Top 10 Barbell Collars Reviewed and Rated
James
Lifting weight can be dangerous. When you’ve got hundreds of pounds of cold steel hovering over your torso, you need to know that those plates are safe and secure. That is why the most important piece of training equipment in your home gym is also one of the smallest and least expensive - the barbell collar.
We’ve all used collars that don’t work. Halfway through a set, they loosen and the plates begin to slide. When you’re doing barbell curls that’s an annoyance. But, if it happens during the bench press, it could result in a major injury. In this article, we reveal the best home gym collars to keep you safe when you’re smashing it in the gym.
In a Hurry? The test winner after 14 hrs of research
Quick release design
Comes in 10 colors
Durable during any lift
Comes in standard size
10 Best Barbell Collars
1. Clout Fitness Quick Release
Quick release design
Comes in 10 colors
Durable during any lift
Comes in standard size
They get swiped easy at the gym
Clout Fitness has designed these collars in 10 different colors so they will fit in with the rest of your equipment. They fit the standard two-inch bar with a maximum grip and a quick release. These collars will get the job done. If you are looking for a collar that has done so much to prove and give satisfaction for those training with weights, these collars are very probably going to be exactly what you are looking for.
Read moreThe Clout Fitness barbell collars are our choice for the ultimate in protection. They will hold the plates secure with a quick-locking latch and a good grip surface area. The dual composite construction is durable and also lightweight.
These collars will stand up to your intense workout without breaking. They will not warp or crack under heavy loads even when the bar is dropped. These collars are lightweight with a quality rubber coating to keep everything firmly in place. The coating though feeling smooth has very good traction and grip when in contact with a steel bar, the surface also gives great grip when being handled.
2. RitFit 2" Olympic Barbell Collars
Very strong
Can be used by one arm at a time
Hardened nylon resin frame
Will begin to lose strength over time
The RitFit barbell collars are easy to use and can be installed with one hand. They come in 6 colors and have a ten times stronger grip than spring collars. They also come with satisfaction guaranteed. The snap closed secure feature is increasingly becoming popular among those training with Olympic weights. It is so easy to use during changing weights that many users say they only need one hand to securely operate the collar fastening system.
Read moreThe RitFit Olympic barbell collar features a spring controlled snap lock guard that allows for easy and secure on/off adjustment. The inner part of the collar that makes contact with the bar is made from a nylon gum casing and an infusion formed weight cushion. The frames are made of nylon resin and the pressure pads are injection molded. That makes these collars virtually indestructible.
The easy operation means that you can use this collar with one hand. They are lightweight, easy to use, carry and store. This collar will work equally well on cast plate, grip plate and rubber type grip plate weights. They come in yellow, red, black and blue.
3. Lock-Jaw Hex Barbell Collar
Quick release
Very durable
ABS plastic
A little wide
The Lock-Jaw Hex Barbell Collar is extremely durable and lightweight which makes it easy to work with. They can be used at home, schools, or professionally. They also come in eight vibrant colors. As this collar is so easy to use, it is popular among beginners and young weight trainers but equally popular with those who have been training for years. The collar is designed to ensure a maximum grip all around the steel surface of a bar. The lockdown system is quick and effective and ensures a very safe hold.
Read moreThe Lock-Jaw Hex collar features a patented quick-locking latch along with a maximum gripping area to ensure that the weight stays securely in place during your workout. This is an extremely durable, lightweight collar that looks and feels very secure. Better still, it is reliable. Even after months of regular use, it will remain securely locked in place.
The Lock-Jaw Hex collar will fit all 50 mm 2 inch bars. It is suitable for both home and commercial gym use. The collar is a breeze to secure in place and will give you the protection that you need.
4. CAP Barbell Olympic Barbell Collars
Comfortable grips
Fast on / off
Retains spring
The coating may flake off over time
The CAP Barbell Collars are handy spring action barbells you will handy and also durable. They do not lose the spring action over time as some other clamps can. This chrome-covered collar spring system has an easy and interesting use, squeeze it when slipping it into place and then release and the collar is held firmly in place. To handle the collar it has a durable plastic coat which means fingers will hold and not slip while handling the collar.
Read moreThe CAP collar is a chrome coated spring clamp that you squeeze to slide onto the barbell and then release to tighten. We have found the CAP collar to be the fastest to get on and off. Which is a critical factor, especially when you are changing plates between sets. They have black plastic grasp handles which make them comfortable to use and very functional. These collars are very simple, but they work.
Unlike many clamps out there, the CAP collar will not lose its spring over time. That gives you peace of mind that it will keep doing its job of keeping you safe year after year. The compact nature of these clamps also makes them convenient to throw in your gym bag.
