How Much Does a Hex Bar Weigh?

Hex bars, aka trap bars, are becoming more widely used. Popular hex bar exercises include hex or trap bar deadlifts and hex bar shrugs. 

But how much does a hex bar weigh? Accurately tracking your weights is essential for progressive overload, especially if your goal is hypertrophy. But without knowing the hex bar weight before adding weight plates, it is hard to precisely track weights over time. 

Unfortunately, the weight of a hex bar (or trap bar) differs between various makes and models. Your gym’s brand and type of hex bar will determine its weight. 

We’ll review some of the most commonly used hex bars and describe how much they weigh, so you can more accurately track your lifts in the gym.

How Much Does a Hex Bar Weigh?

Hex bars weigh between 44 lbs (20kgs) and 80 lbs (36kg). Unlike standard Olympic straight barbells, hex bar weight is not standardized. The exact weight of a hex bar varies based on the make and model. 

Although hex bars generally fall within a certain weight range, some makes and models offer lightweight bars, and others have heavier hex bars with longer handles or additional features which increase their weight. 

Hex Bar vs. Trap Bar: What’s the Difference?

The hex bar and the trap bar are the same pieces of equipment. Al Gerard, an engineer, and Powerlifter from North Carolina, invented the hex bar in the mid-1980s to train his legs without straining his lower back. Since its conception, it has become increasingly popular.

Many lifters prefer the hex bar deadlift over the straight bar deadlift. Hex or trap bar deadlifts position the weight closer to your center of gravity. Some find they can lift heavier weights on the hex bar deadlift than conventional deadlifts without straining their back.

People started referring to the hex bar as a ‘trap bar’ because of its popularity for performing trapezius shrugs. Whether you call it a hex bar or a trap bar depends on where you live and the make and model you use.

The Weight of Popular Hex Bars

ACFT Trap Bar

The Army Combat Fitness Test (ACF) includes a 3-repetition maximum hex deadlift (MDL) as one of their fitness tests. The exact make and model used may vary but it must always weigh 60 pounds (27.2kg). 

There is a minor weight tolerance of +/- 2 pounds or 0.9kg, which means the hex bar may weigh between 58 and 62 pounds (or 26.3 and 28.1kg).  

CAP Barbell Olympic Trap Bar

CAP Barbell offers a range of different hex bars with varying grips. The weight of CAP trap bars depends on the type of grip. The various CAP Barbell Olympic Trap Bars and their weights are listed below.

• Combo grips hex bar: 52 lb / 23.6kg
• Combo neutral grips hex bar: 75 lb / 34kg 
• Flush neutral grips hex bar: 46 lb / 20.9kg
• Raised grips hex bar: 46 lb / 20.9kg

Rogue TB-2 Trap Bar

The Rogue Fitness TB-2 Trap Bar weighs 60 lb (27.2kg). However, this is a 25% weight reduction from their original trap bar, which weighed 75 lb (34kg).

Bells of Steel Industrial Trap Bar

The Bells of Steel Industrial Trap/Hex Bar weighs 80 lbs (36.3kg).

Titan Fitness Olympic Hex Bar

The Titan Fitness Olympic Hex Bar weighs 44 lbs (20kg).

BalanceFrom Olympic 2″ Hex Bar

The BalanceFrom Olympic Hex Bar weighs 45 lbs (20.4kg).

Force USA Hex Bar

The Force USA Standard Hex Bar weighs 44 lbs (20kg). The Force USA Walkthrough Hex Bar weighs 65 lb (29.5kg).

Hammer Strength Hex Bar

The Hammer Strength Hex Bar weight is 60 lb (27.2kg).

Sumo Strength Trap Bar

The Sumo Strength Trap Bar weighs 66 lb (30 kg).

Iron Edge Chrome Trap Bar

The Iron Edge Chrome Trap Bar weight is 50 lb (22.7kg)

Alphafit Hex Deadlift Barbell

The Alphafit Hex Deadlift Barbell weighs 50 lb (22.7kg)

Summary: How Much Does a Hex Bar Weigh? 

Knowing how much your hex bar weighs helps to track your lifts and keep progressing in the gym. Unlike standard straight deadlift barbells, which are typically 45 lb (20kg) for a 7ft Olympic bar, there is no standard weight for hex bars. Most hex bars weigh between 80 lbs (36kg) and 44 lbs (20kgs).

There are many different makes and models of hex bars. They all have different weights. However, you can broadly categorize them into different types of hex or trap bars. If you aren’t sure of the exact model or make of the hex bar you are using, understanding the different types might help you make an accurate estimate.

Hex Bar Type	Common Hex Bar Weight Range
Standard Hex Bar	44-45 lb (20 kg)
Raised Handle Hex Bar	50-55 lb (22 – 25 kg)
Heavy Duty Hex Bar	60 – 80 lb (27.2 – 36.3 kg)
Multi-Handle Hex Bar	60 – 65 lbs (27.2 – 29.5 kg)
Open Back (Walkthrough) Hex Bar	65 – 77 lbs (30 – 35 kg)
Lightweight Hex Bar	30 – 45 lbs (13 – 20 kg)

If you’re unsure and want to be more precise with tracking your weights, don’t be shy to ask your gym staff to check which make and model of hex or trap bar they use. 

About Emma Lennon

Emma is a Health Science graduate, qualified personal trainer, and writer. She has over ten years of experience in the health, community development, and communications sectors. She is passionate about making reputable information about health, fitness, and resistance training accessible to all.

Emma loves building her own functional strength and fitness outside of work with various training styles, from weightlifting to calisthenics, yoga, and dancing. She advocates for the powerful potential of exercise to improve physical, mental, and emotional health and well-being.