HomeBest of 202410 Best Curl Bars in 2024: Top Picks for Bigger Arms

10 Best Curl Bars in 2024: Top Picks for Bigger Arms

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A curl bar is a unique specialty barbell built to train your biceps at multiple angles. Designed with strategically placed bends, an EZ curl bar is more comfortable than a traditional straight Olympic barbell for biceps exercises.

You can also use these bars for more than just curls, including triceps extensions, upright rows, and press variations.

We’ve tested every type of curl bar from some of the biggest names in the industry. Here are some of the things we considered when making our list (more below):

  • Shape: Are the bends comfortable and effective? How steep are the angles?
  • Performance: Do you get a juicy arm pump? Can you use it in multiple ways? Do the sleeves spin smoothly?
  • Coating: How well does the bar prevent rust? How does the knurling feel?

In this article, I’ll share our top picks for the best curl bars based on real experience. Whether you’re a competitive bodybuilder or just someone looking to pump those arms up, we’ve got your covered.

The Best Curl Bars

REP Curl Bar – Best EZ Bar for Most People

REP Curl Bar
  • Price: $149.99+ (Free Shipping)
  • Weight: 30 lbs
  • Length: 55″
  • Shaft Diameter: 30mm
  • Shaft Finish: Hard Chrome or Stainless Steel
  • Sleeve Length: 10″
  • Sleeve Finish: Hard Chrome or Stainless Steel
  • Rotation System: Hybrid
  • Rackable: Optional
  • Warranty: 5 Years on Chrome; Lifetime on Stainless
Best Curl Bar for Most People
REP Curl Bar

The REP Curl Bar is a high-quality barbell with excellent specs, including great bends, smooth sleeves, and multiple finish options.

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Summary

The REP Curl Bar takes top honors for most people on this list. This bar offers excellent value and features several notable qualities. I’ve owned this bar since REP released it in 2019, and it’s become one of my go-to specialty bars.

The most important quality of an EZ bar is the shape and overall profile of the shaft. The bends should feel comfortable in the hands and allow for training multiple grip positions. A profile that’s too shallow will limit the benefits of the bar, while a very steep profile is better for specificity. The REP Curl Bar has a well-balanced profile that feels natural and effective.

With a 30mm shaft diameter, it’s thicker than most curl bars on the market. While also thicker than traditional barbells, it’s important to remember that grip isn’t a limiting factor on a curl bar. Therefore, a slightly thicker diameter is acceptable and even preferred by some lifters. The benefits of thick grip training are well documented, so there may be some minimal physical benefits compared to thinner diameters.

REP Curl Bar Knurling

The knurling on the REP Curl Bar has a medium profile with a grippy texture. It leans somewhat toward the aggressive side of the spectrum, but it’s suitable for most lifters. As much as I like the pattern, I feel REP could have extended the knurling through the entire bend. Instead, there’s a break in the knurling separating the hand zones. While this may not affect many people, you may find a finger or two on the smooth part of the shaft if you have wide hands.

REP offers two finishes on this bar: hard chrome and stainless steel. I own and like both versions. Stainless provides a superior feel and better oxidation resistance, but it costs extra. Since grip isn’t a limiting factor with this bar, I recommend hard chrome to most people unless you live in a humid environment and want the best protection.

The sleeves on this bar are one of my favorite things about it. They have a smooth surface with either a hard chrome or stainless steel finish. Some lifters, like myself, prefer smooth sleeves since they make much less noise when sliding plates on and off. At 10″ long, these are also some of the longest sleeves among curl bars, meaning you can load more weight than others. The hybrid bushing/bearing rotation is also very fluid.

The REP Curl Bar offers high-end features at an attractive price, including free shipping. It’s hard to find a better value than this bar offers, which is why I recommend it as the best for most people.

