Invented by Lewis G. Dymeck in the 1940s, the EZ bar is one of the oldest pieces of bodybuilding gear. It does, however, remain one of the most effective pieces of equipment for growing biceps and forearms.
Shaped like a W, the bar was designed to help the lifter keep proper form while performing bicep curls and other arm exercises. Its unique structure makes it easier on the wrists and shoulders allowing an increase in muscle mass[1] over time than the straight bar.
The EZ curl bar is a must-have for every bodybuilder eager to grow their arm muscles. This is why it’s so important to know the weight of EZ curl bar types and brands. Your ideal bar weight will be determined by a combination of personal factors like fitness goals, budget, and finances.
In this article, we will discuss the various types of EZ bars and their respective weights as provided by different manufacturers.
What Is The Common EZ Bar Weight?
The weight of a standard EZ curl bar is between 11 pounds (4.9 kilograms) and 35 pounds (16.0 kilograms). At this average weight of the EZ curl bar range, most manufacturers produce bars with quality steel, a durable finish, and a weight limit of about 300-400 pounds. This should prove sufficient for most beginner to intermediate lifters.
The weight limit extends considerably when considering high-caliber athletes and other variations of the EZ curl bar. Some bars can weigh up to and even exceed 35 pounds, depending on the finish, plate configuration, and other factors.
How Much Does An EZ Bar Weigh?
As stated above, an EZ bar weighs between 11 to 18 pounds. Unlike the universal weight of Olympic barbells, EZ curl bars can differ in thickness, length, materials, and finishing. All of these factors contribute to its overall weight and carrying capacity.
Generally, you opt for longer and thicker bars if you plan on lifting heavier weights. The best EZ curl bars on the market can handle up to 1000 pounds and can even be used for some back and chest workouts.
Weight Of EZ Curl Bar By Type
While there are no standard classifications for the EZ curl bars, some unofficial variations do exist for competition and ergonomic use. These variations are weighted according to their material, length, and shape.
Standard Curl Bar
This is the most common type of EZ curl bar. It features the classic W or zig-zag middle-level lifters worldwide have all come to recognize. The standard bar is available in different weight classes and shapes, depending on the manufacturers. The basic EZ bar can be used for all types of exercises, from high-intensity workouts that help you lose weight and side fat.
Olympic Curl Bar
Similar to the standard EZ curl bars, the Olympic Ez curl bars also have the signature curved grip section. However, they only take Olympic plates, which have 2-inch diameters. Olympic curl bars are usually longer and heavier than standard bars.
The weight of the Olympic EZ curl bar is 18 pounds. Since they’re designed for competition, their weight tends to be uniform.
Rackable Curl Bar
Rackable curl bars are EZ curl bars that are long enough to fit on a standard squat rack. Placing the bar on a standard squat rack makes it easier to load and unload weights. A rackable curl bar also allows you to execute heavy chest and triceps exercises like the skull crusher for effective muscle growth.[2]
The rackable curl bar is usually heavier than the standard EZ curl bar and usually weighs about 35 pounds.
Hammer Curl Bar
The hammer curl bar is technically not an EZ curl bar, but it is sometimes categorized as such because of its unique shape and use.
Also known as the tricep bar, the hammer curl bar is an oval-shaped bar with two parallel rods running through the middle with weight shafts on each side. As the name implies, they are primarily used for triceps exercises and hammer curls, though they’re also great for close-grip chest exercises.
The biggest difference of the Hammer curl bar is the ergonomic grip. The shoulder and wrists remain in a neutral position while in use, neither internally rotated nor externally rotated.[3]
Hammer curl bars come in different lengths and weights, ranging from 15 to 35 pounds.
Super Curl Bar
The super EZ curl bar is a more versatile variation of the standard EZ curl bar. The zig-zag shape of the bar is more pronounced, creating a deep U shape at the center of the bar. This allows you to perform all sorts of exercises utilizing a close neutral grip.
Super curl bars are typically heavier but are about the same length as a regular EZ bar because of their unique shape. They weigh between 17 to 20 pounds.
Weight Of An EZ Bar By Brand
While the length of most EZ curl bars remains fairly uniform from manufacturer to manufacturer, the weight can differ considerably. This is a breakdown of the weight of an EZ curl bar across the most popular manufacturers.
Marcy
Marcy manufactures a range of lightweight olympic, standard, and super EZ curl bars of similar length and weight. They all weigh between 12-17 pounds and are 47 inches long. They also have a maximum carry capacity of 100 pounds.
CAP
CAP produces several types of EZ curl bars, ranging from standard to super curl to Olympic, with various accessories.
Their weights can differ depending on the accessory, finish, or type you’re ordering.
For example, the standard solid EZ and super curl bars weigh 11.6 pounds. Meanwhile, the specialized alternatives like the Olympic cambered bench press bar weigh 45 pounds. CAP also carries an Olympic curl bar that weighs 48 pounds and a hammer curl bar that weighs 15 pounds.
Synergee
Synergee is an up-and-coming sports equipment brand that offers one type of EZ curl bar with lots of finish and color variations. Synergee’s standard EZ curl bar is 47 inches long and weighs about 19 pounds.
XMark
XMark manufactures all the standard types of EZ curl barbells, with weights ranging from 15 pounds to over 35 pounds.
Elevens
Elevens produces several sports and home equipment and fixtures. One of their most popular products is the olympic EZ curl bar. It weighs 18 pounds and can handle up to 300 pounds of weight.
Conclusion
EZ bars come in different shapes, sizes, and weights, and it can be not very clear to find the perfect brand or bar for your exercises. Whether you’re looking to burn calories, get a flat stomach, or build powerful arms, there is an EZ curl bar variation for you. The standard and Olympic variations are the most popular and versatile. However, the rackable, hammer, and super curl bar can shine in certain situations.
Whatever variation you choose, make sure to shop at a quality brand that carries bars with your ideal weight.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most EZ bars weigh between 11 – 35 pounds.
There are 5 types of EZ curl bars.
11-35 pounds is the average weight for standard curl bars.
Olympic bars weigh 18 pounds on average.
Rackable bars typically weigh about 35 pounds.
The weight of a super curl bar ranges from 17-20 pounds.
It depends entirely on your long-term fitness goals. If you’re looking to lose side fat, you might want to opt for a lightweight bar. However, if you want to build muscle, you might prefer a heavier bar.
Choose brands that manufacture EZ curl bars rated for the weight plates you plan to use.
Resources
Endomondo.com refrains from utilizing tertiary references. We uphold stringent sourcing criteria and depend on peer-reviewed studies and academic research conducted by medical associations and institutions. For more detailed insights, you can explore further by reading our editorial process.
- Marcolin, G., Fausto Antonio Panizzolo, Petrone, N., Moro, T., Davide Grigoletto, Piccolo, D. and Paoli, A. (2018). Differences in electromyographic activity of biceps brachii and brachioradialis while performing three variants of curl. PeerJ, [online] 6, pp.e5165–e5165. doi:https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.5165.
- Grgic, J. and Schoenfeld, B.J. (2018). Are the Hypertrophic Adaptations to High and Low-Load Resistance Training Muscle Fiber Type Specific? Frontiers in Physiology, [online] 9. doi:https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2018.00402.
- Hams, A.H., Evans, K., Adams, R., Waddington, G. and Witchalls, J. (2019). Shoulder internal and external rotation strength and prediction of subsequent injury in water‐polo players. Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports, [online] 29(9), pp.1414–1420. doi:https://doi.org/10.1111/sms.13459.
About the Author
Amelia Smith, MFA Medical Writer
