6 Best Preacher Curl Benches (Review & Comparison Guide)

Preacher Curl Benches Compared

What Muscles Do Preacher Curls Target?

Whether you are standing, sitting, using a barbell or dumbbell set, the main muscle that preacher curls target is the brachialis. If you're not an anatomy expert, that's the lower portion of the bicep, and this muscle is needed for proper flexion of the elbow.

It is a great bicep exercise, and thanks to the preacher curl bench design, you're able to put most of the workout pressure on the bicep, so the muscle is perfectly isolated. This eliminates the tendency of using your lower back when doing barbell or dumbbell curls in the standing position, so it's a much better choice if you're hoping to strengthen and tone the lower biceps. 

Preacher Curl Bench (Buying Guide)

Stability & Construction

To ensure safety while curling, bench stability is an important thing to look for. Your bench should have a frame that's constructed from heavy-duty steel that's capable of handling a weighted bar as well as the user weight. Most of these benches have a user weight capacity between 250 and 500 pounds. 

A steady and balanced structure will keep the bench from wobbling in the middle of your exercise. So look for high-quality steel, wide feet, and smart design features from the bench manufacturer.  

Pad Features

Your bench pad should be high in quality so that you can comfortably lift weights and maintain correct form. Look for comfy yet durable material and stay away from pads that are made from cheap composites.

Also look into the width of the pad. It should be roomy enough to accommodate your size/weight, but compact enough to fit within your home gym's available space. 

Footprint Vs Available Space

Speaking of available space, this is definitely another big consideration before buying a preacher curl bench. These benches tend to be much larger than your average adjustable weight benches, so always compare the dimensions to your available space, and make sure you have plenty of room to properly perform the workout.

Exercise Versatility

Some preacher curl benches are strictly for preacher curls while others allow you to perform additional exercises, like leg presses and bench presses. 

However, if you already have a fully-equipped home gym, you can save some money by opting for a bench that's only designed for these unique bicep curls.

6 Best Preacher Curl Benches Reviewed

Now that you know the workout benefits and buying considerations, let’s dive right into the list of the 6 best preacher curl benches on the market.

1. Valor Fitness CB-5 Preacher Curl Station

The first fella on our list of the best preacher curl benches is one made by Valor Fitness. This particular piece of equipment is a bit more expensive than the competition, but that is due to the material used. Valor Fitness definitely went for the best out there. 

The entire frame is made of heavy duty 2” x 2” steel, with an option to screw the machine to the floor for maximum stability. Both the arm pad and the seat pad come with high-quality, dual-layered padding that is especially built for maximum workout resistance.

One thing that sets this particular bench apart from the competition (besides materials used) is the option for dual positioning. It can be used to perform curls from both sides, which is extremely useful if you prefer varying ranges of motion.

The extra long 19.5” safety catches on both sides provide maximum security during the exercise. Plastic covers are included on the safety catches to protect the bars from scratching. The assembled dimensions are 45” x 30.5” x 45.5” (114.3 x 77.5 x 115.6 cm), so make sure you have enough space before purchasing. 

The angled arm-pad measures 14.5” x 24” (36.8 x 61 cm) and the straight pad measures 11.5” x 23.5” (29.2 x 59.7 cm). Valor fitness offers a 3-year frame warranty and 2-year pad warranty. The only flaw in my eyes is the somewhat high price tag, but considering the quality design and workout versatility, many people choose to overlook that.

2. Deltech Fitness Pro Preacher (DF306)

Another preacher bench that made it to the list is made by Deltech Fitness.

This model is also made of heavy 14-gauge steel tubing and has a scratch-resistant powder-coat finish. Unlike the first bench on our list, the Deltech Fitness preacher bench has an adjustable arm-pad along with seat adjustability, so it's great for users of all sizes. The weight capacity is 500 lbs (226.8 kg), which is much higher than average.

The assembled dimensions are 37″ x 41-1/2″ x 33″ (94 x 105.4 x 84 cm), the arm pad’s dimensions are 24 x 10 inches (61 x 25.4 cm), and the of the bench weight is 52 pounds (23.6 kg). The footprint is rather large, so expect this bench to take up some space in your home gym. 

3. Body-Solid Powerline PPB32X

Body-Solid is a classic and well-known brand that rarely disappoints. I include Body-Solid products on almost every list of top-rated fitness equipment, and the list of best preacher curl benches is no exception. 

The frame of this fella is made of quality heavy-gauge steel and comes with an extra-wide cushioned seat. The seat is adjustable in height, so it can fit properly most of heights. There have been some complaints from shorter users (less than 5'9") stating that the bench is too tall, so keep that in mind if your short or average height. 

The arms pads are cushioned and comfortable, so you can expect this bench to effectively minimize the stress on your elbow. I'm not loving that the arm pad is not adjustable, so this is definitely a flaw that I wish Body-Solid would address. 

