With a built-in deadlift jack for easy loading and an open frame, open trap bars are much more versatile and convenient than a traditional closed-off trap bar. Rather than just deadlifts, an open-ended frame allows for lunges, Romanian deadlifts, split squats, weighted carries, and other exercises to be done easily. This adaptability aspect is likely just as important as the ability to do deadlifts to a potential buyer. In addition, they traditionally feature a built-in bar jack that makes loading and unloading plates nearly effortless.
These added benefits typically come at a higher cost than traditional trap bars, but it’s a worthwhile upgrade for many. The Walkthrough Trap Bar is one of the excellent options on the market within this category.
The Specs
This is not the beefiest open trap bar available today. It’s also not the cheapest. It’s priced and includes specs in between a more budget-friendly option like the Bells of Steel Hex Bar 3.0 and The Trap Bar HD from Kabuki (pictured below), which is an absolute monster.
The primary specs on the Walkthrough include:
- 69″ Width x 29″ Length x 10″ Depth/
- It starts out at 65 lbs.
- The weight capacity is 661 lbs.
- Loadable sleeve lengths are 12.8″ (25% shorter than the Kabuki option and 24% larger than Bells of Steel).
Great User Experience
The built-in bar jack is extremely straightforward to use and will save quite a bit of time as you are going through your sets. About 3 inches of clearance is given to add and remove the weights, which is more than you’d get with a traditional deadlift jack.
In addition, it takes just a few seconds to load and unload. It’s even easier than other options out there with the transition handle that sits at the top. This handle also makes it easier to carry around the room or used as a single-arm farmer carry. It’s a nice addition that you do not see on other open trap bars.
Handles & Knurl Info
Two rotating different handle options allow you to choose the lifting depth planned. When in deadlift position, the top of the low handle reaches about 9,” while the top is just under 15.” This is a nice feature, and you can definitely feel the difference when alternating between the two.
The top handles are about 31″ from each other. This may be a bit wide for some that consider themselves to have shorter arms. Nevertheless, it’s just about 2 feet in between the lower handles. This is plenty of distance for most.
The knurling on this trap bar is mild and the rotating sleeves is a unique addition that doesn’t feel much different than a bar that doesn’t move, outside of a bit of wiggle as you set up.
Max Capacity
As mentioned above, the sleeves are 12.8.” This is a few inches less than traditional barbells. While you won’t have any issues getting to the max weight using iron plates, it’s likely that only 4 (45 lb) bumper plates + another smaller one will fit on the sleeves. Therefore, the max with the thicker plates is closer to 465.
Counterbalanced
You may be concerned that the design forces one side to weigh more than the others, making it uncomfortable to lift. However, that is not the case. This bar includes a counterbalance design that helps keep the bar level during deadlifts, lunges, and carries.
A Few Other Notes
- It does not deliver freight, and to do that, it does not come as a put together unit. Total assembly is simple and took about 20 minutes.
- Since it is bolted together, you’ll likely need to tighten the bolts if used often every few months or so.
- With the ability to do farmers carries and lunges, this is an ideal bar to take outside.
Conclusion
In the end, this is a solid option that’s priced fairly in the middle of the open trap bars on the market. While there are some more polished options out there, those cost nearly double the price of the Walkthrough Trap Bar from Force USA. This will instantly add a ton of versatility to your home gym, and the experience of changing out the weight is about as good as it gets.
