If you are in a hurry and just want to find out what the best trap bar for Deadlifts is, then I’d recommend the HulkFit Olympic 2-Inch Hex Weight Lifting Trap Bar as the best one.
Choosing the best trap bar can quickly become a complicated decision if you aren’t sure what to look for or aren’t aware of what your options are.
There are a few different types of trap bars, also known as hex bars, that you can choose from.
We’ve researched some guidelines to help you choose the best trap bar for you and also reviewed the top products to help you make an informed decision for your strength training needs.
Here are the top trap bars for Deadlifting we’ll be reviewing:
- Cap Olympic Trap Bar
- HulkFit Olympic 2-Inch Hex Weight Lifting Trap Bar
- Titan Fitness Hex Bar
- Synergee Hex Barbell Trap Bar
- Day 1 Fitness Olympic Hex Bar
How to Choose the Best Trap Bar for Deadlifts
There are a few things you may want to consider when you’re looking for the best trap bar that will suit your individual needs.
Size
This encompasses the weight and dimensions of the trap or hex bar. Some have a smaller space inside the hex, with less room between the handles while other bars are rather large.
The size and weight may be an important measure to take note of in order to make sure that you’re choosing an appropriate size for your workouts and one that will fit comfortably in whatever space you plan to work out in.
Types of Plates
Depending on the loadable sleeve length, some bars can fit more plates than others.
However, if you’re using large bumper plates then this may have an impact on how many you can fit onto the bar.
Iron plates tend to take up less room, so you can typically use more of them.
Your Budget
You can find high-quality trap bars for around $100, but you can also get a great product for $250+.
While it isn’t necessary to spend hundreds of dollars, sometimes the more expensive options have more features and accessories for your convenience.
Rack
Another consideration when choosing a trap bar that’s most appropriate for you is whether or not you plan to rack it.
A lot of trap bars may be too short or unable to fit on a rack while fully loaded.
What are the Advantages of Using Trap Bars for Deadlifts?
There are a couple of main advantages for using a trap bar instead of a traditional barbell while deadlifting.
Less Low Back Strain
Trap bars tend to be advantageous for people with lower back pain or those who experience discomfort in their backs when deadlifting.
It can provide some relief for the lumbar spine and spinal erectors because your spine is in a more neutral position since it’s more upright than in a barbell deadlift.
Lift Heavier
Many people also find that they’re able to lift more weight when using a trap bar due to less low back muscle activation.
This tends to be more comfortable, so you can use your leg muscles more effectively.
Things to Look for When Choosing the Best Trap Bar for Deadlifts
All trap bars are not created equal.
There are various models of trap bars available so it may help you to choose the best trap bar for deadlifts if you know what to look for.
Everyone will have their personal preferences, but it may help to have a few helpful characteristics in mind.
Knurling
Knurling is the textured part of the bar that helps to secure your grip.
It can keep your grip from slipping as you sweat and help you grasp the bar more tightly.
Some types of knurl can be quite aggressive and painful, but it’s possible to build up calluses in order to tolerate it. You can also wear workout gloves.
All bars do not feature knurling so if it’s something that you find useful then it may be a feature you want to look for.
Some trap bars only have it on one set of handles while some have it on all grip surfaces and others don’t have any knurl at all.
There are two types of knurling, which are a diamond pattern and striated or lined knurling.
The diamond knurling is most common and comes in different millimeters. The size of the knurl will determine the level of discomfort during gripping.
Chrome
Trap bars are generally made from heavy-duty metal.
Sometimes this can predispose them to oxidation or rust, especially around the welds where the different pieces of metal meet.
Chrome-plated trap bars tend to be the most popular because they aren’t supposed to rust.
Grips or Handles
Some trap bars only have one set of grips, which are usually flush with the hex.
However, you can also get a trap bar with a set of raised handles as well.
The height of the raised handles can vary depending on the product.
The raised handles may make it easier for some people to pick up the bar and place less strain on your back.
Loadable Sleeve Length
The loadable sleeve length will determine how many plates you can fit onto each side of the trap bar.
The best trap bar for deadlifts will allow you to increase your load as you progress and get stronger.
If the loadable sleeves are too short then you may run out of space before you’ve adequately loaded the bar.
Weight Capacity
Depending on the size of the bar, maximum weight capacity or the amount of weight you can lift the bar with can range anywhere from 45lbs up to above 1000lbs.
If you plan to lift really heavy then you’ll want to pay attention to this specification when choosing the best trap bar for deadlifts.
What’s the Best Way to Use a Trap Bar for Deadlifts?
Deadlifting with a trap bar is a bit different from deadlifting with a barbell.
Here’s a video that goes over what you should focus on and some things you may want to avoid when doing deadlifts with a trap bar.
There are a few ways that you can use a trap bar for deadlifts. Here are some other options with tips, instructions, and images to demonstrate proper form.
Other exercises that you can use a trap bar for include:
- shrugs
- deadlift variations
- squat jumps
- farmer’s walks
- floor presses
- push-ups
The Best Trap Bars Reviewed
Finding the right trap bar for you can be a bit overwhelming.
We’ve simplified it a bit by narrowing your search down to five of the top trap bars we see currently on the market. Here they are!
Cap Olympic Trap Bar
The Cap Olympic Trap Bar is one of the most affordable trap or hex bars that you can purchase.
It’s a pretty standard weight for a hex bar at 46lbs, with the hex being about 25in x 24.6in. There are 25in between the handles from left to right.
This product has raised neutral-grip handles, in addition to a set of handles that are actually flush with the bar.
Its loadable sleeves are 9in long, and the bar has a maximum weight capacity of about 750lbs depending on the type of plates used.
Cap’s Olympic-sized trap bar is zinc plated and made of solid steel with a diameter of 25mm. You should be able to fit Olympic 2in plates onto this bar.
