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7 Best Hex Bars
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Buying Guide for the Best Hex Bars
Choosing the right hex-bar, also known as a trap bar, is important for both safety and performance during exercises like deadlifts and shrugs. The right hex-bar should feel comfortable, fit your lifting area, and match your strength level and training style. Understanding the main features will help you find a bar that supports your goals, whether you’re a beginner or a more advanced lifter.Bar WeightBar weight refers to how heavy the empty hex-bar is on its own and it can vary from lighter bars around 35 pounds to heavier ones weighing over 70 pounds. This matters because the bar’s weight counts as part of the total weight you lift, and a very heavy bar can challenge beginners or limit the weight plates you can add. Standard or lighter bars are a good choice for those starting out or with less space, while heavier bars may be preferred by experienced lifters aiming to handle bigger loads.
Handle HeightHandle height describes how high the grips are above the ground; some hex-bars offer a single handle height while others provide two: a higher and lower set. This is important because a higher handle reduces the distance you have to bend, making lifting easier on the back and more comfortable for people with mobility limitations or beginners. If you want more variety or easier lifts, go for a bar with dual handles, but if you prefer a traditional deadlift motion, the lower handles help mimic that style.
Grip DiameterGrip diameter is the thickness of the handles you hold during lifts and usually ranges from about 25 to 32 millimeters. Thicker grips make it tougher to hold the bar and can increase grip strength, but may be uncomfortable or challenging for people with smaller hands or less grip strength. If your grip is strong and you want to challenge your forearms, a thicker grip is suitable; otherwise, standard or slimmer grips are more comfortable and easier to handle for most users.
Bar Length and WidthBar length and width refer to the overall size of the hex-bar, affecting how much space it needs and how it fits your lifting area. Longer bars can hold more weight plates and may suit those who lift heavy or have a lot of room, while shorter or more compact bars are easier to store and use in small home gyms. Measure your available space and think about how much weight you plan to lift to decide what bar size fits your needs best.
Loadable Sleeve LengthLoadable sleeve length is the part of the bar where you place weight plates, and a longer sleeve allows you to load more plates—and therefore more weight—onto the bar. This is especially important if you use thick or bumper plates, which take up more space. If you plan on lifting lighter weights or have limited weight plates, a shorter sleeve is adequate, but for heavy lifting or future strength goals, a longer sleeve length is a better investment.
Knurling (Grip Texture)Knurling is the rough texture on the handles that helps your hands grip the bar securely. The coarseness and pattern can vary, with aggressive (rougher) knurling providing more grip but sometimes being uncomfortable, while lighter knurling feels smoother but might slip if your hands get sweaty. Choose a knurl that feels comfortable in your hands and gives enough grip for your lifting routine—a more aggressive texture for heavy lifting, or a milder texture for casual or high-rep exercises.
Finish/CoatingThe finish or coating of a hex-bar refers to the outer layer that protects it from rust and wear. Common coatings include chrome, zinc, or powder coat. Some finishes are more resistant to corrosion and scratches, making the bar last longer especially if it’s stored in a humid garage or used outdoors. If you want a bar that looks good and needs less upkeep, durable finishes like hard chrome or quality powder coat work well, while basic finishes might require more frequent cleaning to prevent rust.