2023 Barbell Data – Sunday Survey Results

Introduction

Below is a look at all survey data around barbels (including specialty) in 2023.

We’ve got “primary barbell data” & “specialty barbell data.”

Let me know if you’d like to see any other questions asked before the year’s end!

Primary Barbell Choice Data

  • Nearly half want their “primary barbell” to be a power bar. That is up 38% from 2021.
  • Those wanting their “primary barbell” to be a multi-purpose bar are down 20%.

  • Many more want an aggressive barbell in 2023 vs. 2021
    • With 58% of total votes, most want their barbell to include an “aggressive knurl.” That is up 65% from 2022 & one of the larger changes in data that we’ve seen year over year.
    • “As aggressive as possible” votes were up 177% as well. That went from 5% to 13% this year.

  • 67% prefer their primary barbell to have a center knurl on it. That is up 12% from last year.

  • About 26% say that the color of their barbell matters.

  • 43% think the stainless steel upgrade on their barbell is worth it. That was 37% higher than the amount of “no” votes.
  • 26% still are unsure.
  • The amount of those owning multiple barbells is on the rise. Last year, 67% said they owned multiple barbells, but this year, that number rose to 81% (reasons to own multiple barbells).

Specialty Barbell Data

  • According to the data, the REP Open Trap Bar is the most popular Specialty Barbell out there, with the REP SSB closely behind it.
  • A couple of Kabuki Bars were just behind them for third (Transformer) and fourth place (Kadillac). In total 4 of their bars were in the top 8.
  • Rogue also had a few in the top 8 with both of their curl bars (rackable and unrackable).

Product Idea?

Comments

  1. It would make sense that as per bars increased in popularity or desire, that the center knurl would also. I think people are realizing a garage gym is a perfect place to do powerlifting type movements, and require much less than equipment/ cost than other exercise modalities. As well that competition’s are economical to enter and aren’t something to fear.

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