Introduction
The Midas Open Trap Bar from Fringe Sport stands out as a compact, durable, easy-to-operate, and versatile option in the open trap bar category.
Within this review, I’ll discuss the specs. overall performance, and compare it to other similar options within the same price range.
You can also check out a video clip below to get similar info.
Specs & Performance Details to Note
The highlight of this bar is that it is compact, durable, and offers an overall high value.
Compared to some other popular options on the market, it’s not as lengthy, which could be advantageous for you and your workout partners.
If you are consistently deadlifting over 500 lbs, though, this may not be the right option for you.
Nevertheless, the key details include:
- The total length of the bar is 60 inches. This is about a quarter shorter than other barbells. This makes it especially easy to wield around.
- The loadable sleeves are only 10 inches, though. While the weight capacity is 700 lbs, you’re likely only going to be able to get around 400 lbs or 500 lbs on the barbell, depending on whether you are using bumper plates or iron plates.
- There are 24″ in between sleeves. This is plenty of space to do most basic lifts, like deadlifts, shrugs, bent-over rows, etc., but making lunges may be a little tight.
- I’d call it a “medium-knurl” with a 25 mm shaft diameter. Some may prefer an option with a girthier grip, but this one is easy to operate.
- A Matte Black Finish is included. This is a solid coating, and it appears it will hold up pretty well in the future & also eliminate the potential for much rust.
- Some of the higher end open trap bars are “balanced.” This is not balanced, so you’ll need to tilt it back up before using it. This is not necessarily a feature you’d expect in this price range, but it should be noted.
- Loading is very easy to do with a built-in deadlift jack. There may be a slight tilt when loading that first plate, but I do not think that is a big deal.
Similar Options
Its closest competitors are likely the options from Bells of Steel, Giant, and REP.
I’ll keep this as simple as possible.
The REP and Giant options are both rackable, but more robust. They’ll be a bit more versatile bit more difficult to wield around in the gym. Go with the Fringe option if you don’t think you’ll take advantage of the extra versatility and want the easier to use option. If not, the REP and Giant open trap bars are also excellent options.
You can see the size difference of the REP option in the picture below.
Based on specs this appears to be very similar to the Bells of Steel Open Trap Bar but a little bit better well made. For example, I prefer the matte black finish over the Black Oxide & also the gold sleeves above the White Zinc sleeve finish.
The Bells of Steel Open Trap Bar has been out for awhile, and it seems Fringe simply decided to upgrade that model.
In Conclusion, Who is it for?
As discussed, the Midas Open Trap Bar stands out for its compactness, durability, and overall excellent value.
Here is who should buy it.
- You want a budget-open trap bar but don’t want to take chances with less reputable brands. While there are some other similar-looking options from Walmart or Amazon, those will not be constructed as well and will deteriorate much quicker.
- This is a durable option that should last forever. While it’s definitely a higher-value option, it’s still more expensive than the options mentioned above. Therefore, you’ll need to “buy once & cry once.”
- Since the sleeve length is shorter, you’ll most likely need a max deadlift of 500 lbs or lower – depending on what plates you want to use.
- You want something that is easy to use, store, and wield around in the home gym. This will serve multiple different strength levels (like women and children) well.
- Lastly, if you love the gold look, that may help put it over the edge.
