As a certified fitness trainer, I often have clients ask for recommendations for the best curl bar to build upper body strength.
Curl bars differ in terms of features, geometry, knurling, cost, and other factors, making it difficult to determine which one is best for your home gym.
Together with my team, we set out to test as many best curl bars as we could find.
The good news is that options are now better than they were years ago, and I've listed down the best curl bars for home gyms based on our extensive in-depth research.
Our Top Curl Bars for Home Gym (September 2023)
1 - Rogue Rackable Curl Bar (Editor's Choice)
With a Tensile Strength of 110,000 PSI, the Rogue Rackable Curl Bar is among the strongest yet most convenient curl bars available.
For this rackable curl bar, Rogue employs their patented Ohio knurling. It will not harm your hands but provide you with a firm grip.
The medium coarse knurl of this Rogue curl bar is quite generous, stretching far across both curves and only having short ungrooved parts in the middle and at each end.
The sleeves are exactly the same size as Rogue's basic EZ curl bar (10.5").
I like that they have a bright zinc surface that contrasts attractively with the shaft, which is designed to fit the most common Olympic plates.
Product Facts:
- Diameter : 28.5 mm
- Weight : 35 lbs
- Tensile strength : 110,000 PSI
- Angles are both comfortable and effective when it comes to targeting the biceps
- Medium texture with full knurl coverage
- Has the longest sleeves in the game
- Rogue backs it up with a 5-year warranty
- More expensive than most curl bars
2 - Rogue Curl Bar - Cerakote
The Rogue Cerakote Curl Bar is a small variant of the original with improved coating, making it my favorite for knurled grips.
This best curl bar is built for durability and endurance, with a black cerakote shaft finishing that gives higher corrosion resistance than typical black zinc (commonly used as a curl bar finish).
I also appreciate the bright zinc sleeves that have been electrically applied to the curl bar to eliminate dripping, pooling, or gaps, preventing chipping and providing greater resistance to corrosion and tough workouts.
“This Cerakote Version bar is the only one you'll ever need. Compared to the superior Cerakote finish, the E-coat finish is overly slippery, and the knurling seems off.” - David Kiesling, Founder of Adamant Barbell
The Rogue curl bar has a 10.5-inch loadable sleeve and is suitable for most conventional Olympic weight plates.
Product Facts:
- Diameter : 28.5 mm
- Weight : 30 lbs
- Tensile strength : 110,000 PSI
- Has a loadable sleeve length of 10.5 inches
- It comes with a five-year warranty
- Has a close-grip camber for performing close-grip curls
- At 30 pounds, it may be too hefty for novices
3 - Synergee EZ Curl Bar
Because of its sleek appearance, high-quality stainless steel construction, and increased max load-bearing capacity of 450 pounds, the Synergee EZ Curl Bar is our top-budget curl bar.
It is the best curl bar available in red finishes, black chrome, and black phosphate at a low-cost.
It also has 6.25 inches of loadable sleeve size on each end of the curl bar, where you may add weight plates.
While this bar seems to be on the lighter side (19 pounds), it is constructed with bushings, which promote stability while lifting.
I appreciate that Synergee presently provides a five-day exchange window after receiving their product.
Be sure to contact customer support as soon as possible if you notice any concerns with your curl bar and wish to seek a replacement.
Product Facts:
- Diameter : 28 mm
- Weight : 19 lbs
- Weight capacity : 450 lbs
- It is shipped in a carbon-neutral mode
- Bushings are included to improve its stability
- It has a budget-friendly pricing
- You only get a 5-day replacement window
4 - Bowflex SelectTech 2080 Barbell With Curl Bar
This high-quality curl bar set is a space-saving alternative that provides you with a variety of upper-body exercise equipment.
The Bowflex SelectTech 2080 Barbell with Curl Bar is my favorite two-in-one compact setup that lets you simply swap between either bar.
It has weight selection controls for rapid weight adjustments and seven weight degrees on each bar, with a maximum weight of 80 pounds. I was able to update to a 120-pound unit for a greater lift.
If you prefer social workout classes, this Bowflex system works with the JRNY exercise app.
The subscription is paid separately, but newcomers can sign up for a free one-year trial.
The Bowflex SelectTech 2080 Barbell with Curl Bar offers a three-year guarantee that covers both bars.
Product Facts:
- Brand : Bowflex
- Weight : 80 lbs
- Weight capacity : 80 lbs
- It has weight selection dials for simple weight modifications
- There are seven weight settings available
- It includes a barbell and a curl bar
- A 120-pound weight capacity must be purchased separately
5 - Titan Fitness Olympic EZ Curl Barbell
The Titan Fitness Olympic EZ Curl Barbell has a strong and long-lasting construction, which allows it to withstand difficult curl bar exercises like skull crushers or spider curls.
Featuring two diamond-knurled handles measuring 7.5 inches each, you may be certain that you have enough area to retain a firm grasp when lifting a large weight.
