You wouldn't drive a car without buckling your seatbelt, and you definitely wouldn't ride a bicycle without a helmet. You shouldn't use a barbell with weight plates on it without collars (or even pads, depending on the lift). The best barbell collars keep the plates in place so you can lift the barbell in a controlled and consistent manner. But grabbing the first cheap pair shouldn't be the solution for this need because collars help with safety while you're training. The collar should be easy to put on, stay in place while the barbell is in motion, and be easy to remove when it's time to take the weights off the barbell.
So, how do you go about finding the best barbell collars? We researched the 9 best and compiled them in this handy guide so that you can find the right collars for your training needs.
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The Best Barbell Collars - Our Top Picks
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- Best Overall Barbell Collar: Rogue Fitness Aluminum Collars
- Best Budget Barbell Collar: CAP Barbell Olympic 2-Inch Spring Clip Collars, Pair, Olympic
- Best Olympic Barbell Collar: Rogue KG Competition Collars
- Best Lightweight Barbell Collar: Rogue OSO Mighty Collars
- Best Durable Barbell Collar: Lock-Jaw PRO 2 Barbell Collar
- Best Barbell Collar for Beginners: Valor Fitness MB-OC Chrome Olympic Barbell Collars with T-Screw
- Best Barbell Collar for Heavy Lifting: Rogue HG 2. 0 Collars
- Best Barbell Collar for Basic Barbells: Clout Fitness Olympic Barbell Clamps Collars Quick Release Pair of Locking Weight Clips
- Best Barbell Collar for Specialty Bars: Proloc 1 - Standard Olympic Barbell Collars
Best Overall Barbell Collar - Rogue Fitness Aluminum Collars
SPECS
- Material: Aluminum and Rubber
- Weight: 0.25 lbs. each
- Width: 1.5"
Rogue Fitness produced excellent collars that work well and look great too. These aluminum collars have a rubberized interior that will protect the sleeve of the barbell once they are connected to it. They're also very lightweight, and can fit in most pockets of a gym bag if you'd rather have your own collars to use while traveling.
And whether you're warming up with barbell curls or maxing out on a deadlift, they will keep the plates locked into place. The silver finish on the collars with the laser etched Rogue Fitness logo makes this collar look as appealing as it is effective.
What We Like
- Collar can simply be locked or unlocked with the tab
- Rubberized material won't scratch a smooth sleeve nor damage grooved sleeves
- Works on all traditional Olympic barbells
What We Don't Like
- May not fit on some specialty bars
BUY: Rogue Fitness Aluminum Collars
Best Budget Barbell Collar - CAP Barbell Olympic 2-Inch Spring Clip Collars, Pair, Olympic
SPECS
- Material: Steel with chrome finish
- Weight: 0.5 lbs. each
- Width: 2"
These collars by CAP Barbell are your basic, everyday spring collars that you see in most commercial gyms. These particular collars have covers on the ends of the collar to protect the hands while they are being placed on the barbell.
If you're working on a tight home gym budget, then these will certainly work until you can get a better pair. They are lightweight and can be kept anywhere they aren't being used. Plus, you don’t have to be concerned about damaging them because they will hold up for many sessions to come.
What We Like
- Affordable for most home gym owners
- Made of stainless steel
- Grips make it easier to slide the collar off and on the barbell
What We Don't Like
- Collars may scratch the sleeve of the barbell
- Only a 30-day manufacturer warranty
BUY: CAP Barbell Olympic 2-Inch Spring Clip Collars
Best Olympic Barbell Collar - Rogue KG Competition Collars
SPECS
- Material: Billet Steel
- Weight: 5.5 lbs. each
- Width: 3"
These are called the KG collars because each collar weighs 2.5 kilograms, which equals 5.5 pounds. These Rogue collars can also serve as extra weight if desired. Instead of a clamp, they are secured by a ball lever handle that is twisted into place. It takes more time to secure these collars, but it is worth it for lifters that train with heavier weights. The hard finish and Rogue branding make these collars look nice as well. Plus, they come with a two-year warranty should they break or need replacing.
