The 9 Best Trap Bars to Buy in 2024

Are you searching for the best trap bar for your home gym? Look no further!

In this comprehensive guide, I’ll review the best trap bars on the market and tell you what makes them stand out. Plus, I’ll teach you exactly what to look for when buying a trap bar.

I researched and analyzed 30+ trap bars before narrowing it down to the top nine picks, which I’ve reviewed in this guide. Out of those nine trap bars, I found the Rep Open Trap Bar to be the best overall. It has a perfect combination of versatility, build quality, comfort features, and an excellent price point.

Not only does its open design provide you with more range of motion for your legs, but it has other premium features like a built-in deadlift jack, rackability, long machined Olympic sleeves, and swappable dual handles that allow for both a variable handle width and grip diameter.

But why should you trust me? I’ve been training seriously since 2005, writing about fitness since 2009, and reviewing home gym equipment since 2014 — so rest assured that all of my recommendations come from a place of knowledge and experience. If that’s not enough, I’ve also collaborated with multiple people in the home gym community who own these bars.

Now let’s dive into the best trap bars.

My Top Picks for the Best Trap Bars

Here is a summarized list of the best trap bars on the market, from budget-friendly versions to premium options.

• Best Open Trap Bar: Rep Open Trap Bar
• Best Closed Trap Bar: Rogue TB-2 Trap Bar 
• Best Budget Trap Bar: Cap OB-89HC-IS Trap Bar
• Best Value Trap Bar: Giant Northland Open Trap Hex Bar
• Best High-End Trap Bar: Kabuki Trap Bar HD
• Best Single-Handle Trap Bar: Rogue TB-1 Trap Bar 2.0
• Best Customizable Trap Bar: Prime Fitness Trap Bar
• Best Fat Grip Trap Bar: American Barbell Dual Height Fat Grip Hex Bar
• Best Rickshaw Trap Bar: Titan Rickshaw

I’ll review each of these trap bars in the sections below.

Best Open Trap Bar (and Best Trap Bar Overall): Rep Open Trap Bar

The Rep Open Trap Bar is a high-performance, easy-to-use, and feature-rich rackable open trap bar. It’s essentially a premium trap bar at a sub-premium price.

Specifications

• Bar Type: Open Trap Bar
• Weight Capacity: 1350 lbs
• Handle Type: Dual
• Handle Grip Diameter: 28mm (Standard), 38mm/48mm (Optional rotating handle)
• Distance Between Handles: 23″ (Narrow), 25″ (Standard), 27.3″ (Wide), 24.6″ (Rotating)
• Loadable Sleeve Length: 16.5”
• Sleeve Diameter: 50mm
• Sleeve Finish: Hard Chrome
• Knurling: Aggressive
• Bar Length: 84.3”
• Bar Weight: 58.4 lbs (Frame only; not including handles)
• Warranty: 5-Year
• Manufactured: China
• Price: $399.99

Review

With its open design, the Rep Open Trap Bar allows for a wide range of exercises beyond deadlifts because you’re not restricted inside a closed frame. The unrestricted range of motion makes it great for lunges, carries, rows, presses, squats, and more. There also won’t be any tripping hazards.

The frame of the Rep Open Trap Bar uses rounded tubing, which makes it more comfortable to use as a cambered squat bar compared to other open trap bars that use square tubing like the Kabuki Trap Bar HD. There’s even a 6” patch of light knurling in the center of the frame to help secure the bar on your back.

It has an incredibly sturdy construction, with a 1,350 lb weight capacity for both the bar and built-in jack, meaning it can easily handle any lift you throw its way. 

The knurling on the handles is aggressive but not excessively sharp, so the grip quality is excellent.

This bar offers multiple swappable handles as an option, giving you the ability to use different grip widths and grip diameters. The handles are attached to the frame via a ribbed thumb screw. However, you can’t actually remove or tighten it with just your hands, unfortunately. You need to use the included Alan key, and it’ll take about a minute to swap.

The handle widths vary depending on the handle(s) you choose:

• 23” width on the narrow handles
• 25” width on the standard handles
• 27.3” on the wide handles
• 24.6” on the rotating handles

Regardless of which handle(s) you choose, you’ll always have a high and low grip option, which is good for versatility.

The handle grip diameter is 28mm (the same as a typical Olympic weightlifting bar) on the narrow, standard, and wide handles. The rotating handle option has 28mm, 38mm, and 48mm grips.

When using the bar as a cambered bar for squats or presses, you’ll simply remove the handles from the frame so they don’t get in your way.

The Rep Open Trap Bar also has a long loadable sleeve length of 16.5 inches, giving you tons of room for plates. It features machined Olympic-sized sleeves, so regular barbell collars fit.

One feature that brings this bar to the next level is its built-in jack that comes with a protective UHMW plastic on the sides to protect your floor.

Importantly, this bar is also rackable, allowing you to put it on squat racks, whether they’re 47” or 49” wide racks. This makes it easier to start or end an exercise at a desired height by setting it on the j-hooks or spotter arms.

The Rep Open Trap bar also has stainless steel handles and a weight that varies from 71.2 lbs to 92.4 lbs depending on the handles you choose (58.4 lbs with no handles). If you buy multiple handles and swap them, be mindful of the weight difference when adding plates and calculating the total weight.

Overall, the Rep Open Trap Bar is an excellent choice for serious lifters looking to take their workouts to the next level. The attractive price combined with high-end features makes the Rep Open Trap Bar both the best open trap bar and the best trap bar overall.

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Thanks to Jesse from @bendalebarbell for sharing these photos of the Rep Open Trap Bar for this guide on the best trap bars. This is his favorite of all his barbells. He loves the versatility, commonly using it for cambered bar squats, good mornings, rows, and bench press. He noted that if you have a 49” rack, you need a good walkout for cambered squats so the plates don’t bang the rack (he added spacers to push the plates out). Also, he flipped the bolts around on the jack so that the smooth bolt heads are on the inside. Having the nuts on the inside creates a sharp spot that can catch the knees/shins when squatting.

