Which trap bar?

[Corbets]

Hi guys and gals

I had a good day on the market yesterday (three cheers for irrational buyers), and I’m planning to add a trap bar to my gym now. Main criteria is that I want it to the open style. The two main contenders are the Kabuki HD and the Eleiko Öppen, both of which I can get here in Denmark. I kind of like the Kabuki, but was concerned about the powder-coated sleeves from reviews I read online - though looking at their site, they don’t look powder-coated to me.

Any others I should add to the consideration list? What would you recommend? Normally I look at Watson in the UK for nice stuff, but their trap bar is pretty basic and old school.

[MGM711]

I have the KS Trap bar, sleeves aren't powder coated, they are clear zinc plated. I've been very happy with the bar, it balances extremely well in both handle positions. The only knock I have with it, and this is more to do with me than the actual bar itself, but I don't like the 1in handle size, just too small for my hand, but I understand I'm not the only person buying their bar, so I get why they have that size. At some point, I will opt to have two 1.5in handles instead, outside of that, zero issues or complaints. And I was in the same boat, I was looking Eleiko Oppen Bar as well, but not having the second handle position made the decision easy to go KS instead.

[radrd]

I highly doubt it's available in Europe and I'm sure shipping is obscene, but the new Prime bar would be one to consider as well for US buyers. I don't have any info on it.

https://primefitnessusa.com/product/prime-trap-bar/

[GreatOldOne]

I've had the Troy VTX one for idk 10+ years, and it's been great for a basic one. It has high and low grips.
https://www.kodiaksports.com/product...YaAjy8EALw_wcB

[Greybird2]

alexthaman has one of those Prime trap bars. Looks like a really nice piece.

[Deep-Voiced-One]

Not that I'm in the market for one, but this thread reminded me that Crepinsek had an open style trap bar as well and when I went to look up his site strangely enough it appears his website doesn't exist anymore...

[1651Naismith]

I have the Eleiko and I am very pleased with it. Things I like in no particular order:

- Weighs an even 25kg and not some odd amount. My plates are all kg so the math is easy.

- Sleeves are same size as a barbell sleeve and chrome or zinc plated (and ribbed if that matters to you). Doesn’t chip and no issues using collars.

- Built in deadlift jack is very convenient.

- Handles have a nice sticky knurl, but not too sharp.

Only other trap bar I have used is a cheap, no name bar so I can’t really compare it to others. I chose it for the reasons above and it hasn’t disappointed.

[1651Naismith]

Not that I'm in the market for one, but this thread reminded me that Crepinsek had an open style trap bar as well and when I went to look up his site strangely enough it appears his website doesn't exist anymore...

Hmmmm. That’s a bummer. I hope it’s a tech issue and he’s still in business.

[Corbets]

I have the KS Trap bar, sleeves aren't powder coated, they are clear zinc plated. I've been very happy with the bar, it balances extremely well in both handle positions. The only knock I have with it, and this is more to do with me than the actual bar itself, but I don't like the 1in handle size, just too small for my hand, but I understand I'm not the only person buying their bar, so I get why they have that size. At some point, I will opt to have two 1.5in handles instead, outside of that, zero issues or complaints. And I was in the same boat, I was looking Eleiko Oppen Bar as well, but not having the second handle position made the decision easy to go KS instead.

Thanks for the input! I guess that means you wind up using the multiple hand positions rather frequently as well? Wasn’t sure if I would or not.

I highly doubt it's available in Europe and I'm sure shipping is obscene, but the new Prime bar would be one to consider as well for US buyers. I don't have any info on it.

https://primefitnessusa.com/product/prime-trap-bar/

alexthaman has one of those Prime trap bars. Looks like a really nice piece.

That’s a good shout, thanks both. I had thought about it at one point and forgotten, but I do know that Prime has a retailer in the UK that can get stuff over to me, so I’ll reconsider. Seems like the main differentiating feature on that one is going to be the ability to adjust the height of the handles - kind of like the KS but with more available positions.

