Fitness Gear Equipment The Best Barbell Collars Are an Important, Yet Often Overlooked Piece of Equipment Clout Fitness Clamp Collar clicks in a lock position to secure your weights By Lily Moe Lily Moe LinkedIn Lily Moe is a former fitness coach and current Editor for Verywell Fit. As a wellness enthusiast, she can often be found in a hot yoga studio, trying a new recipe, or going for a long run in Central Park. Learn about our editorial process Updated on April 13, 2022 Reviewed Verywell Fit articles are reviewed by nutrition and exercise professionals. Reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. Learn more. by Heather Black, CPT Reviewed by Heather Black, CPT Heather Black, CPT is a NASM-certified personal trainer and owner of Heather Black Fitness & Nutrition where she offers remote and in-person training and nutrition coaching. Learn about our Review Board Fact checked Verywell Fit content is rigorously reviewed by a team of qualified and experienced fact checkers. Fact checkers review articles for factual accuracy, relevance, and timeliness. We rely on the most current and reputable sources, which are cited in the text and listed at the bottom of each article. Content is fact checked after it has been edited and before publication. Learn more. by Shereen Lehman, MS Fact checked by Shereen Lehman, MS Shereen Lehman, MS, is a healthcare journalist and fact checker. She has co-authored two books for the popular Dummies Series (as Shereen Jegtvig). Learn about our editorial process Print We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best products—learn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. If you're thinking of buying a barbell and weight plates set for your home gym, don't forget about factoring in a set of barbell collars. These clamps are crucial for keeping removable weight plates secure on your barbell so you can perform all types of lifts safely. Without collars, you run the risk of plates shifting and unbalancing the weight in the process—which isn’t only distracting, but also potentially dangerous. Reviewed & Approved Clout Fitness Barbell Clamp Collar uses a click system to lock your weights in place. If you're looking for clamps for lighter weights, we'd recommend Iron Lab's Barbell Collar. When looking for barbell collars, make sure they have a locking system that secures the weight tightly and doesn't allow your weights to slip. We researched dozens of barbell collars and evaluated them for price, materials, and locking system. Here are the best barbell collars on the market. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Clout Fitness Locking 2" Olympic Size Barbell Clamp Collar at Amazon Jump to Review Best Lightweight: Iron Lab Olympic Barbell Collar at Amazon Jump to Review Best Design: Lock-Jaw Barbell Collars PRO 2 Barbell Collar at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Standard Barbells: Dreampark Barbell Clamp at Amazon Jump to Review Best Budget: CAP Barbell Olympic Spring Clip Collars at Amazon Jump to Review Best Splurge: Rogue KG Competition Collars at Roguefitness.com Jump to Review Best Durable: Rogue USA Aluminum Collars at Roguefitness.com Jump to Review Best for Beginners: Valor Fitness MB-MC Muscle Clamps at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Heavy Lifting: Rogue HG 2.0 Collars at Roguefitness.com Jump to Review In This Article Expand Our Picks What to Look For Why Trust Verywell Fit Best Overall: Clout Fitness Quick Release Pair of Locking 2" Olympic Size Barbell Clamp Collar 5 Courtesy of Amazon View On Amazon We selected the Clout Fitness Quick Release collars as our top pick because it has a thick plastic and steel pins design, which makes them durable. Additionally, they're made to support heavier plates but are still lightweight. Designed to be dropped without being broken or damaged, they easily secure heavier loads (and also light loads) thanks to a snug fit and grippy rubber pads that keep the clamps in place. The maximum grip surface ensures that plates stay exactly where you want them to, and the quick release clamp feature makes adding or changing load easy—the lever clicks to signal locked and unlocked positions for additional safety measures. Compatible with Olympic standard size barbells and at a medium price range, Clout’s barbell clamps are able to help anyone who wants to lift weights safely and smartly. The 8 Best Power Racks of 2022 Best Lightweight: Iron Lab Olympic Barbell Collar Courtesy of Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart The Iron Lab Olympic Barbell Collars are made from high-quality nylon that holds plates in place without adding a lot of extra weight to the bar. The simple clasp design makes the collars easy to use (and can reportedly be secured with only one hand) which makes adding or removing weight plates less time-consuming. The high-pressure grip pads make these collars incredibly durable and the fun, bright pink and yellow styles add some color to your gym equipment. The clamps are compatible with any Olympic bar and are ideal for lifting loads at a faster tempo, as is often done in CrossFit. Best Design: Lock-Jaw Barbell Collars PRO 2 Barbell Collar Courtesy of Amazon View On Amazon View On Lockjawcollar.com Suitable for all 2-inch Olympic barbells, these collars are designed to keep heavy plates safely in place. Thanks to their large levers, they're easy to snap on and off when you need to change weights during a workout. Made with elastomer pads and resin frame, the clamps protect your bar and plates from any damage, while still holding them firmly in place. They also allow you to use bumper plates without damaging the bar. Choose between three elegant colors. Best for Standard Barbells: Dreampark Barbell Clamp Courtesy of Amazon View On Amazon For a secure fit on a standard barbell, you'll need barbell collars that are 1-inch in diameter, like this one from Dreampark. Compared to Olympic barbells, standard barbells are typically lighter and shorter and can be easier to maneuver for beginners, and also great for those with limited space. It's important to note, though, that standard barbells are usually less durable than their Olympic counterparts and can't handle as much weight. These standard barbell clamps have a quick-release functionality that lets you take