5. YYGift Quick Collar
Secure hold
Quick release
Rubber lining
A little bulky
The YYGift Quick Release stays in place when you need it to and provides a quick release when your workout is done. This collar will fit any size bar while giving a secure hold. The collar is a high-quality plastic which has a great durability factor, the internal collar sleeve is heavy-duty rubber giving a very good grip against the weight bar. As the collar is built from tough plastic, around 9 months of use do keep an eye on performance to ensure the grip stays secure. This does not suggest the materials used are not high performing but as with all plastics, when in constant use they need to be checked.
Read moreThe YYGift is a strap collar that slides on quickly and secures firmly in an instant. The clamp opens by expanding and is then enclosed like an ‘O’ when you secure it against your weight plates. It will fit any Olympic size bar (2-inch width)You need to apply a small amount of force to open them, yet they will hold very securely. After about 9 months of regular use, this collar will begin to lose a bit of its secure hold, but it will still hold the weight firmly. They are made from reinforced ABS plastic. The inside lining of the collar is made of rubber.
The YYGift 2 inch Barbell collar comes as a set of two.
6. KYLIN Locking Collars
ABS plastic material
Fast release
Comes with carrying bag
May result in warping at connection point over time
The Kylin Sport collars are made of durable ABS plastic and come in six fun colors with a carrying bag for easy portability. You will be impressed by the performance of these quick-snap collars. This is classed as a tough well-performing collar that will hold really heavyweights securely in place. This collar features the popular easy to use a snap lock-on system which gives a good secure grip.
Read moreThe Kylin Sports ABS locking collar is a very durable collar that will stand up to some tough gym treatment. The extra strength of the ABS snap on the collar will give you peace of mind even when pushing your one-rep max. They will hold securely even up into the 600-pound weight range and beyond. Unlike some other collars, the rubber material used in the lining does not produce a toxic smell.
Your purchase of the Kylin ABS collars comes with a black drawstring carry bag. They come in a range of colors including black, red and lime green.
7. Greententljs 2 Inch Barbell Collars
Reinforced ABS plastic
Secure Hold
Range of colors
A little bulky
The Greententjls collar is made from solidified nylon pitch material and reinforced ABS plastic that is durable and reliable. They come in a range of cool colors and feature a quick lock snap-on fastening system. You will get long term reliability from this product. They are a little bulky but are very lightweight. The combination of materials used in building this collar includes steel, rubber, and nylon, and the collar is built for a 2-inch weight bar.
Read moreThese sleeves are made of quality nylon, rubber, and steel. They fit the standard 2-inch Olympic size bar and are perfect for lifts, CrossFit workouts, overhead presses, deadlifts or any other workout which uses a barbell.
This package includes two clamps that are easy to install and designed to keep you safe during your workout.
8. Iron Lab Olympic Barbell Collars
Very quick change
Durable
High-Pressure Grip Pads
A little too wide
Iron Lab Olympic Barbell Collars are made from high strength nylon using casting and high-pressure processing. They feature a simple clamp system that locks securely in place. This makes the collar convenient and very user-friendly while changing weight loads. A durable cast body ensures that this clamp will be able to withstand any treatment you give it. High-pressure grip pads keep a secure hold, time after time.
Iron Lab collars are quite wide, taking up about 2 inches of real estate on your barbell.
Read moreThe Iron Lab collars are easy to use so you can change them quickly and not have to fight with them when you are switching out your weights. They are also designed to withstand great strain specifically for your safety.
The clamp locks onto the bar securely to the weight bar. You can feel more confident and have a pleasant workout.
9. Power Guidance Collar
ABS Plastic
Fast On / Off
One Hand Operation
A Bit Bulky
The Power Guidance Weightlifting Barbell Clamp Collar features a lockjaw design that goes on fast and securely clamps to the bar. The one-click lock format allows you to get the collar on and off with just one hand. It is constructed from very hardy ABS plastic so that it can withstand the toughest home gym treatment. An elastic lining helps support the longevity of the collar.
With the Power Guidance collar, you can feel safe throwing around up to 500 pounds.
Read moreThe Power Guidance comes in the standard Olympic 2 inch size and features a lock design that works with one click to provide easy setup and removal. It is string powered and designed to keep you safe.
This lock is perfect to use with almost any exercise which uses a barbell. It can withstand your toughest workout, made of the highest quality ABS plastic available.
10. Iron Bull Barbell Collars
More secure than traditional clips
Fits 2-inch bar
Quick to take on and off
Comes in 6 colors
They are not as good for heavier weights
Iron Bull has designed these innovative barbell collars to be the ultimate in safety with a quick locking mechanism which will stay in place even after repeated drops. These collars are easy to change between sets too. The internal collar grip contains nylon which is seriously durable while capable of giving a maximum anti-slip performance. This collar is super fast to use when you need to swap weights.