Pros

  • Excellent value
  • Comfortable and effective angles
  • Very good knurl pattern
  • Available in hard chrome & stainless steel
  • 10″ sleeves hold more weight than most
  • Hybrid bushing/bearing rotation system
  • Strong warranty

Cons

  • Knurling is cut into sections

Rogue Curl Bar – Best Overall EZ Bar

Rogue Curl Bar
  • Price: $225
  • Weight: 30 lbs
  • Length: 54.5″
  • Shaft Diameter: 28.5mm
  • Shaft Finish: E-Coat or Cerakote
  • Sleeve Length: 10.5″
  • Sleeve Finish: Bright Zinc
  • Rotation System: Bushing
  • Rackable: Optional
  • Warranty: 5 Years
Best Curl Bar Overall
Rogue Curl Bar

The Rogue Curl Bar offers an ideal bend profile, multiple finishes, and is available in both rackable and non-rackable versions.

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Summary

While the REP Bar gets the nod for most people, the Rogue Curl Bar is my pick for the overall best. It has a steeper price tag than the REP Bar, but it has some features that stand out.

The best part of this bar is the bend profile. It’s fantastic. The slightly steeper design feels great on the wrists, and I feel my biceps getting worked more than on some other bars. I especially like using this bar in the wider grip setting.

Another quality of this bar is its full knurling coverage. Where most EZ bars offer knurling in the designated hand positions, this Rogue bar carries it nearly the entire length. Except for a 5″ smooth center section, the whole shaft is knurled.

The knurling pattern is the same as the popular Rogue Ohio Bar. This refined, moderate profile provides a very good texture in the hand without being too passive or aggressive. Combined with its 28.5mm shaft diameter, it’s a familiar feeling bar that many lifters will appreciate.

Rogue Curl Bar Knurling

You can purchase this bar with an e-coat or Cerakote finish. Cerakote will provide better oxidation resistance, but it comes at a premium. E-coat is a durable finish in its own right and has grown in popularity within the home gym community. Both options are black, creating a very sharp-looking barbell.

Regardless of the shaft finish, the sleeves are finished in bright zinc. These 10.5″ long sleeves are some of the longest among curl bars, beating the REP bar by a half-inch. If capacity is important to you, you won’t find a better option. The one possible downside of the sleeves is that they’re among the loudest due to their fine surface grooves.

Overall, the Rogue Curl Bar is an outstanding bar with a great reputation. It has qualities I prefer over the REP bar, but whether those are worth the upcharge is up to you. Rogue also sells a rackable version.

Pros

  • Outstanding angles
  • Same knurling as Rogue Ohio Bar
  • Available in two finishes
  • Rackable and Non-rackable options
  • 10.5″ sleeve length
  • Made in USA

Cons

  • Only available in black
  • Pricier than most

Synergee EZ Curl Bar – Best EZ Bar for Budget Shoppers

Synergee Curl Bar
  • Price: $84.95 (Free Shipping)
  • Weight: 19 lbs
  • Length: 47.2″
  • Shaft Diameter: 28mm
  • Shaft Finish: Chrome, Black Phosphate, or Cerakote
  • Sleeve Length: 6.5″
  • Sleeve Finish: Chrome or Black Phosphate
  • Rotation System: Bushing
  • Rackable: No
  • Warranty: 3 Years
Best Budget Curl Bar
Synergee Curl Bar

The Synergee Curl Bar is great for the money. It comes in a variety of finishes at a great price, although it has shorter sleeves.

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Summary

The Synergee EZ Curl Bar is one of the most popular on the market because of its price and reputation. Synergee is one of the better value providers in the equipment space, and I think their curl bars are some of their best offerings.

Budget curl bars often have shallower bends than high-quality bars, likely due to lower machining costs. The Synergee curl bar falls into this category, especially on the narrow grip. That said, because it doesn’t have a big bend between the two primary grip widths, you have more freedom on where you position your hands. In other words, this bar allows for more than two widths.

The knurling on this bar surprised me – in a good way. Most budget bars have very passive knurling patterns, but this EZ bar from Synergee is the opposite. It’s actually fairly aggressive, providing a great grip without being sharp. You can also purchase the bar in multiple finishes: hard chrome, black chrome, black phosphate, and red Cerakote.

Synergee Curl Bar Knurling

While the knurling extends throughout the bends, I feel Synergee should have extended it more toward the center. When performing close-grip curls on this bar, I have nearly two full fingers on smooth steel, which feels somewhat awkward. Otherwise, this pattern is better than other budget curl bars I’ve tried.

