What brand should I get for a Trap bar?

[k_Dash]

I'm looking to buy a trap bar and my budget is around 250$.

What's the difference between raised handles and non-raised handles?

[FERRUM_MAXIMUS]

Originally Posted by k_Dash

I'm looking to buy a trap bar and my budget is around 250$.

What's the difference between raised handles and non-raised handles?

This one is the best one within your budget.
http://www.ironcompany.com/index.asp...OD&ProdID=1471
It has standard and raised handles.

[PopeyeFAFL]

Originally Posted by k_Dash

I'm looking to buy a trap bar and my budget is around 250$.

What's the difference between raised handles and non-raised handles?

As suggested by FERRUM_MAXIMUS, the Hampton Trap-Bar is a good choice, here my review and some photos:

http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showpo...81&postcount=6

One nice feature of this bar is the built-in stand, it allows for easier plates loading (without it, it is not obvious).

Having (qty 2) hand positions is also a (+), since it will results in 2 different stroke distance.

The muscle targeted are the same as for Squat & Deadlift but you have an added safety due to the shape of the bar (if worst came to worst, you just drop the bar).

You can buy a cheaper bar, but if you plan to have it for a long long time, that Hampton Trap-Bar is worth it.

Hope, this help.

[boxertim]

i have a york trap bar.....here is a link to my trap bar thread


http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showth...=york+trap+bar

[k_Dash]

Hey guys, thanks for your input.

I've been doing some google search and I found a few that I like.

1. http://www.newyorkbarbells.com/im-0063.html

2. http://www.bayoufitness.com/OTB50-44...c=4&zmap=OTB50 (Is this the one where DeFranco's athletes use?)

3. http://www.flexcart.com/members/elit...id=114&pid=387 (This one doesn't have non-raised handles.)

4. http://www.g2fitnessproducts.com/Pro...ars/aot-56.jpg (Made by Troy Barbells/VTX.)

What'd you guys think? IMO, I'm leaning towards NYBarbells but I heard they have bad rep.

[PopeyeFAFL]

Originally Posted by k_Dash

Hey guys, thanks for your input.

I've been doing some google search and I found a few that I like.

1. http://www.newyorkbarbells.com/im-0063.html

2. http://www.bayoufitness.com/OTB50-44...c=4&zmap=OTB50 (Is this the one where DeFranco's athletes use?)

3. http://www.flexcart.com/members/elit...id=114&pid=387 (This one doesn't have non-raised handles.)

4. http://www.g2fitnessproducts.com/Pro...ars/aot-56.jpg (Made by Troy Barbells/VTX.)

What'd you guys think? IMO, I'm leaning towards NYBarbells but I heard they have bad rep.

http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showpo...1&postcount=38

For about the same money (I paid $215 CDN, like $177 US) the Hampton Trap Bar give you 2 handle positions (swivel type) + built-in stand for easy Plates loading (something to consider).

http://www.amazon.com/Hampton-Fitnes...5730837&sr=8-1

[BigDogIt]

[QUOTE=boxertim;265160911]i have a york trap bar.....here is a link to my trap bar thread

Do you know what the weight limit is for this bar? I looked on Hampton's website but I couldn't find and information.
Thanks

[animalfan]

i got my trap bar from jesup gym (ebay) a while ago, it works well for me. the knurling is a little sharp for my taste, but i can deal with it.

[Keetman]

Originally Posted by animalfan

i got my trap bar from jesup gym (ebay) a while ago, it works well for me. the knurling is a little sharp for my taste, but i can deal with it.

X2

I bought 2 of their shrug bars. They were selling all their bars cheap over the spring/summer. I just checked though, and they don't have em right now.

That would've been the route to go though. Solid double sided (both raised & flat handles) trap bar with 10" sleeves and knurling for $100 including shipping!

Must have run out of them at that cost.

[PopeyeFAFL]

[QUOTE=BigDogIt;265841021]

Originally Posted by boxertim

i have a york trap bar.....here is a link to my trap bar thread

Do you know what the weight limit is for this bar? I looked on Hampton's website but I couldn't find and information.
Thanks

From what I recall, from paper left inside the shipping box, I think it was 750 lb (I'm sure it was over 600 lb). Anyway way over what I can lift.

