Öppen Collars
Eleiko Öppen Collars redefine barbell security with a user-friendly, one-handed design. Engineered for efficiency in professional training environments.
For 60 years, we have created strength products that push the boundaries of performance, set new standards in quality and durability, and unlock human potential. Our latest innovation is the Eleiko Öppen Collars, a fresh take on a traditional weightlifting staple with distinctive, user-friendly features. We met with Björn Welde, Product Development Manager at Eleiko, to discuss collar functionality, where the name ”Öppen” really comes from and why the lifter is at the core of Eleiko’s design philosophy.
User-Friendly Design
What was the inspiration behind the open-ended design?
Simplicity and efficiency. With Öppen Collars, we reconsidered a design that has been a staple in strength training for decades with a “less is more” approach. Many collars on the market today are complicated and difficult to use, where users need to slide the collars along the full length of the barbell sleeve. Instead, we boiled it down to the essentials - do collars actually need to be full circle to fulfil their intended function? Öppen is the Swedish word for open, and just as with our Öppen Deadlift Bar, our human-centric approach illustrates our design philosophy - creating innovative products that make a difference and open up the possibilities for better lifting.
The Öppen Collars have been named a finalist in the iF DESIGN AWARD 2021 - one of the world's most important design prizes and an internationally recognized seal of quality. The collars are designed as part of a larger product ecosystem, seamlessly working together with our both our new line of change plates (coming soon) as well as our current assortment of plates for weightlifting, powerlifting and functional fitness.
How important was ergonomics when developing the collars?
At Eleiko, the user is at the heart of everything we do. Identifying just the right product feeling is integral to our product development process. A key consideration was creating a smooth and comfortable feeling when you hold the collar in your hand. The Öppen Collars have no protruding edges or sharp corners, they are easy to handle using a minimalistic construction that allows for single-handed operation and encourage a proper and ergonomic grip – all features that are chosen with the user in mind.
Carefully Considered Materials
How did you find the perfect mix of materials?
A leading principle in the product development process was precision. We wanted to create collars with a low weight, while still maintaining product longevity. To achieve this balance, we chose aluminium, a durable yet lightweight material, and recyclable rubber. The collars each weigh 250 grams, adding very little additional weight to your lift. The aluminium casing, NBR rubber and internal components are fully recyclable, making the Öppen Collars a conscious choice that minimizes environmental impact.
What role do the rubber components play in the product’s construction?
The recyclable rubber provides good friction and a strong grip, keeping the collars in place throughout the toughest of training sessions. The interior lining also protects the barbell sleeve and plates from scuffing and general wear and tear. Since the rubber surrounds the entire edge of the product, this provide an effective shock absorption that feathers back slightly as the barbell is dropped – without sacrificing the strong clamping force.
How do the integrated magnets improve the user experience?
Built-in magnets allow users to stick the collars on stands, racks and benches when changing weights, keeping the collars close at hand instead of placing them on the floor. Since the collars can be left on the metal rack uprights, they are always easy to find and ready to be used by the next lifter. The integrated magnet also automatically suctions the collars tightly to the metal in the plates, leaving minimal space between the two to provide a reliable hold that simply won’t budge.
Tried and Tested
What type of tests have been performed with the Öppen Collars?
Eleiko is synonymous with quality - a guiding factor in all our decisions, from what materials we use, how they are combined and how they are packaged into a finished product. The Eleiko Öppen Collars have been thoroughly tested with drop tests and opening/closing lever tests. Testing and quality control is done at our headquarters in Halmstad, assuring our products are built to last and live up to the premium quality that we are known for.
What common collar problems do the Öppen Collars solve?
A part of our development process is to identify the problems lifters face today and focus on how we can turn them into solutions. We carefully considered, observed and analysed the entire training session, from finding and storing collars to application and the lift itself, to upgrade every aspect of the experience. For example, collars are normally thrown on the floor, are hard to find, or difficult to use. Thanks to integrated magnet and quick operation, the Öppen Collars will improve that experience and are designed not only to increase safety, but to really simplify the everyday life of the lifter.