Building huge biceps is a common goal for pretty much everyone that picks up a weight.
The EZ curl bar is specifically designed for curls. The bar has an angled section that takes pressure off your wrists.
It also takes advantage of biceps function. While the biceps pulls the forearm upwards, it also turns the forearm.
The EZ bar puts your hands in a partially turned position. This puts a different emphasis on the biceps.
Let’s take a look at the best EZ curl bars available. Don’t train your arms until you read this guide!
In a Hurry? Here is our top pick:
Best EZ Curl Bar
- XMark Chisel Olympic EZ Curl Bar – Best Overall
- Body-Solid OB47B EZ Curl Bar – Best For Bodybuilding
- CAP Barbell Olympic EZ Curl Bar – Best Value Olympic EZ Curl Bar
- CAP Barbell Standard EZ Curl Bar – Best For Standard Plates
- Rogue Rackable EZ Curl Bar – Best Rackable
- Marcy TCB-48R EZ Curl Bar – Best For Beginners
- Marcy Combo EZ Curl Bar – Best Standard EZ Bar For Biceps & Triceps
- Synergee Combo EZ Curl Olympic Bar – Best Olympic EZ Bar For Biceps & Triceps
- Goplus Olympic EZ Curl Bar – Best For Heavy Lifts
- Rep Fitness EZ Curl Bar – Best Knurling
Reviews – The Best EZ Curl Bars
XMark Chisel Olympic EZ Curl Bar – Best Overall
Here’s our pick for best overall. The XMark Chisel Olympic EZ Curl Bar is the top of the line. This bar has rotating plate sleeves with needle bearings for smooth, quiet rotation. Plate rotation means the plates rotate with the movement of the bar. This eases hand and wrist pressure.
There’s also a snap ring lock system.
The lock system ensures the plates stay in place. The bar is solid steel with a black manganese phosphate coating for corrosion protection. Finally, the XMark Chisel EZ Curl Bar has a weight capacity of 400 lbs and weighs 24lbs. 5 Stars.
PROS
- Solid Steel Bar With Black Manganese Phosphate Coating For Good Rust Protection
- The Plate Sleeves Have 4 Needle Bearings For Smooth Quiet Rotation
- Holds Up To 400lbs
CONS
- Only Available For 2” Olympic Plates
Body-Solid OB47B EZ Curl Bar – Best For Bodybuilding
Here’s our pick for the best value in an Olympic EZ Curl Bar. The CAP Barbell Olympic EZ Curl Bar is solid steel for durability. This “47” bar has 7.5” plate sleeve length with 31” inside sleeve length. The collars rotate to ease wrist and hand pressure.
There’s also 13” of diamond knurling along the angled sections. It uses a T-screw. This device used to be popular but is not as common now. It simply screws a nut into the bar. This holds the collars in place. Finally, this EZ Bar has a capacity of 200lbs.
PROS
- Holds Up To 300lbs Olympic Plates
- Knurled Angled Sections For A Good Grip
- 47” Bar – Long Enough For Most Users
CONS
- Black Finish Is Not Corrosive & Rust Resistant
CAP Barbell Olympic EZ Curl Bar – Best Value Olympic EZ Curl Bar
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Here’s our pick for the best value in an Olympic EZ Curl Bar. The CAP Barbell Olympic EZ Curl Bar is solid steel for durability. This 47” bar has 7.5” plate sleeve length with 31” inside sleeve length. The collars rotate to ease wrist and hand pressure.
There’s also 13” of diamond knurling along the angled sections. Finally, this EZ Bar has a capacity of 200lbs. It uses a T-screw. This device used to be popular but is not as common now. It simply screws a nut into the bar. This holds the collars in place.
PROS
- Made Of Solid Steel
- Holds Up To 200lbs Olympic Plates
- Features 13” Of Knurling
CONS
- Some Users Feel The Rotating Plate Sleeves Are Too Loose
CAP Barbell Standard EZ Curl Bar – Best For Standard Plates
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Here’s the best EZ Curl Bar for users that have standard plates. The CAP Barbell Standard EZ Curl Bar is 47” long. It has threaded ends and uses spin-lock collars.
It’s made of solid steel with a chrome finish. This bar has a 200lb weight capacity. The angled sections of the bar are knurled for the proper grip. Finally, the bar weighs 11lbs.
PROS
- Designed For Standard Plates
- Made of Solid Steel
- Holds Up To 200lbs
CONS
- Star-Lock Collars Tend To Frequently Loosen Up
Rogue Rackable EZ Curl Bar – Best Rackable
Rogue Rackable EZ Curl Bar
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Most EZ Curl Bars are relatively short – usually 47”, or 4’, long. Do you use a power rack? The average EZ bar won’t fit on the J-hooks. The Rogue Rackable EZ Curl Bar is 74.75, or 6’3” long. The length and quality make this the best rackable EZ curl bar.
