We Found The Best Curl Bars For Your Home Gym In 2024

Curl bars, also known as EZ curl bars, can be an awesome addition to your home gym.

The unique shape of an EZ bar helps reduces strain on the wrists and forearms while performing curls/extensions.

Whether you’re a beginner or a more experienced lifter, incorporating a curl bar into your training can help you build bigger arms with less pain and discomfort.

We’ll cover the different types of EZ curl bars, how to choose the right bar for your goals, and go over the best curl bars overall.

Let’s get started!

What Are The Best Curl Bars?

• Best EZ Curl Bar – Rogue Curl Bar
• Best Premium Curl Bar – Eleiko Curl Bar
• Best Curl Bar For The Money – Rep EZ Curl Bar
• Best Budget Curl Bar – Holleyweb Curl Bar
• Best Rackable Curl Bar – Rep Rackable Curl Bar
• Best Curl Bar On Amazon – Synergee Commercial EZ Curl Olympic Bar
• Most Innovative Curl Bar – Gungnir Curler
• Best Curl Bar Set – XMark Chisel EZ Curl Bar & Olympic Weight Set
• Best Super Curl Bar – Synergee Super Curl Bar
• Best Fixed Curl Bar – Titan EZ Curl Fixed Barbells
• Best Revolving Curl Bar For Cable Machine – Ivanko Revolving Curl Bar
• Best Standard Curl Bar – Sunny Health & Fitness Chrome Curl Bar

There are quite a few awesome EZ curl bars on the market, but since there are so many, it can be tough to figure out the best one for your home gym.

In this section, I’ll cover some of the best curl bars available, highlighting their key features as well as their pros and cons.

Best Curl Bar Overall – Rogue Curl Bar

Specs

• Price – $225 for e-coat, $245 for cerakote
• Weight – 30lbs
• Overall Length – 54.5”
• Shaft Diameter – 28.5mm
• Shaft Finish – Choice between black E-Coat and Cerakote options
• Sleeve Length -10.5”
• Sleeve Finish – Bright Zinc Finish
• Distance Between Sleeves – 31.5”
• Knurling – Uses the same knurl pattern as the Rogue Ohio Bar
• Rotation System – Bronze, self-lubricated bearings
• Warranty – 5-Year Warranty
• Built in the USA – Yes

Pros

The Camber Angles Are Impressive

The Rogue Curl Bar has impressive camber angles to allow for the most comfortable grip and is one of the main reasons why it’s one of the best curl bars on the market.

Some EZ curl bars have a more shallow camber angle which, while preferred over a basic straight bar, isn’t as comfortable as the Rogue Curl Bar.

Has the same awesome knurling as the Rogue Ohio Bar

One of the standout features of the Rogue Curl Bar is its knurling.

It is identical to that of the Rogue Ohio Bar, which is known for its aggressive grip and durability. 

If you want awesome feeling knurling that is comparable to one of the best barbells on the market, this EZ curl bar is an excellent option.

Fully Knurled Shaft Except For The Center

Speaking of the knurling, it covers the majority of the shaft with a little gap in the center.

Considering you are most likely using this for curls, extensions, upright rows, and other movements—this should be perfectly fine.

It’s pretty annoying when you get an EZ curl bar and all the camber isn’t knurled, am I right? No need to worry with the Rogue Curl Bar.

28.5mm Shaft Feels Similar To An Olympic Bar

The 28.5mm shaft feels similar to that of multipurpose bars, providing a familiar and comfortable feel.

I do think they could have gone all out and made it 29mm.

The most comfortable straight bar out there is a power bar for a reason. Thicker barbell shafts feel nicer in the hands after all.

High Quality Bushings

The high-quality, self-lubricating bronze bushings ensure a smooth and stable rotation, which is going to further reduce torque on your elbows and wrists.

Cheaper EZ bars are going to have lower quality bushings that will affect your joints over time.

Available in Rackable & Non-Rackable Models

The Rogue Curl Bar is available in both rackable and non-rackable models, providing versatility and flexibility for those with different workout setups.

Speaking from experience, I highly recommend just getting the rackable version, as it’s much better than having to set it down on the ground or across a bench between sets.

Two Finish Options Available

It also comes in two shaft finish options, with a zinc finish on the sleeves.

The two finishes you can choose are a basic black e-coat as well as a black cerakote.

They’re both pretty similar in price, so go with the one you prefer for protecting your EZ bar from rust and best overall performance.

I recommend the black e-coat as cerakote finishes fill in the knurl and make it more passive.

