Lock-Jaw barbell collars are some of the most widely used clamp-style collars in home and commercial gyms, and for good reason: Lock-Jaw essentially popularized the modern quick-release barbell collar as we know it today.
But over the years, their lineup has expanded far beyond a single “default” option. There are budget models, premium models, magnetic versions, aluminum designs, composite designs, and even collars built specifically for chains, bands, axle bars, or standard one-inch handles.
On the surface, many of them look similar, but in actual use, they behave very differently.
To cut through that confusion, I tested every Lock-Jaw collar side by side using consistent methods, including
- Vertical hold testing
- Repeated drop testing
- Usability (ease of opening/closing)
Some collars stood out for their holding power, others for convenience, and a few made it very clear exactly who they’re designed for, and who should probably look elsewhere.
This review breaks down each Lock-Jaw model in detail, focusing on performance, usability, design decisions, and practical use cases, so you can confidently choose the collar that fits your training style and equipment.
Table of Contents
Lock-Jaw Barbell Collars Review Video
Watch my Lock-Jaw barbell collar comparison video on YouTube:
My Test Methods
Before getting into individual models, here’s the context for the results I reference throughout.
Vertical Hold Test (100 lb, sleeve-down gravity test + Bodyweight)
For this test, I loaded 100 lbs on one sleeve (55 + 45), stood the barbell up vertically for a full minute, and watched for movement.
If the collar held steady, I added bodyweight by standing and stomping on the plates to see what it would take to make it slip.
This test is not “real life,” but it’s useful because it isolates two things:
- Pure clamping friction
- How the collar behaves when gravity (and bodyweight) is constantly trying to pull plates off the sleeve
If a collar creeps here, that doesn’t automatically mean it’s useless, but it does tell you something about clamp strength and friction under constant load.
Drop Test (245 lb total, impact + vibration test)
For this test, I loaded 55 + 45 per side (200 lb in plates), plus a ~45 lb barbell, so about 245 lb total. Then I dropped it at least six times from the top of a deadlift. I also did a few intentionally uneven drops to increase impact forces for collars that held up particularly well during normal drops.
This test is way closer to what actually matters for most people:
- deadlifts
- Olympic lifts
- heavy reps where you don’t carefully lower the bar down
- sloppy sets where things shake
If a collar holds here, it’s probably doing its job in real training.
Key insight before we start: The “best collar” isn’t always the one with the strongest clamp. A collar can be insanely strong and still be annoying enough that you stop using it. Or you can have a collar with slightly less clamp that’s so convenient you actually use it every set.
Ease of Use (Opening/Closing)
Clamp strength is only part of the equation. A collar can hold exceptionally well and still be frustrating enough that you stop using it in day-to-day training. That’s why I paid close attention to how easy each collar was to put on and take off in realistic situations.
For this portion of testing, I focused on one-hand versus two-hand operation, how much force was required to close the lever, and whether the sleeve wanted to spin while installing or removing the collar. I also paid attention to how these factors changed depending on how much weight was already on the bar, since heavier loading naturally stabilizes the sleeve and can make collars easier to handle.
Some collars are clearly optimized for maximum security, even if that means slower plate changes or mandatory two-hand use. Others prioritize speed and convenience, sometimes at the expense of absolute clamp force. Neither approach is inherently right or wrong; it just depends on how you train and how often you’re adjusting weight.
This section is less about declaring winners and losers, and more about identifying which collars feel effortless to live with, versus which ones demand a little more intention every time you use them.
Lock-Jaw HEX Review
The Lock-Jaw HEX is the simplest and most budget-friendly Lock-Jaw collar. It’s not sold on Lock-Jaw’s website (they told me it’s being phased out), but it’s still available on Amazon.
How it performed in testing
Vertical hold: The HEX creeps. It doesn’t instantly fly off or “fail,” but it does slowly slide down the sleeve the longer you hold it. The key detail is that it didn’t settle into a stable point; it kept moving progressively.
Drop test: Surprisingly solid for the price. After six drops, it migrated around 2 mm total.
That result is important because it tells you what the HEX really is: not a maximum-hold collar, but also not junk; far from it, actually. It performs quite well for normal training, considering its price.