The sleeves on this bar are some of the shortest on the market. Depending on how much you lift, this could be a deal breaker. At 6.5″, it’s the shortest I recommend. While curl bars don’t get loaded up nearly as heavy as traditional bars, the difference between a 6.5″ sleeve and a 10″ sleeve can be a matter of 100+lbs. Even still, this bar will accommodate most lifters looking to use it for curls and triceps extensions.

A benefit to shorter sleeves, however, is that the bar is shorter and lighter than most. If you’re really tight on space, this is something to consider. Furthermore, they spin via bushings and are available in hard chrome and black phosphate finishes.

With over 1,000 combined reviews and an average 4.8/5 rating, the Synergee EZ Curl Bar is the most reviewed curl bar on the market. I recommend this bar to anyone looking for a basic, budget-friendly curl bar.

Pros

  • Great price w/ free shipping
  • Available in multiple finishes
  • Better angles than most budget bars
  • Wider knurl range
  • Compact design is great for tight spaces
  • Most reviewed EZ bar on the market

Cons

  • 6.5″ sleeve length can be limiting
  • No rackable version

REP Rackable Curl Bar – Best Rackable EZ Bar

REP Rackable Curl Bar on Power Rack
  • Price: $199.99+ (Free Shipping)
  • Weight: 35 lbs
  • Length: 74″
  • Shaft Diameter: 30mm
  • Shaft Finish: Hard Chrome or Stainless Steel
  • Sleeve Length: 10″
  • Sleeve Finish: Hard Chrome or Stainless Steel
  • Rotation System: Hybrid
  • Rackable: Yes
  • Warranty: 5 Years on Chrome; Lifetime on Stainless
Best Rackable Curl Bar
REP Rackable Curl Bar

The Rackable Curl Bar from REP is built the exact same as the regular curl bar, only it's longer and slightly heavier.

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Summary

The Rackable Curl Bar from REP is the same as their regular curl bar, but with a couple of distinctions.

Not surprisingly, the first is that it’s rackable. With a 74″ length, it’s 19″ longer than the standard version. This allows it to be racked in any squat rack for easier plate loading. With regular curl bars, you may have to balance one side of the bar while you load the other. A rackable bar eliminates that.

A rackable bar can also open up new movements or make existing ones more convenient to perform. For example, it’s easier to perform skull crushers with a rackable curl bar. You can also perform movements like front squats with a rackable bar. Yes, you read that right – curl bars can be great for front squats because the bends can rest more comfortably on the shoulders.

The other primary difference is that this bar is slightly heavier at 35 lbs than the regular curl bar at 30 lbs. Otherwise, it offers the same specs, finish options, etc.

In terms of price, the rackable version is more expensive. If you see the value in easier loading and more efficiency, I think it’s a worthy upgrade. I prefer rackable curl bars myself, but they aren’t necessary for everyone. More than anything, they’re convenient, and this REP bar is excellent overall.

Pros

  • Rackable EZ curl bars are convenient
  • Great angles and knurl pattern
  • Hard chrome & stainless steel options
  • 10″ sleeve length
  • Fluid hybrid rotation system
  • Very good warranty

Cons

  • Knurling could be extended

The Gungnir Curler – Best Premium EZ Bar

Gungnir Curler
  • Price: $549
  • Weight: 24.25 lbs
  • Length: 53″
  • Shaft Diameter: 28mm
  • Shaft Finish: Stainless Steel
  • Sleeve Length: 9″
  • Sleeve Finish: Electroless Nickel
  • Rotation System: Bushing
  • Rackable: No
  • Warranty: Lifetime
Best Premium Curl Bar
Gungnir Curler

The Gungnir Curler is a premium curl bar with patented built-in collars, a stainless steel finish, and an excellent bend profile.

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Summary

The Gungnir Curler is the curl bar version of the amazing Allrounder Bar. Made in Norway, Gungnir Bars are known for their amazing craftsmanship and out-of-this-world machining. This bar is no exception.

The most unique thing about this bar is the patented Slide-Lock collar system. First made on the Allrounder, this mechanism eliminates the need for external collars. By simply engaging a titanium clip and sliding it along machined rails, you can secure your plates in seconds. The clips snap into one of many grooves and stay in place with heavy-duty magnets. The operation is a joy and a definite ASMR winner.

