Also known as hex bars, trap bars are versatile powerlifting equipment that allows the user to center the weight for a perfect hip hinging position, with lesser stress on the lower back, and effectively assists lifts with raised handles. Using trap bars also lessens your risk of a bicep tear, grip imbalances, and scraped shins. There are several feature variances in many trap bars in the market today.
Upon reviewing several trap bars, we conclude that the Titan Fitness Hex Trap V2 Knurled is the clear winner. This Titan Hex trap bar is the best because it comes with a heavy-duty steel frame and has a weight capacity of 800 pounds. The Titan Hex Bar also offers two sets of knurled handles, providing more versatility to your trap bar exercises.
We’ve listed down ten of the best trap bars available in the market today, hoping this information will help you pick the right gym equipment.
Best Trap Bars at a Glance
The Titan Hex trap bar is powder coated and comes in a heavy-duty steel frame, ideal for heavy lifting. This high-quality trap bar is perfectly sized and rackable on standard j-hooks.
Comes with adjustable grip handles and etched sleeves to ensure your comfort when working out. With the Valor Fitness OB Hex, you can perform squats, shrugs, and reps of trap bar deadlift with ease.
The Cap Barbell Olympic Trap comes with floor protectors and offers comfortable grips with a decent 500 lbs. weight limit. Compact and sturdy, perfect for small home gym spaces at an unbeatable price.
Titan Fitness Hex Trap V2 Knurled – Best Overall
What we like
- Affordable
- Can be racked on standard j-hooks
- Its knurled handles support more workouts
- Impressive 800 lbs. weight capacity
What we don’t like
- Space between 2 handles are a bit small
- The knurling on the lower handle is not as good as the knurling on the upper handle
We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again — the Titan Fitness Hex Trap V2 Knurled tops our list because of the number of features it offers. For one, the Titan Hex Trap Bar is durable because its heavy-duty steel construction can support up to 800 pounds and only weighs 60 pounds. It’s powder-coated, has a grip size of 32 millimeters, and sits six inches off the ground.
Another feature we love about this rackable trap bar is its two sets of knurled handles that add more versatility to your workout. With this feature, you can easily perform floor press, shoulder press, elevated split squat, and suitcase carry.
Because it’s a versatile trap bar, the Titan Fitness Hex Trap V2 Knurled is an excellent option for both beginners and advanced lifters. Its high weight capacity makes it easier for users to transition between different trap bar exercises.
Valor Fitness OB Hex – Best Versatility
What we like
- Adjustable grips that can accommodate users of all sizes
- Rotating handles for better grip
- Rubber stopper to prevent floors from damage
- 500 lbs. weight capacity makes it ideal for home and light commercial use
What we don’t like
- Not ideal for overhead presses
- Expensive compared to other hex bars
Are you still on the lookout for the most versatile trap bar? Then the Valor Fitness OB Hex is a must-buy for you. This hex bar comes with four rotating handlings, enabling users to choose which grip works and then gradually increase the width of the grips. The Valor Fitness OB Hex Handles come in 1”, 1.25”, 1.75”, and 2’ diameter.
Because of the adjustable grip handles of the Valor Fitness OB Hex, performing trap bar deadlifts will become more accessible, even for beginners. This hex trap bar is also an excellent option for working out your back, shoulders, and legs.
Other great things that make the Valor Fitness OB Hex versatile are its max weight capacity of 500 pounds, only weighs 51 pounds, and has total footprint measurement of 71” x 28” x 7”.The dimensions of this hex trap bar are perfect for home gym owners who have compact workout spaces.
However, the adjustable grips can also become an issue, preventing you from executing overhead presses. But since the Valor Fitness OB Hex is versatile, you can always use it for other routines.
Cap Barbell Olympic Hex Trap Bar – Best Budget
What we like
- Best value
- Compact; ideal for small workout spaces
- Durable steel carbon material with high tensile strength
- Decent 500 lbs. capacity
What we don’t like
- It doesn’t offer knurling on the handles
- The handles are too close to where the weight plates sit
The Cap Barbell Olympic Trap Bar tops our list for being the best value trap bar because it offers a lot without the expensive price tag. This trap bar features 2-inch Olympic plates, has a weight limit of 500 pounds, and only weighs 28.2 pounds. The dimensions of the Cap Barbell Olympic Trap bar are 50.4 x 29 x 14 inches, making it a great addition to any home gym.