Usability
The HEX is extremely easy to put on and take off with one hand. It doesn’t feel stiff or overly tight. It’s fast, which matters more than people think if you’re doing plate changes often (deadlift warmups, supersets, quick weight jumps, etc.).
The biggest convenience drawback is the lack of magnets; not because magnets change performance, but because magnets change whether your collars end up:
- tossed on the floor
- buried under a bench
- lost behind a plate tree
Design
The HEX is structurally unique among Lock-Jaw’s composite collars:
- Most composite models have a lever hinge plus a mid-body hinge.
- The HEX basically has the lever hinge, and the rest of the body is more of a single piece.
It’s also lighter than the higher-end collars. That’s not inherently good or bad, but it matches how it feels: more minimal and less “premium.”
A nice detail is that it has a rubberized raised logo like all other composite Lock-Jaw collars, which is a nice touch and one I didn’t expect at the budget level.
Who should buy it
Buy the HEX if you want:
- the cheapest Lock-Jaw option
- a collar that’s fast and easy to use
- “good enough” holding for most training
- a simple backup collar
Skip it if you:
- want magnets
- want premium feel/build
- want the best possible clamp strength
Lock-Jaw Sport Review
The Lock-Jaw Sport is one of the more interesting collars because it punches above its price in holding power, but it’s also one of my least favorites to live with because it’s inconvenient.
How it performed in testing
Vertical hold: Extremely strong. Virtually no movement under static load for about a minute. When I started standing and stomping, I was able to force about 2 mm of shift, but only after really trying.
Drop test: Also very strong. After six drops, only about 0.5 mm of movement.
For a collar around $25, that performance is impressive.
Usability
Here’s the problem: the Sport is stiff. It’s one of the hardest Lock-Jaw collars to put on and take off, second only to the Machine. One-handed use is basically out of the question. You almost always need:
- one hand to stabilize the sleeve (so it doesn’t spin)
- one hand to operate the lever (because it takes effort to close)
It’s not unusable. It’s just annoying enough that if you’re someone who does lots of plate changes, you’ll notice the friction constantly.
Design
It’s a typical composite hinge design with Lock-Jaw’s rubberized raised logo. No magnets.
The design “differentiator” isn’t a fancy feature; it’s simply stiffness, which correlates with why it holds so well for the money.
Who should buy it
Buy the Sport if:
- you want maximum hold per dollar
- you don’t mind two-hand operation
- you value security more than speed
Skip it if:
- you prioritize fast plate changes
- you want one-hand convenience
Lock-Jaw Olympic Review
The Lock-Jaw Olympic sits in a great middle ground. It’s strong, well-built, and not a pain to use. If you asked me which collar feels like the most sensible “default” for most home gyms, this would be near the top of the list.
How it performed in testing
Vertical hold: Showed a little movement; about 1 mm during the static hold, and about 2–3 mm total after standing on it.
Drop test: Basically didn’t move. If it migrated at all, it was so small I couldn’t visually tell after six drops.
This was one of the more interesting findings because it shows why a single test can mislead you: it looked slightly worse in the vertical test but better in the drop test, which is the more real-world scenario for most people.
Usability
One-hand operation is very doable. It’s not quite as effortless as the HEX, but it’s close. It’s the kind of collar where you stop thinking about the collar and just train.
Design notes
Rubberized raised logo, typical composite two-hinge design, no magnets.
And that’s the one drawback: at around $40, it feels like magnets should be included. They’re not necessary, but they’re a genuine quality-of-life feature.
Who should buy it
- you want a balanced collar that holds very well and is easy to use
- you want a “set it and forget it” collar for everyday lifting
Skip it if:
- you want magnets
- you want the thinnest profile possible
- you want the absolute strongest clamp in the lineup
Lock-Jaw Pro & Pro Magnet Review
I only have the Lock-Jaw Pro Magnet, but other than magnets and pricing, it’s the same collar as the regular Pro.
How it performed in testing
Drop test: Very strong. Only a tiny amount of migration — roughly 0.25–0.5 mm at most — and even with intentionally uneven drops, it didn’t really increase.
