The Best Hex Trap Bars For Deadlifts Reviewed: Options For Women, Beginners & Heavy Weight Users

Top 8 Best Hex Trap Bars for Deadlifting

1. Rogue TB-2 Trap Bar

The knurled parallel handles measure 1.35 inches in diameter for a solid and comfortable grip even under heavy weights.

The hexagonal frame is made from 1.5-inch square steel tubing which is pretty durable. The only issue is some customers have found that the trap bar can chip which isn’t what you would expect from a professional quality bar. 

It certainly isn’t a cheap option, so we kind of want it to look its best for as long as possible. The black powder coat should provide some protection and a smooth finish but it hasn’t proved to be the most long-lasting coating out there.

To use the parallel handles, you simply flip the frame over. The different sets of handles can be used to either apply more pressure or limit shoulder stress which is ideal for rehabilitating from injuries. Deadlifts can cause a lot of lower back pain and if you’ve had previous injuries in this area you’ll definitely want as much support as possible from your equipment.

Despite a few complaints about durability, we know that Rogue is a very recognized brand and if you are treating the equipment with care it will last for years to come, even with a few scratches here and there. If you’re not too worried about a few scuffs, this is the best trap deadlift bar and you can expect to be perfecting those deadlifts with this purchase.

Rogue is well recognized for delivering professional quality and equipment and this is no exception. If you want a versatile bar which really helps to protect and isolate your muscles during deadlifts and other lifts, the Rogue TB-2 is the best deadlift bar for you.

2. Rogue TB-1 Trap Bar 2.0

This is the new and improved version of Rogue’s TB-1 Trap Bar. What’s new is the precision sleeve construction which reduces the starting weight of the bar by 25% so you can focus on your weights without adding unnecessary pressure.

The hexagonal design and knurled, neutral grip are designed for deadlifts specifically so you put less stress on your lumbar spine and the weight remains centered instead of shifting from side to side. If you use a standard barbell that isn’t as balanced you could risk causing strains in your lower back.

Here’s the deal:

Like with a lot of Rogue’s equipment, this trap bar has been approved for use with the United States Army’s Combat Fitness Test, which attests to its professional build quality and ability to take on serious weights repeatedly.

The signature black powder coat helps to keep the bar looking good and improves its durability. The newly redesigned Olympic sleeves are 1.91 inches in diameter and the neutral grip handles are 1.34 inches. 

For a reasonable price, this is one of the best trap bars on the market right now. At 89 inches long, it is the right size to accommodate most users and with its use of square tubing has one of the most durable designs across trap bar reviews. It is also very versatile and can be used for presses as well as deadlifts and squats.

This is a good hex trap bar that protects the lower back and helps beginners to perfect their posture. Nevertheless, it could push the limits a bit more in terms of muscular isolation to really help you see some progress in your training.

3. CAP Barbell Olympic Trap Bar

Some people have found the alignment of the handles can be off with some bars which can be pretty detrimental to training. The idea of a trap bar is to help distribute the weight evenly during deadlifts and eliminate pain or risk of injury. So, the alignment of the handles is very important.

For anyone shopping on a budget, this is a decent hex bar that doesn’t break the bank. Just be prepared to sacrifice a bit of comfort when it comes to grip.

4. Titan Hex Bar

The good thing is the grip is reliable and comfortable. There are also two grip options that you can use to isolate different muscles. The issue here is that the bottom handle doesn’t have any knurling which makes it pretty hard to grip, so if you want comfortable lifts you’ll need to stick to the top handles. 

The knurling on the top handles is relatively aggressive which is what you need to maintain good form but watch out if you have sensitive skin on your hands as you’ll definitely see some wear and tear after a few sessions.

This is a pretty standard trap bar for deadlifting but it doesn’t quite meet the mark for heavy weight lifters because of the lower weight limit.

5. HulkFit Olympic 2-Inch Hex Weight Lifting Trap Bar

With two styles to choose from, the HulkFit Hex Trap Bar comes in a regular or open back design. The open back design provides more space and a less claustrophobic experience for larger weight lifters who find it off-putting to be stuck inside a hex bar when weightlifting. 

It is also more versatile and can be used for other exercises like bench presses.

Despite the high weight capacity, the bar itself weighs just 45lbs so it is still easy to move around between lifts.

To make adding more weights even easier, the sleeves are extra long so you can really build up your weight range. Multiple knurling positions allow you to choose which grip works for you without sacrificing comfort.

The only issue with the open back design is the weight balance feels a little off. But there is the option of a traditional hex bar shape. It is also not the most durable in terms of chipping and scratches and some customers have found that the metallic finish can look a bit scuffed after a lot of use, which is probably what you would expect when using very heavy weights.

This is an impressively durable and strong hex bar which is the best trap bar for heavy weight users thanks to the extra room and high weight capacity.

6. Valor Fitness OB-HEX Hex Trap Bar

With a unique look, this Valor Fitness OB-HEX hex bar features 3 rotating handles which allow you to choose between different grips from narrow to wide. This makes this the best hex bar for women and customization as it includes a 25mm grip for women, a 28mm for men, and a 51mm axle.

