What is the difference between a men’s and women’s Olympic barbell?
A men’s Olympic barbell weighs 20 kg, is 2200 mm long and has a 28 mm grip. A women’s bar weighs 15 kg, is 2010 mm long and has a thinner 25 mm grip with no centre knurl. Both take standard 50 mm Olympic plates.
| Specification | Men’s bar | Women’s bar |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 20 kg | 15 kg |
| Length | 2200 mm | 2010 mm |
| Grip diameter | 28 mm | 25 mm |
| Centre knurl | Yes | No |
| Sleeve diameter | 50 mm | 50 mm |
| Loadable sleeve (Werksan CCB) | 415 mm | 320 mm |
| Werksan competition model | CCB20, blue end cap | CCB15, yellow end cap |
| Tensile strength (CCB) | 215,000 PSI | 215,000 PSI |
The four differences that matter in training
- Grip diameter: the 3 mm thinner grip on the women’s bar suits smaller hands and makes a secure hook grip easier in the snatch and clean.
- Weight and length: the women’s bar is 5 kg lighter and 190 mm shorter, so it moves differently overhead.
- Centre knurl: men’s bars have a centre knurl to hold the bar on the back in the squat; women’s bars leave it smooth to avoid scraping the neck and collarbone.
- Sleeve length: the shorter 320 mm sleeve on the women’s bar still takes competition loads.
Which bar should you choose?
- Choose the 20 kg men’s bar if you are a male lifter, or most heavy work in your club is done by men.
- Choose the 15 kg women’s bar if you are a female lifter, a junior moving up from a technique bar, or anyone with smaller hands.
- Choose both if you run a club or school.
- Start younger lifters on the 10 kg IWFTBE10 technique bar.
Do competitions require a specific bar?
- Yes. IWF-sanctioned competitions use IWF approved bars: a men’s bar for men’s events and a women’s bar for women’s events. Training on the same specification means no adjustment on competition day.
Common questions
Can a woman train on a men’s bar?
Yes. Many women train on 20 kg bars, but the 25 mm grip of a women’s bar usually makes the hook grip more secure, and it matches competition.
Do men’s and women’s bars use the same plates?
Yes. Both have 50 mm sleeves, so they take the same Olympic plates and change plates.
Is a women’s bar easier to lift?
It starts 5 kg lighter, but the bigger difference is the grip. The thinner shaft is easier to hold for lifters with smaller hands.