0

Your Cart is Empty

Hex Bar vs. Straight Bar Power Cleans: Which is Right for You?

November 09, 2023 3 min read

Hex Bar vs. Straight Bar Power Cleans: Which is Right for You?

Hex Bar vs. Straight Bar Power Cleans: Which is Right for You?

When it comes to power cleans, the two most popular barbells are the hex bar and the straight bar. Each of these pieces of equipment has its own unique advantages and disadvantages, and choosing which one is right for you will depend on your individual goals and needs.

Shop The Collection: Barbells

A hex bar is a barbell with a hexagonal shape, allowing for an easier grip for the lifter. It also allows for a more natural range of motion when performing power cleans as compared to the straight bar. The hex bar also puts less strain on the arms and shoulders, making it ideal for those who have preexisting injuries or joint pain.

CAP Barbell Olympic Trap Shrug Bar Shop The Gear: CAP Barbell Olympic Trap Shrug Bar, $99.99 CAD

The straight bar, on the other hand, is the traditional barbell used in weightlifting and powerlifting. It offers a wider range of motion than the hex bar, allowing for greater force production and power. It also requires more balance and coordination on the part of the lifter, making it a good choice for those who want to challenge themselves and develop their technique.

Advantages of the Hex Bar

One of the major advantages of the hex bar is that it allows for a more natural range of motion when performing power cleans. This is because the bar’s shape allows the user to stand closer to the bar, making it easier to keep the back flat and maintain proper form. The hex bar also allows for a greater range of motion in the hips and knees, making it easier to set up for the lift and get into the correct starting position.

Another advantage of the hex bar is that it puts less strain on the arms and shoulders since the lifter is standing further away from the bar. This can be beneficial for those who have preexisting injuries or joint pain, as it allows them to perform power cleans with less risk of developing pain or aggravating existing issues.

The hex bar also makes it easier to perform power cleans with heavier weights, since the lifter is standing further away from the bar and does not need to use as much force to move it. This can be beneficial for those who are looking to increase their strength and power.

Advantages of the Straight Bar

The straight bar is the traditional barbell used in weightlifting and powerlifting, and it offers a number of advantages over the hex bar. One of the major advantages of the straight bar is that it requires more balance and coordination than the hex bar, making it a good choice for those who want to challenge themselves and develop their technique. This can help lifters to become more efficient in their movements.

The straight bar also offers a greater range of motion than the hex bar, making it easier to generate greater force production and power. This can be beneficial for those who are looking to increase their strength and power, as they can use heavier weights without having to worry about their form breaking down.

Finally, the straight bar allows the lifter to move the bar closer to their body, which can help to improve their ability to generate power and explosiveness. This can be beneficial for those who are looking to increase their athletic performance.

Which is Right for You?

Choosing between the hex bar and the straight bar for power cleans will depend on your individual goals and needs. If you are looking for an easier way to perform power cleans with less strain on the arms and shoulders, then the hex bar is the better option. On the other hand, if you are looking for a way to challenge yourself and develop your technique, then the straight bar is the better option.

Ultimately, both the hex bar and the straight bar have their own advantages and disadvantages, and it is up to you to decide which one is right for you. Whichever bar you choose, make sure that you practice proper form and technique to ensure that you are getting the most out of your training.

The hex bar and the straight bar are two of the most popular barbells used in power cleans. Each of these pieces of equipment has its own unique advantages and disadvantages, and choosing which one is right for you will depend on your individual goals and needs.

No matter which bar you choose, make sure that you practice proper form and technique to ensure that you are getting the most out of your training. With the right bar and the right technique, you can reach your fitness goals in no time.