Lifting weights is an essential strength training exercise, helping to build muscle mass, burn body fat, and lower injury risk. Although various weight-lifting gear is available, one study recommends the EZ bar as the most effective.
EZ bars have tortuous points/bends distinguishing them from standard weight lifts. According to the study referenced above, the EZ bar induces higher activation of the biceps during concentric and eccentric muscle contraction than straight barbells or dumbbells. Moreover, it is more ergonomic than the barbell.
However, EZ bars vary in quality, efficiency, and safety. Fortunately, below is an overview of the best EZ curl bars to help you ace your strength training goals.
- Best Curl Bar Overall: YESUNEED Olympic Barbell EZ Bar Curl
- Runner Up Best Curl Bar: Elevens Olympic Barbell EZ Curl Bar (15 lbs)
- Best Curl Bar for Versatility: Elevens Olympic Barbell EZ Curl Bar (22lbs)
- Best Curl Bar on a Budget: E.T. ENERGIC 47-inch Olympic EZ Curl Bar
- Most Robust Construction: RitFit 2-inch Olympic EZ Curl Bar With Weights
- Best Value for Money: SPARTAA Olympic Barbell Weight Bar
- Best Satisfaction Guarantee: Elevens 4 ft EZ Bar Curl Barbell
Best Curl Bar Overall: YESUNEED Olympic Barbell EZ Bar Curl
The YESUNEED EZ Bar Curl is a gym-grade Olympic bar, ideal for home use. It features an ergonomic design and top-grade specifications to facilitate a safe, effective bicep, tricep, pectoral, back, and leg muscles workout.
Its ergonomic design includes gentle curves along the shaft, allowing a comfortable wide or narrow grip. The curl bar has a 170,000 PSI tensile strength; one expert report recommends the rating as ideal for commercial-use products. Moreover, it is sturdy, featuring heavy-duty steel chrome construction, including a hardened chrome shaft.
Besides design and sturdy construction, the YESUNEED brand includes multiple ergonomic and safety features on the barbell. The bar features a 2.8 mm (medium-level) knurling non-slip handle for a comfortable grip. The handle’s peaked diamond knurl pattern, featuring dual knurl marks, helps reduce wrist and arm tension while performing various exercises with the EZ curl bar.
Also, the barbell features bushing for a smooth spin on the sleeves and has a good whip, preventing flex and bending issues. You can find this EZ Bar Curl in three weight-bearing capacities, 300-700 lbs. Moreover, YESUNEED offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee and replaces all malfunctioned products.
Pros
Single integrated piece eliminating disassembly need
Multiple bar options
Requires zero maintenance
Sturdy, durable construction
100% satisfaction guarantee
Cons
Requires a clap to hold weight plates in place.
EZ curl bar weight set not included.
Runner Up Best Curl Bar: Elevens Olympic Barbell EZ Curl Bar (15 lbs)
The Elevens Olympic Barbell EZ curl bar is the perfect curl exercise addition to your home gym. Despite being on the lower side of the curl bar weight spectrum (the higher side is 14kg), the bar has a 190000PSI. Hence, it can withstand weights of up to 300 lbs with zero flex or bend issues.
The versatile curl bar features ergonomic shaft angles, facilitating the perfect grip for various curl exercises. It also features medium-depth knurling, allowing you to maintain a firm grip while sweat drips.
All Elevens EZ bars feature bushings and bearings in a single integrated unit for a good whip. They feature four needle bearings per sleeve, allowing the spinning sleeve to move effortlessly while loaded and to remain unrestricted at all loads.
Elevens performs rigorous testing on all their curl bars, including EZ bar weight, to ensure they are comfortable, effective, and safe. The Elevens curl bar is available in two sturdy finishes, stainless steel chrome, and black oxide. Both finishes feature anti-corrosion properties for durability.