The Cap Barbell Olympic Trap Bar is clearly one of the best value trap bars because it comes with a highly durable industrial coating that can support trap bar deadlifts and other full-body workouts. Its neutral grips and elevated sleeves make it easier even for beginners to lift on their backs. You can also incorporate Olympic plates with the Cap Barbell Olympic Trap Bar.
We think Cap Barbell Hex Trap Bar is the best bang for your buck, a simple and sturdy piece that does the job well and with a capacity comparable to expensive brands.
Synergee Hex Trap Bar – Best for Beginners
What we like
- Available in black phosphate or chrome finish
- Fantastic 750 lb. weight capacity
- Very functional compared to most trap bars in the same price point
- High-quality raised and flat handles for versatility
What we don’t like
- Simple aesthetic
- Packaging can be improved
Is this your first time using or investing in a hex bar? Worried that you won’t find the best hex trap bar for beginners? The Synergee Hex Trap Bar is ideal for users new to weightlifting. This hex bar is made from alloy steel, has a chrome finish, and measures 56 x 23 x 2 inches.
This closed trap bar has a weight max capacity of 750 pounds and allows easy pick-up from the ground due to its hexagonal frame. This feature can reduce the strain on your back and hands. This trap bar features 10-inch sleeves, 1.2 mm knurls, and only weighs 44 pounds.
Unlike many other trap bars, the Synergee Hex Trap Bar is designed to keep the weight evenly distributed through your body’s midline. This lessens your risks of injuries, which means more time to work out and more gains over time.
It may not be as handsomely crafted compared to other high-end trap bars, like the Rogue TB 1 trap bar or Cap Mega Hex Bar, the Synergee Hex Trap bar is made to be an uncomplicated piece that performs well. Its construction is reliable to be safe and it is durable enough to be your first and last hex bar purchase.
Sunny Health & Fitness Olympic Hex Bar – Best Sturdy Construction
What we like
- Affordable
- 750 lb. capacity; Ideal for heavy lifting exercises
- Diamond knurling for optimum grips
- Quick-release rings
What we don’t like
- The length of the sleeve is a bit too short
- Star lock collars can eventually become loose
Sunny Health and Fitness have become one of the most reliable and durable brands when it comes to fitness equipment — and their hex bar is just one example. The Sunny Health & Fitness Olympic Hex Bar makes it to our list for being the most sturdy trap bar due to its stainless steel construction, chrome finish, weight (only 51.4 pounds), and a high weight capacity of 750 pounds.
The Sunny Health & Fitness Olympic Hex Bar also has diamond knurled handles that ensure your comfort and safety when working out. This hex bar also comes with standard barbell collars and can accommodate two weight plates.
Thanks to its loadable sleeve length of 9.5 inches, using the Sunny Health & Fitness Olympic Hex Bar also promotes better control while helping you maintain stability without putting excessive pressure or strain on your spine.
The length of the bar (which is only five feet) is too short of performing powerlifting. Fortunately, you can still perform other exercises with this hex bar that target the same muscle groups as when you’re powerlifting.
Gymax Olympic Hex Bar – Best Foldable
What we like
- Foldable handles for easier storage and carrying around
- Durable chrome-plated steel
- It comes with two snap springs, so you can easily lock weight plates
- Great 800 lbs. weight capacity for robust workouts
What we don’t like
- It might be too narrow for bigger lifters
- Not compatible with all bumper plates
If your home gym has limited storage space, then the Gymax Olympic Hex Bar is the best trap bar for you. Unlike other bars, the Gymax Olympic Hex Bar is foldable. This makes it easier for you to store the trap bar when not in use.
The bar weight of the Gymax Olympic Hex Bar is only 53 pounds, yet it has a max weight capacity of 800 pounds. The Gymax Olympic Hex Bar has 10” foldable sleeves made from heavy solid steel and comes with a chrome-plated surface. This hex bar is also compatible with bumper plates with holes 2” or less.
When it comes to workouts, the Gymax Olympic Hex Bar can support a lot. Invest in this steel bar, and you can perform exercises that strengthen your quads, forearms, hamstrings, and even grip strength. The Gymax Olympic Hex Bar has two different grip positions with knurled handles to provide stability and comfort as you’re lifting weight.
