What bar should I buy for my benchpress?

Question

I have an old school york, barbell but it is bending under the weight. Can barbells snap? It is only 50kg(i wiegh 66kg) So how much should I expect to pay for a new barbell bar?

Answer 1

Hi,

Normally, the barbells that come with weights by york have a maximum weight of 55kg. And yes, they can snap. I therefore recommend that you invest in an olympic bar which have a weight restriction of about 160-200kg. These will be a LOT safer. If your bench is also one by york, say a multigym type, be careful again, these often have restrictions of 200kg, this includes the user and the actual weight. If you want more heavy duty gear, it is quite expensive, and may be better to spend thaton a year's membership at the gym.

The cost of the new barbell should be about £40. Anything less and you're risking it not being strong enough, or have other shortcomings.

Personally, I use this one;

http://www.gymworld.co.uk/prodpage.asp?P...

Even though I can't lift anywhere near the maximum capacity, I like the peace of mind that it won't snap and leave me injured or worse. The most i've had on it is 170kg for the squat and it's fine.