I am looking to purchase a good trap hex bar. It seems some companies refer to it as a hex bar and some as a trap bar but they seem to be the same.
Any recommendations on which companies are best to buy from for this bar.
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Thread: Trap hex bar
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05-09-2020, 05:19 PM #1
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05-09-2020, 05:20 PM #2
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05-09-2020, 06:35 PM #3
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05-09-2020, 06:37 PM #4
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05-09-2020, 06:58 PM #5
I am willing to spend for the best bars but I was looking at garage gym. Note we are not lifting heavy weight so Bells of Steel also looked good. I could definitely afford the higher priced bars but if we are lifting under 250 pounds not sure if the Bells of Steel will not be adequate.
I have been using a Jr. Hex Bar which I got for my sons. The biggest problem in addition to the light weight to is the handles are very rough which makes one of my sons not want to use it. Definitely need a good Hex Bar.
Since I have myself and 3 sons using the bar, I am willing to pay for what will be best. Yet I cannot envision we will need a bar greater than 250 pound max.
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05-09-2020, 07:00 PM #6
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You may want to consider a few things when looking for a trap or hex bar:
1. Open vs Closed
The Closed variety is standard, and if your goal is to spend the least amount of money, you can go with the Cap Mega Hex Bar, but you should be aware that the zinc coating rubs off pretty easily. Otherwise, Titan and Rogue make standard closed varieties.
The Open variety allows you to do farmer carries, lunges, rows, etc. So it's just much more versatile compared to the closed variety.
2. Rackable vs Non Rackable
This is a consideration if you want to load the bar in your power rack or if you want to do halo overhead presses in your power rack, for example. Mainly, it's just an easier way to load the bar though. Black Widow Training gear makes a relatively inexpensive rackable hex bar you could check out.
3. Stand vs No Stand
Some trap bars have stands that make them easier to load from the ground. Most open varieties include stands, only some closed varieties include stands
4. Raised Handles vs Flush Handles
When the handles are raised, it makes the bar much easier to balance. When the bar is flush, you'll probably put more force in balancing the bar front and back.
5. Top of the line
If you have money to burn and want to best adjustability etc.
Prime Fitness makes one of the most high end open trap bars:
https://primefitnessusa.com/product/prime-trap-bar/
A forum member posted photos with a review over here:
https://forum.bodybuilding.com/showt...7895081&page=1► Intermediate Bodybuilding Classic Physique ► Renaissance Periodization Programming
► https://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?t=180349883
► Progress Pictures
► https://i.ibb.co/r6RKF4p/Progress-Pictures.png
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05-09-2020, 07:48 PM #7
For lifting 250 lbs max, I wouldn't invest a lot. The Rep Fitness trap bar is currently in stock for $125 plus shipping. Note that shipping probably will double the price or more, but it's still on the less expensive side. Reviews look decent and I'm sure it will be fine. It also appears to have mild knurl, which you are looking for. If you want to upgrade later, you could move to an open bar with a stand.
https://www.repfitness.com/rep-trap-bar
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05-09-2020, 09:01 PM #8
Thanks what is your opinion of this.
https://www.bellsofsteel.us/product/trap-bar-hex-bar/
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05-10-2020, 04:46 AM #9
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05-10-2020, 06:39 AM #10
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05-10-2020, 01:02 PM #11
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05-10-2020, 06:21 PM #12
It's a specialty item I won't always be using anywhere near as regularly as my straight bar, so personally I wouldn't wanna invest a ton of money into it. There's a number of them under $200 that have 1000lb capacities, so i'd probably start with one of those first.
Back to basics full body routine: https://pastebin.com/5BgKgrMv
Training journal: https://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?t=178059671&p=1598034261#post1598034261
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05-11-2020, 03:59 AM #13
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05-11-2020, 04:17 AM #14
Personally it is an important piece of equipment in my routine and I have 3 boys also using it. I want to get a good quality one that we will enjoy. I doubt I need the best as we are not even lifting that much weight but the open ended look good along with the different grips on some of the open ended ones.
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05-11-2020, 05:23 AM #15
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05-11-2020, 10:07 AM #16
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05-11-2020, 10:07 AM #17
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05-11-2020, 11:01 AM #18
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05-11-2020, 04:11 PM #19
I have had a Valor rotating handle trap bar. Sold it. A cheapy. Sold it. Now have a Titan 'rackable' trap bar V1. It's barely rackable but much better than the Valor and cheapy bar. I dont have a need for the rackable option, but it's a nice bonus.
It's a beast. They should have v2 out now as well. Truly rackable as far I know.
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05-11-2020, 04:20 PM #20
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05-11-2020, 07:11 PM #21
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05-12-2020, 06:58 AM #22
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05-12-2020, 08:08 AM #23
What movements are you doing with the hex bar? If it's primarily deadlifting, why not use a straight bar? I don't even like hex bars. Sold mine and don't plan on getting another one. That said, Bells of Steel doesn't appear to have top notch quality control and 10" sleeves are quite short. I'd go Cap or Rep if they are in stock and get a better open bar latter if you still really want one.
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05-12-2020, 09:17 AM #24
I'd say to use a barbell until you can get what you want. Bells of steel is not rogue quality, and it's not even Rep quality. However it gets the job done for the weight range OP mentioned he was going to be in. It has easy plate loading and not overkill in cost compared to the 500+ dollar options with the same features.
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05-12-2020, 09:26 AM #25
I have a knockoff Hampton trap bar that I picked up locally for $80: https://www.hamptonfit.com/shop/bars...hi-lo-handles/
The built in kickstands are convenient.
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05-12-2020, 09:56 AM #26
I had the Rogue TB-2, it was fine but I didn't care for the sharp knurling on the handles. At even moderate weights it was very uncomfortable. I currently have the Eleiko Oppen deadlift bar, I enjoy it very much. It was way too expensive but it is a quality bar. I like that the sleeves are the same as a barbell so weights don't flop around on it and the handles feel exactly like a good barbell. I use it as my primary lower body lift. That said it is a lot of money and if I only used the trap bar as an accessory lift I wouldn't invest so much in it.
Forget to add, the built is jack is awesome.
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05-12-2020, 11:05 AM #27
Thanks I probably will now have to get a reasonably priced hex bar. My form has never been good at deadlifting and I find hex bar easier and more effective for me. I also have 3 boys using it.
We have been using a 25 pound jr. hex bar but it is time for at least a 45 bar. I kind of would like a bar with not such rough handles as 1 of the kids complains that holding the hex bar is not comfortable but maybe just need to get him gloves.
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05-13-2020, 12:08 AM #28
Have you checked out Titan's v2 trap bar? I haven't used it but based on reviews, it's a pretty solid bar.
If you prefer the open design, I'd consider a custom made BWTG. Again, no hands-on experience with it, but it's worth a look.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B9pG_S9HrMt/
https://www.instagram.com/p/B9aC1XAAMzn/
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05-13-2020, 10:07 AM #29
I had the CAP mega trap bar, it's a beast--weighed 73 lbs. on my scale. it was not pretty, but very sturdy and served its purpose. I wasn't using it much, partly because it was so heavy, it was difficult to maneuver in my garage given where I had to store it, and partly because the movement is a little different from deadlifts with a straight bar, and I wanted my teenaged son to get used to the regular bar. So I traded it away, but it was well worth what it cost.
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05-13-2020, 10:42 AM #30
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