Sticking with the sleeves, these are electroless nickel and measure just over 9″. However, with the way the Slide-Lock works, you only get a little over 7″ of loadable length. If you need the full length, you can disengage the Slide-Lock and use external collars instead. The nickel looks beautiful, and the sleeves spin smoothly via bronze bushings.

Gungnir Curler Sleeve

The shaft has a diameter of 28mm and offers a very comfortable and effective bend profile. It’s very similar to the REP Curl Bar, even down to the sectioned knurling. Like on that bar, I wish the knurling extended all the way through, but the pattern itself is excellent. It has a medium texture, similar to their barbells and dumbbells, and it provides a great grip.

The shaft is made of stainless steel, which provides a raw feel and the best oxidation resistance. Combined with the machined sleeves, there’s no doubt in my mind that this is the best-looking curl bar you can buy. It’s also one of the best performing.

As with other Gungnir products, the Curler is on the expensive side. For that, you get a premium bar with unique, high-end features.

Pros

  • Incredible craftsmanship
  • Patented integrated collar system
  • Excellent bend profile
  • Stainless steel shaft
  • Very refined knurling
  • Lifetime warranty

Cons

  • Expensive for average home gym owner
  • No rackable version

Synergee Super Curl Bar – Best EZ Bar for Triceps

Synergee Super Curl Bar
  • Price: $86.95 (Free Shipping)
  • Weight: 20 lbs
  • Length: 47.2″
  • Shaft Diameter: 28mm
  • Shaft Finish: Chrome, Black Phosphate, or Cerakote
  • Sleeve Length: 6.5″
  • Sleeve Finish: Chrome or Black Phosphate
  • Rotation System: Bushing
  • Rackable: No
  • Warranty: 3 Years
Best Super Curl Bar
Synergee Super Curl Bar

The Synergee Super Curl Bar is aggressively shaped for triceps extensions and more biceps isolation.

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Summary

The Synergee Super Curl Bar is a niche bar with a uniquely steep profile to target the outer biceps and make it easier to perform triceps skull crushers. This is a very specialized bar and can be a good complement to a traditional curl bar.

The biggest difference with this bar is, of course, the bends. With a more aggressive shape, it targets the biceps differently. With a more supinated hand position, this bar may remind you of a hammer curl, especially when using the middle section. Some lifters with wrist pain also prefer this shape because it places the wrists in a more stacked position.

Synergee Sper Curl Bar Knurling

Another big benefit of this shape is that the center bend fits around your head when performing skull crushers. Not only does this limit the risk of hitting your head, but it allows for extra range of motion during the lift. If you’re buying a curl bar to perform a lot of triceps work, this is a great version.

My biggest criticism, which goes for other Super bars too, is the missing knurling in the middle section. Close-grip curls are great on this bar, but having knurling through that area would make it even better.

The Super Curl Bar from Synergee is otherwise built similar to their regular bar listed above. It has the same sleeves, finishes, knurl pattern, and shaft diameter.

Pros

  • Aggressive bends for specific movements
  • High arch in middle for skull crushers
  • Available in multiple finishes
  • Compact design is great for tight spaces
  • Great price with free shipping

Cons

  • 6.5″ sleeve length
  • No rackable version
  • No knurling on the center section

Holleyweb Curl Bar – Best Ultra-Budget EZ Bar

Holleyweb Curl Bar Knurling
  • Price: $59.99 (Free Shipping)
  • Weight: 20 lbs
  • Length: 47″
  • Shaft Diameter: 28mm
  • Shaft Finish: Black Chrome
  • Sleeve Length: 7″
  • Sleeve Finish: Chrome
  • Rotation System: Bearing
  • Rackable: No
  • Warranty: N/A
Best Ultra-Budget Curl Bar
Holleyweb Curl Bar

The Holleyweb Curl Bar is a basic, budget-friendly bar with needle bearings and a black chrome finish.

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Summary

The Holleyweb Curl Bar is a no-frills option for ultra-budget shoppers. While it can’t compete with most of the bars on this list, it exceeded my expectations during testing considering the crazy-low price.

