As a fitness trainer, after researching and testing nearly 40 trap bars, I determined that there is so much to be desired in a trap bar I'd recommend to my readers and clients.
While most trap bars may appear simple, there are several variations in terms of appearance and functions, making it tough to identify the best trap bar to purchase for your specific needs.
In this article, I will provide the best trap bars for various uses and a complete guide covering the fundamental varieties, their benefits, how to identify the best one for your needs, and important features to look for when purchasing a trap bar.
Our Top Trap Bar for Home Gym (September 2023)
1 - Rogue Fitness TB-1 Trap Bar 2.0 (Editor's Choice)
The Rogue Fitness TB-1 Trap Bar 2.0 is our top best trap bar.
The Rogue Fitness TB-1 Trap Bar 2.0 has a traditional trap bar layout with a very sharp knurl on the neutral handle grips.
“The 2.0 version, weighing only 60 pounds, is an even more agile, controllable trap bar that may load the same weight. It's also more beginner-friendly if you're more concerned with form and technique than lifting heavy weights.”
- Steve Hoyles, Personal Trainer
This best trap bar is largely compatible with all regular Olympic plates.
With the trap bar, Rogue Fitness advocates utilizing either the Rogue Metal Axle Collars or the OSO Axle Collars.
I like how the pricing is also quite fair, making it a fantastic bargain for the quality of the frame and design.
Product Facts:
- Brand : Rogue Fitness
- Diameter : 1.34" (Handles); 1.91" (Sleeves)
- Weight : 60 lbs
- Has a fair price for a specialized bar
- It is rackable and well-constructed
- Has a knurling that is consistent across the handles
- It is made of heavy-duty materials
- Does not fit all collars
2 - Rogue Fitness TB-2 Trap Bar
This Rogue Fitness Trap Bar is the finest closed bar. It's reasonably priced, built in the United States, and has solid specifications.
The Rogue Fitness TB-2 has two handles that boost the bar's flexibility.
The high handles are ideal for practicing various ranges of motion.
They are about 8 inches above the lower ones. Both 34mm handles are knurled with a medium profile; however, the low handle is the only one that has been knurled from end to end.
The TB-2's hex bar frame measures 25" from grip to grip.
Regarding the sleeves, a smooth space between the hex framework and the collar allows this bar to be rackable.
The TB-2 Rogue Trap Bar is an excellent choice for most individuals looking for a basic closed bar.
Product Facts:
- Brand : Rogue Fitness
- Diameter : 1.34" (Handles); 1.91" (Sleeves)
- Weight : 60 lbs
- Dual handles allow for two elevations
- The trap bar is rackable, increasing the versatility
- It has corner gussets for additional durability
- Sleeves with smaller diameters will not fit conventional barbell collars
3 - Titan Fitness Rackable Hex Trap Bar
Titan Fitness Rackable Hex Trap Bar has a new black powder finish, mild diamond texture on the knurling, and Titan branding end caps.
This best trap bar also features a hex design with twin handles, making it an excellent multipurpose specialty bar.
This hex bar is made of high-quality standard-grade stainless steel with a newly enhanced black powder coating.
The bar sits 7.5" above the floor when not in a rack, making it ideal for trap bar deadlift variants.
I like how it has 28 mm thick-medium textured, knurled grips that provide a sturdy and firm grip.
The hexagonal form is simple to enter and exit while supporting up to 800 lb.
Product Facts:
- Brand : Titan Fitness
- Diameter : 22" (Handles); 16" (Sleeves)
- Weight : 60 lbs
- Ideal for lifters of all levels of experience
- Has dual knurled handles
- Can be utilized or stored within a squat rack and power cage
- The distance between the handles is not very long
4 - CAP Barbell Olympic Trap Bar
The CAP Barbell Olympic Trap Bar is inexpensive and only has a load capacity of 500 pounds, but it has a compact shape that makes it the perfect hex bar for tiny home gyms.
“This Olympic Trap Bar is effective and versatile, allowing you to do a wide range of strong compound movements for a full-body conditioning program.”
- Rick Richey, NASM Certified Personal Trainer
This best budget trap bar is only 51" long and 12.5" deep. The trap bar also includes rubber soles on the bottom to prevent damage to your floor.
The sleeves are 9.5". You won't be able to put more than two 45-pound plates on bumper plates.
The CAP Barbell trap bar lacks knurled grips. I used straps for a stronger grip when lifting heavier weights.
Product Facts:
- Brand : CAP Barbell
- Diameter : 9.5" (Sleeves)
- Weight : 28 lbs
- It has a compact design
- Rubber soles on the bottom protect the flooring
- Very inexpensive and available in a variety of colors
- Shorter sleeves cannot accommodate as many plates
5 - HulkFit Olympic Hex Trap Bar
The HulkFit trap bar offers good value for those on a tight budget.
The HulkFit trap bar has two handles, with the upper grip resting a few inches higher than the lower.
