Developing big arms takes a lot of work. You have to attack both the biceps and the triceps.
The biceps are a showpiece muscle that everybody wants you to flex. There’s nothing like big arms capped with a well developed biceps.
One of the best exercises for good biceps is the preacher curl. You’ll need a specialized bench if you want to do it right.
This guide will review the best preacher curl benches available. Get ready to blast those biceps!
In a Hurry? Here is our top pick:
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Best Preacher Curl Benches
- Deltech Fitness Pro Preacher Bench – Best Overall
- Titan Fitness Preacher Curl Station – Best Value
- Gold’s Gym XRS 20 Curl Bench – Best For Beginners
- Uboway Preacher Curl Bench – Best Durability
- Powerline PPB32X Preacher Curl Bench – Best Warranty
- RitFit Preacher Curl Bench – Best Space Saver
- Body-Solid GPCA1 Curl Pad – Best Preacher Curl Attachment
- BalanceFrom RS 60 Workout Station – Best Complete Workout Station
- Valor Fitness CB-31 Preacher Curl Bench – Best Bicep And Tricep Bench
- Valor Fitness CB Preacher Curl Bench – Best Versatility
Reviews – The Best Preacher Curl Benches
Deltech Fitness Pro Preacher Bench – Best Overall
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The Deltech Fitness Pro Preacher Bench is our best overall. Here’s a bench that can hold up to 500lbs. The seat and arm pad are height adjustable. That means this bench will fit users of any height. The arm pad is extra wide and set at 45 degrees.
Both pads are extra thick for comfort and support. Also, the seat and arm pad are covered in vinyl for easy cleaning. Plus, there are rubber foot pads to protect floors. Finally, this bench is alloy steel for durability. It also has a corrosion resistant powdercoat finish.
PROS
- Holds Up To 500lbs
- The Frame Is Alloy Steel
- Extra Wide Arm Pad
CONS
- The Bar Holder Is Not Height Adjustable
Titan Fitness Preacher Curl Station – Best Value
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Here’s our pick for the best value-conscious preacher bench. The Titan Fitness Preacher Curl Station is 2” x 2” 11-gauge steel. The load capacity is 250lbs. This bench has rubber footpads on every contact point to protect floors. The preacher pad, seat and bar holder are adjustable to 5 height positions.
The padding on the seat and arm pad is 2.36” thick. Also, the arm pad is 17.72” wide. The only downside is that there’s no warranty. Still, Titan is one of the top names in the business. This bench reflects that kind of quality.
PROS
- Holds 250lbs
- Consists Of 11-Gauge Steel
- The Arm Pad, Seat, And Bar Holder Are Adjustable
CONS
- There’s No Warranty
Gold’s Gym XRS 20 Curl Bench – Best For Beginners
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Here’s the best choice for beginners. The Gold’s Gym XRS 20 Curl Bench has a combo arm curl/ leg extension/leg curl unit. This unit includes a built-in arm curl bar. You can remove both the arm pad and curl bar. This bench also has a sleeve for Olympic plates. The XRS 20 is alloy steel and holds 300lbs.
It’s a full bench that you can use for any exercise. For squats or bench presses, it will work in a power rack. You can also use safety stands. The downside is that you can’t use an EZ curl bar. Still, the attached bar works well for beginners. One reason is it helps beginners establish good form. Finally, the bench is adjustable for decline and incline use.
PROS
- Holds 300lbs
- Max User Weight Is Also 300lbs
- Arm Pad And Curl Bar Is Removable
CONS
- May Not Be Low Enough For Short Users
Uboway Preacher Curl Bench – Best Durability
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Here’s our pick for the most durable preacher curl bench. The Uboway Preacher Curl Bench is heavy duty industrial-grade steel. It can hold up to 450lbs. The steel frame is stable and will not move while you exercise. It also has rubber foot pads to protect your floors.
Also, these pads add stability. This curl bench features 5 position adjustments for the seat, arm pad, and bar holder. You can adjust the height to fit any sized user. Also, the padding is thick and covered in vinyl. Finally, you can remove the bar holder and arm pad for easier storage.
PROS
- Durable Industrial Steel Construction
- Holds 450 lbs
- The Arm Pad, Seat, And Bar Holder Are Height Adjustable
CONS
- The Bar Holder Is Too Wide For Some Users
Powerline PPB32X Preacher Curl Bench – Best Warranty
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Not every bench offers a good warranty. Some have no warranty at all. The Powerline PPB32X Preacher Curl Bench offers a 10-year warranty on the frame. There’s also a 1-year warranty on the rest of the bench.
