The 12 Best Curl Bars to Buy in 2024

In this guide, I’ll discuss the best curl bars on the market and how to choose one that suits your needs.

I analyzed and reviewed 12 of the best curl bars and found the Rep Curl Bar to be the best curl bar overall.

Why is the Rep Curl Bar the best curl bar? Because it combines an excellent price point with great performance and build quality. Plus, you can opt for a premium stainless steel finish. There’s a rackable version available as well.

Why should you trust me? I’ve been lifting weights seriously since 2005. Over the years, I’ve tested all types of equipment, including many curl bars. I’ve also been writing about fitness since 2009 and reviewing home gym equipment since 2014, so my recommendations come from a place of deep research, knowledge, and hands-on experience.

I’ve also enlisted the help of multiple people from the online home gym community who own these curl bars. I’ve gotten their insights on these bars that I’ll pass along to you.

Now, let’s dive in and discover the best curl bars for your training goals.

My Top Picks for the Best Curl Bars

Here is a comprehensive list of the best curl bars on the market, from budget options to high-end luxury selections, as well as variations of the traditional curl bar.

Whether you’re just getting started with strength training or have been lifting for years, this list has something that will suit your needs and provide excellent performance:

• Best Curl Bar Overall: Rep Curl Bar
• Best High-End Curl Bar: Rogue Curl Bar
• Best Budget Curl Bar: XMark Crowbar EZ Curl Bar
• Best Value Curl Bar: Vulcan Curl Bar
• Best Luxury Curl Bar: Gungnir “The Curler” Curl Bar
• Best Rackable Curl Bar: Rep Rackable Curl Bar 
• Best Super Curl Bar: Synergee Super Curl Bar
• Best Cable Curl Bar: Rep Multi-Grip Cable Curl Bar
• Best Curl Bar for Standard Plates: Cap RBB-47 Standard Curl Bar
• Best Fat Curl Bar: Titan Rackable EZ Curl Fat Bar
• Best Fixed Curl Bar Set: Titan Fixed Curl Bar Set
• Best Adjustable Curl Bar: MX Select MX100 Adjustable Curl Bar/Straight Bar Set

Best Curl Bar Overall: Rep Curl Bar

The Rep Curl Bar has an unmatched mix of performance, construction quality and price, making it the best choice for most people.

Specifications

• Bar Type: EZ Curl Bar
• Weight Capacity: 190,000 PSI (Chrome) or 200,000 PSI (Stainless Steel)
• Loadable Sleeve Length: 10”
• Sleeve Diameter: 50mm
• Sleeve Finish: Hard Chrome or Stainless Steel
• Shaft Finish: Hard Chrome or Stainless Steel
• Knurling: Medium
• Shaft Diameter: 30mm
• Distance Between Sleeves: 33.4”
• Bar Length: 55”
• Bar Weight: 30 lbs
• Rotation: Bushing and Bearing
• Warranty: 5 Years (Hard Chrome) or Lifetime (Stainless Steel)
• Manufactured: China
• Price: $149.99 (Hard Chrome) or $269.99 (Stainless Steel)

Review

The knurling on this bar is a medium-depth knurl. It has enough grip for most people and definitely won’t tear up your hands. It’s slightly milder than the Rogue Curl Bar, which uses the same knurling as the popular Rogue Ohio Bar. So while the Rep Curl Bar’s quality of grip will be fine for most people, the Rogue Curl Bar may be a better choice if you know you want a slightly grippier pattern.

The knurl coverage is less than optimal, with the knurl broken up into different sections. This can make it so that sometimes part of your hand is grasping the smooth portion depending on your grip position and hand width.

This bar also has a somewhat thicker-than-average 30mm bar diameter, which many lifters love since it feels a bit more substantial in the hand without being so thick that it becomes too much of a forearm workout.

The bend profile of this bar is moderately steep and will feel good on the wrists for most people. The bends are much more pronounced than on a typical budget curl bar. However, if you have very bad joints, you may want something with steeper cambers.

Compared to the Rogue Curl Bar, the Rep Curl Bar’s outer cambers are slightly more gradual while the inner cambers are slightly steeper. So close grip curls will feel a bit better on the Rep bar.

One thing to note is that this bar is not rackable, but there is a rackable version available. 

The Rep Curl Bar features both a needle bearing and bushing in each sleeve. This ensures you get excellent sleeve rotation with absolutely no drag, even if you’re lifting with heavy weight. 

The barbell has a 10″ loadable sleeve length, providing plenty of room to fit several plates with collars, even when dealing with thick bumper plates.

The bar comes with a choice of either hard chrome-plated or stainless steel finishes for the shaft and sleeves. The chrome finish offers a sleek, stylish look with decent protection against oxidation and scratches at an affordable price point. However, it only has a 5-year warranty.

For those looking for a more durable option, the stainless steel finish offers superior rust resistance and longevity with a lifetime warranty. It also provides a more raw feel and better grip, making it ideal for those seeking optimal performance during their workouts. Just be prepared to spend an extra $100.

I made the Rep Curl Bar my number one choice over the Rogue Curl Bar because its price (which includes free shipping) makes it a better value. Plus, it has a more premium finish option of stainless steel. The final shipped price when choosing the stainless Rep bar is almost the same as the final shipped price for the least expensive Rogue finish option.

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Thanks to Peyton from @segurapey3 for sharing these photos of the non-rackable Rep Curl Bar for this article on the best curl bars. He’s a big fan of the comfort of the bend angles, long sleeves, and the overall feel and quality of this curl bar.

Pros

• 30mm shaft diameter feels great without being too thick
• Comes in hard chrome or stainless steel
• Great rotation thanks to both a bushing and a needle bearing
• Moderate bend provides performance and comfort for most users
• Great price for the quality this bar offers.
• Rackackable version available
• Great warranty from 5 years (chrome) to lifetime (stainless steel)

Cons

• Gaps in the knurling at the bends

Buy Now – Rep Fitness Curl Bar »

Best High-End Curl Bar: Rogue Curl Bar

The Rogue Curl Bar is an American-made bar that offers many premium features and a high build quality, making it worthy of consideration if you have some room in your budget.

