11 Best Barbell Collars Of 2021
Aadithyan Mohan K.
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CrossFit training has become an essential and exciting part of keeping ourselves fit and agile. The multi-dimensional training regime is incomplete without heavy weightlifting barbells.
But it is important to be extremely safe while using a barbell for exercises. One shouldn’t take the injuries caused by barbell accidents lightly.
A lot of times, the weight plates tend to slip off or create disbalance. The best solution to this is a strong and compatible barbell collar that will keep the discs in place and prevent any mishaps. We have compiled a list of the 11 best barbell collars that will save you from unpredictable accidents. So, let us first discuss what barbell collars are, shall we?
What Are Barbell Collars?
Barbell collars are handy clamps that stop the weight plates from sliding off the barbell. Made of materials like aluminum, nylon resin, carbon, or plastic, Olympic weightlifting is pretty much incomplete without this practical gadget. They are lightweight, durable, and readily available in different variants in the market.
Types Of Barbell Collars
There are mainly 3 types of barbell collars. They have different utilities and work for various bars and weight plates. All these collars also function slightly differently, but their primary purpose is to stop the weight plates from sliding off. Let us take a look at these 3 barbell collars.
Stainless steel spring collars
These were the most popular collars back in the day and were purposeful as they were made of stainless steel, making it incredibly durable. Many trainers and weightlifters still use these for the convenience they offer.
Pressure ring collars
The best part about pressure ring collars is that they are squeezed with a screw-like lock that tightens the clamp and stops the disks from falling off. These are made of stainless steel, so they might be a tad bit heavy.
Lock-jaw collars
Lock-jaw collars are the most commonly used Olympic barbell collars and are easily available in the market. These are the ones we will be looking at today as there are many companies that manufacture these. You can use these by sliding them on the bar and closing the latch or clamp.
There was a time when the weightlifting industry only had the option of using steel spring clip collars. But with the advent of these portable clamp techniques, thousands of companies now offer high-quality durable clamps and lock collars. Let us look at the list of the 11 best barbell collars out there that will make your training sessions safe.
11 Best Barbell Collars Of 2021
1. Greententljs 2-Inch Barbell Collars
These barbell collars are made of high-quality nylon, rubber, and steel and have proven to be the best replacement for stainless steel spring collars. They are fit for 2-inch Olympic size barbells and work well for CrossFit enthusiasts. These barbells are made of ABS plastic, a thermoplastic polymer that molds into different shapes and is incredibly durable and strong. This material helps the collars to take on heavyweight plates.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Easy to use
- Compact
- Available in vibrant colors
- Easy lock and release clamps
Cons
- The clamps might be a little tight in the beginning but will clamp easily once you get used to it.
2. Clout Fitness Quick Release 2-Inch Pair of Locking Olympic Collars
Clout Fitness Olympic Collars are one of the best barbell collars we have come across. Made of stainless steel pins and solid rubber pads, this collar is one of the most durable collars. It is fit for intense heavyweight lifting workouts and ideal for all kinds of CrossFit/Olympic athletes and other fitness enthusiasts. They hold heavy weights well, and the tendency of slipping from the bars is next to none.
Pros
- Durable
- Lightweight but perfect for heavy-duty weight plates
- Made of stainless steel
- Available in different colors
- Easy lock and release clamps
Cons
- The sleeves may wear-off slightly after an extended period of use.
3. Dreampark Barbell Clamp, 1-Inch ABS Barbells Locking Collars Clamps
Pros
- Works well for workout sessions at home
- Portable
- Durable
- Easy to use
- Lightweight
Cons
- To be preferably used for lightweight
4. Lestino Barbell Spring Clip Collars- 1-Inch
Pros
- Extremely lightweight
- Easy to handle
- Comes in a pack of 4
- Sturdy grip
- Durable and rust-free
Cons
- May not be suitable for a threaded bar.
5. Lock-Jaw OLY 2-Inch Olympic Barbell Collar
Lock-Jaw Olympic Barbell Collars are straightforward to install, easy to remove, and can be used with 2-inch bars. Made from rubber, plastic, and steel, these barbells last a lifetime. The elastomer pads and resin plates help maximize performance and can be used for professional heavy lifting as they reduce the risk of damage. They are available in different colors and variables.
Pros
- Huge variety
- Durable
- Available in different colors
- Compact design
- Easy clamp release
Cons
- These collars aren’t meant for a ‘one size fits all’ bars.
6. AbraFit 2-Inch Olympic Barbell Clamps
These are solid ABS material, quick-release clamp locks that are perfect for different workout regimes like bench presses and deadlifts and are extensively used by many CrossFit enthusiasts. They are ideal for use in 2-inch bar workouts. The barbell clamps are available in red or black and perfect for your regular gymming sessions.
Pros
- Portable
- Easy unclasping
- Durable
- Easy to handle
Cons
- Susceptible to wear after a considerable period of use.
