Best Barbell Collars Reviewed: Keep Your Plates In Place With Top Brands Of Clips & Clamps
Anyone doing a barbell workout at the gym or at home knows that the most important piece of equipment is barbell collars.
Why is that?
Barbell collars keep your plates in place no matter even when powerlifting with heavy weights. If your plates start shifting, not only can this interrupt your workout, but it can also be very dangerous.
Very true.
For this reason, we’ve searched across barbell collar reviews to bring you the best barbell collars around.
Page Contents
- The Top 9 Best Barbell Collars Reviewed
- 1. Rogue HG 2.0 Collars
- 2. Rogue USA Aluminium Collars
- 3. Greententljs Olympic Barbell Clamps
- 4. Rogue Spring Collars
- 5. Iron Lab Olympic Barbell Collar
- 6. Clout Fitness Quick Release Olympic Barbell Clamp
- 7. Lock-Jaw HEX Olympic Barbell Collar
- 8. CAP Barbell Olympic Spring Clip Collars
- 9. YYGIFT Quick Release Locking Olympic Barbell Clamp
- Why Do I Need a Barbell Collar?
- How Do You Use Barbell Collars?
- Types Available
- Which Are The Right Barbell Collars For Me?
- Conclusion
The Top 9 Best Barbell Collars Reviewed
1. Rogue HG 2.0 Collars
Our Verdict: Best Overall
With an upgraded version of their classic collars, Rogue is offering several new features. The new spring allows for quick release so you can easily move through your workout and take these Rogue HG 2.0 barbell clamps with you wherever you go.
The improved rubber pads feature grooves which provide a firm grip and can take on heavy weights. These barbell collars are also made from stainless steel making them dependable and durable but also lightweight so they won’t affect your weights.
If you invest in a professional quality set of barbell clamps like this, you can count on them to last for several years which in my opinion is much better than buying several cheap ones that need to be replaced.
It gets better:
Rogue has created a unique locking mechanism which holds on to the barbell even with repeated drops during deadlifts and bench presses. No matter how vigorous you are with your weight lifting, you won’t have to worry about one of your plates coming loose.
These are some of the best barbell collars we’ve seen because of their professional quality material and easy to use design. One thing you will need to consider is that high-quality doesn’t come cheap and Rogue certainly doesn’t cut corners when it comes to producing quality equipment.
Finally, they come with a 1-year manufacturer’s warranty.
Pros:
Cons:
These are the best barbell clips around at the moment. If you are looking for long-lasting professional quality, we recommend Rogue.
2. Rogue USA Aluminium Collars
Our Verdict: Best for Powerlifters
Another very dependable option from Rogue is the USA aluminum collars which are made from extremely durable aircraft-grade aluminum.
Despite the super strong material, they are still lightweight at just 0.25 lbs and 1.5 inches in width making them super easy to take with you wherever your workout takes you.
The lock open Nylon lever has a unique snap flexure which you can use to fully open the collar and easily slide it onto the barbell. There is also a choice of three smart color options to suit you. These are great Olympic bar collars that fit any standard Olympic barbell. The interior rubber lining also works to reduce friction for that extra security and support.
These barbell collars are one of the best for powerlifting providing both stability and durability so you can keep using them for years even with heavy weights.
Top quality material and manufacturing provides superior grip so if you’re serious about your weight lifting, these are definitely worth the investment.
The only issue we can find is they take a bit more time to attach and detach than fast-release barbell clamps, but if you are lifting heavy weights, slow and steady between sets is the way to go.
Pros:
Cons:
For serious powerlifters, these are the best barbell clamps thanks to the superior build quality and durable material. If you are looking for some seriously strong barbell collars, these are worth considering.
3. Greententljs Olympic Barbell Clamps
Our Verdict: Best Olympic Barbell Collars
Made from nylon, steel and rubber and coming in a range of vibrant colors, Greententljs are the best Olympic bar collars. They are compatible with any 2-inch Olympic size barbells.
The reinforced plastic and high-quality nylon make these barbell clamps pretty reliable and durable and they are easy to attach with a spring-powered snap latch.
For a reasonable price, these are still a very impressive set of barbell collars.
The only issue some customers have had is that those vibrant colors are susceptible to scratches and chips so they might look a little worn down after a while. Nevertheless, these barbell clamps work well for a range of barbell exercises and CrossFit thanks to the light material and easy to use snap latch.
Pros:
Cons:
These barbell collars prove that you can still expect high quality for a reasonable price. If you are looking to stand out at the gym, grab yourself these vibrant barbell clips.
4. Rogue Spring Collars
Our Verdict: Best Budget Buy
If you are looking for the most simple and affordable option then the Rogue Spring Collars are the best barbell clamps for you.
Used by athletes in Olympic weightlifting, you can’t argue with the simplicity of these barbell clamps. They are made with just high-quality steel and no fancy design features to get in the way of the spring.