Pros

• Open design
• Rackable
• Swappable/removable handle brackets
• Built-in jack with a protective UHMW plastic
• Cambered exercises are possible
• Machined Olympic sleeves
• Great value

Cons

• Swapping handles require a tool and a bit of time

Buy Now – Rep Open Trap Bar »

Best Closed Trap Bar: Rogue TB-2 Trap Bar

The Rogue TB-2 Trap Bar is an American-made bar that’s perfect for people looking for a simple yet sturdy and balanced closed trap bar.

Specifications

• Bar Type: Closed Trap Bar
• Weight Capacity: 1,000+ lbs
• Handle Type: Dual
• Handle Grip Diameter: 34mm
• Distance Between Handles: 28.5”
• Loadable Sleeve Length: 16”
• Sleeve Diameter: 48.5mm
• Sleeve Finish: Powder Coat
• Knurling: Medium to Moderately Aggressive
• Bar Length: 88.5″
• Bar Weight: 60 lbs
• Warranty: Limited Lifetime
• Manufactured: USA
• Price: $395

Review

The Rogue TB-2 Trap Bar is undoubtedly one of the most robustly constructed trap bars on the market. It has an all-welded construction with 1.5” square steel tubing for the frame. This ensures it can handle extreme weights. Rogue doesn’t give an official weight rating, but it’s definitely over 1,000 lbs.

There are two different handle heights, allowing for a full or partial range of motion on deadlifts.

The handles have a beefy 34mm grip diameter, which will feel great for most lifters. However, it may be a bit thick for some women, youth lifters, or guys with small hands.

It has a medium knurl, similar to the standard Rogue Ohio Bar; possibly with a bit more bite. This gives it a good balance between comfort and grip, so you don’t shred your hands, and the bar doesn’t slip.

This bar is rackable, but only on wider 49” squat racks like the ones from Rogue. It won’t fit 47” width racks like the ones sold by Rep Fitness.

The TB-2 has a loadable sleeve length of 16”. This is perfect for loading lots of plates, even thicker bumper plates. However, the sleeves are a bit thinner than those on Olympic barbells, so be sure to grab axle collars like Rogue HG Axle Collar to properly secure your plates.

The frame and sleeves are powder coated, providing reliable rust protection. The sleeves will get lightly scratched over time, but that’s only cosmetic. It’s a high-quality powder coat, so you shouldn’t experience chips or deep scratches.

This bar is available at a fair price given the robust build quality. However, there are other bars with more premium features for a similar price, including some open trap bars.

While this is the best closed trap bar on the market, if you want a cheaper version of this design, consider the Titan Rackable Trap Bar, although it has a narrower (23″) width between handles and a lower-quality powder coat.

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Thanks to Tony from @tomoore for supplying these photos of the Rogue TB-2 Trap Bar for this article on the best trap bars. Tony is happy with this bar, as it was the best option on the market when he purchased it. And in my opinion, it still is, at least when comparing it to other closed trap bars. He told me it’s definitely worth paying extra for this bar instead of saving and going with Titan’s copy.

Pros

• Robust, fully welded construction
• Dual handles
• Substantial 34mm grip diameter
• Rackable on 49” squat racks
• Made in the USA

Cons

• Axle sleeves
• Not rackable on narrower squat racks

Buy Now – Rogue TB-2 Trap Bar »

Best Budget Trap Bar: Cap OB-89HC-IS Trap Bar

The Cap OB-89HC-IS Trap Bar is a decent budget-friendly option for beginners and some intermediates looking to incorporate a basic dual-handle closed trap bar into their home gym.

Specifications

• Bar Type: Closed Trap Bar
• Weight Capacity: 750 lbs
• Handle Type: Dual
• Handle Grip Diameter: 25mm
• Distance Between Handles: 25”
• Loadable Sleeve Length: 9”
• Sleeve Diameter: N/A
• Sleeve Finish: Chrome
• Knurling: Aggressive
• Bar Length: 55.71″
• Bar Weight: 52 lbs
• Warranty: 30-Day
• Manufactured: Imported
• Price: Check Current Price

Review

This bar is constructed from alloy steel and has a total weight of 52 lbs making it relatively heavy for its size. The weight capacity is 750 lbs, which is really good considering its price point. However, the sleeve length is fairly short, so you won’t be able to get to that weight.

The loadable sleeve length is just 9”, which should be enough to fit 5×45 lb plates, meaning the maximum amount of weight you can load on is around 500 lbs, including the bar. This bar has Olympic-diameter sleeves, so you can use regular Olympic barbell collars to secure the plates.

The dual handles provide versatility in starting position on deadlifts: low or high. So you can deadlift from the normal starting point or from an elevated position.

Both pairs of handles sport an aggressive knurling that will certainly lock your grip in place. However, some lifters find the knurling to be too sharp. In fact, some people have received bars with a few metal burrs in the knurling, which needed to be filed down for comfort. You can always use straps or tape to reduce pain if needed, though.

The diameter of the handles is 25mm, which is on the thinner side. It’s great for lifters with small hands, but those with larger hands generally prefer a thicker handle.

This bar is not rackable. However, that also means it’s more compact, especially when you also consider the shorter sleeves. The total length is just under 56″, making it easier to move around your gym and store.

The finish available for this budget bar is either decorative chrome or black powder coating. I recommend opting for the chrome finish. Neither option is great. They’ll both scratch and chip relatively easily, but it will be less apparent on the chrome version.

However, if going for the lowest possible price is your main concern, then you may want to opt for a black powder coat since this will cost slightly less at the time of writing.

This bar comes with plastic end caps that are supposed to protect it during transit. However, you should pry them off to ensure your plates can slide on and off smoothly.

The best thing about this bar is its price, which is super low. Check the current price here. Overall, it’s a good starter trap bar for beginners and some intermediates who aren’t ready to invest in a higher-end trap bar.

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Thanks to Chris from Chris Barth Fitness for providing me with these photos of his Cap OB-89HC-IS Trap Bar for this guide to the best trap bars. Chris has found this to be a great addition to his home gym since he bought it over a year ago. He’s pretty hard on his equipment and this bar has been durable and it looks and performs the same it did on day one. He’s financially able to upgrade to a higher-end trap bar if he wanted to, but he feels this bar serves its purpose and will remain in his gym.

