You want to add a barbell to your home gym, but you're unsure what collar you should use. Barbell collars are available in a variety of types, suited for different barbells. If you'd like to find out what the best barbell collars (for your needs and budget) are, then this comprehensive buying guide will tell you everything you need to know!
- 10 Best Barbell Collars Reviewed
- 1. Rogue USA Aluminum Collars - Our Top Pick For Home Gyms
- 2. Lock-Jaw PRO 2 - Best Barbell Collar For Deadlift
- 3. Iron Lab - Best Barbell Collar For CrossFit
- 4. OSO Mighty Collars - Best For Olympic Barbells
- 5. Greententljs - Best 1-Inch Barbell Collar
- 6. Clout Fitness Olympic Barbell Clamp Collars
- 7. Rogue KG – Best High End Competition Collars
- 8. Marcy RBC-3 - Barbell Spring Collar Clips
- 9. DMoose - Best Budget Barbell Collars
- 10. Titan Weight Clamp Collars
- How To Choose The Right Barbell Collars – (Buying Guide)
- Frequently Asked Barbell Collar Questions
- Conclusion
10 Best Barbell Collars Reviewed
1. Rogue USA Aluminum Collars - Our Top Pick For Home Gyms
Specs
Barbell Size Compatibility | 2-inch / Olympic |
Product Size | 1.5 inches |
Product Weight | 8 ounces (per pair) |
Material | 6061 Aircraft-grade billet aluminum |
Colors Available | Silver (Cerakote finish also available) |
Price Range | Under $60 |
Warranty | Lifetime |
At the top of our list, we have the Rogue USA Aluminum collars. They're our top pick for home gyms, and for good reason! Rogue is a well-established name within the fitness industry, and the Rogue USA Aluminum Collars are in line with the quality you can expect from Rogue Fitness. You may have noticed the close resemblance to the original OSO Collars, and that's because they're essentially Rogue's own version. In fact, Rogue acquired OSO Barbell in 2018. A key difference, however, is that the Rogue USA Aluminum Collars feature a lifetime warranty, whereas the OSO Collars only have a 2-year warranty.
Other than that, the Rogue USA Aluminum Collars are made using a CNC machine with the same ultra-durable 6061 billet aluminum. This version is only available in silver, with a clear hard-coat anodized finish for added durability. If you’d like more color options, the Cerakote version offers even more durability, as well as a selection of six different color choices.
These lightweight but strong barbell collars weigh just a quarter-pound each and will fit your 2-inch Olympic barbell. The Rogue USA Aluminum Collars are very easy to use, with a lever that simply clamps or releases the collar from the bar. A rubberized lining inside the collar ensures adequate grip on the barbell and also protects the barbell from scratches.
The Rogue USA Aluminum collars also come in a magnetic version. They are identical to the standard version, except for the inclusion of 2 magnets within the collar. This allows you to easily store your collars on your rack when not in use.
Pros
Cons
2. Lock-Jaw PRO 2 - Best Barbell Collar For Deadlift
Specs
Barbell Size Compatibility | 2-inch / Olympic |
Product Size | 2.0 inches |
Product Weight | 16 ounces (per pair) |
Material | Nylon resin |
Colors Available | Black, all-black, blue, red, pink |
Price Range | Under $45 |
Warranty | 1 Year |
Next up on our list we have the Lock-Jaw PRO 2 Barbell Collar. An updated version of the original, the PRO 2 is 50% stronger than the first version. It also features a larger lever with a spring-loaded latch. With many similar designs available on the market, none quite compare to the quality of the genuine Lock-Jaw PRO 2.
Made using a proprietary nylon resin, the Lock-Jaw PRO 2 features elastomer pads that help achieve a snug grip and protect the bar from scratches. In terms of color choices, the Lock-Jaw PRO 2 comes in a selection of five color options to suit your tastes. The Lock-Jaw PRO 2 Barbell Collar is incredibly easy to use. Securing the collar to the sleeve doesn’t require much effort, so changing out your weights in between sets can be done quickly. This makes it our top choice for the best barbell collar for deadlifts.
At 2.0 inches in width, the Lock-Jaw PRO 2 Barbell Collar is slightly larger compared to the Rogue USA Aluminum collars and will take up more space on the sleeve. However, the collars are compatible with your 2-inch Olympic barbells and can be used for all types of lifts.