Like other budget curl bars, this one has slightly shallower bends, but still not as shallow as some. It feels similar to the Synergee Bar, but with a more passive knurling pattern. It’s reasonably grippy but doesn’t provide as much tactile feedback as the Synergee. It offers similar knurling coverage, even toward the center, where I would like to see more.

This bar only comes with one shaft finish: black chrome. It feels decent, but there are a few inconsistencies in the finish. More finish options would be nice, but again, this is a no-frills option.

Holleyweb Curl Bar

The sleeves on this bar are unique in that they use bearings instead of bushings. This is uncommon, especially at this price. Now, the bearings on this bar are not to be confused with the high-quality bearings you’d find on an Olympic Weightlifting Bar. You also shouldn’t expect these to spin better than curl bars with bushings. That said, the sleeves spin smoothly.

With a 7″ sleeve length, they’re slightly longer than the Synergee, which I think is beneficial. Otherwise, I think the Synergee is the better bar overall if you don’t mind paying a little more.

If you’re looking for a less expensive option, though, and you want something decent, the Holleyweb Curl Bar is a good choice.

Pros

  • Accessible for small budgets
  • Compact design
  • Better angles than some budget EZ bars
  • Bearing rotation system

Cons

  • Only available in one finish
  • Short sleeve length
  • No rackable version

Titan EZ Curl Fixed Barbell – Best Fixed EZ Bar

Titan EZ Curl Fixed Barbell
  • Price: $84.99+ (Free Shipping)
  • Weight: 20-110 lbs in 10 lb increments
  • Length: 38.25″+
  • Shaft Diameter: 32mm
  • Shaft Finish: Chrome
  • Sleeve Length: None
  • Sleeve Finish: None
  • Rotation System: None
  • Rackable: No
  • Warranty: 1 Year
Best Fixed Curl Bar
Titan Fixed EZ Curl Bars

The Titan Fixed EZ Curl Bars require no plate loading and include rubber-coated fixed steel heads in 10lb increments.

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Summary

While most EZ bars are loaded with individual weight plates, some people prefer fixed bars for convenience. The Titan EZ Curl Fixed Bars are great for the money and left a very favorable impression during testing.

The two things that stood out to me immediately with this bar were the diameter and the knurling. With a 32mm shaft, this bar is THICK. The difference between a 32mm shaft and a 28mm shaft is noticeable. It’s somewhat imposing, but as someone with smaller hands, I never felt it was overpowering. On the contrary, I experienced a bigger pump and truly enjoyed lifting with it.

Titan EZ Curl Fixed Bar Knurling

The knurling shocked me. I’ve owned and tested several Titan products, including barbells. In my opinion, the knurling on their EZ bars is better than any other Titan bar I’ve used. This pattern has a pronounced profile with flat tops. It definitely leans aggressive, but it’s not sharp at all. Unfortunately, it too needs to be extended toward the center. When performing close-grip curls, half of my hand is on smooth steel.

Like other fixed EZ bars, these have rubber-coated steel heads on the ends in fixed increments. You can buy them individually or as sets from 20 lbs to 110 lbs in 10 lb jumps. They’re easily identified with contrasting weight call-outs.

The downside to these bars, and others like them, is they take up more space and are more expensive. If you buy a set, you’ll need a storage rack and a bigger budget.

Pros

  • Fixed EZ bars are more convenient
  • Very good, semi-aggressive knurling
  • Durable rubber-coated steel heads
  • Available up to 110 lbs

Cons

  • Bigger investment than loadable bars
  • 32mm shaft may be too thick for some
  • May require additional storage
  • Knurling could be extended inward

Body-Solid Standard Curl Bar – Best EZ Bar for Standard Plates

Body Solid Standard Curl Bar
  • Price: $43.88 (Free Shipping)
  • Weight: 11 lbs
  • Length: 47″
  • Shaft Diameter: 25mm
  • Shaft Finish: Chrome
  • Sleeve Length: 7.75″
  • Sleeve Finish: Chrome
  • Rotation System: None
  • Rackable: No
  • Warranty: 30 Days
Best Curl Bar for Standard Plates
Body-Solid Standard Curl Bar

The Body-Solid Standard Curl Bar is a solid pick for anyone using standard, 1" weight plates.