Pros

• Super affordable price
• Dual handles
• Solid steel construction
• Decent weight capacity for a budget option
• Compact

Cons

• Short 9” loadable sleeve length
• Low-quality finish options
• Knurling may be excessively sharp for some

Buy Now – Cap OB-89HC-IS Trap Bar »

Best Value Trap Bar: Giant Northland Open Trap Hex Bar

The Giant Northland Open Trap Hex Bar provides the best bang for your buck in terms of value. It offers several premium features, typically only seen on high-end bars, at an affordable price.

Specifications

• Bar Type: Open Trap Bar
• Weight Capacity: 800 lbs (Bar), 600 lbs (Jack)
• Handle Type: Dual
• Handle Grip Diameter: 28mm, 38mm
• Distance Between Handles: 25”
• Loadable Sleeve Length: 16”
• Sleeve Diameter: 50mm
• Sleeve Finish: Chrome
• Knurling: Moderately Aggressive
• Bar Length: 85.25″
• Bar Weight: 45 lbs
• Warranty: 1-Year
• Manufactured: Imported
• Price: $269.99 (Save 5% with code KING)

Review

The Giant Northland Open Trap Bar uses an open frame design made from round tubing. As a cost-cutting measure, it uses thinner steel for the frame, giving it a relatively light 45 lb weight. Conveniently, though, this weight is the same as a regular Olympic barbell, making the “plate math” easy when calculating the total weight.

Despite this, this trap bar has an impressive 800 lb weight capacity. Plus, the lighter weight allows you to more easily move this bar around your gym.

It features a built-in jack that goes hand-in-hand with the open design. This makes changing the plates a breeze. Just note that the capacity for the jack is just 600 lbs, which is less than that of the bar itself. That’s plenty strong for most people, but you may want to consider a more robust trap bar if you consistently use more than that.

The knurling is moderately aggressive, with enough bite to lock in your grip, but not so much that it’s painful. You’ll probably still find yourself using chalk, but probably only for your heavy sets.

The dual handles allow for versatile movements, so you can choose your preferred starting height depending on the exercise. There are two sets of handle grips – standard 28mm grips and fat 38mm grips. The handle grips can be swapped out with an Alan key, although it isn’t a seamless process.

The 16” sleeves feature Olympic-sized sleeves that regular barbell collars fit, so you don’t have to worry about using collars or your own bumpers. It’s worth noting that you should avoid this bar if you have competition bumper plates or calibrated steel powerlifting plates because their holes are too small, and the fit may be too tight. However, normal bumper plates or iron plates will work just fine.

Another reason this bar is so popular is because it’s rackable. It’s a major convenience for exercises like shrugs or rack pulls because you can put the bar on the j-hooks or spotter arms at the desired starting height. You don’t have to waste energy by lifting it from the ground. Notably, it will fit on all racks, whether they’re 47″ or 49″ wide.

While there’s a lot to love about this trap bar, there are some downsides. The balance is good but not perfect. When on the floor or racked, the frame tilts forward, at least for some people. Though, even when this happens, it’s not really noticeable during the actual lift.

Also, the handles are not removable handles. They’re welded on. So, they may rub against your legs if you’re doing cambered squats as well. Don’t expect to be able to squat effectively with it.

Giant also recommends not dropping the bar. This doesn’t mean you need to gently set it down; rather, don’t let go of it from the top of the range of motion with a heavy weight on it.

Lastly, some customers have also complained of poor quality packaging used for shipping.

Overall, the Giant Northland Open Trap Hex Bar provides several highly desirable features at a very affordable price point, making it the best value trap bar on the market.

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Thanks to Bob from @huntzfitness for providing photos of the Giant Northland Trap Bar for this guide to the best trap bars on the market. Bob told me he loves this bar because it’s budget-friendly and offers a lot for the money. He said the quality is amazing and the welds are great. He noted that the 28mm and 38mm knurled handles are locked in place (as opposed to rotating like the previous version), which allows for more control. He also loves using the built-in jack for easy loading. He’s been using it for deadlifts, presses, lunges, farmer carries, squats, rows, shrugs, and more.

Pros

• Excellent price
• Open design
• Built-in jack
• Rackable
• Dual handles with variable grip diameters
• Machined Olympic sleeves

Cons

• Sub-1000 lb weight capacity
• Jack capacity is less than the bar capacity

Buy Now – Giant Northland Open Trap Hex Bar »
(Use Code KING for 5% OFF)

Best High-End Trap Bar: Kabuki Trap Bar HD

If you want a high-end, versatile trap bar with a ton of premium features and handle options, the Kabuki Trap Bar HD may be the best trap bar for you. However, it’s only right for those with a larger budget.

Specifications

• Bar Type: Open Trap Bar
• Weight Capacity: 1,500 lbs
• Handle Type: Dual
• Handle Grip Diameter: 29mm (Standard), 1” (Optional), 1.5” (Optional), 2” (Optional)
• Distance Between Handles: 23” (Narrow), 25” (Standard), 27” (Wide)
• Loadable Sleeve Length: 17”
• Sleeve Diameter: 50mm
• Sleeve Finish: Clear Zinc
• Knurling: Aggressive
• Bar Length: 77”
• Bar Weight: 66 lbs
• Warranty: Lifetime Warranty
• Manufactured: USA
• Price: $749.99 (Save 5% with code KOTG5)

Review

The Kabuki Trap Bar HD’s open frame is constructed from thick, reinforced square steel tubing that contributes to the massive 1500 lb weight capacity rating. However, square tubing is less comfortable than round tubing when using the bar as a cambered squat bar.

This trap bar features an aggressive yet densely-packed knurling on all of the grips. It’s very grippy, allowing you to securely hold the bar even during very heavy lifts. Yet it won’t tear up your hands as some aggressive knurls do because the knurl points are so close together.

The knurling has the same pattern as the Kabuki Strength New Gen Power Bar, which means it has the same knurling as one of the best power bars ever made.

This bar also offers swappable handle brackets that give you the ability to use different grip widths, which may be more suitable for your frame or a given exercise. The bar comes standard with 25” handle brackets. But you can also purchase the narrow 23” or wide 27” handle brackets for more versatility.