The Lock-Jaw OLY 2 offers the same design at a slightly lower price, just without a locking mechanism (latch). If you like the design of the PRO 2 but prefer going for a brand like Rogue, you'll be pleased to know they also have their own version of this collar, the Rogue HG 2.0 Collars.
Pros
Cons
3. Iron Lab - Best Barbell Collar For CrossFit
No products found.
Specs
Barbell Size Compatibility | 2-inch / Olympic |
Product Size | 2.0 inches |
Product Weight | 12 ounces (per pair) |
Material | Nylon |
Colors Available | Blue, green, yellow, black, pink, red |
Price Range | Under $15 |
Warranty | Lifetime |
Despite being a lesser-known brand on the market, the Iron Lab Olympic Barbell Collar offers incredible durability and an impressive lifetime warranty. Made using durable nylon material, these collars are very similar in design to the Lock-Jaw PRO 2 collars. They are designed to withstand the repeated drops experienced during CrossFit-style training. In addition, the quick-release lever is particularly useful when switching out your weights. For this reason, we’ve selected the Iron Lab Olympic Barbell Collar as the best barbell collar For CrossFit.
The Iron Lab Olympic Barbell Collar features a cam clamp that ensures a secure lock onto the barbell. The collars are also lined with high-pressure pads, further ensuring a snug grip. The Iron Lab Olympic Barbell Collars are easy to use, making them suitable for experienced lifters and beginner lifters alike. They are available in a variety of bright colors, including blue, green, yellow, black, pink, and red. While they may appear to have a gloss finish in some images, the actual finish is more matte in person.
Weighing in at just 12 ounces for the pair, these barbell collars are incredibly lightweight. Like the Lock-Jaw PRO 2 collars, they are also 2 inches wide. However, in terms of budget, the Iron Lab Olympic Barbell Collars are a significantly cheaper option.
Pros
Cons
4. OSO Mighty Collars - Best For Olympic Barbells
Specs
Barbell Size Compatibility | 2-inch / Olympic |
Product Size | 1.4 inches |
Product Weight | 4.8 ounces (per pair) |
Material | 6061 Aircraft-grade billet aluminum |
Colors Available | Gun-metal gray, blue |
Price Range | Under $35 |
Warranty | 2 Years |
The OSO Mighty Collars are an improved design on the original OSO Barbell Collar. OSO was acquired by Rogue Fitness in 2018, essentially making the OSO brand a division of Rogue. If you’re looking for a barbell collar that’s best For Olympic barbells, the OSO Mighty Collars are an excellent choice!
With the success of the original model, the OSO Mighty is essentially a slimmed-down version without sacrificing quality. At 1.4 inches in width, it's still the same overall size, but the spikes have been shaved down significantly to give it a more sleek look. Although it’s made of the same aircraft-grade aluminum, the OSO Mighty is around half the weight of the original model. In addition, OSO Mighty Collars also feature a rubber lining that helps to protect the barbell and also ensures a secure grip on the sleeve.
Aside from its aesthetic difference, the OSO Might Collars still works the same way as the original model does. Lift the lever to open the collar, slide it onto the sleeve, and secure the clamp by pressing down on the lever. However, the fit on the bar is quite tight and requires a bit of force to get it clamped on and off. Although the OSO Mighty Collars are available in just two color options (gun-metal gray or metallic blue), they are around 20 dollars cheaper (per pair) compared to the original model.
Pros
Cons
5. Greententljs - Best 1-Inch Barbell Collar
Specs
Barbell Size Compatibility | 1-inch / Standard |
Product Size | 1.2 inches |
Product Weight | 4 ounces (per pair) |
Material | ABS Plastic |
Colors Available | Black, blue, green, purple, red, yellow |
Price Range | Under $15 |
Warranty | 30 Days |
If you’re on the hunt for the best 1-inch barbell collar for your standard barbell, look no further than the Greententljs 1 Inch Barbell Clamps! These ultra-compact collars offer the same durability and ease of use as their Olympic-size counterparts, plus they’re budget-friendly too.
Made of ABS plastic, the Greententljs 1 Inch Barbell Clamps are perfect for a wide variety of lifts, including overhead presses, deadlifts, bench presses, CrossFit workouts, and standard lifts. The Greententljs 1 Inch Barbell Clamps are available in an assortment of six different colors, including black, blue, green, purple, red, and yellow.
