28mm vs 29mm Barbell: Which Shaft Diameter?

What to Look For in 28mm Vs 29mm Barbell

28mm vs 29mm barbell shaft diameter comparison. Olympic vs powerlifting. Which diameter should you choose?. Before spending money, these are the criteria that separate a bar you keep for a decade from one you replace in a year.

• Tensile strength — 190K+ PSI is the threshold for a bar that will not bend under serious loads; 205K+ for elite steel
• Knurling — aggressive for powerlifting holds, medium for mixed training, center knurl only if you want it for back squats
• Sleeve rotation — bushings suit power and general training; bearings matter for Olympic lifts and high-rep cycling
• Coating — bare steel feels best but rusts; zinc, cerakote, and stainless trade feel for corrosion resistance
• Warranty — lifetime coverage against bending is the signal that a manufacturer trusts the steel