Specifications

• Bar Type: EZ Curl Bar
• Weight Capacity: 110,000 PSI
• Loadable Sleeve Length: 10.5”
• Sleeve Diameter: 50mm
• Sleeve Finish: Bright Zinc
• Shaft Finish: Black E-coat or Black Cerakote
• Knurling: Medium
• Shaft Diameter: 28.5mm
• Distance Between Sleeves: 33.5”
• Bar Length: 54.5”
• Bar Weight: 30 lbs
• Rotation: Bushing
• Warranty: 5 Years
• Manufactured: USA
• Price: $225 (E-coat) or $245 (Cerakote)

Review

The medium-depth knurling on this bar provides excellent grip for any curl exercise without being too harsh on your hands. It uses the same knurling pattern as the Rogue Ohio Bar, which is the most popular multipurpose bar in the world.

Compared to the Rep Curl Bar, the Rogue Curl Bar is slightly more aggressive while still being in the medium-depth category.

The knurling is continuous, meaning it’s not broken up into segments with smooth gaps between bends, as is the case on many bars, such as the Rep Curl Bar. This means you won’t run into situations where part of your hand is on the smooth portion of the bar.

In addition to being continuous, the knurling also extends to the sleeves for excellent coverage overall. So you can grab outside the bends for other exercises and still get a great grip.

At 28mm thick, the shaft diameter is on the thinner side of the typical range (28-30mm). So if you want a thicker bar, the Rep bar’s 30mm shaft will be a better fit.

The bend profile is pretty steep, with the outer camber being especially pronounced. The inner camber also has a good angle. However, it is slightly more gradual compared to the Rep Curl Bar. Overall, this bar will provide a comfortable experience on curls, even among those with joint issues.

It’s well suited for heavy lifting as its 10.5” loadable sleeve length allows plenty of room to fit a large number of plates and collars, even when using thick bumper plates. This makes it one of the longest loadable sleeve lengths, second only to Vulcan Curl Bar’s 11.75” sleeve length.

The black e-coat finish on the shaft looks great, is highly durable, and pretty rust-resistant, but it has a slicker texture that detracts from the bar’s grippiness.

There’s also a more expensive cerakote option for the bar, which provides even greater oxidation resistance and has a tackier feel to it. While cerakote is often available in different colors, Rogue only offers black cerakote for this bar. The sleeves are bright zinc, regardless of which shaft finish you choose.

It’s worth noting that this bar is not rackable, but there is a rackable version of this bar available.

This bar is priced fairly given its features, but it may still be too expensive for some people.

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Thanks to Keith from @thenowhinecellar for sharing these photos with me of the non-rackable Rogue Curl Bar for use in this guide to the best curl bars. Keith highlighted that the bends feel natural to him and are better than some other curl bars he’s used. He also finds the 30 lb starting weight convenient because it makes plate math easier.

Pros

• Steep bend profile
• Continuous knurling, which allows a more which prevents scenarios where part of your hand is gripping a smooth surface.
• Knurling extends to sleeves
• Available in black e-coat or cerakote.
• Large 10.5” loadable sleeve length allows you to add many weights.
• Made in the USA

Cons

• The price of this specialty bar may be too high for those with a tighter budget.

Buy Now – Rogue Curl Bar »

Best Budget Curl Bar: XMark Crowbar EZ Curl Bar

The XMark Crowbar EZ Curl Bar is a great choice for those looking for an adequate quality bar at a very affordable price.

Specifications

• Bar Type: EZ Curl Bar
• Weight Capacity: 400 lbs
• Loadable Sleeve Length: 6.25”
• Sleeve Diameter: 50mm
• Sleeve Finish: Chrome
• Shaft Finish: Black Manganese Phosphate
• Knurling: Mild
• Shaft Diameter: 28mm
• Distance Between Sleeves: 34.375”
• Bar Length: 48.5”
• Bar Weight: 21 lbs
• Rotation: Brass Bushings
• Warranty: 90 Days
• Manufactured: Imported
• Price: Check Amazon

Review

The knurling on this curl bar is not optimal. While a more aggressive knurling profile would be nice, generally, you don’t need a whole lot of grip for curls. Milder knurling is expected for more affordable bars. The knurling is continuous, but it doesn’t extend all the way to the end of the shaft.

This bar has a short shaft, making it so you really only have access to one camber angle compared to the more expensive bars that are longer and have enough room for a distinct inner camber and out camber.

You can still somewhat access a somewhat closer grip and wider grip by positioning your hands closer or further apart on this bar’s main camber angle segment, but it’s not as distinct of a difference.

The 6.25” sleeve length isn’t as long as most other curl bars featured in this guide, but it’s a typical length for curl bars in the budget price range.

The bend profile is notably more gradual than most of the bars in this guide. This means it’s not as joint-friendly as the more expensive bars with steeper cambers, but it’ll be passable for many lifters. Steeper bends cost more to manufacture, so this is expected. And among the various budget bar options, this bar’s bend profile is actually decent.

If you’re a beginner, the sleeve length should be more than enough. It’ll also be suitable for more advanced lifters using thinner cast iron plates. It’ll only become a limitation if using multiple smaller cast iron plates per side (e.g., all 25s, 10s, and smaller) or if using multiple bumper plates.

This bar also has a cheaper decorative chrome finish on the sleeves that looks great at first but will scratch pretty quickly. It has a black manganese phosphate coating on the shaft that provides a base level of corrosion resistance. You should expect some fading and corrosion over time.

This bar is fairly light at 21 lbs, which is light, but that can be helpful for beginners.

This bar also has a weight capacity of 400 lbs which is good for a budget curl bar and is more than any lifter will need for a curl bar.

The XMark Crowbar EZ Curl is the best choice for those on a tight budget. It doesn’t have any fancy features, but it gets the job done.

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Thanks to Marcus from Twisted Barbell for supplying me with these photos of his XMark Crowbar EZ Curl Bar for this article on the best curl bars. Marcus likes the fact that you get a basic but completely adequate curl bar for a great price. His only grip was that the smooth sleeves make the plates easier to slide off if not using collars. While he still owns this bar, he now mostly uses his newer, more premium Rep Rackable Curl Bar.

Pros

• Highly affordable
• 400 lb weight capacity is great for a budget bar and more than you need.
• Continuous knurling
• Decent bend profile (for a budget bar)
• One of the best-selling and highest-rated curl bars on Amazon
• There is free shipping

Cons

• Limited grip width options
• Short 6.25” sleeves
• Uses brass bushings instead of bronze

Buy Now – XMark Crowbar EZ Curl Bar »

Best Value Curl Bar: Vulcan Strength Curl Bar

If you want an affordable, quality curl bar, then the Vulcan Strength Curl Bar is a great option. It has most of the features of higher-end curl bars at an attractive price point.

