Creating a personal fitness sanctuary within the comfort of one's own home has never been more popular. For those looking to integrate strength training into their routine without breaking the bank, selecting the right equipment is crucial.
Barbell sets stand as a cornerstone for a comprehensive home gym, offering versatility for a wide range of exercises. In this guide, we'll explore some of the most affordable options that don't compromise on quality, ensuring you can pursue your fitness goals without financial strain.
To simplify the price comparison, we determine the prices for the individual articles on Amazon, Ebay and other shops and link the offers via partner links where applicable. This means that we receive a commission if you buy something that we recommend - the price does not change for you.
When considering the purchase of the cheapest barbell set, scrutinize the material's quality and its durability. Cheaper materials might wear out or bend more quickly under heavy loads, leading to potential safety risks. Look for solid construction with a high-grade steel bar that can withstand your workout intensity. It's also important to check if the manufacturer has followed industry standards such as those set by the International Weightlifting Federation. Although aiming for a budget-friendly option, you should not compromise on a barbell that could be prone to corrosion or damage after a few uses.
2.) Weight Accuracy and Barbell Dimensions
Accuracy in the weight of the plates provided with the barbell set is crucial for the consistency and progression of your training. Inexpensive barbell sets may sometimes have variances in plate weight, which can affect your lifting form and outcomes. Ensure that the plates are within an acceptable deviation range. Additionally, consider the barbell's dimensions: the length, diameter, and the weight-bearing capacity of the bar. These should be appropriate for your body size, the exercises you plan to do, and the space where you will store and use the set.
Check for the warranty and return policy that comes with the barbell set. Even cheap products should offer some form of guarantee to protect your investment. A good warranty often indicates the manufacturer's confidence in their product. Furthermore, examine customer reviews and ratings for insights into the long-term reliability of the set. Negative patterns in feedback about customer service or product defects should be a red flag. Be wary of products with no reviews or an abundance of overly positive testimonials without detailed explanations.
4.) Additional Accessories and Compatibility
Consider what accessories, if any, are included with the barbell set, such as clips, collars, or additional plates. These inclusions can provide added value. Note whether the barbell set is compatible with standard weights you might already own or plan to purchase in the future. Non-standard bars might require specialized weights, potentially increasing your costs over time. A good barbell set should offer versatility to accommodate a range of exercises and adapt as your strength and capabilities grow.
The Cheapest Barbell Sets of our Choice
Our Pick
VIVITORY Barbell Weight Set
Type/Color: Red&Black
Features
55 Pound Total weight plates set included
Upgrade Locking Nuts for added security
Versatile Full Body Training capabilities
Dumbbell & Barbell Set for multi-functional workouts
100% Satisfaction Guaranteed with professional customer service
* All prices incl. VAT, plus shipping if applicable. Prices, delivery times and costs may change in the meantime. The selection of products was made independently of the manufacturer and without any claim to completeness. All links to products are external partner links through which we may receive compensation. All information without guarantee.
Best Value Barbell Sets for Every Budget
Beginners
Starting your weightlifting journey? Look for affordable barbell sets that suit new lifters. These sets offer the durability you need to learn the ropes without breaking the bank.
Home Gym Enthusiasts
Building a home gym can be cost-efficient with the right equipment. Seek out barbell sets that provide a good balance of price and functionality for your personal setup.
Students
Looking for a barbell set that fits a student budget? Find options that are easy on the wallet, allowing you to maintain your fitness regime without financial strain.
Bootstrapped Startups
Need to equip your startup gym with barbells? Source sets that minimize expenses without compromising on a basic level of quality to keep your clients lifting.
Questions You Might Ask
When purchasing a barbell set, consider the weight capacity of the bar, the type of plates (bumper, Olympic, standard, etc.), the durability of the materials, the diameter and knurling of the bar for grip comfort, and whether the set includes any additional accessories like collars or clips to secure the weights.