This bar comes standard with two pairs of 29mm handles. You can optionally purchase other handle grips to swap in, including 1” (25mm) and 1.5” (38mm) handles as well as the 2” (50mm) Love Handles, which are perfect for training grip. The Love Handles can be set to either spin freely or be fixed.

The sleeves are machined and Olympic-sized to ensure that your plates fit firmly and won’t rattle around during lifts.

There’s also a built-in jack for easily lifting the bar off the floor for fast weight changes. However, it can only handle up to 800 lbs of weight. This is less than the bar’s overall capacity but is still more than strong enough for most people.

If you lift more than 800 lbs, Rep of Prime should be your go-to. The built-in jack has pointed grooves for treads, which can potentially damage wooden floors, so be careful if using it on a platform.

This bar is not rackable on j-hooks, though you can rack it on safety catches if you’re careful with the placement. Since you can’t rack it on j-hooks, it’s not practical to use it with heavy weight as a cambered squat bar.

If you’re looking for an open trap bar with a premium build quality and lots of handle bracket and grip options, the Kabuki Trap Bar HD is for you – as long as you have the budget and don’t need it to be rackable.

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Thanks to Nolan from @nlinaberry198 for contributing these photos of his Kabuki Trap Bar HD for this article on the best trap bars. Nolan told me he really likes this bar. He mentioned that he typically only uses the low handles when deadlifting with it because he finds that’s more transferable to his strength on squats. Interestingly, even though this technically isn’t a rackable trap bar, Nolan was able to put it on his rack and use it as a makeshift dip attachment.

Pros

• Open design
• Built-in jack
• Swappable/removable handle brackets
• Multiple optional grip sizes
• Cambered exercises are possible
• Machined Olympic sleeves
• Extra-long 17” loadable sleeve length
• Made in the USA

Cons

• Long lead time
• Jack capacity is less than the bar capacity
• Not rackable
• Premium price point

Buy Now – Kabuki Trap Bar HD »
(Use Code KOTG5 for 5% OFF)

Best Single-Handle Trap Bar: Rogue TB-1 Trap Bar 2.0

The Rogue TB-1 Trap Bar 2.0 is the perfect bar if you want a reasonably priced and basic but beefy single-handle closed trap bar.

Specifications

• Bar Type: Closed Trap Bar
• Weight Capacity: 1,000+ lbs
• Handle Type: Single
• Handle Grip Diameter: 34mm
• Distance Between Handles: 28.5”
• Loadable Sleeve Length: 16”
• Sleeve Diameter: 48.5mm
• Sleeve Finish: Powder Coat
• Knurling: Medium to Moderately Aggressive
• Bar Length: 89″
• Bar Weight: 60 lbs
• Warranty: Limited Lifetime
• Manufactured: USA
• Price: $325

Review

The TB-1 has the same design as the TB-2 (reviewed earlier) except that it doesn’t have raised handles. Its handles are the same height as Olympic barbells, which makes it perfect for lifters that are looking to mimic the full range of motion deadlifts on a trap bar.

The frame has a robust design. Everything is welded from the frame to the sleeves, making for a rugged bar that can handle huge weights. 

The bar is rackable in the j-hooks on wider racks like Rogue’s own racks 49” wide racks. However, it won’t fit on j-hooks in narrower 47” racks (e.g. Rep racks) unless you’re simply racking it on the spotter arms.

The knurling on this trap bar is medium depth, similar to the standard Rogue Ohio Bar, if not just a bit more aggressive. It provides a good grip and won’t tear up your hands. Some lifters may want something sharper, but this should satisfy most.

The 34mm handle diameter feels substantial in the hand. Most people will love this, except possibly those with smaller hands.

The sleeves are 16” long, ensuring you have more than enough room for plates. They are axle sleeves, which are thinner than typical Olympic bar sleeves. As such, I recommend buying the Rogue HG Axle Collars if you get this bar and don’t already have a pair of axle collars.

The high-quality powder coat finish will help maintain its black look over time while keeping rust at bay. However, you can expect some cosmetic scratches on the sleeves from sliding plates on and off.

This bar is manufactured with high standards right here in the USA by Rogue, so you can be sure this trap bar is built to last.

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Thanks to Matt Pendergraph for sharing these photos of his Rogue TB-1 for this guide to the best trap bars. Matt likes that it’s overbuilt, heavy, and thus requires less weight to be added. He appreciates that it can handle way more weight than is needed, and the durability provided by its high-quality powder coat. However, he mentioned that its length and weight make it cumbersome to move around a small gym. These days, Matt uses his Rep Open Trap Bar more than his TB-1.

Pros

• Robust, fully welded frame
• Substantial 34mm grip diameter
• Rackable on 49” squat racks
• Made in the USA

Cons

• Axle sleeves
• Not rackable on narrower squat racks

Buy Now – Rogue TB-1 Trap Bar 2.0 »

Best Customizable Trap Bar: Prime Fitness Trap Bar

The Prime Fitness Trap Bar is the most versatile and customizable bar on the market. This unique open trap bar has loads of premium features, including some you’ll find nowhere else.

Specifications

• Bar Type: Open Trap Bar
• Weight Capacity: 1,000+ lbs
• Handle Type: Adjustable
• Handle Grip Diameter: 30mm (Standard), RO-T8 Paddle Grips (Optional), KAZ Grips (Optional)
• Distance Between Handles: 25”
• Loadable Sleeve Length: 16”
• Sleeve Diameter: 50mm
• Sleeve Finish: Stainless Steel
• Knurling: Medium to Moderately Aggressive
• Bar Length: 82.25”
• Bar Weight: 73 lbs
• Warranty: 10-Year (Frame), 90-Day (Pop-Pins)
• Manufactured: USA
• Price: $775

Review

The frame on the Prime Fitness Trap Bar is very sturdy. How sturdy? It was tested for 100,000 reps at 1,000 pounds, so the weight capacity is clearly beyond 1,000 pounds. 

It features pop-pin adjustable handles, which allow you to quickly change the handle height. This is the only trap bar on the market that does this. You have nine different handle height options, each at 1″ increments.

