Dumbells vs. Barbell

[atatu]

Just to follow up on the BP/MP debate below, my question is, is there anything you can do with a Barbell that you can't do with dumbells ? I have a set of dumbells from 10-50 pounds and I'm thinking of getting a barbell because it's easier to do deadlifts and squats with a barbell, but is there any other reason to get a barbell ?

[jasonbourne]

With a barbell you can rack on more weight for squats, provided you place the barbell on your shoulders.

[CrazyScheiner]

Deadlifts as well. It would be sortof hard to do deadlifts with dumbbellsand you can put more weight on.

[scotus]

Yes, there is one important reason: Barbells are much cheaper if you start lifting heavy weights.

For example, once your strength increases, you will want dumbbells that are much heavier than 50 lbs. And dumbbells over 80 lbs can cost you quite a bit, and if you want a pair for every 5-lb increment, then you need a big space (You might start thinking adjustable dumbbells like the ones from Hoist or Ironmaster. They can get you up to 120 lbs).

But my gym has all the dumbbells I need, and I like the fact that I don't have to depend on spotters.