Quick answer: Most EZ curl bars weigh 14–30 lbs (6–14 kg). Standard home-gym curl bars skew lighter, while rackable and specialty curl bars can be much heavier. If you want the exact number for your bar, the fastest method is to weigh it on a bathroom scale.
| Key Takeaways | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| EZ curl bars are not standardized | Two bars that look identical can differ by 5–10+ lbs, which changes tracking and progression. |
| Typical range is 14–30 lbs | That’s the sweet spot for most non-rackable EZ curl bars in gyms and home setups. |
| Rackable and specialty curl bars can be heavier | Some rackable options are 35–60+ lbs, so “I curled 95” might not mean what you think. |
| Don’t confuse “tensile strength” with “max load” | Manufacturers may list PSI (steel strength), not the amount of weight you can safely load. |
| Best practice: weigh your bar | Takes 30 seconds and removes all guesswork for progressive overload. |
If you’ve ever curled at the gym, you’ve probably used an EZ curl bar, but do you know how much it actually weighs?
Take Your Fitness To The Next Level
The short answer: EZ curl bars typically weigh between 14–30 lbs (6–14 kg). But the full story is more nuanced. In this guide, we’ll break it down by:
- The typical weights by EZ bar type
- A brief history of the bar’s creation
- Benefits of EZ curl bars
- Different types and grips
- What to consider when buying one
Whether you’re a home gym lifter or regular gym-goer, understanding your equipment is key to tracking progress.
What Is an EZ Curl Bar?
An EZ curl bar is a bent steel bar designed for exercises like biceps curls, skull crushers, and rows. Unlike a straight barbell, the EZ bar features a zig-zag (W-shaped) design that puts your wrists in a more natural, comfortable position.
Most EZ curl bars range from roughly 45–55 inches in length and feature angled grips that can reduce wrist and elbow stress during isolation movements. You’ll find them at virtually every commercial gym and in many home gym setups.
WHAT IS AN EZ CURL BAR MADE OF?
Most EZ bars are made from solid steel, often with knurled grips for traction. Higher-quality bars use rotating sleeves attached via bushings or bearings, which helps plates spin smoothly and reduces torque on the wrists.
Common bar finishes include:
- Chrome: Aesthetic and corrosion-resistant
- Zinc: Typically more durable than basic chrome plating
- Powder Coat: Textured feel with good scratch resistance
- Manganese Phosphate: Strong corrosion protection
BRIEF HISTORY OF THE DYMECK AKA THE EZ CURL BAR
The EZ curl bar was originally known as the Dymeck Curling Bar, invented in the 1940s by Lewis G. Dymeck, a weightlifter from Pennsylvania. Frustrated with the discomfort of straight bar curls, he bent a steel bar into a curved shape that made curls feel more natural.
He filed a patent in 1948 and later partnered with Andy Jackson of the Jackson Barbell Company to mass-produce it. Eventually, Bob Hoffman of York Barbell purchased the rights in 1964 and renamed it the EZ Curl Bar.
Want to geek out more? This Physical Culture Study piece dug into Dymeck’s obituary and early prototypes for more background.
Why It’s Important to Know How Much Your EZ Curl Bar Weighs
There’s no universal weight for EZ curl bars. Depending on the make, model, sleeve type, and whether it is rackable, the bar could weigh anywhere from 14 to 30 lbs (and sometimes more for specialty versions).
Knowing the bar weight is important for:
- Accurate tracking (especially for progressive overload)
- Planning isolation exercises, where every 5–10 lbs matters
- Avoiding injury, since overestimating your lift can lead to sloppy form or joint irritation
How to weigh your EZ curl bar in 30 seconds
- Place a bathroom scale on a hard floor.
- Step on it, note your bodyweight.
- Step on again holding the bar at your sides (like a farmer carry), note the new number.
- Subtract your bodyweight. That is your bar’s weight.
If your bar has an end-cap label or etched spec, check that too, but the scale method is foolproof.
How Much Does an EZ Bar Weigh?
Most EZ curl bars land between 14–30 lbs (6–14 kg). Here’s a practical breakdown by type so you can sanity-check what you’re using.
| Type | Typical Weight Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Standard EZ curl bar (home gym) | ~14–20 lbs (6–9 kg) | Often shorter, sometimes lower load ratings. |
| Olympic EZ curl bar | ~18–30 lbs (8–14 kg) | Most common in commercial gyms. |
| Fixed EZ curl bars | Varies by rack label | The total weight is the number on the rack, not “bar + plates.” |
| Rackable or specialty curl bars | ~35–60+ lbs (16–27+ kg) | Longer and built to rack like a barbell, often much heavier than people expect. |
Examples of popular curl bars (manufacturer-listed specs)
Note: prices change constantly, so we focus on the specs that matter for training and tracking.
