How Much Does a Hex Bar Weigh?

How Much Does a Hex Bar Weigh?

Hex bars weigh between 44 lbs (20 kg) and 80 lbs (36kg). Hex bar weight is not standardized, unlike traditional Olympic straight barbells. 

The precise weight of a hex bar varies depending on the brand and type. 

Even though hex bars typically have a weight range, certain types and models have lighter bars, while others have heavier hex bars with longer handles or other characteristics that add to their weight.

How Much Does a Hex Bar Weigh?

A hex bar weighs approximately 45 lbs. How much a hex bar weighs will largely depend on its type, but the average Gerard-type trap bar weight is between 44 lbs (20 kg) and 80 lbs (36kg).

Emily Thompson headshot
Learn More About Our Online Coaching Service

Quick Summary

  • Trap bar is also called a hex bar because it is a hexagonal-shaped barbell, and it is primarily used for performing a hex bar deadlift.
  • Heavy duty trap bars (Olympic trap bar) usually weigh between 44 lbs (20kgs) and 80 lbs (36kg).
  • Standard hex bar weighs approximately 45 lbs or 20 kg.
  • There is no exact standard weight for all trap bars.
Woman hold a trap(hex) bar in the commercial gym while looking away.

Trap bar farmers carry is an excellent exercise for developing your core musculature and overall stability.

What Is a Hex Bar Deadlift?

A trap bar or hex bar deadlift is a variation of the traditional straight bar deadlift performed with an open hex bar. A trap bar deadlift is an excellent lower-body compound exercise that activates both anterior and posterior chain muscles.

In addition, trap bar deadlifts are initially designed as a compromise between standard straight bar deadlifts and barbell back squats. The heavy-duty trap bar can be loaded with bumper plates to increase the overall external resistance. 

Most hex bars are designed in such a way as to encourage proper deadlift form due to their unique weight placement and the way your body’s center of mass is in the same open hex bars.

How Much Does the Average Hex Deadlift Bar Weigh?

The average hex deadlift bar usually weighs 45 lbs or 20.4 kg. This is an official Olympics Hex deadlift bar weight.

Hex Bar Weight by Type

Different hex bars come in different types, and with that comes a range of weights for each variety. They usually weigh between 44 lbs (20kgs) and 80 lbs (36kg). Cheapo trap bars are the lightest, and the heaviest is the open back bar.

Standard Hex Bar Weight

Standard hex bar weighs approximately 45 lbs or 20 kg. But, unlike standard Olympic barbells weighing 45 pounds, hex bars vary in weight from one company and style to another. Hex bars can weigh as little as 40 pounds and as much as 75 pounds.

The raised handles and hexagonal frame of the hex bar allow for more accessible pick-up from the ground and reduce the strain on your hands and back. 

Raised Handle Hex Bar Weight

Raised Handle hex trap bar is usually 60lb or 27 kg. The handles on this one allow you to start from a higher position than the standard one.

The lift is also made much simpler by the raised handles as opposed to the flush handles, which might cause the bar to veer forward or back if it is not grabbed in the middle. 

Younger athletes and lifters who want to concentrate on various ranges of motion will benefit significantly from its higher starting point. You can use this hex bar in exercises like farmers’ walks, deadlifts, shrugs, weighted jumps, etc.

Heavy-Duty Hex Bar Weight

Most heavy-duty hex bars weigh around 60 lbs or 34kg.

Instead of using a solid steel bar, some trap bars are constructed using square steel tubing. It is heavier and more rigid thanks to the heavy-duty construction.

The handles are raised above those on the original hex bar to accommodate taller or larger athletes. You may use this trap bar within your power rack to do rack pulls, shoulder presses, and other similar lifts.

You may lift safely and isolate specific muscle regions with this hexagonal design, which is built to hold a weight capacity of up to 800 pounds or 362.8 kilograms.

Adding larger weights to this bar can push your physical limits and help you gain more muscle. You can lift more weight with these handles and grips than with a standard barbell.

Because of the arrangement of the handles, you can hold the bar with a neutral grip, just like you would while carrying a bag or luggage daily.

Additionally, it makes it possible for beginners or recovering athletes to concentrate on their range of motion or gradually build a deadlift program without placing as much strain on the lower back.

Multi Handle Hex Bar Weight

Multi handle hex bar weights around 60lb or 27.2kg.

One of the most unusual designs is the multi-handle trap bar. As the name implies, you can choose your favorite grip from a number of handles with different diameters.

While having a nice appearance, the complex design, unfortunately, lowers the total weight capacity.

This specially crafted bar keeps the weight centered through the midline of your body, minimizing extra stress on your spinal flexors and preventing the typical shin scraping that results from deadlifts with a traditional barbell.

The main lifting exercises for developing the muscles in the shoulders, back, and legs are shoulder shrugs, squats, and deadlifts. It is a desirable piece of equipment for a home gym.

