Sam’s Review: ATX® Open Hex Bar Compact – 50 mm
For years we have sold hex trap bars. But we have not always had them in our gym. The traditional style bars were big and heavy making them hard to store. Ideally, I would hang them on the wall. But we ran out of wall space to hang such big and heavy objects.
BIGGER IS NOT ALWAYS BETTER
The other downside to these old designs was shipping. Prior to the pandemic we could ship them between the east coast capital cities for $50-60 dollars. You had to wrap them so they didn’t get scratched which was a P.I.A. After the pandemic the cost shot up to $150. Nearly the same cost as the bar. So I stopped importing them.
The new compact, open design was perfect. It packaged up nicely into a box making them so much easier and affordable to ship. Best of all they are easier to store. We were easily able to find a spot to hang it up on the wall.
Weighing in at only 13kg, it is so much easier to move around the gym. Plus for inexperienced trainers it is an easier way to introduce them to one of the best exercises for strength and power.
VERSATILE STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING TOOL
Hex trap bar deadlifts are widely regarded in strength training. Many experts regard it as better than traditional barbell deadlifts. It is an exercise that engages many muscle groups. If you are not currently doing them and you want to build strength and size, give them a try.
The ATX Compact Hex Trap Bar is the easiest and most affordable way to add this full body exercise. But wait there’s more!
This simple design makes it perfect for farmer walks. I have found it so much easier to get this trap bar out and load up some weight plates. This is another exercise that has a long list of muscles worked. The improved grip strength alone makes this worthwhile.
Another exercise I found myself doing was neutral grip bent over rows.
NOT FOR BREAKING RECORDS
Designing gym equipment is always about compromise. It is rare that something small and compact will be able to handle the heaviest weight. This is the case here. Like all ATX products, I am certain this bar would handle more than the 250kg limit. However you would need calibrated powerlifting plates to fit them on. There just isn’t enough loading room.
If you are wanting to lift massive weight then I recommend getting the ATX Hex Trap Bar XL. It has ample loading space for 300kg deadlifts.
The other reason is the Compact Trap Bar does not have the elevated handles. You only have the low handles. This is great for building muscle in your posterior chain. But you will not be able to lift as much weight.
ATX COMPACT HEX TRAP BAR FINAL WORD
This Hex Trap Bar is perfect for the home trainer who wants to add this great exercise to their training. If you are tight on space or want to stick to a budget, then I strongly recommend this bar. There aren’t too many implements that will build full body strength in this price and space bracket.
