If you’re going to compete in a strength sport, or plan to compete in one then it’s a good idea to practice how you’ll compete. In weightlifting and powerlifting, they use women’s 25mm, 15kg (35 pounds) bars as the standard. It would feel mighty odd to go from training with a larger and less whippy bar to a smaller bar with more whip. Aside from those competing in strength sports, it’s not necessary, and if you already have access to a men’s bar and don’t want to spend the money, then stick with that. Just be mindful that if you ever think about competing, it’d be best to pick up a women’s bar like the ones on this list.