The Gymax Olympic Hex Bar might not be the best option for heavy lifters as some users find the dimensions too narrow. Fortunately, if you’re smaller or shorter, this hex trap bar can still fit the bill.
Hulk Fit Olympic 2-Inch Hex Har Open-Back – Best for Deadlift and Shrugs
What we like
- Extra -long loadable sleeves for more weights
- Durable heavy-steel construction with solid sleeves
- Highest weight capacity of 1,000 lbs. (for open-back style)
- Available in open-back or full hex
What we don’t like
- Occasional rusting and chipping
- Overly aggressive knurling
The Hulk Fit Olympic 2-Inch Hex Har Open-Back makes it to our list for being the best trap bar for deadlifts and shrugs because of many reasons. For one, this open trap bar comes with extra long loadable sleeves that enable you to load more weight. This allows you to perform workouts with greater muscle development and contraction range.
The Hulk Fit Olympic 2-Inch Hex Har Open-Back has a weight capacity of 1000 pounds but only weighs 77 pounds. Its made from alloy steel has a black finish, and its dimensions are 56.1 x 21.65 x 5.5 inches. This open-end trap bar is clearly designed for repeated and prolonged use.
Another thing we love about the Hulk Fit Olympic 2-Inch Hex Har Open-Back is that it offers multiple knurling positions and lengths to ensure your safety, comfort, and convenience when working out. Its raised and regular handles also give you more flexibility and versatility.
Over time, the Hulk Fit Olympic 2-Inch Hex Har Open-Back cis a full solid-steel, but it lacks some durability reinforcement like powder-coat or chrome. Nevertheless, it still remains to be a strong piece you can rely on for heavyweight lifting.
TDS Trap Hex Bar with Stand – Best for Tall Users
What we like
- Decent high weight capacity of 400 pounds
- Its 10” sleeves offer more room for weight plates
- Offers deep knurling on the raised handles
- With strong built-in stands and higher grips ideal for taller users
What we don’t like
- Only made for standard 1” hole plates
- Not compatible with all brands of plates as some slide easily
Don’t be fooled by the looks of the TDS Trap Hex Bar with Stand. Yes, it looks simple as it doesn’t have all the bells and whistles that other hex bars have, but this one’s hard to match. This hex trap bar is built for heavier or bigger users because it has a max weight capacity of 400 pounds, has steel tube construction, and offers plenty of room for your weight plates.
What’s great about the TDS Trap Hex Bar with Stand is that it places all the weight away from your hands, so you can remain safe and comfortable when working out. It also has a built-in bar jack, making loading and unloading plates easier.
The TDS Trap Hex Bar with Stand is light because it weighs about 37 pounds, but this hex bar is undeniably strong. This is one of your best bets if you want to perform reps of trap bar deadlift, squats, and shrugs every single day.
If only the TDS Trap Hex Bar with Stand could support 2” Olympic hole plates, this equipment will definitely rank higher on our review.
Day 1 Fitness Olympic Trap Hex Bar – Best Knurled Hand Grips
What we like
- Extra long sleeves for more weights
- Impressijve 750 lbs. max weight capacity
- Can accommodate 2” Olympic weight plates
- Smooth silver chrome finish with knurled handles
- US made
What we don’t like
- Packaging needs to be improved
Are you looking for the best value trap bar with the best grip? If you are, then the Day 1 Fitness Olympic Trap Hex Bar is for you. This hex bar offers two different handles to suit your preferred exercise routines. It combines hex and high hex bar handles, isolating your desired muscle groups while lifting weights safely and easily.
The Day 1 Fitness Olympic Trap Hex Bar also checks the mark when it comes to durability. This is definitely one of the best trap bars today as it’s made from silver chrome, has a chrome finish, and can support up to 750 pounds of weight. This hex bar only weighs 45 pounds and can accommodate 2” weights, so you can perform deadlifts, shrugs, rack pulls, and squats.
XMark Olympic Hexagonal Trap Bar – Best Multi-Grip Handles
What we like
- Elevated weight storage for effortless loading
- Revolving tri-grip handles with increments for a range of comfortable grip
- Bolt-on rubber feet for shock resistance
- Great design with powder-coat finish for durability
What we don’t like
- Average weight limit of 400 lbs.
