Barbell Collars | Barbell Clips & Clamps

Olympic collar styles and 30mm collars each serve different purposes in barbell training, with distinct styles, benefits, and considerations for buying. Olympic collars are designed for bars with 50 mm sleeves, while 30mm collars fit standard bars and lighter lifting applications.

Olympic Collar Styles

Olympic collars come in several designs, each suited to different needs:

• Spring Collars: Designed for basic use, they are affordable and easy to place or remove. They provide secure holding when new but lose grip over time and are less suitable for heavy or dynamic lifts.
• Clamp/Locking Collars: These use a lever or screw locking mechanism for a tight grip and greater stability. They allow for quick weight changes and are popular in CrossFit and weightlifting for their speed and reliability.
• Aluminum Pro/Competition Collars: Heavier collars (5 kg/set) are calibrated for precision and competition, with two-stage mechanisms for extra security. They add weight to lifts and maintain plate position even during explosive movement.

30mm Collars

• 30mm collars are designed for standard bars with 30mm sleeves and lighter weights.
• Spring Collars: Ideal for casual users, easy to handle for quick changes during higher rep workouts.
• Studio Pump Collars (Quick-lock): Feature a single-movement mechanism ideal for group fitness or pump classes, protecting bar finish and supporting quick weight changes.

These collars are generally used on cheaper bars for group fitness or entry-level weight training, not heavy lifts or powerlifting.

Benefits of Barbell Collars

• Safety: Prevent weights from sliding off bars, reducing the risk of injury.
• Stability: Plates stay secure during lifts, enabling better exercise form and focus.
• Convenience: Clamp and quick-lock collars allow fast weight changes, improving workout efficiency.
• Competition Accuracy: Weighted collars add a precise mass, crucial for tracking totals in professional settings.
• Noise & Wear Reduction: Collars prevent plate rattling and reduce bar damage.

Barbell Collar Buying Tips

1. Bar Compatibility: Ensure collar matches your bar sleeve diameter — Olympic (50mm) or standard (30mm).
2. Purpose: Select spring collars for light training, clamp collars for security/quick changes, and calibrated ones for competition.
3. Grip Strength: Larger bars (e.g., 30mm) can help grip training but are less flexible and used less for competition.
4. Quality & Durability: Invest in sturdy materials for longevity, especially for frequent use or heavy loads.
5. Budget: Spring collars suffice for entry-level/budget; locking and aluminum collars suit frequent, serious lifters.
6. Damage Protection: Modern quick-lock and studio collars minimize scratching and wear on bars

Olympic Collar FAQs

What are the main styles of Olympic collars?

Spring collars, clamp/lockjaw collars, and competition/weighted collars are the primary types. Spring collars are budget-friendly, while clamp and lockjaw types offer superior security and rapid adjustment. Weighted/competition collars are calibrated for official use.

Which Olympic collar is best for heavy lifting?

Clamp/lockjaw and competition collars provide greater grip strength and stability for heavy or explosive lifts, such as Olympic lifts or CrossFit workouts.

What diameter fits Olympic collars?

Olympic collars are made for barbells with 50mm sleeves. Always check your barbell’s sleeve diameter, as some budget “Olympic” bars have poor manufacturing tolerances and may not fit high-end collars properly.

Can Olympic collars be used on specialty bars?

Most Olympic collars only fit standard 50mm sleeves. They will not fit specialty bars or other diameters (like 28mm, 30mm pipes).

Do competition collars add weight to the lift?

Yes, competition collars are calibrated (usually 2.5kg per collar) and count as part of the total lifted weight.

30mm Collar FAQs

Are 30mm collars compatible with all bars?

No. 30mm collars are specifically made for bars with 30mm sleeves (mostly standard, non-Olympic bars found in studios or entry-level setups). Always check your bar diameter before buying.

Which styles exist for 30mm collars?

Spring collars and studio pump quick-lock collars are common. Spring collars are basic, while quick-lock pump variants allow fast plate changes and avoid damaging the bar’s surface.

Can I use Olympic collars on 30mm bars?

No. Olympic collars are designed for 50mm sleeves and will not fit snugly on 30mm bars, risking unsafe lifting.

Are quick-release mechanisms available on 30mm collars?

Yes, many pump class collars or newer models offer a quick-release or slip-resistant lock for convenience during group sessions.