Best curl bars buying guide
Curl bars are a great tool to have in your arsenal for muscle fitness. They allow you to do a variety of exercises that target your biceps, triceps, and forearms. But with so many curl bars on the market, how do you know which one is right for you? In this best curl bars buying guide, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about choosing the best curl bar for your needs. So, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, read on for the info you need to buy the perfect curl bar!
back to menu ↑What are the best curl bars?
In this guide, we will look at the numerous best curl bars in the fitness arena these days; these are our top choices based on our research on major fitness blogs online today.
back to menu ↑What are the types of curl bars?
There are many types of best curl bars and we have compiled them below. It is recommended to use a curl bar that has rotating, independently adjustable sleeves.
back to menu ↑Standard Curl Bar
A standard curl bar is typically 35mm to 50mm in diameter and it has fixed, non-adjustable weight inserts along the shaft. The set includes 2 – 2″ chrome-plated steel bars with collars and weights.
back to menu ↑E-Z Curl Bar
The E-Z curl bar is also known as the preacher curl bar due to its designated use for this exercise which involves placing it in an upright position to isolate the biceps.
back to menu ↑Multi-Hole Curl Bar
A multi-hole curl bar is like the E-Z curl bar, but it has 4 rotating, adjustable weight sleeves instead of 2.
back to menu ↑Knurling
Knurling is the pattern on the shaft of a bar that gives you more grip and improves your ability to lift heavier weights.
back to menu ↑Powerlifting Bar
A powerlifting bar is designed for serious weightlifters and bodybuilders. It has the same diameter as a standard curl, but it has much shorter rotating sleeves that can hold more plates than normal.
back to menu ↑Olympic Curl Bar
An Olympic curl bar is very similar to the E-Z curl bar but with larger diameter rotating sleeves that can hold more weight.
back to menu ↑Fat Grip Curl Bar
A fat grip curl bar is like a standard curl bar, but it has a larger diameter and less knurling for added safety when lifting heavy weights with extremely thick grips.
back to menu ↑What are the benefits of curl bars?
These are the following benefits of curl bars as per our research:
back to menu ↑Good investment
The curl bar is a great investment for novice and professional weightlifters who desire to increase their biceps strength tremendously, as well as anyone who has suffered an injury in the past.
back to menu ↑Safety
They’re perfect for those who care about their safety, as they can protect themselves from injury and allow them to truly focus on building strength without worrying about getting injured.
back to menu ↑Light
Curl bars are very light – oftentimes, much lighter than any other type of barbell or dumbbells you’ll find at your local gym. This makes it easy to store the equipment away in the smallest amount of space possible when it’s not being used.
back to menu ↑Aesthetic
The curl bar is an extremely aesthetic piece of weightlifting equipment. It makes for a very aesthetically pleasing design in any home gym, making your interior look great while working out.
back to menu ↑Versatile
Curl bars are extremely versatile – they’re great for adding resistance to your standard workout regimen or can be used by themselves to focus solely on the biceps.
back to menu ↑What exercises can you do with curl bars?
We will list the exercises that you can do with curl bars below.
The first four are the most common curl bar exercises. These are usually done with a straight barbell, though not exclusively. But since some are easier to do with a curl bar it only makes sense to use them more often.
back to menu ↑Curl
You can perform biceps curls, of course, the main arm exercise for building big biceps. Keep your upper arms stationary at your side, shoulder-width apart, bring the bar up to your chest, and then slow down again. Repeat for reps.
back to menu ↑Reverse curl
Just like above but you don’t bend forward at the hips when bringing the bar up to the chest, instead of moving it back towards your shoulders.
back to menu ↑Front raise
This is a variation of a biceps curl or a reverse curl but performed while standing or by doing half reps from a front squat position on the floor.
back to menu ↑Hammer curl
This exercise does not require a straight barbell, so this is the one and the only reason to use a curl bar instead of a straight one.
back to menu ↑Crossbody hammer curl
This combination includes an alternating biceps curl and overhead triceps extension, just like above but with your other hand this time instead.
back to menu ↑Upright row
Most people use this for developing their traps instead of their delts or upper arms though.
back to menu ↑How to choose the best curl bars?
Here are some things to consider when looking at curl bars to purchase:
back to menu ↑Weight
The weight of the barbell is important because if it’s too heavy for you, you won’t be able to do many reps. If it’s too light, you will have a hard time getting the right resistance.
back to menu ↑Size
The size of this bar is very important because if it’s too small, it might not fit into your hands properly. If it’s too large, you will have a hard time positioning yourself for the curls without hitting anything or anyone around you
back to menu ↑Safety
Most of these bars are anti-roll which means they won’t slip out of your hands if you’re curling with a little bit of sweat on your hands
back to menu ↑Comfort
You need to make sure that the handles are wide enough for you to be able to hold onto them properly, no matter what type of grip you like to use. You also want the bar to have a good grip for your hands with plenty of knurling
back to menu ↑Accessories
Some curl bars come with accessories like a stand, tricep bar, and collars while others do not.
back to menu ↑Price
Curl bars can cost anywhere from $20 up to over $100 for different types, depending on the brand and design.
back to menu ↑Conclusion
There are so many choices when looking for the best curl bars, it can be hard to figure out which one is best suited for your needs. Our advice would be to consider what you need in a bar before making an investment because they all have different features that might not suit your goals or budget.
Happy training!
Rich
Rich is an avid bodybuilder who has dedicated over 20 years of his life to the sport. He has a strong passion for health and fitness, living a clean lifestyle with a commitment to helping others educate themselves and fulfil their true potential.