This means you can use it for various bench presses, such as regular or close-grip. You can also set it at the proper height for extensions. It can be set at the height you need for lifting off. You can also load or unload plates easily. The Rogue has a loadable sleeve length of 10.5”. It’s made of solid steel with a zinc finish. Finally, the bar weighs 35lbs.
PROS
- Rackable EZ Curl Bar Fits In Any Standard Power Rack
- Over 6 Ft Long
- Loadable Sleeve Length Is 10.5”
CONS
- There’s No Obvious Mention Of Weight Capacity On The Rogue Site
Marcy TCB-48R EZ Curl Bar – Best For Beginners
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This EZ bar is the best choice for beginners. The Marcy TCB-48R EZ Curl Bar is made of solid steel for strength. It has threaded loadable plate sleeves and uses star-lock collars.
The Marcy EZ bar takes standard plates, which beginners are more likely to use. It can hold up to 200lbs. The knurled angled area of the bar supports your grip. Finally, the bar is 48” long and weighs 11lbs. 4.5 Stars.
PROS
- Value-Conscious Bar For Beginners
- Holds Up To 200lbs
- Takes Standard Plates
CONS
- Star Lock Collars Don’t Keep Plates Tight To The Bar
Marcy Combo EZ Curl Bar – Best Standard EZ Bar For Biceps & Triceps
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Here’s an EZ curl bar with extreme angles. The Marcy Combo EZ Curl Bar is our pick for the best standard combo EZ bar. It’s ideal for both biceps and triceps work. The extreme angles allow curls, hammer curls, and triceps extensions.
The Marcy Combo EZ Curl Bar takes only standard plates. You can use up to 300lbs with this bar. It’s 4’ long with threaded 6.5” plate sleeves. The Marcy Combo Bar takes Star Lock collars. This bar features diamond-style knurling throughout the angled sections. Finally, the bar is made from steel with a chrome finish.
PROS
- The Combo Design Works Well For Both Biceps And Triceps Exercises
- Features Star Lock Collars
- Holds Up To 300lbs
CONS
- Star Lock Collars Do Not Hold The Plates Tigh
Synergee Combo EZ Curl Olympic Bar – Best Olympic EZ Bar For Biceps & Triceps
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The EZ bar reviewed above works for both biceps and triceps. However, it only takes standard plates. The Synergee Combo EZ Curl Olympic Bar is an extreme angled bar using Olympic plates. This bar is heavy-duty steel and holds up to 400lbs.
The loadable sleeves are 6.25” long. The Synergee Bar weighs 20lbs. Finally, the plate sleeves rotate with the bar to ease pressure on your wrists and hands.
PROS
- Holds Up To 400lbs Olympic Plates
- Extreme Angled Design Works For Biceps And Triceps
- The Heavy-Duty Steel Bar Weighs 20lbs
CONS
- Some Users Feel The Knurling Could Be Better
Goplus Olympic EZ Curl Bar – Best For Heavy Lifts
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Here’s a bar that’s made of durable Q235 cold-forged steel. The Goplus Olympic EZ Curl Bar can hold up to 400lbs. That makes it our pick as the best bar for heavy lifts. The bar is 48” long with 6” loadable plate sleeves. The Goplus EZ bar weighs 19lbs.
The inside angled sections are knurled for a good grip. Also, the 2PCS copper sleeves rotate 360 degrees. There are 2PCS bearings that increase sleeve lubrication. Finally, the rotation helps decrease wrist, hand, and elbow stress.
PROS
- Holds Up To 400lbs
- Made Of Durable Cold Forged Q235 Steel
- 6” Loadable Plate Sleeves
CONS
- Some Users Feel The Bar Is Not Value Conscious
Rep Fitness EZ Curl Bar – Best Knurling
Rep Fitness EZ Curl Bar
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This is an EZ curl bar made for a great grip! The Rep Fitness EZ Curl Bar has deep diamond-textured knurling that gives you a great grip.
There are four 2.75” sections of knurling on this bar. It’s made of steel and is 4’7” long. The loadable plate sleeves are 10” long. The bar itself weighs 30 lbs and takes Olympic plates.
PROS
- Features 4 Sections Of Diamond-Textured Knurling
- This Bar Is 4 feet, 7 Inches Long
- There Are 10” Loadable Plate Sleeves
CONS
- The Rep Fitness Description Does Not List Maximum Load Capacity
Buying Guide – How To Choose The Best EZ Curl Bar?
What Is An EZ Curl Bar
An EZ curl bar is a short 4-ft bar that has an angled, zig-zag-type design in the middle. The length of the bar can vary. In addition, the angled sections can be moderate or extreme. The purpose of the EZ bar is to take pressure off the wrists. As noted, it also puts the hands in a semi-supinated position. Supination is the action of turning your hand outwards. This is one of the functions of the biceps muscle.
EZ Curl Bar Vs A Straight Bar
A straight bar works very well for curls. For many users, holding a straight bar can cause wrist pain. The other advantage of an EZ curl bar is that it allows different grip positions. As noted, the bar puts your hands in various positions that work the biceps harder.
