Best Barbell Pads

Updated April 2019
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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.
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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We may earn a commission if you purchase a product through our links.
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.
We may earn a commission if you purchase a product through our links.
Bottom Line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Advanced Fitness
Manta Ray Squat Load Distribution Device
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Bottom Line

The Manta Ray locks into place on your bar, so it won't pop off like many round foam pads.

Pros

Takes the stress off your deltoids and vertebrae, and transfers it across your trapezius to reduce risk of injury. Maximizes mass building potential. Snaps into bar to keep it centered on every set. Provides a stronger connection than foam barbell pad. Makes the bar very stable on your back.

Cons

Will not fit an EZ Bar. Takes time to get used to the feeling on your back.

BEAR Strength and Conditioning
Next Generation Squat Pad
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Bottom Line

Reduces neck and shoulder pain from squats, but slides off easily for classes where you need to change weights often.

Pros

Does not affect stability. Remains securely fastened during lifts, but is easy to take on and off. Thick, high density, non-slip rubber-foam absorbs impact and reduces pain. Measures 18" x 3.5". Can be applied to all Olympic sized barbells. Ergonomic design takes weight off your neck and redistributes to shoulders. Well-cushioned.

Cons

No straps to hold shut, so the bar can slide out. A bit bulky for some exercises.

Iron Bull Strength
Advanced Squat Pad
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Bottom Line

This pad's anti-slip finish helps keep it place on your shoulders while you squat.

Pros

Made from high-density, thick foam rubber. Multiple open and close cell foam absorb shock. Easy installation – just slip the bar pad onto the bar. Anti-slip matte finish reduces slip risk. Comes in a variety of colors. Great for hip thrusts. Helps protect the knees and shoulders.

Cons

Be careful to keep the slit on the top, or your shoulders can knock it off the bar. Padding makes some exercises awkward.

Squat Sponge Barbell Pad
Squat Sponge
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Bottom Line

Designed by a squat aficionado, this pad helps some exceed their personal best without vertebral pain.

Pros

Molded thick foam design with varying degrees of open and closed cell foam. Grooved channel in center for neck and cradling the spine. Measures 18” long, 3.5” in diameter, and 1.25” thick. Cradles the spine. Good for squats and hip thrusts. Relieves pressure on your neck.

Cons

Can slip on and off the bar. May work better with smaller bars than with Olympic bars.

Best Bang for the Buck
Dark Iron Fitness
17" Extra Thick Barbell Neck Pad
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Bottom Line

This pad stays in place on your bar thanks to a hook-and-loop closure – a feature which many other pads lack.

Pros

Designed to fit 2" Olympic size bars perfectly. Hook-and-loop closure. Made of top-grade 3/4" dense foam for optimal support. Retains its shape; won't flatten easily. Several designs available. Won't absorb moisture – stays on surface for wiping. Comfortable indentation for neck. Thick but not bulky.

Cons

May not fit larger bars well.

How we decided

We purchase every product we review with our own funds — we never accept anything from product manufacturers.

12 Models Considered
5 Hours Researched
1 Experts Interviewed
113 Consumers Consulted
Zero products received from manufacturers.

We purchase every product we review with our own funds — we never accept anything from product manufacturers.

Why trust BestReviews?
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.
We may earn a commission if you purchase a product through our links.
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We may earn a commission if you purchase a product through our links.
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.
We may earn a commission if you purchase a product through our links.

Barbell pads make it more comfortable to lift weights when performing squats. The barbell pad slides onto the barbell until it’s centered on the bar. You’ll then rest the padded area of the barbell bar across the back of the neck as you’re performing squats. This reduces the amount of pain in your shoulders, upper back, and neck while exercising. Barbell pads work well for performing other types of weightlifting exercises too, like lunges. You certainly want a thick cushioned material in the barbell pad. However, you don’t want it to be so soft that the barbell crushes the material. Barbell pads that are too soft don’t really provide the support you need. Pay attention to whether the barbell pad will fit Olympic or standard sized bars, which have different diameters.

The team that worked on this review
  • Eliza
    Eliza
    Production Manager
  • Jacob
    Jacob
    Editorial Manager
  • Katie
    Katie
    Editorial Director
  • Kristin
    Kristin
    Writer
  • Melinda
    Melinda
    Web Producer
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BEAR Strength and Conditioning

Next Generation Squat Pad

BEAR Strength and Conditioning

Next Generation Squat Pad

Reduces neck and shoulder pain from squats, but slides off easily for classes where you need to change weights often.

$18
×

Iron Bull Strength

Advanced Squat Pad

Iron Bull Strength

Advanced Squat Pad

This pad's anti-slip finish helps keep it place on your shoulders while you squat.

$19
×

Squat Sponge Barbell Pad

Squat Sponge

Squat Sponge Barbell Pad

Squat Sponge

Designed by a squat aficionado, this pad helps some exceed their personal best without vertebral pain.

$19
×

Advanced Fitness

Manta Ray Squat Load Distribution Device

Advanced Fitness

Manta Ray Squat Load Distribution Device

The Manta Ray locks into place on your bar, so it won't pop off like many round foam pads.

$44
×

Dark Iron Fitness

17" Extra Thick Barbell Neck Pad

Dark Iron Fitness

17" Extra Thick Barbell Neck Pad

This pad stays in place on your bar thanks to a hook-and-loop closure – a feature which many other pads lack.
$9

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