Judging from this photo, you have room (each side) for (qty 4, perhaps 5) 45 lb plates, therefore 8 x 45 lb = 360 lb or 10 x 45 lb = 450 lb

Now if you substitute some 100 lb plates (don't know if they are 1.5 times thicker than a 45 lb plate), perhaps 3 on each sides, then 600 lb



So 600 lb + is a good guess

[Skidmarx]

Before you buy a trap bar, have you tried working traps using a barbell or dumbbells? Do you do rack pulls? They work your traps like mad.

[Al Swearengen]

this is a great bar for the price and the knurling is top notch, weighs 75lbs.

http://www.biggerfasterstronger.com/...&search=&page=

[PopeyeFAFL]

Originally Posted by Al Swearengen

this is a great bar for the price and the knurling is top notch, weighs 75lbs.

Don't know, I pay even less for this bar, which seem to be better (built-in support for easy plates loading) probably the same amount of plates (they say 9 x 45 lb slim-line Plates on yours, except they need to be very slim (not something people are likely to have, so at the end it is probably 4 or 5 x 45 lb each side))

For about the same money (I paid $215 CDN, like $177 US) the Hampton Trap Bar give you 2 handle positions (swivel type) + built-in stand for easy Plates loading (something to consider).




http://www.amazon.com/Hampton-Fitnes...5730837&sr=8-1

[OntarioGuy]

You could always go with the original, the Gerard Trap Bar, by the man that invented it.
http://www.trapbartraining.com/index.html
They have two sizes, standard and XL

$214.99+$40 S&H

[Al Swearengen]

Originally Posted by PopeyeFAFL

Don't know, I pay even less for this bar, which seem to be better (built-in support for easy plates loading) probably the same amount of plates (they say 9 x 45 lb slim-line Plates on yours, except they need to be very slim (not something people are likely to have, so at the end it is probably 4 or 5 x 45 lb each side))

For about the same money (I paid $215 CDN, like $177 US) the Hampton Trap Bar give you 2 handle positions (swivel type) + built-in stand for easy Plates loading (something to consider).


[IM]http://i314.photobucket.com/albums/ll424/PopeyeFAFL/Hampton/4129XC2A87L_SS500_.jpg[/IMG]

[ur]http://www.amazon.com/Hampton-Fitness-Multi-Hex-Shrug-High-Low/dp/B000EHYDGQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=sporting-goods&qid=1215730837&sr=8-1[/url]

at 60lbs your getting less bar with that which means less room which is very important in a good trap bar and not whether you can tilt it forward to load plates, i mean who cares about that? the one i posted will hold 8 plates a side if you need it to.

[PopeyeFAFL]

Originally Posted by Al Swearengen

at 60lbs your getting less bar with that which means less room which is very important in a good trap bar and not whether you can tilt it forward to load plates, i mean who cares about that? the one i posted will hold 8 plates a side if you need it to.

If you look at your photo, you can clearly see 2 x 45 Plates + a smaller one (possibly a 35 lb) and that occupied about 2/3 of the length of the tube, therefore I doubt pretty much that you can pack 8 x 45 lb on one side, beside the ad's say: "Holds up to nine 45 lb. Slim-Line Plates per side" so what is that "Slim-Line Olympics Plate"? (probably something that most users won't have anyway).

If you can really use 8 x 45 lb instead of 5 or 6 x 45 lb per side, in a meaningful fashion, good for you, I don't think I can.

If the 15 lb difference in weight is in slightly bigger tube size, this is good, probably stronger (higher weight rating), but that does not translate necessarily in more legs room (unless you have the dimensions, who know?).

Now as far as the: "whether you can tilt it forward to load plates, i mean who cares about that?"

Apparently some people do, since it is a feature that appear thru time, it was not there in the early Trap Bar Design.

