CAP Barbells10 min read

CAP Barbell: Affordable Quality Barbells for Every Gym

CAP Barbell review: Olympic bars, power bars, and women's bars. Best prices for budget-conscious lifters. CAP 20kg Olympic Bar, CAP Beast, and more.

Top Pick: CAP Barbell 20kg Olympic Bar

The best entry-level Olympic bar. Chrome finish, dual knurl marks, 150K PSI. Perfect for home gyms and beginners.

Shop CAP Barbell 20kg Olympic Bar - $129

Top 4 CAP Barbells

RankBarbellPriceShaftKnurlTensileVerdictScore
1CAP Barbell 20kg Olympic Bar$12928mmLight150K PSIBest Budget Bar8.2/10
2CAP Beast Barbell$15928mmMedium155K PSICrossFit Budget7.8/10
3CAP OB-86PBCK Power Bar$15929mmMedium190K PSIBudget Power8.0/10
4CAP Women's Bar$11925mmLight150K PSIBudget Women's7.8/10

#1: CAP Barbell 20kg Olympic Bar - Best Budget Bar

The best entry-level Olympic bar. Chrome finish, dual knurl marks, 150K PSI. Perfect for home gyms and beginners.

  • Price: $129
  • Shaft: 28mm
  • Knurl: Light
  • Tensile: 150K PSI
  • Score: 8.2/10

#2: CAP Beast Barbell - CrossFit Budget

Medium knurl, decent rotation. Good budget option for CrossFit-style training.

  • Price: $159
  • Shaft: 28mm
  • Knurl: Medium
  • Tensile: 155K PSI
  • Score: 7.8/10

#3: CAP OB-86PBCK Power Bar - Budget Power

Best budget power bar. 190K PSI, decent knurl. Good for intermediate powerlifters.

  • Price: $159
  • Shaft: 29mm
  • Knurl: Medium
  • Tensile: 190K PSI
  • Score: 8.0/10

#4: CAP Women's Bar - Budget Women's

Most affordable women's bar. 15kg, 25mm shaft. Good for beginners.

  • Price: $119
  • Shaft: 25mm
  • Knurl: Light
  • Tensile: 150K PSI
  • Score: 7.8/10

Buying Guide: How to Choose

CAP Barbell has been producing affordable fitness equipment since 1982. While they are not known for premium quality, CAP bars offer **excellent value for budget-conscious lifters** and are a popular choice for home gyms, high school weight rooms, and commercial facilities that need multiple bars. **CAP vs. Rogue:** CAP bars typically have lower tensile strength (150K vs. 190K+ PSI), lighter knurl, and less consistent quality control. However, they cost 40-60% less and are perfectly adequate for beginners and intermediate lifters who do not need competition-grade equipment. **Best CAP bar for most people:** The CAP Barbell 20kg Olympic Bar ($129) is the best all-around choice. It handles squats, deadlifts, bench press, and light Olympic lifting. For powerlifting specifically, the CAP OB-86PBCK ($159) offers 190K PSI and a 29mm shaft.

FAQ

Are CAP barbells good quality?

CAP bars are good quality for the price. They are not competition-grade, but for $100-$160, you get a functional barbell with 150K-190K PSI tensile strength, bushing rotation, and a chrome finish. They are excellent for beginners and home gyms.

Where are CAP barbells made?

CAP barbells are manufactured overseas (primarily in China). This keeps costs down. Rogue and Eleiko bars are made in the USA and Sweden respectively, which explains their higher prices.

Can CAP bars handle heavy lifting?

The CAP OB-86PBCK (190K PSI) can handle 400+ lb squats and deadlifts. The standard CAP 20kg Olympic Bar (150K PSI) is rated for lighter loads โ€” keep it under 300 lbs for longevity.

Ready to Train?

CAP Barbell 20kg Olympic Bar - The best entry-level Olympic bar. Chrome finish, dual knurl marks, 150K PSI. Per

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