Training with a curl bar is beneficial when you want to target smaller muscle groups like your biceps and triceps. The best curl bars put your hands in a more neutral position, placing less strain on your wrists, shoulders, and elbows than a straight bar. It's an excellent addition to any training regimen that targets your upper body. Plus, curl bars typically weigh less than a traditional barbell.
If you're into strength training, you already know there are multiple types of bars to choose from, including the best trap bars, best barbells, and best curl bars. Each bar can be used to help you achieve your fitness goals, but which is best?
We've researched and reviewed each of the curl bars on this list to help you decide which is best for you and your workout regimen. With everything from budget-friendly options to those who like to lift with Olympic weights, we think there’s a curl bar on this list for every lifter.
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The Best Curl Bars - Our Top Picks
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- Best Overall Curl Bar: Rogue Cerakote Curl Bar
- Best Budget Curl Bar: Rage Fitness EZ Curl Bar
- Best High-End Curl Bar: Rogue Rackable Curl Bar
- Best Rackable Curl Bar: REP Fitness Rackable Curl Bar
- Best Curl Bar for Standard Weights: Sogawave 47inch Olympic Cerakote Curl Barbell
- Best Curl Bar Attachment for Cable Machines: REP Multi-Grip Curl Bar
- Best Stainless Steel Curl Bar: REP Fitness Stainless Steel Curl Bar
- Best Curl Bar for Olympic Weights: Body Solid Chrome Bar
Best Overall Curl Bar - Rogue Curl Bar - Cerakote
SPECS
- Weight: 30 lbs.
- Length: 54.50"
- Weight capacity: 110,000 PSI
- Shaft finish: Cerakote Black
- Sleeve finish: Bright Zinc
The Rogue Cerakote Curl Bar features a Black Cerakote shaft finish and bright zinc sleeves. It includes bronze bushings, a snap ring design, and Rogue's trademark Ohio knurl pattern. This specialty bar bends in the shaft, limiting strain on the wrists and reducing common injury risks. It's got 10.5-inch loadable sleeves that are compatible with most standard Olympic plates.
This is a great bar to use to keep the arms tight against the body, isolating the biceps, thus improving strength. The knurling on the Rogue extends to the inside close grip portion of the shaft, providing the additional option of performing triceps extensions, close grip curls, and more. It's pricey, but we feel well worth the investment—this bar will last you a lifetime. It's on the heavier end of curl bars in general, but again, this heavy-duty construction brings you quality and performance that lasts.
What We Like
- Black Cerakote shaft finish
- 10.5" loadable sleeves
- Ohio knurl pattern
What We Don't Like
- Pricey
- Heavy design
Best Budget Curl Bar - Rage Fitness EZ-Curl Bar
SPECS
- Weight: 17 lbs.
- Length: 47"
- Weight capacity: 400 lbs.
- Shaft finish: Steel with chrome finish
- Sleeve finish: Steel with chrome finish
Curl bars don’t have to cost you an arm and a leg. Case in point—the budget friendly EZ-Curl Bar by Rage Fitness. Not only is it affordable, but it’s lightweight and can be used for multiple upper body movements such as rows, presses, and raises. Its curled shaft and knurling also allows for reduced stress on the wrists and a better grip overall.
What We Like
- Budget-friendly
- Lightweight
- Curled shaft
- Knurling
What We Don't Like
- 400 lb. weight capacity; not ideal for those lifting very heavy
Best High-End Curl Bar - Rogue Rackable Curl Bar
SPECS
- Weight: 35 lbs.
- Length: 74.75"
- Weight capacity: 110,000 PSI
- Shaft finish: Cerakote
- Sleeve finish: Bright zinc
If you’re looking to upgrade your home gym setup with a high-end curl bar, we recommend the Rogue Rackable Curl Bar. It’s a whopping 74.75-inches long making it rackable in most standard power racks. It features a cambered design, Ohio knurl pattern, and bright zinc sleeves. A racked curl bar is much easier to load and unload. Plus, you get the added benefit of beginning their curl movements directly from the starting height, rather than having to pick the bar up off the ground.