Weighing just 2 ounces each, these compact collars measure 1.2 inches in width. In addition to your standard-size/ 1-inch barbells, the Greententljs can also be used to secure the weights on your adjustable dumbbells too. Using the Greententljs Barbell Clamp is very easy, with a large lever to clamp down and secure the collar to your threaded barbell sleeve.
Although this specific model is only compatible with standard-size barbells, Greententljs does have a 2-inch/ Olympic option as well.
Pros
Cons
6. Clout Fitness Olympic Barbell Clamp Collars
Specs
Barbell Size Compatibility | 2-inch / Olympic |
Product Size | 2 inches |
Product Weight | 10.5 ounces (per pair) |
Material | Plastic |
Colors Available | Black, blue, gray, green, orange, pink, purple, red, red flash, yellow |
Price Range | Under $20 |
Warranty | Lifetime |
While not the absolute cheapest barbell collar on our list, the Clout Fitness Olympic Barbell Clamp Collars are an excellent budget option for under $20. Added to this, they also come with a lifetime warranty! Clout Fitness was founded in 2017 and has proved to be a successful brand. Selling over 18,000 collars on Amazon alone, they boast a high number of positive customer feedback reviews as well.
The Clout Fitness Olympic Barbell Clamp Collars achieve their budget pricing by using ABS plastic for the chassis, rather than aluminum. Although they’re perhaps not of the same caliber as the Lock-Jaw PRO 2, its lifetime warranty certainly makes up for this. Stainless steel pins keep the body of the collar intact, while the rubber pads ensure a secure grip on the barbell sleeve. There is a large selection of color options to choose from, including black, blue, gray, green, orange, pink, purple, red, red flash, and yellow.
At 2 inches in width and weighing 10.5 ounces per pair, the Clout Fitness Olympic Barbell Clamp Collars are slightly wider and heavier than other clamp collar options available. However, using the barbell collars is easy and suitable for beginners. They operate much the same as the Lock-Jaw PRO 2 Barbell Collars, with a similar locking mechanism too.
Pros
Cons
7. Rogue KG – Best High End Competition Collars
Specs
Barbell Size Compatibility | 2-inch / Olympic |
Product Size | 3.0 inches |
Product Weight | 5kg (per pair) |
Material | Billet steel |
Colors Available | Silver |
Price Range | Under $195 |
Warranty | 2 Years |
If you’re looking for a competition collar, the Rogue KG Competition Collars are as good as it gets! It should come as no surprise that these collars win our award for the best high-end barbell collar. With the main body machined from billet steel and coated with a hard chrome finish, the Rogue KG Competition Collars are a heavy 2.5kg (slightly above 5.5 pounds) each.
Since they’re competition collars, they need to be made according to IWF and IPF guidelines. Additionally, the Rogue KG Competition Collars feature a weight tolerance of -0 / +10 grams. At 3 inches in width, these collars are the widest on our list. However, unless you currently struggle with not having enough room on the sleeve, this shouldn’t be an issue.
These barbell collars work slightly differently from clamp collars. Turning the ball lever will either secure or loosen the collar from the sleeve. In addition, a star locking ring rotates to further lock in and secure the weight plates. The Rogue KG Competition Collars come with a 2-year warranty and are an ideal choice if you’re looking to get into the competitive weightlifting scene.
Pros
Cons
8. Marcy RBC-3 - Barbell Spring Collar Clips
Specs
Barbell Size Compatibility | 2-inch / Olympic |
Product Size | 0.79 inches |
Product Weight | 8 ounces (per pair) |
Material | Steel |
Colors Available | Silver |
Price Range | Under $15 |
Warranty | 2 Years |
Maybe you’d prefer to stick to the basics, in which case the Marcy RBC-3 Spring Clip Collars are an ideal choice! The Marcy brand was founded in the late 1970s by Walter Marcyan, a well-known competitive weightlifter and bodybuilder. In 1998, the company was later purchased by Impex Inc. Flash forward to today; the Marcy brand remains a respectable name within the fitness industry.