Specifications

• Bar Type: EZ Curl Bar
• Weight Capacity: 400lb
• Loadable Sleeve Length: 11.75”
• Sleeve Diameter: 50mm
• Sleeve Finish: Hard Chrome
• Shaft Finish: Black Oxide
• Knurling: Medium
• Shaft Diameter: 28.5mm
• Distance Between Sleeves: 31.5”
• Bar Length: 55.75”
• Bar Weight: 25 lbs
• Rotation: Bushing and Bearing
• Warranty: 5 Years
• Manufactured: Imported
• Price: $159.99

Review

The Vulcan Strength Curl Bar has excellent knurling coverage, similar to the Rogue Curl Bar. The knurl covers almost all of the shaft except for a 4″ segment of a smooth shaft in the center. This allows for a variety of different grip positions beyond just the angled segments while still providing a secure grip.

The knurling on the Vulcan Curl Bar falls in the medium-depth range. It’s slightly more aggressive than the Rogie Curl Bar in part due to the knurl points being more spread out on the Vulcan bar. The grip is also helped by the black oxide finish, which doesn’t fill in the gaps between the knurl points at all.

The black oxide finish looks great and feels very tacky, but it only provides mild oxidation resistance. The bar will experience oxidation over time unless you keep up with regular maintenance. However, the hard chrome sleeves are more resistant to oxidation and also protect well against scratches.

The bends of this curl bar are also steeper than some more expensive curl bars, which makes it a contender for any lifter who places a priority on joint comfort.

It’s also worth noting that this curl bar’s sleeves are one of the longest you’ll find at 11.75 inches, which makes this ideal for more serious lifters or anyone using thick bumper plates.

The Vulcan Curl Bar sleeves spin very well because they have bushings as well as needle bearings, as is the case with the Rep Curl Bar. You won’t experience any drag when the sleeves rotate, even under heavy loads.

However, there’s no rackable version available of the Vulcan Curl Bar, which is too bad since it competes most directly with both the Rep and Rogue curl bars that have rackable versions.

The Vulcan Strength Curl Bar comes in at a similar price as the chrome version on the Rep Curl Bar. Go with the Vulcan bar if you want a slightly steeper bend profile and sharper knurling that covers most of the shaft – as long as you’re okay with having a less protective finish.

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Thanks to Matt Pendergraph for sharing these photos of the Vulcan Curl Bar for this guide to the best curl bars. I spoke to Matt and he likes this bar’s steep bend profile and super long sleeves. However, he’d prefer a more rust-resistance finish. His go-to curl bar is the Rep Rackable Curl Bar (chrome) because of its superior finish, thicker 30mm shaft, and rackability.

Pros

• This bar has continuous knurling
• The knurling extends all the way to the sleeves
• Steeper cambers than other, more expensive bars
• Very affordable price point, considering its quality
• 11.75” loadable sleeve lengths
• Excellent sleeve rotation with a bushing and bearing in the sleeve assembly

Cons

• The black oxide finish will require regular maintenance
• No rackable version available

Buy Now – Vulcan Strength Curl Bar »

Best Luxury Curl Bar: Gungnir “The Curler” Curl Bar

Gungnir’s “The Curler” is an excellent choice for anyone who wants the most unique, easy-to-use, and expensive EZ curl bar on the market.

Specifications

• Bar Type: EZ Curl Bar
• Weight Capacity: 440 lbs
• Loadable Sleeve Length: 9.05”
• Sleeve Diameter: 50mm
• Sleeve Finish: Electroless Nickel
• Shaft Finish: Stainless Steel
• Knurling: Medium
• Shaft Diameter: 28mm
• Distance Between Sleeves: ~34.5”
• Bar Length: 53.14”
• Bar Weight: 24.25 lbs
• Rotation: Bushing and Bearing
• Warranty: Lifetime
• Manufactured: Norway
• Price: $549

Review

What really makes this bar stand out is its patented SlideLock technology, which consists of built-in titanium collars that slide along a track to lock the plates in place.

Loading and unloading weights is so much faster and more convenient than using traditional barbell collars on a regular EZ curl bar. Although, there is sometimes a small amount of play between the SlideLock and the plates, which can be slightly annoying.

The knurling on the Gungnir Curler is relatively densely packed and medium depth, making for a comfortable feel in the hands with plenty of grip for any typical curl bar movement. 

UPDATE: Originally, as shown in most of the photos here, the knurling on this curl bar was broken into sections between the bends. This non-continuous knurling coverage could feel awkward for lifters with larger hands or shoulders who would be more likely to partially grasp onto the smooth portions. However, Gungnir has since updated this bar to include full knurling coverage, as shown below:

The continuous knurling means no more worrying about your hands being in the perfect position. Not only is the knurling continuous, but it also extends further than before. Now, it goes nearly to the sleeves. So you’ll have a great grip even if using an extra wide grip.

The shaft is 28mm, which is comfortable for most, but you some prefer a bar with a thicker shaft.

The Gungnir Curl Bar has a very steep bend profile, which makes for a very comfortable and effective workout. The outer bends are comparable to the Rogue Curl Bar. However, the inner bends are where it really shines; they’re more pronounced than on any other EZ curl bar I’ve seen. 

The stainless steel shaft gives an uncoated raw feel on the hand and will keep rust at bay. The sleeves are coated in electroless nickel, which also offers a high level of corrosion resistance and great aesthetic appeal.

The sleeve length is 9”, which is sufficient but a little less than other non-budget curl bars. Additionally, the sidelocks take up 1.5” of space of this loadable length.

The Gungnir Curl Bar is an excellent choice for those who don’t have a budget and want the easiest-to-use and most precisely constructed EZ curl bar. There is a lifetime warranty that comes with this bar, so you’ll be covered if anything happens (outside of abuse).

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Thanks to Joe from @illuminatiiron for providing me with these images of the Gungnir “The Curler” Curl Bar for this guide to the best curl bars. Joe often uses this high-end curl bar in his notoriously intense training sessions.

