TITAN EZ Load hex bar vs Rogue trap bar [Article, Video]

This is a comparison of the TITAN EZ Load bar and the Rogue trap bar. Follow the links for more details.

Overview and review of the Rogue Trap bar 1 & 2

This overview of the trap bar 1 & 2 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.

Download the free Rogue barbell Overview

Price 295$/375$

Overview of the Rogue Trap bars

The trap bar 1 & 2 of Rogue are their take on the trap bar. Trap bars are a great tool for Strongman competitors and powerlifters to get some stress of the posterior chain while still developing deadlift strength. Another application is farmer carries which makes it a very versatile strength tool.

The trap bar 1 comes in at 58lbs while the Trap bar 2 comes in at 60lb. The designs are also a good example of how Rogue handles customer feedback. The first generation of these trap bars was very heavy. This has been remedied in the second generation which you can purchase now. The sleeves come in at 1.91 diameters which means you can use all standard plates from Rogue with these speciality bars.

The difference between the trap bar 1 and trap bar 2 is that you get a pair of extra handles in the more expensive version. I leave this to personal preference. I always found that these extra handles were in the way and rather a hindrance than a help. However, I am 185cm high. If you have taller athletes you might want to get the bar which leaves your team/members with more options.

The production process of a Trap bar involves several welding steps. With Rogue, you can be sure that the production line knows what they are doing as Rogue has the volume of purchases and passion which is needed for a good welding job. You can also be sure that someone in America did the weld job. This can not always be said of other speciality bars in the market. It is unlikely that you will break a bar, However, if the weld is poor, someone will take away substantial injuries if it breaks mid lift.

Pros of the trap bar

Trap bar deadlifts a great addition to your training routine to get more deadlift volume in. You are putting less stress in your back as you would with the straight barbell. Especially if your gym has a lot of seasoned athletes consider a trap bar to have more options to address their needs. If you have lots of space in your home gym this is a good purchase to cover some of the more Strongman reölated exercises.

Cons of the trap bar

The trap bar takes a lot of space to store and train with. Most home gyms will not have the necessary space to do farmers walks and store it unless you actually own a farm. Many members in commercial gyms feel intimidated by the sheer size of a trap bar and it will just sit there and gather dust. Take a hard look at the use case as this is one of these toys which look good when you purchase it and than won't be used.#

Conclusion

The Rogue trap bars have a good finish and the new iteration has less weight to make it easier to use. Trap bars are a good addition to any powerlifting gym to get more volume in for the deadlift.

Learn more about the Trap bar 1

Learn more about the trap bar 2

Overview and review of the TITAN EZ Load Hex bar

The Titan EZ load hex bar will put you back about $150. 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 EZ load hex bar

The EZ load hex bar is a great tool for experienced athletes who want to train their grip or rehab patients who want to get into the deadlift to reap its benefits. The EZ bar is raised from the floor which makes it easier to load plates. You stand inside the frame to lift the weight which makes it less taxing on your back. The features and specifics are:

EZ hex bar details:

raised plate holders for easy loading
2" Tubing for EZ Load Hex Bar Frame
3 different grip diameters, 1", 1.5", and 2" Just rotate to change grips!
Knurled Handles.
10" of loadable sleeve length
Fits 2" Olympic Plates.
Weight plates holders at 10" off the ground.
Weight: 54 LB
Length: 66.33"
Width: 30.9"
Height: 10"
Sleeve length: 10"

A great bar to experiment and develop different types of strength.

Pros of the EZ hex bar

The EZ hex bar is an innovative concept you do not find in every gym. Different options to train your grip can be especially interesting for Strongman athletes. Additionally, also the easy load option, as they usually have to get a lot of plates on their bar. Beginners will struggle less and still get the benefits of a hex bar.

Cons of the EZ hex bar

There are moving parts which means that it is more prone to break after heavy use. This means gym environments with 100s of reps a day by inexperienced lifters or very, very big guys and ladies. As TITAN is known for shortcuts on their welding and finish this is something to be mindful about with this item.

Alternatives to the TITAN EZ hex bar

The Titan hex bar would be an option with fewer moving parts which makes it more robust and less prone to quality issues.

The Rogue trap bar would be an alternative which costs more and has no options for different grips. In return, the finish of Rogue is usually more consistent in quality.

If you want an easy to load trap bar with an inbuilt jacking system and different grips go for the Trap bar from Kabuki strength. This will be top-notch engineering which comes with a price tag to reflect the craftsmanship going into this bar.

Summary for the EZ hex bar

A great addition for your arsenal, but probably get a normal hex bar first.