. In the long term, this can negatively impact durability.

Best Premium Deadlift Bar

Kabuki PR Deadlift Bar

Features	Specifications
Tensile Strength	190,000 PSI
Knurling	Extra Aggressive
Center Knurling	No
Knurl Markings	Single Powerlifting
Shaft Diameter	27 mm
Coating	Bare Steel, Black Oxide
Length	95.25”
Bushing/Bearing	Oil-Impregnated Bushings
Spin	Minimal
Whip	High
Weight Capacity	1200 lbs
Warranty	Lifetime

If you are not asking how much it costs but only want to get the best deadlift barbell, the Kabuki PR Deadlift Bar is the splurge purchase you should make.

The bar’s premium finish makes it unique. Its deadlift-specific knurling is exceptionally sharp to ensure maximal friction and no slipping. The knurling also has excellent spacing, which means it won’t hurt your skin unnecessarily.

The bar is longer than regular Olympic barbells (95.25”), which is great for lifters with wider stances. It also has a great whip that will put you in a better starting position, helping your max rep.

The finish is top-of-the-line. Oil-impregnated bronze bushings will ensure good longevity and reliable operation. There are several finish options to choose from, too: bare steel, oxide, and nickel.

We don’t like the listed weight capacity of only 1200 lbs. While you will hardly match that with your 1RM, it can affect the bar’s durability. Tensile strength is 190k, which is better than standard Olympic barbells but could also be improved, especially considering the price range.

Best All-Round Deadlift Bar

Texas Power Bar

Features	Specifications
Tensile Strength	200,000 PSI
Knurling	Aggressive Mountain
Center Knurling	Yes
Knurl Markings	Single Powerlifting
Shaft Diameter	28.5 mm
Coating	Bare Steel, Cerakote, Black Zinc, Chrome
Length	86”
Bushing/Bearing	Bushings
Spin	Smooth
Whip	Stiff
Weight Capacity	Not Specified
Warranty	Limited Lifetime

While having a barbell only for deadlifts is great, let’s face it – that’s a luxury. If you want to get strong, you must practice all the lifts. To do that on a budget, you should opt for a barbell that can do well for all of the major lifts, and the famous Original Texas Power Bar is precisely that.

This is a very durable bar with 200k PSI tensile strength. That means it will be able to withstand a lot of weight repeatedly without bending. As for the whip, it has a thicker shaft than other bars on the list (28.5mm), so it doesn’t bend as much, but it still has a moderate whip, making it suitable for deadlifts.

But, if you plan to use this barbell for squats and bench presses, you will appreciate it being less flexible. It’s worth noting that there is a Texas Deadlift bar, which is longer and has a thinner shaft/

The Original Texas Power Bar bar is famous for its aggressive mountain knurling, which is very sharp and precise.

That means it will stick to your hand appropriately without slipping. It also has central knurling, which is great for squatting, and there are powerlifting marks for appropriate hand placement.

Several finishes are available: cerakote in various colors, bare steel, black zinc and chrome shafts, and chrome and bare steel sleeves.

All in all, it is a solid all-around bar without any major flaws.

Deadlift Bar vs. Olympic Bar: What’s The Difference?

While you can perform deadlifts with regular Olympic barbells, there are a few benefits specialist deadlift bars offer:

• Thinner shaft: deadlift bars often have a thinner shaft (27 mm). While 1 mm might seem trivial, it’s easier for your grip and allows more bar flexibility.
• More length: deadlift bars are longer than Olympic barbells. That means you will have more space to fit your stance, which is especially important if you are taller or have long legs, like sumo deadlifts. Sleeves are often longer, too, allowing you to put more weight on the bar.
• More whip: longer length and a thinner shaft translates to more whip. That means the bar will bend when you start the lift, putting you in a much stronger position, translating into bigger lifts.
• More aggressive knurling: all deadlift specialist bars have very aggressive knurling, which is very important as grip strength is usually first to fail when deadlifting, especially when a slippery bar builds on top of that.
• Proper knurling placement: specialist deadlift bars usually only have central knurling, which prevents you from hurting your shins when lifting.
• Less spin: Olympic barbells are meant for complex and explosive movements, where more spin is desirable, to compensate for that released energy safely. However, deadlifting is much more controlled, so less spin is advantageous.

How To Pick The Best Deadlift Bar

Weight Capacity

Out of all big lifts, deadlifts are the ones that allow you to lift the heaviest weight. Therefore, getting a bar with the largest weight capacity is very important. Weight capacity will determine how much weight a barbell can tolerate without permanently losing its original shape.

