Trap bars are slightly heavier than standard barbells. This is because the regular barbell is simply a straight rod. However, the hex bar features a more intricate structure that requires additional material, resulting in a significantly greater weight.
The typical weight of trap bars is approximately 55 lbs. However, other trap bars are available, weighing between 35-65 lbs, depending on your training level and personal desire.
To optimize your training and lift weights effortlessly, choosing the appropriate weight for the hexagon bar is crucial.
The specific weight of the hex deadlift bar can differ across different brands, however, we can generally categorize them into three main groups:
Exercises using a trap bar at the gym
This trap bar is named after Al Gerard, a champion powerlifter and the inventor of the hex bar. It is the lightest trap bar available, weighing approximately 45 lbs. While some bars are more lightweight than this, the Gerard is the most frequently encountered in the lowest weight range.
This bar is very suitable for beginners because the actual weight of the bar is low. If you’re new to weightlifting, it’s recommended to begin with Gerard. The trap bar’s lighter weight allows you to add additional plates, so you won’t feel like you’re merely lifting an empty bar.
However, a lesser weight may only support small weights from several plates. Most light trap bars have a weight limit of 300 lbs.
The Regular Trap Bar (The Traditional)
The standard trap bar is the most frequently utilized and weighs around 55 lbs. Nevertheless, the weight of the trap bar used for deadlifts may differ slightly depending on the brand.
This is the ideal bar for experienced powerlifters. It offers an appropriate level of strength and power while allowing you to regulate the additional weight you can include.
The increased weight capacity enables it to support the addition of many plates at once effortlessly.
The Largest Trap Bar (Extra Large Trap Bars)
As their name implies, XL trap bars are the most weighty available, with a weight range of 65-70 lbs. If you want to lift heavier weights, XL trap bars are suitable; however, your usual 55-pound trap bar should be enough.
They are bigger and far stronger, enabling them to effortlessly support heavier loads without the fear of fracturing or losing their form.
What Factors Influence the Weight of a Trap Bar?
The weight of hex bars can vary depending on several circumstances despite a few conventional consequences. The importance of trap bars differs significantly depending on their size, design, and the material they are made of.
Factor 1: Bar Size
Hexagonal bars are available in several sizes, closely related to their weights. Shorter trap bars are lighter, while longer ones are heavier.
Extended hexagonal bars enable you to incorporate additional plates onto your bar, allowing you to lift considerably greater weights.
Factor 2: Dimensions of the Bar’s Handles
Every hex bar has two handlebars that stick out on both sides. These enable you to have more control and lift weights with greater ease. The handlebars are available in two different sizes, and the size of this handlebar can impact the importance of the trap bar.
Trap bars with lower handlebars have a lighter weight, whereas those with higher handlebars weigh approximately 10-15 pounds more.
To give you some context, a deadlift of 315 lbs with a regular straight bar would be equivalent to a deadlift of 340 lbs using a hex bar with low handles and a deadlift of 360 kg using a hex bar with higher handlebars.
Factor 3: Materials Utilized
Many trap bars are constructed from steel or other similarly durable materials. However, the overall weight of the trap bar is mainly determined by the quality of the material utilized. Typically, brands use inferior-grade steel to manufacture their more affordable trap bars, decreasing their overall weight.
Heavier trap bars are made with better-grade steel and have a greater weight. This enables them to manage the additional weight.
Factor 4: Bar Design
Trap bars come in either a hexagon shape or a C-shape. While these two dimensions may have similarities, the weights can vary greatly.
The C-shaped bar is open on one side, which contains one fewer steel bar. C-shaped bars are lighter than hexagon bars of the same size.
Exercises using a trap bar at the gym
Trap Bar Suggestion
Trap bars are widely popular among powerlifters for their effectiveness in off-season training. It is not surprising that numerous fitness brands already provide their version of a trap bar.
Deciding on the appropriate trap bar that offers both good quality and a suitable size can be challenging. After some experimentation, I discovered the top trap bar is available. The Rouge TB2 trap bar is a personal preference.
Rogue TB-2 Trap Bar
The TB-2 is an upgraded edition of the initial Rouge Trap Bar. The TB-2 is lighter by 25% and features an upgraded SCH 80 pipe compared to its previous version.
The textured surfaces on both handlebars offer improved grip, reducing the risk of injury. The handlebars are also positioned at 8.25 inches from the floor.
The TB-2 has a unique characteristic, with its handlebars positioned low on the opposite side. If you prefer to use low handlebars, you can flip the trap bar and use them.
Conclusion
The space between the handles is also extraordinarily roomy and around 50 inches wide horizontally. The 16-inch loading sleeve also allows you to load different plates onto it for your deadlifts.
The bar weighs 60 lbs, indicating that it is constructed from sturdy and long-lasting metal. Despite its greater weight, the TB-2 is suitable for beginners and an excellent choice for athletes in rehabilitation.
Although most trap bars are silver in color, the TB-2 trap bar features a stylish black powder coating. As the saying goes, things tend to appear more appealing in black. The TB-2 is not only excellent in terms of quality but also visually appealing.
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