The 7 Best Multi-Grip Bars in 2023 (Budget, Premium, and More)

Multi-grip bars, also known as Swiss or football bars, have become quite popular in recent years.

Thanks to the multiple grip options, these bars offer more versatility and flexibility than straight bars and work well for various exercises.

Read on if you want to learn more about these bars, what to look for when picking one, and which are the best multi-grip bars in 2023.

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The 7 Best Multi-Grip Bars For Your Home Gym In 2023

1. Best Multi-Grip Bar Overall: Rogue MG-3 Multi-Grip Bar
2. Best Multi-Grip Camber Bar: Bells Of Steel Arch Nemesis Swiss Bar
3. Best Premium Multi-Grip Bar: Kabuki Strength Kadillac Bar V3
4. Best Multi-Grip Bar On Amazon: Yes4All Multi-Grip Barbell
5. Best Budget Multi-Grip Bar: Valor Fitness OB-MULTI Bar
6. Best Multi-Grip Bar For Beginners: Synergee Multi-Grip Barbell
7. Best Heavy-Duty Multi-Grip Bar: Titan Multi-Grip Camber Bar

1. Best Multi-Grip Bar Overall: Rogue MG-3 Multi-Grip Bar

If you’re looking for a decent fitness product and your budget allows it, you cannot go wrong with Rogue Fitness. The MG-3 multi-grip bar is an excellent option with a simplistic all-black design and three handle options.

The inner handles are spaced 10” (25.4 cm) apart and angled slightly, making them excellent for close-grip bench pressing.

One thing you will notice with the MG-3 bar by Rogue is that it is durable and has impressive weight capacity. Rogue hasn’t specified a limit, but it should be over 1,000 lbs. Even if you load it with more weight, it should maintain its shape over the years without curving.

In addition, you can tell the bar is made of high quality and free of imperfections that are more common with cheaper multi-grip bars.

The only real drawback is that it costs over $300, which isn’t a small price for a single bar.

2. Best Multi-Grip Camber Bar: Bells Of Steel Arch Nemesis Swiss Bar

If you’re looking for a curved multi-grip bar that doesn’t cost much and does the job, look no further than the Arch Nemesis.

Aside from its cool name, the swiss bar features an arched camber, similar to that of the Kabuki Strength Kadillac Bar V3, which we will look at next. The angled design means you can train through a slightly longer range of motion on movements like the bench press because

The bar has a classic all-black design, and the handles have medium knurling that supports your grip without digging into your palm. Speaking of the handles, the bar has three slightly angled ones but no truly neutral-grip ones, which might not be great for everyone.

One distinction from more expensive models is that the bar only weighs 24 lbs, which makes it easier to handle and move around. That is beneficial for beginners but could mean that the bar isn’t as durable as other models and might be prone to curving after years of use.

Still, the Arch Nemesis multi-grip bar is an affordable option by a reputable company and worth considering.

3. Best Premium Multi-Grip Bar: Kabuki Strength Kadillac Bar V3

The Kadillac Bar V3 is the best premium multi-grip on the market. One look is enough to tell a lot of thought has gone into designing and producing the V3.

First, it has a fantastic design, though this is a bit subjective as not everyone likes the same thing. Second, the bar comes with the longest loadable sleeves among all multi-grip bars: 16.75” (42.5 cm), allowing you to put a decent amount of weight on, even if you’re using bumper or smaller plates.

Third, the bar has a fantastic weight capacity of 850 lbs, which most people won’t ever need, but it is still cool to consider. Perhaps one benefit here is that such a capacity hints at the bar’s durability. In other words, it will probably never deform even if you beat it up daily for years.

In addition, the bar has three handle options, each with a slightly unique angle for an optimal training experience.

The only real drawback is the price, but this is the premium option.

4. Best Multi-Grip Bar On Amazon: Yes4All Multi-Grip Barbell

The Yes4All multi-grip bar is another great option, and you can pick this one up on Amazon if you prefer to do most of your shopping there.