If you like aggressive knurling then this may be a great choice for you. The handles feature diamond-style knurling to prevent your grip from slipping.
Pros
- high quality
- higher and lower profile grip positions are nice to have
- durable, even after 2 years of use
- easy to grip despite rough texture
Cons
- may get a little bit of rust around some of the welds since it’s not chrome-plated
- the rough texture on grips may hurt some people’s hands
HulkFit Olympic 2-Inch Hex Weight Lifting Trap Bar
The HulkFit Olympic Trap Bar offers the least expensive bar on this list.
It’s a bit smaller than 2in, coming in at 1.97in in diameter so it should fit most standard plates.
While it may be inexpensive compared to some other options, it has a weight capacity of 1000lbs+ which is one of the highest on the list.
The company offers 4 styles. You can choose between black or chrome, and regular hex bar shape or an open-back version.
This is the only open-back hex bar featured in this review list, which makes this product stand apart from the rest.
An open-back style bar allows for more versatility.
You can use it for exercises like incline chest supported rows, standing military shoulder presses, Bulgarian split squats, reverse lunges, seal rows, and walking lunges.
Since it’s made from heavy-duty steel it won’t feel hollow or flimsy.
It also features loadable sleeves that are extra-long so you can load more weight onto this bar and overload your muscles more-so than with a standard bar as you progress.
Another unique aspect that sets it apart from the rest is that the open-back option weighs more than most bars at about 77lbs, while the standard version is 45lbs.
If you lift pretty heavy already, then the 77lbs option may be great for your needs.
Pros
- the super long loadable sleeve can fit 6 55lbs bumper plates on each side
- really deep knurling for extra grip
- holds chalk well to help grip
- great quality
Cons
- black finish may flake
- some bars may arrive with a bit of rust in welded areas
Titan Fitness Hex Bar
The Titan Fitness Hex Bar makes a pretty sturdy hex bar with knurled handles to make your grip more sturdy and reliable. It’s made from heavy-duty steel, which contributes to its durability.
It’s 56in in length, with 24.5in between the handles. This product has a loadable sleeve length of 9.75in, which is similar to most standard hex bars, and it weighs 44lbs.
500lbs is the maximum weight capacity, which is less than most of the bars on this list.
This may be a good bar to start with if you’re just starting to learn how to deadlift or use a hex bar. It should fit 2in Olympic plates.
While this is a smaller bar, it is suitable for men and women and can accommodate most people.
There are two sets of handles, a lower option that’s flush with the bar and another higher option that is a few inches above the bar.
Pros
- a good amount of space inside hex even if you’re really overweight (270+lbs)
- smooth and solid bar
- great shipping shows up in good condition
Cons
- fine knurling which can be a bit rough, like a cheese grater
- small handles
- feels hollow and lighter than expected
Synergee Hex Barbell Trap Bar
The Synergee Hex Barbell Trap Bar has one of the smallest hex shapes on the list.
It’s 23in by 21in, which is something to consider if you’re looking for more space inside of the hex. The 23in measurement is the length measurement between the handgrips.
One of the characteristics of this bar that differentiates it from others is that the two handle positions have different knurling.
The top handle has 1.2mm knurl, while the bottom handle has 1.5mm knurl. This means that the smaller knurl will feel a little sharper and more aggressive.
While most hex bars have loadable sleeves between 9in and 9.75in, this bar features 10in which can fit a bit more weight. It’s a 55lbs bar with a weight capacity of 750lbs.
You have the option of choosing between black phosphate finishing or chrome, which tends to be more resistant to rust and damage.
Pros
- solid and sturdy
- heavier than standard Olympic bars which help with lifting more
- very smooth welds
- nice chrome finish
Cons
- poor quality shipping materials may come scratched due to lack of protection
- aggressive knurling
- expensive
Day 1 Fitness Olympic Hex Bar
The Day 1 Fitness Olympic Hex Bar is chrome-plated and weighs 44lbs.
It’s 55.25in long, with a hex shape measuring 24.5in by 23in. This is a moderately sized hex space that should be a good fit for most as it’s not the smallest size available.
The handles are knurled to encourage better grip. You also have two sets of handles you can use, one set a little higher and one that’s a standard hex grip and flush with the bar.
It can hold 750lbs and will fit 2in Olympic plates. The Day 1 Fitness Olympic Hex Bar also has 9.75in loadable sleeves.
Pros
- works just as well as more expensive hex bars
- built well
- feels heavy duty
Cons
- have to use iron plates to get up to max weight capacity
- rough knurling
Conclusion
After doing our due diligence to figure out which trap bar for deadlifts is the best based on specifications, budget, and mode of use we’ve come to the conclusion that the HulkFit Olympic 2-Inch Hex Weight Lifting Trap Bar is one of the best.
This trap bar is the least expensive product on the list, yet it offers all of the features that you may want to look for in the best trap bar for deadlifts.
It has dual-grips that offer flush and heightened handles.
Both of which are knurled to promote a non-slip grip so you can lift heavy weights without worrying about the bar slipping.
There are also a couple of different styles to choose from.
You can go with the traditional model or opt for the open-back version that will allow you to do even more exercises.
This makes the HulkFit trap bar more versatile than any other option listed above.
Plus, it has one of the highest weight capacities of all the bars reviewed.
The extra-long loadable sleeves allow you to pile even more weight onto this bar that’s already heavier than most standard bars.
The naked weight of this particular trap bar is 77lbs which is about 30lbs heavier than most basic trap bars.
If 77lbs seems like a bit much, you can start with the smaller 45lbs bar instead.
Either way, the HulkFit trap bar offers the most features for the lowest price, which makes it our pick for the best trap bar for deadlifts.
