Bells of Steel Open Trap Bar Review: Is It Worth It?
When training with a traditional trap bar, lifters often face a frustrating limitation: the fixed frame gets in the way of exercises like lunges, Bulgarian split squats, and carries. Enter the open hex bar design, which removes the back frame to unlock a massive variety of movements. Among the top contenders in this category is the Bells of Steel Open Trap Bar, a piece of equipment designed to bridge the gap between traditional deadlifts and dynamic functional training.
In this review, we will break down the build quality, unique features, handling, and overall value of this open trap bar to help you decide if it deserves a spot in your home gym.
Build Quality and Specifications
Bells of Steel is well-known for producing robust, no-nonsense strength equipment at an accessible price point, and this bar is no exception. Constructed with heavy-duty steel tubing, it feels solid and reliable the moment you load your first plate.
Key Specifications
- Total Weight: Approximately 55 lbs (depending on the exact generation and attachments)
- Weight Capacity: Up to 1,500 lbs, making it suitable for elite-level strength athletes.
- Sleeve Length: Generous loadable sleeve length allowing for plenty of bumper plates or iron plates.
- Jack System: Built-in feet that act as a mini deadlift jack for easy loading and unloading.
The powder coat finish is matte and durable, providing a decent grip when handling the frame, though it can show chalk and scuffs over time with heavy use. The overall welding and structural integrity inspire complete confidence when working near maximal loads.
Design Highlights: What Makes It Different?
The defining feature of the Bells of Steel Open Trap Bar is its lack of a rear crossmember. This seemingly simple design choice fundamentally changes how you can use the bar.
Unrestricted Movement
Because the back is open, you can step directly into the center of the bar without tripping or clipping your heels. This makes it exceptional for:
- Lunges and Split Squats: Walk forward or backward without the frame restricting your stride length.
- Carries: Farmer's walks feel much more natural when your legs aren't bumping against a rear steel bar.
- Row Variations: You can position your body freely for bent-over rows or chest-supported rows if you use a bench.
Dual-Height Handles
The bar features a dual-handle design, allowing you to choose between standard height and a deficit height simply by rotating the bar. This gives you built-in versatility without needing to buy extra blocks or stands to change your range of motion.
Performance and Usability
Performance-wise, the Bells of Steel Open Trap Bar excels in both powerlifting and general physical preparedness (GPP) workouts.
Deadlifts and Pulling Mechanics
When pulling heavy, the neutral grip places less stress on the biceps and lower back compared to a straight barbell. The knurling on the handles is aggressive enough to ensure a secure grip without tearing up your hands during high-rep sets. Furthermore, because the weight is aligned with your center of gravity, it naturally encourages a more upright torso, making it a favorite for tall lifters or those with lower back sensitivities.
The Built-In Jack Feature
One of the most underrated features of this bar is the integrated base/feet. When you finish a set, the bar rests on these feet, elevating the sleeves off the floor by a couple of inches. This acts as a built-in deadlift jack, making it remarkably easy to slide plates on and off between sets. If you train alone in a garage gym, this small detail saves a surprising amount of energy.
Pros and Cons
To give you a balanced perspective, here is a quick look at the advantages and potential drawbacks of the Bells of Steel Open Trap Bar.
Pros
- Open-back design allows for lunges, carries, and unrestricted stepping.
- Massive weight capacity (1,500 lbs) handles any strength level.
- Built-in bar jacks make loading and unloading plates effortless.
- Dual-tier handles offer standard and deficit options.
- Competitive pricing compared to other high-end open hex bars on the market.
Cons
- Storage footprint: Like all open trap bars, its shape makes it slightly more awkward to store on a standard wall rack compared to a traditional straight barbell.
- Sleeve clearance: Depending on the thickness of your bumper plates, you may need to pay attention to maximum load limits if you are using exceptionally wide plates.
Is the Bells of Steel Open Trap Bar Right for You?
If you only ever plan to deadlift and shrug, a standard, budget-friendly closed hex bar might get the job done. However, if you want a versatile tool that functions as a deadlift simulator, a lunge frame, a carry implement, and a squat variation machine all in one, the Bells of Steel Open Trap Bar is a phenomenal investment.
It bridges the gap between commercial-grade durability and home-gym versatility. For lifters looking to maximize their functional strength without cluttering their gym space with multiple specialty bars, this open hex bar delivers exceptional value and performance.
