Before, fitness enthusiast and lifters performed their strength training using a straight bar. Unfortunately, the strain goes to their wrist instead of their biceps and shoulders as intended. Good thing, the EZ curl bar, with its angled design, came about allowing you to lift in a natural grip, be it turned out or supinated. But don’t get us wrong, straight bars are good, especially in activating your biceps since you’re curling in full-supination. But that’s for another article.
The best EZ curl bar carries a decent weight capacity, can accommodate Olympic or standard weight plates, has a nice length for versatility, and curl angles that are well-knurled for an optimum grip. Such is the Cap Barbell Olympic Super EZ Curl Bar which made it our overall favorite.
Let’s get to the review.
Best EZ Curl Bar at a Glance
Made from solid steel with chrome finish, this EZ curl bar can accommodate Olympic plates (2-inch center hole) and has a medium depth diamond knurling for a non-slip grip. You can use it to target your biceps, back, triceps, and chest muscles.
Designed with knurling potions for safety and constructed from alloy steel, this EZ curl bar has a load capacity of 250 lbs. It's perfect for barbell resistance training like bench press, barbell row, squats, shoulder press, curls, and deadlifts.
This EZ curl bar has a solid steel construction designed for weightlifting and bodybuilding. It has a chrome-plated surface, making it corrosion-resistant, and one 48-inch bar with two steel spin collars. With this weight bar, you can efficiently engage your upper body with maximum comfort.
Cap Barbell Olympic Super EZ Curl Bar – Best Overall
What we like
- Extreme angled grips
- 2-inch bar ends
- Chrome-plated steel
- Includes screw-down ring collars
What we don’t like
- Rotating plate sleeves are too loose for some
- Rotation needs frequent lubrication to work properly
- Some find the extreme angles uncomfortable
If you’re looking for a bar that specifically targets your arms, the Cap Barbell Olympic Super EZ Curl Bar is the one for you. It has a deeply angled shaft that allows a wide range of grip options for when you’re performing skull crushers, curls, and tricep extensions. Also, it comes with medium knurling to help you keep a steady grip during sweaty workout sessions.
This EZ curl bar from Cap has a wide array of grip options, enabling you to diversify your routine. One of the most notable is the hammer grip, as it lets you execute hammer curls with heavier weights and allows you to perform skull crushers and overhead extensions more comfortably.
Other than that, this Olympic EZ curl bar has rotating sleeves that lessen the pressure on your wrist, permitting the Olympic plates to move freely, and preventing you from having injuries on your wrists or elbows. Plus, it also comes with diamond knurl on the grips to enable you to get a better hold when doing curls,
This curl bar has a maximum weight capacity of 200 lbs, is made out of 51,000 tensile strength solid steel, and has a chrome finish preventing rust and corrosion.
Everyday Essentials 48-Inch Threaded Standard – Best Budget
What we like
- Affordable
- Durable and can hold up to 350 lbs. of weights
- Great collar spin
- Moderate knurling
What we don’t like
- Chrome finish collars scratch easily
- May not be as heavy-duty as other curl bars
If you find it hard to invest in an expensive curl bar but don’t want to trade off quality, the Everyday Essential 48-inch Threaded Standard is your best choice. This 48-inch curl bar is short enough to use in narrow spaces and can carry a maximum weight capacity of 350 lbs. It also has a 2-inch end diameter, meaning you can use it with Olympic weight plates.
You don’t need any specialized plates for this bar, and its knurling is a good mix between aggressive and grippy. It will provide you with a solid grip without shredding your hands. The two grip positions of this curl bar are perfect for tricep and bicep training, and its 48-inch length lets you have a comfortable hold during deadlifts.
While this EZ bar is pretty affordable, it does not lag behind those with a higher price point. It’s a versatile piece of equipment that can help you achieve your upper body goals.
Marcy 2-Piece Threaded Curl Bar SCB-248 – Best Versatility
What we like
- High-quality construction with smooth chrome finish
- Heavy-duty and sturdy for its price
- Knurling is not too aggressive – appropriate
- Includes two collars
- 2-year warranty
What we don’t like
- Grip diameter is quite thin – need specialized plates
- Six inches loading sleeves
- Collars could get a bit loose for the bar – need to retighten often
Marcy is a familiar brand in the fitness arena, and this 2-Piece Threaded Curl Bar SCB-248 is one of the best in their arsenal. Although it’s relatively cheap, it sports heavy-duty solid steel and chrome plating, making the EZ bar corrosion-resistant. With its mild cambers, this curl bar lets you use a more natural wrist angle while performing extensions and curls.
Another excellent feature of this EZ curl bar is it comes with spinning locks that keep the weights intact while you exercise. This gives you more confidence that you’ll be able to complete your workout safely and more comfortably.
