Trap bars are one of the most versatile specialty bars. You can do rows, deadlifts, and shrugs. They’re worth having in your home gym.
The trap bar is also known as a hex bar. It’s a hexagon-shaped barbell with weight sleeves on the sides and handles on top.
You stand in the middle of the frame, grip the handles, and do an exercise.
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The weight pulls you straight down instead of forward like a straight barbell.
Trap bars are better for your back, feel more natural, and offer a shorter range of motion.
Also, the bar doesn’t scrape against your shins, making it more comfortable.
The Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research states that the position activates more muscles, allowing you to lift heavier.
It’s an excellent way to build muscle and strength while preventing injuries.
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The following are the best trap bars at various price points.
You’ll find open and enclosed options, along with different weight capacities.
Table of Contents
Rogue TB-2 Trap Bar
Specifications:
- Weight: 60 pounds
- Length: 88.5 inches
- Width: 28.5 inches
- Height: 9 inches
- Loadable sleeve length: 16 inches
- Weight capacity: 1,000 pounds
Benefits:
- Dual handles provide two height options.
- The medium-depth knurl provides an excellent and comfortable grip.
- One of the longest sleeves among trap bars.
- Rackable.
Drawbacks:
- Powder-coated sleeves will cause flaking.
- More expensive than the TB-1.
While the TB-2 is more expensive than the TB-1, Rogue did an excellent job with the redesign.
The TB-2 features dual handles and SCH 80 pipe Olympic sleeves.
Also, Rogue gave the TB-2 a 25% reduction in weight. It’s a lighter bar than the TB-1 but can still hold over 1,000 pounds.
For most people, the TB-2 is the best trap bar to buy. It’s solid, versatile, and well-priced.
The only drawback is the powder-coated sleeves. If you’re loading metal plates, it’ll chip over time.
When using the Rogue TB-2, you’ll notice how the medium-depth knurl feels incredible.
It has a premium and comfortable feel, better than most other trap bars.
Kabuki Strength Trap Bar
Specifications:
- Weight: 66 pounds
- Length: 77 inches
- Width: 23.5 inches
- Height: 9 inches
- Loadable sleeve length: 17 inches
- Weight capacity: 1,500 pounds
Benefits:
- Zinc finish on the sleeves and handles.
- Ultra-high weight capacity at 1,500 pounds.
- Built-in bar jack.
- Swappable grips.
Drawbacks:
- Pricey
- It’s not convenient to swap the handles.
Kabuki’s Strength Trap Bar is the best premium option. While it comes at a higher price tag, it’s a superior trap bar.
It has one of the longest sleeve lengths at 17 inches.
Also, you can load it up with confidence, as the bar can hold up to 1,500 pounds.
It’s a bar you can buy once and know it’ll be with you for a lifetime.
The Kabuki Strength Trap Bar has an open-end design, a built-in bar jack, swappable handles, and excellent build quality.
If you have the budget to invest in your home gym, the Kabuki trap bar is a must-have piece of equipment.
Eleiko Öppen Deadlift Bar
Specifications:
- Weight: 55.12 pounds
- Length: 84.65 inches
- Width: 23.19 inches
- Height: 8.9 inches
- Loadable sleeve length: 16.34 inches
Benefits:
- Comfortable moderate knurling.
- Versatile open design.
- Thick and tubular frame.
- Built-in bar jack.
- Works as a cambered squat bar.
- Rackable.
Drawbacks:
- Pricey
- Only one handle height.
- 500-pound weight capacity may not be enough.
The Eleiko Öppen Deadlift Bar is a Swedish-made masterpiece.
It’s one of the most expensive trap bars available, but it has a solid build quality that could last a lifetime.
Eleiko uses a thick tubular design for the bar. So, you can do all the trap bar exercises and use it as a cambered squat bar.
The only drawback is that it can get a bit slippery.
A little knurling in the middle would’ve been ideal. Otherwise, it’s an excellent and premium choice.
The rackable bar also features hard chrome sleeves and a built-in bar jack.
If you have the budget to buy the Eleiko trap bar, it’s an excellent and innovative option.
Bells of Steel Olympic Open Trap Bar
Specifications:
- Weight: 47 pounds
- Length: 59.06 inches
- Width: 22.24 inches
- Height: 4.89 inches
- Loadable sleeve length: 9.7 inches
- Weight capacity: 700 pounds
Benefits:
- Dual handles offer height options.
- Built-in bar jack for ease when loading or unloading weights.
- Medium knurling on the handles.
- Shipping is included in the price.
- Durable zinc finish.
Drawbacks:
- Shorter sleeve length.
- Not rackable.
