So wait, if the knurling doesn't start at standard distance and can vary a lot, how can you get reliable information from the knurling start to ring distance? Is the olympic bar the only one that doesn't have middle knurling reliably? Actually ran into this at my gym, there are all kinds of bars. There are two bars that seem olympic but one is much thicker than the other. And then there's a deadlift bar. It's not like I mind much unless the distance between bearings is different for snatch grip, for cleans/squats it's fairly easy to tell it's not comfortable/in the right spot and ~1 inch difference max isn't that bad for that grip.
While the width of the smooth part of the bar is not standard, it also doesn't vary by a huge amount typically. As I mentioned in the video, it's usually about 16.5" to 17" with an occasional bar that has a larger or smaller gap. Some olympic bars have a center knurl and some don't. A power bar will always have a center knurl. Like olympic bars, dual-knurled bars sometimes have center knurls and sometimes don't. If you have an abnormally thick bar, it's probably a cheaper bar (made thicker to compensate for lesser quality). I'd avoid that bar when possible. Worst case - you could bring a tape measure one day and sort it out.
It's a reasonable approach, and I think your point of "for those who are into competition lifting styles" is key. In general, I think the average lifter probably won't bother, and given that there are other ways people can keep track of it (that is, if they plan ahead), I think that's just fine, but a tape measure certainly takes any guesswork out of it.
So wait, if the knurling doesn't start at standard distance and can vary a lot, how can you get reliable information from the knurling start to ring distance? Is the olympic bar the only one that doesn't have middle knurling reliably? Actually ran into this at my gym, there are all kinds of bars. There are two bars that seem olympic but one is much thicker than the other. And then there's a deadlift bar. It's not like I mind much unless the distance between bearings is different for snatch grip, for cleans/squats it's fairly easy to tell it's not comfortable/in the right spot and ~1 inch difference max isn't that bad for that grip.
While the width of the smooth part of the bar is not standard, it also doesn't vary by a huge amount typically. As I mentioned in the video, it's usually about 16.5" to 17" with an occasional bar that has a larger or smaller gap.
Some olympic bars have a center knurl and some don't. A power bar will always have a center knurl. Like olympic bars, dual-knurled bars sometimes have center knurls and sometimes don't.
If you have an abnormally thick bar, it's probably a cheaper bar (made thicker to compensate for lesser quality). I'd avoid that bar when possible.
Worst case - you could bring a tape measure one day and sort it out.
If I ever lifted outside my basement, this would be very valuable to know.
True - I think you're in the clear then :-)
Why the hell not just throw a measuring tape in your gym bag? Seems like the obvious solution for those who are into competition lifting styles.
It's a reasonable approach, and I think your point of "for those who are into competition lifting styles" is key. In general, I think the average lifter probably won't bother, and given that there are other ways people can keep track of it (that is, if they plan ahead), I think that's just fine, but a tape measure certainly takes any guesswork out of it.
Big Phil!
Hey Coach Carp!