Fitness and strength training are so popular right now, and over the last year, the number of people buying weights at home has risen massively. Bars are used so you can lift weights more effectively, and curl bars are a variation of these that have a W shape instead of being cylindrical. These are quickly becoming the gym equipment of choice.
Curl bars are made from metal, and the plates attach to the end to add extra weight. They're excellent at isolating smaller muscle groups like your biceps and triceps, but even the best curl bars won’t be very effective if you don’t have the correct weight. This article will help answer the question, how much does a curl bar weigh and which one will suit you best.
Table of Contents
Why Is It Important To Know Your Curl Bar Weight?
It's imperative to understand what the total weight of the whole piece of equipment is. This makes sure that you don’t overload and risk straining your muscles, but it also makes sure you don't put too little weight on and get no results. Without knowing the true weight or the bar, you can’t properly track your progress week to week and see your improvement.
The weight of the curl bars will often be very similar but will vary slightly depending on the make, model, and style. It’s important you know the differences between these to make the adjustments to the weights you use.
How Much Does A Curl Bar Weigh? (Different Types Compared)
The weight of a curl bar will vary slightly between different models of weights because of the materials, size, and features. The type of curl bar will also impact the amount of weight it can carry, so it's essential to know the main differences before you choose yours.
1. Standard Curl Bar
Standard curl bars are what you find in most gyms across the country. These are the most basic type of bar and just have small threaded ends so you can attach collars after the weights are loaded.
Your standard curl bar will weigh 12 pounds, be 47 inches long, and have 6.5-inch threaded ends on both sides. A standard curl bar can take about 200 pounds which is easily plenty for pretty much anyone, but make sure you use standard weights with a 1-inch hole. These curl bars are the most commonly used in gyms and at home.
2. Olympic Curl Bar
There are a few differences when you compare Olympic and standard bars, but Olympic curl bars are considered the elite option. All Olympic curl bars look identical, and there won’t be any discrepancies you might get with a standard curl bar. Olympic curl bars have rotating sleeves to allow the weights to move with your natural motion. This limits any stress on your wrists and forearms and allows you to focus the energy on your muscles to help maximize gains and limit injury.
Olympic curl bars come in a couple of different classes and weigh between 18 and 25 pounds. They will be 47-52 inches long with 6.5 inches on either end for the weights. The extra weight of the bar comes because it’s 2 inches thick instead of 1. This means you’ll need to use larger Olympic weights on it.
3. EZ Curl Bar (Preacher)
EZ curl bars have gentle curves in the middle to make them as easy to use as possible. They’re often called preacher bars because they’re perfect for bicep isolating preacher curls. They have a simple design and are basically just a bar with threaded ends for the weights.
EZ curl bars weigh between 11 and 13 pounds and are 47-50 inches long. They have a 1-inch diameter, so you'll need to use standard weights to load it up.
4. Super Curl Bar
Super curl bars are a slightly different shape and are designed to help relieve any tension on your wrists. This helps prevent any strain and allows you to better isolate your biceps and triceps when training. Many users also find a super curl bar a lot more comfortable to use and prefer it for longer sets.
Super curl bars are made like Olympic bars but with deeper curves which allow you to use it with a greater variety of grips. They weigh between 18 and 24 pounds and are 38-45 inches long. Like Olympic bars, they have a 2-inch diameter, so you will need to use Olympic weights with them. You’re more likely to use this curl bar if you’re a bit more experienced and need more of a challenge.
Type of Curl Bar | Bar Weight | Size | Diameter |
|---|---|---|---|
Standard Curl Bar | 11 pounds | 47 inches | 1 inch |
Olympic Curl Bar | 18-25 pounds | 47-52 inches | 2 inches |
EZ Curl Bar | 11-13 pounds | 47-50 inches | 1 inch |
Super Curl Bar | 18-24 pounds | 38-45 inches | 2 inches |
5 Benefits Of Using Curl Bars Over Straight Bars
People Also Ask (FAQs)
What is the heaviest curl bar?
The heaviest curl bar you can get your hands on is about 30 pounds and 58 inches long. There are probably other specialist curl bars that weigh more, though.
What is the lightest curl bar?
The lightest curl bars are about 10 pounds, any lighter than that, and it would struggle to support the weights added to it.
How much can the average man curl?
The average curl for men is about 60 pounds, and about 40 pounds for women.
What is the most weight ever curled?
The most weight ever curled was 220.46 pounds by Thommy Ohlund. This is currently the world record, and we wouldn't recommend trying to beat it without serious training!
How can I weigh my curl bar?
The easiest way to weigh your curl bar is to gently lay it onto a weighing scale. Alternatively, you can weigh yourself first, then weigh yourself holding it and calculate the difference.
Conclusion
Curl bars offer a range of benefits to straight bars and let you get a bit more from your workout. It’s important to understand the weight of a curl bar so you can plan your workouts and track your progress accurately. Hopefully, this article has given you a useful overview of the different types of curl bars and how much they weigh so you know which one is the best for you.
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Last Updated on December 16, 2022