Solid 10.5” Sleeve Length For More Weight Plates

One of the main reasons this is one of the best EZ Curl bars on the market, is that it has over 10″ loadable sleeves.

This allows you to add way more weight than shorter sleeves will, and something I definitely appreciate.

Everybody has lifted with an EZ curl bar that just doesn’t have enough space, and it feels claustrophobic.

Rogue Quality Means It’s Made In The USA

As with all Rogue products, the Rogue Curl Bar is made in the USA, ensuring the highest level of quality and durability. 

It is a solid choice for those looking for a versatile and high-quality EZ curl bar that will last for years to come.

And if that isn’t enough, it has a 5-year warranty, which pretty much all curl bars aren’t going to have.

Rogue is always the real deal as you can tell!

Cons

More Expensive Than Most

One of the main drawbacks of the Rogue curl bar is its cost. It is more expensive than other curl bars on the market, making it a less budget-friendly option for some.

While this might be a negative if you’re on a lower budget, a curl bar is something you’re only going to invest in once most likely.

So you’re better off getting the best option possible right from the start.

Cerakote & E-Coat Shafts Only Available In Black

This isn’t so much a negative with the bar itself, more just with Rogue not providing more options.

If you don’t like the black cerakote and E-coat shafts, you’re shit out of luck.

I personally like black finishes as it looks awesome and E-coat especially is great at protecting the underlying steel.

Cerakote Finish Usually Dulls The Knurling

While cerakote looks incredible and is great at protecting your barbell from rust and corrosion, it usually dulls the knurling, unfortunately.

That is also the case with the Rogue Curl Bar, which uses a more moderate depth knurling similar to the Rogue Ohio Bar.

I think that their best course of action is to release a more aggressive knurled version similar to their Rogue Ohio Power Bar, that way the cerakote finish won’t fill in the knurling as much.

White Residue On The Bar Occasionally

Some users have reported a white residue on the bar occasionally, which is likely caused by the zinc finish. 

This residue can be removed with a damp cloth or mild cleaning solution, but it may be an inconvenience for some users.

Regardless of the negatives, the Rogue curl bar is by far one of the best curl bars ever made.

Best Premium Curl Bar – Eleiko Curl Bar

Specs

• Price – $484
• Weight – 26.46lbs (12kg)
• Overall Length – 51.81”
• Shaft Diameter – 28mm
• Shaft Finish – Chrome
• Sleeve Length – 9.06”
• Sleeve Finish – Chrome
• Knurling – Medium-depth knurling
• Rotation System – Bearings
• Warranty – 10-Year Warranty
• Built in the USA – No

Pros

Cons

Best Curl Bar For The Money – Rep EZ Curl Bar

Specs

• Price – $149 for chrome, $269 for stainless steel
• Weight – 30lbs
• Overall Length – 55”
• Shaft Diameter – 30mm
• Shaft Finish – Hard Chrome or Stainless Steel construction
• Sleeve Length – 10”
• Sleeve Finish – Hard Chrome or Stainless Steel construction
• Distance Between Sleeves – 33.4”
• Knurling – Medium Depth Knurl
• Rotation System – One needle bearing and bushing in each sleeve
• Warranty – The chrome version has a 5-year warranty while the stainless steel version has a limited lifetime warranty
• Built in the USA – No

Pros

Cons

Best Budget Curl Bar – Holleyweb Curl Bar

Specs

• Price – $45-$90 depending on the weight and finish configuration you choose
• Weight – Available in 14, 15, 20 and 22lb options
• Overall Length – 47”
• Shaft Diameter – 28mm
• Shaft Finish – Choice between Black, Red, Silver, & Yellow Chrome Options
• Sleeve Length – 7”
• Sleeve Finish – Silver & Black Chrome Options
• Distance Between Sleeves – 31.5”
• Knurling – Medium-depth knurl
• Rotation System – Bearing
• Warranty – N/A
• Built in the USA – No

Pros

Cons

Best Rackable Curl Bar – Rep Rackable Curl Bar

Specs

• Price – $199 for chrome, $299 for stainless steel
• Weight – 35lbs
• Overall Length – 74”
• Shaft Diameter – 30mm
• Shaft Finish – Hard Chrome or Stainless Steel
• Sleeve Length – 10”
• Sleeve Finish – Hard Chrome or Stainless Steel
• Distance Between Sleeves – 51”
• Knurling – Medium-Depth Knurl
• Rotation System – Hybrid Bearings & Bushings
• Warranty – Lifetime on stainless steel option, 5 years on chrome finish
• Built in the USA – No

