If you are a lifter or regular gym goer, then maybe you’ve dreamed of buying and owning the best trap bar. A trap bar, or also known as a hex bar, is a dedicated barbell that significantly adjusts the movement due to unique shape that changes your mechanical leverage.
A trap bar is typically used deadlifts and more unique deadlift variations. Besides deadlifts, it can also be used as a squat bar, shrug bar, or other exercise variations. Like barbells, some trap bars can be pretty expensive, especially for a bit of a specialty item. However, many brands also produce budget-friendly and good-quality trap bars which I’d like to focus on below.
If you’re interested to know more about the best trap bars, keep reading. We’ve done our research and curated a list of some of the best hex bars, so you don’t have to. Here’s a quick overview of the best trap bars –
At a Glance
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If you’re curious to learn more, keep reading…
Top 5 Best Trap Bars
1. CAP Barbell Olympic Trap Bar
Product Description
If you are a beginner or an intermediate lifter, we recommend buying a budget-friendly trap bar first. CAP’s Olympic Trap bar is an affordable choice for you to maintain and improve your lifting skills.
This Olympic hex bar by Barbell is a dependable piece of equipment, which includes highly durable industrial powder coating. This feature gets the job done when it comes to shrugs, deadlifts, or full-body workouts.
This compact trap bar measures only 50-inches in length. It is paired with the incorporated feet, which protects your floor. This cheap trap bar makes it suitable for your home gym as well. If you plan to lift heavy but don’t have a lot of space, this CAP Barbell Olympic Trap Bar might be your best bet.
This Olympic trap bar is rigid and has been criticized for its lack of knurling in the handle, which is one downside. However, if you’re sticking on a budget, you can consider this TB-2 trap bar in the meantime.
Pros
- Suitable for beginners
- Affordable
- Durable
- Includes highly durable industrial powder coating
- Allows you to perform shrugs, deadlifts, or full-body workouts
- Compact; Measures only up to 50 inches in length
- Paired with the incorporated feet
- Has a weight capacity of 500 lbs.
Cons
- Rigid
- Has not enough room for gripping
2. Synergee Olympic Hex Trap Bar
Product Description
If you’re an advanced lifter who’s looking for a more versatile trap, the Synergee Olympic is a great option. It has a weight capacity of 750 pounds, which is suitable for most athletes.
It also includes two handles with an aggressive standard and depth of knurling. If you own a home gym while living with your family or roommates, these handles are a huge perk.
On a serious note, we strongly recommend this hex bar for female lifters despite its superior weight capacity. We’d also suggest this to seniors thanks to its lightweight standard, and comfortable frame.
This trap bar is available in two different knurlings, specifically in a 45-pound version and a 55-pound version. The prior only includes one set of handles, making it suitable for seniors and those looking to maintain functionality and muscular strength.
Pros
- Suitable for advanced athletes and senior lifters
- It has a weight capacity of 750 pounds
- Available in two different knurlings
- Includes two durable handles
Cons
- It has a subpar finish
- Frail packaging
- Lacks cosmetically
3. HulkFit Olympic 2-Inch Hex Weight Lifting Trap Bar
Product Description
For advanced lifters on a budget, this hex trap bar by HulkFit is an excellent pick. This dependable bar is made out of a heavy-duty steel frame.
It also features extra-long loadable sleeves, which provides a weight capacity of 1000 pounds enough for elite lifters to play. On the flip side, this trap bar isn’t rigid despite its high durability. It is rather built to endure your lifts for a lifetime.
Unlike an average hex bar, the HulkFit Olympic hex bar is a versatile piece of gym equipment. This hex bar allows you to perform various motions such as military shoulder presses, Bulgarian split squats, and many more.
Its handles, however, include very aggressive knurling. This is a matter that can be solved with sandpaper if needed. Another downside of this bar for deadlifts is that it has a cosmetically-damaged and sketchy packaging, which has been reported by previous customers.
To sum it up, this Olympic hex bar by HulkFit is perfect for advanced lifters who are on a budget.