| Brand | Listed Bar Weight | Length | Grip Diameter | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rogue | 30 lb | 54.5 in | 28.5 mm | “Tensile strength” is listed in PSI on many bars and is not the same thing as max load. |
| Synergee | 19 lb | 47.25 in | 28 mm | Manufacturer lists max load (helpful for heavy skull crushers and rows). |
| Eleiko | 12 kg (about 26.5 lb) | See product page | 28 mm | Premium option with needle bearings and long warranty. |
| Titan (rackable specialty) | 57 lb | 74 in | 50 mm | This is a specialty rackable fat-grip curl bar, included to show how wide the “EZ bar weight” range can get. |
| Bells of Steel | Not listed on product page | 54.5 in | 28 mm | If a manufacturer doesn’t list bar weight, use the bathroom scale method above. |
Benefits of Using an EZ Curl Bar
Better Ergonomics
The angled grips can reduce wrist and shoulder strain, making it easier to maintain form during curls and skull crushers.
Better Control
EZ bars are shorter than a full barbell, keeping the load closer to your center of gravity. That usually translates to better balance and easier control.
Great for Beginners
The semi-supinated grip helps lifters keep their elbows tucked, which can improve technique for newer lifters learning curls and triceps extensions.
Reduced Injury Risk
Long-term straight bar use can irritate elbows and wrists for some lifters. The EZ curl bar allows a more natural hand position that can reduce overuse irritation.
Improved Muscle Activation (context, not magic)
A study comparing dumbbells, straight bars, and EZ bars reported higher biceps and brachioradialis activation in the EZ bar condition during full-range curls. That doesn’t mean EZ bars are “better” for everyone, but it helps explain why they often feel smoother on the joints while still delivering a strong stimulus.
Different Grips You Can Use With an EZ Curl Bar
- Supinated (underhand): Ideal for biceps curls and rows. Narrow grip often biases the long head; wider grip often biases the short head.
- Pronated (overhand): Great for reverse curls, skull crushers, and front raises. Can also emphasize forearms and triceps.
The EZ bar’s grip versatility lets you train multiple angles without changing equipment.
Types of EZ Curl Bars
Standard EZ Curl Bar (Home Gym)
- Often fits 1-inch diameter plates (standard plates)
- Common in starter sets or budget home gyms
- Not compatible with Olympic plates unless specified
Olympic EZ Curl Bar
- Fits 2-inch Olympic plates
- Common in commercial gyms
- Typically more durable and compatible with standard gym plates
Fixed EZ Curl Bar
- Comes with preloaded weight (like dumbbells)
- Not adjustable
- Often found in gym racks with labeled weight increments
Rackable EZ Curl Bar
- Extra-long so you can use it in squat racks
- Easier to load and unload heavier plates
- Often significantly heavier than a standard EZ curl bar
Super Curl Bar
- More aggressive grip angles
- Moves hand position closer to neutral
- Often more comfortable for hammer-style curls and lifters with wrist issues
Now that you know what to look for when buying one, check out our post that highlights the Best Curl Bars on the market.
The Industrial EZ Curl Bar helps you build biceps without straining your wrists and elbows, with a rust-resistant finish...
What to Look for When Buying an EZ Curl Bar
- Grip: Look for moderate knurling. Overly aggressive knurling can be uncomfortable for higher-rep work.
- Sleeves: Bearings or bushings improve rotation and feel. Better sleeve construction tends to last longer.
- Finish: Chrome, zinc, Cerakote, and phosphate finishes offer varying levels of corrosion protection.
- Size and weight: Choose based on your strength level, storage space, and whether you want rackable length.
- Rackability: If you lift heavy and want easier loading, a rackable curl bar can be worth it.
CAN YOU DEADLIFT WITH EZ CURL BARS?
Yes, you can do deadlifts using an EZ curl bar. The load sits closer to your body than a straight barbell, and the angled grips can feel more comfortable for some lifters. Just keep in mind that sleeve length and bar stability vary across models.
CAN YOU BENCH WITH AN EZ CURL BAR?
You can do bench press with an EZ curl bar, but it’s not ideal for most lifters because the angled grips change wrist and elbow stacking. Where it can work well is as a burnout option for close-grip pressing after skull crushers.
CAN YOU DO BENT-OVER ROWS WITH AN EZ CURL BAR?
Yes, you can do both overhand and underhand bent-over rows with an EZ curl bar. It’s not a full replacement for a barbell row, but many lifters like the wrist-friendly angle for higher-rep rowing.
Final Note
While the EZ curl bar might not be an essential piece of equipment, you should know how much it weighs if you use it. It makes your training log cleaner, your progression clearer, and your ego slightly less likely to lie to you.
Here’s a quick arm pump finisher using an EZ curl bar and preacher bench:
Three supersets total with 90-second rest between sets:
- Narrow Grip Preacher Curl: 8–12 reps
- Wide Reverse Grip Curl: 8–12 reps
Let us know your favorite exercise or routine using an EZ curl bar.
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