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Top 13 EZ Curl Bars Reviewed and Rated

last updated: Nov 13, 2020

Using a good EZ curl bar is a great way to build killer biceps safely and effectively. These bars have specific bends in the bar that creates a natural and safe grip for a wide variety of lifts. A simple change-up of your grip can trigger a myriad of muscle groups in your arms in a way that dumbbells just can’t touch. Plus, the angled grip takes the pressure off of your wrists and forearms when compared to straight bars.

We made sure to select designs that were made to hold quite a bit of weight, and provided excellent knurling for a comfortable grip. In this guide, we have found some of our favorite EZ curls bars out there on the market that will make those biceps sing!

This is the best product on our list that is currently in stock:

icon
GoPlus
93/100 our score
Capacity
94
Comfort
93
Fit
92
Motion Control
93
Ease of Use
93
GoPlus
Why is it better?

Trusted brand

Wear-resistant

Excellent knurling

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Researched Sources
42
Researched Sources
Reviews Considered
8k
Reviews Considered
Hours Researching
18
Hours Researching
Products Evaluated
14
Products Evaluated
Sorting Options
Capacity Comfort Fit Motion Control Ease of Use By Default
Rank
PictureProduct
Name
Rating
Shops
#1
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
95.8
Capacity
98 %
Comfort
97 %
Fit
94 %
Motion Control
96 %
Ease of Use
94 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (07.03.24)
Amazon Link
#2
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
93
Capacity
94 %
Comfort
93 %
Fit
92 %
Motion Control
93 %
Ease of Use
93 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (07.03.24)
Amazon Link
$61.99
#3
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
92.6
Capacity
94 %
Comfort
93 %
Fit
93 %
Motion Control
91 %
Ease of Use
92 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (07.03.24)
Amazon Link
#4
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
91
Capacity
90 %
Comfort
91 %
Fit
91 %
Motion Control
91 %
Ease of Use
92 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (07.03.24)
Amazon Link
$49.99
#5
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
90.8
Capacity
92 %
Comfort
90 %
Fit
89 %
Motion Control
92 %
Ease of Use
91 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (07.03.24)
Amazon Link
#6
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
89.6
Capacity
90 %
Comfort
88 %
Fit
91 %
Motion Control
90 %
Ease of Use
89 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (07.03.24)
Amazon Link
$96.97
#7
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
88
Capacity
90 %
Comfort
87 %
Fit
87 %
Motion Control
86 %
Ease of Use
90 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (07.03.24)
Amazon Link
#8
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
87.6
Capacity
88 %
Comfort
87 %
Fit
90 %
Motion Control
86 %
Ease of Use
87 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (07.03.24)
Amazon Link
$74.00
#9
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
86.6
Capacity
86 %
Comfort
87 %
Fit
88 %
Motion Control
86 %
Ease of Use
86 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (07.03.24)
Amazon Link
$69.99
#10
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
84
Capacity
85 %
Comfort
84 %
Fit
83 %
Motion Control
84 %
Ease of Use
84 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (07.03.24)
Amazon Link
$59.99
#11
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
83.6
Capacity
84 %
Comfort
83 %
Fit
83 %
Motion Control
84 %
Ease of Use
84 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (07.03.24)
Amazon Link
$68.00
#12
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
82
Capacity
82 %
Comfort
82 %
Fit
82 %
Motion Control
82 %
Ease of Use
82 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (07.03.24)
Amazon Link
#13
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
79.8
Capacity
79 %
Comfort
80 %
Fit
81 %
Motion Control
79 %
Ease of Use
80 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (07.03.24)
Amazon Link
$63.96

13 Best EZ Curl Bars

1. CAP Standard

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
95.8
CAP Barbell Standard 1-inch Threaded EZ Curl Bar
CAP Barbell Standard 1-inch Threaded EZ Curl Bar 2
Amazon Link
Capacity
98
Comfort
97
Fit
94
Motion Control
96
Ease of Use
94
best offer for today
Amazon Link
Pros:

Collars included

Less pronounced angling

Good price

The brand has an excellent reputation

Cons:

Collars take time to put on and off

The CAP Barbell standard EZ curl bar is framed from solid chrome steel and can hold up to 200 pounds.