The Marcy RBC-3 Spring Clip Collars are made of high-quality steel with a chrome finish. The handles feature a neoprene rubber coating - which makes it significantly more comfortable to use the collar compared to bare spring collars. To use the Marcy RBC-3 Spring Clip Collars, simply squeeze the handles to open the collar and slide it along the sleeve. Releasing your grip will close the collar and ensure a snug hold on the bar.
These fuss-free barbell collars are an excellent budget-friendly choice and come with a standard 2-year warranty. While the Marcy RBC-3 is designed for use with Olympic size/ 2-inch barbells, the Marcy RBC-2 option will fit a standard-size/ 1-inch barbell.
Pros
Cons
9. DMoose - Best Budget Barbell Collars
No products found.
Specs
Barbell Size Compatibility | 2-inch / Olympic |
Product Size | 1.2 inches |
Product Weight | 3 ounces (per pair) |
Material | Nylon |
Colors Available | Black, black/pink, blue, gray, green, pink, red, yellow |
Price Range | Under $15 |
Warranty | 30 Days |
If you don’t have a lot to spend, the DMoose Olympic Barbell Clips are the best budget barbell collars under 15 dollars on our list! DMoose is an American-based company that opened its doors in 2007. They sell a large variety of fitness equipment, accessories, and even supplements.
The DMoose Olympic Barbell Clips are ultra-lightweight and compact, measuring at just 1.2 inches in width and 3 ounces a pair. This particular model is designed for use with your 2-inch Olympic barbells, but they do have a 1-inch Standard barbell model too.
Made of nylon with steel pins, the DMoose Olympic Barbell Clips operate much the same as the other clamp collars we’ve featured. However, since they are a very budget option, the difference in build quality is noticeable. With that said, the rubber pads ensure a snug fit to the barbell sleeve, and the DMoose Olympic Barbell Clips offer an excellent grip. In terms of color options, DMoose offers a variety of 7 brightly colored choices. These include blue, green, red, pink, yellow, black, and black/pink.
Pros
Cons
10. Titan Weight Clamp Collars
Specs
Barbell Size Compatibility | 2-inch / Olympic |
Product Size | 1.25 inches |
Product Weight | 16 ounces (per pair) |
Material | Aluminum |
Colors Available | Fire red |
Price Range | Under $50 |
Warranty | 1 Year |
Perhaps the most unique-looking barbell collar on our list, the Titan Weight Clamp Collars bring something different to the table. Founded in 2007, Titan Fitness is a reliable name in the industry. This barbell collar type is also known as a Roepke collar, with different brands offering their own version of it.
The Titan Weight Clamp Collars is a quick-release barbell collar designed for your 2-inch/ Olympic-size barbell. Made of aluminum, the Titan Weight Clamp Collars are relatively lightweight, weighing in at just 1 pound each. A powder coat finish adds to the durability of these collars, and they are only available in this one fire-red color option.
Using the Titan Weight Clamp Collars is effortless but does require both hands. With a snap-on design, the Titan Weight Clamp Collars feature rubber inserts that ensure a secure grip without scratching up the sleeves. To release the collar, use one hand to hold the collar and the other to pull up on the “tail end” of the collar. The Titan Weight Clamp Collar offers a compact profile that doesn’t take up much room on the bar. Although the specs list the width as 1-inch, we found them to be closer to 1.25 inches.
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Cons
How To Choose The Right Barbell Collars – (Buying Guide)
Before rushing out to purchase new barbell collars, there are a number of factors to consider before buying. We’ve compiled a guide on the main aspects to keep in mind, which will help you choose the best barbell collars to suit your needs (and barbell).
Type of Collar
While all barbell collars aim to do the same thing (to keep the weight plates secure), different collars offer varied quality, strength, ease of use, and price. Additionally, some barbell collars only fit Olympic 2-inch barbells, while others only fit 1-inch standard-size barbells. Let’s go over a few common types of collars.
Material Durability
Since the function of a barbell collar is to keep the weight plates secured to the barbell, they need to withstand significant pressure during your lifts. It goes without saying that using a barbell collar made of poor quality material just won’t hold up as long as higher quality options will.
ABS and nylon are some of the most commonly used materials and are both incredibly durable. However, like all plastic, leaving them out in direct sunlight can weaken the material over time and cause them to crack or break. Taking a look at some metal options, some collars are made using 6061 billet aircraft-grade aluminum alloy. This is not only lightweight but durable too. On the other hand, spring collars and competition collars are usually made using chrome-plated steel. If cared for properly, these collars can last a very long time.