7. Strainho Olympic 2-Inch Weight Bar Clips
Pros
- Easy latch-on and latch-off system
- Better than metal clasps
- High-pressure grip pads
- Available in many colors
Cons
- The collars may wear off slightly after a considerable period of use.
8. MoKo Lock-Jaw 2-Inch Barbell Collar
Moko Lock-Jaw Barbell Collars are one of the most popular options for barbell collars. These collars are an excellent option for those who believe in lightweight CrossFit exercises. Its unique lock-jaw technique helps in keeping the weight plates in place. A durable option as they have 2 layers of rubber pads on both sides, this particular phenomenon decreases the chances of it slipping off from the barbells.
Pros
- Spindle-bearing system
- Easy latching and easy release
- Lightweight
- It doesn’t leave scratches on the barbells or the weight plates.
Cons
- It may be a little tight in the beginning but will loosen up after the initial days.
9. Disens 1-Inch Gym Barbell Clamps
Disens’ barbell clamps are made from high-tensile nylon and reinforced plastic that keep the weight plates intact. These also help in balancing the weight plates for longer durations. Changing them is easy, and they are portable as well. If you like to add a pop of color to your workout regime, you can opt for these barbells as they are available in vibrantly fluorescent colors.
Pros
- Easy latching and easy removal
- Durable
- Available in different colors
- Compact and portable
Cons
- Could be made out of a harder material for extra strength
10. YOGU 2-Inch Olympic Barbell Collars
Yogu barbell collars are available in many colors and are made with tensile resin and nylon. The cast grip and rubber grip plate keep the weight plates intact and prevent damage or mishaps. The company also provides a 100% money-back offer, which makes it a popular choice.
Pros
- Available in popping colors
- Lightweight
- Easy-to-use
- Effective snap latch
Cons
- Might lose its effectiveness if not taken proper care of.
11. Afoskce Olympic Barbell Clamps
Afoskce offers a pair of barbells that take merely 5 seconds to lock and release and are made of high-quality tensile materials. They are perfect for all kinds of CrossFit exercises like deadlifts, bench-press, or any other kinds of Olympic barbell training techniques perfect for a fit and healthy body. It incorporates mature spring-powered technology, which allows a quick and effortless release mechanism.
Pros
- Impact-resistant
- Ergonomically-shaped
- Durable
- Available in bright colors
Cons
- It may leave a couple of scratches on the bar.
Now that you have gone through our list of some of the best barbell collars, let us help you buy the right ones for the right reasons.
How To Make The Right Choice?
You must do your research before buying these barbells as they can save you from a dangerous accident due to weight plates slipping off from the bars. Often, while doing bench presses, if the collar isn’t doing its job, you might dislocate your shoulder, or worse, injure your head. Do keep a couple of these points in mind while buying a barbell collar:
Strength and hold
If you want to check the strength of the collars, place the barbell in a vertical position. If the weight plates slide off, you can immediately determine the effectiveness of the barbell collar. For a more conclusive result, put all your weight on the plates by standing on it and applying pressure on the collar. If it endures your weight, you’ve got yourself a winner.
Weight
The weight of the collars also makes a huge difference to its utility. Professional athletes have to keep the overall weight of the bars and the weight plates in mind. The collar has to compliment the bars.
Material
The right kind of materials used in making these collars determine the durability of the product as well. ABS plastic is light in weight but extremely durable and sturdy. The rubber pads also help in keeping the weight plates stable.
Size
A portable and compact collar makes it easy to carry it anywhere and reduces the chances of wear and tear.
Durability
It is essential to judge a barbell collar depending on how long it may last. This is correlated to the strength of the collar as well. The more it sustains the weight of the plates, the more it is likely to last.
Assembly speed
It is important to see how fast it clasps, slides, and unclasps. If the quality of the collar is good, these 3 points will be covered for sure.
The right kind of collar will be an amalgamation of all these points and make your weightlifting experience safe and successful.
Benefits Of A Barbell Collar
- They keep you safe and are essential as the number of weight plates increases on your barbell.
- They help you maintain balance while you are trying to lift the barbell.
- If your weight plates don’t move, you will effectively balance the barbell and avoid any injuries to your neck, shoulders, or spine.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do you use a spring collar?
Spring collars are pretty easy to use. Grab the collar and press both the ends with your hands, and push it towards the bar and against the weight plates. Removing them is as easy as putting them on. Press both ends with your hands and remove them gradually.
- How much do Olympic bar collars weigh?
These usually range from 10-12 ounces to a solid 2 pounds. Some heavyweight bars used by professional bodybuilders require something more durable and compatible with large weight plates. In such cases, the weight of the collars may range from 5 to 10 pounds.
We hope that our extensive list of the best barbell collars and the pros and cons will help you make the right choice. If you plan to start your CrossFit training at home, you need to be sure that you have a long-lasting and secure barbell collar that helps you in your fitness regime and doesn’t burn a hole in your pocket.
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