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Threaded chrome ends attach to the supplied EZ spin collars to attach the weights to the bar. The bar fits a one-inch standard barbell plate. The bar weighs 13 pounds. A less pronounced curve allows for reduced wrist strain and greater bicep involvement on each repetition.

The bar is comfortable to hold, with knurling on curved handle portions. This is a solid, functional arm curl bar that comes in at a very good price point.

The Cap Standard boasts an attractive polished steel finish. It is popular with many gyms and hobbyist weightlifters, because of how dependable it is. The bar is easy to use and also comes in at a price point that is budget-friendly.

2. GoPlus

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
93
Goplus Olympic EZ Curl Bar for Strength Training
Goplus Olympic EZ Curl Bar for Strength Training 2
Amazon Link
Capacity
94
Comfort
93
Fit
92
Motion Control
93
Ease of Use
93
best offer for today
Amazon Link
$61.99
Pros:

Trusted brand

Wear-resistant

Excellent knurling

Cons:

Slightly expensive

What we like most about this design is that it made for heavier weights to really get the most out of your workouts. It boasts modest bends which are great for newbies and doesn’t feel too awkward when just starting out. Users feel it has excellent knurling for a confident grip and holds up quite well over the years.

Read more

This design is made from quality Q235 steel that is able to hold up to 400 pounds worth of plates. The ends rotate that allows users to easily load plates on without putting undue pressure on the bar. It is also considered to be wear-resistant, which means it is the last design you will ever need to purchase.

We also like that the knurling of this design is deep enough to confidently grip the bar, but not too grooved that it will dig into your hands. One important thing to note is that the heavy-duty materials are much heavier than some of the standard options out there on the market. This bar weighs in at 44 pounds, which is double the weight of standard options.

If you are in the market for something that is composed of heavy-duty materials that hold up quite well over the years, this design is a great choice. While it costs a little bit more than some of the other designs that we have seen, we feel that it is well worth the higher price point in the long run!

3. Body Solid

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
92.6
Body-Solid 47-Inch EZ Curl Olympic Bar
Amazon Link
Capacity
94
Comfort
93
Fit
93
Motion Control
91
Ease of Use
92
best offer for today
Amazon Link
Pros:

Effective groove angling

Easy rotating sleeves

Chrome finished

Company has a good name

Cons:

No collars included

This chrome finished bar is biomechanically designed to reduce wrist and forearm pain during use. The bar weighs 18 pounds. It is 47 inches long and has a chrome finish.

Read more

There are 31.75 inches between the sleeves, leaving plenty of room for even the biggest arms and hands. Rotating sleeves make it easy to put the weights on the bar.

The inner angled grips on this adjustable curl bar are designed to target the inner head of the biceps, while the outer grip hits the outer head. As a result, this EZ curl has sharper angles than you will find on many other products on the market.

Collars are not included with purchase. The bar does have a generous 300-pound capacity. If you visit the Body Solid website, you will find a list of accessories for the bar as well as high-resolution images and a product data-sheet.

4. Elevens

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
91
Elevens 47 Inch- 300 lb Weight CapacityOlympic Super Curl Bar
Elevens 47 Inch- 300 lb Weight CapacityOlympic Super Curl Bar 2
Amazon Link
Capacity
90
Comfort
91
Fit
91
Motion Control
91
Ease of Use
92
best offer for today
Amazon Link
$49.99
Pros:

Very affordable

Manganese phosphate construction

High weight capacity

Cons:

Lightweight

If you are in the market for an affordable option that is able to handle a good deal of weight for heavy lifts, this option from Elevens is a great choice. Users love that it boasts a matte black grip that is very unique and boasts stainless steel ends that are a cinch to load. Plus, it comes in at one of the most affordable price points out there on the market which makes it worth checking out.

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The very first thing that we noticed about this design is that it is made from a matte black manganese phosphate bar with modest knurling. The knurling isn’t as deep as some of the other high-end options, but it is perfect for those that need something with a good grip that won’t dig into your hands.

