T Nation

Hex Bar or Barbell for Deadlifts?

Beginners
#1

is there one that is “better” for you? i see nearly all the pro’s using barbells, and nearly everyone i know who lifts weights. Recently i deadlifted on a hex bar for the first time, and i personally felt it was better -

1 i was able to add a lot more weight than on a barbell
2 it kept my form tighter
3 the morning after, i felt a lot more soreness ( i love the soreness)
4 in a high school weight room, you put on 4 45’s and a 25 and deadlift it and the ladies think your a god.

so, is there a reason why more don’t use hex bars, or is it personal preference?

#2

potato. poTATo. Preference my friend :). Or thats my reasoning anyways.

#3

That’s a good question. By the looks of it, a larger person would not be able to fit inside the contraption. The Olympic bar is used for … all the Olympic lifts. If you’re not interested in power lifting or the like, then use whatever works for you. Just be prepared to preface any of your stats with ‘I use a hex bar’, because they are obviously not the same.

#4

It is a different movement. The Trap bar deadlift is more like a squat than a deadlift. Your hamstrings and your lower back will not get the same workout.

Stu

#5

[quote]stuward wrote:
It is a different movement. The Trap bar deadlift is more like a squat than a deadlift. Your hamstrings and your lower back will not get the same workout.

Stu[/quote]

this is it. I also agree with thedudeabides. Make sure people know it’s a hex bar when posting stats.

#6

[quote]r4ge wrote:
so, is there a reason why more don’t use hex bars, or is it personal preference?[/quote]

The hex bars aren’t as common, not every gym will have one. However, any decent gym will have several straight bars.