Pros
- Affordable
- Features extra-long loadable sleeves
- Provides a weight capacity of 1000 pounds enough for elite lifters to play
- Versatile; allows you to perform various workouts
- Has a 1000-pound weight capacity
Cons
- Not suitable for beginners
- Not rigid
- It has a sketchy packaging
- Poor welding quality
- It has an overly aggressive knurling
4. Titan Fitness Hex Bar
Product Description
The Titan Fitness trap bar is a compact and cheap hex trap bar, which explains why it has historically and visibly low-quality features. It has a light construction at only 44 lbs and a low weight-rating of 500 lbs. Theoretically, this is okay but only for a short while. However, in the long run, it will produce a flimsy build and will not last.
On a lighter note, the hex bar is much easier than the usual deadlift. A normal individual can also do a conventional lift at 400 to 500 lbs if he’s only been training for a few years. This bar is also a low ceiling, which is suitable for talented and driven female trainees.
So, if you ever plan on lifting 400lbs in a trap bar deadlift, this hex bar by Titan might be worth a try.
Pros
- Compact
- Budget-friendly
- Suitable for beginners
- It has a low ceiling; suitable for female-driven and talented trainees
- Includes a light construction at only 44 lbs
Cons
- Has visibly low-quality features
- Has a low weight-rating of 500 lbs
5. X Mark Fitness Deadlift Trap Bar XM-3686
Product Description
For individuals looking for a trap bar with raised handles and that will help them build mass and strength, the X Mark Fitness Deadlift Bar is a good option.
The XM-3686 includes raised handles that can be easily picked up from the ground. As you perform various exercises like squats and deadlifts, this feature lessens the strain on your back and hands.
One key feature to admire about this bar is its versatility. This piece of equipment consists of a shoulder-width, parallel handles with a non-slip knurled grip.
This bar has a weight capacity of 400 lbs. It is also manufactured out of solid steel and a long-lasting polished chrome finish.
So, if you’re looking for a trap bar that allows you to do a range of muscle contraction and development, the X Mark Fitness Deadlift Trap Bar XM-3686 is what you might be looking for.
Pros
- Help you to build mass and strength
- Features easily raised handles
- Versatile
- Manufactured out of solid steel
- Includes a long-lasting polished chrome finish
- Allows you to do a range of muscle contraction and development
Cons
- Expensive
- Has heavy rusting
What to Look for in a Trap Bar?
If you’re wondering what characteristics you should look at a trap bar, here are a couple of essential features to consider:
1. Overall Design & Construction
When looking for a trap bar, you should consider one that is the whole package. This includes the overall design and construction.
Choose a bar that has a durable construction and a stylish design, which is not mandatory. This allows you to enjoy using your trap bar in the long run.
2. Steel
Just like a barbell, the trap bar’s steel is the most important specification. The steel and other supporting structure dictate a trap bar’s tensile strength.
3. Knurling
Another essential feature of an ideal trap bar is the knurling. The type of knurling is subjective or a personal preference. However, what makes a good knurl is its consistency and breakpoints.
With that being said, we suggest that you consider a trap bar that has a more aggressive knurl.
4. Open or Close End
An open-ended trap bar allows you to perform the same exercises as a close-ended one. However, the prior can offer you much more than the latter.
5. Bar Jack
The bar jack is a very useful feature for a trap bar. Nowadays, many hex trap bars are integrating a bar jack to make it easy to slide on and off weight plates. Therefore, it is considered one of the best selections.
6. Warranty
Many fitness brands are now offering trap bars with a lifetime warranty. However, hex bars that don’t break easily need any warranty. So, it’s best to take advantage of this feature.
7. Finish
The best type of finishing for a trap bar is a sleeve finish. Although many trap bars include a powder coat standard of coating, it’s not necessarily the best.
So, Which One Should You Buy?
A trap bar is one of the best pieces of equipment that you can invest in if you’re planning on starting your very own home gym. Luckily, many brands product high-quality trap bars.
Overall, we highly recommend the CAP Barbell Olympic Trap Bar. It is an affordable and compact choice for beginners and intermediates in lifting. If you need something stronger, take a look at the Synergee or X-Mark bars; they’re super durable, attractive, and strong.
Hopefully, this article helps you pick out the best trap bar for budget and needs!