Pros

• Titanium collars with SlideLock technology for easier weight changes
• Grippy, comfortable knurling
• Stainless steel shaft; electroless nickel sleeves
• Very joint-friendly bend profile, especially the inner cambers
• The most aesthetically pleasing curl bar
• Expertly crafted in Norway
• Lifetime warranty

Cons

• High cost excludes most buyers

Buy Now – Gungnir “The Curler” Curl Bar »

Best Rackable Curl Bar: Rep Rackable Curl Bar 

The Rep Rackable Curl Bar is the rackable version of the Rep Curl Bar reviewed earlier. Like the traditional-length Rep Curl Bar, this rackable version also offers an unmatched mix of premium features, performance, and price; hence why it’s the #1 rackable bar choice.

Specifications

• Bar Type: Rackable EZ Curl Bar
• Weight Capacity: 190,000 PSI (Chrome) or 200,000 PSI (Stainless Steel)
• Loadable Sleeve Length: 10”
• Sleeve Diameter: 50mm
• Sleeve Finish: Hard Chrome or Stainless Steel
• Shaft Finish: Hard Chrome or Stainless Steel
• Knurling: Medium
• Shaft Diameter: 30mm
• Distance Between Sleeves: 51”
• Bar Length: 74”
• Bar Weight: 35 lbs
• Rotation: Bushing and Bearing
• Warranty: 5 Years (Hard Chrome) or Lifetime (Stainless Steel)
• Manufactured: China
• Price: $199.99 (Hard Chrome) or $299.99 (Stainless Steel)

Review

Rackable curl bars have longer shafts than traditional curl bars. This lets you set them on the j-hooks or spotter arms of your squat rack at whichever height you want. The benefit of this it makes loading and unloading easy because you don’t have to switch plates with the bar on the floor.

Plus, you can set the bar at your desired starting position for whichever exercise you’re doing, making it so you don’t have to waste extra energy picking the bar off the floor or maneuvering it into position.

The shaft diameter is 30mm, which provides a fairly substantial feeling without being so thick that it becomes too much of a forearm workout. 

The knurling on this bar is medium-depth. This will not tear up your hands and will provide enough grip for most. However, the knurling is non-continuous, with caps between the bends. This may cause you to partially grasp the smooth portion depending on your grip position and hand size.

A notable difference between the rackable and non-rackable versions of the Rep Curl Bar is the inner camber. This inner bend is more pronounced on the rackable version, meaning there is a steeper angle, which makes using a close grip even more comfortable on the rackable version of the Rep Curl Bar.

The bar comes in two finishes for both the shaft and sleeves: hard chrome and stainless steel. The hard chrome option offers great aesthetics, feels decent (not too slick), has good oxidation resistance, and comes with a 5-year warranty.

The stainless steel option costs $100 more but provides superior oxidation resistance and a more raw feel, which translates to a better grip. This version also comes with a lifetime warranty.

The sleeve length is 10”, which provides plenty of space, even if you’re using thicker plates.

The sleeves spin super smoothly thanks to it having not just a bushing but also a needle bearing in each sleeve assembly. You’ll experience zero drag or seizing during sleeve rotation.

The best thing about the Rep Rackable Curl Bar is the price for everything you get. You can’t beat $199 for the chrome version (including free shipping). And $100 more for the stainless option is a solid deal, too.

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Thanks to Joey from @garagegymjunkies for sharing these photos of his Rep Rackable Curl Bar (chrome) for this guide to the best curl bars on the market. Joey told me that this bar has been a staple in his training for years. He likes its rackability, long loadable sleeves, smooth rotation, good build quality, and great price. However, he wishes it had sharper knurling and he’d prefer if the knurling wasn’t broken into sections.

Pros

• Rackable for easy loading, unloading, and setup position
• Substantial yet comfortable 30mm shaft diameter
• Moderate bend profile is suitable for most
• Great rotation because of bushing and needle bearing.
• Two quality finishes available, including hard chrome and stainless steel
• 10” loadable sleeve length
• Great warranty from 5 years (chrome) to lifetime (stainless steel).

Cons

• Knurling doesn’t extend to the outer shaft and is separated at the bends

Buy Now – Rep Fitness Rackable Curl Bar »

Best Super Curl Bar: Synergee Super Curl Bar

If you want a curl bar with the most extreme bends that will give you the most comfortable wrist positions possible, you need a super curl bar. The Synergee Super Curl Bar is the best option in this category.

Specifications

• Bar Type: Super Curl Bar
• Weight Capacity: 400 lbs
• Loadable Sleeve Length: 6.25”
• Sleeve Diameter: 50mm
• Sleeve Finish: Chrome or Black Phosphate
• Shaft Finish: Chrome, Black phosphate, or Red Cerakote
• Knurling: Medium
• Shaft Diameter: 28mm
• Distance Between Sleeves: 33”
• Bar Length: 47.2”
• Bar weight: 20 lbs
• Rotation: Bushing
• Warranty: 3 Years
• Manufactured: Imported
• Price: Check Amazon

Review

Super curl bars offer dramatically steeper bend angles than regular EZ curl bars. This is to provide you with the least wrist strain.

These super pronounced bend angles allow you to access a near-neutral grip, making tricep exercises like skull crushers easier and allowing you to do a barbell variation of hammer curls. 

The Synergee Super Curl Bar has a medium knurl depth that’s in the same ballpark as most of the other bars in this guide; maybe a touch to the aggressive side. It provides a good grip that won’t tear up your hands. However, if you get the cerakote version, the aggressiveness till be toned down since the coating is pretty thick.

However, there’s no knurling on the innermost camber angle, which means you’ll be gripping onto a smooth portion when doing hammer curls or close grip triceps extensions.

This bar offers multiple finish options so you can choose the aesthetic you like the most. The finish with the best combination of value and oxidation resistance is the chrome shaft/chrome sleeve option.

The loadable sleeve length is on the shorter side at 6.25”, which should be fine most of the time. However, if you’re using bumper plates or lots of smaller iron plates, you may run out of room.

There are only a few super curl bars available, none of which are high-end options, but this is a good overall pick for a reasonable price.

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Thanks to Jason from @genuineathletics for providing me with photos of the Synergee Super Curl Bar to use in the guide to the best curl bars. He told me that his favorite uses for this bar are hammer curls and narrow neutral grip skull crushers. He thinks the best thing about it is the price. He called out shortcomings such as the cerakote coating being overapplied. Jason stressed that while this is good for a budget bar, you should temper your expectations. I agree with him. For some reason, though, there aren’t really any high-end super curl bars on the market.

