What Is an EZ Bar and Do You Need One?

If you have ever been in a gym, the one thing that you definitely noticed was a weight bar. You have seen people using the EZ curl bars while standing, sitting, or doing exercises, and you might be thinking, “Is it the best curl bar?”.

Back in 1950, a guy named Lewis Dymek experienced pain in his wrists and elbows while doing curls with the regular straight bar. Then, Lewis Dymek teamed up with Andy Jackson to design and create the first curl bar to deal with the above-mentioned issues.

The curl bar was proven as a home run since it not only made biceps and triceps exercises with a bar safer and less strainful, but it also made them more efficient. But do you really need it or will it end up being just an unnecessary expense?

Let’s find out!

What Is a Curl Bar?

A curl bar is a multi-angled specialty barbell that works your biceps and triceps while reducing stress on your elbows and wrists. The bar’s slight ‘W’ form allows for several grip alternatives, making it a versatile one. A curl bar is an excellent tool for increasing bicep bulk and strength.

A curl bar is substantially shorter than a regular barbell, which generally rests about 7 feet in length, while the curl bar is roughly 4 feet.

The length of the curl bar keeps any heavy plates closer to you, making it simpler to perform the bicep curl exercise.

1. Curl Bar Weight

The curl bar is substantially lighter than a regular barbell, weighing anything from 18 to 25 pounds (8 to 11 kg). Knowing the weight of your curl bar might be beneficial when measuring your progress throughout training.

2. Curl Bar vs. Straight Bar

A curl bar’s design allows you to isolate your biceps and triceps during a workout, enabling you to concentrate more on the specific muscle. The angled grips on the bar prevent your elbow, wrist, and shoulder from joint injury caused by the strain on the arms caused by raising the bars.

The curl bar is the best option if you want to focus on arm development. It has a number of features that allow you to train by using different movement patterns, such as overhead curls and triceps. 

Because the bar’s slightly bent position on your hands allows for maximal bicep activation, a straight bar is more beneficial for growing upper body muscles. The curl bar does not strongly engage the upper body muscles, but it has a low injury risk rate because of the angles along the bar, making it safe to use.

The biggest drawback of utilizing the curl bar is that it can only be lifted in one motion-up and down, not left and right or forward and backward.

2 Curl Bar Types

There are generally two types of curl bars – standard and Olympic. You can also find spinning and non-spinning ones. 

1. Standard EZ Curl Bar

Standard EZ curl bars are typically 11 pounds (5 kilograms), 47 inches long, and 1 inch in diameter. 

2. Olympic EZ Curl Bar

Olympic EZ curl bars may weigh up to 20 pounds, have a length of up to 52 inches, and 2 inches diameter

5 Benefits of Using Curl Bars

✅ Better Angle

The curl bar features an angled grip that relieves strain on your wrists, elbows and shoulders, resulting in a more pleasant exercise.

✅ Ease of Use

Due to the light weight of curl bars they are perfect for beginners.

✅ More Possibilities

However, if you are more experienced, they give a wide range of opportunities for lifting techniques that wouldn’t be possible with a straight bar.

✅ Compactness

A curl bar is small enough to be carried around without breaking something or injuring someone. Because of this, they are perfectly suitable for home workouts since it takes up little room and is suitable for storage.

✅ Muscle Isolation

The angles on the EZ curl bar let you focus on particular portions of your biceps and triceps. It is also one of the best tools for building upper body mass.

What to Look For in Curl Bars?

1. Steel Quality

EZ Curl Bars are constructed of high-quality bent solid steel or hard chrome. The core of EZ curl bars is frequently knurled to aid with friction and grip when gripping it. It is designed to withstand even the most strenuous exercises.

2. Tensile Strength

The hard chrome option has a tensile strength of 190,000 PSI, while the stainless steel option has a tensile strength of 200,000 PSI. Anything that exceeds 180,000 PSI (pounds per square inch) is considered a strong and long-lasting curl bar.

3. Knurling

The crosshatch design on the EZ curl bars shaft enhances friction between your hands and the bar, enhancing grip. The depth at which barbell knurling is carved into the steel and the design vary substantially depending on the manufacturer and product.

Depending on your body size, make sure that there is knurling where you would naturally hold the bar to ensure more manageable and more comfortable lifting and avoid slippage.

4. Spin

Curl bars are designed so that the weight can freely spin during a workout. This helps to reduce stress on your wrists and elbows while doing curls. 

If you find a non-spinning option, skip it since the whole point of an EZ curl bar is to make it easier on your body. A non-spinning version would make it harder without any added benefits.

5. Crushing Resistance

Always check the maximum weight of the EZ curl bar you want to buy that you will be able to handle without bending or hurting yourself . If you need to overload it, consider getting one that can handle the desired weight.

6. Versatility

If you invest in a curl bar, consider its size and weight. While it was designed to primarily target your biceps, triceps, and chest area, depending on the exercise performed, you still might want one that can give you more options in terms of what areas of your body you can use. 