Even if you are nowhere near its max now, higher weight capacity will also mean a longer lifetime, as the weight you use every day won’t wear the barbell as fast.

Aim for 1500 lbs or more, as this will ensure you get a bar that will accompany your lifting for years to come.

Tensile Strength

Tensile strength is displayed in PSI (pounds per square inch) and tells you how much weight a barbell can withstand before fracturing.

Again, because deadlifts will strain the barbell more than any other lift, you want the highest tensile strength you can afford, primarily for longevity reasons.

Generally speaking, going north from 180k PSI is a good idea, as it will ensure you get a quality bar that will last you a lifetime. But if you can get 200k+, that ensures practical immortality!

Length & Whip

When it comes to barbell length, a standard Olympic barbell size is usually what you want. Olympic barbells for men are 20 kilograms in weight, 220 cm long, and have a 28mm shaft diameter. Women’s bars weigh less and are shorter – 15 kg and 201  cm, with a 25 mm shaft diameter.

But you can also find Olympic-length barbells with different shaft diameters. Generally speaking, a thinner bar will be easier to grip, while a thicker bar will work wonders for your grip strength, but it isn’t the greatest option for performance.

For deadlifts, getting a thinner and longer bar will mean more flexibility, allowing you to lift from a higher position.

The whip determines how much the bar will bend while lifting. This is desirable for Olympic lifts and explosive movements where you will use the bar’s elasticity and momentum it creates to your advantage, allowing easier transition through various lifting phases.

This can also be beneficial for deadlifts—if the barbell bends more as you lift it, you will have an advantage in lifting from a higher position, which is more desirable as it can lead to lifting more weight.

However, some lifters prefer siffer barbells when deadlifting, which means personal preference matters greatly.

Knurling

Unlike whip, you want the most aggressive knurling your hands can tolerate. This will create better friction, making it easier to complete your lift, especially when lifting without straps.

There are various types of knurling – hill, volcano, mountain. The more aggressive the knurling is, the more it will dig into your skin.

Therefore, mountain knurling will be the best for deadlifts, followed by the volcano, which combines hill and mountain knurling, making it a better, all-around choice.

Finish

The finish is not only about the visuals, as it affects your barbell’s durability and performance. Since we are talking about deadlifting, you will want to get a barbell that can withstand A LOT of stress, so visuals are not our priority. Here are some choices:

• Cerakote—This premium finish costs a lot, looks awesome, and has great durability, but some lifters don’t prefer its feel.
• Stainless steel—Another premium option, but unlike cerakote, stainless steel not only looks great but feels great, too, and will last a lifetime.
• Zinc—a bit more affordable, with solid corrosion resistance, zinc finishes are a good balance between price and value.
• Chrome—Similar to zinc, chromed barbells have been around for a while, and you can expect to find great deals.
• E-Coat—This is a newer finish type with solid corrosion resistance, but it isn’t the greatest for deadlifting as it doesn’t create enough friction.
• Black oxide—looks great and feels awesome, but it won’t last as long.
• Bare steel – the ultra-rugged look you would like for your deadlift bar, with one huge caveat – no corrosion resistance whatsoever.
• Manganese phosphate—An upgrade to bare steel for durability, as it offers more protection. However, it is still more prone to wear and tear than some of the other finishes we mentioned above.

Price

Again, we are talking about barbells for powerlifting, meaning durability is the #1 factor, followed by performance. As such, you shouldn’t opt for the cheapest barbell unless necessary. Here are some ranges:

• Budget: anything below $300 is a bargain in the deadlift barbell world.
• Value: In the $300-400 range, you will have the freedom to choose between good materials and features while still not spending everything just on a barbell.
• Premium: $400+ is the splurge zone. While you will get better quality at a higher price, the law of diminishing returns still applies, so choose wisely.

Warranty

Warranty is important because you can replace your barbell if it defects too early. It will also be a solid quality reference—if the manufacturer gives a better warranty, it means they are willing to stand behind the statements made in the product information field.

That’s why warranty information is a bit more important than it might seem initially.

Frequently Asked Deadlift Bar Questions

Summary

As you can see, there are many factors to consider when choosing the best deadlift bar for your needs. We explained all of the main points and also gave you some great barbells to choose from or to use as a benchmark for further decisions. Ultimately, it all comes down to your needs, your current state of equipment, and, of course, your budget.