Both of the handles are knurled for convenience and grip stability.
The distance between the handles is 23.5 inches. HulkFit also reduces loadable sleeve length.
Many customers say that at only 9.25", they can't load sufficient weight plates for decent exercise when compared to a straight bar deadlift.
HulkFit promises a load capacity of 1000 pounds. However, the sleeve length limits the amount of weight you may pack.
I appreciate that it is constructed from sturdy steel and finished using a black powder coat paint.
Product Facts:
- Brand : HulkFit
- Diameter : 23.25" (Handles); 11.5" (Sleeves)
- Weight : 45 lbs
- Small hex frames are appropriate for smaller people
- Fits regular 2-inch Olympic collars and has two hand grip choices
- A wonderful alternative to a straight bar for beginners and people just starting off with strength training
- Weight capacity is less than claimed. Not advised for experienced lifters
6 - CAP Barbell Olympic Super Trap Bar
CAP Barbell is well-known for producing no-frills weight, high-quality home training equipment at an affordable price.
Their Olympic Super Trap Bar is a perfect example.
It is designed to suit lifters of all sizes, including taller individuals.
Because the sleeves are elevated higher than the floor, slipping the Olympic plates off and on is considerably easier than with a straight bar.
The bar has a tensile strength of 74,000 psi and a shear strength of 37,000 psi, allowing for a maximum lift of 750 pounds, which is extremely good for a low-cost trap bar.
It is also equipped with rubber-footed, shock-resistant bolts to protect your floor from damage.
Product Facts:
- Brand : CAP Barbell
- Diameter : 29" (Handles); 10" (Sleeves)
- Weight : 42.32 lbs
- The 64-inch length allows for more legroom for wider stances or heavier lifters
- The weight capacity of 750 pounds covers the accessory requirements of elite, novice, and intermediate
- Rubber-footed, shock-resistant bolts safeguard the floor while allowing for easy weight loading
- At larger weights, the sleeve design may make the hex bar's balance to shift slightly forward or backward
7 - Synergee Olympic Hex Trap Bar
The primary hex frame and handles of the Synergee bar are made of 28mm tube steel.
The bar has two grips that are knurled from end to end.
The top handle of this bar has a less aggressive knurl than that of the bottom handle.
The bar has a medium profile that is suitable for a wide range of motions and rep schemes.
This bar's handle spread is 23 inches.
The Synergee bar features short sleeves of 10 inches, which is common with inexpensive trap bars. This limits the amount of weight you can load.
The bar has a 750-pound weight capacity that is guaranteed.
I like that the sleeves feature an Olympic diameter and a chrome (or black phosphate) finish.
Product Facts:
- Brand : Synergee
- Diameter : 12" (Handles); 10" (Sleeves)
- Weight : 22 lbs
- Very budget-friendly, with a 750-pound capacity
- Dual handles for more versatility
- Both grips have been knurled with two different patterns
- It is not rackable
8 - GYMAX Olympic Hex Trap Bar
The GYMAX Olympic Hex Bar strikes an excellent balance between cost and quality with a fair price, rust-resistant chrome coating, and an 800-pound weight limit.
This hex power lifting trap bar is particularly distinctive in that it is foldable. The upper handles fold to become parallel to the body of the bar.
The bar may be stored beneath a storage rack and piece of furniture or hung on the wall without the handles protruding.
Although both pairs of handles are knurled, I didn't particularly appreciate that the knurling is passive, thus making you use lifting straps or chalk to gain a stronger hold on this bar.
Product Facts:
- Brand : Gymax Olympic
- Diameter : 11.5" (Handles); 10" (Sleeves)
- Weight : 40 lbs
- Its handles may be folded down for simple storage
- It has a weight capacity of 800 pounds
- It is a low-cost trap bar
- Low grip due to passive knurling
9 - Bells of Steel Open Trap Bar
The Bells of Steel Open Trap Bar is an ergonomic design with an open front end that allows for a larger range of motion than a closed-frame version.
The Bells of Steel open trap bar has rotating sleeves.
“The spinning sleeves on most standard barbells allow the plates to rotate and prevent unnecessary force from being conveyed to your joints. Not all trap bars, however, feature spinning sleeves.”
- Steve Theunissen, Certified Personal Trainer
I also appreciate that this open trap bar features built-in deadlift jacks to facilitate the process of loading and unloading plates easier.
The 9.5-inch sleeves are a little shorter than some of the other alternatives.
Conversely, the collar of this open trap bar is narrower allowing you to put more plates on the bar. According to Bells of Steel, each sleeve can hold seven 45-pound iron plates.
Product Facts:
- Brand : Bells of Steel
- Diameter : 9.7" (Sleeves)
- Weight : 47 lbs
- This open ended trap bar has built-in deadlift jacks
- The open trap bars design allows for greater flexibility
- Has a rust-resistant black oxide coating
- It is more expensive than other trap bars
10 - Valor Fitness Hex Trap Bar
The Valor Fitness Trap Bar has spinning grips with variable diameters. This lifting trap bar allows you to enhance your grip ability without needing fat gripz.