What We Like
- Lever handle can ensure that the collar is as tight as possible
- Approved for competitions in both Olympic weightlifting and powerlifting
- Minimal weight tolerance, meaning the weight of the collars are verified
What We Don't Like
- Price tag is high for collars
- Takes extra time to secure or remove than lever collars
BUY: Rogue KG Competition Collars
Best Lightweight Barbell Collar - Rogue OSO Mighty Collars
SPECS
- Material: Aluminum with Rubber Interior
- Weight: 0.3 lbs.
- Width: 1.4"
These lightweight collars are great for beginners or advanced trainees. They're made to withstand the impact of high drops from exercises such as the clean and jerk while keeping the weights in place. They will fit on all Olympic barbells, which is another plus. You can use the same collars if you ever need to buy a new barbell.
The Mighty Collars are made in the USA, and they can be adjusted very easily thanks to the locking lever. Whether you take them with you or keep them in your home gym, we think these will serve your training well.
What We Like
- Rubberized interior will protect the barbell
- Lightweight and won't affect the weight you're lifting
- Come in 2 different colors
What We Don't Like
- May not work on some specialty bars
- Locking levers are smaller than those on other collars
Best Durable Barbell Collar - Lock-Jaw PRO 2 Barbell Collar
SPECS
- Material: Polimer
- Weight: 0.95 lbs. as a pair
- Width: 2.2"
This collar comes with a spring-loaded latch that helps the collar clamp down tighter on the bar than some other collars. The elastomer inside of the collar will prevent damage to the barbell. Lock-Jaw promotes that these collars are 50 percent stronger than their previous version.
The click you hear when you secure the collar is how you know it's locked on. You will hear that same sound when you open the collar to remove it as well. These collars are designed for high-intensity workouts such as CrossFit.
What We Like
- Available in blue, black, red, and pink
- Lightweight
- Open design, so they don't have to slide on or off the barbell
What We Don't Like
- No version for specialty bars or standard bars
- Tabs can be hard to open for beginners
BUY: Lock-Jaw PRO 2 Barbell Collar
Best Barbell Collar for Beginners - Valor Fitness MB-OC Chrome Olympic Barbell Collars with T-Screw
SPECS
- Material: 12-gauge steel
- Weight: 1.4 lbs.
- Width: 2.85"
For beginners that want to keep the training simple, these collars simply slide on and you spin the handle at the top to tighten them. The lever should be turned clockwise to tighten them and counterclockwise to loosen them, just like a screw.
The chrome finish is a nice touch that makes them look better. The inner diameter of the collar is 2 1/16 inches, which allows them to work on some specialty bars. These collars will serve beginners for quite some time to come, even as they become advanced trainees in the future.
What We Like
- Collars come with a 3-year warranty
- T-screw clamps down with only a couple of turns
- Lightweight
What We Don't Like
- Nothing on the inside to protect the sleeve of the bar
- T-screw lever may be uncomfortable for some users because there is no cover
BUY: Valor Fitness MB-OC Chrome Olympic Barbell Collars with T-Screw
Best Barbell Collar for Heavy Lifting - Rogue HG 2. 0 Collars
SPECS
- Material: Solid Nylon Resin
- Weight: 0.85 lbs. per pair
- Width: 1.875"
The Rogue HG 2.0 collars have a thicker rubber on the inside to provide even more protection for the barbell, and that's a good thing because these collars are meant for stronger lifters that may drop the bar at the end of a lift or set. The spring in the tab makes it even easier to lock and unlock the collar.
They can be bought in bulk if you have multiple barbells and want collars for each. Of course, one pair will work for all Olympic bars too. Even though they say the collars will last for many workouts, they offer a one-year warranty should you need to replace them.
What We Like
- Can be bought in 1, 5, 10, and even 20 pair orders
- Red tab makes it easier to find
- Made to support many specialty bars
What We Don't Like
- Only available in black with red tabs
- Rubber interior is only supported by basic adhesive
Best Collar for Basic Barbells - Clout Fitness Olympic Barbell Clamps Collars Quick Release Pair of Locking Weight Clips
SPECS
- Material: Plastic
- Weight: 0.5 lbs.
- Width: 2"
Trainees that want something very light and simple to work with will be pleased with this choice. These Clout Fitness collars are very basic, but they will get the job done. Thanks to the wide variety of colors, you can choose a pair to help personalize your weight room as well.