The Prime handle comes standard with two 30mm grips. There are two more optional interchangeable handles available featuring Prime’s signature grip styles:

• RO-T8 grips: These are “paddle” grips that are ergonomically shaped to fit in your hand and feature a coating that provides a tacky feel. These are particularly good for higher-rep sets, though you can certainly go heavy with them, too.
• KAZ grips: These are fat grips that taper from a 2.5″ to 2″ diameter. These are great for training your forearms and grip strength.

This modular grip system is a great feature for those wanting to vary their grip while working out different muscle groups. However, you will have the buy the extra handles separately, which increases the total cost.

The sleeves have 16” of loadable length, which is a great length that should fit all of your weights. The sleeves are fully machined Olympic-sized sleeves, so regular barbell collars will fit.

The open design allows for greater freedom of movement than a closed design and thus opens up more exercise possibilities.

The open design is paired with a built-in jack that makes changing plates super easy. The jack’s feet are squared; I feel rounded feet would make for easier operation. On the plus side, the feet have thick rubber covers to protect the floor.

Although this bar is excellent, it’s not perfect. For one, it’s not rackable, which many lifters would prefer. Also, unlike some other open trap bars, this bar isn’t intended to be used as a cambered squat or pressing bar because the handle bracket will get in the way for most people. Although, some people have managed to use it as a pressing bar.

Lastly, it uses lower-quality end caps. The original iteration had ones that could potentially pop out if a plate caught when unloading. Prime upgraded them to more traditional end caps, but some users have complained that these rattle around while lifting. You can remove them if it bothers you.

The biggest negative is the price. It’s the most expensive trap bar on the market, but that’s expected for what you get.

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Thanks to Daniel from @dr_tattywaffles for supplying these photos of his Prime Fitness Trap Bar for this article on the best trap bars. Daniel told me he liked how well the bar was protected during shipping. In terms of the bar itself, he loves all of the handle options, though he uses the RO-T8 ones most often. He noted that he wished that all handles were included standard given the price. More generally, Daniel says it’s a joy to lift with, stressing that the bar is perfectly balanced. Beyond deadlifts, he commonly does lunges, step ups, and farmer carries with it. In terms of negatives, besides the obviously high price, he mentioned the rattling end caps as well as the high weight making it awkward to move and store; he usually ends up keeping it on the floor.

Pros

• 9 adjustable handle height settings
• Optional swappable Prime handle grip styles
• Built-in jack with rubber protection
• Machined Olympic sleeves
• Made in the USA

Cons

• Low-quality end caps
• Not rackable
• Premium price point

Buy Now – Prime Fitness Trap Bar »

Best Fat Grip Trap Bar: American Barbell Dual Height Fat Grip Hex Bar

If you want to focus on grip strength, then the American Barbell Dual Height Fat Grip Hex Bar is for you. This is a sturdy closed trap bar with extra thick handles that’s perfect for both strongman and arm wrestling training.

Specifications

• Bar Type: Closed Trap Bar
• Weight Capacity: 1,000+ lbs
• Handle Type: Dual
• Handle Grip Diameter: 48.5mm
• Distance Between Handles: 25”
• Loadable Sleeve Length: 16.625”
• Sleeve Diameter: 48.5mm
• Sleeve Finish: Powder Coat
• Knurling: Mild
• Bar Length: 85”
• Bar Weight: 55 lbs
• Warranty: Limited Lifetime
• Manufactured: USA
• Price: $365

Review

The bar has a closed design frame that uses thick, rounded tubing with reliable welds on the handles and sleeves, giving it a weight rating of 1,000+ lbs.

This is a dual-handle trap bar that allows for a full and partial range of motion on deadlifts. Its standout feature is the fat grip diameter on both pairs of handles, which are designed to provide a major grip strength workout. The handles measure 1.91” (48.5mm) thick. That’s the same diameter as the sleeves!

I see this bar as being perfect for farmer’s walks. It’s an exercise that already trains grip intensely. The fat grip makes it even more challenging. And the raised handles allow you to more easily lift the bar into the starting position.

This bar uses axle sleeves instead of Olympic-sized sleeves, so you’ll need a pair of axle collars to properly secure the plates.

The handles feature mild knurling. This will make grasping the bar more difficult, which some people will like because it goes with the theme of increasing grip strength. However, others may prefer a more aggressive knurling profile.

As a bonus, this bar is rackable, allowing for more convenient loading and unloading. This aids in the setup of exercises like shrugs and rack pulls.

Pros

• Thick handles to develop grip strength
• Dual handles
• Rackable
• Made in the USA

Cons

• Mild knurling
• Not for everyone

Buy Now – American Barbell Dual Height Fat Grip Hex Bar »

Best Rickshaw Trap Bar: Titan Rickshaw

If you’re in the market for an affordable trap bar that is great for farmer carries and is simple to do plate changes on, then the Titan Rickshaw may be for you.

Specifications

• Bar Type: Rickshaw
• Weight Capacity: 600 lbs
• Handle Type: Single
• Handle Grip Diameter: 28mm
• Distance Between Handles: 24”
• Loadable Sleeve Length: 13”
• Sleeve Diameter: 49mm
• Sleeve Finish: Powder Coat
• Knurling: None
• Bar Length: 59”
• Bar Weight: 50 lbs
• Warranty: 1-Year
• Manufactured: USA
• Price: $179.99

Review

The Titan Rickshaw’s frame is bolted together at many points rather than welded, so it’s not the most robust construction. Even so, it has a weight capacity of 600 lbs, which is enough for many people.

The powder coat isn’t high-quality. It will provide basic protection, but you should expect it to collect scratches somewhat easily.

The Titan Rickshaw is the perfect tool for farmer carries because you can just walk into the bar thanks to its open design. On top of that, the feet on the frame permanently elevate the handles to 16” off the floor, making it a relatively short distance to lift the bar up and start walking. Additionally, the total width from sleeve to sleeve is narrower (59”) than traditional trap bars, which allows you to more easily carry unobstructed in a tight home gym space.

Another benefit of the raised frame is that it positions the sleeves high enough so the plates never touch the floor, which makes adding and removing plates super easy.

