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Barbell Basics, Table of Contents, Glossary

Barbells are the cornerstone of building foundational strength in the gym and play an integral role in any strength and conditioning program, whether it's the big three (squat, bench, deadlift) or explosive power with quick lifts like the clean and snatch. They are an essential tool for developing power and muscle mass and are a fundamental building block of any home or commercial gym.

All barbells sold in our shop are of commercial and competition standard and can last for decades if used and maintained properly. In order to ensure that our customers can use the barbells they purchase for a long time, we provide detailed product information and accurate advice from our staff to help customers choose the barbell that best suits their needs. We also carry a wide variety of barbells with different characteristics and price ranges to meet diverse needs.

Find the barbell that's right for you

As we import and sell barbells from all over the world, we have spoken to many customers and athletes, and the store manager himself has used and tested various Olympic barbells at MBC Gym.
What I have felt strongly during this process is that an easy-to-use barbell is first and foremost one that has characteristics that meet the needs of the user; if you get this wrong, no matter how expensive the barbell you purchase, you will not be satisfied.

Our store provides the most detailed explanations in Japan about barbells, covering the various characteristics that determine a barbell's character, such as shaft thickness, flexibility, roughness and shape of the knurling, surface treatment, bearings, price range, and other factors, so that you can choose the one that best suits your requirements.
Please refer to the link below and we hope it will be helpful when choosing a barbell.

If you have any questions or concerns about barbells, please feel free to contact us using the inquiry form. Our knowledgeable staff will respond to you.

1. Differences between various barbells

2. Recommended barbells by type

3. Surface treatment of barbells

4. About barbell knurling

5. Barbell sleeves, rotation mechanisms, and removal noise

6. Barbell maintenance

7. Durability of barbells



[Barbell terminology explanation]

·shaft
Except for the gripping parts of barbells and special items, they are made with a diameter of 28mm to 29mm.
The thickness and surface treatment of this part largely determine the characteristics of the barbell.
Basically, thinner ones are more flexible and are better suited for weightlifting, while thicker ones are less flexible and are better suited for powerlifting.

・Surface treatment
Plating or coating applied to the surface of the barbell.
Depending on the type of surface treatment, there are significant differences in terms of wear resistance, corrosion resistance, grip feeling, and appearance.

・Knurling
The anti-slip coating applied to the metal surface of the shaft is also called "knurling" in English-speaking countries.
The roughness and shape of the knurling will be tailored to the purpose of the barbell.
Additionally, the feel of the knurling can vary greatly depending on the type of surface treatment used.

·sleeve
The plate attachment part with the rotation mechanism also has different structures and rotational resistance depending on the application.
The surface treatment of the sleeve requires different characteristics than those of the shaft, such as wear resistance against friction with metal and smoothness.

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