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Summary

The Body-Solid Standard Curl Bar is a strong pick if you own and use standard 1″ plates. Unlike the Olympic bars on this list that use 2″ plates, standard curl bars don’t have the same quality. Body-Solid, however, is a reputable manufacturer that’s been around for decades.

What I like about this bar is that it’s built with solid steel. Some standard curl bars offer hollow frames, which are lighter and not as strong. Although this bar only weighs 11 lbs, it has a 200 lb capacity. Many other standard bars will carry a 150 lb or less capacity.

Body Solid Stadand Curl Bar Knurling

This bar also has a steeper bend profile than others. The profile feels similar to Olympic curl bars, which was a pleasant surprise during testing. What doesn’t feel similar, however, is the 25mm diameter. This is common on standard bars, but it feels dainty compared to thicker shafts. The knurling is passive, which is expected, and it could be extended toward the center.

I also appreciate the sleeves on this bar. Many other standard options have threaded sleeves with spin locks that loosen after almost every set. This Body-Solid Curl Bar has smooth sleeves that accept standard/spring collars. However, these sleeves don’t rotate, which is common among standard bars.

Although I recommend Olympic curl bars much more strongly, this is a good option for standard plate owners.

Pros

  • Accommodates standard 1″ plates
  • Steeper bends than other standard bars
  • Very compact and lightweight
  • Smooth sleeves are better than spin lock
  • Excellent price with free shipping

Cons

  • 25mm shaft may be too thin for some
  • No rackable version
  • Smaller weight capacity than Olympic EZ bars
  • Poor packaging

Ivanko Revolving Curl Bar – Best EZ Bar Cable Attachment

Ivanko Revolving Curl Bar RCB 28
  • Price: $54 (Free Shipping)
  • Weight: 6.75 lbs
  • Length: 28″
  • Shaft Diameter: 25mm
  • Shaft Finish: Chrome
  • Rotation System: Swivel Head
  • Warranty: N/A
Best Curl Bar Attachment
Ivanko Revolving Curl Bar Attachment

The Ivanko RCB-28 is a great curl bar attachment for cable machines. It includes a swiveling head, comfortable bends, and a hard chrome finish.

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Summary

The Ivanko Revolving Curl Bar is the best curl attachment I’ve tried, and that includes dozens of attachments at the Lab. Ivanko is a premier name in the strength equipment industry, and this attachment lives up to the standard.

Think of attachments as mini curl bars with swivel heads. This Ivanko attachment offers really nice, comfortable angles in a compact and lightweight footprint. Measuring 28″ long and weighing less than 7 lbs, it’s easy to store in a home gym or gym bag.

The knurling on this attachment has a true medium texture that feels similar to barbell knurling. Like a few bars on this list, it has sectioned knurling. The coverage is good overall, but I’d still like to see full-length knurling to maximize positioning. To be fair, this is common among curl attachments.

Curling with the Ivanko Revolving Curl Bar

The attachment is finished in chrome, which is also common for cable attachments. It feels good overall, but it’s not as grippy or durable as the hard chrome you’d find on a barbell. Ivanko added rubber caps on the ends for “safety,” but I think they’re better served as an additional hand placement. By placing the caps in your palm, you get a wider option that feels surprisingly good, especially when lifting with an open hand.

In addition to curls, this attachment is great for triceps extensions, upright rows, and more.

Pricewise, the Ivanko Revolving Curl Bar is marginally more expensive than some of the main competitors like American Barbell and REP. Those are also high-quality attachments, but for the extra few dollars, I like the extra length and more aggressive knurling on the Ivanko.

Pros

  • Awesome angles for curls & more
  • Compact design for easy storage & portability
  • Less expensive than full EZ bars
  • Fluid swivel head
  • Fantastic knurling
  • Ivanko reputation

Cons

  • Finish isn’t as nice as full bars
  • No available warranty information

Types of EZ Curl Bars

Different types of ez curl bars next to each other on a gym floor

A curl bar is one of the most unique types of barbells. With different shapes, sizes, weights, and features, each curl bar has its own nuances. Here are the main types:

Olympic Curl Bars

Olympic curl bars are the most common option. These bars accept Olympic-sized weight plates and are available in rackable and non-rackable versions. They include moderate bend profiles with two hand placements: narrow and wide. Olympic curl bars vary in price from under $100 to upwards of $400+. They’re also available in multiple finishes, including chrome, zinc, stainless steel, and more.