The mild knurling of this EZ curl bar will also assist in keeping your barbell firmly in position without poking into your hands too much.
This heavy-duty stainless steel EZ curl bar is hard chrome-plated and can hold up to 200 pounds. It also has rotating sleeves, which assist in keeping Olympic weights securely in place.
Because it is designed for heavy-duty workouts, I believe it is an excellent curl bar to use.
Product Facts:
- Diameter : 28 mm (Shaft); 50 mm (Sleeves)
- Weight : 14 lbs
- Weight capacity : 200 lbs
- Its medium knurling improves stability
- Has rotating sleeves to keep Olympic weights in position
- It is suitable for outdoor use due to its sturdy construction
- Has a lesser weight capacity than other Olympic bars
6 - CAP Barbell Olympic Super Curl Bar
The CAP Barbell Olympic Super Curl Bar utilizes a combination of an Olympic triceps bar as well as an Olympic bar.
This super curl bar revolutionary design has two distinct grip positions to promote upper arm growth in both the biceps and triceps muscles.
You can perform a variety of triceps exercises with this curl bar.
The bar has diamond-knurled hand grips with rotating sleeves.
This bar is precisely formed and extremely sturdy.
The fact that it lets the weights rotate as I spin the bar is the best aspect. This lowers stress on my forearms and wrists and results in a more defined curl.
One thing to keep in mind is the intense knurling. The ridges/indentions are sharper and more profound than with other curl bars I've used previously.
Product Facts:
- Diameter : 25.4 mm
- Weight : 17 lbs
- Weight capacity : 200 lbs
- It is suitable for overhand, underhand, and varied-angle workouts
- Allows you to do tricep extensions
- It does not flex when loaded
- The angled design is not suitable for all fitness levels
7 - Body-Solid Standard Curl Bar
The Body-Solid Standard Curl Bar is an excellent choice if you own and utilize regular 1′′ plates.
What I appreciate about this bar is it is made of sturdy stainless steel. Despite its small weight of 11 pounds, this bar has a capacity of 200 pounds.
In addition, this bar has a sharper bend profile than many others. The shape is close to Olympic best curl bars, which was a surprise during testing.
The 25mm diameter, on the other hand, does not feel similar. This is normal on regular bars, although it seems delicate when compared to more oversized shafts.
The knurling is passive and might be extended to the middle.
This Body-Solid Curl Bar features smooth sleeves that take standard/spring collars. However, unlike regular bars, their sleeves do not rotate.
Product Facts:
- Diameter : 25 mm
- Weight : 11 lbs
- Weight capacity : 200 lbs
- It accommodates standards that are 1 inch in diameter
- Has bends that are steeper than other conventional bars
- It's very convenient and lightweight
- Some people may find the 25mm shaft too small
8 - XMark EZ Curl Bar
The XMark Fitness EZ Curl Bar is an excellent Olympic bar with a moderate knurled grip and a 400-pound Weight capacity.
This heavy-duty curl bar attachment is supported by a sturdy alloy stainless steel structure that delivers comfort during bicep curls or tricep extensions.
The EZ bar has a long-lasting chrome finish, brass bushings, as well as a snap ring lock mechanism for easy lifting and optimal traction and grip.
According to the company, best EZ curl bars may be readily cleaned with a simple application of WD-40.
On the other hand, the heavy-duty manganese phosphate coating is inherently great at guarding against corrosion and abrasion.
It weighs 24 pounds, measures 51 x 6 x 5 inches, and has a 28mm grip size.
I liked that on this curl bar, you may modify the strength of the lift by changing grips.
Product Facts:
- Diameter : 28 mm
- Weight : 24 lbs
- Weight capacity : 400 lbs
- This Olympic best curl bar has a medium knurled grip
- It is simple to switch grips for different intensities
- Bushings made of self-lubricating brass alloy
- The sleeve appears a little lose
9 - Holleyweb Curl Bar
This curling bar is ideal for biceps curls due to its shorter 4-foot length and W-shaped grip, with the curves in the bar enabling you to change your postures to target muscles somewhat differently.
I also utilized it for skull crushers, bent-over rows, upright rows, and other workouts that need a variable grip and are simpler to handle with a shorter length.
This one features a 400-pound Weight capacity, a rust-resistant Hard chrome coating on both the shaft and the sleeves, bearings rather than bushings, and knurls that give a firm grip in any hand placement.
It's also one of the few bars on our list that expressly states the tensile strength (190,000 PSI).
Product Facts:
- Tensile strength : 190,000 PSI
- Weight : 22 lbs
- Weight capacity : 330 lbs
- The shaft and sleeves have a hard chrome finish that will last longer
- It is a good value because of its high-quality construction
- Bearings for the sleeves allow for a smoother rotation, lowering the risk of injury
- Slow shipping, as well as packaging issues
10 - Rage Fitness EZ Curl Bar
The Rage Fitness Olympic Curl Bar is less expensive than other of the EZ curl bars on our list, but its quality does not diminish as a result.