Personally, I found that feature handy and one of the reason that I choose that Trap Bar instead of another Trap Bar (same weight rating and price), why not if the bar is as good as the other one that I look at (and it was).

[PopeyeFAFL]

Originally Posted by OntarioGuy

You could always go with the original, the Gerard Trap Bar, by the man that invented it.
http://www.trapbartraining.com/index.html
They have two sizes, standard and XL

$214.99+$40 S&H

The Rhombus (Diamond) shape use by Al Gerard was I think copyrighted, therefore other manufacturer improved on the design (more legs room) by changing the shape (later shape is more in used, now).

The Gerrard Trap Bar as it was known was originally invented and patented in a rhomboid (Diamond) shape.

With a few modifications to the shape (primarily adding a couple of extra sides) it doesn't breach the copyright of the original design. This means we are now able to bring this marvelous piece of equipment to you the way it was intended.

The extra 2 sides make the modified Trap Bar more "roomy" giving the user plenty of space to perform deadlifts and shrugs with great ease.

http://www.gymratz.co.uk/weight-trai...nt/item574.htm

[johnderriLLL]

i have a gerard trapbar. i like it.

if i could buy another one id get one with a longer loading area.

i wouldent mind geting one to use in a rack ethier.

[PopeyeFAFL]

Originally Posted by johnderriLLL

i have a gerard trapbar. i like it.

if i could buy another one id get one with a longer loading area.

i wouldent mind geting one to use in a rack ethier.

Since you have the Gerard Trap Bar, do you thing that the hexagonal shape preferred by other manufacturer might provide more legs room?

Now when you said "longer loading area" is it because you would had like to pack 8 or 10 x 45 lb on each side or because you would like it to fit into a Power rack?

[animalfan]

Originally Posted by Keetman

X2

I bought 2 of their shrug bars. They were selling all their bars cheap over the spring/summer. I just checked though, and they don't have em right now.

That would've been the route to go though. Solid double sided (both raised & flat handles) trap bar with 10" sleeves and knurling for $100 including shipping!

Must have run out of them at that cost.

yea, i just missed that deal. i got mine for $129, but i'll get 25% back through live.com. would've been better for $75 after cashback, but oh well.

[Keetman]

Originally Posted by animalfan

yea, i just missed that deal. i got mine for $129, but i'll get 25% back through live.com. would've been better for $75 after cashback, but oh well.

From Jesup's? Which one did you get for $129? They were selling their mega bar for that price. If you're talking about another vendor, then disregard!

I actually ended up selling both of the $100 bars I got from Jesup's because when I got that stuff in Dayton (Super squat bar, preacher curl, squat/calf block etc) he threw in a brand new mega shrug bar with raised & flat handles for $40......he was just giving me his stuff!

[johnderriLLL]

Originally Posted by PopeyeFAFL

Since you have the Gerard Trap Bar, do you thing that the hexagonal shape preferred by other manufacturer might provide more legs room?

Now when you said "longer loading area" is it because you would had like to pack 8 or 10 x 45 lb on each side or because you would like it to fit into a Power rack?

the amount of leg room is fine for me.

both, id like to add more weight to it and put it inside a rack.
im still happy with what i have though i dont think ill out grow it any time soon.

[PopeyeFAFL]

Originally Posted by johnderriLLL

both, id like to add more weight to it and put it inside a rack.
im still happy with what i have though i dont think ill out grow it any time soon.

Just curious, how much weight (or plates) did you ever used ?

How much do you think, your trap bar can hold?

Is someone know, the width & height of a typical 100 lb when compare to a 45 lb?

It must be more than twice the price, isn't?

[animalfan]

Originally Posted by Keetman

From Jesup's? Which one did you get for $129? They were selling their mega bar for that price. If you're talking about another vendor, then disregard!

I actually ended up selling both of the $100 bars I got from Jesup's because when I got that stuff in Dayton (Super squat bar, preacher curl, squat/calf block etc) he threw in a brand new mega shrug bar with raised & flat handles for $40......he was just giving me his stuff!

it was from jesup. i think it's the same one they had been selling for $99. although i just looked at my invoice, it was $119. i put off buying it since i was looking for a used one, and kept just missing them. finally gave up and ordered it, then found two in the next week for $80 used. procrastination is my specialty...

