The Complete REP® Barbell Guide for the UK: Which One’s Best for You?

Choosing the right barbell is about more than specs - it’s about how you train, where you train, and who you train. Below, we break down REP’s core barbell range for UK lifters and coaches, from all-rounders to specialist power and deadlift bars. Use the quick comparison, then dive into the details.

Delta™ Basic Bar (20kg) - Entry-Level Mixed Use

The Delta™ is REP’s accessible, budget-friendly bar - ideal for beginners, smaller gyms, or PT studios needing a reliable workhorse.

• 29 mm shaft = stiff, power-biased feel

• Brass bushings for slower, strength-focused rotation

• Centre knurl for squats

• Dual IPF/IWF markings

Best for: Lifters wanting great value and versatility in one bar.

Colorado™ Bar (20kg) - The Flagship All-Rounder

The Colorado™ Bar is REP’s signature mixed-use bar, refined over 10 years of testing.

• 28.5 mm shaft, medium volcano knurl

• Composite bushings for smooth rotation and durability

• Dual IPF/IWF knurl markings for cross-discipline use

• Premium finishes: Cerakote shaft, hard chrome/Duracoat® sleeves, or full hard chrome

• No centre knurl for comfort in high-rep and Olympic-style training

Best for: UK lifters who want one bar that can do it all - from CrossFit and functional training to strength work.

Alpine™ Bar (20kg) - Top-Tier Olympic Weightlifting

Designed to IWF-style specs, the Alpine™ is built for speed and precision in the snatch and clean & jerk.

• 28 mm shaft for optimal whip

• Hybrid needle-bearing sleeves = ultra-smooth, consistent rotation

• Passive centre knurl: enough grip for squats, comfortable for volume

• Ribbed sleeves keep plates secure on explosive lifts

• Premium finishes including stainless

Best for: UK weightlifters and clubs who want a competition-style bar.

Double Black Diamond™ Power Bar (20kg) - For Heavy Iron

The Double Black Diamond™ is REP’s premium powerlifting bar, built stiff and grippy for big numbers.

• 29 mm shaft = IPF-standard stiffness

• Aggressive mountain knurling for max grip on heavy lifts

• Centre knurl keeps the bar stable during squats

• Bronze bushings for strength-focused rotation

• Multiple premium finishes: stainless, Cerakote, chrome

• Premium endcaps with laser etching

Best for: Powerlifters and strength gyms wanting maximum grip and durability.

Hades™ Deadlift Bar (20kg) - Specialty Powerlifting

The Hades™ is engineered for one thing: pulling heavier deadlifts.

• 27 mm thinner shaft = more flex under load

• Longer overall length (~7.6ft) = whip advantage off the floor

• Aggressive mountain knurl; no centre knurl (shin-friendly)

• Bronze bushings for smooth, stable strength pulls

• Extended sleeve length = room for more plates

Best for: Deadlift specialists chasing PBs and federations allowing dedicated deadlift bars.

Which REP Barbell Should You Choose?

• On a budget, need an all-rounder? → Delta™

• One bar for everything, versatile and premium? → Colorado™

• Focused on Olympic lifting? → Alpine™

• Powerlifting comp prep, need max grip? → Double Black Diamond™

• Specialist deadlift training? → Hades™

FAQs

Which REP bar is best for a UK home or garage gym?
If you want one bar that covers everything, the Colorado™ is the best all-rounder. For budget setups, choose the Delta™.

Do I need stainless or Cerakote for a UK garage?
Not essential, but Cerakote, stainless, or hard chrome finishes provide stronger corrosion resistance in damp or unheated spaces.

What’s the difference between bushings and bearings?

• Bushings (Delta, Colorado, DBD, Hades): Controlled rotation, durable for strength work.

• Bearings (Alpine): Faster spin for Olympic weightlifting.

Why use a deadlift bar like the Hades™?
It’s thinner and longer, giving you more whip and a higher pull position, which can help you lift heavier.