ReallyStrongNerds

Axle bars are used in Strongman pretty often, I have heard some commercial gym goers refer to them as “Fat Bars” though… I personally don’t like that but, it’s not technically wrong. Regardless, the discussion of different bars is a pretty hot topic at the moment with Strongman growing in popularity over the last couple years. So, what’s the difference?

For starters, we’re actually going to discuss the middle ground, a Power Bar (sometimes called a Stiff Bar as well). Power Bars are in the middle of a Deadlift Bar and an Axle Bar when it comes to Deadlifts. Generally speaking, your deadlift on a Deadlift Bar will always be the highest number, and a Axle Bar will be the lowest. However on a Power Bar, it’s usually in the middle. The main reason for that is because the Power Bar has less flex then a Deadlift Bar, but still has a tiny bit of flex when a lot of weight starts getting put on the bar. And, unlike the Axle, Power Bars are usually only 1-2mm bigger than deadlift bars, which doesn’t pull you as far forward as an Axle Bar does, seeing as how they are usually about 2.5x the diameter of most barbells. So, Power Bars are awesome, yes. But, not always the best for trying to hit an all time deadlift PR. Power Bars do also have a center knurling on them, which, doesn’t really effect the deadlift too much. However, since there is no center knurling on a Deadlift Bar, it will slide smoother and has less friction on your clothes. This can start to matter when you’re lifting a significant amount of weight, like 2.5 times your bodyweight, or more.

Now to the Axle Bar. The big difference obviously is the diameter. However, when it comes to other movements like the clean and press, the Axle also poses the challenge of not having free spinning collars. That doesn’t tend to effect the deadlift much, but it’s worth mentioning. The width of the Axle Bar is the big factor. For one… doing it without straps is pretty difficult. In fact, I’ve done grip strength competitions where Double Overhand Axle Deadlift is an event. And it really is a test of grip strength. My best double overhand axle was just over 50% of my max with straps. So… that in and of itself explains how difficult it can be. So, Straps are essentially required for an Axle. It’s to big for about 90% of the populations hands. Which ironically, when you see online trolls going after Strongmen and Strongwomen, they for some reason love to bring up using straps. Which… in my opinion shows me they have ZERO clue about what they’re talking about. For some people it’s literally impossible to pull without straps on an Axle. You can mixed grip an Axle… but it’s not recommended as it can put a ton of strain on your bicep, forearm muscles and wrists. IT’s a higher chance of injury. The other thing that the width does, is it pulls you more forward when lifting the bar. Because it’s wider, and thicker, it causes you to have to be in a slightly more forward position. This often tends to look similar to when the bar “gets ahead” of you in a deadlift with a regular barbell. However with the Axle, that’s just how it moves naturally. The Axle Bar is definitely more difficult than a deadlift with a regular barbell.

Now to the Deadlift Bar. Deadlift Bars are unique in that they are designed to bend. Some even start to flex with weight as low as 225 on them. They also create a level of “Whip” as many people call it, which causes the bar to actually bounce a bit as it moves. This can be troublesome when pulling to aggressively, and can cause balance issues if not controlled. Usually though, that only tends to happen when the weight is lighter compared to the person using it’s strength. Deadlift Bars also have more aggressive knurling, and they lack a center knurling. This creates a significantly better grip, whether you’re using straps or not. And, the lack of center knurling does reduce friction on your clothes as you’re pulling. The aggressive knurling allows to to really lock either your hands, or your straps into the barbell and gives you great grip on the bar. With the better grip, more flex, and a lot of times usually a longer length, a Deadlift Bar allows you to deadlift more weight than both Power Bars and Axle Bars. Deadlift Bars are designed for the deadlift specifically, so, obviously they’re going to benefit the deadlift overall.

Which on should you use? Well, that varies. First off – do you compete in any strength sport? No? Then it doesn’t really matter which one you use. Just use what’s accessible and what you enjoy doing. However, if you’re a competitor, then you need to rethink it a bit.

For example, if you’re a powerlifter, there’s a good chance that you may compete in a federation that uses a Power Bar for their deadlifts (such as USAPL). Or, you may compete in another federation that uses Deadlift Bars. In that case, you should prep with whatever implement you’ll be using in competition. If you’re deadlifting in a USAPL meet with a Power Bar, maybe leave the Deadlift Bar out of your training program for a few weeks during prep.

However if you compete in Strongman, this is where is gets a bit different. Generally speaking, what I’ve found for myself: using both Deadlift Bars and Axle Bars, based on what I need to do for the competition I’m prepping for. If I have, say 2 comps coming up in the next few months and both are Axle Deadlifts, then I’m spending time with the Axle. If it’s one of each, that’s where the training program starts to incorporate both. One week of Deadlift Bar, alternating with one week of Axle Bar. Or even, a heavier session on one earlier in the week, then a lightweight session with the other later in the week.

Power Bars obviously do appear in Strongman, but a lot less than the other two. So, personally, I find that using Power Bars for my accessory deadlifts, such as Romanian Deadlifts, Stiff-Leg Deadlift, Deficit Deadlifts, things of that nature, Power Bars are really good. They do a great job being a middle ground in between the two implements. They give you a solid base to then translate to each implement. Doing good reps of RDL’s on a Power Bar, then pulling on a deadlift bar is a great way to remind yourself of the feeling of both implements. The same can be said about an Axle Bar as well.

Really at the end, what implement you use only matters when… well, when it matters. If you have an Axle Deadlift event coming up, it’s a bit silly to spend 6 weeks pulling on a Deadlift Bar. However if you don’t actually compete… it doesn’t really matter. Just use what you like to use in the gym and lift the weight.