Trap Bar - Hex Bar Are they all the same?

[Strega]

Looking at adding a trap bar to my Christmas list.

Is there a standard spec or design?
Features to look out for or avoid?

Recommendations from these picks? Other suggestions?



Rogue $295,
no handles, no kick stand, more of a hex shape. I'm only 5'6" so not sure how much room do I need?
http://www.roguefitness.com/rogue-tb-1-trap-bar-2-0


Gerard Trap Bar $239
Good name, more space none of the handle or kick stand features
Trap Bar Classic | www.trapbartraining.com


Hampton Multi-Hex Shrug/Trap Bar (IB-HX-HL) $288
This has the kick stand and handles, that swivel. I thought the kick stand was a good idea but once I saw the video of it being used it looks stupid.
Hampton Multi-Hex International Dead Lift / Shrug Bar with Hi-Lo Handles

Cap Bar $84 (free shipping)
Lots of reviews... Only 2% are 1 star but they are really bad. I'm starting to wonder if these companies pay for good reviews.
Amazon.com : CAP Barbell Olympic 2-Inch Combo Hex Bar : Hex Dead Lift Bar : Sports & Outdoors


Valor $229
Different grips on a swivel, interesting....
This one, looks like it loads plates without them touching the ground.
Amazon.com : Valor Fitness Super Hex Trap Bar : Sports & Outdoors

[MBasic]

I have experience with the first one . . .the rogue one
That's made big enough to fit inside a normal power rack/squat cage, and be racked on J hooks.
For why I don't know . . . maybe doing weird Trap bar rack pulls, or pressing w/ it, or whatev etc.
Its real heavy empty and kinda awkward.

The amount of steel, welding and hvy duty design in the rogue bar makes the cost comparison the Gerard and Hampton seem like a joke.
Those seem pretty crappy/wimpy for being about the same price as the Rogue One (see what I did there).

[Strega]

So they all suck, $84 looks like a good deal if I'm just going to pick stuff up and put it down.
I find the Valor intriguing but the idea that the plates don’t touch the ground sort of makes my head explode.
It’s still pricey but shipping is free.

[MBasic]

So they all suck, $84 looks like a good deal if I'm just going to pick stuff up and put it down.

no, the rogue one is good . . .just cumbersome

. .. but now that I think about it, it makes sense if on a platform.

The plates willa actually hit the platform in the correct spot like a regular Olympic bar.

Those little narrow ones, plates contact the wood part on our platforms at Lifetime . . . not wide enough.

[murphyreedus]

There's also the CAP Mega Hex bar. It was $92 shipped for Prime members for quite some time.

[Meshuggah]

I have the Gerard, it's a great tool. Mine is 15-16 years old.

[Strega]

Same design as the Valor but a different name. According the reviews on Amazon you can put 45's on and off without them touching the ground.
Why does this bother me?

[Tim Garvey]

This one is more expensive, but may be more versatile it you are tall and if you also want to use if for carries and presses.
Crepinsek Strength Equipment/Specialized Bars from Crepinsek

It can be racked like the rogue and used for parallel grip presses. I bought the lower priced CAP bar from Amazon when I had some gift cards. It arrived with rust on it. It is painted to look like it is chromed, and I would not trust a single weld on it. I used it for a short time for back rehab, but now it mainly collects dust. The knurl is also excessively uncomfortable, compared to an Ohio Power Bar.

I you are considering spending close to $300 I would go with the Rogue or Crepinsek. I have never regretted a purchase I have made from Rogue.