When it comes to getting stronger and building muscle, choosing the correct equipment for the job is key.
While they might not be as important as a power rack, straight bar, or weight plates – curl bars are still a worthy addition to your home gym.
There are multiple different types of curl bars as well!
The most popular of which are EZ curl bars and the super EZ curl bar.
Both have their pros and cons, and both do a good job of offering a comfortable grip that’s easy on the wrists, forearms, and elbows.
But today, we’ll compare a regular curl bar vs a super curl bar, cover the benefits of each, and help you choose the right equipment for your needs.
Let’s get started!
Table Of Contents
What Is An EZ Curl Bar?
An EZ curl bar is a type of barbell with curved grips on the shaft. This unique shape puts less strain on your wrists and prevents elbow pain.
Design and Features
Most EZ curl bars can range from 47″-74″ depending on if they’re rackable or not and weigh between 10-35 lbs. The cambered grip of an EZ curl bar allows for a semi-supinated grip, which is basically halfway between neutral and palms facing up.
Benefits
The EZ curl bar has a bunch of benefits, mainly for arm/upper body exercises. The curved bend in the shaft will reduce overuse injuries associated with straight bar bicep and tricep work, making it a much better option to train pain-free.
Most Common Exercises
The EZ curl bar can be used for a variety of exercises, including:
- Bicep curls
- Tricep extensions
- Skull crushers
- Upright rows
- And more!
What is a Super Curl Bar?
A super EZ curl bar is very similar to an EZ curl bar, but it has an even steeper bend in the shaft. This allows you to do more neutral grip movements such as hammer curls and extensions.
On top of that, you can also do regular EZ bar curls and wide grip as well.
Design and Features
Super EZ curl bars typically measure around 48″ long on average and weigh anywhere between 16-25 lbs. It’s a far more comfortable version of a standard EZ curl bar considering the neutral grip option is much more natural, and the other bends allow for more variety
Benefits
The super EZ curl bar provides multiple benefits over other curl bars. The deeper curves reduce the chance of injury or strain significantly.
The rotating sleeves that are common for an Olympic straight barbell reduce torque on the wrists and elbows as well.
If you plan on doing a lot of triceps extensions, doing them with a super EZ curl bar is going to be your best option.
Most Common Exercises
The super curl bar can be used for a variety of exercises, including:
- Hammer curls
- Tricep extensions
- Skull crushers
- French presses
- Upright Rows
- And more!
What Are The Differences Between An EZ Curl Bar And Super Curl Bar
Similarities
Both EZ curl bars and super EZ curl bars have very similar designs, including:
- Curved shape to provide a comfortable grip
- Rotating sleeves to prevent stress on the joints
- Used for arm exercises such as hammer and bicep curls, tricep extensions, and more.
Differences
The biggest difference between the two is the degree of curvature for the grip.
EZ curl bars have a far gentler curve that allows for an angled grip that is better if you want more bicep activation.
Super EZ curl bars have a much more pronounced curve that allows for more neutral grip positions. This makes it a better option if you want more brachialis and forearm activation or a more natural position for extensions.
On top of that though, the bends in super EZ curl bars allow for more grip options so it’s far more versatile overall.
Which one is better?
While both have their advantages and disadvantages, the choice between an EZ curl bar and a super EZ curl bar is ultimately going to depend on your training goals and preference.
If you want to train more bicep and tricep-specific movements, go with an EZ curl bar.
If you’re planning on doing a lot of hammer curl and extension variations, as well as other upper body exercises in general, a super EZ curl bar has far more versatile overall.
If you want to get even more bang for your buck though, I highly recommend you pick up a multi-grip/swiss bar with an angled grip option as it’s much more versatile than both of these bars.
You can rack it, and have far more grip options for not only presses, curls, and extensions – but you can also do back work with it as well.
If you are adamant about getting a curl bar, a super curl bar is better overall.
Getting a rackable curl bar is also going to be a better option than a shorter EZ curl bar.
Regardless of what you choose, just know that it will help keep you pain-free and lifting safely for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
Now I turn it over to you!
Which type of EZ curl bar are you more interested in getting for your home gym?
Let me know in the comment section below, right now!
Until next time,
-Dante