Open Back Hex Bar Weight

Open back hex bar frame has a base weight of 77 lbs or 35 kg. The open back hex bar has a unique shape. This bar is open on one side like a new moon rather than wrapping around it.

Right, eliminating the back bar should make it lighter. You would assume. Open back bars, however, typically measure and weigh more than standard bars overall.

In contrast to a conventional barbell, they are designed to place the weight exactly where your center of gravity is, not in front of it. 

Its open design makes it possible to perform various exercises like squats, lunges, and presses, and its neutral handle placement makes deadlifting considerably less technically demanding.

Cheapo Hex Bar Weight

Cheapo is the lightest type of hex bar. As a result, they are not designed for hard lifting and can only weigh up to 19 lbs.

The bottom of these bars often has a built-in platform that makes it simpler to load weight plates. Because it is affordable, Cheapo hex bar is excellent for newcomers.

How Much Does a Hex Bar Weigh vs Other Bars?

Hex bar weight of 45 pounds or 20.4 kilograms is usually the same as other standard bars. This is not a rule, so you can see bars that weigh more or less than this standardized weight.

Hex Bar TypeCommon Hex Bar Weight Range
Standard Hex Bar 44-45 lb (20 kg)
Heavy Duty Trap Bar60 – 80 lb (27.2 – 36.3 kg)
Raised Handle Hex Bar50-55 lb (22 – 25 kg)
Open Back (Walkthrough) Hex Bar65 – 77 lbs (30 – 35 kg)
Multi-Handle Hex Bar60 – 65 lbs (27.2 – 29.5 kg)
Lightweight Hex Bar30 – 45 lbs (13 – 20 kg)

Hex Bar vs. Other Bars

Army Combat Fitness Test Standard Weight

Standard weight hex bar that is used in an army combat fitness test is 60 lbs or 27.2kg. The deadlift exercise must be repeated three times, each time with a heavier weight. The weight range for the deadlift is 54-190 kilograms or 120-420 pounds.

” I think most functional coaches would argue some form of deadlift to be the most functional lift.” – Adam Sinicki, AKA The Bioneer, author of the Functional Fitness and Beyond

Why Does Hex Bar Weight Matter?

The main reason hex bar weight matters is its effect on the total weight you lift. Also, some hex bar types from the list have a specific build where your body weight will shift, so you must be careful.

Lastly, the hex bar weight makes a substantial difference only if you forget to count its weight when pushing your records and opting for one rep max lifts.

Which Hex Deadlift Bar Should You Buy?

Your level of experience and preferences will dictate which deadlift bar you should buy. The best trap bar for a beginner is a standard Gerald trap bar.

However, if you are an experienced lifter, I suggest opting for the extra-large hex bar so you can add more plates.

Also, you don’t have to worry much about the hex bar weight you should pick; instead, focus more on the form and consistency.

You can’t go wrong with many of the weights from the list as long as you follow the previously mentioned things.

FAQs

Is It a Hex Bar or Trap Bar?

It is both a hex bar and a trap bar. A trap bar is also called a hex bar because it is a hexagonal-shaped barbell.

Is a Hex Bar Deadlift Easier?

Hex bar deadlifts are easier than conventional deadlifts. The main reason is that the quads and anterior chain muscles help when trap bar deadlifting, and the same muscles work less when doing traditional straight bar deadlifts.

Why are Hex Bars So Popular?

The hex bars are popular because they offer combined benefits from conventional deadlifts and back squats. However, trap bar deadlifts are better because your center of mass is in the middle of the open bar, lifting additional pressure from your lumbar spine and allowing for anterior and posterior chain activation.

What Are the Benefits of a Hex Bar?

The benefits of a hex bar is that implementing it into a workout builds muscle, strength, and power. You can get a more comfortable grip by using it, which is much easier to maintain than the regular bar.

Are All Hex Bars the Same?

No, not all hex bars are the same. They vary depending on the style and the weight of the bar. That being said, there is no exact standard weight for all hex bars.

Which Hex Deadlift Bar Should You Buy?

The first hex bar you should buy is the basic one, assuming you are a beginner in fitness and want to increase your physique and overall strength. 

This is the safest choice and a fantastic place to use trap bars. 

They are reasonable prices and should be your next purchase for your home gym. If you visit a nearby gym, do not be afraid to use them in your workouts. 

Let us know why you searched for a trap bar weight in the first place.

Emily Thompson headshot
Learn More About Our Online Coaching Service

Picture of Vanja Vukas

Vanja Vukas

Student at the Faculty of Sport and Physical Education and a hardcore functional training enthusiast. Heavily inspired by Michael Boyle, a strength & conditioning specialist, and by Adam Sinicki, the founder of Bioneer. Vanja believes that transitioning to a movement-based exercise program can drastically improve your fitness, balance out your muscles, and support your current lifestyle.

Leave a Comment