Vertical Bar
Watch the Video - Two Inch Vertical Bar (WMV)
Bar diameter may vary from 0.75 to 2.5 inches. Large bar diameters prevent an individual from wrapping the thumb over the fingers when lifting, quickly reducing maximum weights and risk of injury. Narrow bar diameters allow much heavier weights but tend to result in torn skin.
Vertical bars are often seasoned by coating the top of the bar in chalk. This can increase the amount of weight that will be lifted and has the effect of reducing the impact of humidity on the lift. As this lift is heavily dependent upon friction, the surface condition of the implement must be considered when comparing performance between individuals.