Vertical hold: This is where things got weird. Under static load, it moved about 1.5 mm, mostly right away, then seemed to settle. But once I started stomping, it migrated significantly a few inches.
Now, nobody trains like that, so I don’t treat it as a dealbreaker. But at $55, it’s surprising and worth mentioning.
Usability
Usability is good and comparable to the Olympic. One-hand on/off is very doable.
The main difference you feel is the spring-loaded secondary locking tab, which adds security against the lever popping open. It’s a small feature, but it matters for:
- heavy training
- higher-impact drops
- people who want maximum “never pops open” confidence
The tradeoff is that removal takes slightly more effort because you’re disengaging that tab.
Design
The Pro Magnet is just like the Olympic, with the addition of the locking tab that I mentioned, and most importantly, the inclusion of magnets. If you care about magnets, the Pro Magnet is the best implementation in the Lock-Jaw lineup because:
- the magnets are strong
- the magnets are on the sides
- it stores flat against the rack (doesn’t jut out)
Compare this magnet placement to that of the Flex or Metal (magnet) models where the magnets are on the body or lever. It’s more convenient and secure to have them on the side like the Pro Magnet does.
Who should buy it
- you want the best magnets
- you want a collar that’s extremely secure and hard to pop open
- you want strong real-world performance
Buy the regular Pro if:
- you want the same collar without magnets for ~$10 less
Skip the Pro models altogether if:
- you want the absolute strongest hold across all tests
- you want a thinner collar profile
Lock-Jaw Flex Review
The Lock-Jaw Flex is the most unique collar in the lineup from a construction standpoint, and it became my benchmark for holding strength.
How it performed in testing
This is the simplest performance summary I can give you:
It didn’t move. Period.
- Vertical test: no movement
- Stomping: still no movement
- Drop test: no movement, even with uneven drops
It was the only collar that showed zero movement across every test.
That level of performance comes at a price: the Flex is $63, making it one of the most expensive collars in the lineup.
Design
The Flex isn’t built like the composite collars.
It uses two mirrored metal side plates connected together, with an intentional cutout in the midpoint that allows controlled flex inward as you clamp it. That flex is the whole point: the collar clamps insanely hard because the body itself compresses around the sleeve.
It’s also the thinnest Olympic collar Lock-Jaw makes, which matters if:
- you use bumpers
- you load the sleeve close to full
- you want every extra fraction of sleeve length
The Flex has magnets, but the placement isn’t ideal. They’re only on one face, so you have to orient it, and it protrudes a bit when stored. Still better than no magnets, but it’s not as clean as the Pro Magnet.
I’ve heard people say the magnets are weak. That hasn’t been my experience. Mine actually hold very well.
Usability
Removal is easy: pull back on the lever quickly with just a bit of force and it pops right off.
The ease of closing it, however, depends on load:
- With lighter loading (like a single 45), one-hand install is technically possible; but practically, not so much, unless you have great hand strength
- As the bar gets heavier, one-hand install gets significantly easier because the sleeve doesn’t spin as much.
So the Flex trades a bit of convenience at lighter loads for insane holding strength.
Who should buy it
Buy the Lock-Jaw Flex if you want:
- maximum clamp strength
- the thinnest profile
- magnets (even if placement isn’t perfect)
- the most engineered design
Skip it if you want:
- effortless one-hand install at lighter loads
- pure convenience over ultimate hold
Lock-Jaw Metal Review
The Lock-Jaw Metal surprised me. It’s an elite performer, and it sits right behind Flex in the “how much does this move?” conversation.
The Metal takes a noticeably different approach from most of the lineup. Instead of a composite shell with multiple hinges, it uses a simpler, single-piece, fully aluminum body that prioritizes strength without unnecessary bulk.
How it performed in testing
Drop test: Excellent. No noticeable movement after multiple drops, even when intentionally dropping unevenly.
Vertical hold: Nearly flawless under static load with no visible movement. After adding bodyweight by stomping, total migration was minimal — about 1.5 mm.
In real training, this translates to an extremely secure collar that handles heavy drops with ease, with only minor movement under exaggerated vertical stress.
Usability
With weight on the bar, one-hand operation is very doable. It does require some thumb strength to push the lever down, so it’s not effortless, but you don’t need a second hand to stabilize the sleeve.