The frame supports up to 300 lbs (136 kg) of weight, which is just about average for home-use benches. The dimensions are 36W x 37H x 33D inches (91.4 x 94 x 83.9 cm), the arm pad is 23.5 inches (59.7 cm) wide, and the weight is 40 lbs (18.1 kg).

4. Merax Weight Bench with Leg Developer

The 4th bench that made it to our list is manufactured by Merax. This is actually a fully-fledged piece of equipment with a leg developer in addition to the preacher curl bench.

If you prefer multi-purpose machines, then this bench by Merax is definitely worth considering. The bench itself comes with 6 incline and decline positions. This adjustability is useful for all kinds of exercises, including bench presses and flies for pectoral muscle development.

The frame is made of heavy duty steel and has a total weight support is 550 lbs (249.5 kg). The preacher part of the bench is adjustable in height as well. The bench feet come with rubber stoppers for maximum stability and floor protection. The assembled dimensions are 73” x 26” x 48” (L x W x H) (185.4 x 66 x 122 cm) and the weight is 60 lbs (27.2 kg).

One important thing to note here is that this preacher is made for standard and Olympic plates, NOT weight bars. Please take that into consideration if you already have weight bars and plan on using them for your preacher curls. 

5. GOPLUS Preacher Curl Weight Bench

The GOPLUS brand is well known for their fitness equipment machines, and that includes the company's preacher curl bench.

They pride themselves on using commercial-quality heavy-duty steel for this particular piece of machinery. The load support is 350 lbs (158.7 kg) and is built to last. The bench is fully adjustable, and both the seat-pad and arm-pad can be adjusted. Both pads are cushioned with high-density foam padding, keeping users comfortable.

The bench is compact in design and can be easily transported or stored. Naturally, it is equipped with foot pads to protect your floor. The arm pad is 19″ wide and 12″ tall (48.3 x 30.5 cm). The arm pad is not as wide as some of the competition, and due to the compact dimensions, I don't recommend this model for larger individuals. 

6. Celebrita Arm Blaster (bonus)

The 6^th “bench” on our list is not actually a bench but rather a piece of equipment called the arm blaster. It's manufactured by Celebrita MMA.

The reason that I’ve included it in our list is that it serves the same purposes as the preacher bench and targets the lower biceps. The main difference is that you can use it only with dumbbells or a barbell, not with weight plates.

The Celebrita Arm Blaster is one of the best rated preacher curl options currently on the market for several reasons. The ergonomic design isolates your biceps, so you will not accidentally use the back as a support. It comes with a heavy metal buckle that clips for security and an adjustable strap, which is made of strong nylon material. The aluminum build keeps it secure and it's designed to fit any body size.

As mentioned above, this arm blaster basically imitates the preacher curl bench. It may not be what you were expecting, but if you want something compact and cheap to help you with your preacher curls, this is an excellent choice. 

Home Vs. Commercial Preacher Curl Bench Differences

There is actually a huge difference between preacher curl benches and commercial preacher machines. Commercial models usually cost several times the price of a standard preacher bench, however, they generally come with a preinstalled system of included weights.

On the other hand, the standard preacher curl bench is a lot cheaper, but you have to get your own EZ curl bar with weight plates. The EZ curl bar that's ideal for using with a preacher curl bench weighs from 15 to 25 lbs (6.8 to 11.3 kg).

Commercial equipment is more durable than a standard home gym bench, which is reflected in the price. However, as long as you take proper care of your bench and treat it right, you can still get lots of use and longevity out of a home gym model. 

People Also Ask (FAQs)

How do you do preacher curls with a bench?

If you're used to doing your preacher curls in a standing position, then you might be wondering how to do this exercise from a bench. Here's exactly how to do it: 

Sit comfortably at your preacher bench and grab the EZ curl bar by the inner handle with your palms facing forward. While keeping your upper arms resting against the pad of the bench, hold the bar at shoulder length (this is your starting position).

Lower your arms slowly until the bar is fully extended and biceps are stretched fully. Do this slowly while also breathing in. Slowly exhale while “curling” your arms up until the bar is at shoulder length. Hold the position for a few seconds while squeezing your biceps.

Repeat until you finish your desired amount of reps.

How much does a preacher curl bench cost on average?

This depends on the model you go with and whether you opt for a commercial-grade bench or a more affordable home gym option. Most residential use benches run between $200 and $300.

Is the preacher curl a dangerous exercise?

Like any exercise, the preacher curl can be dangerous if performed improperly. This is why it's crucial to practice proper form and avoid too much weight. When you're ready to increase your weight, do so in small increments to avoid injury. 

Conclusion

There goes our list of the best preacher curl benches on the market. Before buying your bench, make sure to double check dimensions and pros and cons to decide on your winner. 

My top choice for home gym setups is the Valor fitness CB-5 model, but if you're more interested in a commercial-grade bench, you might consider the GOPLUS model instead.