When it comes to strength training, versatility is key — and many lifters prefer to use one bar for all styles of training. Hybrid bars, or multi-purpose bars, are suitable for everything from weightlifting to powerlifting and a popular choice for functional fitness, commercial gyms and home training. Dive into the details of Eleiko’s hybrid bars, what sets them apart and how they can accommodate a range of training preferences and exercises.
What is a hybrid bar?
While serious powerlifters and weightlifters will prefer to use bars that are specifically designed for their sports, many users prefer to use one bar that can be used for all styles of training. Hybrid bars, also referred to as multi-purpose bars, are flexible enough to be used for Olympic lifting, but stable enough to be used for powerlifting. Hybrid bars generally have less aggressive knurling that is comfortable for a wide variety of users and will not tear up your hands and feature grip markings for both powerlifting and weightlifting.
Eleiko XF bar
A multipurpose strength and endurance bar, the Eleiko XF Bar has a mild knurling (1.0) that gives full control while remaining comfortable for higher volume training sessions. The XF bar features a combination of needle bearings and bronze bushings to ensure optimal spin for fast, explosive Olympic movements without compromising performance in heavy power lifts. The XF Bar has dual markings for both powerlifting and weightlifting and is suitable for CrossFit, functional fitness, and home use. The bar is available in a 15 kg and 20 kg version, as well as in a short version - ideal for training where space is a challenge.
Meeting the different needs of lifters
Satisfying the needs of a variety of members is a key success factor for facilities and having the right environment for each member is a big part of retaining them. Probably the biggest change in gym use over the last decade has been the growth of the functional training style. This style offers more variety than either powerlifting or weightlifting, mixing barbell movements with endurance training and skills inspired by gymnastics. It is also well suited to delivery in large group sessions, with equipment being shared between the participants. Since the barbell movements used will combine elements of powerlifting and weightlifting, it makes sense to choose hybrid bars, which have knurl markings for both sports.
A good approach is to provide 15kg and 20kg hybrid bars that will meet the needs of most members, along with dedicated powerlifting and weightlifting bars for lifters more serious about their sport. Combine with rubber bumper weight plates that will satisfy all but the most serious powerlifters.