The Powerline PBB32X Bench holds up to 300lbs. If this bench has a downside, only the seat is adjustable. Still, this is a well built, heavy duty bench. The seat and arm pads are thick for good support. Also, the bar holders are rubber lined. Finally, the seat and arm pads are extra wide.
PROS
- Features A 10 Year Warranty On The Frame
- Holds Up To 300lbs
- Extra Wide Arm Pad And Seat
CONS
- The Bar Holder Is Not Adjustable For Height
RitFit Preacher Curl Bench – Best Space Saver
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This preacher curl bench is a different style than other benches in this guide. It might look smaller than other benches. In fact, it’s our pick for the best space saving preacher curl bench. Yet it can handle a 330lb barbell. Plus, the bench itself can hold users up to 300lbs. This bench is thick heavy duty steel. There are J-hooks to hold the barbell between sets.
Also, the seat has 6 height adjustments. The padding is leather and extra thick. Also, this bench is part of a package. The package also includes a 47” EZ curl bar, 20lbs of rubber coated Olympic plates, and Olympic collars.
PROS
- Holds 330lbs
- Solid Steel Construction
- Height Has 6 Adjustments
CONS
- The Package Only Includes two 10lb Plates
Body-Solid GPCA1 Curl Pad – Best Preacher Curl Attachment
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Body-Solid is a popular brand. They make a wide range of benches for home gym use. The Body-Solid GPCA1 Preacher Curl Attachment fits several of their benches. Like any preacher curl bench, this adds a new dimension to your arm training.
Also, it saves space. The attachment is height adjustable and has a bar holder. The Body-Solid pad itself is thick DuraFirm for good support. Plus, it’s an extra wide pad. Finally, this attachment features a limited lifetime warranty.
PROS
- Limited Lifetime Warranty
- Attachment Fits Several Body-Solid Benches
- Height Adjustable
CONS
- Fits Loose On Some Benches
BalanceFrom RS 60 Workout Station – Best Complete Workout Station
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Here’s a complete compact home gym. The BalanceFrom RS 60 Workout Station features a preacher curl with a built-in curl bar. Plus, there’s a removable squat rack and a leg extension/curl attachment. Both the bench and squat rack are adjustable. The squat rack adjusts to 65” high.
Also, you can use the squat rack separately. This bench is a decline, flat, and incline bench. The entire unit is steel with thick padding on the bench and arm curl pad. Plus, the bench can handle a 400lb barbell and a max user weight of 400 lbs.
PROS
- Holds 400lbs Of Weight
- Complete Workout Station
- Includes A Preacher Curl Pad With Built-In Curl Bar
CONS
- Shipping Is Slow – It Took 4 Weeks To Arrive For Some Users
Valor Fitness CB-31 Preacher Curl Bench – Best Bicep And Tricep Bench
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Here’s a combo bicep and tricep bench all in one. The Valor Fitness CB-31 Preacher Curl Bench is also a triceps extension bench. This bench has an adjustable sundial. This allows you to use the built-in curl bar for both biceps and triceps exercises. Users can get a complete arm workout with one machine.
The Valor Fitness CB-31 2” x 2” solid steel. It will hold up to 150lbs of weight. The pads are extra thick, high density foam. The seat pad features 6 adjustments. This unit can hold either standard or Olympic plates. Finally, this unit has a 3-year warranty on the frame. Also, there’s a 1-year warranty on the padding.
PROS
- Combo Preacher Curl And Triceps Extension Machine
- Holds 150lb Of Plates
- The Built-In Arm Bar Is Adjustable For Biceps Or Triceps By A Sun Dial
CONS
- The Assembly Instructions May Be Difficult For Some Users
Valor Fitness CB Preacher Curl Bench – Best Versatility
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Here’s a preacher curl bench that allows users to work on both sides of the pad. One side is for preacher curls. The other side is for spider curls. What’s a spider curl? This is a classic curl exercise that uses a pad similar to preachers.
The difference is the pad is straight up and down. The Valor Fitness CB Preacher Curl Bench is used standing up. There’s no seat. In both exercises, you lean tight to the pad.
This unit features dual sided long 19.5” safety catches. The unit consists of steel construction and holds 250lbs. The dual arm pad is thick for good support. Finally, the Valor Fitness CB Preacher Curl Bench is a commercial quality bench.
PROS
- Unique Dual Sided Arm Curls Pads
- Holds 150lbs
- Features Steel Construction
CONS
- Some Users Feel The Unit Moves A Little While Using
Buying Guide – How To Choose The Best Preacher Curl Bench?
