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EZ curl bars and straight bars are two different types of fitness equipment. Depending on the situation, one or the other can be a better choice.
EZ curls bars are mainly for people who want to do bicep and tricep isolation exercises with the curved bar for reasons like comfort and pain in their wrists and elbows, and for personal preference reasons.
On the other hand, straight bars are mainly for individuals who don’t have any issues with doing the above types of exercises with a straight bar and want to focus slightly more on certain muscles.
Additionally, straight bars, more specifically barbells, can be used for many more different exercises.
Quick overview EZ curl bar vs straight bar
The term straight bar can mean many pieces of equipment but this article mainly uses the properties of a barbell for the comparisons.
There are also shorter straight bars. These will be similar to barbells in terms of comfort and muscle engagement.
That being said, here is a quick overview of some of the most important differences between EZ curl bars and straight bars:
- EZ curl bars are mainly for certain bicep and tricep isolation exercises. Straight bars like a barbell can be used for many more different exercises.
- For these specific bicep and tricep isolation exercises, EZ curl bars tend to be more comfortable on wrists and elbows.
- In the most popular EZ curl bar exercise, the bicep curl, this bar works the brachialis (deeper upper arm muscles) and brachioradialis (forearm muscles) slightly more and biceps brachii muscles slightly less compared to a straight bar.
- This makes it so people are typically able to do bicep curls with slightly heavier weights when using a straight bar.
- EZ curl bars tend to weigh under 22 pounds (10 kg). Straight bars like barbells typically weigh 45 pounds (20 kg).
- EZ curl bars tend to have a lower weight capacity than straight bars like barbells.
- EZ curl bars tend to be cheaper than straight bars like barbells.
- EZ curl bars tend to be more compact than straight bars like barbells.
- Straight bars like barbells are rackable, while there are exceptions, EZ curl bars are typically not rackable.
Which one is the best choice for you ultimately depends on things like your personal situation, personal preferences, budget, storage room, workout program, etc.
Main goals EZ curl bar vs straight bar barbell
Your local gym may have some shorter, pre-weighted bars but for most people, the decision will be between an EZ curl bar and a barbell.
Barbells are one of the main options when it comes to gym equipment. The curves in the EZ curl bar are not the result of someone having some creative fun, they were implemented for a specific reason.
This specific reason is that the wrist angle of bicep and tricep isolation exercises with a straight bar can be uncomfortable and cause injury. EZ curls bars are made to avoid this discomfort in these exercises.
Bicep curls, standing overhead tricep extensions, and skull crushers are the main exercises this applies to.
Not everyone has an issue with the straight bar versions of these exercises. For these individuals, straight bars allow more exercises with higher weight limits which is an advantage.
Another result of the curves in the EZ curl bar is that you focus on your muscles in slightly different ratios in the exercises mentioned.
Bicep curls muscles worked EZ curl bar vs straight bar
One of the most popular EZ curl bar exercises is the bicep curl and its variations. Using an EZ curl bar instead of a straight bar in this exercise leads to a different wrist angle and in turn, works your muscles in slightly different ratios.
Compared to the straight bar version, the EZ curl bar curl works your brachialis (deeper upper arm muscles) and brachioradialis (forearm muscles) slightly more and biceps brachii (most visible upper arm muscles) slightly less.
This also makes it so people tend to be able to curl slightly heavier weights with a straight bar.
Something to keep in mind is that both versions of the bicep curl work these muscles. The difference is that because of the semi-supinated grip you use the muscles to a slightly different extent.
These differences are not necessarily better or worse for everyone. This depends on what muscles you want to work more and your injury risk with the straight bar.
For example, if you have no issues using a straight bar and you want to focus on growing and strengthening your biceps brachii muscles, you can stick to straight bar bicep curls.
If you don’t mind working the brachialis and brachioradialis muscles slightly more and straight bar bicep curls are uncomfortable or even painful, EZ bar bicep curls are likely the better option.
Standard weights of the bars
Another important difference when it comes to growing and strengthening muscles is that the weight of EZ curl bars and straight bars are typically different.
Pre-weighted straight bars generally have their weight displayed on both ends. Most barbells weigh 45 pounds (20 kg).
For more specific bars like the EZ curl bar, there is no “standard” weight. That being said, most EZ curl bars weigh around 15 pounds to 22 pounds (6.8 to 10 kg).
When investing in an EZ curl bar you can check the weight of the specific model you have in mind. In the gym, you can ask an employee or estimate it yourself by feeling how it compares to certain weight plates.
For some individuals, 45 pounds (20 kg) is too much for training relatively weak muscles like the biceps optimally. If that is the case, the lower starting weight of EZ curl bars can be helpful.
Number of exercises
This next aspect of the two options is mostly relevant if you are considering investing in one of the two types of bars. In the gym, you can just use the bar that is most suited for the specific exercise you want to do.
EZ curl bars are mainly for bicep and tricep isolation exercises like bicep curl variations, standing tricep extensions, and skull crushers.
In theory, you could also use this bar for exercises like bench presses, deadlifts, shoulder presses, etc. In practice, the EZ curl bar will be uncomfortable for these exercises and possibly not hold enough weight.
On the other hand, the barbell is clearly a lot better in this area. This piece of fitness equipment is one of the most versatile options out there.
Some of the reasons for this are its high weight limit, length of the bar, and straight handle. For example, the curves of a heavy EZ curl bar are just not comfortable to put on your shoulders to do exercises like squats and lunges.
Additionally, the lower weight limit of the EZ curl bar makes it so individuals more experienced with resistance training likely need a barbell for heavy lifts like deadlifts.
In short, straight bars like a barbell allow you to do a lot more exercises than EZ curl bars. This is mostly relevant if you are looking for the home gym option that allows you to do the most exercises.
Rackable
Besides the curves and lower weight limit of the EZ curl bar, another reason why this bar is suited for fewer exercises is that the standard ones don’t fit standard racks.
This makes exercises like shoulder presses and bench presses less convenient to do with high weights unless you get specific EZ curl bar stands.
That being said, there are also rackable EZ curl bars. These are EZ curls bars made extra long so that they fit standard bar racks.
On the other hand, barbells will be as good as always rackable.
Space required
Some people have to deal with limited space for their workouts. In a situation like that the dimensions of the different types of bars can be relevant.
The dimensions of EZ curl bars are typically a lot smaller in terms of length than barbells. This is relevant for both during the exercises and moving into position.
Price EZ curl bars vs straight bars
The next difference between straight bars and EZ curl bars is again mostly relevant if you are looking to invest in your own model. Investments in your health are often worth it but sometimes you can achieve the same with less.
In the case of EZ curl bars vs straight bars like barbells, the answer is relatively straightforward. EZ curl bars tend to weigh less, hold less weight, be smaller, etc. and in turn, they are generally cheaper. There are a few exceptions but this is typically the case.