I have the Eleiko and I am very pleased with it. Things I like in no particular order:

- Weighs an even 25kg and not some odd amount. My plates are all kg so the math is easy.

- Sleeves are same size as a barbell sleeve and chrome or zinc plated (and ribbed if that matters to you). Doesn’t chip and no issues using collars.

- Built in deadlift jack is very convenient.

- Handles have a nice sticky knurl, but not too sharp.

Only other trap bar I have used is a cheap, no name bar so I can’t really compare it to others. I chose it for the reasons above and it hasn’t disappointed.

Sweden is about 30km from here across the water, so it’s kind of a “buy local” option for me, too. But I really like what I’ve read about their knurling. I get the feeling I wouldn’t go wrong either way with the KS or Eleiko, and after shipping / customs it’s all going to be roughly the same price anyway, so I think it’s going to be a bit of a coin toss if I come down to those two.

[alexthaman]

alexthaman has one of those Prime trap bars. Looks like a really nice piece.

Yes, I own a Prime fitness trap bar. I really like it. Upgraded from a Rogue TB-1 and could not be more satisfied. The adjustable handles are awesome, no need to have a rack to stop you to your desired depth. I also really like the handles that can be swapped from a regular one to a fat cone or to their rot-8 one. It is really a quality product, sure it is priced high but i don’t think it is a regular trap bar, it is more than that. Quality paint, quality materials, USA made... It is awesome when paired with their wedges for trap bar squat, one of the most painful squat out there!

[Corbets]

After much soul-searching, I find... it’s hard as hell to choose. ;P

But I’m leaning towards the Prime. It has the advantages of the Kabuki bar, more easily adjustable, and less of a lead time than Kabuki. The Eleiko looks nice and I can probably get it soonest, but... I feel like I’d eventually regret the lack of additional features on it.

So unless someone jumps in with a good reason not to, I think I’ll go Prime.

Edit: I had typed this up (but not hit post) before Alexthaman posted his response. That only helps confirm. ;P

[alexthaman]

After much soul-searching, I find... it’s hard as hell to choose. ;P

But I’m leaning towards the Prime. It has the advantages of the Kabuki bar, more easily adjustable, and less of a lead time than Kabuki. The Eleiko looks nice and I can probably get it soonest, but... I feel like I’d eventually regret the lack of additional features on it.

So unless someone jumps in with a good reason not to, I think I’ll go Prime.

Edit: I had typed this up (but not hit post) before Alexthaman posted his response. That only helps confirm. ;P

You wont regret going with the Prime, it is an awesome piece, well designed and great functionality

[Corbets]

You wont regret going with the Prime, it is an awesome piece, well designed and great functionality

Yeah, I went all impatient and stuff and ordered it already. ;P Thanks for the rec!

Got both options, incidentally, KAZ and RO-T8. Figured I might want some wedges for it, so I looked at their SOLOS at a 20 degree incline. Saw the starter bundle that came with the RO-T8 handles for the cable machine, which I’ve always kinda thought would be nice, so I ordered that. Figured I needed the wall mount for it since I’m running short on space. Thought the wall mount would look a bit lonely with just those, so I got the spreader bars as well.

I drew the line at the wall mount for the wedges, though. I wanted it, but that 35 dollar piece triggered an almost 400 dollar increase in shipping costs, which I couldn’t justify, even with a 15% discount code. But I did ask if they could find a way to get it to me cheaper, since that’s got to be a mistake (shipping on everything else, trap bar included, totals out at 500!).

So... I may have gone a little overboard. God knows where I’m even going to store the trap bar. But... none of us in this forum are immune to a little gold lust in the form of new gear, I think.

[Corbets]

Another advantage to the Prime bar: its shipping out on Monday, less than a week after I ordered it! Sweden quoted me 6 weeks lead time, while Kabuki... well, it was on the order of quarters. I’d have waited if I thought it was the right answer, but I’m still happy with this speedy turnaround! It’s now a contest to see if that or my new eliteFTS cambered press bar get here first.