However, if you’re using this bar for deadlifts, just know you’ll be limited to a partial range of motion deadlifts. The traditional deadlift starting height is 9” from the floor to the handle. You’ll be 7” higher than that.

The sleeves have 13” of loadable length, which isn’t super long, but it’s also not excessively short. It’s a great length for a bar with a 600 lb capacity. However, you may still run out if you’re using thicker bumper plates.

The handle grips are 28mm thick, which is the same as on an Olympic weightlifting barbell. The powder coating does help slightly with the grip quality, but there is no knurling on this bar, so you’ll need a lot of chalk and potentially straps.

While the sleeves aren’t machined, they are Olympic-sized, meaning you can use regular Olympic collars to secure the plates.

One nice touch on the Titan Rickshaw is the rubber foot pads that protect your floor from scuffs and scratches. Not the fact that they have them. Rather, they’re bolted to the underside of the feet. This is a nice surprise for a lower-cost bar. I would’ve expected they’d use caps that slide over the ends of the feet, which have a tendency to come off.

This bar isn’t rackable, which wouldn’t make sense for this bar anyway.

Overall, the Titan Rickshaw is a highly affordable trap bar alternative. It’s a solid choice if you do a lot of farmer’s carries and/or prefer to deadlift from a higher starting point.

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Thanks to David from @d2ofitness for letting me use his Titan Rickshaw photos in this guide to the best trap bars. He’s owned this bar for years and still finds it to be an excellent value for the price. While he admits it isn’t the sturdiest bar, it’s still strong enough for his needs. He loves using it for farmer’s walks the most. He doesn’t mind that the handles are permanently elevated since doing deadlifts from that height is easier on his back. Plus, he appreciates the ease of changing plates. Lastly, he noted that it’s hard to find any trap bar in this price range with sleeves this long (13″).

Pros

• Ideal for farmer’s carries
• Open design
• Budget price point
• Compact size
• Elevated sleeves for easy plate changes

Cons

• No knurling
• Can’t do a full range of motion deadlifts
• Weight capacity could be higher

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Different Types of Trap Bars

There are various types of trap bars available, each with its own unique features and benefits. The main distinction between them is whether they have an open or closed design. 

Each type of trap bar can overlap with one another in terms of additional features such as rackability and multiple handle heights (e.g., an open trap bar can also be a rackable trap bar and a dual-handle trap bar; there are many different combinations).

Open Trap Bar

Open trap bars are generally the most sought-after type of trap bar due to their versatility and ability to perform unilateral movements like lunges and farmer walks that would be difficult, if not impossible, with a closed trap bar.

They’re designed with an open end, eliminating one side of the frame so that you have more space to move your legs than in a closed version. Open-ended traps also tend to have a built-in bar jack, machined Olympic sleeves, multiple handle heights, and variable grip diameters.

Closed Trap Bar

The traditional, most common trap bar design is a closed hexagonal shape. This closed trap bar design is generally fully welded with axle sleeves and no built-in bar jack. If it’s a dual-handle closed design, the handle grips are more often than not the same diameter. All else being equal, closed trap bars cost less than open trap bars.

Rackable Trap Bar

A rackable trap bar is designed to be placed into a squat rack, allowing for easier loading and unloading of the weight plates. Rackable trap bars can have a closed or open design.

Single-Handle Trap Bar

A single-handle trap bar is less versatile than a dual-handle trap bar, as there is no elevated handle option. If you’re used to pulling with a traditional barbell, this could benefit you, as you’ll be pulling from around the same height as a traditional barbell, and it’ll save you money. It’s only a negative if you need the option for a shorter ROM deadlift.

The single-handle design is seen almost exclusively on closed trap bars. The one notable exception to this was the first version of Eleiko’s open trap bar (Öppen Bar). However, they have since come out with a new version featuring a dual-handed design.

Dual-Handle Trap Bar

Dual-handle trap bars feature two handles on either side, with one handle above the other. This allows for full ROM deadlifts at the regular handle height and shorter ROM deadlifts at the elevated handle height, making it far more versatile compared to the single-handled trap bar. 

Not only is the elevated handle useful for doing deadlifts from a higher starting point, but it’s also helpful for exercises like shrugs where you’d want to expend less effort getting into the standing position.

The dual-handle design is commonly seen on both open and closed trap bars.

Trap Bar with Built-in Deadlift Jack

This type of trap bar is equipped with a built-in deadlift jack, which makes sliding weight plates on and off the sleeves much easier. It typically can be found in higher-end bars, and the jack serves as a counterweight so that the trap bar stays balanced while you load and use it.

The only trap bars with built-in jacks are open trap bars. You won’t find this feature on a closed trap bar.

Rickshaw Trap Bar

The Rickshaw Trap Bar is a walk-in (i.e., open) trap bar that’s easier to load. It sits on a stable, elevated base, which raises the handles high enough off the ground to allow for seamless plate changes. It’s like a permanent deadlift jack.

The downside of the permanently elevated position is that you’ll always be starting the lift from a higher position. You can’t mimic the traditional deadlift starting height. Also, all rickshaws I’ve seen only have a single-handle height design.

While rickshaws are still relatively versatile, they’re best suited for lifters who do a lot of farmer’s walks since the elevated height is actually a plus because it’s easier to pick the bar up. And they’re narrower than other trap bars, making them better for avoiding obstructions when walking.

Benefits of Trap Bars

Back-friendly Deadlifts

The trap bar is a great option for individuals looking to perform back-friendly deadlifts. The placement of the load in line with your body’s center of gravity allows you to maintain a more neutral spine position throughout the lift, reducing the force on the lumbar spine. 

This load placement also creates a more natural lockout, eliminating any need to lean back at the top of the lift like with traditional deadlifts.

Coach’s Choice

Many strength coaches prefer the trap bar for athletes because it is a safer and more efficient way to teach essential hip hinge movement to novice lifters with trap bar deadlifts compared to doing traditional deadlifts with an Olympic bar.

Even if the athlete is more advanced, many coaches prefer trap bar deadlifts because it’s more efficient for increasing strength and power with less risk of injury.