It measures to be 47 inches long and weighs in at just 18 pounds. Despite its lower weight, it is able to accommodate up to 300 pounds of Olympic style plates. The ends of this bar are made from solid steel which is incredibly durable and resistant to rusting and wear over the years of continued use.

If you are in the market for something that is incredibly affordable and boasts unique features not found in most brands, this is a great choice. We love the manganese phosphate construction with a matte black finish and modest knurling which is ideal for a wide variety of lifts.

5. CAP Barbell Standard

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
90.8
CAP Barbell Standard 47 in. EZ Curl Bar
Amazon Link
Capacity
92
Comfort
90
Fit
89
Motion Control
92
Ease of Use
91
best offer for today
Amazon Link
Pros:

Olympic Weight Bar Collars provided

Ends revolve easily

Max weight 200 pounds

Diamond pattern for better grip

Cons:

Collars provided are not high quality

The CAP Barbell Olympic EZ Curl Bar is a solid chrome steel unit that features Olympic style ends to accommodate 2-inch center hole Olympic plates.

Read more

This model features smooth ends that easily revolve to allow for quick on and off movement of plates. Screw type collars are included with your purchase of the CAP Olympic curl bar. The sleeves rotate to lessen hand and wrist pressure for a more stable lift. The knurled grips have a diamond pattern, helping you hold the bar more tightly.

The maximum plate loading capability on this unit is 200 pounds. Though not having as many on the rollers and being as robust as top commercial models, this is a great priced Olympic model that will give you an effective home-based bicep workout.

It holds two-inch weight plates. The bar is 32” long, shorter than some of the others we reviewed. The bar weighs 15 pounds and comes with a 30-day warranty.

6. Champion

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
89.6
Champion EZ Curl Bar
Amazon Link
Capacity
90
Comfort
88
Fit
91
Motion Control
90
Ease of Use
89
best offer for today
Amazon Link
$96.97
Pros:

Collars provided

Good value for money

Generous amount of knurling

Extra-long bar

Cons:

Knurling is a bit rough

This EZ curl bar is made from a single piece of chrome-plated steel. The bar is an inch in diameter, both for the bar and the sleeves. It can take a weight plate with a one-inch opening.

Read more

The maximum weight is 220 pounds, higher than the usual 200 but still lower than 300 pounds, which some bars we reviewed can handle. If you need to lift more weight, you may want to think about buying an Olympic EZ bar.

Knurling helps with grip and with taking sleeves off to put on weights. Champion does supply collars with this bar. They are the spring clip kind.

The Champion bar is an amazing 47 inches, making it suitable for tall lifters. You can also cross-train with it, doing close grip bench presses and standing row exercises. The bar is unusually light, at 10.7 pounds. Reviews we read indicated this bar has a solid feel and heft to it.

7. XMark Convict Warden’s Package

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
88
XMark Convict 6' Rackable Olympic Curl Bar with Chrome Sleeves
XMark Convict 6' Rackable Olympic Curl Bar with Chrome Sleeves
Amazon Link
Capacity
90
Comfort
87
Fit
87
Motion Control
86
Ease of Use
90
best offer for today
Amazon Link
Pros:

Respected company

Great package deal

400 on weight capacity

Weights come in a package

Cons:

Collar not included

The XMark Convict Warden’s Package is a high-end model from one of the most respected names in the industry. The package includes 65 pounds of Texas Star rubber coated Olympic weight plates, representing great value for money.

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Constructed to XMark’s exacting standards, this unit has a great balanced feel to it and is extremely durable. The bar has an impressive weight limit of 400 pounds.

The XMark bar that comes with the weights is chrome plated and corrosion-resistant. It features revolving end sleeves that fit 2-inch diameter Olympic weight plates. The sleeves turn easily so that you can quickly slide on the plates that you need and are extra long at 10 inches.

The Texas Star Olympic rubber weight plates feature five indented grips in the handles with good openings that blend comfortably with the hands, and the stainless-steel hub allows a perfectly comfortable fit and good ease for loading.

