This is my week for newb questions, I guess. I've been looking online at Olympic barbells, and there are different lengths...does it matter which I get, and if so, how do I choose?

Also, anyone know what size the center hole is on the olympic plates? It looks bigger than the plates I have, and just wondering if I need new plates as well.

Thanks!

How much do you want to spend? Also, are you okay with a 45# bar? I would only buy a shorter bar that 7' if 45# is too heavy. If money is no object i would get an Eleiko 7' Olympic bar. Otherwise I like the Texas Power Bar as a budget choice. Keep an eye out for used plates and bars as well, since they can be had very cheap.2"

I ended up buying a bar with all plates include (5# to 45#) from Dicks and I think it was a pretty good price. Actually, it was cheaper to buy that set than to buy the plates by themself which is why I did it. I really only needed the plates.

Robert, I think 45# will be good. I'll look for the 7' length, then, thank you!Looks like I'll need new plates, though, so I might have to look into a set like Nelie mentioned (thanks Nelie!). I've been making due with DBs, but don't feel I can keep progressing without the bar. Now, if this freakish weather will let up, I could actually get out to find one!

Nelie, did you go with real metal plates? The set I returned had big plastic plates, which I liked for their plastic cover, but realized too late that they were concrete plates and took up alot of room to store and load on the bar. I'm still looking for a set that isn't hugely expensive, but I wanted the "real" plates.

Fran,

They are iron plates, the black ugly ones, which are cheap but good. Dick's said they were something like 89 cents per lb but when I bought the entire set, the cost was something like 54 cents per lb and basically a free olympic bar to go with.

The place where I bought my home gym wanted to sell me pretty shiny grey iron plates for 1.25/lb. They were nice looking but similar size.

Well, checked out a few local places today, but no luck on the barbell. I'm thinking I'll try some pawn shops, in case there's a treasure there, or see if I can track down a store that has "real" bars. Only found one place that had bars today that didn't come in a tiny box, and those looked cheaply made and only came in sets with the weights. I wouldn't have minded that, but the only olympic bar just didn't look worth the money, because the chrome was chipping off the one they had on display...just didn't inspire confidence!

Nelie, could you post a link from Dick's as to what yours look like? I saw the real plates racked that you could place in your cart and purchase but the bars were separate. I couldn't find a boxed set I like except for the plastic coated concrete.

Jam, do you have something like a Play it Again Sports near you? Ours carries weight equipment, I just have trouble finding a complete set in mine. Too close to 2 high schools I think.

Fran,

I can't find it online. I see the plates online but don't see the set. Maybe you have to visit their store? I bought it at the store.

Do you have a Dunham's Sports nearby?

I just got this weeks flier and they have a Doorbusters sale Sunday and Monday and they have a 300lb. Olympic weight set or 300lb. Olympic Grip Plate Weight Set on sale for $149.99. After Monday it will be $169.99 Regular price $250. I tried to find it on the site but it says in the ad that styles may vary by store.

Edited to see that you live in WA and there aren't any Dunham's there. Maybe someone else is interested?

Have you checked out Craigs list?

This one looks like something similar to the sets that Dick's sells for $150 on sale. This is $50 more (of course, you might talk him down and there is no sales tax) but you also get a curl bar and a decent looking bench/rack.

http://seattle.craigslist.org/est/spo/623454428.html

Good find Depalma!

Great minds think alike? (thanks, Depalma) I did check out the local listings this morning. Better prices than what I've seen new, but I'm debating whether I want to spend that much money on the home gym. I'm thinking I'll just keep making do with the DBs, because once my (stupid) van is fixed, I'm just going to join the Y, and then I can work out there.

Cheryl,

Do they have recylce stores where you live ? I live in the netherlands and there are stores here that people donate the stuff they do not need anymore to. Not only clothes but also furniture. I got some plates from there because there are a lot of people that do weights for some time and then do not use them anymore and bring them away. Also, maybe there are 2nd hand weight plates in your neighborhood. Did you check ebay ?

Rabbit

I bought mine at Sport Authority for $99.00 with a coupon. It's an 8 foot 45 pound bar, with 300 pounds of cheaply made plates. They aren't pretty, but they lift the same

Mel