For anyone looking for the KAZ handles, they’re on back order, so those will ship out later. Perfectly happy with that, myself...

[gym62richard]

After much soul-searching, I find... it’s hard as hell to choose. ;P

But I’m leaning towards the Prime. It has the advantages of the Kabuki bar, more easily adjustable, and less of a lead time than Kabuki. The Eleiko looks nice and I can probably get it soonest, but... I feel like I’d eventually regret the lack of additional features on it.

So unless someone jumps in with a good reason not to, I think I’ll go Prime.

Edit: I had typed this up (but not hit post) before Alexthaman posted his response. That only helps confirm. ;P

Did you order the Prime bar direct?, or from a European distributor?, I know here in the UK Staffs Fitness offer Prime equipment, but damn they're expensive.

Congrats, it's a great looking trap bar, if I were looking for one it would be very close to the top of my list, I have a basic Watson tb, it' doesn't get much use as I have a dedicated deadlift/trap machine.

[Corbets]

Did you order the Prime bar direct?, or from a European distributor?, I know here in the UK Staffs Fitness offer Prime equipment, but damn they're expensive.

Congrats, it's a great looking trap bar, if I were looking for one it would be very close to the top of my list, I have a basic Watson tb, it' doesn't get much use as I have a dedicated deadlift/trap machine.

I had planned to order from the UK... but wound up getting it from the US manufacturer directly when I couldn’t easily find the supplier I had discovered before. Didn’t really matter as, post Brexit, I get to pay through the backside for import fees regardless.

I was very surprised that Watson only offers an old-school style trap bar. I had assumed they’d be a contender, but not on this product.

I wasn’t even aware that there was such a thing as a deadlift / trap machine. Had to google it once you mentioned it.

And thanks! Really looking forward to trying it. I’m on a deload week at the moment, which means lifts at half weight for me, and I figure this morning I did my last straight bar deadlift for a while. I’m likely to spend the next few months primarily (exclusively? TBD) on the trap bar.

[Deep-Voiced-One]

Another advantage to the Prime bar: its shipping out on Monday, less than a week after I ordered it! Sweden quoted me 6 weeks lead time, while Kabuki... well, it was on the order of quarters. I’d have waited if I thought it was the right answer, but I’m still happy with this speedy turnaround! It’s now a contest to see if that or my new eliteFTS cambered press bar get here first.

For anyone looking for the KAZ handles, they’re on back order, so those will ship out later. Perfectly happy with that, myself...

Congrats on the choice and I previously withdrew one of my posts, I like the convenience, versatility and space saving at being non-rackable (and not needing it to be) of the Prime Trap Bar. I like my Dead-Squat Bar no doubt...but if I could flip it for funds, I would go with the Prime and if not I'll just keep it.

[dumb.bell]

Does anyone have any experience with the Force USA Walkthrough Trap Bar

https://www.forceusa.com/products/wa...31542177857638

[radrd]

Does anyone have any experience with the Force USA Walkthrough Trap Bar

https://www.forceusa.com/products/wa...31542177857638

The review on the site suggesting the handles feel like plastic would make me pass. ForeUSA isn't known for the highest quality.

[urbanlifter]

Long time in the making but arriving today, already have plans to build up a platform to get the height right.

Prime looks incredible, but there's no way I'm paying that much for just a trap bar.

https://www.titan.fitness/strongman/...lk/429993.html

[irongrandpa]

Long time in the making but arriving today, already have plans to build up a platform to get the height right.

Prime looks incredible, but there's no way I'm paying that much for just a trap bar.

https://www.titan.fitness/strongman/...lk/429993.html

Urban, after you use it a few times I’d like your thoughts on the “feet” shown at 24” apart. I built mine at 24” apart some time ago and the feet on the rickshaw were to close to MY feet that it was a big distraction so I cut the legs/feet off and just use it as an open trap bar.

[murphyreedus]

I've always seen the rickshaw as a carry implement that can also be used as a trap bar more than a trap bar that can also be used as a carry implement.

