Sizing Up the Smith Machine Bar Weight: Is it Heavier Than You Think?

Ever wondered if the smith machine bar weight is heavier than you think? Most people who enter the gym encounter the standard 20 kg (45 lb) barbell (Smith machine bar), also known as an Olympic barbell. While it's easier to use the barbell to add free weight and progress, the Smith machine is essential for beginners and advanced athletes alike.

Beginners may use the Smith machine to learn movement patterns and build up accessory muscles. Advanced athletes, including pro-bodybuilders, regularly use the machine to focus on time under tension and, more importantly, to avoid or rehab from injuries.

Smith machine bar weight. (Image via Pinterest)

What is the average Smith machine bar weight?

While there are no standardized rules for Smith machine bar weights, they can typically vary anywhere from 6-45 lbs, based on various factors. This is largely due to the different types of Smith machines available and their varying weights and benefits.

The average Smith machine bar weight is also comfortable and safe to use in the absence of a spotter, and can be adjusted to focus on effective movements and specific body parts.

However, one question a gym-goer may wonder about is the weight of a Smith Machine bar. While the answer may seem as simple as two words - a number followed by lb or kg - the actual explanation can be a bit complex.

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Types of Smith Machines

Types of Smith machines. (Image via Pinterest)

The Smith machine is a piece of equipment used for strength training that has a barbell fixed inside a series of steel rails, allowing it to only move vertically up and down.

They can be of various types:

1) Residential Smith Machine

Residential Smith machines generally have bars weighing above 25 lbs. They generally have a perfectly linear movement path with no counterbalance, and the bar used is of lesser quality than high-end commercial models.

They also use nylon bushing glide systems instead of ball bearings, and are usually not as smooth as commercial smith machines. The bar is often between 1-2" inches in diameter and may not be suited for Olympic weight plates.

Unless you're an IFBB pro or ridiculously strong powerlifter, residential machines will do, as they generally have a weight-bearing capacity of 400 lbs. They are also quite affordable and can cost anywhere between $1000 -$2000.

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2) Commercial Smith Machine

These are generally found in larger gyms. They usually have a slightly angled (7-12 degree) movement path with a counterbalance. Due to this counterbalance, the commercial Smith machine bars are generally lighter compared to residential Smith machine bars and typically weigh under 30 lbs.

The bar material is of high-grade quality and can bear significant weight, usually between 600-1000 lbs. They also use ball bearings and have a smoother range of motion. Commercial Smith machines are best for traditional or deep squats.

The bar is generally 2" in diameter and perfectly suited for Olympic plates. As the equipment is made from higher quality materials, the cost may range anywhere between $3000-4000.

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What is Counterbalance and How Does It Affect Bar Weight?

How much weight does a Smith machine take off?

You may be surprised to learn that many residential Smith machine bars weigh more than commercial ones due to a concept called counterbalance.

The Smith machine counterbalance operates like a balancing scale. The equipment has a bar on one side and weights on the other (generally hidden).

The Smith machine bar always weighs more than the counterbalance weight. This makes the bar feel lighter during the concentric part of the movement. In the absence of a counterbalance, the weight of the bar feels significantly heavier.

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Bar Weights of Popular Smith Machines

Famous Smith machine bar weights. (Image via Freepik/ Kjpargeter)

1) LA Fitness Smith Machine - 15-25 lbs

2) Planet Fitness Smith Machine - 15-35 lbs

3) Nautilus Smith Machine - 15 lbs

4) Hammer Strength Smith Machine - 30 lbs

5) Legend Smith Machine - 25 lbs

6) Body-Solid Commercial Smith Machine - 6 lbs

7) Body-Solid Residential Smith Machine - 32 lbs

8) Matrix Smith Machine - 25-44 lbs

9) Tuff Stuff Smith Machine - 10 lbs

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The Smith machine bar weight is typically between 15-30 lbs on average. Counterbalanced bars weigh lesser, usually under 25-30 lbs. Bar weight may vary depending on the build quality and the material used. Residential Smith Machine bar weight is sufficient for daily use and can withstand up to 400 lbs weight.