Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

I wanted just a simple, lighter-weight barbell that I can use for squats and deadlifts at home after my pregnancy until I can return to the gym. This barbell was affordable and since I may not use it longterm, it was perfect. The pole is hollow and rather thin, so I can see how it would not hold up under the pressure of heavier weights. Luckily, I only got it for the lighter weights. I will graduate to a sturdier pole after I get back in shape. The pole comes in two parts. You put them together by pounding on end of the pole into cement. That's literally what the instructions say. Once they are fully assembled, you cannot remove them to separate them because of the type of locking mechanism on the interior of the pole. There are end caps for either end of the pole. Other than that, you've got your weights and your weight locks. Very simply set up. The weights are what I think of as the old-fashioned plastic kind that were popular in the 1980s. My dad had a set a lot like this one when I was growing up. They are filled with a sand or something, but are very balanced and don't shift when moved. They are rather thick and somewhat slippery, so if you play to use them for squats or anything off of the barbell, just know that they may not be very easy to hold. There's no lip or edge to grasp, unlike with my iron weights. All in all, this is an affordable, lightweight barbell set that is perfect for my post-partum recovery at home until I can make it back to the gym.