- Frame slightly bends at higher weights.
The Olympic Open Trap Bar by Bells of Steel is a budget-friendly option that provides good value.
It has a dual handle design, medium-depth knurled handles, and rotating Olympic sleeves.
The trap bar also features a durable zinc finish.
While it’s a good bar, it has drawbacks. The sleeves are on the shorter end. You might quickly max it out.
Also, the frame flexes at higher weights. The Bells of Steel trap bar is ideal if you can’t or don’t plan to lift more than 700 pounds.
Titan Fitness Olympic Hex Weight Bar
Specifications:
- Weight: 44 pounds
- Length: 56 inches
- Width: 22.75 inches
- Height: 6 inches
- Loadable sleeve length: 9.75 inches
- Weight capacity: 500 pounds
Benefits:
- Costs less than most trap bars.
- Dual handles.
- Moderate knurling on the handles.
- Roomy cage.
- All-steel construction.
Drawbacks:
- No warranty
- Chrome sleeves will chip over time.
The Titan Fitness Olympic Hex Weight Bar is excellent for the price.
Its all-steel construction makes it durable. But, the chrome finish on the sleeves will chip over time.
Aside from the sleeve material, the Titan Fitness trap bar offers the best value.
It offers a dual grip design, knurled handles, and a roomy cage.
The main drawback is that Titan Fitness doesn’t provide a warranty.
If your bar gets damaged, you’ll need to replace it out of your pocket.
CAP Barbell Olympic Trap Bar
Specifications:
- Weight: 28.2 pounds
- Length: 50.40 inches
- Width: 29 inches
- Height: 14 inches
- Loadable sleeve length: 9.5 inches
- Weight capacity: 500 pounds
Benefits:
- Excellent for beginners.
- Durable construction.
- Less than $100.
Drawbacks:
- 500-pound weight capacity may not be enough.
- You’ll need to tighten the bolts every few months.
- Weights may be too close to your hands.
The CAP Barbell Olympic Trap Bar is the cheapest option you’ll find for what you get.
No, it can’t compete against the trap bars that cost more than $500. But, it’s a good bar that’s less than $100.
It has a 500-pound weight capacity, which is ideal for beginners.
Also, you’ll find the weights get too close to your hands. The best way around this is to use spacers or rings.
If you check the bolts often, you’ll find that CAP trap bars are an excellent sub-$100 choice.
Gymax Olympic Hex Bar
Specifications:
- Weight: 40 pounds
- Length: 56 inches
- Width: 23 inches
- Height: 5 inches
- Loadable sleeve length: 10 inches
- Weight capacity: 800 pounds
Benefits:
- Dual handle design.
- High weight capacity for the price.
- Relatively inexpensive.
- Durable build.
- Folding handles are convenient.
Drawbacks:
- 10-inch sleeves are short.
- Light knurling.
- Handles fold, making them less sturdy.
The Gymax Olympic Hex Bar is excellent for the price.
It features folding handles, which you can lock in a vertical or horizontal position.
It’s a great feature, but it also makes it feel a bit less stable.
Aside from the folding handles, the Gymax trap bar can hold up to 800 pounds. The weight capacity is high for the price.
It’s a no-frills trap bar that’s durable and well-built.
HulkFit Olympic 2″ Hex Trap Bar
Specifications:
- Weight: 45 pounds
- Length: 56.1 inches
- Width: 21.65 inches
- Loadable sleeve length: 11.42 inches
- Weight capacity: 1,000 pounds
Benefits:
- Dual grip design.
- The 1,000-pound weight capacity is enough for all experience levels.
- Choice of open or closed design.
- Durable steel build.
Drawbacks:
- Short sleeves.
- Decent knurling quality.
- The open version doesn’t feel balanced.
HulkFit’s trap bar is impressive, as it’s under $200 and can hold up to 1,000 pounds.
You can choose between an open or closed style and a black or chrome finish.
The HulkFit trap bars are heavy-duty steel, making them long-lasting.
But, the welding and knurling quality may not be the best.
While it doesn’t compromise the structure, consistent aesthetics and quality are important.
HulkFit offers used products. But, it’s worth getting the new ones, as you may need to return or exchange your trap bar.
Valor Fitness OB-HEX, Multi-Grip Hex Trap Bar
Specifications:
- Weight: 60 pounds
- Length: 65 inches
- Width: 25 inches
- Height: 8.5 inches
- Loadable sleeve length: 10.25 inches
- Weight capacity: 500 pounds
Benefits:
- The rotating handles allow you to find the perfect grip.
- Built-in rubber stoppers protect your floors.
- Looks really cool.
Drawbacks:
- 500-pound weight capacity may not be enough.
