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

This is a comparison between the Rogue Ohio deadlift bar and the TITAN hex trap bar. Follow the links for more detail.

Rogue fitness vs TITAN fitness

Rogue Fitness is the current market leader when it comes to a functional home gym and commercial gym equipment. They have one of the widest portfolios including racks, barbells, benches, dumbbells, and apparel for the weekend warrior and dedicated athlete. The biggest downside of Rogue Fitness is their comparatively high prices to the competition.

TITAN Fitness is the clear cost leader when you want to build a home gym on a budget that is still similar to what Rogue offers in function, look, and feel. While you will save about half on the sticker price you will run a higher risk of inconsistencies in quality compared to a purchase from Rogue. The equipment will be safe but is more likely to have blemishes, quality issues with welds or that pieces will not easily fit into place. That makes TITAN a good option for a DIY enthusiast who does not mind tinkering with their equipment, but not the first choice to get the best equipment and treat yourself.

Overview and review of the Rogue Ohio deadlift bar

This overview of the Ohio deadlift 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: 355$

Overview of the deadlift barbell

The Ohio deadlift bar has been specially designed for deadlifting. With a diameter of 27mm and 190K PSI tensile strength, it bends more than the Ohio bar. This great whip helps powerlifters to deadlift from a more advantageous position. The bar weighs 20kg and the sleeves spin via bushing rather than bearing.

The knurling on this barbell has been made extra aggressive to minimise chalk need or maximize the grip strength when chalk is applied. The loadable sleeve length is 15.50. There is one version in zinc and another with raw steel available.

Overall, this bar gets very good reviews for the purpose of deadlifting. Be aware that when you purchase this bar, it is specially built for deadlifting. It is a great addition to your arsenal when the basic needs are covered. For your first purchase, you might want to look at the Ohio bar, Ohio power bar, freedom bar or chan bar before moving to this piece of equipment.

Pros of the Ohio deadlift bar

The Ohio deadlift bar is special as it is one of the few cheaper bars from Rogue with a great whip. The only other bar which has this is the training bar. This makes it a great tool for anyone who wants to squeeze out the last couple of pounds on the deadlift. The whip is mostly received in a positive way.

Cons of the Ohio deadlift bar

A widespread comment on the deadlift bar is that the knurling is too aggressive. I personally can't see how a professional powerlifter would make this comment, however, they are out there. It is also a barbell which has been build for one purpose only. If you are starting out your home gym or want to appeal to the masses this is not the bar to go for.

Conclusion

The Ohio deadlift bar is a great option as an addition to the existing barbells of a CrossFit gym or as some of the first equipment to buy for a powerlifting gym. You will get a good piece of steel that bends to make the range of motion just that little bit shorter on the deadlift to establish a new PR.

Learn more about the specs of the Rogue Ohio deadlift barbell and purchase on the Rogue website

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.