Here are the five key differences between a deadlift bar vs stiff bar. Deadlift bars:
- have thinner shafts
- have more bend and whip
- are longer
- lack center knurling
- usually have a lower tensile strength (PSI)
I’ll give it to you straight: There are certain people who will benefit from utilization of a deadlift bar. But, it’s not for everyone. And you can still get by just fine with a normal bar.
Let’s get into the differences.
If you want to see a deadlift bar in action, check out this video from Basement Brandon covering the key differences between a deadlift bar vs stiff bar:
Deadlift Bar vs Stiff Bar: 5 Key Differences
Deadlift Bars Have Thinner Shafts
Deadlift bar: 27mm
Deadlift bars are usually 27mm in diameter. A stiff bar is usually 28mm or 29mm.
Why would a thinner shaft make it easier to deadlift?
For one, the bar is slightly higher off the ground. And this means there is slightly less distance to travel. Which means you can lift slightly more weight. Every pound helps!
Secondly, it’s a little easier to grip a thinner bar rather than a thicker bar. Think about fat bars and fat grips. Those bars are much thicker than usual and much more difficult because of it. They are used specifically to train the grip. So, a thinner bar will make the lift a bit easier.
Thirdly, many folks find it feels more natural to grip a 27mm bar as opposed to a 28mm. And this is definitely better for people with smaller hands.
And, finally, thinner shafts give more bend and whip. The steel isn’t as thick, so the bar can actually bend more easily.
Deadlift Bars Have More Bend and Whip
It’s sometimes referred to as bend, whip, or flex, but they all mean the same thing. Why does a deadlift bar have more whip? What’s the point?
When you initiate the pull with a stiff bar, you pull the bar and the weights at the same time. And this makes it a little bit difficult and unnatural. You have to get both off the ground immediately. And you’re not in an ideal pulling position yet.
When the bar has some whip, the bar will bend slightly when you initiate the pull. And this gives you just a bit of clearance to start pulling and getting into a better position. Your body is at a higher point before pulling off the floor.
So, you are pulling from a slightly more advantageous point in the lift. And the weights and the bar should go up a bit faster and easier.
Now, truthfully, using whip to your advantage does take some time to master. Many people who are used to deadlifting with a stiff bar will find it awkward at first. But, if you stick with it and learn how to use the whip, you should be able to add some weight to your deadlift.
Just remember, it takes time to adjust to the whip!
Deadlift Bars are Longer than Stiff Bars
Deadlift bars are usually around 90.5 inches. Stiff bars are around 86 inches. So, why the increased length? How does that help your deadlift?
Building on the concept of whip, it’s this increased length which allows the bar to bend more.
Not only is the bar itself longer, but the distance between the loading sleeves is also longer. It’s about 56 inches for a deadlift bar vs 51.5 inches for a stiff bar. This pushes the weight outwards and gives the bar the ability to bend. And this allows you to use the whip to your advantage.
You can get even more whip by pulling with a closer grip.
The closer grip means you create even more distance from where you are pulling up on the bar. This is because as you are pulling up on the bar (and bending it), weights are pulling down on the bar, creating more distance. And this longer distance increases the whip.
Deadlift Bars Lack Center Knurling
If you’ve never bloodied up your shins on a deadlift, you are missing out on one of the most profound powerlifting rites of passage.
Despite the barbaric chest-thumping thrill of knowing you’re so badass that you made yourself bleed, most of the time I’d rather keep my shins nice and clean!
So, the lack of center knurling means you won’t be scraping up your shins using a deadlift bar.
Now, if you deadlift sumo this isn’t going to apply to you. My advice is to get some towels ready for the inevitable bleed. In fact, deadlift bars usually have more aggressive (outer) knurling than stiff bars. So, it’s going to be a bloody mess for all you sumo guys.
Deadlift Bars Usually Have a Lower Tensile Strength (PSI)
What is tensile strength? It’s a measurement of how much pressure the steel can take before breaking. In other words, it measures how strong the bar is.
Because deadlift bars are thinner, the tensile strength is usually lower.
High quality stiff bars are usually around 195,000 to 205,000 PSI. Deadlift bars can be anywhere from 165,000 to 190,000. There are definitely exceptions, such as the Strength Shop Bastard Deadlift bar, which is rated at an amazing 205,000 PSI!
And that’s pretty unheard of for a deadlift bar.
Who Should Use a Deadlift Bar?
Not everyone will benefit from deadlift bars. Honestly, some folks are dead set against them, and feel they offer no benefit.
You want the truth?
Deadlift bars take time to master. If you’ve been deadlifting with a stiff bar for years, there is a steep learning curve when you switch it up. And you will have to learn how to use the bend and whip of a deadlift bar to your advantage.
