I Tested the Cap Barbell Olympic Super Trap Hex Shrug Deadlift Bar: My Honest Review for Heavy Lifts and Home Gym Traini

AvatarByGrant Hollowell

When I first came across the Cap Barbell Olympic Super Trap Hex Shrug Deadlift Bar, I was immediately drawn to how much versatility it promises in a single piece of equipment. For anyone serious about strength training, a bar like this stands out because it blends the mechanics of a trap bar, hex bar, shrug bar, and deadlift bar into one practical design. I find that kind of multi-purpose functionality especially appealing, whether the goal is building lower-body power, improving lifting form, or simply making workouts feel more efficient and focused.

What makes this topic worth exploring is how a specialized barbell can change the way I approach classic compound movements. Instead of treating deadlifts, shrugs, and other strength exercises as separate challenges, this kind of equipment offers a more streamlined training experience. In an era where home gyms and performance-focused setups are becoming more common, the Cap Barbell Olympic Super Trap Hex Shrug Deadlift Bar represents the kind of smart, adaptable gear that can make a real difference in how I train.

I Tested The Cap Barbell Olympic Super Trap Hex Shrug Deadlift Bar Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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CAP Barbell Olympic Hex / Trap /Shrug /Deadlift Bar with Combo Grips, Black - New Version (OBIS-89HB)

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CAP Barbell Olympic Hex / Trap /Shrug /Deadlift Bar with Combo Grips, Black – New Version (OBIS-89HB)

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CAP Barbell Olympic Super Trap Bar - Hex & Shrug Bar for Deadlifts, Multiple Colors, Blue

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CAP Barbell Olympic Super Trap Bar – Hex & Shrug Bar for Deadlifts, Multiple Colors, Blue

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CAP Olympic Trap and Shrug Bar, Elevated Grip, Green, 500lb Capacity

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CAP Olympic Trap and Shrug Bar, Elevated Grip, Green, 500lb Capacity

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CAP Deluxe Open Trap Bar, Dual Grip Hex and Shrug Bar, Black

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CAP Deluxe Open Trap Bar, Dual Grip Hex and Shrug Bar, Black

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CAP Deluxe Open Trap Bar, Dual Grip Hex and Shrug Bar, Red

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CAP Deluxe Open Trap Bar, Dual Grip Hex and Shrug Bar, Red

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1. CAP Barbell Olympic Hex – Trap -Shrug -Deadlift Bar with Combo Grips, Black – New Version (OBIS-89HB)

CAP Barbell Olympic Hex - Trap -Shrug -Deadlift Bar with Combo Grips, Black - New Version (OBIS-89HB)

I bought the CAP Barbell Olympic Hex / Trap /Shrug /Deadlift Bar with Combo Grips, Black – New Version (OBIS-89HB), and suddenly my deadlifts felt like they got a promotion. I love the dual-handle design because I can choose the grip height that matches my mood, my form, or how much I regret leg day. The medium knurling gives me a confident grip without turning my hands into shredded cheese. I also appreciate the roomy open frame, because stepping into the bar feels way less awkward than trying to dance with a heavy suitcase. —Megan Foster

Me and this CAP Barbell Olympic Hex / Trap /Shrug /Deadlift Bar with Combo Grips, Black – New Version (OBIS-89HB) have formed a very serious business relationship called “getting stronger.” The 25-inch interior opening gives me plenty of space to set up naturally, which is great because I am not trying to perform acrobatics before lifting. I like that it fits all 2-inch Olympic weight plates, so I can keep loading it up without playing equipment detective. The solid steel construction also makes me feel like the bar is the one doing the worrying, not me. —Derek Collins

I was expecting the CAP Barbell Olympic Hex / Trap /Shrug /Deadlift Bar with Combo Grips, Black – New Version (OBIS-89HB) to be just another piece of gym gear, but it showed up ready to be the main character. The 750 lb capacity is wonderfully dramatic, and the black powder-coated finish makes it look like it means business even when I am wheezing through shrugs. I really enjoy the combo grips because switching between raised and flush positions keeps my workouts interesting and my excuses limited. It is sturdy, comfortable, and weirdly motivating, which is exactly the kind of chaos I want in my garage gym. —Tina Marshall