If I had to compare feel, daily usability lands closer to the Olympic than the Flex. It’s secure without feeling overly stubborn to adjust, which makes it realistic to use as an everyday collar rather than a “special occasion” option.
Design
The standout design feature here is the single-piece aluminum construction. It gives the collar a sturdy, confidence-inspiring feel while remaining relatively lightweight in hand.
Branding is painted or etched, rather than rubberized like on the composite models, which makes sense given the metal body. It keeps the aesthetic clean and industrial.
My version of the Metal does not include magnets, but Lock-Jaw has indicated that the non-magnetic version is being phased out in favor of a magnetic variant. I actually tried to buy the magnetic version to use in this comparison guide, but it was unfortanately out of stock at that time.
On the magnetic version, the magnet is placed on the lever, which means the collar will protrude slightly when stored on a rack; similar to the Flex. That placement isn’t ideal, but it’s largely dictated by the collar’s design.
Who should buy it
The Lock-Jaw Metal makes a lot of sense if you want:
- Elite holding strength
- A lightweight aluminum collar
- Strong real-world performance without excessive stiffness
- A premium feel without the thickness of the Flex
At $48, it’s priced reasonably given how well it performs.
That said, if your priority is absolute maximum clamp strength or the thinnest possible collar, the Flex is still the better choice. But if you want something extremely secure, lighter in feel, and easier to live with day to day, the Metal is one of the strongest all-around options in the Lock-Jaw lineup.
Lock-Jaw Machine Review
The Lock-Jaw Machine is the only Lock-Jaw collar with a built-in carabiner for attaching chains or bands.
So if you want that feature, this is your collar. If you don’t, you probably shouldn’t buy it, and I’ll get into why that is shortly.
How it performed in testing
Very strong.
- Vertical test: static hold virtually no movement; after stomping, ~1.5 mm
- Drop test: ~0.5 mm, and uneven drops didn’t really worsen it
Usability
This is the hardest collar to put on and take off. It requires two hands and real force. It breaks in slightly, but only to a point. It still takes effort, and yes, it can be annoying. Very annoying, actually.
But that annoyance can be worth it if you’re using it for its intended purpose: attaching chains and bands.
Otherwise, I do NOT recommend it. While you can remove the clip and use it like a regular collar, the effort required to open and close it simply isn’t worth it for regular use, especially as a primary collar.
Design
Construction-wise, it’s one of Lock-Jaw’s metal-bodied collars, with a thick, single-piece aluminum body that feels extremely robust. Branding is painted rather than the rubberized raised logo found on the composite collars, and there’s a nice touch with “Lock Jaw” debossed into the lever.
My version does not have magnets, but there is also a magnetic version available. The magnets on that model are placed on the side, which is the best placement for rack storage because it sits flat and doesn’t jut out awkwardly.
The non-magnet version is $50 while the magnetic version is $70.
Who should buy it
- you want the most convenient way to attach chains/bands
- you train that way often enough to justify the inconvenience
Otherwise, skip it.
Lock-Jaw Pro Axle Review
The Lock-Jaw Pro Axle is a specialty collar designed specifically for 1.9-inch axle sleeves, which are commonly found on axle bars, certain trap bars, and other specialty barbells. Conceptually, it’s the standard Pro collar scaled down to fit these smaller-diameter sleeves.
What I could test
I don’t currently own any bars with true axle sleeves, so I tested the Pro Axle as thoroughly as possible on weight tree horns that match the same 1.9-inch diameter. While that limits the types of tests I could perform, it still allowed me to evaluate fit, security, and overall usability.
The primary test I ran was a manual pull-and-twist test. No matter how hard I pulled or twisted, the collar simply would not budge. It felt extremely secure on the sleeve.
Given that the Pro Axle shares the same design DNA as the standard Pro and Pro Magnet collars, it’s reasonable to expect similar behavior under drop tests and vertical loading when used on actual axle sleeves, even though I wasn’t able to perform those tests directly.
Usability
Usability is one of the Pro Axle’s strengths.
One-handed operation is very doable, both when putting the collar on and taking it off. Removal does take slightly more effort due to the spring-loaded secondary locking tab, but overall the mechanism feels smooth and controlled rather than stiff or annoying.
