Most people who lift know a standardized Olympic barbell weighs 45 lb (20 kg). But if you ask, “how much does a hex bar weigh?” plenty of lifters are guessing.
In this post, we cover the hex bar (also called the trap bar): typical weight ranges, why the weight varies, benefits, key design differences, and what to look for if you are buying one. We also included a comparison chart of popular models with weights, dimensions, and listed capacity.
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Quick answer: Most well-known hex bars land between 40-70 lb (about 18-32 kg). Some specialty open or heavy-duty bars can be outside that range.
Key Takeaways
| What you need to know | Practical takeaway |
|---|---|
| Hex bar weight is not standardized | Always verify the bar’s listed weight or weigh it yourself. |
| Most hex bars weigh 40-70 lb | Track progress accurately by including bar weight in your totals. |
| Design changes weight | Open bars, thicker tubing, longer sleeves, and built-in jacks often mean heavier bars. |
| Centered load changes the feel | Many lifters can lift the same or slightly more than barbell deadlift due to leverage and balance. |
| Handle height matters | High handles reduce range of motion and can make pulls feel easier, especially for beginners. |
Is It a Hex Bar or Trap Bar?
Both names are used interchangeably. You might also hear “hexagonal barbell,” or occasionally “Gerard bar” (more on that below). In this article, hex bar and trap bar mean the same thing.
- Hex bar / hexagonal barbell: “Hex” refers to the six-sided shape common to traditional models.
- Trap bar: Popular nickname tied to how often it is used for heavy pulls and shrugs, which can hammer the trapezius.
Brief History of the Hex (Trap) Bar
The trap bar is widely credited to Al Gerard, a competitive powerlifter who wanted a way to pull heavy with less stress on his lower back. The core idea was simple: stand inside the load so the resistance stays closer to your center of mass.
The design gained wider attention in the late 1980s and was produced in smaller batches for years. Once more manufacturers entered the market, the hex bar became a staple in athletic training, powerlifting gyms, and home setups because it is user-friendly and versatile.
What Is a Hex Bar?
A hex (trap) bar is a hexagon-shaped barbell you stand inside. It has sleeves on opposite ends for plates and neutral-grip handles inside the frame. It is commonly used for deadlifts, shrugs, carries, bent-over rows, Romanian deadlifts, presses, and more. For a full list, see these trap bar exercises.
What is a hex bar made of?
Most trap bars are welded steel. Finishes vary, but common options include powder coat and plated finishes (chrome or zinc). Many bars support 500 to 1500 lb depending on tubing thickness, weld quality, and overall design.
Benefits of Using a Hex Bar
The hex bar was built around one big idea: lift heavy with a more joint-friendly setup. Benefits include:
- Easier to clear the knees during deadlifts than a straight bar for many lifters
- Less learning curve for beginners to “find” a solid deadlift position
- Neutral grip can feel more comfortable for shoulders and elbows
- No mixed grip required for heavy sets
- Less temptation to over-lean back at lockout
- Higher handle options can help lifters with hip mobility or range of motion limitations
- Centered load can reduce the “pulled forward” feeling some lifters get with barbell pulls
- Balance often feels more stable, especially for athletes and newer lifters
Why It Matters to Know How Much a Hex Bar Weighs
If you want to build strength and muscle, you need progressive overload. That means tracking load and gradually increasing it over time. If your bar weight is a mystery, your logbook is lying to you.
It also matters if your gym has multiple trap bars. A 44 lb bar and a 66 lb bar feel very different once you start loading plates.
How to calculate total weight on a hex bar
Total load = bar weight + plates. If you load 2 plates per side, count both sides. Example: 45 lb plates x 4 = 180 lb. If the trap bar is 60 lb, your total is 240 lb.
How Much Does a Hex Bar Weigh?
Most hex bars weigh 40-70 lb (about 18-32 kg). Unlike Olympic barbells, trap bars are not standardized. Weight varies because there is no universal competition spec forcing identical dimensions, sleeve lengths, tubing thickness, or handle designs.
Here is a comparison (cost, weight, dimensions, capacity) of 8 popular trap bars:
|
Brand |
Model |
Cost |
Weight |
Dimensions |
Capacity |
|
Bells of Steel |
Open Trap Bar/Hex Bar 3.0 – Rotating Sleeves |
$275 |
47lbs ~21kgs |
Length ~59” (~150cm) Width ~26” (~57cm) Height ~5” (~12cm) |
700lbs ~318kgs
|
|
Rogue Fitness |
Rogue TB-2 Trap Bar |
$395 |
60lbs ~27kgs |
Length 88.5”(~224cm) Width 28.5” (~72cm) Height 9” (~23cm) |
1000lbs+ ~455kgs+ |
|
Rep Fitness |
REP Trap Bar
|
$274 |
55lbs 25kgs |
Length 71” (~180cm) Width 25.5” (~65cm) Height 6” (~15cm) |
500lbs ~227kgs |
|
Kabuki Strength |
The Trap Bar HD
|
$699 |
66lbs 30kgs |
Length 77” (~196cm) Width 25” (~64cm) Height 9” (~23cm) |
1500lbs ~682kgs |
|
Titan Fitness |
Olympic Hex Weight Bar |
$130 |
44lbs 20kgs |
Length 56”(~142cm) Width 22.75” (~58cm) Height 6” (~15cm) |
500lbs ~227kgs
|
|
CAP |
CAP Barbell Olympic Trap Bar (Combo Grip) |
$170 |
~46lbs ~21kgs |
Length 56”(~142cm) Width 24” (~61cm) Height 5” (~13cm) |
750lbs ~341kgs |
|
Valor Fitness |
OB-ADJ, Adjustable Trap Bar |
$295 |
51lbs ~23kgs |
Length 71”(~178cm) Width 28” (~71cm) Height 7” (~18cm) |
500lbs ~227kgs |
|
Fringe Sport |
Hex "Trap" Bar |
$280 |
45lbs ~21kgs |
Length 56”(~142cm) Width 24” (~61cm) Height ~5” (~13cm) |
600lbs ~273kgs |
Types of Hex Bars
There are several common trap bar styles. The right one depends on your space, goals, and how many people will use it.
