Best Hex Squat & Olympic Trap Bars

These are the best trap bars for deadlifts to help maintain good form and remove unnecessary strain from the lumbar spine.

If you are new to weightlifting or unfamiliar with the gym, you might be a little confused the first time you see a trap bar. As you get to know a little bit more about them, you’ll realize that they are a pretty significant innovation in weight-training. The first person to use the trap bar was powerlifter Al Gerard in the 1980s, who was looking for a way to avoid lower back injuries while deadlifting heavy weights. Today, the trap bar has become an important tool for lifters who want to perform back-friendly lifts while continuing to get the benefits of training.

A trap bar is shaped like a diamond or an elongated hexagon, so it is also known as a hex bar. You can attach weights on both ends. You stand in the center and grab onto the handles positioned on either side. This eliminates the need to lean forward unlike traditional deadlift bars. The distance between the lifter and the weights is shortened so there is less pressure on the lumbar spine and significantly lesser chances of injury.

To make sure that your hex bar lasts a long time, you should purchase one which has a rust-resistant finish. You can choose between Olympic and standard weight bars. Olympic bars are thicker than standard bars. You need to be mindful of this when purchasing because if you have standard weights, they will not fit in an Olympic bar. Olympic bars are more freely available and you will have more options. It is recommended that you use Olympic bars if you are serious about deadlifting since they are safer and more durable.

There are a lot of different types of trap bars out there. In this article, we give you an overview of some of the best trap bars for deadlifts.

Best Olympic Hex Trap Bars

1. CAP Olympic Trap Bar

Check Latest Price

CAP Olympic Trap Bar

The bar measures 56 inches in length, 24 inches in width, 5 inches in height, and it weighs 52 pounds. It has an overall weight capacity of 750 pounds. It is made of zinc-plated 25-millimeter solid steel. The distance between the grip handles is 25 inches and the loadable sleeve length is 9 inches.

The CAP Olympic Trap Bar is meant to be used with Olympic plates. It places a lighter load on the lumbar spine, which makes it even more suitable for people with lower back pain or discomfort.

You can target the hamstrings, quads, forearms, core, and grip strength by performing exercises with this bar. This bar has an elevated neutral grip with diamond knurling giving you a tight grip while lifting heavy without the risk of the bar slipping. The grip diameter is 25.4 millimeter. This bar feels very sturdy and can withstand daily wear and tear regardless of the intensity of your training.

2. Sunny Health & Fitness Olympic Hex Bar

Check Latest Price

Sunny Health & Fitness Olympic Hex Bar

The Sunny Health & Fitness Olympic Hex Bar provides a safer and more efficient way to perform deadlifts. The bar enables you to perfectly position your hands, arms, head, and back to perform squats. It also reduces the amount of strain on your knees, hips, and back. You also get a secure comfortable grip because of the diamond knurling.

The bar can hold weights up to 750 pounds. The distance between the grip handles is 22.5 inches. The loadable sleeve length is 9.5 inches. The distance from the grip handle to the floor is 6.5 inches. You can perform deadlifts, farmers walks, trap shrugs, floor push up bar, bent over row, and many other workouts. The 9.5 inches of loadable sleeve length makes this bar versatile for any strength program.

3. Valor Fitness OB-HEX Hex Trap Bar

Check Latest Price

Valor Fitness OB-HEX Hex Trap Bar

The Valor Fitness OB-Hex Hex Trap Bar comes with 3 rotating handles, which gives you different grip choices from narrow to wide. You can start from the narrower grip and gradually work up to the wider grips. Handles include women’s (25 mm), men’s (28 mm) and axle (51mm). The bar can carry a maximum weight of 500 pounds.

The bar features rubber stoppers that will prevent any damage or scratches on the gym floor. It should, however, be noted that this bar is not meant to be dropped. Damage can still occur if you do not set it down properly. The handles are ergonomically positioned which ensures correct lifting form. You can safely lift heavy while staying balanced without any unnecessary strain on your spine. The elevated sleeves raise weights off the ground. 

The primary exercises you can do are shoulder shrugs, squats, and deadlifts. The total footprint of the bar measures 64. 5” x 30” x 12”. It is meant for home and light-commercial gym use.

4. Titan Fitness Hex Bar

Check Latest Price

Titan Fitness Hex Bar

This trap bar is designed to help you perform your squats, deadlifts, bent-over rows and other weight lifting exercises in good form so that you don’t hurt yourself. The bar features dual knurled handles for a sturdy grip. It will not slip out of your fingers even if you work up a sweat. The grooves of the handles help you securely hold it in place.

You may want to focus on one set of muscles at a time when lifting. This bar allows you to isolate muscle groups so that you can exercise specific parts of your body like glutes, arms, and abdominals. The bar is made of durable heavy-duty steel and is meant to last a lifetime.

The overall length of the bar is 56 inches. The handles are at a distance of 24.5 inches from each other. Each sleeve has a loadable length of 9.75 inches. The bar weighs 44 pounds and has a weight capacity of 500 pounds. The bar is meant to be used with 2-inch Olympic plates. The Titan Fitness Hex Bar will make a good addition to any home gym.

 

5. Power Systems Olympic Hex Bar

Check Latest Price

Power Systems Olympic Hex Bar

The Power Systems Olympic Hex Bar is designed for hex bar deadlifts, squats, shrugs, and power pulls. The angle is slightly different than most hex bars, which means you can do deadlifts with limited use of glutes while exercising your quadriceps even more. The design helps you to keep weight centered through the body’s midline during deadlifts, power pulls, and shrugs.

