REP Fitness Open Trap Bar Review (Summer 2023 Update)

Adding a high-caliber trap bar to your home gym can bode well for your gains, as the design allows you to perform your deadlifts more naturally than you would with a traditional barbell. Open trap bars, like the REP Fitness Open Trap Bar, take things up a notch by allowing you to perform additional movements like reverse lunges and Bulgarian split squats, as there isn’t another bar behind you to “trap” you in. But this is also a rackable trap bar, meaning you can use it with your existing power rack or squat rack — as long as the uprights aren’t wider than 49 inches. This trap bar features a built-in jack that makes loading and unloading your weight plates effortless, but it also acts as a counterbalance to prevent your lifts from feeling uneven. 

The handles feature a relatively sharp knurling that will help you achieve a solid grip at all times, and you can choose between four different widths. The 16.5-inch loading sleeves are identical to a barbell, which will allow you to pack on a ton of weigh — this bar has a weight capacity of 1,350 pounds. If you’re looking for a new specialty bar to add to your existing gear stash, we think the versatility and competitive price tag here make the REP Fitness Open Trap Bar worthy of consideration. 

Main Takeaways

REP Fitness Open Trap Bar Video Review

Our reviews writer, Jake, tested the REP Fitness Open Trap Bar firsthand. In this video review, he details everything you need to know about this specialty bar, from the specs to a full demo. 

REP Fitness Open Trap Bar Highlights

During our time with the REP Fitness Open Trap Bar, it was hard to ignore the grip we achieved from the sharp knurling on the handles — don’t worry, it’s not like gripping a cheese grater. But this knurling came in handy once we threw some heavy weight on the loading sleeves. We also think the 16.5-inch loading sleeves will benefit those who find themselves running out of room for their bumper plates on other trap bars. The real stars of the show, though, are the open design and built-in jack. Compared to your typical hex trap bar, the open design of this bar allows you to incorporate additional movements (like a Bulgarian split squat), and the built-in jack is convenience at its finest. 

While this is a unique bar in general, the ability to choose the ideal width of your handles allows you to tailor the bar to match your needs even further. Those of larger stature will likely want to target the wide handles since they’re 27.3 inches apart. Athletes on the smaller side will want to go after the narrow handles since they’re 23 inches apart. The standard handles are ideal for anyone who falls in the middle, as they’re 25 inches apart, and the rotating handles sit 24.6 inches away from one another. The cool thing about the rotating handles is that they consist of three pairs of handles of varying widths, and as the name suggests, you can rotate them thanks to the carousel-style design. The biggest potential con with this bar is that it will cost you at least $400, which is about double the price of a typical hex trap bar, but considering its overall versatility, we think the price is valid.

Pros

• The 16.5-inch loading sleeves allow you to load on the same amount of plates as you can with a standard barbell. 
• You can tailor the handles to suit your size, which adds a level of customization to your purchase that other trap bars don’t often offer. Plus, the knurling provides a better grip than an MLB pitcher with a banned sticky substance.
• The built-in jack allows you to load and unload the bar without breaking a sweat. 

Cons

• The $400 price tag may be a turn-off for those on a budget.
• The knurling may be too abrasive for those who don’t have calluses already built up. 
• The overall size of the REP Fitness Open Trap Bar might make it a little tricky to store in small home gyms.

Price

The REP Fitness Open Trap Bar has a starting price of $400, but if you opt for the rotating handles, you’ll spend around $470. Additionally, if you decide you want to purchase any of the handles separately, the narrow, standard, and wide ones will run you about $90, while the rotating ones are around $160. This is more expensive than your typical hex trap bar, but compared to similar open-design trap bars, this is one of the most affordable options — plus, shipping is free. 

That said, $400 for a trap bar could easily be classified as a decent-sized chunk of change, regardless of the open design’s versatility. A barbell offers more versatility and costs about the same. So, in all honesty, this bar may be better suited for those who already have a gym full of gear and have the cash to expand with specialty equipment.

Overall Build and Quality

The REP Fitness Open Trap Bar is one of the most versatile trap bars on the market with its open design and rackability. The built-in jack makes loading and unloading your plates hassle-free and acts as a stand when you’ve completed your workout. The steel framework features a black powder coat finish designed to protect it from scratches and rust, and there is a small six-inch section of knurling on it to assist you when you move it around your personal space or for when you rep some back squats, as it’ll help keep the bar on your upper back. 

The 1,350 weight limit means you can attempt to record one of the heaviest deadlifts recorded, and the 16.5-inch loading sleeves will allow you to really load on the plates for your workouts. Unlike a standard hex trap bar, you must assemble this bar, but it only took about 15 minutes, and all the tools you need come with your order. 

Features

The REP Fitness Open Trap Bar has four handles you can select when ordering. The narrow, standard, and wide handles are all 28mm in diameter, while the rotating handles feature 28, 38, and 48mm builds. The built-in jack is extremely helpful, as it makes loading and unloading your weight plates extremely easy, offers a convenient way to store the bar after your workout, and acts as a counterbalance so you don’t feel pulled to one side or the other when lifting. 

The knurling is pretty sharp and provides an awesome grip during our workouts, and while that sharpness may not be what beginners want on their uncalloused hands, you’ll be happy you have it as you advance to heavier weights. The loading sleeves are also identical to what you’ll find on a barbell, which is ideal for elite lifters looking to put their strength to the test. And don’t forget — this rackable trap bar is compatible with a REP Fitness squat rack or power rack.