Read moreIron Bull provides the best versatility on the market. These collars stay more secure than most clips and they are easy to lock on and to remove after your workout. They are perfect for your training needs.
The collars have smooth contact surfaces made of nylon so they will not damage your bars no matter how long you use them. They can be installed in a matter of seconds with just one finger.
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Durability
Durable products reflect wise buying.
Durability is important because you need a barbell collar which can take the kind of stress weightlifting brings. It has to be able to withstand the pressure you are going to put on it over and over.
There are cheap products on the market, the style looks good, the design seems nice but the quality of the materials will have been sourced cheaply and that is why the barbell collar looks like the type of purchase which is too good and very tempting.
The downside with a cheaply made collar is that it won't withstand regular wear, the features for fitting it to a bar can become weak over time, for more quickly then they should. The potential for the collar to fail and even cause an accident gets higher the longer it is used. When it comes down to safety during weight training it is a 100% must do and have, accidents with heavy-duty weights can be very nasty.
If the collar fails due to low-quality materials and design it might be a sudden failure or gradual, the collar should fit securely to the bar and hold the added weights easily and safely.
Our research sought out many potential collars available on the market but we were cautious and looked very closely at the quality of materials used and the innovative safe designing for fitting the collar. It was notable that the higher the quality for materials the higher the buying price but this is to be expected, this applies to all products.
Therefore we have selected collars that certainly are not cheap in cost when factoring in the performance, quality, and performance of a collar. The prices for collars are not overly costly but choosing the best is important.
We have selected the best options and provided a lot of helpful details so that you know exactly what you want and can feel comfortable and safe in knowing that you will have chosen a good quality collar.
Materials
Durability works with quality materials.
Be sure you check for the best quality materials available. This is so important because you are talking about safety equipment so you do not want to scrimp on quality.
The first main requirement from a collar is that it will be very durable over a long time because it will get a lot of use.
The question to take into account is how can a buyer and user feel confident that they will get durability resulting from the use of high-quality safe materials. As collars are a very serious safety feature it is natural that a user wants to feel confident and safe.
Brands who have had many years in the market producing a consistently good product are the safest and most logical choice. These brands have many tried, tested and very much trusted products available to users, they also invest a lot of research into constantly innovating and improving the design, material quality, and durability.
Therefore during our comparative reviewing, we have focused on established brands because we believe that the best performing safe collars are available through long term established makers. Our perception is that a weight collar should be a part of a reliable kit with many years of reliable performance.
We factored in material quality the types of design, both traditional and newer innovative designs, the quick ease for use when changing weights on a bar and the real value not just in terms of price but also trusted performance. We have been able to produce an excellent range of choices for weight trainers and we are happy and confident that a collar exists for all people's preferences in our line up of high-quality collars.
Effectiveness
Effectiveness dictates performance.
The best barbell collars on our list are effective. Whatever system they use to stay in place, you need to be able to trust it and know you can lift with confidence knowing that the weights are going to stay put on the bar.
Effectiveness for weight trainers covers several requirements, certainly, they want as a collar which enables a quick changeover on added or removed weights, the collar should be very easy to manipulate and not be fiddly or difficult because trainers want to move forward when training and not be hampered by a badly designed collar which takes too much time.
The perfect collar is quick and easy to remove, and equally quick to re-secure to hold weights safely. Therefore makers of collars are always looking to ensure quick effective use, some collars have a more traditional method for fitting to a bar and there are collars that have new creative methods for quickly removing so that weights can be added and quickly secured. We ranked effectiveness highly during research and looked closely to ensure any collars put forward through this buying guide will all be highly effective.
Ease of Use
Ease of use ensures quick weight changeover during training.
Ease of use refers to being able to get it on to the bar easily at the beginning of your workout and back off when you are switching off weights. Being able to switch it out with one hand is a definite benefit in this category.
Weight trainers want speed combined with reliable safety, to change weights should be a few short easy fluid movements, quickly adjust and loosen the collar, slip weights off the bar, add weights quickly and resecure the collar. This should be a quick easy set of actions that do not overly interrupt a weight training session.
If this ease while using collars is not clear and apparent, it is probably due to a bad design or badly designed features for securing a collar onto a weight bar. Some cheaper versions of collars do look very strong and well designed at a first glance but the actual mechanism for securing the collar can be less durable and dependable. We searched out products and even researched reviews giving feedback from users about the ease of use with different collars. This has been a very good method while reviewing and ensuring that our research identified the best current collar options available today for weight trainers.
Features
You will want to look for collars which have easy fasteners you can use effortlessly. The inner lining should be made of something which will grip nicely and it is nice to find a set which comes with a handy carrying bag.