Unnecessary lower back strain can be avoided while adding significantly more weight. The bar features two handles for different hand sizes. The loadable length of each sleeve is 9 inches. The overall length of the bar is 56.25 inches. The distance between the handles is 24 inches. The bar weighs 54 pounds.

You can use the bar as a weight training accessory for speed, strength, power, agility, running, volleyball, football, basketball, soccer, baseball, and all other fitness, athletic, weight or cross-training. You will also get a warranty for three months.

6. CFF Monster Hex Squat & Deadlift Training Bar

Check Latest Price

CFF Monster Hex Squat & Deadlift Training Bar

The CFF Monster Hex Bar was designed with a focus on form, safety, utility in multiple positions, multiple grip options, build quality, and weight capacity. The weight capacity starts from 125 kgs and goes up to 1500 pounds so you can use it if you are an Olympic lifter, crossfitter, powerlifter, or strongman competitor.

You’ll find plenty of room when standing inside the 30’ wide x 27” deep perimeter. You’ll have the freedom to move without risk of your limbs hitting the bars. The wide frame makes it possible for you to train either inside a power rack or even a half rack. 

The bar has three different sets of handles for different sizes. The inside handles are 1.25 inches in diameter and 32 inches apart. They can be used for squats, lunges, sumo squats, and deadlifts. The outer handles are 1.25 in diameter and 39 inches apart. After training with the Monster Hex Bar, your form will improve greatly and so will your strength, especially when you return to a traditional Olympic bar.

This bar comes with a limited Lifetime Warranty. The warranty covers manufacturing defects and not normal wear and tear. If you maintain it with regular cleaning and proper storage, this bar is capable of handling a lifetime of heavy use.

7. TDS Standard Shrug Hip Bar

Check Latest Price

TDS Standard Shrug Hip Bar

The TDS Standard Shrug/Hip Bar is great for shrugs, twists, shrugs, and deadlifts. It is light but strong and comes with a built-in stand so plate loading becomes easier. The weight capacity of this bar is 1000 pounds. The knurled handles make for a steadier grip and the chrome-plated finish provides extra durability. 

It is especially suitable for tall or heavy individuals. The loadable length for each sleeve is 7 inches. This bar can be used with standard 1-inch plates only.

8. Synergee Olympic Hex Barbell Trap Bar

Check Latest Price

Synergee Olympic Hex Barbell Trap Bar

The Synergee Olympic Hex Barbell Trap Bar is made of high-quality steel. The design combines handle placement of high bars and regular hex bars, thereby increasing the bar’s versatility and utility. Each handle is equipped with a non-slip knurled grip ensuring better performance.

The hexagonal frame along with the elevated handles of the bar make it easier to pick up from the ground without unnecessary strain on your hands and back. The weight of the bar is 55 pounds and has a weight capacity of 750 pounds. The overall length is 56 inches. The length of each sleeve is 10 inches, which means you can add plenty of additional weights to increase the intensity of your workouts. This bar is ideal for heavy lifters who pull from the ground on a regular basis and want to reduce lower back strain and chances of injury. The bar is designed to keep the weight evenly distributed through the body’s midline.

The Synergy Olympic Hex Barbell Trap bar comes in both black and chrome finish. If there is any defect, you can call their customer care and they will send you a new one.

9. XMark Commercial Olympic Trap Bar

Check Latest Price

XMark Commercial Olympic Trap Bar

The XMark Commercial Olympic Trap Bar is ideal for squats, deadlifts, and shrugs. The knurled revolving tri-grip handles allow you to choose from 30 mm, 38 mm, or 45 mm grips, approximately 1 1/8″, 1 1/2″ and 1 3/4”.

The elevated plate storage allows you to effortlessly load and unload plate weights. Another feature of this bar is the shock-resistant bolt-on runner feet which will protect your flooring from damage. The posts where you slide in the weights are slightly angled so there is no risk of the plates sliding off.

This bar is designed to reduce stress on your back while allowing you to lift significantly more weight. The bar weighs 55 pounds and has a weight capacity of 700 pounds. It can be used with Olympic plates only. You may find the rotating handles to be a little loose but this will not be an issue during actual use.

10. Go Plus Olympic Hex Bar

Check Latest Price

Go Plus Olympic Hex Bar

The Go Plus Olympic Hex bar features knurled handles for a better grip and increased friction. It is perfect for squats, deadlifts, power pulls, and shrugs. The bar is designed to keep the weight centered throughout your body when you are performing shrugs, deadlifts, and power pulls. The angle change allows you to do deadlifts, which will require limited used of glutes and lower back and more of your quadriceps. With proper use and care, this hex bar is rust-resistant and is exceptionally durable with proper use and care. They are built to last for years of intense use. You can use them in your home gym or any institutional or professional setting.

The bar is made of heavy-duty steel with beautiful chrome plating. It can bear a maximum weight of 800 pounds. It can be used with 2-inch Olympic plates and weighs about 53 pounds. You also get 2 snap springs along with the bar.

Last update on 2023-06-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Rohan is a Freelance Writer and Digital Nomad who loves all things related to technology, sports, MMA and BJJ. When not hunkered down over his laptop in some co-working space, he can often be found hiking through unchartered territories and exploring new cities across the globe.