Pros

• Intense curves make it the most joint-friendly curl bar
• Perfect for hammer curls and skull crushers
• Budget price point
• Multiple finish and color options

Cons

• Short 6.25” loadable sleeve length
• No knurling on the inner camber

Buy Now – Synergee Super Curl Bar »

Best Cable Curl Bar: Rep Multi-Grip Cable Curl Bar

The Rep Multi-Grip Cable Curl Bar is the best cable curl bar if you’re looking for a well-priced solid steel attachment with good angles, grip, and rotation.

Specifications

• Bar Type: Cable Curl Bar
• Shaft Finish: Hard Chrome
• Knurling: Moderately Aggressive
• Shaft Diameter: 25mm
• Bar Length: 28.3”
• Bar Weight: 7 lbs
• Rotation: Swivel Head
• Warranty: 1 Year
• Manufactured: China
• Price: $49.99

Review

The Rep Multi-Grip Cable Bar is one of the sharper curl bars in this guide in terms of knurling; I would describe it as moderately aggressive. It isn’t overbearing, but you’ll definitely feel more sharpness in your hands compared to the typical medium-depth knurl found on many loadable curl bars (e.g., Rep, Rogue, Vulcan).

This cable curl bar has excellent knurl coverage for nearly the entire length of the attachment, except for a small gap on each side hand. These tiny gaps are essentially knurl rings like on a barbell that act as guides for hand placement.

The swivel head rotates smoothly for a seamless cable motion when you’re exercising, which creates a better experience for you.

Even with its solid steel construction, this attachment is just 7 lbs, making it light enough that it won’t pull the cable down when the weight stack or plate-loaded carriage is empty.

This bar has a moderate bend profile that will prevent wrist strain for most people. It also has straight grip segments on the ends, which makes it useful for other exercises such as straight arm lat pulldowns or certain cable row variations.

The diameter is a little thin at 25mm, so the bar may feel smaller if used to Olympic-sized barbells. To be fair, though, this is a common diameter for cable attachments.

Additionally, the hard chrome finish provides good oxidation resistance and a relatively non-slip feel while remaining reasonably priced. This bar also comes in at $49.99 with free shipping, making it an excellent value for all its benefits.

Pros

• Moderately aggressive knurling
• Great price that includes free shipping
• Hard chrome finish
• Swivel head rotates flawlessly
• Virtually full knurling coverage
• Straight grip portion at the ends

Cons

• Thinner 25mm shaft

Buy Now – Rep Fitness Multi-Grip Cable Curl Bar »

Best Curl Bar for Standard Plates: Cap RBB-47 Standard Curl Bar

Generally, I recommend people buy an Olympic curl bar because they’re better in terms of features and quality of use. However, if you want an affordable curl bar and already own standard plates, the Cap RBB-47 Standard Curl Bar is a solid choice. This curl bar ticks the boxes on key features while being extremely budget-friendly and easily loaded with standard weight plates.

Specifications

• Bar Type: EZ Curl Bar
• Weight Capacity: 200 lbs
• Loadable sleeve length: 8”
• Sleeve Diameter: 25mm
• Sleeve Finish: Decorative Chrome
• Shaft Finish: Decorative Chrome
• Knurling: Moderately Aggressive
• Shaft Diameter: 25mm
• Distance Between Sleeves: 30.5”
• Bar Length: 47”
• Bar Weight: 10.5 lbs
• Rotation: None
• Warranty: 30 Days
• Manufactured: USA
• Price: Check Amazon

Review

The knurling on this curl bar is on the more aggressive side, which is quite rare for a standard curl bar. So, if you want a really strong grip, this is an ideal standard curl bar. If you have more sensitive hands or know just know you want a milder knurling, you may want to consider another option.

The knurling covers all of the inner and outer bends with no gaps in between. This is more coverage than on most standard curl bars and some Olympic curl bars.

The bend profile on the Cap curl bar is above average in terms of steepness compared to many standard curl bars. However, it’s much more gradual than any non-budget Olympic curl bar. The bend angles are about the same on this bar as on the XMark Crowbar Curl Bar, which was my pick for the best budget (Olympic) curl bar.

Note that the stock photos of the Cap curl bar make the bends looks slightly more gradual than they actually are.

Due to its smaller 1” (~25mm) shaft diameter, this bar will feel smaller in your hands compared to a thicker Olympic curl bar (28-30mm). However, this diameter is typical of all standard bars since the shaft diameter is the same as the sleeve diameter. And the sleeve diameter is designed to hold standard weight plates, which have a 1″ plate hole.

The shaft is solid steel, weighing a total of 10.5 lbs. Given that this bar is meant for standard plates, its weight capacity of 200 lbs is impressive. Many standard curl bars top out at 150 lbs.

Another advantage of this bar is that it does not use spin-locks to secure the weights. Spin-locks frequently come loose during exercise. This allows the plates to rotate freely and throws off your form.

With the Cap Curl Bar, you secure the plates using regular collars, which are much more secure. However, you need standard collars; not Olympic collars. And not all standard bar clamps work on all standard bars. The Lock-Jaw One collars have been verified to fit and are high quality.

The price of this bar is unbeatable and is undoubtedly a great deal, even among other standard curl bars, which are already quite cheap.

Pros

• Super-budget price point
• 200 lb weight capacity
• Convenient if you already have standard plates
• Doesn’t use spin locks
• Surprisingly aggressive knurling
• Good knurling coverage

Cons

• Thin 25mm diameter
• Bend profile is more gradual than most Olympic curl bars
• Does not come with collars

Buy Now – Cap RBB-47 Standard Curl Bar »

Best Fat Curl Bar: Titan Rackable EZ Curl Fat Bar

If you are looking for a decent quality and affordable fat curl bar that’s also rackable, the Titan Rackable EZ Curl Fat Bar is a great option. This bar will help improve your forearm development and grip strength, so if that’s important to you, you should seriously consider this bar.

Specifications

• Bar Type: Fat Curl Bar
• Weight Capacity: 1,000 lbs
• Loadable Sleeve Length: 10”
• Sleeve Diameter: 49mm
• Sleeve Finish: Chrome
• Shaft Finish: Chrome
• Knurling: Medium
• Shaft Diameter: 48mm
• Distance Between Sleeves: 49”
• Bar Length: 71”
• Bar Weight: 57 lbs
• Rotation: Bushings
• Warranty: 1 Year
• Manufactured: China
• Price: $169.99

Review

This bar has a heavy 57 lbs starting weight and an extra thick 48mm (1.89″) shaft. So, if you’re a beginner lifter, this may not be the ideal bar for you. Really, this bar is best suited for more advanced lifters with very specific goals relating to grip/forearm training.

