If you ever questioned how much a hex bar weighs every time you use this strange-looking fitness gear, here’s your answer.
In a hurry? Here’s a quick answer
Hex bars found in most commercial gyms typically weigh between 45 and 52 lbs. On the lighter end, some budget-friendly, smaller hex bars can weigh as little as 19 lbs. On the heavier side, some can weigh as much as 77 lbs. However, unlike traditional fitness bars, hex bars don’t have a standard weight. Their weight can vary significantly based on their type and design.
What Is a Hex Bar?
A hex bar, also known as a trap bar, is a piece of weightlifting equipment that is used for exercises such as deadlifts, shrugs, and farmer’s walks. It is a hexagonal-shaped bar with two handles on either side, allowing the user to stand inside the bar while lifting.
Is It Hex Bar or Trap Bar?
The terms hex bar and trap are used interchangeably among fitness enthusiasts as there is no difference between the two.
How much weight does a hex deadlift bar have?
The amount of weight that a hex deadlift bar can hold depends on its design and type. Different bars are built to handle different amounts of weight.
- Standard: Rogue TB-1- 44 to 45 lbs
- Raised Handle: REP Fitness Trap Bar – 50 to 55 lbs
- Heavy-Duty: Rogue TB-2 – 60 lbs
- Lightweight: Titan Fitness Olympic Hex Weight Bar – 19 to 28 lbs
- Multi Handle: OB-HEX – 60 to 65 lbs
- Open Hex Bar: REP Fitness – Up to 77 lbs
- Rackable: Titan Fitness Rackable- 44 lbs
What are the different types of hex bars?
Standard: Rogue TB-1
The Rogue TB-1 is an excellent example of standard hexagonal bars. This hex bar is great for beginners, with a straight design and a single handle on each side.
Raised Handle: REP Fitness Trap Bar
As the name implies, these hex bars have handles that are raised four to eight inches off the bar’s centerline. Click here to checkout the REP Fitness Trap Bar.
Heavy-Duty: Rogue TB-2
The Rogue TB-2 is among the popular trap bars made from heavy-duty steel tubing, making it very rigid.
Lightweight: Titan Fitness Olympic Hex Weight Bar
With a lighter load capacity, lightweight hex bars can have a standard or raised handle design and are also great for beginner lifters. You can checkout the Titan Fitness Olympic Hex Weight Bar here.
Multi Handle: OB-HEX
Multi-handle hex bars have the most interesting design, with a couple of adjustable handles of different sizes/grip diameters, giving you more grip options. Heres a link to checkout the Multi Handle: OB-HEX.
Open Hex Bar: REP Fitness
One side of this hexagon bar is not covered, so instead of stepping into it, you can pick up the bar right away to use it. Open-back or C-shaped bars have the maximum hex bar weight and are ideal for heavy workouts and weightlifting competitions. You can take a look at the REP Fitness Open Hex Bar here.
Rackable: Titan Fitness Rackable
Rackable hex bars are designed to be used inside power racks, making them very versatile for various exercises. These hex bars come in both standard designs and elevated handles. Click here to checkout the Rackable Titan Fitness Rackable.
How Much Is Hex Bar With Plates?
The table below illustrates that the total weight a hex bar can carry when loaded with steel plates differs depending on the specific type of trap bar used.
| Hex bar type | Hex Bar | Weight with plate |
| Standard | 60 lb | Up to 700 lbs |
| Raised Handle | 55 lb | Up to 500 lb |
| Heavy-Duty | 65 lb | Up to 1500 lb |
| Lightweight | 44 lb | Up to 500 lb |
| Multi Handle | 60 lb | Up to 1000 lb |
| Open Hex Bar | 58 lb | Up to 500 lb |
| Rackable | 60 lb | Up to 1000 lb |
What Is a Good Weight to Deadlift With Trap Bar?
The standard weight of a trap bar is 55 lbs, which is heavier than a typical barbell (45 lbs) because the trap bar requires more material to build.
However, trap bars can vary in shape from a hexagon to a c-shaped bar, and weights can range between 35-65 lbs, with heavier bars being able to load more weight.
The weight you should use when starting to trap bar deadlift depends on your fitness level, age, and weight.
