Deadlifting with a trap bar can be a safer alternative than a straight bar. But they’re less common so most people have questions about them.
How much does a trap bar weigh? A standard trap bar weighs 55 lbs, which is heavier than a typical barbell (45 lbs) because the trap bar requires more material to build. Trap bars vary in shape from a hexagon to a c-shaped bar. Weights vary between 45lbs and 65lbs, with heavier bars being able to handle more weight.
If you don’t know what a trap bar is, how to use it, and which one is right for your goals, you could miss out on fully developing your deadlift.
In this article, you’ll learn about:
- Factors affecting the weight of a trap bar
- Average weight of popular trap bars
- How to choose the right weight for your trap bar
Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Factors Affecting the Weight of a Trap Bar
The weight of the trap bar can be affected by a few things including:
- Material used
- Size
- Design of the bar
What is a trap bar made of? Trap bars are usually built from steel of varying weights, but what really affects the weight of the trap bar is the size.
The longer it is, the heavier the trap bar is. But this also means it has a higher weight capacity than a shorter bar.
Also, the design of the bar can lead to heavier or lighter weights. Some trap bars don’t have a bar across the front and these could be lighter than those with a bar across the front.
If you want to find out more about the specs and how heavy is a trap bar, check out this article about the top 11 trap bars in the market and their features!
How Much Does A Trap Bar Weigh? Average Weights
Below is a chart that showcases different brands and types of trap bars in the market. For the most part, it seems that the heavier the trap bar, the more the bar can load.
| Brand | Weight of Trap Bar | Weight Capacity | Price Range | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| REP Fitness Trap Bar | 55lbs | 500lbs | $250-$300 | Traditional hexagonal shape with a high handle or lower handle grip |
| CAP Barbell Trap Bar | 45lbs | 750lbs | $100-$150 | High handle hexagonal bar that can hold more than average weight. |
| Rogue TB-2 Trap Bar | 60lbs | 1000lbs | $350-$400 | Heavy duty hexagonal trap bar with a massive weight capacity. |
| Titan Fitness Rickshaw Trap Bar | 50lbs | 600lbs | $150-$200 | Rectangular shaped trap bar partially opened to perform multiple movements |
| Elite FTS Hex Combo Bar | 50lbs | 600lbs | $250-$300 | Traditional hexagonal shape but has a higher capacity than similar designs. |
| Kabuki HD Trap Bar | 65lbs | 1500lbs | $700-$750 | Adjustable trap bar with built in jack to load weight faster |
So how much does a trap bar weigh? The standard trap bar weight is 55 lbs. This is heavier than a typical barbell (45 lbs) because the trap bar has steel that forms a hexagon instead of a straight line. The list above shows a variety of designs, from a standard hexagonal shape to a non-traditional shape. The design of the trap bar adds functionality and purpose to the bar.
Weight capacities of trap bars vary from 500lbs to 1500lbs, and trap bar weights vary from 45lbs to 65lbs.
Lightest Trap Bar (45lbs)
Heaviest Trap Bar (65lbs)
When you look at a trap bar, they have a hexagonal shape which at times has us calling them “hex bars.”
So, what is the difference between a hex bar and a trap bar? Absolutely nothing. Most of the trap bars on my list have a hexagonal shape, but one of the trap bars is very unique and has a c-shaped rectangular shape.
This happens to be the Titan Rickshaw trap bar which has a rectangular shape and an open design that allows the lifter to perform various movements. The shape of the trap bar helps to perform different movements besides the trap bar deadlift. The Rickshaw trap bar can help the lifter do movements such as the deadlift, farmer walk, and even bent over rows.
Not sure how to perform the trap bar deadlift? Read more in this article about how to perform the trap bar exercise (also known as the hex bar).
How to Choose the Right Weight for Your Trap Bar
There are a few factors to consider when choosing the right weight for your trap bar.
How Much Can You Lift?
The main factor to consider when choosing the right weight for your trap bar is how much you can lift now, and how much you’ll eventually be able to lift.
Most lifters in their 20s or 30s can deadlift between 2 and 2.5 times their body weight.
- Untrained lifters might only be able to lift 200 lbs.
- Many more experienced lifters can lift around 350 lbs.
- Only a smaller range of lifters will be able to lift more than 500 lbs.
Therefore, most lifters will do just fine with a standard trap bar weight of 55 lbs with a capacity of 500 lbs.
Standard Trap Bar
However, lifting more than 500lbs is possible and if you want to be a stronger athlete, you need a heavier trap bar that can load more weight. And you wouldn’t want to have to buy one bar now and another later.
But in regard to the deadlift, most people can lift just as much or even more weight on a trap bar than a deadlift bar.
Therefore if you’re close to 500 lbs, you should opt for a 600 or 750 lb bar. Only the most serious lifters would need the 1000 or 1500-lb bar.
1000-lb Capacity Trap Bar
What Type of Handles Do You Want?
Deadlift trap bar weight can be stronger than a barbell if you have a trap bar that has the option of “high handles” and “low handles.”
High handles allow the lift to start from an elevated position. This can also help you showcase better posture for better mechanics, which could lead to more gains.
Low handles are much more rigorous and require the lifter to balance the weight. This more than likely will decrease trap bar deadlift weight. It is, however, a good option to use low handles in training for an event in a competition that requires this specific stimulus of balance and stability. .
If you are looking to participate in general fitness workouts and exercise, using an ordinary trap bar that is lighter can work just as effectively. And, it is cheaper!
I definitely recommend that if you are wanting to use the trap bar as a safer way to deadlift, find a trap bar with high handles as an option to promote better mechanics.
What Exercise Will You Be Doing?
Another fact that can affect the weight of your trap bar is the exercise of choice.
The Rickshaw trap bar is built uniquely so that the lifter can do a deadlift, farmer walk, and bent over row.
Other trap bars might be built with the hexagonal shape and keep the lifter stationary.
Regardless, the trap bar is a beneficial tool to help the lifter learn how to keep resistance with their center of gravity to promote better mechanics.
If you want to hear the debate about the trap bar versus the front squat, click on this link for the pros and cons regarding the use of these two exercises!
FAQ
What Is a Trap Bar?
A trap bar, or hex bar, is a type of weightlifting bar that is hexagonal in shape, with two large handles on either side. The trap bar design allows the lifter to stand in the middle of the bar, rather than behind it like a standard barbell. It is useful for exercises such as deadlifts and shrugs, as it places less stress on the lower back, allowing for a more natural lifting motion.
What Are the Benefits of a Trap Bar?
A trap bar can reduce stress on your lower back because the weight is distributed evenly. It has an increased range of motion so you can activate more muscle fibers and gain more strength. The large handles can improve grip strength. Beginners usually find them easier to perform proper form.
Final Thoughts
Know that you know the answer to the question, how much does a trap bar weigh? The average weight of a trap bar is around 55 pounds which has to do with its larger, hexagonal shape.
The trap bar is a huge benefit that can help promote safety in your lifts. It can also serve many different roles in your program with its unique design, allowing for a variety of different exercises like shrugs and farmer's carries.
If you’re looking to improve your trap bar performance, you are probably wanting to improve your deadlift performance. If so, check out this article about the 5 different deadlift bars and their uses.
About The Author
Joseph Lucero is a Strength Coach and Author and owns Harvesting Strength LLC. He's CSCS Certified, and when he's not helping clients get stronger, he writes about strength and conditioning to help readers. You can connect with him on LinkedIn and Instagram. You can book a free 20-minute consultation with him to see if a custom program would help you achieve your goals.