It has a curved shaft as well as knurling, which allowed me to lessen wrist tension while improving my grip.
The stainless steel EZ bar is chrome-plated and has nylon bushings.
The only difference is that it is shorter.
Despite this, it is lightweight and may be used for various upper-body exercises like upright rows, raises, and presses.
“Using a straight bar for curls isn't ideal since it puts too much strain on your wrists, so this bar has the perfect angle grips for me. Curling with a conventional Olympic bar was causing discomfort, but this completely eliminated it. Not only that, but it also enabled me to perform modified hammer curls, which are great.”
- Rachel Robinson, Fitness Coach
Product Facts:
- Diameter : 25 mm
- Weight : 17 lbs
- Weight capacity : 400 lbs
- Rugged, strong chrome finish, so the shaft becomes less likely to corrode, and the sleeves flake less
- Made of stainless steel and has a chrome finish
- Sleeves rotate, resulting in less torque and a lesser chance of injury
- Shorter lengths and bushings tend to squeak with time
How to Pick the Best Curl Bar for You?
To pick the best curl bar for you, consider your goals, material, weight capacity, sleeve length, and knurling.
Knowing which EZ curl bars are the best is only the first step toward purchasing your own.
You must now select the one that best meets your needs.
Although we have provided our best choice, it does not guarantee that it will be ideal for you.
So, these are among the things you should consider before purchasing one.
Standard vs. Olympic
If you've already begun building your home gym, you'll need to acquire a suitable bar for the amount of weight plates you've bought for your home gym.
Purchase an Olympic curl bar if you have a 2-inch opening.
If the weight plates have a 1-inch hole, purchase a standard curl bar instead.
Material and Sturdiness
A curl bar, like a barbell, is used to raise heavy weights.
That is why it is vital that your bar be strong enough to withstand the weight.
Consider the materials utilized to make your bar.
If it's composed of inferior metal, it might shatter during the course of your lifting.
Knurling
The rough diamond-shaped design on the grip section of your bar is known as knurling.
It is available with light, moderate, and severe knurling.
Stick with mild or medium knurling to avoid growing calluses. If you don't mind having a decent grip, robust knurling is your best option.
“If a bar is labeled "dual marked," it features marks for both Olympic and powerlifting. According to the description, the barbell is most likely a non-specialized, basic lifting bar.”
- Noela Wilby, Certified Strength Coach
Weight Capacity
Another thing to think about is weight capacity.
It's not good if it can't carry enough weight to offer you a good workout.
Go for a bar that is at least 50% stronger than your current strength.
Sleeve Length
Many home gyms use bumper plates that seem to be thicker than cast iron.
As a result, you must consider sleeve length to guarantee that the weights you want will fit.
A shorter sleeve length indicates a lower weight capacity.
Spin
The finer the spin, the less torque there will be.
As a result, you'll have a stronger grip and less pressure on your wrists and elbows.
Who Should Invest in Curl Bars for Home Gym?
You should invest in curl bars for your home gym if you want to add mass to your arms and grow your bicep muscles at home.
If you have elbow or wrist pain when performing bicep curls, then using the EZ curl bar is a much better option for you.
Who Shouldn't Invest in Them?
You shouldn't invest in curl bars for your home gym if you are a cardio fanatic, you don't have a home gym, or you are on a budget (purchasing the curl bar may interfere with your savings).
FAQs
What's the Difference Between a Curl Bar and a Straight Bar?
The difference between a curl bar and a straight bar is that a curl bar enables your wrist to be somewhat bent since the rod offers you a natural grip, while with a straight bar, you may take an overhand or underhand grip while keeping your wrist straight.
Which Size Curl Bar Is Best?
The best size curl bar is a typical Olympic curl bar. It has higher weight ranges than standard bars and accommodates both the 1 and 2-inch plates.
Can a Curl Bar Be Used for Squats and Deadlifts?
Yes, a curl bar can be used for squats and deadlifts. However, it's unlikely you'll be able to lift heavy with curl bars.
Our Top Curl Bar for Home Gym
The best curl bar for a home gym is one that meets all the above criteria, and none do so in a more satisfying way than the Rogue Rackable Curl Bar.
The shaft is constructed of steel and has a 110,000 PSI rating, which is similar to many Olympic and powerlifting barbells and is enough to perform tricep extensions, curls, and other curl bar exercises.
This is the bar to choose if you want a high-quality, best rackable curl bar that will last for a long time.
Our #1 Recommendation
Rogue Rackable Curl Bar
- Angles are both comfortable and effective when it comes to targeting the biceps
- Medium texture with full knurl coverage
- Has the longest sleeves in the game
- Rogue backs it up with a 5-year warranty
- Get the BEST PRICE until the end of September
- More expensive than most curl bars
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