The extra thickness of the shaft is ideal for those looking to increase their grip strength and build their forearms during their weight training. With a thicker bar, you will be forced to exert more grip and forearm strength as the bar will be harder to hold. 

The knurling coverage is good in that the knurling extends all the way to the sleeves. This can be helpful if you want to do less conventional exercises with this curl bar that involves taking a wide grip outside the bends. 

Unfortunately, though, the knurling is broken up into segments, with a notable gap at the outermost bend. Most people probably won’t need to grip this smooth portion, but considering how much knurling Titan already put on this bar, I wonder why they couldn’t fill this extra gap.

The knurling is within the medium depth range (slightly more to the aggressive side) with just enough bite to help you grasp securely onto the thick shaft. Luckily, it’s not passive, which would make using this bar too challenging because of its thickness.

The length of the shaft is 49”, so it will be a tight fit on a 49” rack, like a Rogue rack. This will especially be the case with standard j-hooks. However, having sandwich j-hooks on a 49” rack will allow for just enough clearance for the bar.

The bend profile on the Titan Fat Curl Bar is relatively gradual compared to most non-budget Olympic curl bars. The bends are comparable to more budget-level curl bars like the XMark Crowbar Curl Bar. It’ll be sufficient for many lifters, but if you have sensitive wrist joints, you may find yourself wanting more pronounced angles.

To be fair, creating steeper cambers in such a thick bar is more difficult and probably increases the manufacturing cost.

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Thanks to Ramon from @gains_marathon for contributing these photos of his Titan Rackable EZ Curl Fat Bar for this guide to the best curl bars. Ramon told me he was impressed with the bar’s super thick diameter. Unfortunately, he couldn’t take full advantage of it for forearm/grip training on biceps curls because this bar has milder bends and he doesn’t have good wrist flexibility. However, he still finds secondary uses for it when it comes to squats, barbell rows, and deadlifts.

Pros

• Massive 48mm shaft for forearm/grip training
• Well-priced, given its weight and size.
• Knurling extends to the sleeves.
• 1,000 lb weight capacity

Cons

• Bend profile is mild
• There is a gap in the knurling

Buy Now – Titan Rackable EZ Curl Fat Bar »

Best Fixed Curl Bar Set: Titan Fixed Curl Bar Set

If you’re a home gym owner and want a full set of fixed curl bars like you’d find in a commercial gym, the Titan Fixed Curl Bar Set may be your best bet. Fixed curl bars allow for a convenient workout because you never have to add or remove plates because the weight is built into each bar. You simply pick up whichever size you want and begin lifting.

Specifications

• Bar Type: Fixed Curl Bar
• Shaft Finish: Chrome
• Knurling: Medium
• Shaft Diameter: 32mm
• Distance Between Sleeves: 36”
• Bar Length: 38.25” to 45.5”
• Bar Weight: 20 to 110 lbs
• Rotation: Fixed
• Warranty: 1 Year
• Manufactured: China
• Price: $1,579.99

Review

The knurling on the Titan fixed curl bars is medium; though on the more aggressive side of the medium range. To be clear, it won’t be painful. You’ll have plenty of grip and a comfortable experience overall.

This knurling is continuous with no gaps between the bends. However, the knurling coverage is lacking. It would be better if the knurling extended further onto the inner camber; as is, only part of your hand will be grasping the knurled portion on close grip exercises.

The set offers weights from 20-110 lbs in 10 lb increments to allow for easy and convenient lifting. This weight range will be sufficient most of the time, though some stronger lifters will need more weight for their heavy sets.

All the bars have rubber-coated steel ends to protect the bar and the floor if dropped.

These bars feature a moderate bend profile with angles that will satisfy the joint comfort needs of most lifters. It’s not super steep, but it’s “good enough.”

The 32mm shafts are slightly thicker than the average EZ curl bar (28-30mm). Many lifters will prefer the more substantial feel of a thicker bar shaft, but those with smaller hands might wish it were slightly thinner, though it shouldn’t be a dealbreaker. 

This set is one of the few options on the market not belonging to commercial brands. In addition, compared to other non-commercial bars, the quality is relatively similar, just at a much lower price. In fact, I’ve heard of some smaller commercial gyms using these Titan fixed curl bars in their facilities.

The downside of buying a fixed curl bar set is the need to store multiple bars; unfortunately, this set does not come with a storage rack. However, you can check out the matching storage rack, sold separately, here. 

You’ll also need enough extra space in your home gym to fit all these bars. Not everyone can justify giving up that valuable space for curl bars.

Pros

• Easy and quick to use; no need to switch plates
• 20-110 lbs in 10 lb increments
• Rubber-coated steel ends for protection
• Grippy knurling
• Great price compared to competing sets

Cons

• A full set takes up a lot of space
• Inner knurling coverage is limited
• Storage rack not included
• More expensive than a loadable EZ curl bar

Buy Now – Titan Fitness Fixed Curl Bar Set »

Best Adjustable Curl Bar: MX Select MX100 Adjustable Curl Bar/Straight Bar Set

The MX Select MX100 Adjustable Curl Bar/Straight Bar Set is excellent for an all-in-one, fast-adjusting curl bar, and straight bar. You can quickly and conveniently choose your weight and start lifting immediately with an adjustable curl bar.

Specifications

• Bar Type: Adjustable Curl Bar
• Weight Capacity: 100 lbs
• Shaft Finish: Chrome
• Knurling: Medium
• Shaft Diameter: 29mm
• Distance Between Sleeves: 43.5”
• Bar Length: 48.58” to 55.63”
• Bar Weight: 28 to 100 lbs
• Rotation: Fixed
• Warranty: 2 Years
• Manufactured: China
• Price: $799

Review

This bar features a dial mechanism on both sides to adjust your weight. The weight can be increased or decreased by increments of 8 pounds and ranges from 28lb-100lbs total. So the poundages you’ll lift for most increments will be non-round numbers, but that’s something you’ll get accustomed to.