You can purchase the full set, or just the bar at a lower price if you already have 2-inch plates. XMark recommends wiping the bar down with WD-40 or 3 in 1 oil to keep the finish intact.

8. X Mark Chrome Olympic

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
87.6
XMark Fitness 28mm Olympic EZ Curl Bar
XMark Fitness 28mm Olympic EZ Curl Bar  2
Amazon Link
Capacity
88
Comfort
87
Fit
90
Motion Control
86
Ease of Use
87
best offer for today
Amazon Link
$74.00
Pros:

Black manganese phosphate coating

400 pounds max weight capacity

Easily revolved sleeves

Internal bushings make curling smooth and fast

Cons:

Knurling is a little aggressive

This steel bar is coated in manganese phosphate for extra toughness. The X Mark Chrome Olympic EZ curl bar comes in your choice of chrome or black finish. The gripping portion of this model is 28 mm long and features medium knurling to allow for a secure, comfortable hold on the bar.

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The coating on this unit is black manganese phosphate. In addition to looking very smart, black manganese is the hardest coating available and the most abrasion and corrosion-resistant. It is a step above black oxide, which is the industry standard for bar coatings.

​This X Mark Chrome Olympic bar weighs in at 22 pounds and has a maximum plate loading weight of 400 pounds.

Quality bushing is used in the internal workings of the sleeves to ensure easy revolving. This makes it simple to slip the plates on and off.

9. GYMAX

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
86.6
GYMAX Olympic EZ Curl Bar
GYMAX Olympic EZ Curl Bar 2
Amazon Link
Capacity
86
Comfort
87
Fit
88
Motion Control
86
Ease of Use
86
best offer for today
Amazon Link
$69.99
Pros:

Trusted brand

Cold-forge solid steel

300-pound capacity

Cons:

Slightly expensive

Shallow knurling

Simplicity is the name of the game when it comes to this option from GYMAX. It is composed of quality materials that hold up quite well over the years, and it is also able to accommodate higher weights. While it may cost a little bit more than some of the other designs we have seen we feel that the solid construction makes it worth every penny!

Read more

The very first thing that we noticed about this option is that it is composed of cold-forged Q235 steel that is rust-resistant and impervious to bending under heavy weights. It also boasts very modest knurling that won’t dig into your hands during long sets, but you may find it to be a little lacking under heavy weights.

It measures to be 47 inches long and weighs in at 19 pounds. Despite its lighter weight, it is able to accommodate up to 300 pounds of laded plates. The solid steel construction won’t bend under the pressure, making this an excellent option for both bodybuilding as well as powerlifters.

For those in the market for a quality design that comes from a trusted brand, this is an excellent choice. It is composed of tough materials that won’t bend and break under the pressure. It may cost a little bit more than most, but we feel that it is well worth it.

10. Marcy Solid Steel

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
84
Marcy Solid Steel Olympic EZ Bar
Amazon Link
Capacity
85
Comfort
84
Fit
83
Motion Control
84
Ease of Use
84
best offer for today
Amazon Link
$59.99
Pros:

Less aggressive angling

Collar included

Good price

Corrosion-resistant

Cons:

Only holds up to 100 pounds

The Marcy Solid Steel Olympic EZ curl bar is a chrome-plated bar of solid steel construction. The angling on this model is not as aggressive as you find on most bars. This places less stress on the wrists and allows you to more naturally target the mid-portion of the bicep.

Read more

Solid black plastic collars are included with your purchase of this unit. The corrosion-resistant body is non-toxic and ergonomic. Several reviewers said the bar is easy to keep clean.

This is a gym grade model that will allow you to target your biceps, triceps, and forearms without causing undue strain to your wrists. The sleeves revolve easily, allowing you to quickly replace the plates. The Marcy Solid Steel EZ curl bar is offered at a good price and comes with a manufacturer’s 2-year limited warranty.

This model only holds up to 100 pounds of weight, which may be a deal-breaker for some. Marcy does make bars with higher weight capacities.