Olympic barbells are typically 7 feet long, weigh about 45 pounds (20kg), and have a 2-inch sleeve diameter for Olympic plates. Standard barbells are shorter, lighter, and have a 1-inch sleeve diameter for standard plates. Olympic barbells are built for heavy lifting and are used in competitive weightlifting, while standard barbells are suited for home gyms and general fitness.
As a beginner, start with a weight that allows you to perform exercises with good form and control. It's often recommended to begin with just the barbell itself to learn the proper technique before adding additional weights. Gradually increase the weight as your strength and confidence improve.
Bumper plates are weight plates made of a dense rubber that allows them to be dropped from height without damaging the plates or the floor. They are ideal for Olympic weightlifting, CrossFit, and any training that involves dropping the bar from overhead or at waist height. If you plan on doing these types of exercises, investing in bumper plates could be beneficial.
Yes, barbell sets can be used for a variety of exercises beyond traditional lifting, including metabolic conditioning, strength training, and even some types of endurance workouts. With the appropriate weights and safety measures, you can perform squats, deadlifts, presses, cleans, and many other compound movements to target multiple muscle groups.
Embarking on a strength-training journey? A barbell set can be your best ally. While it's tempting to spring for the swankiest gear, your wallet may beg to differ. Fear not - getting a barbell set without breaking the bank is possible, and this guide will show you how. Let's dig into finding the balance between affordability and quality to ensure you get the most bang for your buck.
Understanding Barbell Basics
Before you dive into your wallet, let's talk about barbell essentials. A standard barbell set includes a long bar, a pair of collars, and various weight plates. The bar itself should possess a sturdy grip and an appropriate weight for your fitness level. Typically, bars come in 20kg for men and 15kg for women, but starter bars are lighter.
Weight plates are like the building blocks of your strength training; they range from 2.5lb up to 45lb. The materials vary from rubber-coated to iron ones. When shopping for a budget-friendly option, consider sets with fewer weight plate varieties - you can always purchase more as your strength grows.
Lastly, safety should not be compromised. Even the most reasonably priced barbells should have secure collars to keep the weight plates firmly in place as you lift. A barbell accident due to loose weights can be both dangerous and costly.
Where to Find Deals
Start your quest for savings online. Check out e-commerce giants like Amazon, eBay, or specialist fitness retailers for discounted sets. Remember to glance at customer reviews - they’re a goldmine of insight into durability and value.
Don't ignore local resources! Sometimes the best deals are in your backyard. Gyms often sell old equipment to make room for new. Offering to haul away the gear yourself might sweeten the deal and net you some serious savings.
Timing can be everything; keep an eye out for seasonal clearances, holiday sales, or Black Friday deals. Even high-end models can fall within a tight budget during a good sale. Setting up alerts on price-tracking websites can help you snatch up a bargain barbell set the moment its price drops.
Consider Secondhand Options
Buying secondhand can be an excellent route to getting the most value for your money. Sites like Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace often feature barbell sets at a fraction of the cost. Ensure you inspect the set for rust, cracks, or other damage before laying down any cash.
A little elbow grease can go a long way if you're willing to refurbish a used set. Replacing missing or worn collars and giving the bar a good scrub can make it as good as new. However, recognize your limits – a barbell with structural damage isn't worth the risk, no matter how cheap.
Avoiding False Economies
The adage 'you get what you pay for' can sting especially hard when it comes to fitness equipment. Cheap can lead to cheerful, but it can also lead to chagrin. A barbell snapping mid-lift due to poor material quality is a nightmare scenario.
Investigate the warranty or guarantee policy of the set you're eyeing. A company confident in its product's durability is more likely to offer a generous warranty. This could save you in the long run, so factor it into your cost-analysis.
Hands-on Reviews and Recommendations from Discussion-Boards
We've compiled a comprehensive list of resources to assist you in finding the most affordable barbell sets. Our curated selection includes four main categories: in-depth reviews, insights from expert forum discussions, vibrant Reddit threads, and informative videos. Each link is chosen for its relevance and value, ensuring you get trustworthy information for making a well-informed decision.