This threaded bar works with 1-inch plates and has a maximum weight capacity of 200 lbs, plenty enough for many arm exercises. Aside from that, its mild-angled grip is suitable for squats and presses if you need to use your bar for other than arm movement. However, some lifters may find the 200lbs limit too light for those lower-body exercises.
Nonetheless, this EZ curl bar is an excellent and versatile tool that will not empty your wallet!
Bodylastics Patented Collapsible Resistance Band Curl Bar – Best Compact
What we like
- Collapsible and portable
- Can load 750 lbs. of tension
- Comes with three connection points with excellent grip
- Constructed from heavy-duty steel
What we don’t like
- Too heavy for traveling
- Quite large to mount on the doorframe, according to some customers
- Few customers experienced quality issues
What’s great about the Bodylastic Patented Collapsible Resistance Band Curl Bench is it has three connection points, allowing you to attach a resistance band. While it’s solid and durable, this EZ curl bar has a comfortable grip and is easy to use! It has a maximum weight capacity of 750 lbs, proving that you can count on it for your muscle toning sessions!
Another key feature that will make you like this EZ curl bar is it’s collapsible. However, you may notice that while it’s said to be fit for traveling, it may be too big and heavy to put in the luggage. Nonetheless, it’s still pretty compact and easy to store, so if you find it too much to bring elsewhere, just use it in your home gym. Anyways, it’s still an excellent curl bar.
With this EZ curl bar, you’ll be able to perform reverse curl, bicep curl, lat pull, shoulder press, tricep extensions, front raise, squats, lunges, high row, upright row, chest press, abs twist, reverse grip back row, and a whole lot more! Just note that, although there are connection points for a resistance band, it’s not included in your purchase.
Sportt Weight Lifting Olympic EZ Curl Bar – Best for Heavy Loading
What we like
- High weight capacity of up to 800 lbs.
- Chrome-plated finish
- Made from high-quality alloy steel
- Durable and has an ergonomic grip
What we don’t like
- Quite expensive
- May not be suitable for travel – weights 9.5 kg
The Sportt Weight Lifting Olympic EZ Curl Bar has a high tensile strength than most curl bars on this list. It can load a maximum weight capacity of 800lbs, so if you want to go heavy on your curling and deadlifts, this EZ bar can support you! Aside from that, it comes from a reliable, sturdy, and durable alloy steel, ensuring that it will not break while you exercise.
This Olympic curl bar has a chrome-plated finish, freeing it from corrosion. Also, it can accommodate 2-inch Olympic weight plates, so you don’t need to look for a standard weight plate. You can use this 47 inches Olympic EZ curl bar to perform various curling exercises to build and strengthen your body.
Elevens 47″ Olympic Barbell Curl Bar – Best for Aggressive Knurling
What we like
- Constructed from black manganese – sleek and corrosion-free
- Sturdy chrome ends
- Aggressive knurling – provides excellent grip
- 300 lbs. capacity
What we don’t like
- Not suitable for heavier liftings
- Aggressive knurling may not be for everyone
- Inner grips are too close, as some customers said
If you’re looking for a super curl bar with an excellent grip, then Elenvens 47″ Olympic Barbell Curl Bar is the one for you. It has a stainless steel bar with deep diamond-patterned knurling on the grips. You may feel the aggressive texture if you have sensitive hands. However, as you get more calluses, you’ll grow to like the stick that this bar gives.
Thanks to the black manganese phosphate finish of this Olympic curl bar, you get a better grip in the smoother sections, and it protects it from corrosions. Also, it has a maximum weight capacity of 300 lbs, which may not be enough for benching or deadlift but sufficient for arm movements.
Since the angles are pretty aggressive, this curl bar may not be ideal for back squats. However, the ends are flat enough to accommodate different exercises.
Fitness First 10-Sided Fixed Urethane Curl Bar – Best Fixed Weights
What we like
- Knurled shaft for optimum grip
- High-quality finish and durability for commercial use
- 10-pound weight increments are decent
- 10-sided weights with urethane coating for less noise and extra durability
- Affordable
What we don’t like
- Not ideal for small workout spaces
Although there are advantages with using curl bars that allow for weight plate adjustments, so are with fixed weight curl bars. For quick weight change from one bar to another, the Fitness First offering comes with 10 weight increments to select from.
From 25 lbs. to as much as 115 lbs., the hard, chrome-finished, 30 mm. Steel, 42” shaft is equipped at both ends with solid iron weights that are finished with durable urethane coating for extra protection and reduced noise when being used.
Truly a commercial grade piece that you can rely on for your presses and lifts.