11. XMark CHISEL

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
83.6
XMark Chisel Olympic Curl Bar
XMark Chisel Olympic Curl Bar 2
Amazon Link
Capacity
84
Comfort
83
Fit
83
Motion Control
84
Ease of Use
84
best offer for today
Amazon Link
$68.00
Pros:

Manganese phosphate coating

Olympic bar

Exceptionally smooth spin

Snap lock system

Cons:

Sleeves are a bit slippery

This third offering from XMark features solid steel construction and a black finish. The XMark Chisel Prop Barbell Olympic curl bar is made of solid steel and is presented in a stylish black finish.

Read more

It provides you with 4 needle bearings to ensure a smooth and quiet spin. Deep diamond knurling provides for a secure, comfortable grip.

The Chisel Pro is the top of the line curl bar in the XMARK line up. The black manganese phosphate bar is 28 mm in diameter.

The sleeves spin perfectly and are completely noise-free and feature a zero maintenance snap lock system. This is a very high-quality bar that is reasonably priced.

12. Sunny Health and Fitness

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
82
Sunny Health & Fitness OB-47 47" Olympic Curl bar
Sunny Health & Fitness OB-47 47" Olympic Curl bar  2
Amazon Link
Capacity
82
Comfort
82
Fit
82
Motion Control
82
Ease of Use
82
best offer for today
Amazon Link
Pros:

Incredibly affordable

Diamond knurling

Cons:

Limited weight capacity

Looking for a more budget-friendly option? This design from Sunny Health and Fitness is one of the most affordable designs out there on the market. While it isn’t as heavy-duty as some of the more expensive options, it’s a perfect option for those that will never need to load up the bar with very heavy weights. For bodybuilders, this is a great choice!

Read more

While it boasts an affordable price point, it is still composed of quality materials that hold up quite well over the years. It boasts rotating ends that allow the plates to move freely as you train. Deep diamond knurling allows for a solid and secure grip as you train.

This design measures to be 47 inches long, and weighs in at just 16 pounds. The lighter weight means that it isn’t able to accommodate heavy plate loads like more expensive designs out there. It is able to comfortably hold up to 200 pounds of plates without the risk of bending or cracking.

If you are in the market for something that clocks in at a super affordable price point, this design from Sunny Health and Fitness is a great choice. While it may not be able to hold as much weight as some of the other options that we have seen, it is the perfect fit for those that don’t necessarily need a bar that is able to hold powerlifting weights.

13. Everyday Essentials

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
79.8
Everyday Essentials Olympic Super Curl Barbell Curl Bar
Everyday Essentials Olympic Super Curl Barbell Curl Bar 2
Amazon Link
Capacity
79
Comfort
80
Fit
81
Motion Control
79
Ease of Use
80
best offer for today
Amazon Link
$63.96
Pros:

Affordable

Great knurling

Cons:

Not as durable as most

This design may not have the name recognition as some of the other options we have seen so far, but the affordable price point and quality materials make it worth checking out. It boasts a quality construction that is able to accommodate high weights and has an excellent bend that works to keep your wrists and forearms protected.

Read more

When compared to other designs we have seen so far, this design is a little bit lighter. It weighs in at just 18 pounds, but it is able to comfortably hold up to 350 pounds worth of plates. We also like that the bends in the bar are just a little deeper, which allows for a more versatile grip that takes the pressure off of your wrists.

The best feature of this budget-friendly choice is that while it is able to accommodate high weights, it comes in at a price point that won’t break the bank. It boasts deep knurling on the bends which helps to secure a confident grip when pushing heavy weights.

If you are in the market for something simple and affordable, this design is a great choice. Some users found that this option starts to bend slightly over time, which means that it isn’t as durable as some of the more expensive designs. However, if you intend on using it for lighter weights, this design will save you quite a bit of money.

Criteria Used for Evaluation

Capacity

It is important to know how much weight the bar can take.

From what we saw in our research, 200 pounds seems to be the standard weight capacity for EZ curl bars designed for home use. However, we reviewed several that can hold 300 pounds, as well as a 400-pound bar and a 100-pound bar.

