There are multiple different types of curl bars, but the two most popular are rackable and regular curl bars. These are available in a smaller curl bar that is more widely available, as well as a rackable curl bar that a couple of companies produce. The availability of both of these curl bars on the market can make it challenging to determine which one is best suited for your needs.
So today, we’ll cover the major differences between the two – including their advantages, cost, versatility, safety, and overall convenience.
Let’s get started!
Table Of Contents
What Is A Rackable Curl Bar?
A rackable curl bar is a longer curl bar that can be racked inside a squat or power rack. The longer sleeve lengths allow for a much higher weight capacity than a shorter curl bar and have more versatility than one, similar to a straight bar.
The biggest benefit of a rackable EZ curl bar is the added safety that is provided by performing extensions, skull crushers, and other movements with safeties. Plus, you have the advantage of being able to rack and unrack the bar from your power rack.
So while a generic EZ curl bar is better for curls, a rackable curl bar is preferred if you want more versatility.
Cost
Rackable curl bars are typically on the pricier side, and for a good reason. They’re longer, requiring more material to make, and that adds to the cost. You’re not just paying for extra steel; you’re investing in the versatility and convenience of a bar that fits your rack perfectly.
Sorted by the highest to lowest price range, here’s how the brands stack up:
| Brand | Finish | Price |
| Rogue | Various Finishes | $265-$305 + shipping |
| REP | Various Finishes | $199-$299 (Free Shipping) |
| Bare Steel Equipment | Black Phosphate | $214.96 (Free Shipping) |
| Bells Of Steel | Various Finishes | $189.99-$209.99 + shipping |
| Kensui | Chrome | $199.95 (Free Shipping) |
| Titan | Chrome | $119 (Free Shipping) |
Taking all these prices into consideration, the average cost of the most popular rackable curl bars is approximately $211.32. This gives you a ballpark figure to work with when you’re budgeting for your home gym setup. ??
Who Should Get One?
- Anybody that wants to do extensions, skull crushers, and other movements that they can rack/unrack easily to save energy.
- Any lifter that has a larger home gym and can spare the space for another full-size bar.
- If you’re strong and need more space for weight plates, a rackable bar option will be better for the longer sleeve length.
Who Shouldn’t Get One?
- If you want better stability, picking up an EZ curl bar is a better option.
- If you don’t want ANOTHER full-size bar in your home gym, a shorter EZ bar is more portable.
- Lifters with a smaller budget should invest in a shorter bar as they’re far cheaper overall.
What Is A Non-Rackable Curl Bar?
A non-rackable curl bar, or just an EZ curl bar, has a smaller weight capacity and more compact design than a rackable version. Because they’re shorter in length, they’re actually easier to stabilize for curls and extensions which is the biggest benefit. It’s also far more portable if you have a smaller home gym without a lot of extra space for another full-size bar.
Cost
When you’re eyeing regular curl bars, you’re in for some savings. They pack less material than their rackable cousins, trimming down the cost. Here’s a table with some of the most popular options available and the finishes they use.
| Brand | Finish | Cost |
| REP | Chrome or Stainless Steel | $149-$269.99 (Free Shipping) |
| Rogue | Various Finishes | $225-$245 + shipping |
| Fringe Sport | Black Zinc Shaft/Chrome Sleeves | $179 (Free Shipping) |
| Vulcan | Black Oxide Shaft/Hard Chrome Sleeves | $159.99 (Free Shipping) |
| Bells of Steel | Black Phosphate Shaft/Nickel Plates Sleeves | $119 (Free Shipping) |
| Fray Fitness | Chrome | $95.40 + shipping |
| Titan | Chrome Shaft/Stainless Steel Sleeves | $94.99 (Free Shipping) |
| XMark | Black Manganese Phosphate Shaft/Chrome Sleeves | $82 (Free Shipping) |
Without the Gungnir Curler skewing the numbers, you’re looking at spending around $146.86 on average. It’s a neat deal for something that’ll see plenty of action on arm days.
Who Should Get One?
- Lifters with limited space in their home gym will definitely appreciate the extra space they save.
- Anyone who just plans on doing basic curls and doesn’t mind getting into position for extensions.
- If you want to save money and just need a regular EZ curl bar to get your movements in, this will be a better option.
Who Shouldn’t Get One?
- If you want to save energy and be safer, shorter EZ curl bars aren’t the best option.
- Those with larger budgets should definitely invest in a rackable curl bar as they’re much more versatile than a straight bar.
- Lifters that are super strong already are going to need a rackable bar instead to take advantage of the longer loadable sleeve length.
Rackable Curl Bar Or Not?
There are a couple of factors you need to consider if you decide to get a rackable curl bar or not.
Here are a couple of the main ones I recommend you concern yourself with.
- Cost – Rackable EZ curl bars are generally more expensive than non-rackable ones. Considering they’re longer and require more steel, this checks out.
- Weight Capacity – Rackable bars have much longer sleeves, so you can load them with more weight than a shorter curl bar.
- Versatility – Both rackable and non-rackable curl bars can be used for various exercises, but being rackable allows for more big exercises such as EZ bar benching and other pressing movements.
- Safety – Rackable EZ curl bars are generally considered safer for heavy lifting, as they can be secured in a squat rack and you have the added benefit of the safeties actually catching the bar.
- Convenience – Non-rackable curl bars are more convenient for those who have a smaller home gym as they take up less space.
Ultimately, the decision between a rackable and non-rackable curl bar ultimately comes down to personal preference and the type of workouts you want to do.
Conclusion
Hopefully, this guide helped you figure out which type of curl bar is right for you.
If you have any questions, let me know in the comment section below!
Until next time,
-Dante