Urban, after you use it a few times I’d like your thoughts on the “feet” shown at 24” apart. I built mine at 24” apart some time ago and the feet on the rickshaw were to close to MY feet that it was a big distraction so I cut the legs/feet off and just use it as an open trap bar.

The picture is wrong unless they changed something. The feet on my Titan are closer to 28 3/4" apart. The frame itself is 24" wide inside. I have probably 2" of clearance on either side with my conventional stance, so 24" would be a toe cutter for me.

[urbanlifter]

Murph is right, the actual width is 28" and I feel like I have plenty of space to work with, without the handles feeling too wide. It's another incredible piece from Titan Fitness ($100 cheaper than Edge), quality is on par with my mono's and everything feels heavy duty. Handles are on the thin side so we'll see how that plays out, but I'm starting to REALLY love this brand. The removed the feet and now have rubber bottoms that are screwed in, clean powder coat, lock-jaw collars fit tight, and it appears to be able to handle a metric chit ton of weight. Just need to fiddle with the elevation of my feet so it feels more in line with a barbell deadlift.

[ampire]

Murph is right, the actual width is 28" and I feel like I have plenty of space to work with, without the handles feeling too wide. It's another incredible piece from Titan Fitness ($100 cheaper than Edge), quality is on par with my mono's and everything feels heavy duty. Handles are on the thin side so we'll see how that plays out, but I'm starting to REALLY love this brand. The removed the feet and now have rubber bottoms that are screwed in, clean powder coat, lock-jaw collars fit tight, and it appears to be able to handle a metric chit ton of weight. Just need to fiddle with the elevation of my feet so it feels more in line with a barbell deadlift.

Perhaps wrap the handles with hockey tape to bulk them out slightly, might be sticky for a few weeks though.

[urbanlifter]

Perhaps wrap the handles with hockey tape to bulk them out slightly, might be sticky for a few weeks though.

They're not too bad, like a deadlift bar it might actually help with making it easier to grip. I'm not opposed to using straps if it becomes an issue, truth be told I've never really worried about my grip strength.

[radrd]

Perhaps wrap the handles with hockey tape to bulk them out slightly, might be sticky for a few weeks though.

It might bulk them out too much, but Fat Gripz should work as well and they have different diameters available.

I've also used tennis racket grip tape on my pull-up bar, which worked pretty well.

[irongrandpa]

Urban and Murph, thanks for the input. 28” would be fine. I made my handles and side frame rails 24” apart and the legs were directly under that. I noticed the legs on the Titan are outside the side rails which would have solved my problem. Mine still makes a great trap bar, I just have to use my Jack to load plates.

[evankyle]

I have the Bells of Steel open trap bar. Works good for my purposes and in the US is $249 shipped.

[urbanlifter]

Project for the day, Rickshaw platform! Sanded, wood glued, just ready for paint compliments of all my leftover junk and spare horse stall mat pieces LOL. Regular deadlift bar grip height is around 9", was able to get this setup to 10" so I feel pretty good about that

[eatingoatmeal]

Yes, I own a Prime fitness trap bar. I really like it. Upgraded from a Rogue TB-1 and could not be more satisfied. The adjustable handles are awesome, no need to have a rack to stop you to your desired depth. I also really like the handles that can be swapped from a regular one to a fat cone or to their rot-8 one. It is really a quality product, sure it is priced high but i don’t think it is a regular trap bar, it is more than that. Quality paint, quality materials, USA made... It is awesome when paired with their wedges for trap bar squat, one of the most painful squat out there!

Resurrecting this thread with news of Reps new trap bar.

I was hoping you would be able to tell me if the angle on the ROT8 Prime trap bar handle is adjustable? I circled the allen screw in the attached photo (https: //imgur.com/a/LiBVKxE) . If you loosen it, can you change the angle at which you hold the ROT8 handle, to make it more in-line with your arm, without having to bend your wrist? In other words, turn the handle along the arrow and then retighten the bolt?

Second thought... What size is that bolt and how wide is the handle? Could I order a Rep trap bar and Prime handles and put the ROT8 handle into the Rep bar?