Traditional (Gerard-style)
The classic closed-frame bar is the most common and usually the most budget-friendly. It covers the basics and does the job for deadlifts, shrugs, carries, and rows.
Open
Open bars remove one side of the frame (open-front or open-back). The upside is easier entry and more exercise options like lunges and split squats because you are not boxed in. Many lifters also like the ability to step away more easily if a rep goes sideways.
Adjustable
Adjustable trap bars may offer multiple handle heights, multiple grip diameters, or adjustable handle widths. This can improve fit for different body sizes and can also make the bar more versatile across exercises.
What to Consider When Buying a Hex Bar
Before you buy, ask yourself:
- How many people will use it?
- Which exercises will you use it for?
- How heavy do you realistically need to load it?
- What is your budget?
1) Handles and grip feel
Knurling matters. If the grips are slick or uncomfortable, you will avoid the bar. Also consider handle diameter: thicker handles can challenge grip strength, but can feel rough if you are not used to them.
Raised handles are typically more user-friendly than flat handles because they start you in a higher position and can reduce range of motion.
2) Sleeve length
Look for Olympic-sized sleeves and check usable sleeve length. Some bars have short sleeves that limit how many plates you can load, especially if you use bumper plates.
3) Finish
Powder coat, chrome, and zinc plating all help with durability. Pick what you like and what fits your environment (garage gyms often benefit from more corrosion resistance).
4) Material and build quality
Most are steel, but the thickness of the tubing, weld quality, and overall design influence bar weight and capacity. If you plan to pull heavy, do not cheap out on questionable welds.
5) Loading and unloading
Some bars include built-in jacks or enough clearance to slide plates on without lifting the bar. Cheaper bars often sit flat, which makes loading more annoying.
6) Open vs closed
Open bars generally provide more exercise options and easier setup. Closed bars are often cheaper and perfectly fine if you mainly deadlift and shrug.
7) Intended usage
Commercial gyms should prioritize durability. Strongman and heavy pullers should prioritize sleeve length, capacity, and ease of loading. Home gym owners can often choose based on space, budget, and primary lifts.
8) Rackable length
Not every trap bar fits on J-hooks. If you want to rack it for pulls or presses, confirm it is rackable. Longer bars are more likely to work in standard racks.
9) Budget
Basic bars can start around the low hundreds, while premium open or heavy-duty bars can run several hundred more. Price often includes shipping, so compare total cost, not just sticker price.
If you are shopping, check out our guide to the Best Trap Bars.
Is a Hex Bar 45 Pounds?
No. There is no standardized trap bar weight. You might find a model that is exactly 45 lb, but most fall in the 40-70 lb range.
FAQs About Hex (Trap) Bars
Can you deadlift with a hex bar?
Yes. That is one of its most popular uses. The centered load can feel smoother, the neutral grip can be more comfortable for shoulders, and many lifters find it easier to maintain balance and a strong torso position.
Related: Hex Bar Deadlift vs Barbell Deadlift
Can you squat with a hex bar?
Yes. With a trap bar squat, the load is held at your sides instead of on your back, which can be useful if shoulder mobility is limited. Range of motion can be reduced if plates hit the floor, so standing on a small platform can help you squat deeper.
Related: The Ultimate Guide to Squats
Do you need a hex bar?
Not necessarily. But it can be a game-changer if straight-bar deadlifts bother your lower back or if you want a more beginner-friendly heavy pull option. It also opens up loaded carries, rows, and hinge variations.
How much should I be able to deadlift with a trap bar?
Many lifters can trap bar deadlift the same or slightly more than their barbell deadlift because the load is more centered and the setup can be easier. Here are rough strength guidelines:
|
|
Beginner |
Novice |
Intermediate |
Advanced |
|
Men |
~Body Weight (BW) |
1.5x BW |
~2x BW |
~3x BW |
|
Women |
~Half Body Weight (BW) |
~BW |
~1.5x BW |
~2x BW |
Note: These are rough guidelines for the general public. Individual leverages, training history, and technique can shift results.
Final Note
No matter what you call it (trap bar, hex bar, hexagonal barbell), the weight varies by brand and model. If accuracy matters for your training log, check the manufacturer specs or weigh the bar in your gym so you know exactly what you are pulling.
9 Best Trap Bar Exercises and Programming Tips
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