More Efficient Shrugs

Trap bars offer a more efficient way to shrug compared with using a traditional barbell. This is because, when performing the exercise with a trap bar, your arms are at your sides rather than in front of you. 

Furthermore, the design of a trap bar prevents it from dragging against the bar against your thighs or crotch as you perform this exercise.

Versatility

The trap bar is a versatile piece of equipment as it can be used for many different exercises. It allows users to perform deadlifts, shrugs, farmer’s walks, rows, and presses, among other movements.

Some trap bar designs, namely open trap bars, allow for even greater exercise variety because you’re not locked inside. Open trap bars make it possible to do lunges, split squats, farmer’s walks with long strides, and even cambered bar squats in some cases (depending on the bar design).

This makes it a great choice for those looking to train different muscle groups with one piece of equipment, as well as lifters who want more variety in their workouts. 

No Mixed Grip

The trap bar deadlift eliminates the need for a mixed grip when lifting heavy weights, reducing potential strength and muscle imbalances that can be caused by using this grip technique. 

Additionally, it reduces the likelihood of a biceps tear due to a neutral grip position.

This makes trap bar deadlifts an ideal choice for those seeking safer and more efficient strength training exercises that can be done with heavy weights.

Shoulder-friendly Neutral Grip

The neutral grip handles make it more comfortable for your shoulders and biceps as they are not placed in an externally or internally rotated position. This reduces strain and discomfort on your upper extremities, making for a safer and more comfortable lifting experience for anyone with nagging shoulder issues.

How to Pick the Best Trap Bar for You

In the following sections, I’ll tell you what to look for in a trap bar when it comes to all of the major feature and specification categories.

Bar Type

When choosing the best trap bar for you, the first thing you need to decide is what type you want. This largely depends on what exercises you plan to do with the bar. You’ll also have to take into consideration how much you value design features that make the bar more convenient to use (e.g., rackability, built-in jack).

Be sure to review the “Types of Trap Bars” section I covered earlier for more details on bar type. I’ll also delve deeper into the different trap bar design features in the sections below.

Price

After choosing the bar type you want, price should be your next consideration. You can find options ranging from around $100 to all the way up to the most expensive models with super premium features costing over $1,000. You only really get to the “decent” quality trap bars around the $250-$300 range.

You should consider what you plan to use the trap bar for, including how often you plan to use it. Then decide how much you want to invest in it accordingly.

Don’t forget to factor any shipping costs into the equation since that’s not always included.

Open vs Closed Design

The closed trap bar design has been around since the 1980s when Al Gerard invented it. It is a fully enclosed hexagonal shape, which makes it easier and cheaper for manufacturers to make due to its simple construction as well as being able to create a sturdy and balanced structure. 

However, the closed trap bar is less versatile because the range of motion is restricted. Plus, it cannot have a built-in jack, which makes it tedious to load and unload.

Overall, closed trap bars are best suited for people looking for a cheaper bar with a no-frills design.

The open trap bar design offers more mobility and versatility since the frame isn’t fully enclosed around you. The design is relatively new and has become increasingly popular among lifters due to its ease of use and greater exercise selection. 

Virtually every open trap bar has dual handles and often different grip diameter options as well, adding to its versatility. The open design is also the only type of trap bar with a built-in jack, making it easy to adjust weight plates. The open design is the most versatile and easiest to use, making them popular among lifters. 

However, open trap bars are typically more expensive, which is expected because of the additional versatility and convenience factors.

Rackable vs Non-Rackable

Rackable trap bars are convenient and useful for exercises that require an elevated starting position, such as shrugs, RDLs, or rack pulls. They’re also useful for presses and cambered squats (if the bar allows for that)

Rackability is arguably more important for closed trap bars vs open trap bars because it allows you to rack the bar between sets in order to easily change plates. Remember, closed trap bars don’t have built-in deadlift jacks; only open trap bars do. It can be a draining and tedious task to change plates on a non-rackable closed trap bar since you have to do it with the plates touching the floor. If you go this route, invest in a Dead Wedge to make it easier.

The benefit of non-rackable trap bars, whether closed or open, is that they’re more space efficient and tend to be a bit less expensive than rackable ones (all else being equal). They also tend to be slightly lighter and easier to move around in your home gym. 

Handle Heights

These are the three main types of handle height configurations:

• Single handle height: Single-handled bars offer just one handle height for lifts, giving you the same starting position as an Olympic barbell. This is a good option if you only need a basic and more affordable trap bar that mimics the traditional deadlift’s full range of motion. Single-handle trap bars may be bare-bones, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re low quality.
• Dual handle height: Dual-handle trap bars have two heights for deadlifting, one at the regular height (in line with the bar sleeve) and another slightly elevated. This gives you the option to adjust your range of motion depending on what works best for your body type and training goals. Dual-handled bars are usually a bit more expensive than single-handled but are worth it for most people. Some dual-handle trap bars actually have three grips (usually different thicknesses) that rotate, but you still only get two heights.
• Adjustable handle height: Adjustable-height handles offer the ultimate versatility, allowing for several handle height options. This lets you mimic different block pull heights without the need for blocks. This option is only seen on the Prime Trap Bar, which is the most expensive trap bar on the market.

Grip Diameter

Most trap bars have handle grip diameters falling somewhere between 25-34mm.

Generally, the sweet spot is around 28-32mm for most people, though 34mm is still perfectly fine for most guys. However, some women and kids may have difficulty with that thickness. Women and kids may find 25mm to be the most comfortable size for them.

Some trap bars offer variable grip diameters, which offers more variety and satisfies multiple preferences. For example, on a dual grip setup, one grip may be thinner and the other thicker. This may be useful for the individual lifter who likes variety. It can also come in handy if you have a family that uses the home gym.

You can also opt for a thicker bar for grip strength training. There are 48mm options like the American Barbell Fat Grip Trap Bar. Rep also sells a rotating handle option for their open trap bar, which also has a 48mm grip in addition to 28mm and 38mm grips.