Pros

Cons

Best Curl Bar On Amazon – Synergee Commercial Olympic EZ Curl Bar

Specs

• Price – $80-$95 depending on the finish you choose
• Weight – 19lbs
• Overall Length – 47.25”
• Shaft Diameter – 28mm
• Shaft Finish – Black Phosphate, Chrome, and Red Cerakote
• Sleeve Length – 6.25”
• Sleeve Finish – Black Phosphate and Chrome
• Distance Between Sleeves – 33”
• Knurling – Medium-depth knurl
• Rotation System – Bushings
• Warranty – 3-Year Warranty
• Built in the USA – No

Pros

Cons

Most Innovative Curl Bar – Gungnir Curler

Specs

• Price – $549
• Weight – 11kg (24.25lbs)
• Overall Length – 53”
• Shaft Diameter – 28mm
• Shaft Finish – Stainless Steel
• Sleeve Length – 9”, 7” with the SlideLock
• Sleeve Finish – Electroless Nickel
• Knurling – Medium-Depth Knurl
• Rotation System – Bronze Bushings
• Warranty – Lifetime
• Built in the USA – No

Pros

Cons

Best Curl Bar Set – XMark CHISEL EZ Curl Bar & Olympic Weight Set

Specs

• Price – $207-$380 depending on the weight set
• Weight – Bar weighs 25lbs, the weight sets available in 50lb, 65lb, 95lb, and 115lb sets
• Overall Length – 47”
• Shaft Diameter – 28mm
• Shaft Finish – Black Manganese Phosphate
• Sleeve Length – N/A
• Sleeve Finish – Soft Chrome
• Distance Between Sleeves – N/A
• Knurling – Medium-Depth Knurl
• Rotation System – 4 Needle Bearings
• Warranty – 90-Day Warranty
• Built in the USA – No

Pros

Cons

Best Super Curl Bar – Synergee Super Curl Bar

Specs

• Price – $80-$95
• Weight – 20lbs
• Overall Length – 47.2”
• Shaft Diameter – 28mm
• Shaft Finish – Chrome, Black Phosphate, or Cerakote
• Sleeve Length – 6.25”
• Sleeve Finish – Chrome or Black Phosphate
• Knurling – Moderate-Depth
• Rotation System – Bushings
• Warranty – 3 Years
• Built in the USA – No

Pros

Cons

Best Fixed Curl Bars – Titan EZ Curl Fixed Bars

Specs

• Price – Start at around $85 all the way up to $239 for single bars. The full set is available for around $1579
• Weight – Available from 20-110lbs
• Overall Length – 38.25”-45.5”
• Shaft Diameter – 32mm
• Shaft Finish – Chrome Finish
• Sleeve Length – No sleeves
• Sleeve Finish – No sleeves
• Distance Grip Length – 36” 
• Knurling – Medium-Depth
• Rotation System – None
• Warranty – 1-Year Warranty
• Built in the USA – No

Pros

Cons

Best Revolving Curl Bar For Cable Machine – Ivanko Revolving Curl Bar

Specs

• Price – $52
• Weight – 6.75lbs
• Overall Length – 28”
• Shaft Diameter – 25mm
• Shaft Finish – Chrome
• Sleeve Length – N/A
• Sleeve Finish – N/A
• Distance Between Sleeves – N/A
• Knurling – Deep, custom knurl
• Rotation System – Rotating Head
• Warranty – N/A
• Built in the USA – Yes

Pros

Cons

Best Standard Curl Bar – Sunny Health & Fitness Chrome Curl Bar

Specs

• Price – $39
• Weight – 11lb
• Overall Length – 47”
• Shaft Diameter – 24mm
• Shaft Finish – Chrome
• Knurling – Medium-Depth
• Rotation System – N/A
• Warranty – One-year warranty for the structural frame, and six-months warranty for other parts and components
• Built in the USA – No

Pros

Cons

EZ Curl Bar Benefits

There are multiple benefits of using an EZ curl bar over a straight bar for upper body movements such as curls and extensions.

Here are some of the main ones you should know about!

Reduced Wrist & Elbow Strain

The angled shape of the EZ curl bar allows for a more natural grip, reducing the strain on your wrists and elbows during bicep and tricep exercises.

Variety Of Exercises

The EZ curl bar can be used for a variety of exercises beyond just bicep curls, including tricep extensions, skull crushers, and upright rows.

Improved Muscle Activation

The unique shape of the EZ curl bar allows for better activation of the bicep and tricep muscles during exercises, leading to greater muscle growth and strength.

Versatility

EZ curl bars come in a variety of sizes and weights, making them suitable for use by individuals of all fitness levels and abilities.

