The term "universal barbell" is actually a slight misconception. There is not a standardized size and weight for barbells, rather there are two categories of bars, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Each type has a weight range that may vary slightly from manufacturer to manufacturer. It's important to know the bar weight so you can calculate this number into the total weight lifted.
Olympic barbell bars tend to be thicker, 2 inches vs. 1 inch for standard barbell bars. They often tend to flex less and are able to hold larger amounts of weight. These bars typically weight 45 pounds, but can range between 35 to 45 pounds. Cap Kettlebell
When applied to barbell bars, the term "standard" is misleading as it implies that all standard bars are the same size and weight. In actuality, the term "standard" is used to differentiate these bars from the bigger Olympic-size bars. Standard bars tend to weigh around 13 pounds on average, but can vary as well.
If you are just starting out lifting with barbells, you'll want to consider a standard bar. This is because of the lighter weight. Otherwise, if you use an Olympic bar, you're adding between 35 to 45 pounds on top of the weight of the plates. If you need to lift heavier weights it can be better to use the Olympic bar since there's less risk of flexing, which can cause the plates to fall off.
You'll also want to ensure you choose the right bar that fits the weight plates. Some companies make adapters so a standard bar can hold Olympic plates. Unfortunately, an Olympic bar can't accommodate standard plates due to the small diameter of the standard plate holes.
Posey Yoga Mat Maxwell Payne has been a freelance writer since 2007. His work has appeared in various print and online publications. He holds a Bachelor of Science in integrated science, business and technology.