Standard Curl Bars

Standard curl bars are made to accommodate 1″ standard weight plates. The sleeves are commonly grooved with a spin-lock mechanism to secure the plates, although spring clamp versions are also available. These bars weigh less than their Olympic counterparts and have a lower weight capacity. They’re also considerably less expensive overall. I recommend Olympic curl bars over standard unless you already own 1″ plates.

Super Curl Bars

Super curl bars are a unique variation of Olympic bars with much steeper bends. The more aggressive geometry can isolate the outer head of the biceps more effectively and may be more comfortable on the wrists for some users. They’re also better at performing triceps movements like skull crushers.

Fixed Curl Bars

Fixed curl bars are commonly found in commercial gyms, but some home gym owners prefer them over loadable bars. These bars come with fixed rubber-coated heads, usually in 10lb increments. Fixed bars are great if you perform a lot of super sets or train with limited time. The downside is that it’s more expensive to complete a full set, and you need a way to store them.

Curl Bar Attachments

Curl bar attachments are a great solution if you train with a cable machine. These attachments include a pivoting eye bolt to create an easy-to-use and comfortable curl bar. I don’t recommend attachments with rubber coating because they eventually degrade. Stick to knurled handles for a premium feel and longer life. These attachments can often be found for around $50 or less, making them very affordable.


Benefits of EZ Curl Bars

Curl Bar Benefits

They’re Ergonomically Designed

Curl bars are designed with ergonomic bends in the shaft to create a more comfortable lifting experience. The supinated hand position reduces stress on the wrist compared to a traditional straight bar. The shorter shaft also limits external rotation, which can benefit lifters with shoulder issues.

They Isolate the Biceps at Multiple Angles

In addition to comfort, the bends on a curl bar allow lifters to train the biceps at multiple angles. Not only that, EZ curl bars have been shown to produce a greater stimulus compared to dumbbells and straight barbells. A 2013 peer-reviewed study found curl bars to have increased biceps activation, especially compared to dumbbells.

They Don’t Just Work for Biceps

While the name “Curl Bar” may sound like it’s just for biceps training, you can use one in multiple ways. The more neutral grips, especially in the Super variety, are great for triceps extensions/skull crushers. Upright rows and military presses are examples of other popular curl bar exercises.


How to Pick a Curl Bar

Measuring the shaft diameter of an EZ Curl Bar with digital calipers

Here are a few of the most important factors to consider when buying a curl bar:

Bar Shape

One of the biggest benefits of a curl bar is its shape, which can vary based on the company and design. Some bars have a flatter bend profile, while others are more pronounced. Super curl bars are especially steep. Although it depends on subjective measures, I recommend a moderate bend profile for most lifters. Budget bars tend to have shallower bends.

Knurling

Knurling isn’t as important on a curl bar as on a traditional barbell, but it still serves an important role. Most high-quality bars have medium knurling, while budget bars lean more passive. Since grip isn’t a limiting factor with this type of bar, it will come down to personal preference. Something else to consider is the length of the knurling. Does it span through the entire bend, or does it come in sections.

Shaft Diameter

Most Olympic curl bars have diameters between 28mm-30mm. If you have smaller hands, you may prefer a thinner diameter, but anything within that range will accommodate most users comfortably. Standard curl bars will have thinner shafts, typically around 25mm.

Shaft Finish

Shaft finish is important because it impacts the feeling of the knurling and oxidation resistance. Many budget curl bars will have a decorative chrome finish, although some (e.g., Synergee) offer better options. Stainless steel is the most premium finish since it creates unrivaled texture with great resistance to rusting. Additionally, I recommend hard chrome, Cerakote, zinc, and e-coat as high-quality barbell finishes.

Weight

Diameter, length, and design are a few factors that influence the weight of an EZ curl bar. On average, curl bars weigh between 10-35lbs.

