Barbells & Barbell Sets

Frequently asked questions

• What size barbell set should I buy?

  Start with a 30kg barbell set if you’re new to lifting, as it gives you enough to learn the main lifts and you can add plates later. If you already train, the vidaXL 60kg and 90kg barbell sets give you more weight from the start. A barbell and dumbbell set shares one set of plates between both, which saves space.

• What is the difference between a straight barbell and a curl barbell?

  A straight barbell is used for squats, presses, rows and deadlifts. The vidaXL 60kg set has a 165cm straight bar. A curl barbell has angled sections in the middle that change your wrist position, and is mainly used for curls and tricep exercises. vidaXL curl barbell sets come in 60kg and 90kg.

• What is a trap bar?

  It’s a hexagonal barbell you stand inside, holding handles at your sides rather than a bar in front of you. The SPORTNOW Olympic trap bar has a 300kg capacity and side feet to keep it steady on the floor. It has 5cm (2 inch) sleeves, so it takes Olympic plates, not standard 3cm plates.

• Will my weight plates fit any barbell?

  Only if the hole in the plate matches the sleeve on the barbell. Standard plates have a 3cm hole and Olympic plates have a 5cm hole, and the two sizes don’t mix. The SPORTNOW trap bar takes Olympic plates. Check each bar and plate listing before you order, especially if you’re adding to kit you already own.

• Are cement or steel barbell plates better?

  Each has its strengths. Cement plates are coated in plastic, so they’re gentler on floors and quieter when you put them down. The vidaXL 90kg barbell set uses floor-friendly cement plates. Chrome plated steel plates are slimmer for the same weight, so you can fit more on the bar, which matters once you’re lifting heavier.

• Do I need a squat rack with a barbell?

  If you want to squat or press heavy, yes. A squat rack holds the barbell at shoulder height, so you don’t have to lift it off the floor first. The HOMCOM squat rack adjusts to 10 heights and has a pull up bar. vidaXL also sells squat rack bundles with a barbell and dumbbells, in 30.5kg and 60.5kg. See more racks in our gym equipment range.

• What is a deadlift barbell jack?

  It’s a lever that lifts one end of a loaded barbell off the floor, so plates slide on and off without you having to lift the bar yourself. The SPORTNOW deadlift barbell jack is rated to 200kg and has a non-slip steel grip handle. It’s light enough to keep next to your lifting area.

• Can I buy barbells from Bossy Cat?

  Yes. Our Barbells range includes vidaXL barbell and curl bar sets from 30kg to 90kg, a SPORTNOW Olympic trap bar, and bench and squat rack bundles. Delivery is free on all orders to UK mainland addresses and arrives in 3-5 working days, with no hidden fees. If you change your mind, you can return your order, but the return postage is paid by you.