Much of the required safe efficient performance wanted from a collar is how easy it is to secure and how firm and safe the fastening system will be. Time has moved on from the early designs methods used for fastening a collar onto a steel bar. Modern designs quickly secure a grip through easy manipulation and the new approaches to fastening are an improvement on the older designs used.
More modern fastening designs are a result of technology for working parts such as hinges which allow a design which easily pushes over a leverage system to bite securely onto a steel bar and stay in position.
The internal lining for collars have also progressed in terms of design, nowadays we expect to see heavy-duty linings with materials properties to promote grip and prevent slipping. These collars clamp tight through a hinge and level design which is very effective. A nice feature is to see a collar which is coated with durable materials to prevent and damage to the collar. We have put together a very impressive selection of collars all of which are very reliable, well designed and built from top quality materials to ensure a good performing collar.
Expert Interviews & Opinions
Durability Materials Effectiveness Ease of Use Features
There are many different designs of collars for holding weights and most of them are especially good for certain types of lifting like how much weight you lift at a time or whether you throw it down after your lift.
You want to know your capabilities and you certainly want to choose bar collars which you are confident will keep weights in place and not let weights move or slip. Shifting weight can create an imbalance which may well lead to a harmful accident.
There are many good quality reviews online which often give customer feedback. These are worth reading so that you have more background on which types of collars are popular and trusted by users.
Find a collar you can maneuver easily, even one-handed, especially if you tend to train at home alone. You want something which is going to secure your safety by not letting the weights fall on you.
Collars are a serious safety feature and they do prevent serious accidents and at minimal, they prevent weights slipping and interrupting a training session. Collars have been designed with the importance of safety being paramount and all weight trainers absolutely should use bar collars to keep heavy weights firmly secured.
Other Factors to Consider
Weight
There is a train of thought that heavy collars are more effective and reliable but this is not entirely accurate when it comes to the materials and design features for modern collars.
While heavy-duty collars may feel heavy and therefore give assurance that tough durable materials have been used to make the collar. But many modern materials can be much lighter than those older style metal collars but modern materials and be just as durable as prior metals used. Modern materials are often more susceptible to allowing new functional design features which can be used to ensure a secure grip mechanism. also where modern materials are concerned, the inner of the collar can be lined with shock-absorbing materials that have a lot of durabilities while promoting anti-slip capability. Another benefit from modern materials is that collars can be coated with attractive colored durable coatings that protect the collar and have a good tactile surface for people when they handle the collar when changing weights.
Hinge Tech has made huge steps and this means hinge and lever collars are very effective and very easy to handle while also being very good for achieving a very secure grip on a weights bar. Collars might seem like a standard piece of equipment but the materials used, the extent of highly innovative design and the durability have really advanced in recent years.
Frequently Asked Questions
q: What exactly is a barbell collar?
Collars are placed on a barbell or dumbbell to keep the disk from slipping and falling off your bar while you are using it. They are a huge benefit to your safety.
They are fitted to the near end on a weight bar to prevent any weights moving or slipping during training. A badly fitted collar could actually create a very bad accident. Without a collar to maintain a safe hold on weights put onto a bar, training cannot be achieved.
q: What different types of collars are there?
There are spring clamps, lockjaw clamps, power clamps, and hex screw clamps. In other words, there are a ton of choices and you really need to do your research in order to figure out what type is going to be best for you.
All these different types offer quick easy to use features which means while training with weights it is very easy to change the weights and keep the flow of training. Generally, whichever collar system you choose the design for fastening will have been carefully researched for effectiveness.
q: Will barbell collars keep your bar balanced?
Yes, because without them if you happen to lean wrong your weights could shift and slide. The collars ensure everything stays in place so you can do a good lift. Balance is what makes working with weights on a bar possible, without collars to ensure that the weights are contained and kept in place even simple bar push up could actually become dangerous. Collars are a highly important safety feature that must be used during training with weights.
q: Are these just used in commercial gyms?
Actually, these are mostly for individual or home use. If they were used in a commercial gym, they would end up being overused and would lose their hold over what should be many years of use. These collars are generally good for a home gym or a professional gym. The level of durability for long term use is high and these collars are unlikely to fail in terms of performance.
As time passes it is a good idea to keep an eye open for any type of wear which might start effecting the secure hold and grip performance of a weight collar.
q: Can't I just lift without these?
It is humanly possible of course, but not advisable. Leaving your weights free and just trusting they will stay put is a good way to risk injury. Weights slipping and throw you off balance which could cause back injury or one could land on you.
In summing up if you want to avoid an accident you should always ensure that you use safe, high-performance reliable weight collars during training, it is a very safe bet and avoids the risks of any potential accident.
Sources
- , Kabuki Collars, Article
- , Top 10 Best, Buying Guide
- , Rogue Fitness, Article
- , Bars, Weights, and Equipment, Article
- , Ten Best Barbell Collars, Buying Guide