The good thing about these simple spring collars is they’ll last longer and cost hardly anything, making them the best budget barbell collars. They’ve even been approved for use by the United States Army’s Combat Fitness Test.
They might not look as comfortable as other barbell clamps but they are surprisingly easy to squeeze and attach to all Olympic bars. I know that when I’m in the middle of a workout, I want my equipment set up to be as simple as possible which is why these barbell collars are so handy.
Just make sure you attach them with care if you have sensitive hands as they don’t come with grips.
Pros:
Cons:
If you aren’t interested in all the bells and whistles, try out a simple spring collar which offers professional quality at a very low price.
5. Iron Lab Olympic Barbell Collar
Our Verdict: Best for Crossfit
What makes Iron Lab Olympic bar collars special is the ease with which you can attach and detach them making adding weights super quick. A hardcore weightlifting workout takes a lot of mental strength and concentration and the last thing you want is poor equipment putting you off.
Made from high-strength nylon, these barbell clamps were made to securely attach to your barbell and take on the strain of heavyweights. The clamp locks into place easily to provide you that extra security.
These barbell collars promise to be practically indestructible so give them all you’ve got and if you’re not quite satisfied there’s a full manufacturer’s warranty.
Thanks to their durability and easy to use design, these are the best barbell clamps for CrossFit, an activity in which you’ll need to switch between exercises and weights as quickly and easily as possible.
Despite being high-quality nylon, some people have found that these barbell clamps don’t feel as reliable as steel options, but they have certainly stood up to the test of time.
Pros:
Cons:
For anyone who’s really into their CrossFit, or just needs to change their weights in the blink of an eye, these easy to use barbell clamps have got to be the best for speed.
6. Clout Fitness Quick Release Olympic Barbell Clamp
Our Verdict: Tightest Grip
Another best seller, Clout Fitness barbell clamp fits 2-inch Olympic standard barbells and promises an ultra-tight grip. They are specifically designed for workouts where weights are dropped or used vertically which is why they need to excel in grip.
There's a range of colors to choose from so you can take a bit of your own style to the gym or just spruce up your home gym. Another plus is that these barbell clamps are sold in pairs and are pretty reasonably priced.
If you are lifting heavy weights, this is a good choice to consider as they are the best barbell collars for security. Thanks to that impressive grip.
The quick-release is pretty effective making attaching and detaching weights straightforward. Even some of the highest quality clamps can slip if they aren’t attached properly, but this pair is easy to attach and is reliable.
What’s more, these barbell clamps are lightweight and made with quality rubber coating which doesn’t chip or crack even under heavy pressure.
Across barbell collar reviews, these are pretty popular but some customers have found their products to be defective so make sure you test them out on some lighter weights before you push them to the limits.
Pros:
Cons:
These are a good pair of barbell clamps for anyone who wants to lift some heavy weights. Just make sure you test them out on a lightweight first to make sure they’re in good working order.
7. Lock-Jaw HEX Olympic Barbell Collar
Our Verdict: Best for Beginners
Both sturdy and lightweight, the Lock-Jaw HEX Olympic Barbell Collar makes a great gym companion that you can easily take with you in your gym bag. It fits all Olympic 2-inch barbells and is designed to really lock into place.
Coming in eight color choices, you can pick one that stands out at the gym. The locking design is quick and easy to use even if you haven’t used barbell collars before, making this the best barbell collar for beginners. The grip is also very secure so even if you are using heavier weights you won’t have to worry about it giving way.
The quick locking latch makes this barbell clamp a little different and the HEX screw works really well to stay in place. At a reasonable price, this would also be a good option to buy in bulk for gym use.
The only issue is some customers have found that these aren’t the most durable option and they only last for about 2 years before the hinges start to wear out. This is probably because of the plastic material which can’t compare to durable steel clamps.
Pros:
Cons:
These are a good quick fix but if you are looking for a product that you won’t have to replace in a few years, try something a little more durable.
8. CAP Barbell Olympic Spring Clip Collars
Our Verdict: Most Comfortable Grip
As with other spring clip collars, these are a very simple and affordable option that you can count on for moderately heavy weights.
Designed to fit any Olympic barbell, the CAP barbell spring collars come in a pair and are very affordable. The comfortable grip means that you can use these simple spring clips without the pain of attaching them with your bare hands.
The chrome-plated material makes them durable as well as quick and easy to use. This is great for moving quickly between sets but remember not to use too heavy a weight as these clips can slip down with too much pressure.
Some customers have also found that despite the comfortable grip, they are difficult to squeeze and slide on to the weight at the same time.
The good thing is, as long as you don’t push the weight limit, these barbell clips don’t lose their spring over time. They are also super small and easy to transport between home and the gym.