You can adjust each side of this bar independently so 4 lb increments are technically possible, though the weight will be uneven. This isn’t an issue on the straight bar since you can offset your grip, but you can’t do that for the curl bar.

The shaft and plates are both made of steel, with the plates also being nylon-coated. Very importantly, the key internal components of the weight adjustment mechanism are also constructed of steel. This makes it much more durable than other systems like the Bowflex SelectTech 2080, which uses a lot of plastic components.

Even with the more durable construction, the warranty for this product can be voided if you drop the bars, so be cautious when lifting.

The bend profile on the MX100 is overall moderate, though notably, it has a steeper inner camber angle that will make close grip exercises particularly comfortable on the wrists.

The knurling covers nearly all of the bar, except for a few inches at each end (after the bends). The knurling itself has a mild to medium depth and is surprisingly grippy, thanks to a more densely packed pattern.

The plate diameter is somewhat large at 9″. This doesn’t affect performance or otherwise get in the way. However, it’s something you’ll notice at first. It’s necessary in order to achieve the heavy max weight of 100 lbs while still having the bar length not become too long by having more (or thicker) smaller-diameter plates.

If you want a fixed curl bar set but don’t have the budget or space for it, an adjustable set like this is the next best option. It’ll give you a similar amount of convenience and ease of use but at a lower price and in a smaller footprint.

As mentioned, this system comes with both an EZ curl and a straight bar allowing for much more exercise variety. 

Another great thing about this product is that it comes with a sturdy and compact storage rack that you can use for racking your bars and adjusting weights.

It is worth noting that the bar not in use is stored in the back, which makes it much less convenient if you live in a smaller place and need to push the storage rack against the wall.

There’s also the MX80 model, which goes from 20-80 lbs in smaller 5lb increments if you don’t want to go all the way to 100 lbs. This costs $100 less, so it may be something for you to consider if you’d like a lighter, more budget-friendly option.

Pros

• Weight range from 28-100 lbs
• Great space/budget-friendly alternative to a fixed barbell set
• EZ curl and straight bar included
• Storage rack included
• Rapid weight adjustments using an adjustable dial mechanism
• Durable metal adjustment system

Cons

• 8 lb increments make the math harder when adding up weight
• Price is fair but not cheap

Buy Now – MX Select MX100 Adjustable Curl Bar/Straight Bar Set »

Different Types of Curl Bars

Several different types of curl bars are available, each with its own advantages and disadvantages for specific uses. Here are the various kinds of curl bars on the market and which is best for different use cases:

Traditional EZ Curl Bar

The traditional EZ curl bar is the most popular curl bar. It is relatively compact, typically ranging from 47-55 inches. It is designed to hold either Olympic plates (2 inches) or standard plates (1 inch). 

Generally, the Olympic EZ curl bars are considered better and preferred for most applications. However, if you already have standard weight plates on hand, then a standard curl bar may be the best choice.

Rackable EZ Curl Bar

Rackable curl bars are longer than traditional curl bars. This type of curl bar is designed to fit into the j-hooks or spotters of your squat rack, making it easier to load plates on the sleeves.

Also, you’ll be can set the bar in the j-hooks at the desired starting point for your chosen exercise. This means less wasted energy getting the bar into place. Likewise, when you’re finished with your set, you can easily put the bar down by re-racking it.

The only rackable EZ curl bars on the market are Olympic curl bars.

Super Curl Bar

A super curl bar is your best bet if you want a more comfortable wrist position. This type of curl bar has very pronounced bends compared to regular curl bars. The steep angle of these bends keeps your wrists closer to neutral, which puts them in a natural, joint-friendly position. 

This is the best curl bar choice if you’re primarily interested in triceps training. A more neutral wrist position lends itself to better performance on skull crushers and similar triceps exercises.

Notably, there aren’t really any high-end super curl bars on the market. All the ones I’ve come across are budget-level bars.

Cable Curl Bar

If you already have a cable system in your home gym, the cable curl attachment is an affordable and convenient option for you. This type of curl bar attaches to a cable machine, allowing you to perform bicep and tricep exercises using the cable machine’s resistance.

Ensure you purchase a cable curl bar that rotates around its axis. Some of the cheaper models don’t have this, which can lead to a poor movement pattern. Knurled cable curl bars are also recommended over ones with rubberized grips for better durability.

Fat Curl Bar

The fat curl bar has a thicker grip than traditional bars, making it more challenging to hold. It has a thicker shaft allowing you to target wrist and forearm muscles more. Only a few brands make this type of curl bar, so it’s niche.

Fixed Curl Bar

The fixed curl bar is best for anyone looking for a convenient home gym workout. Unlike other curl bars, this curl bar has a fixed amount of weight built-in, requiring no additional plates. 

It is the most expensive curl bar compared to loadable curl bars since people don’t usually buy a single fixed curl bar; they buy a full set. Plus, you’ll have to buy a storage rack for your fixed curl bar set. This is not just expensive, but it also requires plenty of space. Not everyone is willing to give up valuable space in their home gym for curl bars.

Adjustable Curl Bar

An adjustable curl bar is a convenient curl bar that saves space and allows for quick and easy weight adjustments. It’s a cheaper, more compact alternative to the fixed curl bar set. You don’t need to buy any additional weight plates since the weight is included. 

Additionally, the most popular adjustable curl bars come with a straight bar handle as well, so you can add versatility to your training.

Benefits of Curl Bars

A Specialty Bar for Building Bigger Biceps and Triceps

Curl bars are designed to target the biceps and triceps, thanks to the bent shaft design. It puts your wrists and elbows in a position that’s more conducive to maximizing the activation of the upper arm muscles compared to straight bars.

If you’re serious about building bigger arms, then a curl bar is the best specialty barbell you can invest in.

Easy on the Wrist Joints

The ergonomic design of curl bars not only helps isolate your biceps and triceps but also reduces the strain on your wrist joints. Traditional straight barbells can put unnecessary stress on the wrists, leading to discomfort and potential injury. 

The angled grip of curl bars allows for a more natural wrist position, alleviating the pressure on the joints. This makes curl bars an excellent choice for those with existing wrist issues or those looking to prevent future injuries.

Versatility

Although the primary uses of curl bars are biceps curls and skull crushers/triceps extensions, you can do much more. They’re also great for upright rows, close-grip bench presses, bent-over rows, shoulder presses, and more if you get creative.