The EZ bar is also commonly used for overhead tricep extensions. The grip for this exercise takes stress off your elbows. Finally, the parallel grip angles of a combo EZ bar allow users to perform hammer curls. This exercise works the forearms and the biceps brachialis. This is a small part of the biceps that regular curls overlook. As well, this angle works well for the triceps.
Types Of EZ Curl Bars
There are two basic types of EZ Curl bars
Regular
This is the typical EZ curl bar. Depending on the brand, the zig-zag angles can be extreme. On some brands, they are more of a mild angle.
Combo
The primary difference is that this bar has a section in the middle that has a parallel grip. This is the angle that allows users to do narrow grip hammer curls. It also works well for narrow grip triceps work.
You can use two types of plates on an EZ curl bar:
Olympic
Many EZ bars hold only Olympic plates. An Olympic plate has a 2” hole diameter. Usually, an Olympic EZ bar will weigh more than a standard EZ bar. Most serious powerlifters and weight lifters will prefer an Olympic bar and plates.
Standard
This type of plate has a 1” hole diameter. Many beginners use standard plates. One reason is that they are more value-conscious than Olympic plates.
When To Look For When Considering An EZ Curl Bar
Weight Load
Most EZ bars hold up to 200lbs. Some, like the XMark Chisel EZ Curl Bar and Goplus Olympic EZ Curl Bar, hold 400lbs. An EZ bar is usually used for arm work. Some users use it for heavier exercises. When considering an EZ curl bar, check the load capacity. Buy a bar that can handle more weight than you intend to use. This allows room to add weight as you get stronger.
Knurling
Knurling refers to the rougher sections of the bar where you put your hands. A textured, or diamond pattern, knurling improves your grip on the bar. The last you need is to be lifting a heavy weight and have the bar slip. Rough knurling may cut into your hands. Look for knurling that is not too “aggressive”. Another option is to use lifting gloves to protect your hands.
Angles
As noted the zig-zag angles can be different from bar to bar. You can choose a bar with mild angles if you want something similar to a regular straight bar. For effective biceps and triceps work, you can go with sharper angles or a combo bar. As noted, the combo bar has parallel angles right in the middle. This guide features two combo-style EZ curl bars. One’s for Olympic plates: the Synergee Combo EZ Curl Olympic Bar. Also, one’s for standard plates: the Marcy Combo EZ Curl Bar.
Coating
EZ curl bars are usually solid steel. They are usually coated to protect them from corrosion and rust. Our best overall, the XMark Chisel Olympic EZ Curl Bar, has black manganese phosphate coating. Some use chrome and a few use zinc. Make sure any bar you’re considering is well-coated for protection.
Bar Length & Weight
The typical EZ bar is 47-48″, or 4’, long. Some, like the Rogue Rackable EZ Curl Bar, are over 6’ long. The length you choose depends on space and use. Most users will prefer a standard 4’ bar. Others may want the longer rackable bar. This allows them to use it in a power rack and can open up more exercises.
The weight of the bar will vary with the length and manufacturer. The Rogue Rackable weighs 24lbs, while the Marcy Marcy TCB-48R EZ Curl Bar weighs 11lbs. In general, an EZ bar will not be heavy.
What Lifts Can You Do With An EZ Curl Bar?
You can use an EZ Curl Bar for more than just curls. Here’s a list of the exercises you can do:
- Military Presses
- Deadlifts
- Bicep Curls
- Preacher Curls
- Reverse Curls
- Front Squats
- Upright Rows
- Lying, Seated, or Standing Triceps Extensions
- Bench Presses
There may be more besides those listed above. If you’d like to try a favorite exercise using an EZ bar, go for it!
Conclusion
Have you decided you’d like to add an EZ curl bar to your home gym? Then the place to start is with our best overall, the XMark Chisel Olympic EZ Curl Bar. This bar uses Olympic plates and holds up to 400lbs. The solid steel bar features black manganese phosphate coating for corrosion protection.
Do you use standard plates? Then the CAP Barbell Standard EZ Curl Bar is the best choice. This solid steel bar holds up to 200lbs. It has threaded ends and uses spin lock collars. The middle section of the bar is knurled for a good grip.
Finally, would you prefer an EZ bar that’s rackable? If you own a power rack or squats stands, the Rogue Rackable EZ Curl Bar is the choice for you. This bar is 6’3” long. That’s compared to the average 47” length of most EZ bars. Use the Rogue in your rack and do close grip bench presses. Some users perform regular bench presses or heavy back exercises with an EZ bar. You can set the pin height for the ideal lift-off. Also, you can load and unload Olympic plates safely.
As you can see, the best EZ curl bar is the one that fits your needs the most. It’s a great addition to your home gym. Between biceps curls and triceps extensions, you can build big arms.
What are you waiting for? Let’s train!