Pros:
Cons:
If you train with light to medium weights and move between weights quickly these are a really easy and simple set of barbell clips. Just remember not to push the weight limit as super cheap clips might not be able to take as much pressure.
9. YYGIFT Quick Release Locking Olympic Barbell Clamp
Our Verdict: Easy to Slip-on
Another great option for CrossFit training, YYGIFT barbell clamps are easy to attach and detach from your equipment so you can move quickly through your workout.
They fit Olympic size barbells and are easy to slip on but once they’re on they don’t slip around which is ideal for CrossFit. The reinforced plastic isn’t the most durable material out there but for a reasonable price these are a pretty sturdy option.
With a rubber lining, the secure hold is pretty reliable for heavier weights but they might get worn out over time.
The problem with lower quality material is you do have to keep an eye on them to make sure the grip is still reliable.
Coming in a set of two, these are also some of the best barbell clamps for CrossFit around. The only problem is they are a little bulky compared to other barbell collars so can be a bit of a pain to pack and take to your training sessions.
Pros:
Cons:
These are a mid-range pair of barbell clamps which are quick and easy to use but not the most durable option. So, remember to test the grip before use if you’ve been using them for a while.
Why Do I Need a Barbell Collar?
It might be something you’ve never thought of before, but if you have ever experienced weights slipping off your barbell during a workout, you’ll know that a barbell collar is an essential piece of equipment for powerlifting, weightlifting, and when you are moving quickly between weights.
I believe even the best barbell for crossfit would need a good barbell collar, too, as I have mentioned in a couple of products we reviewed above.
Barbell clamps, clips, or collars keep your weights firmly in place during a range of barbell exercises including squats, deadlifts, and bench presses.
As well as ensuring your weights stay in place, barbell collars help to distribute the weight evenly, improving your balance and helping you to work on your posture.
How Do You Use Barbell Collars?
Most of the barbell collars we have selected for this review are easy to use. Many come with quick-release clamps and grips to make putting them on and taking them off your barbell as simple and easy as possible.
There are a couple of different kinds of barbell collars in this review that are attached differently.
Types Available
Spring Clips
These barbell collars have a very simple and functional design but they can be a bit confusing if you’ve never seen them before.
To attach them to your barbell, simply angle the handles away from the weights and open the ring by squeezing them together with both hands. Make sure the ring is parallel to the floor as you slide it on and release the grip to secure.
If you have a spring clip and have never attached one before, check out this handy video which shows just how easy it is:
Snap Lock Barbell Clamps
Compared to the simple spring clips, these barbell collars are designed to slide on as easily as possible with minimal effort from you.
You don’t have to squeeze anything here so if you struggle to get a good grip on spring clips, this will be much easier to use. Simply slide them down the barbell and push down on the latch to create pressure until they snap into place.
HEX Screw Clamps
These are a great option for heavy barbells as they effectively screw on to the barbell as tightly as possible. Simply slide them on and use and twist until you feel they are fixed on.
The only problem with this is you’ll want to make sure you’ve tightened them as much as possible as you can’t really tell whether they’re fully on or not until you see your weights start to move. Always test them out with a lighter weight first.
Which Are The Right Barbell Collars For Me?
You might think that which barbell clamps you pick won’t make a lot of difference, but depending on how you use them, your choice of barbell collars is very important.
Best Barbell Collars for Powerlifting
If you are powerlifting or using any heavy weight range, you’ll want strong material and a sturdy grip that won’t give out even after a lot of heavy pressure.
The Rogue USA Aluminium Collars are great for powerlifting because of the hardcore aluminium material and the snap lock design which makes them easy to secure.
Best Olympic Bar Collars
Designed specifically to be used with Olympic barbells, the Greententljs Olympic Barbell Clamps are a great choice which fit most Olympic barbells.
Although a lot of barbell collars claim to fit all and even the best Olympic barbells, if the size is slightly off, they won’t clamp properly. These barbell clamps on the other hand don’t disappoint when it comes to grip and fit Olympic barbells perfectly.
Best Budget Barbell Collars
Although I would recommend investing in a quality pair of barbell collars, both for longevity and your own safety, there are a few budget options out there that can also be considered best barbell collars and that are suitable for short term use and moderately heavy weights.
The simple design of the Rogue Spring Collars makes them affordable and high-quality. They are even used by professional athletes in Olympic weight lifting so you can’t argue with that.
Conclusion
No matter what your weight range or price budget is, barbell collars are always a worthwhile investment. If you want a pair that will stay with you for years to come, we recommend the Rogue HG 2.0 Collars as the best overall barbell collars in this review.
This upgraded version of Rogue’s classic barbell collars offers everything from high-quality material to a quick-release locking mechanism that takes minimal effort to attach securely.
If you want to ensure your own safety when weight lifting take a look at the barbell collar options in this review.
Last Updated on July 12, 2020