Trap-bar deadlifts - anyone do these?

[Smack]

As per the title. Considering purchasing a trap-bar. I've heard glowing reviews about them from other forums, but the more opinions the better.

I'd do these instead of straight-bar deadlifts. The asymmetrical stress on my shoulders/traps from mixed grip is becoming quite apparent on squats, where the bar rests squint.

[Tom Campitelli]

I think it is more useful to think of the trap bar as a squat variant than a deadlift variant. I would not replace deads with trap bar work if you are looking for similar results.

The asymmetrical stress on my shoulders/traps from mixed grip is becoming quite apparent on squats.

Before you give up on deads, are you using double overhand grip for all of your warmups? If not, you probably should. Also, you should consider switching your mixed grip every rep or two (or each deadlift session, if you prefer) to make sure that both sides get their fair share of work. I tend to switch my grip every rep on work sets.

[Notorious]

You can use hook grip on your worksets.

[Smack]

I think it is more useful to think of the trap bar as a squat variant than a deadlift variant. I would not replace deads with trap bar work if you are looking for similar results.

Why wouldn't they give similar results to deadlifts? More weight used = stronger back does it not? (Keep in mind I'm not thinking this will increase my regular deadlift weights.)

Before you give up on deads, are you using double overhand grip for all of your warmups? If not, you probably should. Also, you should consider switching your mixed grip every rep or two (or each deadlift session, if you prefer) to make sure that both sides get their fair share of work. I tend to switch my grip every rep on work sets.

Yes, double overhand on all warm ups and I also switch the supinated hand on each rep, usually.

[PVC]

I use mixed grip, and I switch hands every deadlift session. I wouldn't want to switch every rep, first of all because it's tedious and second because you would still have to switch which hand you start with every session anyways to prevent an imbalance.

[Tom Campitelli]

Why wouldn't they give similar results to deadlifts?

Mostly because the motion is more similar to a partial squat than it is a deadlift. Having the bar in front of your shin imposes certain constraints on back angle and leg position that make the deadlift what it is. The trap bar deadlift will allow you a more upright back angle, and the center of mass of the bar can travel behind the shin and knee on the way up, although you are still holding on to the thing with your hands. In general, it won't stress the back in the same ways.

I've got nothing against trap bar work, but I did want to mention that it's probably not a deadlift replacement.

Yes, double overhand on all warm ups and I also switch the supinated hand on each rep, usually.

Interesting. Are you sure it is the deadlifting that is causing your issues on the squat?

I use mixed grip, and I switch hands every deadlift session. I wouldn't want to switch every rep, first of all because it's tedious

Good point. It can interfere if you don't like switching the grip, or releasing the bar during work sets.

second because you would still have to switch which hand you start with every session anyways to prevent an imbalance.

I certainly don't worry about which one I started with last time and I have yet to encounter an imbalance.

[matclone]

Rip's comments on the subject (and I'm sure there are others):

http://www.startingstrength.com/reso...highlight=trap

[Smack]

[QUOTE=TomC;119227]Mostly because the motion is more similar to a partial squat than it is a deadlift. Having the bar in front of your shin imposes certain constraints on back angle and leg position that make the deadlift what it is. The trap bar deadlift will allow you a more upright back angle, and the center of mass of the bar can travel behind the shin and knee on the way up, although you are still holding on to the thing with your hands. In general, it won't stress the back in the same ways.

I've got nothing against trap bar work, but I did want to mention that it's probably not a deadlift replacement.

I don't see why that can't be 'fixed' by just leaning over a bit.

Interesting. Are you sure it is the deadlifting that is causing your issues on the squat?

I actually have no idea. It's the only plausible explanation I can give. Maybe you know more explanations?

[Tom Campitelli]

I actually have no idea. It's the only plausible explanation I can give. Maybe you know more explanations?

I'm afraid I don't. However, it sounds like you are training both sides in a similar fashion which would normally address imbalance issues. I wish I had something more insightful to offer.

[Smack]

Of course, it might not even be an imbalance. It's just that on squats I'm always holding the bar squint on my shoulders, but with presses and benches, both sides seem to be equally strong.