The sleeves offer 10.5-inches of loadable length, while the 110,000 PSI shaft features a corrosion-resistant E-coat finish and Rogue's trademark Ohio knurling. This bar is pricey, but that's to be expected from the best high-end bar. It's heavy at 35 pounds, but it can take any weight load you throw at it.
What We Like
- Extra long
- Rackable
- Corrosion-resistant finish
- Ohio knurl pattern
What We Don't Like
- Pricey
- Heavier design
Best Rackable Curl Bar - Rep Fitness Rackable Curl Bar
SPECS
- Weight: 35 lbs.
- Length: 74"
- Weight capacity: 200,000 PSI
- Shaft finish: Hard chrome
- Sleeve finish: Stainless steel
The Rep Rackable Curl bar features a 74-inch shaft between sleeves, making it rackable in any standard-width power rack. The rackable factor makes it easier to load and unload plates, and it provides a more comfortable position to get into for lifts. It features a bend in the shaft of the curl bar, allowing for a semi-supinated grip to limit stress on wrists, elbows, and shoulders.
The bar weighs 35 pounds, making it a hefty curl bar, but it has a weight capacity of 200,000 PSI to compensate. It's got hybrid sleeves, with one needle bearing and one bushing per sleeve, providing the perfect combination of spin and stability. Medium-depth knurling makes for excellent grip, plus it's rust-resistant.
What We Like
- Extra long
- Rackable
- Rust-resistant
- Hybrid sleeves
What We Don't Like
- Pricey
- Heavy design
BUY: REP Fitness Rackable Curl Bar
Best Curl Bar for Standard Weights - Sogawave 47-inch Olympic Cerakote Curl Barbell
SPECS
- Weight: 19 lbs.
- Length: 47"
- Weight capacity: 350 lbs.
- Shaft finish: Cerakote
- Sleeve finish: Copper
This budget-friendly, 47-inch, curl bar, has a two-inch bar end diameter, making it compatible with standard sized plates. It features reinforced brass bearings and a 1.2 millimeter diamond knurl to provide superior grip for sweaty hands. We also like that it's outfitted with solid copper sleeves and bearings for a super smooth loading and unloading experience.
What We Like
- Budget-friendly
- Diamond knurl
- Reinforced brass bearings
- Solid copper sleeves
What We Don't Like
- Paint flakes
- 350 lb. weight capacity
BUY: Sogawave 47-inch Olympic Cerakote Curl Barbell
Best Curl Bar Attachment for Cable Machines - Rep Multi-grip Curl Bar
SPECS
- Weight: 7 lbs.
- Length: 28.3"
- Weight capacity: Not provided
- Shaft finish: Hard chrome
- Sleeve finish: Hard chrome
The Rep Multi-Grip Curl Bar is an extremely versatile piece of hardware. It can be used for bicep curls, triceps push-downs, rows, and other arm, shoulder, and back movements, while the curled shape protects your wrists, elbows, and shoulders.
The cambered design allows for various grip options, and the grippy handle rotates smoothly. It's made from hard chrome and features standard knurling for a no-slip grip that won't eat up your hands. Take note that it requires a carabiner to attach to cable machines but does not come with one so if you don’t want to purchase a separate carabiner, this might not be the best option for you.
What We Like
- Versatile
- Budget-friendly
- Multiple grip options
What We Don't Like
- Carabiner sold separately
Best Stainless Steel Curl Bar - Rep Fitness Stainless Steel Curl Bar
SPECS
- Weight: 30 lbs.
- Length: 55"
- Weight capacity: 200,000 PSI
- Shaft finish: Stainless steel
- Sleeve finish: Stainless steel
The Rep Fitness Stainless Steel Curl Bar features a bent shaft to reduce joint strain. This specialty bar is made of stainless steel for lasting durability and rust resistance. One needle bearing and one bushing per sleeve provides stability and spin.
The bar cannot be racked in a standard-size power rack, it's designed to be used on the floor. It features medium-depth knurling that delivers excellent grip without tearing your hands to shreds. It's on the pricier side, but we feel it’s worth the investment for the durability of its stainless steel design.
