How Much Does the Army ACFT Hex Bar Weigh

If you’re preparing for the Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) or training with military standards in mind, understanding the exact weight of the hex bar used is crucial for your deadlift and trap bar exercises. Unlike commercial gym hex bars that can vary, the Army uses a standardized bar for testing and training.

What Is the Official ACFT Hex Bar Weight?

The Army ACFT hex bar (also called a trap bar) used during testing typically weighs 60 pounds (27.2 kg) when empty. This weight is standardized across most Army testing sites, ensuring consistency for soldiers training for the ACFT deadlift event. It’s heavier than many commercial hex bars, which often weigh around 45-55 pounds, so it’s essential to factor this into your training plan.

Why the ACFT Hex Bar Weight Matters

The deadlift event on the ACFT requires soldiers to lift weights ranging from 140 to 340 pounds, depending on their maximum capacity during testing. Since the bar itself weighs 60 pounds, your plate loading should reflect that, ensuring your total lifted weight accurately mirrors your goals for the test.

Using the correct hex bar weight for the Army ACFT ensures your grip, posture, and muscle engagement mirror what you will face on test day. Training with the wrong bar weight can throw off your progression, leading to surprises when you get under the bar for your official test.

ACFT Trap Bar vs. Gym Trap Bar

While many gyms have hex bars, they may not match the exact ACFT trap bar weight. The Army’s hex bar is built for durability, with aggressive knurling for a secure grip, and is used under rugged conditions for high-rep, functional strength training.

If you’re using a commercial gym for your preparation:

• Check the weight of your hex bar before loading plates.

• Adjust your total lift to align with the 60-pound standard.

• Practice using the hex bar with rubber straps or bands to mimic variable resistance and improve stability under load.

Training with Rubber Straps and the Hex Bar

Using resistance bands (rubber straps) with the hex bar can increase your explosiveness and strength during your deadlifts, which is particularly useful for soldiers looking to improve power generation and bar speed. Loop the bands around your feet or anchor them to the platform, attaching the other end to the bar sleeves. This method increases resistance as you stand up, forcing your muscles to work harder at the top of the lift, which is critical for improving lockout strength for your ACFT deadlifts.

Personal Note on Training with the Army Hex Bar

When I first prepared soldiers for the ACFT transition, many underestimated the heavier bar weight, leading to early fatigue during deadlift repetitions. We corrected this by weighing our hex bars before training and loading plates accordingly. Over time, the consistent use of the correct bar, along with incorporating band-resisted deadlifts, dramatically improved soldiers’ performance and confidence during testing. The key takeaway was this: training with the same equipment you will test with ensures your preparation reflects reality, reducing surprises and boosting readiness.

Key Takeaways

• The Army ACFT hex bar weighs 60 pounds (27.2 kg), heavier than many commercial bars.

• Accurate weight tracking is essential for proper preparation.

• Use rubber straps during training to build explosive strength for deadlifts.

• Consistent training with the correct hex bar weight builds confidence and readiness for your ACFT.

By understanding and adapting your training around the actual ACFT hex bar weight, you can better prepare yourself or your soldiers for success, building strength and reducing the risk of injury during test day.