You may also select a variant with changeable sleeves that can accommodate either 1-inch or 2-inch inserts or another type that allows you to alter the position of the handles.
This brand is worth considering if you do not have any Olympic-sized plates or desire a more customized grip position.
This trap bar's lengthy 10.25" sleeves are my favorite feature since they allow you to place many bumper plates on it.
The Valor Fitness trap bar requires assembly like the CAP Barbell trap bar. Because the finishes on certain pieces aren't smooth, you should use gloves to protect your hands when assembling them.
Product Facts:
- Brand : Valor Fitness
- Diameter : 2" (Handles); 10.25" (Sleeves)
- Weight : 59 lbs
- Four handles of varied sizes
- Rubber feet protect flooring
- Sleeves are 10.25" long
- Has a very aggressive knurling
Buyer’s Guide for Home Gym Trap Bar
A trap bar is an excellent addition to any home gym, allowing for a new degree of heavy-duty free-weight training.
Therefore, you should make sure to evaluate these things before purchasing one.
Learn More: Trap Bar Deadlift vs Conventional: Differences and Benefits
Price
Budget is among the first factors to consider when making a large purchase. Hex bars might cost less than $100 or even more than $700.
Cheaper trap bars are composed of lesser-quality steel and have lower weight limits.
They may just be temporary, or you may soon outgrow them as you gain strength.
For these reasons, I advise you to dip into savings until you can purchase a high-quality trap bar.
Related: How to Get Cheap Home Gym Equipment: Easy-To-Follow Guide
Sleeve Length
The length of the tubing that holds the weights. It is something to contemplate if you'll be lifting a significant amount of weight and if you will be employing bumper plates, which are much thicker than ordinary metal plates.
Knurling
This alludes to the engraved grip on the handles. You'll be utilizing a lot of weight with a hex bar, so ensure it has good knurling, so the bar doesn't slip from your hands.
“The type of knurling is a matter of personal preference, but the constancy of the knurl and the breakpoints define a "good" knurl.”
- Allen Blunt, ACE Certified Personal Trainer
All of the trap bars in our list have appropriate knurling, so if you select any of them, you'll be OK.
Weight Capacity
The weight capacity refers to the maximum amount of weight that may be used on the bar.
The capacities of the trap bars in this list range from 400 pounds to 1000 pounds, so make sure to select a bar that can withstand the weight you want to use.
Standard and Olympic Weights
I believe Olympic weights have practically become the standard; however, when utilizing a trap bar, you should absolutely choose one for Olympic weights.
The Olympic design is more durable and can withstand greater weight and wear - and - tear.
Furthermore, the Olympic weights are higher, making them better when using a trap bar.
Coating
Another factor to consider before buying hex bars is the coating, which aids in the prevention of rust and corrosion.
You may pick from a number of coatings on this list, ranging from powder to chrome.
Who Should Invest in a Trap Bar for Home Gym?
You should invest in a trap bar for home gym if you want to boost your weight training or if you are rehabbing an injury, as it provides a more even distribution of weight.
Also, if you have a good compact home gym, you should invest in a trap bar as it allows for various exercises that target each muscle group.
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Who Shouldn't Invest in a Trap Bar for Home Gym?
You should not invest in a trap bar for a home gym if you have limited knowledge of the equipment and are prone to injuries, as it may cause unpleasant injuries when not used correctly.
Also, buyers on a tight budget should avoid investing in a trap bar for home gyms since it may interfere with their finances.
FAQs
How Do You Use a Trap Bar?
You use a trap bar by loading it with weights and performing various exercises such as a bent-over row, deadlift, shrug, and rack pull.
Is There a Difference Between a Hex Bar and a Trap Bar?
No. There is no difference between a hex bar and a trap bar. Trap bars have a hexagonal form and are often called "hex bars".
Should I Buy a Trap Bar or a Conventional Barbell?
You should buy a trap bar over a conventional barbell, as you will be able to deadlift more weight with a trap bar than a straight bar, particularly when using the high handles.
Which Trap Bar Should You Invest In?
After placing many trap bars for home gyms into our routine test, we concluded that the Rogue Fitness TB-1 Trap Bar 2.0 is the best one to invest in.
Because the weight is centered and not off the axis like a typical deadlift, the Trap Bar's hexagonal shape and knurled, balanced grip handles make it ideal for completing trap bar deadlifts that place less pressure on the lumbar spine.
It's an excellent specialty bar for both novices and athletes seeking a multipurpose piece of equipment.
Our #1 Recommendation
Rogue Fitness TB-1 Trap Bar 2.0
- Has a fair price for a specialized bar
- It is rackable and well-constructed
- Has a knurling that is consistent across the handles
- It is made of heavy-duty materials
- Get the BEST PRICE until the end of September
- Does not fit all collars
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