Pros
Integrated unit for minimum maintenance
Reasonably priced
Sturdy finish
Rigorous testing
Compatible with 2inch Olympic weight plates
Spring chip included in the package
Cons
Clamps for holding the weight plate are sold separately
Best Curl Bar for Versatility: Elevens Olympic Barbell EZ Curl Bar (22lbs)
The 22lbs Elevens Olympic EZ curl bar is an ideal home gym equipment for upper body exercises. Workouts with the EZ curl bar help isolate various muscles, aside from the biceps and triceps, for an enhanced strength training workout. You can perform multiple exercises with the EZ bar, including front and back squats, deadlifts, and bench presses.
22lbs (10kgs) is on the lower side of the spectrum, given that the EZ bar weight influences its load-carrying capacity. Therefore, this 47” Elevens EZ bar has a load-bearing capacity of 330 lbs and is ideal for amateur and intermediate use. Experienced weight lifters can opt for heavier versions of the EZ bar, which have higher weight-bearing capacities of 700 lbs,1000 lbs, and 1500 lbs.
The gym-grade quality EZ bar has multiple efficiency features, starting with its high tensile strength at 190000PSI. It features a delicate shaft angle bend, protecting your wrist from injury.
Also, it features a medium-depth diamond knurling that facilitates a firm grip without bruising the palms. Moreover, the EZ bar features a 2-inch sleeve diameter mounted with a roller bearing for an effortless spin.
However, unlike the lighter 15 lbs Elevens EZ bar model, it does not feature needle bearings. The steel alloy bar is available in multiple color finishes, including black, blue, red, yellow, camo, silver, and black, to suit diverse consumer preferences.
Pros
Affordably priced
Sturdy construction
Multiple finishes
Ergonomic features
Available in diverse weight-bearing capacities for beginner, intermediate and elite fitness enthusiasts
Compatible with 2” Olympic weight plates
Cons
Does not feature needle bearing
Best Curl Bar on a Budget: ET ENERGIC 47-inch Olympic EZ Curl Bar
The E.T. ENERGIC 47-inch Olympic EZ curl bar combines sturdy construction and affordable pricing into one high-quality piece of workout equipment. Unlike products with similar specifications with a 300 lbs load-bearing capacity, the 47-inch E.T.ENERGIC curl bar has an outstanding 500 lbs weight-bearing capacity.
Besides its exceptionally high load-bearing capacity, the E.T. ENERGIC has various additional features that make it the go-to EZ curl bar for effective workout sessions. The 20 lbs curl bar has ergonomic shaft bends, allowing you to execute various curling movements without putting unnecessary strain on your wrists and arms.
It features a diamond knurling non-slip grain as an anti-slip measure. The diamond knurling on this curl bar is thicker than standard non-slip grains, providing anti-slip protection, even while executing close curls.
Moreover, it has friction-welded sleeves for a smooth spin. The friction-welded sleeves are another quality feature on the E.T.ENERGIC curl bar that sets it apart from the competition quality-wise. They feature two ball bearings and two brass bushings for a superior spin.
The multi-functional E.T. ENERGIC EZ curl bar is sturdy, featuring solid heavy-duty alloy steel that can withstand regular use. It is available in two equally sturdy electromagnetic coating finishes, black and red.
The electromagnetic coating allows for the even spread of the protective layer over sensitive product parts, prolonging a product’s shelf life. It creates an attractive coating with abrasion, chemical, and electrical resistance for unparalleled durability.
Pros
Available in multiple finishes
Affordably priced
High load-bearing capacity
Deep knurling
Friction-welded sleeves
Delivery done in sturdy, secure packaging
Cons
The purchase does not include any accessories
Most Robust Construction: RitFit 2-inch Olympic EZ Curl Bar With Weights
The RitFit brand has over a century of experience in the fitness industry, making affordably-priced premium-quality fitness gear to help you ace your fitness goals. Its Olympic EZ curl bar is no different and is the perfect weight-lifting gear to start or grow your home gym gear collection.
RitFit prioritizes various features when designing its Olympic EZ curl bar range to ensure product effectiveness and user safety. Below is an overview of the bar’s outstanding quality features.
