A trap bar, also known as a hex bar because of its shape, is a versatile weight-training tool worth investing in. You can perform a variety of different exercises while using a trap bar, such as shoulder shrugs, deadlifts, upright rows, and squats, to name a few. Using a trap bar is safer for your back, shoulders, and biceps. You can lift heavier with a trap bar, and it will improve your grip strength. If you're new to weight training, a trap bar is a great place to start as it's safer than a straight bar and more versatile. If you're trying to set up a weight training home gym, pair the best trap bar with the best deadlift platform for the ultimate in-home setup.
Whether you're looking for the best trap bar overall or the best budget trap bar, these are the best trap bars available and why you'll love them.
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The Best Trap Bar - Our Top Picks
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- Best Overall Trap Bar: Rogue Fitness TB-1 Trap Bar 2.0
- Best High-End Trap Bar: Force USA Walkthrough Trap Bar
- Best Trap Bar for Home Gym: REP Fitness Trap Bar
- Best Budget Trap Bar: CAP Barbell Olympic Trap Bar
- Best Open Trap Bar: Bells of Steel Open Trap Hex Bar
- Best Hex Trap Bar: Titan Fitness Rackable Hex Trap Bar
- Most Versatile Trap Bar: Rogue TB-2 Trap Bar
Best Overall Trap Bar - Rogue Fitness TB-1 Trap Bar 2.0
SPECS
- Weight: 60 lbs.
- Handle diameter: 1.34"
- Finish: Signature black powder coat
- Sleeve length: 16"
The Rogue TB-1 Trap Bar 2.0 is our pick for the best overall trap bar. This sturdy, durable trap bar is well balanced, taking the stress off the lumbar spine since the load is centered and not off-axis like a traditional deadlift. This model has the same general design and dimensions as the original, but with an updated, precision sleeve construction that reduces the starting weight of the bar by more than 25 percent.
It has a hexagonal design and knurled, neutral-grip handles for optimized performance. It's a great specialty bar for everyone—beginners and athletes alike, looking for a versatile piece of equipment. Some standard barbell collars may not work on this specialty bar and there is no handle grip line. However, this is a reputable company and an excellent investment for those looking for the best overall trap bar to add to their home gym.
What We Like
- Well balanced
- Sturdy and durable
- Knurled, neutral-grip handles
What We Don't Like
- No handle grip line
- Some collars might not work
BUY: Rogue Fitness TB-1 Trap Bar 2.0
Best High-End Trap Bar - Force USA Walkthrough Trap Bar
SPECS
- Weight: 65 lbs.
- Handle diameter: Not provided
- Finish: Textured grip
- Sleeve length: 12.8"
The Force USA Walkthrough Trap Bar features a counterbalanced, open design, enabling the user to walk through and perform a variety of exercises such as lunges and carries, without hindering any lifting. It has a built-in bar jack, so you don't have to struggle with trying to load and unload plates. All you must do is move the trap bar from the lifting position to the standing position, making it very easy to load and unload your equipment.
It's outfitted with low and high rotating lifting handles that are machined with medium knurling and positioned for ease, balance, and stability during all exercises. It's pricey but built to last, as the manufacturer claims it will be the last trap bar you'll ever need.
What We Like
- Walkthrough design
- Built-in bar jack
- Ergonomic lifting handles
What We Don't Like
- Pricey
- Handles rotate
BUY: Force USA Walkthrough Trap Bar
Best Trap Bar for Home Gym - REP Fitness Trap Bar
SPECS
- Weight: 55 lbs.
- Handle diameter: 0.98"
- Finish: Hard chrome
- Sleeve length: 16"
This budget-friendly trap bar by REP is the best trap bar for your home gym. The REP Trap Bar is well balanced for equal distribution of weight around the body. This takes the stress off your lower back, so you can concentrate on lifting heavier and harder. It features 0.98-inch diameter handles with medium knurling for a no-slip grip. Note that these handles are a bit thinner than most traditional bars which will be useful to some and not ideal for others. This bar is designed to be used on the floor, so it's not rackable.
The frame is coated in chrome, the sleeves are not ribbed, and it offers 16 inches of loadable sleeve length, which is more than most trap bars on the market. It has a 500-pound static capacity, which may be disappointing to some users, but if you're on a budget and looking for a great piece of in-home gym equipment, this is it.
What We Like
- Well balanced
- Medium knurling on handles
- Budget-friendly
What We Don't Like
- Not rackable
- Weight limit
BUY: REP Fitness Trap Bar
Best Budget Trap Bar - CAP Barbell Olympic Trap Bar
SPECS
- Weight: 28 lbs.
- Handle diameter: 0.98"
- Finish: Black powder coated
- Sleeve length: 9.5"
The CAP Barbell Olympic Trap Bar is under $100 which is why it earns its title of best budget trap bar on our list. You'll be hard-pressed to find a trap bar of this quality anywhere close to this price point. It features a compact, lightweight design, making it easy to store—perfect for any in-home gym setup.
It's outfitted with scratch-resistant feet to protect your floors and to balance the bar while you're loading and unloading. It doesn't have the longest sleeve capacity at 9.5 inches, and its weight limit is 500 pounds, but overall, this is an excellent bang for your buck. You have four different colors to choose from to further personalize your training experience.