Reduced Joint Pain

The reduced wrist strain and improved muscle activation offered by EZ curl bars can also help reduce joint pain associated with bicep and tricep exercises.

Types Of EZ Curl Bars

There are several types of curl bars available on the market, each with its own unique features and benefits. 

Standard Curl Bars

This is the most basic type of EZ curl bar that is made to use 1” standard plates over traditional Olympic weight plates. 

This type of curl bar is great for beginners and those on a budget, as it is often the most affordable option. 

While some of them use a typical spring clamp to secure the weights, there’s also a spin-lock design that some use as well.

Unless you already have access to some 1” plates in your home gym, I recommend you pick up an Olympic EZ curl bar instead. Olympic weight plates are sturdier and the barbells themselves are far safer in general.

Olympic Curl Bar

An Olympic curl bar is longer and heavier than a standard EZ curl bar.

The weight capacity is going to be higher, the rotating sleeves will be easier on your joints while training, and if they usually have better finishes that provide excellent corrosion resistance.

Most people are going to have Olympic plates in their home gym already as well. So this is going to be a better option for most people. 

They also have better knurling and spinning sleeves to help reduce torque on your wrists and elbows.

Rackable Curl Bar

This type of bar is almost identical to an Olympic curl bar, but it’s long enough to rack it.

I personally prefer this style of rackable bar as it’s much easier to get setup and change weights between warm-ups/top sets.

Plus, for exercises like skull crushers and pullovers, this is a huge benefit that saves energy, allows you to use more weight, do more reps, and get more gains.

RELATED – Rackable VS Non-Rackable Curl Bar – Which One Is Right For You?

Super Curl Bar

Super curl bars have a much deeper bend that is closer to a hammer curl than a traditional curl. 

These types of curl bars are going to be even more comfortable on the wrists and are similar to tricep bars in that regard.

So if you want the best option for hammer curls and extensions, a super curl bar is your best bet.

Fixed Curl Bars

You’ve most likely seen fixed EZ curl bars available at typical commercial gyms. 

This type of curl bar is nice as you don’t have to load and unload the weight. 

On top of that, if you’re doing things like drop or super sets, it’s easy to move from one weight to another. 

While these might be more convenient, in a home gym setting it requires more storage space, and they’re going to cost more as well. 

I think for most people, one of the best EZ curl bars you can get is a solid rackable version.

EZ Curl Bar Attachments

While not technically a traditional EZ curl bar, curl bar attachments are similar enough to mention, I think.

If you have a cable machine, using a curl bar attachment is a great idea as you get all the benefits of an ergonomic-friendly grip. 

Plus, performing your curls with cables is a great way to ensure you have constant tension throughout the entire movement.

How Do I Choose A Curl Bar?

When it comes to selecting the right EZ curl bar for your home gym, there are several important factors to consider.

Materials & Durability

Like any piece of gym equipment, the materials used will affect the durability and should be your first priority.

Other than high-quality steel construction, you should look into different barbell finishes, such as hard chrome or stainless steel.

I recommend you also do some research on the different brands available, while also considering the warranty.

Any barbell with a warranty of less than a year should not be trusted.

Knurling

The knurling on a barbell is incredibly important for performance.

Not only should you be concerned with the grippiness of the knurling, but you should also check out how much coverage it offers as well.

If the knurling is nice and aggressive but there’s more smooth sections on the bar then you like, get something else.

As amazing as the Rep bar is, the knurling coverage can be less than desireable for some as shown by the image above.

Overall though – the better your grip is, the more reps you can do with more weight, and the better your results will be.

Look for an EZ curl bar with a deep, aggressive knurling to help you maintain a secure grip.

Weight Capacity

The weight capacity of curl bars might not matter as much as a traditional Olympic barbell, but it’s still important.

While it might make sense to just get a super cheap EZ curl bar with a low weight capacity, I find it’s better to buy nice, not twice.

Luckily, even the most budget-friendly option is going to be plenty for most people just performing curls and extensions.

A good number to shoot for is at least a 400 lb weight capacity.

Sure, this might seem like overkill, but it will definitely weed out some crappy EZ curl bars out there with low-quality construction.

Brand

Finally, look for a brand with a good reputation for producing high-quality equipment.

A well-known and reputable brand will ensure that you’re getting a product that’s built to last and can withstand long-term use.

Brands such as Rogue, Titan, Rep, Bells of Steel, and many others are going to ensure you get something built to last.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Now I turn it over to you!

Which of these is the best curl bar overall?

Also, which one are you most interested in getting for your home gym?

Let me know in the comment section below, right now!

Until next time,

-Dante