When it comes to choosing a barbell for your gym, the right fit depends on your training space, goals, and preferences. REP’s Colorado™ bar has long been a fan fave for lifters who want top-tier performance. Now, REP has introduced the Colorado™ short bar – the sleek, compact sibling of the flagship bar that proves sometimes shorter really is better.
So, how do these two bars compare, and which one is the best choice for your gym setup? Let’s break it down.
What is the Colorado™ short bar?
The Colorado™ short bar is for lifters working in small spaces like garage gyms, group training zones, or competitions where space is at a premium. At 72 inches (6 feet) in length, this short barbell is about 15 inches shorter than the standard Colorado™ bar while still packing plenty of performance.
Weight: The Colorado™ short bar weighs 15kg (33.1lbs).
Sleeve-to-Sleeve Distance: Identical to the standard Colorado™ bar at 51.5 inches, making it rackable on any standard power rack.
Sleeve Length: The shorter design includes 8.9 inches of loadable sleeve space (compared with the 20kg Colorado™ bar’s 16.1 inches).
Diameter: With a 28.5mm shaft, it feels just like a standard Olympic barbell.
Weight Capacity: Rated for 1,500lbs, this small barbell doesn’t sacrifice strength.
Finishes: A sleek black Cerakote shaft paired with durable hard chrome sleeves for superior corrosion resistance.
If you need a barbell for small space training that still delivers multi-purpose functionality, the Colorado™ short bar is your solution.
Colorado™ Short Bar vs. Colorado™ Bar: Key Differences
While both bars are part of the Colorado™ line, they differ in a few key areas:
Length
Colorado™ short bar: 72 inches (6 feet)
Colorado™ bar (20kg): 86.6 inches (7 feet)
The shorter design of the Colorado™ short bar makes it perfect for tight spaces while maintaining a standard rackable width.
Weight
Colorado™ short bar: 15kg (33.1lbs)
Colorado™ bar (20kg): 20kg (44lbs)
The lighter weight makes the short bar more accessible for beginner lifters and ideal for gyms where versatility is key.
Sleeve Length
Colorado™ short bar: 8.9 inches of loadable sleeve length
Colorado™ bar: 16.1 inches of loadable sleeve length
Although the short barbell sleeves are more compact, they still hold plenty of plates for most lifters, accommodating up to three 45lb bumper plates per side.
Shaft Diameter
Both bars feature the same 28.5mm shaft, offering consistent performance across lifts.
Intended Use
Colorado™ bar: Designed for lifters looking for a full-size, multi-purpose barbell for powerlifting, functional fitness, or Olympic weightlifting.
Colorado™ short bar: Ideal for lifters who need a barbell for small space workouts without compromising quality or versatility.
Why Choose the Colorado™ Short Bar?
If you’re training in a garage gym, group training environment, or anywhere space is tight, the Colorado™ short bar is a game-changer. Its shorter, 6-foot length makes it perfect for lifting in smaller areas while maintaining the same feel as a full-sized Olympic bar.
Here’s what makes the Colorado™ short bar stand out:
Small Barbell for Big Lifts: Don’t let the size fool you – this bar is rated for 1,500 lbs and built for heavy-duty workouts.
Premium Features: From its black Cerakote shaft to its volcano-style knurling, the short bar packs premium performance into a compact design.
Multi-Purpose Performance: Whether you’re powerlifting, doing high-rep functional fitness workouts, or tackling Olympic lifts, this bar delivers.
Perfect for Tight Spaces: Its shorter sleeves and reduced overall length make it easy to maneuver in small gyms without sacrificing function.
Why Choose the Colorado™ Bar?
The Colorado™ bar is REP’s flagship multi-purpose barbell, built for lifters who want the ultimate in versatility, durability, and performance. Whether you’re a powerlifter, functional fitness athlete, or Olympic lifter, the Colorado™ bar is a trusted choice for heavy lifts and high-volume training.
Here’s what makes the Colorado™ bar stand out:
Two Weight Options: Available in both 20kg (44lbs) and 15kg (33.1lbs), the Colorado™ bar accommodates a wider variety of lifters. The 15kg version features a slightly smaller 25mm shaft diameter, making it ideal for those with smaller hands or who prefer lighter bars for technical lifts.
Premium Construction: With its 28.5mm shaft (20kg version) and durable finishes like black Cerakote and hard chrome sleeves, the Colorado™ bar is built to last.
Consistent Performance: The composite bushings ensure smooth rotation for Olympic lifts while reducing noise during drops, making this bar a go-to for high-intensity training.
Multi-Purpose Use: Featuring dual knurl markings (IPF and IWF), medium-depth volcano-style knurling, and no center knurl, the Colorado™ bar is perfectly suited for squats, deadlifts, bench presses, and Olympic movements.
Which Bar is Right for You?
Choose the Colorado™ bar if you need a full-size, multi-purpose barbell for heavy lifts and aren’t constrained by space.
Choose the Colorado™ short bar if you’re working in a small space, want a lighter 15kg barbell, or need a short barbell that’s still fully rackable and highly durable.
No matter which bar you choose, both the Colorado™ bar and the Colorado™ short bar deliver REP’s signature performance, durability, and versatility.
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