The curl bar weighs 17.5 lbs (8kg) but has a slightly higher 350 lbs loading capacity, allowing beginners and intermediate fitness enthusiasts to challenge themselves. It features a volcano knurl pattern for a firm, slip-free grip.
Although most EZ curl bars feature the diamond knurl pattern, the volcano knurl pattern has multiple features that make it the optimal anti-grip solution. It has more points per square inch than the diamond pattern, increasing the surface area utilized in creating friction.
It creates sharp contact with the palm, complementing the generated friction with a firm grip. Nonetheless, it does not rip the palm’s skin.
Another unique RitFit curl bar feature is that the manufacturer utilized high-end technology while connecting the shaft and the sleeve into one integrated bar. The technology utilized helps eliminate the potential risks associated with shoddy construction. Therefore, you can work out and diversify your strength training routine without fear of accidents.
The 47-inch curl bar features bushing bearings on the rotating sleeves for a smooth rotation. Besides its quality features, the bar has a pocket-friendly price tag.
Also, it comes in three different finishes, including a chrome finish and a manganese phosphate coating. Therefore, you can choose the finish that you find most appealing.
Pros
Advanced volcano knurling
High 350 lbs load-bearing capacity
Affordably prices
Available in three different finishes
Ideal for diverse workout options, including spider curls, skull crushers, and preacher curls
Compatible with 2-inch Olympic weight plates
Cons
No collar and bar clips to support the Olympic plates
Best Value for Money: SPARTAA Olympic Barbell Weight Bar
SPARTAA designed their Olympic EZ curl weight bar for slow and fast lifting, intensifying your workout. It is the ideal weight-lifting gear to bring the gym into your home. The curl bar has various features to make you feel the burn, as highlighted below.
It has high tensile strength and a 300 lbs load-bearing capacity. Moreover, the curl bar is sturdy, thanks to its heavy-duty chrome steel construction and can support the recommended weight load with limited flexing and zero risk of permanent bending. The weight-lifting bar also features a protective coating finish to prevent corrosion and enhance durability.
The SPARTAA EZ curl bar comes with dual grip knurling made from cross-hatch pattern knurling. The double knurling provides superior anti-slip protection, helping you to keep working your muscles, despite sweat dripping. Also, the knurling prevents excessive strain and free spins that can cause injury to your wrists and arms.
Although this Olympic EZ curl bar has features equivalent to professional gym bars, it is affordable. Besides an Olympic-grade curl bar, the gear is compatible with two-inch Olympic weight plates, and each purchase includes two barbell collars to hold the plates in place.
Another helpful accessory on this curl bar is the foam cushion that helps protect you while you train. Therefore, consider adding it to your home gym for effective full-body endurance training sessions.
Pros
Versatile equipment ideal for various endurance training exercises
Multiple accessories (barbell collar and foam pad) give more value for money
Affordably priced
Sturdy construction and numerous safety features
Cons
Multiple buyers’ complaints that they did not receive the barbell collar and foam pad
Best Satisfaction Guarantee: Elevens 4 ft EZ Bar Curl Barbell
While most brands stand by their products, they do not provide sufficient evidence supporting the brand’s purported features. However, the Elevens brand conducts thorough testing on all their fitness equipment, including their 4 ft EZ curl bar.
The bar has high tensile strength at 190000 PSI and a weight-bearing capacity of up to 330 lbs, a load capacity ideal for beginner and intermediate fitness enthusiasts. Besides a high tensile strength, the bar features diamond knurling along its shaft bends to generate friction, supporting a firm grip.
Like most Elevens barbell models, this EZ curl bar has a good whip thanks to the bushings and needle bearings in its sleeve. Therefore, the sleeves spin effortlessly with zero risk of potentially injurious free spins.
The EZ curl barbell has a hard chrome finish with durability features, including corrosion resistance. It is available in various color finishes to meet diverse consumer needs.
As earlier stated, the Elevens brand values customer satisfaction; hence it tests all its products to ensure quality. Moreover, on this barbell, the brand offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee meaning you receive a free-of-charge replacement on defective deliveries, provided you meet the requirements in their returns policy. You can contact the brand’s friendly customer service team for queries about the return policy or other product questions.