That locking tab is the same one used on the Pro and Pro Magnet models, and it adds a meaningful layer of security. Once closed, the lever is extremely resistant to popping open, even under high-impact or high-vibration scenarios.
Design
From a design standpoint, the Pro Axle mirrors the rest of the Pro family. The most notable omission is magnets, which the Pro Axle does not include.
Aside from that, construction, the raised rubberized logo, locking mechanism, and overall feel are very similar to the standard Pro collars.
The Pro Axle comes in at $45, which is the same price as the regular Pro model.
Who should buy it
If you have a bar with axle sleeves, this is your ONLY Lock-Jaw option, but it’s a good one.
Lock-Jaw One Review
The Lock-Jaw One is designed for standard 1” bars and dumbbell handles, so it’s not competing directly with Olympic-style or axle collars.
How it performed in testing
In drop testing on a standard dumbbell handle, the Lock-Jaw One did not perform well:
- After a single drop, both collars shifted a few millimeters
- After the second drop, one collar popped open entirely
So, do not buy these for dropping standard dumbbells or barbells.
In a manual pull-and-twist test, I was also able to slowly work the collar down the sleeve by twisting it. This was the only Lock-Jaw model where I could induce movement this way.
Real-world use vs spinlocks
Where things get more nuanced is during normal exercise use.
Spinlock collars, when fully tightened, can do a great job of preventing plate rotation, at least most of the time. The issue is that during faster or more dynamic movements, they can sometimes back off and loosen mid-set. When that happens, plate movement becomes very noticeable and distracting.
The Lock-Jaw One behaves differently. It always allows some plate rotation, but that rotation is consistent and does not progressively worsen during a set. It doesn’t back itself off over time the way spinlocks can.
On threaded handles, you could argue that spinlocks are better when they stay fully tight. But if your spinlocks tend to loosen during use, the Lock-Jaw One can actually feel more predictable.
On smooth, non-threaded one-inch bars, where spring clips are the usual alternative, the Lock-Jaw One is clearly the better solution.
Usability
Usability is one of the Lock-Jaw One’s biggest strengths. It’s extremely easy to put on and remove, with effortless one-handed operation. In fact, it’s probably the easiest collar to use in the entire lineup.
Who should buy it
The Lock-Jaw One is $20. I think it’s overpriced considering the Lock-Jaw HEX is less expensive, despite being a much more impressive and physically larger product.
That said, it can be worth it for some people. I’d say it’s worth it to buy the Lock-Jaw One if:
- you have standard 1” equipment, especially smooth sleeves
- you dislike spring clips
- your spinlocks loosen during sets
Skip it if:
- don’t have standard equipment
- you drop your standard dumbbells/bars
- your spinlocks are fine
How to Choose the Right Lock-Jaw Collar
Here’s the reality: most people don’t need “perfect.” They need the collar that best matches:
- how much you value efficient collar changes
- whether, how much, or how hard/heavy they drop bars
- whether magnets matter
- whether you use chains/bands
- whether you use standard or axle sleeves
The simplest “best for” summary
- Best overall hold: Flex
- Strongest yet light-feeling: Metal
- Best hold for the price: Sport
- Best premium easy-to-use everyday collar: Olympic
- Best budget choice: HEX
- Best magnetic collar + best rack storage: Pro Magnet
- Best for chains/bands: Machine
- Axle sleeves: Pro Axle
- Standard 1” equipment: One
Final Thoughts & My Favorite Models
A lot of Lock-Jaw collars can “work.” The important thing is understanding the tradeoffs that don’t show up in product photos:
- some collars are strong but annoying (Sport, Machine)
- some are balanced and easy to live with (Olympic)
- some are premium for a reason (Flex)
- and some are cheap but not trash (HEX)
My Personal Top 3 Favorite Models
If you want my personal opinion, these are my three favorite models, and I also think they’ll be a great fit for most people and training styles:
But the “best” Lock-Jaw collar for you depends on your priorities, and hopefully this guide made that choice obvious.
If you want to pick up any of these collars, consider using my coupon code KING for 20% OFF any Lock-Jaw collars.