What We Like
- Under $100
- Compact
- Stable
- Multiple colors
What We Don't Like
- Short sleeve length
- Weight limit
BUY: CAP Barbell Olympic Trap Bar
Best Open Trap Bar - Bells of Steel Open Trap Hex Bar
SPECS
- Weight: 64 lbs.
- Handle diameter: 0.98"
- Finish: Black oxide
- Sleeve length: 9.7"
The Bells of Steel Open Trap Hex Bar features an ergonomic design, with an open front end for a wider range of motion than a closed-frame design. This open design makes split squats, Romanian deadlifts, weighted carries, and lunges more accessible than ever. It comes with a pair of built-in deadlift jacks to make loading and unloading a breeze.
Like most Olympic barbells, this trap hex bar has rotating sleeves. The sleeve length is on the shorter end to make for easy storage. It has a nice weight capacity of 700 pounds and it's a great value for this extremely versatile piece of hardware.
What We Like
- Compact
- Stable
- Good weight capacity
What We Don't Like
- Short sleeve length
BUY: Bells of Steel Open Trap Hex Bar
Best Hex Trap Bar - Titan Fitness Rackable Hex Trap Bar
SPECS
- Weight: 60 lbs.
- Handle diameter: 1.25"
- Finish: Black powder coating
- Sleeve length: 16"
The frame on the Titan Fitness Rackable Hex Trap Bar is perfectly sized so you can rack inside standard power racks on the J-Hooks. This enables you to do a variety of exercises like rack pulls, shoulder shrugs, deadlifts, and bent-over rows. Two sets of knurled handles add even more versatility to your workout.
It's pricey, but the versatility of this piece of equipment is well worth the investment. It's got a nice, long, loadable sleeve length, and an easy flip design so you can conveniently switch grips quickly. Some reviewers say the inside grips are a bit too narrow, which may pose an issue for those who love a wider stance, but overall this is the best hex trap bar on the market.
What We Like
- Rackable
- Dual, knurled handles
- Easy flip design to switch grips
- Long loadable sleeve length
What We Don't Like
- Pricey
- Narrow inside grips
BUY: Titan Fitness Rackable Hex Trap Bar
Best Versatile Trap Bar - Rogue TB-2 Trap Bar
SPECS
- Weight: 60 lbs.
- Handle diameter: 1.34"
- Finish: Black powder coat
- Sleeve length: 16"
The Rogue TB-2 Trap Bar is a beast and built to last. This bar will last you a lifetime. It's a big bar and it's bulky, so it's not the easiest trap bar to store and not ideal for small spaces. That being said, it's extra-durable, boasts 16 inches of loadable sleeve, and can handle as much weight as you want to put on it.
It's made in the USA and features a hexagonal frame welded from 1.5-inch steel tubing. Both sets of knurled, parallel handles are spaced 25 inches on the center. This makes it seamless to switch from one set of handles to the other simply by flipping the bar over. This trap bar is perfect for strengthening your lockout, overloading on shrugs, and limiting shoulder stress during bench presses. It's also a great option for beginners or those rehabbing injuries.
What We Like
- Dual-handle design
- Heavy weight capacity
- Extra durable
What We Don't Like
- Large and bulky
- Fixed sleeves
BUY: Rogue TB-2 Trap Bar
What to Look for in a Trap Bar
Benefits of a Trap Bar
Using a trap bar has many benefits. It's great for beginners and experts alike. It's much healthier for your back because the weight distribution is centered on your body, not forward-focused. It's better for your shoulders and biceps, too, as it allows for a neutral grip rather than the pronated/supinated grip on a traditional barbell. This, again, is due to the weight being centered. This central distribution of weight will enable you to lift heavier, improve your grip, and build power. Plus, it's very versatile—you can do a large array of exercises with a trap bar.
What to Consider Before Buying a Trap Bar
The right trap bar comes down to your needs, budget, and space. There are a couple of things to consider before buying a trap bar. You'll want to note the handlebar diameter, so you have an excellent grip. Check the sleeve length, so you understand how much loadable room you have. Understand the weight capacity—500 pounds is more than enough for some, but not enough for others, so weight limit is important.
Other features come down to personal preference. Do you need a trap bar that's rackable, has open or closed ends, is compact and lightweight, has dual handles and knurling? Understanding your needs, your budget, and your space will help you decide which trap bar is best for you.
FAQs About Trap Bars
Is a trap bar worth it?
Yes, if you're serious about weight training, a trap bar is worth it. The central weight distribution is better for your muscles and will help you lift heavier loads, increase power, and perform a wider array of exercises than a traditional barbell.
When should I use a trap bar?
A trap bar is a great piece of equipment to use when rehabbing an injury as it provides a more even distribution of weight, and is healthier for your spine, shoulders, and biceps. It's a solid investment for anyone looking for a versatile piece of equipment, as it provides more stimulus than a barbell.
Is a trap bar easier than deadlift?
A trap bar deadlift is a little easier than a barbell deadlift. This is because of a more even distribution of weight, less stress on your lumbar spine, a straight bar path, and an easier grip.
How much heavier can you lift with a trap bar?
You can typically lift 5-10 percent heavier with a trap bar than a traditional barbell.
About the Author
Nicolette is a writer, and health and fitness expert. Nicolette is a quadruple-certified master fitness instructor and teaches indoor cycling, barre, yoga, and versa climbing. As a writer, Nicolette specializes in tech pertaining to all things exercise-related.
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