Which bar you need depends on your goals, current situation, and what you mean to use the bar for. If you are lifting in the high one hundred, but plan on becoming stronger, you may want to get a 300-pound bar so you can grow. If you never curl that much weight, you are still better off than if you had bought a lower capacity bar and had to upgrade.

Comfort

Lifting weights will make you sore, but it shouldn't hurt.

EZ curl bars are pretty simple in design. They are bars, with sleeves for installing weight plates, and they have angles where your hands go to help you get a full range of motion.

It may seem like there is nothing a manufacturer can do to increase comfort. But we found that the bars do have subtle differences. One with a lot of diamond decking, for example, may press into your skin. Or the angles may not accommodate your hands and wrists, so you do not get a full extension. These and other subtle differences do matter.

Fit

You can't wear a curl bar, but it should fit your body for the best results.

Here, fit mainly refers to how well the bar fits into your hand and allows you to get a pain free full extension on each exercise.

Fit is important because you don't want your hands or wrists to be impinged. This will keep you from meeting your goals because the exercise will not be effective. It may also lead to injury. Some styles of the EZ curl bar will be a good fit for you, and others will not. In your comparison shopping, look for a bar that seems to fit naturally in your hands and that you can be comfortable with.

Motion Control

Make sure you get a full range of motion for each repetition.

A lot of motion control is up to you. But an EZ curl bar can help, too. Some are designed with more generous handholds, to make sure your hand will not be prevented from movement.

EZ curl bars themselves are a motion control invention. If you have ever tried to do curls with a regular barbel, you know how difficult it is. The barbell does not roll in your hand the way an EZ curl bar does. It is designed for bench presses, squats, and other large muscle group exercises. The EZ curl bar is dedicated to doing curls and working out your upper arms. So you can get a much better range of motion, and you are able to control the motion better.

Ease of Use

Something you want to use often should not be difficult to use.

It is already clear that an EZ curl bar is easier to use, for curls, than a regular barbell.

Within the EZ curl world, some bars are easier to use than others. One thing to look for is spin. The bar should naturally and effortlessly spin, on the upward motion of the curl, to allow you to complete the repetition.

Another thing you may want to consider is the length of the curl bar. A 47" curl bar will be better for a tall person to handle. How the weights attach is included, too. You may find a spring collar preferable to a threaded collar. Take your time and figure out what works for you, because you will have your EZ curl bar for a long time and you want to make sure it is easy for you to use.

Expert Interviews & Opinions

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expert tips icon
EZ Curl Bar Safety

Proper use and care of your EZ curl bar will help it give you years of use and consistent results.

You should never use your bar for anything other than standing or seated curls, upright rows, and perhaps close grip bench presses. If you are lifting more weight than you are used to, have someone spot you. Use the weight plates and collars that are provided or sold specifically for EZ curl bars.

You can also clean or polish your bar periodically. This will help stop rust or corrosion. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's directions for cleaning the bar.

Benefits of Curling

Curling is one of those exercises that everyone just does. If you walk into any gym, you will probably see people doing preacher curls, dumbbell curls, and EZ bar curls.

But why are curls so popular? One reason is that they are so simple. A fitness novice can grab a dumbbell, start pushing out curls and get benefits right away. Of course, all novices should be trained to lift safely and with proper form. Doing bicep curls with a lightweight is one way to practice that form.

Benefits of Curling

Bicep curls send blood to the upper arm right away, too, which can give you a feeling of strength and a temporary look of being pumped. If the feelings and look of your arm motivate you to work out more, that's perfect.

The other benefit is that the curl isolates your bicep. It is one of the easiest ways to do this. Many women and men want toned arms, and doing bicep curls along with an upper-body program is a great way to work towards this.

Other Factors to Consider

Color

Color should not be the only factor, but it is an important consideration. A black finish will help your EZ bar stand out, so you can pick it out of a group easily. A black finish also usually means the bar has a protective coating.

You may prefer a more old fashioned silver chrome or metal bar. They should be cleaned and possibly oiled periodically, according to manufacturer instructions.

Value

We have tried to give you the information you need to avoid overpaying for a curl bar that has the features you want.