It comes in a cool all-black design, and the package includes a pair of screw collars that keep your plates tight and secure, even if the central opening has a slightly larger diameter. The loadable sleeve length is also decent and allows you to load the bar well, even if using bumper plates.

You get three grip options. The inner handles are angled, whereas the mid and outer ones are neutral-grip.

To top it all off, the bar has a decent weight capacity that is more than enough for 99 percent of trainees. The empty bar weighs 22 lbs, which makes it great to pick up and carry around, even by gym newbies.

5. Best Budget Multi-Grip Bar: Valor Fitness OB-MULTI Swiss Bar Football Barbell

The Valor Fitness multi-grip bar is the first on our list with a rounded middle cage. This neat design difference makes the bar more useful inside a squat rack because it is easier to fit and rack after a heavy set.

The bar is rated for Olympic and bumper plates, which makes it quite versatile, regardless of what weights you have at home.

You get three grip options for your training. The inner and outer ones are neutral-grip, whereas the middle ones are angled. The distance between the middle handles is ideal for most people to do bicep curls.

On top of that, the bar is as budget-friendly as it gets. The only drawbacks are the shorter loadable sleeves (only 10” or 25.4 cm) and the relatively small weight capacity of 300 lbs or 136 kilograms.

Still, this is a bargain for the price and offers more than enough for most people.

6. Best Multi-Grip Bar For Beginners: Synergee Multi-Grip Barbell

The Synergee multi-grip bar is another affordable option you should consider. It weighs only 27 lbs, which makes it easy to pick up and carry around, but it offers a respectable 450-lb weight capacity.

It features an all-black design, and the bar feels durable and solid when you pick it up. Unlike all other bars on our list, this one offers four handle options. Unfortunately, all of them are angled, and there isn’t a single neutral-grip handle pair.

Overall, the bar provides excellent value for the money and covers most people's training needs.

7. Best Heavy-Duty Multi-Grip Bar: Titan Multi-Grip Camber Bar

Love it or hate it, Titan Fitness has made some decent products in its time, and the multi-grip camber bar is one of them.

First, the bar has a great design and feels great to the touch. It is large and can withstand an impressive 1,000-lb (454 kg) load.

It comes with an arched camber, which means the middle portion of the cage is elevated. As such, you can train through a slightly longer range of motion on movements like the bench press and bent-over row.

The bar comes with three grip options. The middle handles are angled and designed perfectly for close-grip bench pressing, whereas the middle and outer ones are neutral-grip. The knurling on the handles isn’t aggressive, but it is decent enough to support your grip, even if your hands get sweaty.

One drawback of the Titan multi-grip camber bar is that the middle cage is quite long (42” or 106.6 cm), which means it might not fit inside a narrower squat rack. It’s best to measure what you have at home before purchasing to be sure you can take full advantage.

Four Benefits of Multi-Grip Bars

Here are 4 fantastic benefits of a multi-grip bar:

1. Highly versatile
2. Great for traditional strength training
3. Relatively affordable
4. Good for shoulder health

Let’s look at each more in-depth:

1. Highly Versatile

Though most people see multi-grip bars as tools for doing the bench press and its variations, the training applications are far more.

Thanks to the multiple grip options, you can perform numerous variations of fantastic strength exercises, such as:

• Bench press
• Overhead press
• Bent-over row
• Bicep curl
• Tricep extension

We will go over more exercise recommendations in the FAQ section below.

2. Good For Traditional Strength Training

Thanks to their versatility, high loading capacity, and compatibility with most power racks on the market, multi-grip bars are excellent for traditional strength training.

Including some work with a multi-grip bar in your training is an excellent way to develop strength and stress your body in a new way, which can reduce the risk of overuse injuries.

3. Relatively Affordable

Unlike other specialty options, multi-grip bars are relatively affordable. These generally cost $150 to $400+ depending on the make and where you buy them, so there is something for everyone.

4. Good For Shoulder Health

Shoulder issues can be a considerable pain in the butt, especially for serious trainees who move a lot of weight. Using a straight bar might not work for some people due to the position of the shoulders.

Luckily, a multi-grip bar works great because it offers an angled or neutral grip, which keeps the shoulders in a healthier and less compromised position.

