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TITAN hex bar vs Rogue Ohio operator bar [Article, Video]

Posted by Pascal Landshoeft

May 12, 2020 9:00:00 AM

TITAN hex bar vs Rogue Ohio operator bar [Article, Video]

This is a comparison of the Titan Hex trap bar and the Rogue operator bar. Follow the links for more details.

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Overview and review of the Rogue Operator bar

This overview of the Rogue Chan bar was originally published in my comprehensive guide on which Rogue barbell to buy. If you are currently considering to buy a Rogue barbell it is worth a read to get input on the latest models. I update the guide on a yearly basis depending on Rogue's new releases. 
 
 
 
Price: 325$
 

What else to consider from Rogue

Overview of the Rogue Operator bar

 
The operator bar is the version of the Ohio bar which is most tailored to the military and military enthusiasts. It uses the Ohio bar as a base and adds different military patterns and colours with a Cerakote finish. The Cerakote finish is widely known in the gun industry and the technology has been ported by Rogue to be used in their barbell finishes. 
 
The operator bar has a good whip and weighs 20kg. The diameter is 28.5mm and the loadable sleeve length is 16.40. The sleeves are attached to shaft by bushing. The operator bar withstands 190K tensile strength and is built for multi-purpose use. The knurling is standard. This is the bar designed by patriots for patriots.
 
If you have to equip a gym on a military base in the US this is the bar to go for. Your troops will appreciate that you invested the few extra dollars to get a bar with a nice design. Especially when morale is down this is a feasible option to lift spirits a little. Of course, if budgets are tight there are also the Castro bar and Ohio bar to be bought at bulk friendlier prices for the treasury. Also ask Rogue for special pricing as the military has been given special status in Rogues customer care. 
 
For home gym owners or soldiers that return home, this can also form the little touch which makes it special and personal for you. 
 

Pros of the operator bar

 
The operator bar can fit any military design and blend in with the troops when off duty or at the base. You will get a high-quality piece of equipment in the middle of the budget range of rogue. At the same time, you will still not be seen as cheap, as the Cerakote finish is one of the latest developments in the Rogue portfolio. Of course, if you are a no-nonsense leader, don't make it pretty and go for some of the lower budget options. Whatever is received better by the ones you serve. 
 

Cons of the operator bar

 
The military theme is not for everyone. If you have a gym that is more frequented by liberal mindsets maybe stay away from this one. There are plenty of other options with more neutral designs to choose from. With the Cerakote finish on the sleeves, it might also be more susceptible to wear and tear than with chrome sleeves.
 

Conclusion

The Rogue Operator bar is a great option when you are buying for the troops and are not super budget constraint. Watch the space at Rogue for the Cerakote upgrades. There is currently a lot happening with them adopting military grade production processes for metals and coatings. Other options are the Ohio bar or Castro bar.

 
 

Overview and review of the Hex trap bar

The Titan Hex trap bar will put you back about $200. TITAN is well known for their very good prices compared to their competition and will get you started on your home gym. This review was originally posted in “which barbell to get from TITAN”.

 

Overview of the hex trap bar 

 
A hex trap bar is a great option to introduce beginners to the deadlift or to have a multi-purpose tool to do farmers walks. Lifting the weight from inside the frame while making it less strenuous on your lower back limiting injury risk. The specifications and features of the hex trap bar are: 
 
Bar details
 
  • Dual handle design
  • Raised set of handles stands 7.5" from the floor for a raised starting position when lifting. 
  • Frame measure 49" across so you can easily rack the bar on your power rack safety system. 
  • Solid 48mm weight posts for maximum capacity and long term durability. Tested at 810 LB over a 24 hours period. 
  • Overall Length: 87.5" 
  • Hexagon Frame Length: 49"
  • Handle Spread: 25" 
  • Handle Diameter: 1.25"
  • Handle Length: 24.5"
  • Weight Post Length: 15.75"
  • Weight Post Diameter: 48 mm
  • Weight: 60 LB
 
Good tool when you have lower back problems or beginners. 
 

Pros of the Hex bar 

 
A hex bar lets you develop about the same muscle groups as the straight bar for the deadlift with a lesser risk of lower back injuries. It can also be used for farmers walks in Strongman classes. 
 

Cons of the Hex bar 

 
Hex bars are usually hard to store and intimidating to beginners. Because of their higher weight and big frame beginners usually don’t like to set them up. Apart from the farmers walks and deadlifts the applications of the hex bar are quite limited. 
 

Alternatives to the hex bar 

 
The Titan Atlas bar is a great option from TITAN to save money when you buy in bulk while still providing great service to your clients. The Atlas bar is the all-around workhorse out of the TITAN portfolio. 
 
For only about $100 more you can get a yoke. Most people who consider a hex bar already own a barbell. You might as well consider a yoke as it gives you a lot more options for only slightly more money. 
 
If you are already looking into strongman equipment, you might want to have a look at a log bar. These are great to develop overall body strength and have been a staple of strongman competitions for years. 
 

Summary of the hex bar 

 
The hex bar is a great tool to get athletes used to the deadlift or lower injury risk for people who are not into powerlifting but want to reap the benefits of the deadlift. 
 

Topics: TITAN