- Welds need more refinement
The XMark Olympic Hexagonal Trap Bar deserves a position on our review because of its knurled revolving tri-grip handle. With this feature, you can choose to adjust the grips of your handles from 30 mm, 38 mm, to 45 mm. Thanks to its elevated plate storage, the XMark Olympics Hexagonal Trap Bar also ensures easy loading and unloading of plates.
The XMark Olympic Hexagonal Trap Bar has a chrome finish and has a max weight capacity of 400 pounds. This trap bar also has 2” diameter chrome sleeves with a 10” load length to accommodate plates and only weighs 55 pounds. Using the XMark Olympics Hexagonal Trap Bar regularly reduces stress on your spine while allowing you to lift more weight in the long run.
Our Verdict
After comparing various open-end trap bars and closed trap bars, we conclude that the Titan Fitness Hex Trap V2 Knurled is the clear winner. The dual handles are great for a full or partial range of motion lifts and the high handles at 7.5” from the floor assists really well without straining the lower back. It is rackable and remains stable on j-hooks which allows for versatile training.
The sleeves are also long to make room for more weight. Overall, the Titan Fitness offering is quite comparable to high-end trap bars like the eponymous Rogue TB-2 at an obviously more competitive cost.
The Runner-up on our review is the Valor Fitness OB Hex Bar. Unlike other hex bars, this one guarantees versatility as its handles can be adjusted in three different angles, allowing you to target different muscle groups using one piece of equipment. The Valor Fitness OB Hex offers a unique handle position, so you can stay balanced and have lesser risks of injuries when working out.
Buying Guide: How To Select the Best Trap Bar For Home Use
Finding the perfect trap bar is easier said than done. The market is bombarded with many trap bars today, making it challenging for you to narrow down your options and find one for your home gym. We understand your dilemma, and this section is written for you.
For you to find a great trap bar, consider the following when buying:
Handle Height
The handle height is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing a trap bar for your home gym. Most trap bars come with either one of the two primary handle configurations: dual or single height.
With single handles, you can pull from the same height as traditional barbells. Dual handles can do what single handles can do, plus enable you to perform a range of motion lifts. Dual handles are ideal for individuals working through an injury or training a specific sticking point.
Weight Capacity
Buying a trap bar with a built-in bar jack will be useless if your trap bar has limited weight capacity. Your ability to work out with weight plates will depend on the weight capacity of the trap bar.
When choosing a trap bar with a suitable weight capacity, consider how much you weigh. In general, lifters who weigh between 58 to 60 pounds should invest in a hex trap bar with a high weight capacity of at least 500 pounds. Lifters who weigh less can invest in trap bars with a weight limit of 400 pounds.
Knurling
The knurling handles vary in every trap bar, as well as the finish of the handles. While some trap bars are powder-coated, others have a chrome or zinc finish.
Make sure to consider knurling when going through several trap bars. Ideally, the trap bar you choose should have knurling handles with medium texture — not completely passive or aggressive.
Trap bars with powder coating often feel milder than trap bars with a plated finish. The Titan Hex Bar is powder-coated, which is why it topped our list for being the best trap bar.
Sleeve Length and Diameter
The sleeve length and diameter are also essential factors to consider when choosing the best value trap bar. Hex bars with shorter sleeves will usually limit how much weight you can load onto the bar. This is one of the reasons why you should assess how much weight you can lift before buying a hex bar and what kind of plates you’ll be using.
You should also assess the sleeve diameter before buying a trap bar. Trap bars with smaller diameters will not accommodate standard barbell collars and will require you to either use proloc or axle collars.
Material, Construction, and Finish
Yet another consideration when buying a trap bar is its material, construction, and finish. Usually, hex bars with powder-coated sleeves have a smaller diameter and show imperfections after a few uses. The powder coat is very susceptible to chips, scratches, and fading.
If your definition of the best value trap bar includes the appearance, it’s best to invest in hex bars with chrome or zinc sleeves. These materials tend to be more rust and chip-resistant even after years of heavy use.
Weight of the Bar
Trap bars can weigh anywhere from 45 to 70 pounds, so make sure to assess how much you can weigh when comparing several hex bars.
Price
Don’t forget to consider the price before buying a trap bar. This equipment can range from less than a hundred dollars to a few thousand. List down all of the features you’re looking for in a quality trap bar, so you can determine a realistic budget when buying.