them on and off your bar with ease, and won't slide when they're in use. Keep in mind that they won't fit a threaded bar or 2-inch Olympic barbells. The Best Home Gym Equipment of 2022 Best Budget: CAP Barbell Olympic 2-Inch Spring Clip Collars Courtesy of Amazon View On Amazon View On Capbarbell.com If you want to add barbell collars to your lifting equipment without spending a lot of money, spring collars are the clear winner. While spring collars do take a little more elbow grease to get on and off the bar, they are incredibly light, adding practically no additional weight to your lift. The CAP Barbell Spring Clip Collars are made with high-quality steel that holds even heavier weights stable. The coating on the handles makes them easy to take on and off the bar without pinching, saving your hands and allowing you to make faster plate transitions. The collars will fit any 2-inch Olympic weight barbell. Best Splurge: Rogue KG Competition Collars Rogue View On Roguefitness.com If you need collars that can perform in a competition setting, splurging on the Rogue KG Competition Collars is a must. Approved by the International Powerlifting Federation and designed with competitive weightlifters in mind, these steel collars are crafted with a ball-lever mechanism that allows for seamless load adjustments and faster plate transitions. The collars weigh 2.5 kilograms (5.5 pounds) each and are designed for maximum performance. Their compact width means you can load more weight plates onto your barbell without running out of space. The pair comes with a two-year warranty. The Best Pull-Up Bars, According to a Personal Trainer Best Durable: Rogue USA Aluminum Collars ROGUE View On Roguefitness.com Rogue’s USA-made Aluminum Collars are truly a work of art. They’re constructed with advanced, aircraft-grade 6061 Billet Aluminum—which means they’re going to last for as long as you need them to. This durability does not mean they skimp on the other features you need, though. The collars include Rogue’s signature lock-open lever that allows for easy fastening onto the bar, as well as easy removal. With an interior rubber lining, they won't cause friction or scuffs to barbells or plates, and will prevent any damage done to themselves as well. Although they're built to keep heavy plates in place, the barbell collars weigh less than 1 pound, making them easy to carry in a gym bag or store in small spaces. With a 1.5-inch width, they're compatible with any standard Olympic barbell and come in traditional as well as flashy colors. Best for Beginners: Valor Fitness MB-MC Muscle Clamps for Olympic Barbells Amazon View On Amazon View On Valorfitness.com If you’re a beginner who’s looking to start lifting and are in need of a simple, yet safe, barbell collar, the Valor Fitness MB-MC Muscle Clamp is a perfect choice. It locks on your bar in one single motion, allowing you to move the 10.4-ounce clamps on and off easily as you adjust plates. The sturdy design will hold weight plates tightly in place without slipping or scratching your equipment. The clamps come with a one-year warranty. The Best Home Gyms, Recommended by a Personal Trainer Best for Heavy Lifting: Rogue HG 2.0 Collars Rogue View On Roguefitness.com When you’re lifting heavier weights, you need collars that can keep up. The Rogue HG 2.0 Collars are made of solid nylon resin with stainless steel hardware and a patented locking mechanism that can hold the heaviest weight through repeated drops. They also have a spring function, allowing for a snap release that speeds up the time you spend taking them on and off the bar. Rogue collars are more of an investment—they all come with the promise to never scratch or damage your bar and plates, as well as a one-year warranty. These collars are compatible with all standard Olympic weightlifting bars, as well as many specialty bars like the Axle, MG-1, and more. After 16 Hours of Testing, These Are the Best Adjustable Dumbbells What to Look for in a Barbell Collar Hold The main job of a barbell collar is to hold the weighted plates into place. You want to make sure the collars you’re using are strong and tight, not allowing any slip between your plates and the bar. This will help your barbell stay balanced and steady. Weight Just like adding another plate to the bar, adding a barbell collar is another element that can increase the weight you’re lifting. Collars can range from a quarter of a pound (spring collars) to a couple of pounds, with competition collars weighing in at 5.5lbs per collar. You always want to know how much your collars weigh, so you can have an accurate number for the total weight you’re lifting. Speed of Assembly Adding collars to your bar does add an extra step to your lifting routine. Depending on how many times you take off or add plates to your bar, you will want collars that you can attach and release easily. Durability If you’re looking to invest in collars that are more expensive, you want to make sure they will last. A barbell collar’s durability is affected by design and the material used to make it. Frequently Asked Questions How much do barbell collars weigh? Barbell collars vary in weight. The ones mentioned here weigh 10.4 ounces, 9.29 ounces, 1.06lbs, 0.5lbs, 10.4ounces, and 0.85lbs. Are barbell collars necessary? Barbell collars are a standard safety requirement, meant to secure the plates and prevent injury due to them moving, rattling, or falling off. How do I know what size barbell collars to purchase? Generally, all barbell collars are the same size. However, cheaper bars are not the same size as competition bars. Only buy competition collars if you have a competition bar. Why Trust Verywell Fit As a previous fitness coach, long-time wellness enthusiast, and current health editor, Lily Moe understands the importance of finding equipment that can help you reach your fitness goals. She’s seen how using the wrong equipment can cause injury, and how choosing the right tools will often be the momentum individuals need to reach success. Most importantly, Lily always looks for research and first-hand reviews when it comes to deciding on the best product. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Get one simple hack every day to make your life healthier. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit