REP Open Trap Bar Review: The Value Play w/ Secrets!

[@REPfitness]

Fair review Coop - thanks for checking out our Open Trap Bar! We spent a lot of time fine tuning a lot of the details as you can see. For those that want more handle width options - we should have those available around Mid-December with 25" and 23" options, and a few weeks after that, we'll have the rotating tri-grip handles of different diameter. We pushed out a lot of amazing equipment this year that we are really proud of, and we are always listening to the feedback to keep pushing the envelope. We've still got more in the hopper to finish out the year and another big 2023 coming!

[@TheRonnieBlueEyes]

Any estimate on when you’ll be restocked? I’ll be buying as soon as possible. Looks awesome!

[@special-s3376]

Rep, I would love to buy this bar. However, do you have plans for a increased handle height? With one of the secondary options? I love Rep but I was burned by them when I bought my cable apparatus and then a year later Aries is released. I appreciate the evolving products but it doesn’t pay to jump on the initial release.

[@Flakey86]

Respect to the REP social media team. Great response.

[@turkeylips40]

You spent a lot of time fine tuning the details? And yet you came out of the gate with a 27" grip width? Makes me really question REP's judgement. Massive deal breaker.

[@REPfitness]

@@TheRonnieBlueEyes more stock available now. Moving fast though. Trying our best to keep up with demand.

[@rockyofnaniwa]

That dry, quick delivery of the "6'7" 400 lbs" killed me 😂

[@MrVrob8]

1.25x BW DL ain't that impressive

[@stevesorensen9648]

You mean those stats aren't accurate??

[@TheLDispenser]

I was looking for this comment lmao, I had to rewing to watch it again 😂

[@ken.burgin]

It’s the “avg person” part coupled with those stats that killed me

[@jamestonbellajo]

@@MrVrob8 Coop isn’t actually 400 lbs. He mentioned he’s around 185.

[@cakeeater2368]

*If they can figure out the handle situation and get it to market in the next few months, I would likely buy one, as I'm in the market for a rackable open trap bar. But as it stands right now, that 27 inch width between the handles is a deal breaker for me. 25 inches, maybe even 24.5, would be perfect*

[@BasementBrandon]

Solid review. One of the simplest issues I ran into was getting the sleeves on. They need a thin 17mm wrench which is not supplied, which is weird b/c all other tools are. My 17mm sockets wouldn't fit and I didn't have a 17mm fixed wrench laying around that would fit so had to order one off of amazon in order to complete the build.

[@jamestonbellajo]

Same thing happened with me. I ended up forcing it in and scruffed the sleeves and the powder coat. Not a big deal but it was a bit tedious and seemed unnecessary.

[@stevephla]

My socket wrench actually fit. Shallow socket.

[@GarageGymReviews]

Dang, I'll ask Sam on that. He didn't mention it. That is annoying.

[@BasementBrandon]

@@GarageGymReviews Sam is an outlier as he has the tools for any job 🤪

[@cstreet1824]

Any open end, box end, or combo 17mm wrench works fine. They DO NOT need a special "thin" wrench. Just put mine together the other day with a standard combo wrench.

[@CAHOP2401]

This is a great all-in-one type of bar for leg day. You can do trap bar deadlifts, then cambered bar squats, walking lunges, and even finish off the day with some farmers walks, all with one bar. I gotta say, this has me interested.

[@GarageGymReviews]

Yes, lots that can be done with it! - Coop

[@ilyarepin7750]

you can do all that with a regular bar, but better because trap bars are for DYEL's and easier than regular deadlifts which makes them less effective. You can also do zercher squats with a regular bar. Honestly trap bars suck why do they even exist? Literally a waste of space.

[@root3554]

@@ilyarepin7750 trap bar deadlifts are not the same as normal deadlifts. just because they're easier doesn't make them less effective. trap bar deadlifts are extremely effective and safer than normal deadlifts. you also get WAY more out of a trap bar deadlift in the leg department. there's simply a greater reward from doing a trap bar DL whereas the payoff from a conventional deadlift is little in comparison to the huge risk that it presents

[@mikesmith379]

@@ilyarepin7750 it's as easy or hard as you choose to make it based on your movement pattern and depth. You choose how much to squat vs lean over instead of the equipment forcing a specific movement pattern as happens with a straight bar deadlift. You can stand on blocks if you want even deeper range of motion. This is a much superior piece of equipment compared to straight bar deadlifts.

[@FreshPineapple1]

@@ilyarepin7750 Oh hi Mark Rippetoe

[@praxton]

When you reviewed the Eleiko and the Kabuki bars, I thought someone needed to combine them, and lo and behold! This is great! And about half the price of those. Mighty tempted to make the purchase. My home gym is in my bedroom, so space is limited and this place has lower ceilings so I've had to go with a seated press, which is fine, but I prefer a standing press. This could allow me to return to the standing press despite the lower ceilings, not to mention make my lunges more conveniently challenging. UPDATE: Got mine today. Assembly leaves a lot to be desired. Maybe others have better toolkits, but I barely could get my socket wrench in there. It recommends a 17mm wrench, but for the life of me, I could not get my 17mm wrench to fit. And even my small socket wrench required some force to get it in position and even then it was at times at an angle. But, that was enough to get it done. Just be aware the assembly is likely going to be irritating. Even before you get to assembly just removing the bolts and nuts was a hassle. They're vacuum sealed so you have essentially peel them off the plastic wrap one by one. It's not the end of the world, but it's an unnecessarily cumbersome task.

[@stevephla]

The wide grip distance is an irritating choice by REP. It forces a lot of folks to pay out again for the handles that SHOULD have been included. It would be nice if they took the included handle frames (we keep the grips) as an exchange for a 24" or 25" width set. Don't see that happening. Otherwise, a darn close to perfect product. Well done REP. I have added one to my gym.

[@GugaFoods]

Coop would love to see a review on a VERSACLIMBER if anyone can do it. It’s you!

[@Cwfs01]

Hey guga love your content

[@clipperslopez]

Guga foods!

[@andrewchristopher296]

Get one. Well worth the money. Fantastic workout

[@PaulieHo]

Two of my favorite channels, we need some crossover episodes!!!!

[@richardpeterson4440]

I love mine and have deadlifted over 600lbs with it. Also great for frame carries because the long sleeves give room to load up the bumpers. That being said at 6’3” 330 I can’t squat with it. The built in jack stand runs into my thighs. BUT the handle width is perfect for me.

[@geomafia]

I’m 6’5 and like the width too. I bought the rotating handles and the narrow and still prefer the wide ones that came with the bar. Wife uses the rotating handles and prefers them over the narrow. She’s 5’2

[@massiminimakes]

Definitely adding one of these to my home gym the next time I buy something. Great review. Seems like pretty universal praise from all reviewers with the same complaint of the wide handles which isn't a dealbreaker for me.

[@thomasbrown7328]

Love my Kabuki. Worth the price of admission for doing heavy (and safe) Bulgarian split squats aka RFESS with the open bar and the Titan single leg squat roller ($115). Can load it as much as you want and if need to dump the bar then dump away. Doing heavy Bulgarian split squats on a bench is more awkward and puts pressure on big toe. It’s such an important movement I encourage y’all to get the Titan squat roller- I do not work for Titan and pretty sure that’s the only thing I’ve bought from Titan. Happy with my Kabuki due to different handle width options since I’ve a wife and almost teenage kids. Plus that knurling is so choice.

[@mowmow128]

Saw in REP website that they will ship to Europe in 2023... Can't wait!

[@ivenusflytrap]

That’s great news! 🇳🇱

[@JohnJacob56]

I truly think Rep is the best value to quality company on the market and has topped Rogue with its products. At this point, it’s hard to see any reason for people to buy other brands unless they’re going cheaper.

[@JBS7551]

Keep the current videos coming! This is what your crowd wants, not the Buttery Bros

[@richt5986]

100 %

[@stevesorensen9648]

Loud and clear!!

[@CraftLulz]

Yea 🖕 buttery bros

[@nickb408]

Feel like REP should ship these with like a T handle hex key for the handles. Feel like it’d be a nice small addition for quick handle removal or swaps.

[@accalakessler119]

Thank you for such a thorough review. Really quality.

[@DrDeusExMachina]

Put a piece of fabric between the knurled handles when using the Allen and you’ll be able to really torque it down

[@jupitereye4322]

I have a REP bench with zero gap seat... boy that thing is massive and heavy, it will outlive me for sure. As for this trap bar, I wish they made one-click detachable handles. I know that is a challenge as it needs to lock in and withstand heavy loads and possible impacts from dropping the bar, but it would be so good if it had that.

[@ryanstraughn860]

This was a very thorough and good review. You do an excellent job and it helps tremendously before making a purchase. Just wanted to show my appreciation for your work.

[@MudPig6110]

Wide, narrow and rotating grips have hit the website. Going to order them as soon as I can figure out how wide my grip normally is when i deadlift.

[@codycantrell2780]

Thank goodness I watched this. Was debating between the standard and narrow handles.

[@sam382]

Great review Coop. Excited to add one of these to my home gym setup. Based on your recommendation I think I'll holdout until when and if they shorten the handle distance.

[@careycaswell3203]

Great review. I like that I can specify narrow in my order so don’t need to pay for another set of handles. Ordered mine today. I think another feature for us talk basement dwellers is we can go overhead with more clearance also .

[@davidb1975a]

Mine showed up a week ago. I like REP's rewards program. It helped me knock a few $$ off the price. I do really really like the multifunctionalilty of this bar. Looks like I have a goal to surpass 500lbs. 😁💪👍 Looking forward to seeing what REP releases for accessories for this bar.

[@REPfitness]

Thanks David!

[@chrisbeach7222]

Coop, I am 6’7, not quite 400 lbs though and that width sounds perfect to me. If you’re looking to re-home gym that bar I’d love to have it. Great review!

[@orionz06]

I’ve had mine now for a bit and the new handles are on the way as well. Overall it’s great. I note the stiffness, but it’s not really an issue for me, and a straight bar would bend a little too. Assembly was easy with standard homeowners tools.

[@JonathanTReviews]

I'm really hoping they correct the standard handle option moving forward. Virtually every comment I've seen has expressed a preference for the narrower option being the standard.

[@cstreet1824]

Standard handles are fine and I'm not a big guy. They are at a perfect angle for shrugs and I find no problem deadlifting at the stock width.

[@richards6431]

Great review. Prior to this video I was Kabuki all the way, now I’m not so sure. Wish it was USA made though.

[@EvanCarrollTheGreat]

Here is the million dollar idea: take this trap bar, and allow us to mount it to the Reppin dumbbell rack such that the trays on the rack can be lifted by this rack bar. Then you would adjust the weights on the reppins down and just lift the dumbbells in the trays for 250 lbs + open trap bar weight. That's a pretty reasonable squat, with no rack needed. Just lift the weights and trays from the dumbbell rack.

[@robertduncan6292]

Would like to see a review of the Prime Fitness open trap bar and their new Safety Squat Bar.

[@JohnathonAkaBoog]

I'd love to see you guys review the Ironmaster 2000 because it's a rack with a Smith Machine for a reasonable price for the average garage gym owner.

[@GarageGymReviews]

Ooh cool. I'll take a look! - Coop

[@JohnathonAkaBoog]

@@GarageGymReviews awesome man, love the content. Keep up the good work, always look forward to your info.

[@mikesmith379]

Variable handle width and height is critical. For the deadlift movement you want narrow handles. If you do more of a squat you need more room for your knees to move out without hitting your arms. Younger kids may also need more narrow handles. Handles above the line of the tubes helps offset any balance issues.

[@adamcassis9392]

What are your thoughts on the rep open trap vs the safety squat bar? I was originally considering the SSB but am looking at the OTB due to some more versatility. It will be my primary bar to squat with since the standard barbell causes lots of shoulder pain.

[@satchm05]

Same question

[@ScottO84]

Been waiting for this review before replacing my current trap bar with it. Thanks, GGR!

[@samrmills]

Handles available for preorder. guessing you've already used some of them and can share some thoughts?

[@Useruytrw]

Hats off to the no cap coop. Great review

[@jerseyjim9092]

Comparing the different bars I'm sold on tbe Rep especially since they now have closer grip options. Only thing is now I need to convince myself I need another piece of equipment. I ready have the longer version of the CAP trapbar and I have an Elite SSB.

[@anthonyperry2923]

Just received mine, love it. It felt heavier than the stated 60 pounds. I weighed mine at 71.6 pounds. Maybe they are not including the weight of the handles, either way it's super solid and heavy.

[@PaulHo]

Could you use the long end of the Allen key through the handles instead to install and remove the handles?

[@car1it05WAY]

Rep has been killin’ it lately. Good to see more competitors for Rogue.

[@avinashtyagi2]

Rogue who?

[@mpower1956]

All allen keys may be purchased as "cut off" that are half as high so that is what I would use to eliminate the wrench hitting the handle!

[@bbo4659]

Odd question can you use it for push jurks from the hoop? In my basement gym I can stand full extension with about 2 inches from the ceiling. Add weight and I will have two nice holes in my ceiling.

[@SuperBizalz]

13:13 - YES!!! COOP!!!! You FINALLY said the word, “Height” CORRECTLY!! You didn’t sound like you had a lisp!! Nice!! 👍

[@jimmobley533]

Thanks for your help picking a trap bar.

[@dundundata7603]

2 years later it looks like this is still the best valued bar out there.

[@TheCarterHomeGym]

I'd like to see a comparison to the Vulcan Ox bar.

[@mrw3951]

So with the Alan Key, it may be more difficult initially but with a towel on it, you should be able to tighten it with the elongated end between the two grips, no? That way you're not catching or rubbing the knurling.

[@scottsteffen2516]

maybe give the consumer the option for different handles to fit their body style when ordering. But I am very interested in this bar thanx Coop

[@noahkararo]

If you don't need to remove the handles, could you put some blue threadlocker (removable w/ hand tools) on the bolt? Might help eliminate the loosening during use

[@JoYo6167]

Noah I use that stuff on every nut and bolt

[@cstreet1824]

They only loosen if you hand tighten. If you use the allen wrench they should be fine. On the other hand, if you are going to leave them on, blue Loctite wouldn't hurt.

[@geomafia]

I like using it for seated calf raises too. Just use a flat pad.

[@ronnierose1636]

Just went to buy it and sold out. It was available this morning your video must have pushed it even more.

[@inquisitor4635]

I immediately noticed the handles were too wide. They are actually too wide on most trap bars. I would like the handle width to be exactly where my arms naturally and neutrally hang at my sides when I am in a standing position. The jack pads look like they may hit the thigh for tall people with a wider squat stance. The flex is not a big issue, but rigidity is more important with a trap bar because it isn't being guided against your shins and legs like with a traditional straight bar deadlift. All those issues resolved and perfection may very well be achieved. Perhaps a padded yolk, possibly removable, as another additional feature option?

[@andrewmckinney8719]

Archon trap bar. Crazy design!! Need to see a review!!!

[@a.f.s.3004]

These companies should start contacting you BEFORE they launch a new product…💪

[@AlexanderRios-or9kv]

Looking at purchasing. I noticed on the website it says that the standard grip measurement from handle to handle measures at 25in now. Do you know if this is an update REP made or does the standard still measure at 27in as mentioned by coop in the video?

[@itad]

Anyway you could do some reviews on the fitness equipment that Costco offers? You’ve done a lot of Amazon shopping reviews could you do Costco??? They are done for selling high quality products it would be cool to get your opinion.

[@satl3161]

Rep killing it. Excellent trap bar

[@rodolfomedini9931]

I cannot wait to get mine

[@nodaysoff2326]

Hey! If I can get the Eleiko Oppen bar used from their site for $300 off, should I go with that? They have the dual handles now( as I’m sure you know). Thanks!! Love your reviews!!

[@NickAndTech]

Cut down the short end of the Allen key to prevent it from hitting the knurling, tape a magnet or two to it to keep it on your bar at all times (or glue/tape a magnet to the bar to attach the key to) 🪚🧲🏋🏻

[@richiestombaugh9663]

Wonder if they have thought about using this as a seal row/ benching camber bar. Would just need some different handles then it seems like it would work.

[@aaronwilson8233]

Yeah rotate the handles 180° and it would be a sick seal row bar. Would love that!!!

[@pixelpetes]

You can use a grinder to cut the allen key down a fraction and save the knurling

[@sl1237]

I want to see Rep make a compact version of this for those of us who don't have the space and don't need to rack the bar.

[@NoBuddyz]

I’m stoked on the Kabuki trap bar I have, but I’m thinking I have to give rep a chance now

[@vonboldler5219]

Coop, can you tell them to manufacture at set of shorter sleeves and a set of taller handles? Thx, it's nice to have options.

[@briangalloway3684]

Great review thanks Coop

[@mduon82]

Love your videos Coop!

[@wolf07ga]

By the way Coop. I have to give it up. I honestly didn’t think you were going to be competitive in the REP deadlift challenge. I was very impressed with your overall placing.

[@GarageGymReviews]

It's okay, I'm a sleeper. Always the underdog. It fuels me. - Coop

[@BrimhallBarbellClub]

Glad they fixed the width of the handles.

[@trickshot4272]

Your awesome coop💪💪💪

[@teatowel11]

Looks awesome, i don't think your complaints are deal breakers.

[@readyme]

Check out Giant Lifting open trap bar. It seems to be a very good value… so I’m curious.

[@tomtraynor5384]

A handle option which narrows the width to 25" would also give room to unfasten the handle bolt. Win-win. Easy fix or option. As soon as they offer that, I'm in!

[@HeCoversMe]

I’m sure it’s on the way. Probably should pull the trigger with the way supply and demand is driving cost up

[@pasoliman]

Wonder if it would be easier to adjust the handles if you put the long end of the allen key in and twisted between the 2 handles? Or maybe if they include a longer key?

[@thebodybeatdownDiTi]

if i had the money id probably jump on this one..i like the versatility and look

[@AndrewFrancisFreeman]

will this rack on the reality fitness 810XLT?

[@AndrewHartshorn-lg5ok]

Anyone have a POV on the Torque open trap bar - currently $249

[@squat802]

I have a question and perhaps I'm in the minority but why are the top handles only 11 inches off the ground. Most other open end trap bars set higher including my Rickshaw handles that set approx. 15 inches off the ground. I know they have wider grip options now but a taller top handle would make me a buyer for sure. Thanks

[@steelbiker6986]

I visited the Rep facility in Pennsylvania last week and checked this product out. I'm still not sold. I found the 28mm stainless handles too skinny for my 3x hands. The thicker handles on the rotating handles offers the same 28mm handle and two oversized handles, 38 and 48mm, which are too thick unless you are going after grip work. Also, the rotating handles are not stainless steel despite being a whopping $70 extra if you swap these out. Removing the standard handles so you can make room for upright presses are a bear. Changing out the rotating handles are twice as time consuming. I would be happier with a fixed (welded) two handled, stainless steel of, say 32mm and 38mm respectively like the less expensive Giant bar and forego the cantilevered overhead press. For what it is worth, and i'm certainly no expert, but generally speaking, I think trap bars take away from the natural deadlift and turn the movement into more of a squat. Squats are fine but they are not functional like the deadlift. Nobody squats to pick something up. Using a straight bar forces you to deadlift and thus strengthen your lower back. This makes deadlifting with a straight bar more functional. At work, I have to lift heavy boxes and machinery. I have to deadlift them, not squat them. A agree there are other good exercises one can do with an open trap bar but these movements can be accomplished with barbells or dumbbells, which I already have. P.S. While I was at the Rep facility, I purchased a pair of Urethane 10 lb dumbbells. These are so perfect that, I would save my money, not buy any of these specialty bars (except a Rep rackable, EZ curl bar when they fix the knurling) and buy a set of 5-50 lb urethane dumbbells.

[@WeiderMystic]

Big hand gang checking in to +1 the too-big handles

[@jakerogers9245]

Please review the “Stray Dog” GOAT lever arm. Great for leg ext/curl and other features

[@ryana6978]

I think I’m going to order one. Coop, I want that orange watch you’re wearing. What brand is it?

[@migslaurente5294]

Good Review 👍👍👍👍👍

[@bkinder83]

You could definitely see the flex in the deadlift challenge video. Do you like pressing with it? Im not imagining the benefit for those movements

[@GarageGymReviews]

Yep, love it actually. Used it for 5 sets of bench this morning. The thickness of the bar feels great and the instability of the camber is awesome for bench. I'll be posting some training footage of it on Insta. - Coop

[@bkinder83]

@@GarageGymReviews insatbility. Brain didnt go that way. Thank for the reply while I remove the earthquake bar from my cart

[@spartaragekick6202]

well u have much more leg room if ur doin say trap rows w/em...the standard trap bar seems 2b cumbersome when doin rows cuz the bar can hit the bak side of knee area when the bar starts to sway abit....

[@tas1424]

It's mad that I watch every one of these reviews yet can't get any of the equipment anyway cos I live in the UK. 😂

[@GarageGymReviews]

*sad

[@REPfitness]

Working on getting there next year!

[@tas1424]

@@REPfitness that's music to my ears!!!

[@tas1424]

@@GarageGymReviews spin off European channel....? 🤔

[@bulletprooftrainingsystems]

I guess the handle issue is a matter of perspective. When I think of the handles issue, my thoughts are it's going to activate the upper back to a higher degree and force more tightness in heavier lifts. Not that big of a deal.

[@adambuteux]

Suggest hex bits for a impact driver - great for home gym assembly

[@josephfuino]

Coop clearly this bar was designed for its most important purpose which is Zercher squats

[@lbcitylacounty90810]

Hi, can you guys do a review on the FIDAB-2 ADJUSTABLE BENCH: BLACK? We think this better than the Rep or Rogue compatible. Thanks.

[@MetalsForBrunch]

I think a quick release handles with large pins would be perfect.

[@lucascarr4363]

Would you choose this over a safety squat bar if you only had an option for one.

[@GRPABT1]

Why don't the handles rotate 90° for cambered bench?

[@bcparkinson82]

Would a t-handle tool work w/o damaging the knurl?

[@Timm129]

I'm looking at this one, the Vulcan ox bar, and giant. Can you compare all three?

[@Tiltissaved]

Glad you called out the handle width. This is the main reason I didn’t purchase it. Not sure I would want to pay $50-100 for proper width handles when they make those. I’m very curious about the giant northland trap bar. Sure it won’t have all the finesse as the Rep bar but for $100 less with proper width, it looks really appealing.

[@itselectric6199]

I have the northland and it's a great bar. Only complaint is that it comes with spinning handles, but if you can deal with that it's a better buy. Also fits better in the rack than this bar. No knurling on the round tube though and no UHMW on the jack stand but round jack helps protect flooring.

[@Wetterwet]

Debating to get it now or wait for the superior handles to come in.

[@mikemoser6589]

Awesome review Coop! My wife bought me this bar for a birthday present and I’m waiting for it to ship. Pretty excited to get this thing but man it really sucks that it doesn’t already ship with the narrow handle assemblies. Makes me wonder if we should’ve waited. Hopefully Rep will at least give us a discount on the new narrow assemblies when they come out.

[@Thias2685]

The only thing currently holding me back from ordering this is not knowing whether to go with the standard (25") or narrow (23") handles. I've never used a trap bar so I'm not sure which to go with.

[@alrocky]

For $90 you can get another handle set. Perhaps visit gyms that carry various trap bars to compare which suits you best.

[@alexanderperales6230]

Review the Jacked Up power rack pro !