Best hex bars buying guide
A hex bar (also known as a trap bar) is a piece of equipment used mostly in weightlifting, strongman, and powerlifting. It is also useful for rhabdomyolysis victims and those with an oblique abdominal weakness that prevents them from properly executing the deadlift exercise.
What are the best hex bars?
Here we will look at our best hex bars from the hundreds of hex bars reviews that we have researched and analyzed in detail.
back to menu ↑What are the types of hex bars?
The first thing you should know about hex bars is that there are two types: the trap/hex/monster/deadlift bar and the squat rack. The difference between these is that one has a flat base for you to stand on while the other has four legs that stand on the floor.
- trap/hex/monster/deadlift bar
- squat rack
What are the benefits of hex bars?
back to menu ↑alternative to the standard barbell and dumbbell combination
These bars are beneficial because they can be used as an alternative to the standard barbell and dumbbell combination. This means that you won’t have to move around as much weight, especially on exercises like deadlifts where excess movement is detrimental to your form and lift numbers.
back to menu ↑safety
The hex bar’s design also allows for a safe way to perform exercises that would otherwise be unsafe on a regular bar. This is because the shape of the bars means that no matter how you twist or slide, your grip will always be in front of it instead of behind, which lessens the risk of injury to wrist and bicep muscles.
back to menu ↑adjustable
These bars also have adjustable weight plates, unlike most standard bars that don’t allow for such fine-tuning or customizations. This means that you can increase the weight to your liking and still maintain your form and technique.
back to menu ↑handle placement
The handle placement on hex bars is also different because they are much closer than those of regular bars, which makes them better suited for compound exercises like deadlifts and squats.
back to menu ↑What exercises can you do with hex bars?
The following are exercises that you can perform with the best hex bars in the market today:
back to menu ↑Deadlifts
King of all strength exercises, deadlifts are a staple in many weightlifting routines.
back to menu ↑Squats
Another compound exercise that is great at building muscles and strengthening your legs, thighs, glutes, hamstrings, hips, and lower back.
back to menu ↑Shrugs
If you want to build up your traps (the muscle on top of
your shoulders), shrugs are a great way to start.
back to menu ↑Calf Raises
The best way to build up calves is through calf raises.
back to menu ↑Curls
For bigger biceps, you will need to curl the weights with hex bars.
back to menu ↑Lunges
A great exercise that builds strength in your legs and glutes.
back to menu ↑Upright Rows
Great for building that v-taper upper back look.
back to menu ↑Dips
If you want a six-pack, dips are a must.
back to menu ↑Bench Presses
For building a stronger chest and triceps, bench presses are the way to go.
back to menu ↑Bent Over Rows
Great compound exercise that works the posterior chain.
back to menu ↑Overhead Presses
If you want to get that big, rounded deltoid (shoulder) look, overhead presses are the way to go.
back to menu ↑Sideways Lunges
Great for strengthening your inner thighs and gluteus medius, this is one of the most underused leg exercises in weightlifting.
back to menu ↑Butterflys
This exercise will hit the main chest muscles in the middle, giving that deep v shape you are looking for.
back to menu ↑Good Mornings/Reverse Deadlifts
A compound exercise that stimulates most of the muscles in your back.
back to menu ↑Cable Cross Overs
If you want to build up your chest without getting too bulky, this is a great exercise for achieving just that goal.
Other benefits of hex bar training include an increase in grip strength and the development of stabilizer muscles providing balanced muscular development.
back to menu ↑How to choose the best hex bars?
When you’re looking for a hex bar, there are several considerations you should keep in mind:
back to menu ↑Material
Hex bars come in either steel or aluminum. Steel is much more durable and longer lasting but also a lot more expensive.
back to menu ↑Size
These bars come in different sizes, but you should consider the length of your weight plates as well as the space available to you before going for one.
back to menu ↑Plate compatibility
The shape and diameter of the hex bar handle determine how compatible they are with standard weight plates, so keep this in mind when you’re making a purchase.
back to menu ↑Price
The way these bars are made also contributes to their cost, so keep this in consideration when you’re looking for one. The price of hex bars can go anywhere from $30- $250, depending on the factors discussed above and the manufacturer’s brand.
back to menu ↑Features
You can also find hex bars with features like adjustable weight plates and rubber grips on the handles. The more expensive ones will have more of these features, which makes them more comfortable to use.
back to menu ↑Brand
Finally, make sure that you’re buying your bar from a reputable brand that is known for its quality products, as this will ensure that you get a long-lasting and durable piece of equipment that will serve you for the longest time possible.
back to menu ↑Weight plates
Make sure that you have enough weight plates to use your hex bar as well as standard-sized weight plates. This will prevent you from having to buy additional weights, which can be expensive.
back to menu ↑Safety collars
These are basically spring-loaded stoppers that keep your weight plates in place as you work out with your hex bar. These will cost anywhere from $5-20, which is an additional expense to consider.
back to menu ↑Comfort
The best hex bars are ergonomically designed to be comfortable and easy to use.
back to menu ↑Conclusion
Whatever type of bar you choose, just remember that hex bars are great for compound exercises that require moving weight in several directions. The most important benefit of these bars is that they help you build your core muscles, especially the stabilizer muscles around the shoulders and hips which are critical to strength training. By developing your core muscles, you will also improve your posture and make yourself look broader and taller.
If you are mostly interested in building up your core, then hex bars will help you achieve this goal. On the other hand, if you want to focus on single-sided workouts for each of your body parts, regular weightlifting bars will suit your needs better. The bottom line: either type of bar is great and has its own benefits and limitations.
Happy training!
Rich
Rich is an avid bodybuilder who has dedicated over 20 years of his life to the sport. He has a strong passion for health and fitness, living a clean lifestyle with a commitment to helping others educate themselves and fulfil their true potential.