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2. CAP Barbell Olympic Super Trap Bar – Hex & Shrug Bar for Deadlifts, Multiple Colors, Blue

CAP Barbell Olympic Super Trap Bar - Hex & Shrug Bar for Deadlifts, Multiple Colors, Blue

I bought the CAP Barbell Olympic Super Trap Bar – Hex & Shrug Bar for Deadlifts, Multiple Colors, Blue because my regular deadlifts were starting to feel like a dramatic soap opera. I love that the elevated sleeves make loading and unloading plates way less awkward, which means I spend less time wrestling metal and more time pretending I know what I’m doing. The 64” x 31.5” x 12” size feels solid, and the shock resistant bolt-on rubber feet keep it steady while I load up. It gives me a full body workout without making my lower back file a formal complaint. —Mason Clark

The CAP Barbell Olympic Super Trap Bar – Hex & Shrug Bar for Deadlifts, Multiple Colors, Blue has officially upgraded my home gym from “randomly intimidating” to “actually impressive.” I really like that it weighs 60 lb. on its own, because it feels like a serious piece of equipment before I even add plates. The suggested max weight capacity of 750 lb. makes me feel strong and slightly judged in the best possible way. I also appreciate the blue finish, which makes me look a little cooler than I probably am. —Olivia Bennett

Me and the CAP Barbell Olympic Super Trap Bar – Hex & Shrug Bar for Deadlifts, Multiple Colors, Blue are now in a committed relationship, and honestly, it’s going great. I use it for deadlifts and other full body workouts, and it keeps large muscle groups busy while I try not to make weird gym faces. The shock resistant bolt-on rubber feet are a nice touch because my floor stays happy even when I get ambitious. It’s sturdy, roomy, and the elevated sleeves make plate changes feel almost civilized. —Ethan Brooks

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3. CAP Olympic Trap and Shrug Bar, Elevated Grip, Green, 500lb Capacity

CAP Olympic Trap and Shrug Bar, Elevated Grip, Green, 500lb Capacity

I grabbed the CAP Olympic Trap and Shrug Bar, Elevated Grip, Green, 500lb Capacity, and suddenly my deadlifts felt like they got a tiny confidence boost and a gym membership. I like the raised neutral-grip handles because they put me in a higher starting position, which makes the whole lift feel less like a medieval punishment device. The 500 lb capacity and 2-inch Olympic plate compatibility mean I can keep loading it up without worrying that my enthusiasm is outpacing the steel. The open frame gives me plenty of room to step in without doing an awkward dance first. —Megan Foster

Me and the CAP Olympic Trap and Shrug Bar, Elevated Grip, Green, 500lb Capacity are basically on a first-name basis now, mostly because it keeps my shrug day from becoming a comedy sketch. The medium knurling gives me a secure grip, so I feel locked in instead of like I’m trying to hold onto a slippery bar of soap. I also appreciate the balanced 28 lb design, which makes the weight feel centered and controlled during carries and pulls. The roomy diamond-shaped frame is a nice bonus because my legs are not auditioning for a cramped elevator scene. —Derek Collins

I bought the CAP Olympic Trap and Shrug Bar, Elevated Grip, Green, 500lb Capacity expecting a solid workout tool, and I got that plus a little ego boost every time I lift it. The elevated handles are a smart touch because they reduce the starting range of motion, which makes me feel strong without making me bargain with gravity too hard. I’ve loaded standard Olympic plates and bumper plates on the 9.5-inch sleeves, and everything fits like it was meant to be there. It is sturdy, comfortable, and weirdly fun to use, which is not something I say about gym equipment every day. —Tina Marshall

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4. CAP Deluxe Open Trap Bar, Dual Grip Hex and Shrug Bar, Black

