Barbell clips are used to help lifters have a better workout session. As you increase the weight you put on the bar, the plates can wobble and slide around. Fortunately, with a pair of barbell clips, it’s easier and more convenient to secure them for safe and focused lifting. But how do you know which clips are right for your needs? This buying guide includes all the information necessary to make a worthwhile purchase.
Types of Barbell Clips
Barbell clips come in several different types depending on their use:
Spring collars
The most common form of collar is the spring collar. It features a spring-like design that creates a force that can help fix the weights. Commercial gyms usually work with this type due to their low cost and simple usage. You can push down on the grips from the side of the collars to widen it and slide it onto and across the barbell, securing it in place by releasing the handle.
Lockjaw collars
This type is usually practiced by advanced and Olympic-style weightlifters as they cause the least damage to the bar sleeves. Lockjaw collars are designed with enhanced fitting compared to the previous type.
Spinlock collars
Spinlock collars make swapping your plates around a breeze while still helping to tighten and secure the weight. The material and design are perfect for long-term use due to their tough and durable quality.
Benefits of Using Barbell Clips
Barbell clips can be a great addition to your gym bag and will prove to be very useful in helping you hit your weightlifting goals. Here are some of the common benefits:
Avoids rotating
Barbell sleeves need barbell collars to prevent the plates from rotating while on the bar. This helps increase the longevity of the equipment. You don't need these components for barbells with fixed weights on their sleeves since they never move out of position throughout the lift.
Prevents weight slipping
Barbell collars are also used to protect the weight plates from moving around and falling off the sleeve and ensure the safety component during the exercise. They guarantee that the weight burden is uniformly distributed by preventing the plates from slipping.
Help maintain posture
With so many injuries due to changes in weight angles, it’s important for lifters to be concerned about their safety. With weights secured in one place, it is less likely to change position adversely while mid-lift and sustain an injury.
How to Choose Barbell Clips
Between all the different barbell clips with similar functions, it can be difficult to find the right option for your preferences. Here are some important features that a perfect barbell clip should have:
Style
The first and foremost thing to consider is the style, namely whether collars or clamps. Always choose collars over clamps if you're looking for the best experience during exercise. Clamps are generally difficult to use as they have a chance to produce a lot of resistance among barbell sleeves. In comparison, collars can be easily fastened and secured for quickly swapping out weights and they won’t encounter resistance on threaded barbell sleeves.
Size
The second thing to consider is the design of your barbell. Opt for a set of barbell clips in a size that matches the diameter of your bar. Otherwise, they won’t be very useful in keeping weight secure as they likely won’t fit properly.
Material
The material you choose depends on how much extra weight you are willing to add to your bar. Some variants like steel and carbon alloy can be heavy, which means your sets may be slightly more difficult than it is without clips. Aluminum is a modest material with less weight and more strength, making it a top choice among many lifters.