How to Pick the Best Curl Bar for You

When it comes to choosing the best curl bar, there are several things that must be taken into account. In the following sections, I discuss everything you need to consider, from the type of bar to warranty options, so that you can confidently pick the best curl bar for you.

Bar Type

When choosing a curl bar, the type of curl bar is the most important consideration for you to make. Different bars have different benefits and drawbacks you must consider. 

There are a variety of bars to choose from, including traditional curl bars, rackable curl bars, cable curl attachments, super curl bars, and more. Decide on this before you go any further. Be sure to read the previous section on “Types of Curl Bars” to figure out which makes sense for your needs.

Price

Once you’ve chosen your bar type, you should define your budget and see which particular curl bar models are available in that range. Generally speaking, more expensive curl bars are better, with superior build quality and features. These types of curls bars are typically better suited for serious lifters or simply people who want high-quality equipment. 

However, if you’re a pure beginner or if you’re on a tighter budget and don’t need all the bells and whistles that higher-end bars offer, there are plenty of budget options that will get the job done.

Rackable vs Non-Rackable

Rackable curl bars are popular because they give you the convenience of loading weights in a squat rack. This is not typically done in commercial gyms since the squat rack is for squatting. But in your home gym, you can curl in your squat rack all day long. Nobody else will be waiting to use it 

Non-rackable styles, on the other hand, are great for those with limited space and for people who prefer the better maneuverability of a shorter curl bar. 

Weight Capacity Rating

This shouldn’t be a super big deal unless you plan to load up a ton of weight on your curl bar. Almost all bars are able to handle more than you’ll likely be using. 

A standard 1” curl bar can typically handle 150-200 lbs. An Olympic curl bar will have a higher weight capacity since it has a thicker shaft, typically from 400 lbs all the way up to 1000 lbs.

However, some bars don’t list an actual weight capacity in lbs. They give a tensile strength rating instead. If a bar lists tensile strength (measured in PSI), that’s an indicator of a higher-quality bar.

Knurling Depth

For curl bars, the depth of the knurl isn’t as important when compared to traditional Olympic barbells. Remember, these are primarily used for curls and triceps extensions. You don’t exactly need extra sharp knurling to securely grasp onto a bar with the relatively light loads used for these movements.

Most curl bars offer some variation of medium-depth knurling, which should provide enough grip for most people.

Knurling Coverage

When looking for knurling coverage on your curl bar, you have two main options:

1. Continuous knurl: This means there aren’t any gaps in the knurling between the bends. This is more desirable and provides a better grip experience because you don’t have to worry about gripping onto a smooth part of the shaft if your hands aren’t positioned perfectly.
2. Non-continuous knurl: This means the knurling is broken up into sections between the bends. This isn’t as desirable because sometimes you may be grasping at least partially onto a smooth section of the shaft.

Sleeve & Shaft Finish

It is essential to have an adequate sleeve and shaft finish on your curl bar, especially if your home gym environment is more humid. Popular options include stainless steel, black oxide, chrome, and cerakote finishes. 

All of these offer protection against rust and wear, but stainless steel, the most expensive option, is the most durable. Cerakote and hard chrome also offer good oxidation resistance. 

Rotation System

When looking at curl bars that feature a rotation system (any Olympic curl bar), you want a curl bar with sleeves that rotate smoothly and consistently at any weight. If the sleeves drag or seize, that’s bad.

At a minimum, your curl bars should have bronze bushings. Luckily, almost all Olympic curl bars do.

If you want an extra level of performance when it comes to rotation quality, look for a bar that has needle bearings (usually, it will also have bushings). Bearings aren’t really necessary in a curl bar since bushings alone get the job done. Still, it’s cool to have.

Construction Quality

The construction quality of your curl bar is important, as it can affect everything from the weight capacity to overall durability and performance. Look for the following:

• Bars made with solid steel shafts instead of hollow ones
• A consistent and adequately deep knurling throughout the shaft
• A higher tensile strength (measured in PSI) or weight capacity rating (measured in lbs). 

Additionally, bars made in America and Europe tend to be of higher quality, in my experience. However, there are plenty of excellent curl bars imported from China or other countries.

Bar Weight

This is another important factor to consider since the weight of the curl bar can make it either easier or more difficult when performing exercises. 

The typical curl bar ranges from 10-35 lbs, depending on the length, shaft diameter, and type of bar. While not necessary, I always see it as a bonus if the weight of a bar is a nice round number (e.g., 30 or 35 lbs) since this makes it a bit easier to add up the total weight with plates included.

Warranty

When purchasing a curl bar, make sure that it has a reasonable warranty for the amount you’ll be spending.

Budget bars typically have from 90-day to 1-year warranties, or sometimes longer.

Higher-end models typically have at least 5-year warranties. Some even offer limited lifetime coverage.

Whatever the duration, be sure to read the fine print to see what is actually covered. You should also consider the company’s reputation and whether the company will still be around if you need your warranty serviced. 

EZ Curl Bar Alternatives

The N-gage grips are a low-cost alternative to buying a traditional EZ curl bar.

It’s a rubber mold that you put over the shaft of your existing straight Olympic barbell to create a slightly angled grip, allowing you to enjoy the same joint stress relief benefits of a dedicated EZ curl bar.

The cool thing is that you can also attach it to other equipment like pull-up bars, dumbbells, and cable attachments. And you can adjust their position as needed for a variable grip width.

It’s important to realize that these will also create a thick grip diameter of 2.1” (53mm). That’s great if you want to also work on your grip strength and forearm development. However, if you don’t want to do fat grip training, this isn’t the best choice for you.

Note that there is a slight gap in the grips that you’ll feel from where the mold opens/closes to fit on your bar.

FAQ

The Perfect Curl Bar Awaits: Time to Get Pumped!

That’s it! With this guide, you should now have all the information and tools to pick out the best curl bar for your needs.

Finding the best curl bar for your needs can be daunting, but with this guide, you can be sure that your research and selection process will go smoothly.

If you’re looking for the best curl bar on the market, then the Rep Curl Bar is my top pick for most home gym owners. It’s a well-constructed high-performance bar at a great price. Plus, there’s a rackable version available. And you have the option to upgrade to a premium stainless steel finish for a raw feel and easy maintenance.

I hope this guide has helped you in your quest for the best curl bar. If you have any questions or need more help, please don’t hesitate to leave a comment. I’ll be happy to answer.