20 kg barbells are great for the lifter that wants a great grip. It's great for people with average sized to larger hands. The touch and feel of the grip of the barbell is incredibly important for all types of weight lifters. This is the official weight of an Olympic barbell: 20kg or 45lb. The women's shaft diameter is 25mm vs. the men's 28-32mm. Check these out, or contact us with questions.