What to Look For When Picking a Multi-Grip Bar

1. Handles/Grip Type

Unsurprisingly, the primary thing to consider on a multi-grip bar is the handles. Here are some suggestions:

a) Longer handles will make the bar feel more unstable, especially at first. That feeling will go away once you get used to training with one.

b) Generally, a bar with angled inner handles will work well for most people. Neutral inner grips are only good for exercises like a neutral-grip skullcrusher or close-grip hammer curl.

If you want such handles, ensure the bar is light enough to be useful on isolation exercises.

c) If you’re looking for a multi-grip bar due to injuries or pain while training, make sure your pick has at least one pair of angled handles. Such a bar would allow you to experiment with your grip and find a comfortable position for your shoulders, elbows, and wrists.

2. Maximum Weight

The weight capacity is the next crucial thing to consider when picking up a multi-grip bar for safety and long-term use.

Most bars on the market will easily handle 350 to 400 lbs, and 500+ lbs are generally enough for even the stronger lifters. Since you won’t use the bar for squats and deadlifts, you will likely never have to load that much.

3. Loadable Sleeve Length

Loadable sleeve length is another vital thing to consider, especially if your gym is equipped with bumper plates.

If you have wider plates, you can put fewer on the sleeve before you run out of space. In contrast, iron and rubber-coated ones are more compact and make it easier to load up enough weight, even on a shorter sleeve.

Generally, a good loadable sleeve length is around 14” (35.5 cm).

It’s important to note that the loadable sleeve length doesn’t necessarily determine the weight capacity of the bar. For instance, the multi-grip camber bar by Titan and the Arch Nemesis by Bells of Steel have identical sleeve lengths, but the former can hold up to 1,000 lbs (454 kg), whereas the latter is rated for 600 lbs (272 kg).

4. Price

If you’ve never used a multi-grip bar and aren’t sure if you’re going to enjoy it, you can make a relatively small investment of around $200.

Good options include the Valor Fitness OB-MULTI Swiss Bar Football Barbell, Synergee Multi-Grip Barbell, and Titan Multi-Grip Camber Bar.

However, if you’ve used a multi-grip bar for a long time and have a bit more cash to spend, you cannot go wrong with the more expensive Kabuki Strength Kadillac Bar V3 and Rogue MG-3 Multi-Grip Bar.

Multi-Grip Bars Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How to use a multi-grip bar?

Using a multi-grip bar is not that different from using a regular barbell. Both types allow you to do various effective compound exercises, overload your body, and build strength.

Most multi-grip bars are compatible with most power racks, which means you can elevate them at a specific height for the desired exercise. For example, you can set the bar to collarbone height for standing overhead presses.

Remember that a multi-grip bar will generally feel more unstable than a regular barbell. Brace your body before each set and start with a lower load to get used to the equipment.

2. Should I get a multi-grip bar?

A multi-grip bar is by no means mandatory for a home gym set-up, but it can be a valuable addition. If straight bars bother your joints (e.g., wrist pain during curls or shoulder pain during bench pressing), using a multi-grip bar could provide relief.

It mostly comes down to your budget and training preferences. An alternative to a multi-grip bar for bicep curls is an EZ bar.

3. What exercises can I do with a multi-grip bar?

Here are some great movements you can do with a multi-grip bar:

• Bench press and close-grip bench press
• Seated and standing shoulder press
• Bent-over row and Pendlay row
• Bicep hammer curl
• Overhead and lying tricep extension
• Seal rows
• Inverted rows
• Pullovers

The Best Multi-Grip Bar: Final Thoughts

A multi-grip bar can be the perfect addition to your home gym. These items are affordable, highly versatile, and allow you to switch things up in your training.

In addition, multi-grip bars lessen the stress on your joints and allow you to switch up the training stimulus.

Above are 7 of the best multi-grip bars on the market in 2023. Each offers unique benefits, and you should choose the one that fits your preferences and budget.

If you don’t like any of the above suggestions and would prefer another model, consider the 4 factors we shared above.