Some people never become accustomed to it.
Many people just love the feel of a stiff chunk of iron in their hands. The sweet satisfaction of pulling a stiff palette of ironclad mass sends a rush of euphoria to their ape brains.
And some people don’t like the difference in pulling position you get with a deadlift bar. It makes them feel weaker or more unnatural.
There’s only one way to find out if a deadlift bar is for you. And that’s to try one out. But you have to actually give it enough time to work for you. It’s going to take lots of trial and error. And honing in on your technique.
I can say this with certainty:
Notice Title
The more weight you have on the bar, the more advantageous a deadlift bar should be. Because it will increase bend and whip you will be able to generate more power with heavier lifts. So, if you’re deadlifting 400 pounds, you might not see a big difference with a deadlift bar. But, if you’re deadlifting 500+ pounds, you will be able to better take advantage of the whip.
So, deadlift bars probably have more utility for advanced lifters.
But I would still recommend trying one out if you are serious about deadlifting. Because you’re going to need time to learn how to use it properly. So, once you get to the higher poundage, you can actually take advantage of the whip.
3 Best Deadlift Bars on the Market in 2023
If you’re on the fence about buying a deadlift bar, let me say this: you probably don’t need one… yet.
It won’t just magically put 50 pounds on your deadlift. However, if you are really serious about deadlifting huge weights and want to take advantage of any technicality you can, it can be a great investment.
Here are the three most tested and high quality bars on the market today:
Best Overall –
Strength Shop Bastard Deadlift Bar
The Strength Shop Bastard Deadlift bar is the ultimate deadlift bar for serious lifters. Combining the highest weight capacity on the list with an impressive tensile strength rating, this bar is built for heavy deadlifts. If you are looking to get every pound out of your deadlift, this is the bar to get. It will last you for years and comes with a lifetime warranty.
Specs:
Weight Capacity: 3,895 pounds
Tensile Strength: 205,000 PSI
Weight: 44 pounds
Length: 90.5 inches
Shaft Diameter: 27mm
Who Should Purchase this Bar?
I chose the Strength Shop Bastard Deadlift Bar as my number one choice because of it’s incredible weight capacity, length and shaft diameter. This bar is built to withstand the heaviest deadlifts. It is perfect for intermediate to advanced trainees looking to maximize their deadlift strength.
It’s built with incredibly high quality steel. The super high tensile strength indicates this is a durable bar which will last you a long time.
If you have the money to spend, this is the bar to get!
Check out the bar in action here:
Best Runner Up –
Rogue Ohio Deadlift Bar
The Rogue Ohio Deadlift bar is considered the industry standard for deadlift bars, and for good reason. With the perfect length, diameter, and tensile strength for deadlifts, it’s hard to beat this bar. The knurling is aggressive, for those who desire the firmest of grips. The Ohio bar will ensure you get maximum poundage from your deadlift.
Specs:
Tensile Strength: 190,000 PSI
Weight: 44 pounds
Length: 90.5 inches
Shaft Diameter: 27mm
Who Should Purchase this Bar?
It was a tough choice for the number one spot between the Rogue Ohio bar and the Strength Shop Bastard bar. I mean, Rogue Fitness is known for being the number one strength equipment manufacturer in the US. And for good reason.
The Ohio Deadlift bar is another one built for intermediate to advanced trainees looking to get the most poundage from their deadlift.
With a high tensile strength, perfect length and diameter, and extra whip, this bar is made specifically for deadlifting. It does have more aggressive knurling than the Strength Shop Bastard bar, so if you like deep knurling, this is the one to get.
Check out the bar in action here:
Best Alternative –
Valor Fitness OB-DL Deadlift Bar
The Valor Fitness OB-DL is a worthy alternative to the Rogue and Strength Shop bars. A true deadlift bar in terms of length, diameter, and bend, this bar will help you get more out of your deadlifts. It also has a solid tensile strength and weight capacity which will be enough for the majority of lifters.
Specs:
Weight Capacity: 1,200 pounds
Tensile Strength: 165,000 PSI
Weight: 45 pounds
Length: 90.5 inches
Shaft Diameter: 27mm
Who Should Purchase this Bar?
If the Rogue and Strength Shop bars are just outside of your budget, then the Valor Fitness OB-DL bar is the next best option. Although the tensile strength and weight capacity is a bit lower, this is still a high quality bar made for serious deadlifting. Intermediate and advanced trainees will be able to get the most out of this bar.
The bar itself has the perfect length, diameter, and bend to help you achieve maximum results with your deadlift.
The knurling is moderate, so if you are looking for a bar with more aggressive gripping capabilities, you will want to look elsewhere on the list. For everyone else, this is a worthy alternative to the Rogue and Strength Shop bars.
Check out the bar in action here:
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