What We Like
- Bent shaft
- Medium-depth knurling
- Durable and rust-resistant
What We Don't Like
- Pricey
- Not rackable
BUY: Rep Fitness Stainless Steel Curl Bar
Best Curl Bar for Olympic Weights - Body Solid Chrome Bar
SPECS
- Weight: 11 lbs.
- Length: 47"
- Weight capacity: 200 lbs.
- Shaft finish: Chrome
- Sleeve finish: Alloy steel
Get the most out of your upper body workout with the Body Solid Chrome Bar. This curl bar targets the biceps, triceps, forearms, back, and chest. It's compatible with standard Olympic weights and can be used for multiple exercises such as tricep extensions, preacher curls, drop sets, reverse grips, upright rows, and more. The angled shaft is designed to reduce strain on the joints, providing a more comfortable lifting experience overall.
Rotating sleeves help to reduce pressure on the body and prevent the bar from warping. It's under $50, making it extremely budget friendly. However, keep in mind that it does have a low weight capacity compared to other curl bars and it's on the shorter end at 47-inches.
What We Like
- Compatible with Olympic weights
- Angled shaft
- Rotating sleeves
What We Don't Like
- 200 lb. weight capacity
- Short
How to Choose the Best Curl Bar
Weight
In general, curl bars are lighter than traditional barbells. When deciding which curl bar is for you, you'll want to note the weight of the bar as it can vary drastically. We've got curl bars that range from 7 to 35 pounds on this list which is a pretty big difference. Choose a curl bar with a manageable weight when you consider the amount of weight you want to load.
Keep in mind that heavier curl bars boast heavier weight capacities and are a lot more durable in the long run. If you want your curl bar to last a lifetime, we recommend choosing a heavier bar.
Length
The lengths of the best curl bars vary drastically. We've got bars ranging from 28.3 to 74.75 inches on this list. A typical Olympic curl bar is 47-inches long, but if you want your curl bar to be rackable, you'll need something that's 74-inches. Choosing the right length depends on your needs and preferences.
Weight Capacity
Checking out the weight capacity on your curl bar is imperative. If you're an extra-heavy lifter, you're obviously going to want to purchase a curl bar with a large weight capacity. If you max out at 200 pounds, then choosing a curl bar with a lower weight capacity fits the bill just fine. Plus, curl bars with lower weight capacities are more affordable.
Shaft Finish
A shaft finish indicates how durable and rust-resistant your curl bar is. In general, it's a good rule of thumb to go with a chrome, steel, copper, or Cerakote finish. You should look for a coating that enhances a number of physical performance properties including abrasion and wear resistance, corrosion resistance, chemical resistance, impact strength, and hardness.
Sleeve Finish
The same guidelines mentioned above for shaft finishes apply to sleeve finishes as well. You should look for a coating that enhances a number of physical performance properties including abrasion and wear resistance, corrosion resistance, chemical resistance, impact strength, and hardness.
FAQs About Best Curl Bars
Which size curl bar is best?
That depends on personal preference and whether you want a rackable curl bar or not. If you do want a rackable curl bar, look for something at least 74-inches long. If you don't need a rackable curl bar, the standard Olympic sized curl bar is 47-inches.
What is the weight of a curl bar?
Curl bars are lighter than barbells. They range anywhere between 7 to 35 pounds.
Is a curl bar worth it?
While we think a curl bar is an excellent addition to your home gym, a curl bar is only worth it if you plan on getting regular use out of it. The angled shape of the bar puts less strain on your joints, providing a safer and more comfortable lifting experience overall. We like that they're versatile pieces of equipment and can be used for multiple exercises.
Are curl bars better than dumbbells?
Curl bars are not better than dumbbells, they're just different. Both can be used to attain your fitness goals and each one performs better with different exercises (for example, curl bars are great for skull crushers while dumbbells help isolate the biceps more in movements like hammer curls).
About the Author
Nicolette is a writer, and health and fitness expert. Nicolette is a quadruple-certified master fitness instructor and teaches indoor cycling, barre, yoga, and versa climbing. As a writer, Nicolette specializes in tech pertaining to all things exercise-related.
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