Pros
100% satisfaction guarantee
Extensive product testing
Affordably priced
High tensile strength
Brand has a helpful customer service team
Ideal for diverse exercise forms
Cons
The purchase does not include barbell collars.
To make things easier, the following is the side-by-side comparison of our top picks for EZ bars in 2023-
Product Name | Price ($-$$$) | Size (Length) | Weight Capacity | Finish (shaft/sleeves) | Average Rating |
YESUNEED Olympic Barbell EZ Bar Curl | $$ | 47” | 300-1000 lb | Powder-coated steel | 1052 Reviews |
Elevens Olympic Barbell EZ Curl Bar (15 lbs) | $$ | 4ft | 300 lb | Stainless steel | 377 Reviews |
Elevens Olympic Barbell EZ Curl Bar (22lbs) | $$ | 47” | 330 lb | Stainless steel | 158 Reviews |
E.T. ENERGIC 47-inch Olympic EZ Curl Bar | $$ | 47” | 500 lb | Alloy steel | 98 Reviews |
RitFit 2-inch Olympic EZ Curl Bar with Weights | $$ | 47” | 300 lb | Alloy steel | 85 Reviews |
SPARTAA Olympic Barbell Weight Bar | $$ | 35.5” | 300 lb | Chrome steel | 80 Reviews |
Elevens 4 ft EZ Bar Curl Barbell | $$ | 31.5” | 330lb | Steel | 16 Reviews |
Image Source: Pexels.com
Why Buy an EZ Curl Bar?
As earlier stated, EZ curl bars have multiple mechanical design advantages over other weight-lifting equipment like straight barbells and dumbbells. Below are some reasons you should consider a curl bar when shopping for weight-lifting or strength-training equipment for your home gym.
Enhanced Muscle Activation and Isolation
Curl bars activate more muscles inside the triceps and biceps than other weight-lifting gear. The bar’s capacity to isolate more muscles allows for select muscle isolation. Enhanced muscle activation and isolation help build bigger lean muscle.
Smaller Size for Better Balance
Straight barbells are typically up to 7ft long, and balancing the 7ft bar, let alone adding weights, could force you to shift focus from the recommended form to a balancing act. Improper form while executing various exercises often causes reduced fat-burning efficiency and increased injury risk. However, EZ curl bars are approximately 4ft (47 inches) long and are clover to your center of gravity for enhanced balance.
Versatility
EZ curl bars are versatile workout equipment, facilitating diverse workouts. Moreover, their ergonomic design makes them ideal for use by beginner and elite fitness enthusiasts.
Image Source: Unsplash.com
Buyers’ Guide for EZ Bars
Curl Bar Type
The curl bar type influences various factors, including weight capacity. So, how heavy are curl bars? Fixed curl bars include fixed weight plates, while Olympic weights are a single unit exclusive of weight plates. Therefore, curl bar types vary by weight capacity and adjustability.
Tensile Strength
Besides “how much do EZ bars weigh,” another crucial consideration is its weight-bearing capacity, listed as its tensile strength. The tensile strength influences durability and the variety of exercises you can do with the curl bar.
User Reviews
User reviews are free of bias and are instrumental and may include characteristics not included in standard product descriptions, helping you make an informed purchase.
Conclusion:
EZ curl bars are inexpensive yet versatile fitness equipment that every fitness enthusiast should have in their home gym. However, searching for a high-quality curl bar on the internet is overwhelming. Hopefully, the product shortlisted above should help you take the hassle out of EZ curl bar shopping and find a bar with the ideal specifications to meet your fitness goals.
Steve (Qualfied Personal Trainer and Nutritionist)
Steve Theunissen has qualified from the International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA) and is a certified Personal Trainer and Nutritionist. He has over 30 years experience in fitness and nutrition and currently working with famous fitness professionals. He is currently living in New Zealand with is wife and daughter.