The rubber stoppers are designed to protect gym floors or your floors at home from damage caused by repeated drops. As hex bars usually take on a lot of weight in short bursts, damaging your floor is a real possibility which always worries me when I’m working out at home, so it’s nice to know that they’ve got that covered. 

The downside is that the weight limit is pretty low again at 500lbs.

There is some assembly required which might be a little daunting when you look at this complicated piece of equipment but most customers found it to be straightforward to put together.

If you need a bit more range and customization on your grip, this hex bar offers different widths for grip. The let-down is that the weight limit is just 500lbs.

7. XMark Fitness Chrome Olympic Deadlift Hex Bar

The raised handles of XMark Fitness Chrome Olympic Deadlift hex bar make it ideal for shrugs and squats. They also allow for easy pick up making your workout as effortless as possible while still seriously working your traps and legs. Reducing the strain on your hands and back during deadlifts, this is one of the best trap bars for deadlifting.

Again, the downside is that the weight capacity is just 400lbs and you would have thought this kind of material could take on more weight than that.

In spite of this, it is still a pretty versatile piece of equipment with parallel handles and decent non-slip knurled grip. Although you won’t be pushing the weight limit, you can still use this hex bar for a range of exercises.

The chrome finish might be scuff-resistant but some customers have found the joints can rust over time which will affect the durability of the bar. The good thing is it isn’t particularly expensive but if you want a professional quality long-lasting option, a more expensive hex bar might be worth considering.

This hex bar isn’t bad quality for an economical option but it might not last as long as more expensive options. It also has a low weight capacity so it is not the best hex bar for heavy weights.

8. Synergee Olympic Hex Barbell Trap Bar

With a 750lb weight capacity, it can’t take on quite as much weight as some other trap bars in this review but this is a pretty decent weight capacity nevertheless.

Weight distribution is very good, protecting the back even on heavier lifts and deadlifts. Although still sturdy, this cheaper option isn’t quite the same quality as professional level hex bars from well-known brands like Rogue, but it’s a good option for beginners and anyone shopping on a budget.

Finally, the black phosphate finishing looks pretty cool but can scratch and scuff easily. All in all, it's not a bad piece of equipment but probably not one that will last you for years to come. 

If you are just looking for a quick purchase to get you into deadlifts it does the job but if you want professional quality equipment that will last through even the most hardcore workouts, go for something a bit more durable.

If you’re looking for a quick fix, this is an affordable option that is versatile enough to use for a range of exercises. Just don’t expect it to last as long as professional quality options.

If you are investing in a piece of equipment specifically for deadlifts, you’ll want to know that it will do more for you than a standard barbell. 

Because they seem like a more specialized piece of equipment, a lot of people don’t bother with trap bars when it comes to kitting out their home gym. But personally, I think no home gym is complete without a good trap bar. 

Deadlifts are a great way to isolate and train muscles including your hamstrings, glutes, and core. Trap bars allow you to get the most out of that muscle isolation and really see improvements in strength and muscle growth. Aside from this, trap bars are very versatile and can be used for a range of exercises including squats, shrugs, and presses.

Weight Capacity

The weight capacity of trap bars is usually pretty decent and more than a standard set of the best barbell. Standard barbells can normally take on a weight of 200-500lbs but the hex bars in this review can take on as much as 1000lbs.

For heavier weights, trap bars also help to distribute the weight evenly and are often easier to attach weights to thanks to the raised sleeves.

With so many trap bars out there, it is hard to know which ones are the best. There is a big difference in price with different manufacturers so make sure you are still getting a high-quality piece of equipment even if you are going for a more budget-friendly option.

Some trap bars have multiple handle bars but not all of them have knurling and this baffles me because handles without knurling are basically unusable.

Depending on whether you want more grip or more comfort, you can find a bar with moderate to aggressive knurling.

Shape

Although this really depends on your personal preference, the shape of your trap bar can make a difference to your workout. Some people prefer an open back design whereas others like the traditional hex shape. 

Both shapes help with form but the open back design allows for more space for heavy weight users.

On the other hand, some people have found that the weight distribution can feel a little unbalanced with an open back design so if balance and form are your main worries, try a traditional hex bar.

Even with trap bar reviews to narrow down the options for you, it can still be hard to pick the best trap bar to suit all your needs. Here are our top picks for different specifications to help you decide.

By the way, although it is not mentioned below, we have barbells for women who are more inclined into crossfit. It's a full detailed review of the best crossfit barbells for women. 

Best Trap Deadlift Bar For Budget

If you need some decent equipment with good weight capacity, it can be hard to get the best trap bar at a reasonable price. The CAP Barbell Olympic Trap Bar is cheaper than other options in this review but doesn’t sacrifice on build quality or weight capacity.

Best Deadlift Bar For Grip

If grip is your biggest concern when buying a trap bar, the Valor Fitness OB-HEX Hex Trap Bar gives you several options so you can find the most comfortable stance for you. This also makes it a great pick for women who want to work with a narrower stance during deadlifts.