Handles

The ability to customize this trap bar with your preferred handles is a pretty unique feature, as it ensures you’ll be able to lift comfortably. The narrow handles are 23 inches apart and are ideal for those who are smaller in stature. The standard handles are 25 inches apart, which is standard with most trap bars, and the wide ones are best suited for those with broad shoulders, as they’re 27.3 inches apart. Regardless of which option you choose, the handles will be 28mm in diameter, which is similar to a barbell.

The rotating ones sit 24.6 inches from one another and consist of three handles that measure 28, 38, and 48mm in diameter. These thicker handles make this product a solid choice for those who want to improve their grip strength. With the carousel design, all you need to do to switch to a different grip is simply rotate the handle to the one you wish to use. 

Another common feature among trap bars is the combo of elevated and in-line handles. By in-line, we mean the handles are parallel with the framework of the bar. These handles sit eight inches off the ground and are ideal for those who want to increase their range of motion, while the elevated ones are perfect for those who wish to limit their range of motion as they sit 11 inches off the ground. 

Knurling

We really like the effective knurling on this trap bar. Not only are the handles fully knurled (meaning from end to end), but the pattern is sharp, allowing you to achieve the best grip possible. If you’re just starting your fitness journey and don’t have any callouses built up yet, you might be better off targeting a trap bar with a more passive knurling on its handles. 

We also like how the framework of this trap bar features a passive six-inch section of knurling designed to assist you in keeping it on your back if you decide to squat with it. Plus, this provides a solid place to grab when it’s time to move the bar around your personal space. 

Sleeve Design

The sleeves on the REP Fitness Open Trap Bar don’t feature the grooved pattern you often find on a traditional barbell, but we don’t think you should sweat that too much. Just toss some barbell collars on, and your plates will stay in their intended position. 

Since they’re 16.5 inches long, the sleeves are just like what you’ll find on a traditional barbell, and REP states on their website that you can load up to 10 standard iron plates or five bumper plates on each one. 

Counterbalanced 

While the open design may make it seem like the weight would shift to the closed-off side of this trap bar, that’s not the case, as the jack actually acts as a counterweight to balance things out. 

Built-in Jack

The built-in jack on this bar brings a level of luxury to the table that you simply don’t find with a standard hex trap bar. Just grab the top of the frame, set the bar on the jack, and you’re free to load and unload your plates without them touching the ground. 

Rackability

This trap bar is uniquely rackable. You’ll find a designated area on the inside of the loading sleeves that will fit in the j-hooks on your rack, making it possible to use it for squats and bench presses.

While we found this bar inferior to a barbell when benching, we did find it to be a viable option for back squats if you want to switch up your equipment usage one day.

Product Specs

The REP Fitness Open Trap Bar is about as structurally sound as trap bars come without welded loading sleeves (you must assemble them yourself). The steel framework features a black powder coat finish designed to protect it from scratches and rust, and the steel handles have a chrome finish to protect them from rust and corrosion. This bar can handle a whopping 1,350 pounds of weight, weighs 58 pounds on its own, is 83 inches long, and stands 26 inches tall when on the jack. 

Materials

While we don’t know the specific gauge steel used on the REP Fitness Open Trap Bar, we felt it could get run over by a Mack Truck and look like it got hit by a Tonka Truck instead. But REP also tosses in a five-year warranty as a safety blanket. 

Weight Capacity

This trap bar can handle up to 1,350 pounds of weight.

While some bars can handle a little more weight, this will do the trick for about 99 percent of weightlifters looking to achieve a solid workout. 

Dimensions and Weight

Due to the 16.5-inch loading sleeves, this trap bar is slightly bigger than some of its competitors. From end to end, this bar is 83 inches long and stands about 26 inches tall when on the jack. Since it weighs 58 pounds on its own, your workouts will be more challenging than they would be with a 20-kilogram barbell; plus, it’s a good weight for some people to use for their shrugs or loaded carries. 

Warranties

The REP Fitness Open Trap Bar has a five-year warranty covering manufacturing defects but not negligent use. 

Places to Buy

You can purchase this barbell directly through the REP Fitness website.

Company Information

REP Fitness offers an extensive line of workout equipment, from strength gear to cardio equipment. As long as your product is still in usable condition, they offer a full refund on their gear within 30 days of your purchase. To speak to a team member, you can email their support team at [email protected], or call them at 720-420-1731.

Final Word

The REP Fitness Open Trap Bar is one of the most versatile trap bars on the market. The open design allows you to use it for reverse lunges or Bulgarian split squats, and you can also attempt to bench and squat with it as it is rackable. The knurling is nothing short of amazing in our eyes, but fair warning, it’s pretty sharp. So if you’re looking for knurling that is a little more passive, you should keep searching. The 16.5-inch loading sleeves are similar to what you would find on a barbell, and the 1,350-pound weight capacity is enough for almost all athletes to get a proper workout in. 

We’re also big on the built-in jack, as it takes the hard part of loading and unloading your weight plates out of the equation. The customizable handle width is also a huge perk — especially for those who are much larger or smaller in stature than most. While the $400 base price tag may be a little steep compared to a standard hex trap bar, it’s a pretty good deal compared to open trap bars from rival companies. So if you’re looking for a highly versatile and unique trap bar to add to your home gym, we think the REP Fitness Open Trap Bar should be in the conversation. 

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