If the bar is too long or too heavy, you might limit yourself to some exercises. The design of the curl bar will determine all the additional exercises it is optimal for, such as rows, extensions, squats, and more.

Also consider if the product you are looking at is a rackable curl bar. This might help you with storage, instead of leaving it on the floor.

7. Value For Money

Most EZ curl bars are made from stainless steel to last a long time. Depending on your body size and physique, you might be looking to lift heavier loads than the other person – in that case, narrow your list of curl bars to only those that can handle those weights. 

Make sure there is enough knurling to have a complete workout while having a grip. And finally, if you encounter a spinning and non-spinning EZ curl bar, I recommend the spinning version (but most already have spin).

Look at the things that are important to you. Perhaps the look and design of the bar are essential to you. Maybe the length of the bar is what is most crucial to you. And if you are simply looking for a cheap EZ curl bar. Once you know what you want, look at your budget and get the one that has the highest rating.

This way, you ensure you will get the most bang for your buck.

Recomended Curl Bar

Synergee Commercial Ez Curl Olympic Bar

• Material (Steel Type): Stainless steel
• Weight: 19lb
• Length: 47.25’’
• Diameter: 2’’
• Shaft Length: 33’’
• Knurling: 1.2 mm Diamond knurl
• Weight Limit: 450lb
• Sleeve Length: 6.25’’
• Finish Type: Black Phosphate, Chrome, Red Cerakote

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This Olympic EZ curl bar isn’t just your average equipment – it is one of the best Olympic curl bars on the market

The bar weighs 19 pounds unloaded, so you can freely start working out as soon as you get it, even if you have no weight plates to add. The Synergee curl bar has 6.25-inch-long sleeves that can support Olympic weight plates. The max load capacity is 450 lb, which is, from my experience, more than enough for almost all situations.

Depending on the size of your weight plates, you might have issues adding the full 450 lb to the plate because you might run out of space. 6.25″ is enough, but you’ll have to be smart about it.

This EZ curl bar has a 28 mm shaft, which is the standard in today’s market. It is enough for comfortably holding the bar even when lifting heavy weights. The knurling, of course, allows for perfect gripping. The center and both ends of the bar have no knurling, so you’re getting the typical knurling areas, but the 1.2 mm diamond knurling allows for better grip while still not being too aggressive.

The bar is comfortable to hold and nicely balanced. For the price, this curl bar is unbeatable.

EZ Curl Bar FAQ

What Are Curls?

The biceps muscles are located at the front of the upper arm, while the brachialis and brachioradialis muscles are located in the lower arm. Curls train these muscles.

Are Ez Curl Bars Worth It?

The fundamental difference between the straight bar and the EZ Bar is their weight and the hand posture that may be used for various activities. Consider your objectives while deciding which bar is best for you.

If you have wrist or elbow problems when doing bicep curls, the EZ curl bar will be more privileged to a straight bar.

Are Ez Bars Better for Curls?

An EZ curl bar is ideal for workouts targeting smaller muscle regions, such as the triceps and biceps. These muscles need less weight than chest and legs, which employ a straight bar to affect bigger muscles significantly.

So, if you are solely targeting your biceps and triceps muscles, an EZ bar may be a safer and more optimal choice than using a straight bar or hand weights.

Conclusion

EZ curl bars are very effective in developing biceps and bulking arms. If you’re looking to bulk or define those parts of your body – a EZ curl bar might be an excellent choice.

If you suffer discomfort when straining your wrist or elbows, definitely consult a doctor. But if you are given a green light, an EZ curl bar will be the best way to work out while administering the minimum stress on your wrists and elbows.

When considering your budget, consider whether you are getting weight plates with the bar as part of a set or just the bar. You also might be happy enough with just the bar, but if you plan on using weight plates in the future, think ahead.

Synergee Commercial Ez Curl Olympic Bar is something we’d recommend to anyone looking to upgrade their gym. It is an outstanding EZ curl bar that will give you the most across all categories. You will find it giving you great results while also having the most comfort during a workout. And while what you like is subjective, it also looks extremely impressive with its black satin finish.

If you’ve already tried our recommended EZ bar, or you just have something to add to the topic, please share your thoughts and impressions via the comment section below. I would be delighted if you would share your experience and tell me if the information you read helped you in any way.

I would be glad to hear your opinion on the differences that you have experienced!

Also Read:

• Safety Squat Bar Guide
• Types Of Weight Plates
• Olympic vs Standard Barbell
• Trap Bar Deadlift
• Bushing vs Bearing Barbell

References:

1. 5 things to know before buying your first barbell // Exercise.com: https://www.exercise.com/learn/raising-the-bar-5-things-to-know-before-buying-your-first-barbell/
2. Barbellrling-bar // Wikipedia: https://shorturl.at/ctDV0
3. Biceps curl // Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biceps_curl.html
4. Photos are made by Torokhtiy Media Team, by Synergee.