How to Choose Your First Olympic Barbell
By Gym Equipment | Built to Work | Home & Commercial | NORTHERN | Published: 2026-10-18
Category: Buying Guides
Learn how to pick the right Olympic barbell for your strength training goals. This guide covers weight, length, and key decision rules for beginners.
Quick answer
For your first Olympic barbell, start with a 15kg option if you are new to lifting or prefer lighter loads, and choose a 20kg bar if you plan to train with standard competition weights. Both options from NORTHERN offer the durability needed for home or commercial gym use.
Why weight matters more than you think
The weight of the barbell itself affects how you progress. A 15kg bar is lighter and easier to handle for beginners, especially for overhead presses or technique work. A 20kg bar is the standard for most gyms and competitions, so if you plan to eventually lift heavier, starting with 20kg can save you from having to adjust later.
Length and sleeve fit
Olympic barbells are designed for plates with a 2-inch diameter sleeve. The NORTHERN Olympic Barbell fits this standard, so you can use it with almost any Olympic plates. The length of the bar (typically around 2.2m for 20kg, slightly shorter for 15kg) affects how much weight you can load and how comfortable it feels in a rack. If you have a tight space, a 15kg bar might be easier to maneuver.
Durability for regular use
A beginner barbell needs to withstand drops, knurling wear, and repeated loading. The NORTHERN Olympic Barbell is built for heavy lifts in both home and commercial settings, so you can trust it for years of training. That said, if you only plan to do light resistance band work or mobility drills, a cheaper standard bar might suffice—but you'll outgrow it quickly.
Decision rules for your first Olympic barbell
- Choose 15kg if: You are new to barbell training, want a lighter bar for overhead presses, or have a smaller training space. The 15kg bar is easier to control and maneuver.
- Choose 20kg if: You plan to lift heavy, compete, or want a standard bar that matches most gym equipment. The 20kg bar is the default for strength training and allows for heavier loads.
- Check your plate compatibility: Ensure your weight plates have a 2-inch diameter hole. The NORTHERN Olympic Barbell is engineered for standard Olympic plates, so if you have 1-inch plates, you'll need an adapter or different bar. Measure your plate hole diameter before buying.
Product facts
- Olympic Barbell 15kg & 20kg: The NORTHERN Olympic Barbell is built for serious training in both home and commercial gym settings, available in 15kg and 20kg options. This means you can start with a lighter bar for technique work and upgrade to the 20kg version as you progress, without needing a new bar for heavier lifts.
Olympic Barbell 15kg & 20kg
Which bar fits you?
Best for
- Beginners who want a lighter bar for learning technique
- Home gym users with limited space who prefer a shorter bar
- Lifters who plan to progress to heavy weights and want a durable bar
Not for
- Those who only need a bar for light resistance band work or mobility drills
- Users with 1-inch plate holes who cannot use an adapter
