Upgrading my equipment standard -> olympic.

The equipment that I have is beginning to show that it is not suitable for me.  The next set of plates that I buy will likely put the bar over the stress limit and leave a permanent bend. 

My current equipment is a 7" "Standard" bar.  I don't know if this is a good or a bad length, only that it is needed to span the width of my rack.  For new players, a "standard" sounds like what you should start with, however if you're interested in continuing in lifting weights in the intermediate or above range, its likely you should consider the "Olympic" style bars and plates.

What is the difference you ask ?  Read on below:

• Weight of the bar
• Standard bars are usually between 6-12 kg.
• Olympic bars weight from 12-20 kg (and more)

Olympic bars (left) at the ends are wider, and usually heavier than the standard bar (right)

• Diameter of the hole in the weights (or plates)
• Standard plates holes are usually 25 mm
• Olympic plates holes are usually 50 mm.

Olympic bumper plate on left, standard on the right.

• Competition standard
• When power lifting or doing Olympic lifting practicing with the correct equipment is paramount.
• I can't see any lifting meets that use standard bars and plates.

• Rotating ends on the bar
• Standard bars are a fixed solid unit.
• Olympic bars should have rotating ends on the bar (reducing torsion when moving the bar) 

• Price
• Standard bars and plates are usually cheaper.
• Olympic bars rotating parts involve bearings and are use stronger materials to take more weight.

• Bumper plates
• Standard plates rarely come in a bumper variety (At least that I could find)
• Olympic size plates can be in the "bumper" variety which are safer to drop and have a stricter size/weight standard.

The price option may be enough of an influential factor in your choice between standard or Olympic style bars, but if you believe that its possible that you may progress to a point where you will need a new bar (if you're going to be doing this for any decent length of time, consider the loss of investment when upgrading both the bar and the plates (weights) to the Olympic sizes.

Lifting with a standard bar is better than not lifting at all.  If you are getting the bar and weights second hand or at a really good price, the money that you save for when you have to upgrade will likely be worth the cheaper equipment bought at the start of your lifting career .

If you're starting out and can afford it.  Consider buying Olympic plates and a simple/cheaper Olympic bar.  The exchange path from standard to Olympic means you'd need to sell your gear and repurchase when you get to the point that a standard bar no longer suits your needs).

In the end, I have chosen to purchase bumper plates, as I do wish to do Olympic lifts as part of my future goals.

If I'm missing anything, drop a comment in the boxes below.