As a reminder, the best value is not always the lowest price. A bargain basement curl bar may fail you over time, and may not have a good spin or comfortable grips. Those things are worth paying more for because they can prevent fatigue and strain.

Frequently Asked Questions

q: What are some benefits of using an EZ curl bar?

a:

Any time you load up a bar with weights to lift, you will build muscle. However, not all lifts are created equal. When you use a straight bar, it positions your wrists and forearms in a position that is not natural. This means that you may be leaving reps on the table because your wrists or forearms gave out.

The trademark bends in these bars work to position your wrist in a more natural position. It allows you to really dig deep into your biceps for every last rep without the extra strain on your wrists. Plus, it is always beneficial to vary your workouts between dumbbells and bar lifting.

q: What types of lifts can I do with an EZ curl bar?

a:

The most common lift performed with these bars is the basic bicep curl, and for good reason. Using these bars for curls is one of the best ways to isolate your biceps and build impressive muscles! Pair it with a preacher pad, and you have a recipe for killer biceps! However, there are few other lifts you can toss into your next routine that will benefit other muscle groups.

You can use this bar for lifts such as skull crushers, clean and presses, shoulder presses, modest deadlifts, and squats. We like that this bar is small and compact, so it is super easy to load up the bar and add a little weight to your basic bodyweight exercises (such as squats).

q: Which is better: dumbbells or barbells?

a:

Both lifts benefit your muscles in different ways. In short, you should be sure to work both styles of lifts into your routine to fully engage all parts of your arms. Dumbbells are a great way to not only build biceps but also train all of those little stabilizing muscles.

The biggest advantage with bar curls is that you know both arms are working at the same speed. The bar forces you to recruit both arms. With dumbbell curls, your arms move independently of each other and this can result in an imbalance over time if your form is not perfect.

q: What is an Olympic curl bar?

a:

Olympic curl bars are bigger than standard curl bars. Unlike Olympic barbells, Olympic EZ curl bars do not have standard weights. They are heavier, though. Olympic curl bars are longer, too, sometimes as long as 52 inches. Only Olympic weight plates will work on an Olympic bar. They will also have sleeves that rotate, which standard bars do not have.

You can learn more about the Olympic records for lifting in our previous article.

q: Should I stretch before doing curls?

a:

No. You should actually never stretch before you are warmed up feeling flexible because this can cause you to pull a muscle. Instead, try doing some dumbbell curls with very light weights. This mimics the motion you will be doing with the curl bar, so it loosens everything up and gets you ready.

q: What are preacher pads used for?

a:

The main purpose of preacher pads is to isolate your biceps and ensure the perfect farm. It makes it does you cannot cheat on a lift by using muscles in your back or shoulders. The chair has a foam wedge that you sit behind, and you lift by holding the bar at the bottom of the wedge and pulling it up.

Many lifters say they can lift more weight using the preacher curl chair because the muscle isolation leads to much greater efficiency.

q: Besides my biceps, what do curls work out?

a:

Curls will strengthen your elbow flexors, your deltoids (top of your shoulders), wrist extensors, and the flexor connecting your elbow to your hand.

q: How long have EZ curl bars been around?

a:

They have probably been around longer, but they were invented and patented in 1950. The inventor was Lewis G. Dymeck, a weightlifter who injured his wrist and found the straight bar too uncomfortable to use. The invention was initially called the Dymek curling bar, but over time the EZ curl name caught on.

q: How much does it weigh?

a:

Most bars vary from 18 to 22 pounds. If you want to be exact, be sure to check the weight of the design that you purchase. If you are at the gym, however, we suggest that you should always round to 20 pounds when calculating how much weight you need to put on the bar.

q: Can you bench press with an EZ curl bar?

a:

Absolutely! In fact, many lifters that are recovering from an injury opt for an EZ curl bar for lighter loads as they work through their recovery. It is important to note that switching to an EZ curl bar permanently may not be the best idea in the long run. These bars are too short to rack on a traditional bench rack, so pushing heavier weights with these bars is less than ideal.

While they offer a great supplemental workout, it’s important to vary up your bar and grip choices for safe and effective strength building.

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