Weight Capacity

Weight capacity is determined by two things: construction quality and sleeve length. Thinner, lighter bars have a lower max weight rating. For example, standard curl bars have a lower weight capacity than Olympic bars. Not every company will claim a max weight rating, but higher quality bars will hold several hundred pounds without concern. All else equal, some bars will have shorter sleeves than others, limiting the amount you can load. I recommend 6.25″ or longer.

Rackability

Curl bars come in rackable and non-rackable variations. A rackable curl bar means you can place it on your squat rack just like a traditional Olympic barbell. This makes it much easier to load and more convenient to use on certain lifts, like skull crushers. The downside is that it’s not as compact. If space is a concern, a non-rackable bar may be more suitable. A rackable bar is also more expensive.

Sleeve Rotation

Olympic curl bars spin like traditional Olympic barbells, using bushings or bearings. While very few use bearings, bushings are great for producing slow and steady spin. You don’t need fast-spinning sleeves on a curl bar as you do on a weightlifting bar. Still, spin helps create fluidity and comfort throughout the range of motion. Standard bars typically have fixed sleeves, which is another reason I recommend the Olympic style for most lifters.

Warranty

High-quality curl bars offer warranties of 3 years or more. Budget bars offer shorter warranties, typically in the 1-year range.

Price

Like any product, price is important to consider. Curl bars can range from less than $50 to over $400. Most people need to spend several hundred dollars on a curl bar. You can find good bars for $75 and great bars for between $150-$250.


Notable Mentions

  • Vulcan Curl Bar: The Vulcan Curl Bar nearly made this list. It’s an excellent barbell with solid features. It weighs 25 lbs and has a 28.5mm shaft diameter with a whopping 11.75″ sleeve length. It comes with a 5-year warranty and is priced well at ~$160 with free shipping.
  • Fringe Sport Curl Bar: The Fringe Sport Curl Bar is a contender, but it didn’t make the list because of its $200+ price (free shipping). With a 28mm shaft, 9.8″ sleeve length, and 30 lb weight, I felt it was too similar to others at a steeper cost.
  • Titan EZ Curl Bar: The Titan EZ Bar is a budget-friendly bar priced very similar to the Synergee Curl Bar. It didn’t make the list because it has a smaller 14 lb weight, lower weight capacity, and an inferior decorative chrome finish.
  • Rage Fitness Curl Bar: The Rage Curl Bar is an ultra-budget contender, but it didn’t make the list because it has a 25mm shaft diameter, despite being an Olympic curl bar. It also includes inferior nylon bushings and costs more than the Holleyweb bar.
  • XMark EZ Curl Bar: This bar is also built similarly to the Synergee Curl Bar. It weighs slightly more at 22 lbs and includes the same 28mm diameter. However, it only comes with a manganese phosphate finish, which is inferior to hard chrome and Cerakote.

FAQs

  • What is a Curl Bar?

    A curl bar is a specialty barbell with unique bends to comfortably train the biceps at multiple angles. Compared to dumbbells, a curl bar has been shown to generate more activation in the biceps muscles. It’s also an effective bar for triceps extensions, upright rows, and military presses.

  • Should I Buy a Curl Bar for My Home Gym?

    If you’re looking to train your arms specifically, adding a curl bar to your home gym is a great idea. Curl bars are affordable, versatile, and very effective at increasing the strength and size of your arms.

  • Who Makes the Best Curl Bar?

    While there are several high-quality curl bars on the market, I think REP makes the best one for the money. Rogue and Synergee also make several excellent curl bars.

Adam Hensley
Adam Hensley
Adam is the founder of Garage Gym Lab and has over two decades of fitness/training experience. He serves as the chief content creator and runs our YouTube channel and social media accounts. When he's not testing equipment or sharing his love for home gym life, you'll find him with his wife and two kids in sunny South Carolina.
Adam Hensley
Adam Hensley
Adam is the founder of Garage Gym Lab and has over two decades of fitness/training experience. He serves as the chief content creator and runs our YouTube channel and social media accounts. When he's not testing equipment or sharing his love for home gym life, you'll find him with his wife and two kids in sunny South Carolina.

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