[Wildtim]

Originally Posted by PopeyeFAFL

Just curious, how much weight (or plates) did you ever used ?

How much do you think, your trap bar can hold?

Is someone know, the width & height of a typical 100 lb when compare to a 45 lb?

It must be more than twice the price, isn't?

Here's exactly what it will hold:

http://www.trapbartraining.com/tips/...-bar-hold.html

[Al Swearengen]

Originally Posted by PopeyeFAFL

If you look at your photo, you can clearly see 2 x 45 Plates + a smaller one (possibly a 35 lb) and that occupied about 2/3 of the length of the tube, therefore I doubt pretty much that you can pack 8 x 45 lb on one side, beside the ad's say: "Holds up to nine 45 lb. Slim-Line Plates per side" so what is that "Slim-Line Olympics Plate"? (probably something that most users won't have anyway).

If you can really use 8 x 45 lb instead of 5 or 6 x 45 lb per side, in a meaningful fashion, good for you, I don't think I can.

If the 15 lb difference in weight is in slightly bigger tube size, this is good, probably stronger (higher weight rating), but that does not translate necessarily in more legs room (unless you have the dimensions, who know?).

Now as far as the: "whether you can tilt it forward to load plates, i mean who cares about that?"

Apparently some people do, since it is a feature that appear thru time, it was not there in the early Trap Bar Design.

Personally, I found that feature handy and one of the reason that I choose that Trap Bar instead of another Trap Bar (same weight rating and price), why not if the bar is as good as the other one that I look at (and it was).

you're calling me a liar?

i own that bar and enjoy being able to flip mine over easy for RDL's and shrugs and btw those are bumper plates which are much wider then regular plates and anyone talking from experience would know that. the bar is 21 inches deep by 24 inches wide inside dimensions and the collars are 13 inches long which is plenty of room for 8 plates with an overall length of 5 feet 2 inches wide.

[rdog3]

sorry for jacking this thread op. Are trap bars essential for a home gym or just a nice thing to have?, because all i use is a barbell for my deadlifts but if a trap bar is better than i might get one, but 80$ for a bar is quite a bit,what's your opinion on having a trap bar?

Thanks,
Rob

[animalfan]

Originally Posted by rdog3

sorry for jacking this thread op. Are trap bars essential for a home gym or just a nice thing to have?, because all i use is a barbell for my deadlifts but if a trap bar is better than i might get one, but 80$ for a bar is quite a bit,what's your opinion on having a trap bar?

Thanks,
Rob

i wouldn't say it's essential. i lifted for a long time without one. it's just something i wanted to have and finally bought one.

[HardKore79]

Originally Posted by rdog3

sorry for jacking this thread op. Are trap bars essential for a home gym or just a nice thing to have?, because all i use is a barbell for my deadlifts but if a trap bar is better than i might get one, but 80$ for a bar is quite a bit,what's your opinion on having a trap bar?

Thanks,
Rob

For some people that have problems lifting with a barbell it is. I also like it because it puts the shoulders in a nice position to shrug.

[Al Swearengen]

Originally Posted by rdog3

sorry for jacking this thread op. Are trap bars essential for a home gym or just a nice thing to have?, because all i use is a barbell for my deadlifts but if a trap bar is better than i might get one, but 80$ for a bar is quite a bit,what's your opinion on having a trap bar?

Thanks,
Rob

no it's not essential at all, just another movement is all and if you have no problems with regular deads then it may be a waste for you and i will say from years of experience that buying a trap bar that is too small for you is the worst thing anyone can do and generally the cheaper they are the smaller they are. with that being said i enjoy mine because there are times when my knees give me problems with squats so i use my trap deads in plaace of them.

Originally Posted by HardKore79

For some people that have problems lifting with a barbell it is. I also like it because it puts the shoulders in a nice position to shrug.

it sure does and also the top handles are perfect for RDL's and i even heard one guy uses his for bent over rows.