The option of replacing my entire standard fitting weights set with olympic plates is far too costly but unfortunately as you may know, the olympic bars are strong as heck! This bar is noticeably thicker than other standard bars I've used and is also really strong. For me, I don't pull 700lbs off the floor in my deadlifts, if I did I'd be ecstatic at having to buy incredibly strong olympic bars. I'm an average trainer and if I'm correct this bar is rated at 160kg as the limit. I've had fellow trainers pull it at 200kg and the bar copes fine. For the price, if you need a strong bar and are committed to standard fit barbells, this is your baby! I have 2 of them now because I love it!