- Only one height.
Valor Fitness offers a unique-looking trap bar with excellent features and quality.
The bar has rotating handles, allowing you to find the most comfortable grip.
It also has rubber stoppers under the frame, which protect your floors.
The choice of handles and durable finish make it a bar worth considering.
There are a few drawbacks. Rotating handles are excellent.
But, it would be better if Valor Fitness gave you two height options.
Another drawback is the weight capacity for the price.
CAP Barbell offers a cheaper bar with a higher weight capacity.
Aside from the two drawbacks, the Valor Fitness trap bar has a lot to love.
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What to consider before you buy a trap bar
While the trap bar offers many benefits, there are variations in the details.
Before you buy the specialty bar, consider the following characteristics.
It’ll ensure you find one that meets your needs.
Handles
The handles of a trap bar are a key aspect. Consider the number of handles and height.
The two choices are single or dual handles.
Trap bars with dual handlebars feature a low and high handle.
It offers more flexibility and allows you to target different muscles.
Also, the handle height affects your range of motion.
When it comes to the handles, look for versatility.
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Open or closed design
Most trap bars have a closed hexagon shape. But, others are open, eliminating one of the long sides.
If the only exercises you’re doing are deadlifts and shrugs, a closed trap bar is a classic and ideal choice.
An open trap bar allows you to do more exercises, such as lunges and tricep extensions.
If you want the versatility of exercises, get the open trap bar.
Size of the cage
The inner part of the trap bar needs to be big enough for you.
When you use the bar, the edges shouldn’t obstruct your range of motion.
For most people, the width needs to be at least 22 inches.
So, pay attention to the inner dimensions to ensure you fit comfortably.
Knurling
Knurling is the process of creating small ridges along a metal surface.
The knurling of trap bars is essential when it comes to grip.
While it’s a personal preference, more aggressive knurling is best for heavy deadlifts.
If you want something more comfortable, a medium texture is ideal.
The cheapest trap bars may not have knurling.
But, that’ll affect your grip and performance. So, some knurling is a must.
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Finish
A trap bar’s finish determines its durability. Powder coating is the industry standard.
While it’s good, zinc coating or e-coat are the best options. They’ll offer superior construction at a higher price tag.
Sleeve length
The length of the sleeve determines how many weight plates you can put on.
If you’re using bumper plates, you won’t be able to fit as many as standard weights.
Think about the type and number of weight plates you’ll use before choosing a trap bar.
Weight capacity
Before you buy a trap bar, you must know the weight capacity.
Most can hold 500 pounds or more.
So, consider how much you can lift now and your goals.
If you’re a heavy lifter, stick to quality bars with high weight capacities.
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Rackable
If you have a power rack or squat rack, get a trap bar that’s rackable.
It’ll allow you to do rack pulls and rows while having the support of a rack.
Rackable trap bars are larger and have thicker handles.
If it’s not a feature you need, stick to a regular trap bar.
Warranty
Most trap bars will last a long time without any issues. But, things happen.
Before you buy one, make sure you understand the warranty terms.
A lifetime warranty is ideal.
Read the fine print of the warranty so you can use the trap bar with peace of mind.
It’s great to know that if anything happens, it’s covered.
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Frequently asked questions about trap bars
What are the benefits of a trap bar?
The trap bar offers a suite of benefits. With trap bar deadlifts, you’ll incorporate more of your quadriceps. It’s excellent for your core and lower body. Also, the trap bar is easier on your spine and promotes good form. Aside from deadlifts, the trap bar is a versatile tool. You can do many other exercises, too. Studies show that the hex or trap bar is more effective than a straight barbell for deadlifts.
Can a trap bar deadlift replace squats?
Trap bar deadlifts increase stress on your quadriceps. So, you can use them as a squat replacement. They also put less stress on your lower back compared to squats.
How did the trap bar get its name?
The origins of the trap bar date back to Al Gerard, who was a powerlifter in the 1980s. Gerard invented the hex bar to do shrugs, which target the trapezius. To make the name shorter, he called it the trap bar.
How much does a trap bar weigh?
A hex or trap bar weighs between 28 and 77 pounds. Most of them are around 45 pounds. The weight depends on the material, style, and manufacturer. So, check with your trap bar’s manufacturer to determine its weight.
Conclusion
Trap bars are versatile and essential for strength-building. They help you get stronger and reduce the risk of injuries.
While they look more intimidating than straight barbells, you’ll find them more comfortable.
Deadlifts are the most popular exercise to do with trap bars. But, you can also do shrugs, lunges, rows, and overhead presses.
Add a trap bar to your home gym today.
Featured image courtesy of Canva.