Shumdha Adjustable Weight Dumbbell Barbell Set – Best for Variety
What we like
- Compact and portable
- Includes various accessories
- Suitable for a wide range of workouts
- Adjustable
- Affordable
What we don’t like
- Not suitable for professional lifters – weight is too light
- Quality issues, according to some customers
- Some customers have concerns with the durability
If you’re looking for a piece of workout equipment with more variety, then the Shumdha Adjustable Weight Dumbell Barbell Set is the one for you. In total, it weighs 44lbs, and it comes with a connecting rod to transform the dumbbell into a barbell. This pack can help you engage your arms, shoulders, back, and chest.
In this set, you’ll get gloves, wrist guards, an instruction manual, two barbell bars, one connecting straight bar, one connecting curve bar, and different dumbbell plates in various weights. When Shumdha says it’s a four-in-one fitness kit, they’re not joking because you literally get four types of tools with adjustable weights in one bundle!
GR8FLEX EZ Curl Bar – Best for Bodyweight Training
What we like
- Convenient attachment for Total Trainer or Bowflex users
- Has good tension and is easy to pull
- Affordable
- Sturdy
What we don’t like
- Suitable only for Total Trainers and Bowflex machines
- Some issues with the bolts, according to some customers
- Wider than the pulley, according to a customer
If you already have a Total Trainer or a Bowflex in your home gym, the GR8FLEX EZ Curl Bar is the perfect accessory to help you with your curling. It’s the ideal alternative if you prefer bodyweight training rather than lifting heavy weight plates. With this, you can enhance your upper arm mass, definition, and strength.
This curl bar may be a bit different from the other EZ curl bars on this list. However, professional trainers did acknowledge its effectiveness, so it’s worth the shot. Anyways, you can still perform various curl bar exercises with this attachment!
Rage Fitness 47″ Olympic Curl Bar – Best Value
What we like
- Affordable
- High-quality
- Made from steel with a chrome finish
- Sleeves rotate – less torque and lower risks of injuries
What we don’t like
- Brushing may develop squeak after some time
- Shorter than other EZ curl bars
- Issues upon arrival – may need to request a replacement for faulty bars
Although the Range Fitness 47″ Olympic Curl Bar is more affordable than some of the EZ curl bars on this list, its quality does not drop with its price point. It comes with a curved shaft and knurling, allowing you to reduce the stress on your wrist while giving you a better grip. The steel curl bar comes with a chrome finish and nylon brushings.
The only issue that you’ll notice is it’s shorter. Now you know where the savings come from! Nonetheless, for its low price, this bar will help you perform some of the best curl bar exercises like rows, raises, and presses!
Final Verdict
Curl bars will allow you to perform curling exercises with more comfort and less strain compared to when you’re using straight bars. That is why it’s essential that you’re using the right tools to ensure that you achieve your fitness goals in a safe manner. Among the ten bars on our list, the one that stood out was the Cap Barbell Olympic Super EZ Curl Bar.
It’s not unreasonably expensive, has high tensile strength, provides a firm grip, and can bear a heavy load. Also, since it’s an Olympic bar, it’s compatible with an Olympic weight plate!
For beginners or light lifters, the Everyday Essentials 48-Inch Threaded Standard makes a decent curl bar with well-knurled handles, alloy steel construction and a moderate 250 lb. weight capacity at a fraction of the cost.
Buying Guide: What To Look For In An EZ Curl Bar
Knowing the best curl bars is just the first step before buying your own. Now, you need to find the one that will suit your requirements. Although we have our top recommendation, it does not mean that it will automatically be the best for you. So, what factors do you need to consider before buying?
Material and Durability
Like a straight bar, you use a curl bar to lift heavyweights. That is why it’s critical that your bar is sturdy enough to take the load. Also, consider the materials used to make your bar. If it’s made from a substandard metal, it might snap in the middle of your lifting!
Weight Capacity
Another aspect that you should consider is weight capacity. It’s not worth it if it cannot handle enough weight to give you an excellent exercise. Look for a bar that’s at least 50% more than your actual strength.
Olympic vs Standard
If you have already started putting together your home gym, you need to find an appropriate bar for your weight plates. If you have a 2-inch hole, get an Olympic curl bar. Alternatively, choose a standard curl bar if your weight plates have a 1-inch hole.
Knurling
The knurling is the rough diamond-shaped pattern on the grip portion of your bar. It comes in light, moderate, and strong knurling. If you want to avoid developing calluses, stick with a light or medium knurling. If you don’t mind, as long as you have a good grip, strong knurling is your best choice.
Whip
Using a bar with a good whip will assure you that it won’t snap as you lift heavy loads. If you’re planning to carry a hefty weight, an excellent whip is necessary.
Spin
The smoother the spin, the better because it means less torque. With this, you’ll have a better grip and lessen the strain on your elbows and wrists.
Sleeve Length
Most home gyms would have bumper plates that are thicker compared to cast iron. Because of this, you need to consider the sleeve length to ensure that the weight you need will fit. A shorter sleeve length means a lower weight capacity.