Locking Mechanism
While the material used plays a large role in durability, the locking mechanism is equally important - if not more. A barbell collar that’s made using high-quality material but a low-quality locking mechanism is useless. A weak locking mechanism could mean that the weights aren’t secured to the sleeve and can slide off. The locking mechanism is a significant safety feature that should prevent any injuries from happening to either you or those around you. However, not all barbell collar types are designed with a locking mechanism. You’ll usually find them on barbell collars that feature a lever arm. The locking mechanism works by locking the lever in place and preventing it from coming loose.
Size and Capacity
Two important features to consider when buying a barbell collar are the size and capacity. A compact collar won’t take up much room on the sleeve and allows you to load the bar with more weight. When talking about capacity, this refers to how much weight the collar can tolerate. It’s important to double-check the weight capacity of the barbell collar before purchasing to ensure that it will hold up against the weight you want to lift.
Ease Of Use
This is a largely subjective aspect when it comes to barbell collars. While some might find spring collars more difficult and tedious to get on and off the bar, others might not have any issues at all. Ideally, you want to use a collar that allows you to switch out your weight plates quickly and effortlessly during your workout. Barbell collars that work using a lever to clamp down onto the sleeve are often the most popular choice when it comes to ease of use. However, sometimes the lever can require some strength to fully lock it into place.
Price
The price of a barbell collar varies greatly, from ultra-budget options available for less than $8 to high-end options available for over $150. All of the factors mentioned above, including the collar type, the material used, and the brand, will affect the price of the collar. Spring collars are generally your cheapest option, and competition collars are your most expensive. All of the other types fall somewhere in between, with aluminum usually costing slightly more than plastic options. In addition, the same barbell collar can vary in price depending on the type of finish (e.g., standard vs. Cerakote) or whether you select to have magnets embedded or not.
How much you spend on barbell collars will largely depend on your budget. However, be sure to consider all aspects before making your selection. If you're a beginner lifter, starting with spring collars first and moving up to more durable collars when you progress is acceptable. If you want to future-proof your collars, then go straight to the collar that you want to use for your heavier sets and start getting used to using it.
Warranty
The warranty of a barbell collar is important since it essentially guarantees it for a certain length of time. This means you can lift with peace of mind, knowing that your relative risk of failure is low. Reputable brands will usually offer a warranty period of at least two years, with brands like Rogue Fitness offering a lifetime guarantee on their USA Aluminum Collars. This is why it's important not to go for knock-off options. While they might look very similar or even exactly the same, knock-off options don’t tend to carry the same (if any) warranty. If the brand isn’t offering a decent warranty period, you might find yourself buying twice.
Frequently Asked Barbell Collar Questions
Are barbell spring collars any good?
Yes! Spring collars, while they might be slightly harder to get on and off the barbell, are an excellent choice for people on a budget. Not only are they usually the cheapest barbell collar option, but they're also incredibly lightweight. If you're a beginner lifter, spring collars are a great choice!
How do you put barbell collars on correctly?
While each barbell collar type opens and closes in a slightly different way, the end result is the same (keeping the weight plates secure). To put the barbell collar on correctly, push the weight plates toward the center of the barbell. Then, push the collar up against the plate as much as you can and clamp it onto the sleeve.
What type of barbell collars are recommended for professional lifters?
Competition collars are a great choice for professional lifters. They are designed for heavy weightlifting and provide a secure grip. Additionally, they are made according to IWF and/or IPF guidelines with an accurate weight tolerance. Another great option is muscle clamp collars. They’re also very durable and can handle heavy weightlifting too.
What type of barbell collar should a beginner use?
For beginners, Lock-Jaw collars are a great option! They’re incredibly easy to get on and off the bar, and managing the clamping mechanism is also effortless. Another great option, particularly for beginners on a budget, is spring collars. They’re inexpensive and are often even included with your barbell. Spring collars also offer a secure grip for lightweight lifts.
Conclusion
That wraps up our comprehensive guide to the best barbell collars. Now that you know how to choose the best barbell collar, what all the different technical specifications mean, and which option is best according to your needs - you’ll be able to purchase the best barbell collar to suit your barbell and achieve your weightlifting goals in no time!
Last Updated on December 29, 2025