Built-in Deadlift Jack

The built-in deadlift jack is a relatively new invention that was first seen in 2019 in the Kabuki Strength Trap Bar developed by powerlifter Chris Duffin, which was released around the same time as the Eleiko Öppen Bar with the same feature. These were the first two open trap bars with built-in jacks on the market. Prior to that, open trap bars, in general, had only been around for about three years, but they didn’t have jacks.

Now, the built-in jack is a common feature seen on virtually every open trap bar designed since then. It’s not seen on closed trap bars.

This is a major convenience factor. It saves you from having to struggle with manually adding and removing plates when the bar is loaded and on the floor.

However, try to avoid using the built-in jack on a wooden deadlift platform, as it may damage the surface. For example, the Kabuki trap bar’s jack design uses pointed metal grooves for tread, which can be particularly damaging to wood.

Sleeve Diameter

Axle sleeves are commonly found on trap bars, especially closed trap bars. These sleeves feature a 1.9″ (48.25mm) sleeve diameter which is made using off-the-shelf DOM tubing to reduce manufacturing costs.

A higher-end feature for a trap bar is machined Olympic sleeves. These have a 1.96” (50mm) diameter, just like a traditional Olympic barbell. These sleeves are more expensive due to the added manufacturing costs of machining the steel and applying a higher-quality finish (e.g., chrome).

Axle sleeves require special axle collars for plate security, while machined Olympic sleeves can use the same collars as a normal Olympic bar.

Additionally, there is more play between plates and axle sleeves. This is because the plate holes are made to fit on the larger-diameter Olympic sleeve.

Loadable Sleeve Length

Generally speaking, a good quality trap bar should have a minimum of 16” in its loadable sleeve length – similar to that found on regular Olympic bars. A long sleeve length like this can be beneficial if you plan on loading a great deal of weight onto the bar. 

It’s important to get a trap bar with sufficient sleeve length for your needs. If the sleeves are too short, you may not be able to load enough weight on. Consider both your current and future lifting goals when determining if the loadable sleeve length is sufficient.

If you have bumper plates, which are much thicker than regular iron weight plates, then having a trap bar with 16”+ sleeves is essential to ensure you have enough space to accommodate the weight plates.

Weight Capacity Rating

You should generally aim for a higher weight capacity rating to ensure you have adequate support when lifting and to prevent potential damage if you do heavy weights.

When selecting a trap bar, make sure to look for one with a weight capacity that can handle your current strength level and any future increases in the load you may anticipate. Unless you’re on a very tight budget, I recommend getting a bar with at least an 800 lb capacity. And it’s not because you’ll ever lift close to that amount. It’s just that trap bars with weight capacity ratings lower than that are not well made.

If you are on a tight budget, you can get away with a capacity as low as 500 lbs. But you’ll very likely want to upgrade in the future.

The very best trap bars on the market all have ratings of 1,000+ pounds, which is ideal for serious lifters – and this includes serious lifters who want to come close to lifting 1,000 lbs. It’s more so that 1,000+ lb capacity trap bars tend to be the most durable and feature-rich.

One thing to note for bars with built-in jacks is that the jack’s weight capacity rating may be lower than that of the bar itself, so make sure to check both ratings before making a purchase.

Knurling

To ensure sufficient grip and thus performance, the knurling should be medium at the very least. Ideally, your trap bar should be moderately aggressive to aggressive. 

Cheap bars usually have bad knurling. Usually, that means it’s too passive. Occasionally, the knurling will be excessively sharp.

Whereas more expensive bars will have enough bite to be grippy without being too painful.

Trap bars with powder coating will have a softer feel to the knurling than those with a plated finish, assuming the same knurl depth. But if the knurling is deep enough, the powder coat won’t fill in the gaps enough to cause an issue with grip quality.

Sleeve Finish

When it comes to choosing the right sleeve finish for a trap bar, there are multiple options available.

For bars with axle sleeves, a powder coat is usually used as this provides good rust protection and will show minimal cosmetic blemishes. However, for machined Olympic sleeves, more traditional finishes such as chrome and zinc are often used due to their increased durability.

Super cheap trap bars may also have a low-quality finish (e.g. decorative chrome) that’s poorly applied and lacks longevity. This is a tradeoff for the low price.

Distance Between Handles

When choosing a trap bar, it’s important to consider the distance between handles. Generally, most bars have handle distances of 22-27” measured center on center. The typical distance is 25”, which is comfortable for most. However, if you have a wider frame, then it may be more beneficial to use one with a slightly wider distance between handles.

Similarly, if you have a smaller frame, then it may be better to use one with a slightly narrower handle distance. It is important not to overlook this factor, as choosing the wrong size can potentially lead to discomfort.

Some trap bars, like the Kabuki and Rep models, have swappable handles, which allow you to adjust the distance between them to better suit your frame. This is ideal for those who are looking for a more customizable experience when using their barbells, especially if multiple people will be training with it.

Bar Weight

Depending on their size, design, and materials used in construction, typical trap bars range from 45 to 73 pounds. Typically, the heavier the bar is, the sturdier and more feature-rich it is. The heaviest trap bar available is the Prime trap bar, which is certainly both sturdy and feature-rich.

Construction Quality

When assessing construction quality, there are a few things to consider. You should look for welds that are uniform, clean, and consistent throughout the bar. High-grade and sufficiently thick steel should be used to ensure maximum strength and durability, especially if the bar is intended for heavy-duty use.

You’ll also want to consider where the trap bar was manufactured, as this can be an indicator of quality control standards. Typically, trap bars manufactured in the USA and Western Europe are high-quality.

That said, there are many great trap bars made in China, including the Rep Open Trap Bar, which is my pick for the best trap bar overall.

Regardless of the country of manufacture, you need to also consider the reputation of the brand making the bar.

FAQ

Ready to Take Your Workouts to The Next Level With a Trap Bar?

A trap bar can be a great addition to your home gym because it’s safer and more versatile.

Finding the best trap bar doesn’t have to be a challenge with this guide. We covered the best trap bars available, and it was clear that the Rep Open Trap Bar was the best overall choice.

It has great value, is highly versatile, has plenty of premium features, and has a solid construction making this the best trap bar on the market.

Now that you have the tools to choose the perfect trap bar for you, it’s time to get pumped and start lifting!