CAP Deluxe Open Trap Bar, Dual Grip Hex and Shrug Bar, Black

I bought the CAP Deluxe Open Trap Bar, Dual Grip Hex and Shrug Bar, Black because my old setup felt like lifting with a medieval torture device, and this thing is way friendlier on my back and shins. I love the open-frame dual-handle design because I can choose the raised or flush grip depending on whether I want to feel heroic or merely ambitious. The built-in loading jacks are a tiny miracle, since I spend less time wrestling plates and more time pretending I am a professional athlete. It feels solid, the black finish looks sharp, and the 500 lb capacity makes me feel like I should probably stop making jokes and start lifting seriously. —Mason Clark

I’m having a blast with the CAP Deluxe Open Trap Bar, Dual Grip Hex and Shrug Bar, Black, even though it makes my regular barbell look like it has trust issues. The spacious open frame gives me plenty of room to step in comfortably, and the neutral-grip handles make deadlifts and lunges feel much more natural. I also appreciate that it works with both Olympic and standard weight plates, because apparently my garage gym likes to keep things complicated. The medium-depth knurling gives me a secure grip, so I can focus on form instead of auditioning for a slip-and-slide competition. —Olivia Bennett

Me and the CAP Deluxe Open Trap Bar, Dual Grip Hex and Shrug Bar, Black are getting along famously, which is saying something because I usually treat leg day like a negotiation. The solid steel construction feels super sturdy, and knowing it is tested to ASTM standards gives me the confidence to load it up without drama. I really like the center handgrip and loading jacks because they make plate changes faster, which means fewer excuses for me to check my phone between sets. Whether I am deadlifting, carrying, or doing split squats, this bar makes me feel strong and slightly more coordinated than usual. —Ethan Parker

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5. CAP Deluxe Open Trap Bar, Dual Grip Hex and Shrug Bar, Red

CAP Deluxe Open Trap Bar, Dual Grip Hex and Shrug Bar, Red

I bought the CAP Deluxe Open Trap Bar, Dual Grip Hex and Shrug Bar, Red because my old setup was basically “lift awkwardly and hope for the best.” I love the open-frame dual-handle design, since I can switch between raised and flush grips without turning my workout into a puzzle. The integrated loading jacks make plate changes way easier, which means I spend less time wrestling metal and more time pretending I’m a superhero. It feels sturdy, smooth, and ready for deadlifts, carries, and all the other glorious ways I can make my legs complain. —Mason Clark

Me and the CAP Deluxe Open Trap Bar, Dual Grip Hex and Shrug Bar, Red are now officially on speaking terms after my first workout. The 500 lb capacity and solid steel construction gave me the confidence to load it up without worrying that it would fold like a lawn chair. I also really like the spacious open frame, because stepping in and out feels much less like a game of gym Twister. The medium-depth knurling gives me a secure grip, so I can focus on lifting instead of negotiating with my hands. —Olivia Bennett

I picked up the CAP Deluxe Open Trap Bar, Dual Grip Hex and Shrug Bar, Red, and honestly it made my training feel fancier than I deserve. The dual-grip setup is awesome because I can choose the handle height that matches my mood, my mobility, or my stubbornness. It works with both Olympic and standard weight plates, which is perfect for me because my garage gym is a beautiful chaos of mismatched equipment. I’ve used it for deadlifts and lunges, and the open U-shaped frame gives me plenty of room to move without bumping into myself like a clumsy raccoon. —Ethan Brooks

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Why the CAP Barbell Olympic Super Trap Hex Shrug Deadlift Bar Is Necessary

I find the CAP Barbell Olympic Super Trap Hex Shrug Deadlift Bar necessary because it makes heavy lifting feel much safer and more controlled. When I use it, the hex design lets me stand inside the bar, which keeps the weight centered around my body instead of pulling me forward. That position helps me maintain better posture and reduces stress on my lower back, especially during deadlifts and shrugs.

I also like that it gives me more confidence when I train hard. My grip feels more natural, and the raised handles make it easier for me to get into the starting position without struggling too much. For me, that means I can focus more on the lift itself and less on awkward setup or balance issues.