They are very budget-friendly as well, which can help people that are in the early stages of putting together a personal workout space. They are made of plastic, so care should be taken if you plan to lift heavy. Dropping the barbell with these collars on it isn't recommended.
What We Like
- Available in 17 different colors
- Small rubber pads on the inside help keep the collars in place
- Suited for both Olympic barbells and hex bars
- Come with a lifetime warranty
What We Don't Like
- Rubber on the inside doesn't protect the circumference of the barbell sleeve
- These plastic collars may crack easier than other collars
BUY: Clout Fitness Olympic Barbell Clamps Collars Quick Release
Best Collar for Specialty Bars - Proloc 1 - Standard Olympic Barbell Collars
SPECS
- Material: Nylon
- Weight: 0.79 lbs.
- Width: 1.8"
Specialty bars are unique barbells that are shaped differently and meant to be used for specific purposes. Examples of specialty bars include safety squat bars, hex (or trap) bars, log press bars, and multi-grip bars. The downside to these bars is that traditional Olympic collars may not fit them.
That's why having a pair of these collars would be a wise investment. They can work on both Olympic bars and many specialty bars. The twisting clamp is what allows them to be tightened down on bars of different sizes. They are also very light. They will be hard to break because they are made of nylon.
What We Like
- Available for standard one-inch bars as well
- Bright colors help them stand out
- Knob at the top makes it easy to tighten or loosen
What We Don't Like
- Different colors cost different prices
- End of the screw that touches the barbell could scratch it
BUY: Proloc 1 Standard Olympic Barbell Collars
Types of Barbell Collars
There are three main types of barbell collars: spinlock, spring, and lockjaw. They each have a common function, which is to keep the weight stable and in place so the lifter can execute the movements without fear of the weight sliding off. The differences are in how they have secured to the bar.
- Spinlock: The collar has a screw or twist that is tightened down by a lever or handle. They work similarly to screws in general, right to tighten and left to loosen. They can work on both Olympic barbells and specialty bars, but they may need to be reinforced if the same weight is used for multiple sets.
- Spring: The basic spring collar is easy to work with. You squeeze the ends, slide the collar on the bar, and let go. They work the same way when it's time to take them off. They aren't as strong as other types of collars, and they may work their way loose if the bar is dropped repeatedly. Furthermore, if you lose your grip on the collar, it could slip out of your hands. Spring collars are used with both standard and Olympic barbells, but they aren't likely to work for most specialty bars.
- Lockjaw: The lockjaw collars are considered by many to be the strongest. Once on the bar, they won't move because of the way the lockjaw clamps down. Some have covering on the inside to protect your bars while others don't. They are closed and opened with tabs that are on the top of the collar. Lockjaw collars are great for Olympic bars, but they may not work with specialty bars.
What to Look for in a Barbell Collar
First and foremost, make sure the collars you order are sold in pairs. All the choices we have here are sold in pairs, and most collars are in general, but some may be sold individually. You should look for collars that are easy to put on, easy to take off, and if you have an expensive barbell, you should make sure the collar has protection on the inside that touches the sleeve.
If you're a beginner or looking for budget-friendly collars, then spinlock or spring collars may be the best choice. If you train with heavy weights, or you could drop the barbell from a high point like in CrossFit, then lockjaw collars would be the best choice
FAQs About Barbell Collars
How much do barbell collars weigh?
Collars can range in weight between 0.5 pounds and 5 pounds. Lighter collars would be best for beginners or people that aren't focused on strength. Lifters that want to work with heavier poundages should consider heavier collars.
Are barbell collars worth it?
They are certainly worth the investment because of the importance of their function. When you perform exercises such as deadlifts or squats, you don't want the weights to slide on the barbell because it could cause you to lose balance and get injured. The next purchase you make after buying a barbell should be to buy quality collars like those on this list.
Why do people use barbell collars?
People use collars to keep the weight in place so the lifter doesn't have to be concerned about balance. Keeping the weights stable allows the lifter to focus on training the muscles or pushing the weight itself for strength. Collars help keep the lifter safe and healthy while they are training.
About the Author
Roger has worked in the fitness industry for over 20 years in a variety of roles, including as a personal trainer, fitness class instructor, supplement advisor, nutritionist, and as a writer. He has contributed to Men's Health, Muscle & Fitness, BarBend, Iron Man Magazine, and Bodybuilding.com.
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