What Is A Preacher Curl
It is a curl using a specific bench that isolates the biceps. This exercise helps develop the biceps peak. It also develops overall biceps mass. This exercise is also known as the Scott curl. It’s named after Larry Scott, the first Mr. Olympia. This is the exercise he credits with helping him achieve his 20” arms. It should be noted that Scott also used spider curls. The Valor Fitness CB-5 Arm Curl Bench incorporates both exercises in one machine.
What Is A Preacher Curl Bench
It’s a piece of exercise equipment that targets your biceps. It will have a seat and an angled pad. This pad isolates the biceps. You can use dumbbells, a straight bar, or an EZ bar. Some curl benches, such as the Valor Fitness CB Preacher Curl Bench, are used standing. There is no attached seat.
What To Look For When Considering A Preacher Curl Bench
Pad Angle And Width
The pad is what your arms rest against as you perform the exercise. You also lean tight against the pad during the movement. The pad should be thick enough to be comfortable. You are holding the bar at shoulder width. That means the pad should be wide enough for all users. Many of the preacher curl benches in this guide feature wide pads.
The angle of the pad will depend on the manufacturer. Most preacher curl benches angle the pad at 45 degrees.
Load Capacity
Every bench in this guide can handle a lot of weight. Even heavy preacher curls don’t use that much weight. Yet there are a few things to bear in mind when checking the load capacity. For example, let’s say the rated limit is 400lbs. You might think that’s for the bar. Most often, that includes both the bar and the user’s weight. That means in reality you can load your EZ bar with no more than 200lbs.
A good example of this is the Gold’s Gym XR 20 Preacher Bench. This bench can handle 600lbs. That’s 300lbs on the bar and a max user weight of 300lbs. The important thing is, the ads clarify this. Make sure this is clear in any description of a bench you’re considering.
Construction
Every bench in this guide features steel frame construction. That means the bench will be stable during use. Also, it will be a durable bench that can take years of punishment. The best example of a well constructed bench is the Powerline PPB32X Preacher Curl Bench. This bench has a 10-year warranty on the steel frame.
Space
How big is your home gym? If you have a large area, any bench in this guide will be a good choice. What if you have limited space? There are several options available. First, the RitFit Preacher Bench has a footprint of only 8 sq. ft. It’s the smallest preacher curl bench in this guide. Yet, it holds a lot of weight. It will handle your toughest arm workouts.
Your next option is the BalanceFrom RS 60 Workout Station. This is a complete bench. It includes everything you need for a full free weight workout. All you need is a bar and weight plates.
Already have a bench? Is it one of the popular Body-Solid benches? Then you can add the Body-Solid GPCA1 Preacher Curl Attachment. This is the ultimate space saver. It uses space you have already allocated for your workouts.
How Adjustable Is It?
Some benches such as the Titan Fitness Preacher Curl Station feature pad, seat and bar holder adjustments. Others feature only seat and arm pad adjustments. Look for adjustability based on your goals. If you’re taller, you may want a bar holder that’s adjustable. That would make it a little easier to reach. On the other hand, shorter users may want everything as low as possible.
How To Do A Preacher Curl
- You can use an EZ bar or a straight bar for this exercise. Grab the bar at shoulder width. The advantage of an EZ bar is it will put your hands in a semi-supinated position. Supination is one of the functions of your biceps. Also, an EZ bar takes pressure off your wrists. A straight bar may strain your wrists.
- Position your upper arms and chest tight against the bench pad. The top of the pad should be tight against your armpits. Hold the bar on the pad at shoulder length.
- Use only your biceps to curl the weight up to a fully contracted position. At the top, squeeze the biceps and hold for a slight pause.
- Slowly lower the bar until your upper arms are fully extended. Your biceps should be fully stretched. Never just drop the bar. The downward, or negative, phase of the rep is as important as the positive phase.
- Repeat for the suggested number of sets and reps.
Conclusion
The Deltech Fitness Pro Preacher Bench is a solid bench with an extra wide curl pad. This bench features tough steel construction. It also has an adjustable arm pad and seat.
Do you want a machine that works both biceps and triceps? The Valor Fitness CB-31 Preacher Curl Bench is the ideal choice. This bench uses a sun dial adjustment mechanism. This allows you to switch the curl bar from biceps to triceps. That means you can do preacher curls and triceps extensions all on one unit.
Finally, do you want a bench that you can use for a complete biceps workout? The Valor Fitness CB Preacher Curl Bench is a two-sided bench. You can do preacher curls and spider curls by switching sides. These are two classic biceps exercises you can use for complete development.
Are big arms on your list of goals? You can get there faster with preacher curls. Use our guide to find the bench that works with your goals the most. Let’s train arms!