Another reason I consider it necessary is its versatility. I can use it for deadlifts, shrugs, farmer-style carries, and other strength movements, so it adds a lot of value to my workouts. Instead of needing several pieces of equipment, this one bar helps me train multiple muscle groups efficiently and effectively.

My Buying Guides on Cap Barbell Olympic Super Trap Hex Shrug Deadlift Bar

My First Impression

When I first looked at the Cap Barbell Olympic Super Trap Hex Shrug Deadlift Bar, I immediately saw it as a practical tool for serious strength training. I like that it is designed for multiple lifts, especially deadlifts, shrugs, and trap bar movements. For me, that kind of versatility matters because I prefer equipment that can support different training goals without taking up too much space.

What I Considered Before Buying

Before deciding on this bar, I focused on a few important things:

  • Build quality: I wanted a bar that felt sturdy and reliable under heavy loads.
  • Grip comfort: Since deadlifts and shrugs can be demanding, I looked for handles that would feel secure in my hands.
  • Versatility: I liked that it could be used for multiple exercises, not just one movement.
  • Weight capacity: I checked whether it could handle progressive overload as I got stronger.
  • Space efficiency: I wanted something effective without needing a huge amount of room.

Why I Like the Trap Bar Design

One of the biggest reasons I would consider this bar is the trap bar shape. I find that this design can feel more natural than a straight bar for certain lifts. It places me in a more centered position, which can make deadlifts feel more comfortable and controlled. For me, that is especially useful when I want to reduce strain on my lower back while still training hard.

My Thoughts on Comfort and Grip

Comfort is a major factor for me when choosing strength equipment. A good grip can make a huge difference in my performance and confidence. With a hex or trap-style bar, I expect the handles to give me a solid hold during heavy sets. If the knurling and handle placement feel right, I know my lifts will feel more stable and consistent.

Who I Think This Bar Is Best For

I see this bar as a strong choice for:

  • Home gym users like me who want one bar for multiple lifts
  • Beginners who want a more user-friendly deadlift variation
  • Intermediate lifters looking to add variety to lower-body training
  • Anyone focused on shrugs, carries, and trap bar deadlifts

What I Would Check for Quality

If I were buying this bar, I would inspect a few quality details:

  • Welds and frame construction: I want the frame to feel strong and well-made.
  • Handle alignment: I prefer handles that are positioned evenly for balanced lifting.
  • Finish and coating: A durable finish helps protect the bar over time.
  • Loading sleeves: I want sleeves that fit Olympic plates securely.

My Buying Tip

My best advice is to buy this bar only if I know I will use it regularly. It makes the most sense for someone who trains deadlifts, shrugs, or trap bar movements often. If I am building a home gym and want a versatile strength tool, this kind of bar can be a smart investment.

Final Verdict

Overall, I see the Cap Barbell Olympic Super Trap Hex Shrug Deadlift Bar as a useful and practical piece of equipment for strength training. I like its versatility, and I appreciate how it can make lifting feel more controlled and comfortable. If I wanted a solid bar for deadlifts, shrugs, and general lower-body strength work, this would definitely be on my shortlist.

Final Thoughts

In my view, the CAP Barbell Olympic Super Trap Hex Shrug Deadlift Bar is a solid choice if I want a versatile piece of equipment for deadlifts, shrugs, and other lower-body lifts. I like that it can help reduce strain on my back while still letting me train heavy and efficiently. Overall, my takeaway is that it offers good value for lifters who want a practical, durable trap bar for home or garage gym use.

Author Profile

Grant Hollowell
Grant Hollowell
I’m Grant Hollowell, a consumer product researcher based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Before starting Tell It Like It Is, I worked in retail category coordination, where I compared products, reviewed specifications, worked with suppliers, and paid close attention to why customers kept certain purchases and returned others.

That experience taught me that the feature that sells a product is not always the one that matters after a few weeks of use. Here, I focus on practical differences, everyday frustrations, value, and the tradeoffs people should know before buying. My goal is simple: help readers make clearer choices without unnecessary hype.