Difference in womens and mens O-lifting equipment?

Beth Moscov · 09-07-2004, 07:31 AM

I was reading that the bar for women is smaller and lighter than the standard for men. My husband and I want to buy a "real" bar instead of trying to buy more plates and stuff for my "K-mart special". I am trying to better understand the benefits vs negatives of getting a women's style bar or a men's style bar. The folks in the house who will use it are me and my husband and maybe later on my young son. But I am the one who is really getting into the O-lifts. On the other hand, my husband is healing from a shoulder injury resulting in surgery and I am concerned that a shorter bar might limit his ability to place his hands so that he has a wide enough grip.

Suggestions?

Lincoln Brigham · 09-07-2004, 08:52 AM

The official women's bar is roughly the same length as the men's bar. The main difference is that the women's bar is 15 kilos (33#), the men's bar is 20 kilos (44#). The women's bar has a 25mm grip, the men's bar has a 28mm grip.

In your situation, I recommend the 15kg women's bar from Chapman. Or, Bigger Faster Stronger has a 30 pound bar that has the same grip length and diameter as their regular men's bars - the only difference is that the sleeves are shorter. I have one and use it a lot.

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09-07-2004, 07:31 AM	#1
Beth Moscov Member Profile: Join Date: May 2007 Location: Boulder Creek CA Posts: 1,269	I was reading that the bar for women is smaller and lighter than the standard for men. My husband and I want to buy a "real" bar instead of trying to buy more plates and stuff for my "K-mart special". I am trying to better understand the benefits vs negatives of getting a women's style bar or a men's style bar. The folks in the house who will use it are me and my husband and maybe later on my young son. But I am the one who is really getting into the O-lifts. On the other hand, my husband is healing from a shoulder injury resulting in surgery and I am concerned that a shorter bar might limit his ability to place his hands so that he has a wide enough grip. Suggestions?

09-07-2004, 08:52 AM	#2
Lincoln Brigham Member Profile: Join Date: May 2003 Location: Kirkland WA Posts: 3,987	The official women's bar is roughly the same length as the men's bar. The main difference is that the women's bar is 15 kilos (33#), the men's bar is 20 kilos (44#). The women's bar has a 25mm grip, the men's bar has a 28mm grip. In your situation, I recommend the 15kg women's bar from Chapman. Or, Bigger Faster Stronger has a 30 pound bar that has the same grip length and diameter as their regular men's bars - the only difference is that the sleeves are shorter. I have one and use it a lot.