According to Strength Level, the average Hex Bar Deadlift weight for a male beginner is 200 lb (1RM), while for an intermediate lifter, it is 368 lb (1RM). For women, the average 1RM for a beginner is around 103 lbs, while for an intermediate lifter, it is around 213 lbs.
It’s important to note that these are just averages, and the weight you should use will depend on your individual strength level and experience.
If you are a beginner, it’s recommended to start with a weight that you can comfortably lift for 8-12 reps with proper form and gradually increase the weight as you get stronger.
What Are The Top Benefits of Using a Hex Bar?
The top benefits of incorporating a hex bar for your training workouts are:
Improved performance
Trap or hex bars are designed to help you reach your maximum power, force, and speed, enhancing your lifting performance.
This applies whether you’re doing deadlifts, squats, or plyometric exercises. In other words, these bars can help you boost the speed and strength of your lifts.
Decrease pressure on the back/lower spine
Using a hex is also fantastic for the lumbar spine as the weight is distributed evenly, according to a 2011 study.
Easy to use
These specialty bars are designed with an ergonomic grip that makes them remarkably user-friendly, even with their substantial weight.
The neutral grip design not only enhances comfort but also allows you to increase resistance, taking your workout to the next level.
But the real game-changer is the deadlift trap bar. Its innovative design doesn’t run across your legs like traditional bars, which means you can enjoy a broader range of motion.
This feature is extremely useful, as it allows for more flexibility and versatility in your workouts.
Aids in rehabilitation
There are many rehabilitation centers that use hex bars because they allow a variety of exercises and are less strenuous on the spine and lower body.
Is It Easier To Deadlift With A Hex/trap Bar?
Yes, for many people, deadlifting with a hex/trap bar can be easier compared to a conventional bar.
The unique design of the hex/trap bar allows for a more upright posture, reducing stress on the lower back.
However, individual factors like body height, arm length, and leg length can influence its effectiveness.
What Does A Hex/Trap Bar Deadlift Work?
With a hexagonal barbell weight, the top muscle groups that get the most workouts are the quads, glutes, hamstrings, and calves.
The core, back, and hip extensors also get worked on depending on the range of exercises.
Why is knowing the weight of a trap bar important?
Knowing the weight of a trap bar is important for several reasons:
- Accurate Weight Calculation: To accurately calculate the total weight you’re lifting, you need to know the weight of the bar itself and the weight of the plates you’re adding.
- Progress Tracking: If you’re tracking your progress over time, knowing the bar’s weight is essential to ensure you’re consistently increasing the weight you’re lifting.
- Safety: Understanding the weight of the bar can help prevent injuries. If the bar is heavier than you expect, you could strain or injure yourself when lifting it.
- Workout Planning: Knowing the weight of the bar can help you plan your workouts more effectively. For example, if you plan to do a certain number of reps at a specific weight, you’ll need to know the bar’s weight to determine how much additional weight to add.
FAQ’s
How much weight should one e able to deadlift with a trap bar?
The average weight for hex bars you can lift is between 600 to 750 lbs for most lifters. Advanced lifters, of course, can lift much heavier loads with a hexagon shape bar.
Do you need a hex bar?
If you enjoy weightlifting and strength training, incorporating a hex bar into your home gym could be a fantastic choice. This six-sided piece of equipment is designed to be gentle on your body and straightforward to use.
Why are Hex Bars So Popular?
Hex bars, also known as trap bars, are popular due to their increased load capacity, targeted muscle activation, and reduced joint stress. They allow for greater power output and are incredibly versatile, suitable for a range of exercises from deadlifts to loaded jumps.
What is a hex bar made of?
Hex bars are typically made from steel tubing. Higher-end versions often come with a black powder coat finish for added durability and aesthetics. Even the more affordable hex trap bars are usually built from solid steel, ensuring sturdy construction.
Can You Squat With a Hex Bar?
Yes, you certainly can! Squats are actually one of the most common exercises people do using a hex bar.
Are All Hex Bars The Same?
No, not all hex bars are the same. Despite their common hexagonal shape, these weightlifting bars can vary in design, particularly in aspects like weight and handle types, which can include dual and multi-handle options.
