Rackable vs. Short EZ-Curl Bar: Is it worth the upgrade?

Quick Listen

Intro

The curl bar is on many gym builders’ shortlist to add for accessory work. The shortened EZ-curl bar is the original, while the rackable version is a bit newer. The short version is typically paired with a preacher curl bench, and while it works great for that piece of equipment, not many people want to take up space in their home gym for something so specific that it doesn’t get a lot of use. The rackable curl bar makes loading/unloading weight and executing lifts extremely convenient, and the cost difference is nothing that will break the bank. For these reasons, we are recommending the rackable curl bar when adding this accessory barbell to your collection.

The Data

In a May 2022 survey, we asked the community which one they’d prefer in a battle of rackable vs. non-rackable curl bars. Only 42% said it was worth the price to upgrade to a rackable curl bar?

Nevertheless, while some may benefit from a shorter option, we think it’s worth it for most to upgrade to that rackable option, which will be discussed in the rest of this article.

Short EZ-curl Bar

The cost for short EZ-curl bars varies, but you can see some popular options below. Coatings, knurling, and quality differences between the options are reflected in the costs.

The Bar	Cost
Rogue Curl Bar	$205 + shipping
REP Curl Bar (chrome)	$149
Bells of Steel	$149
Vulcan Curl Bar	$159
Titan Curl Bar	$89
Fringe Sport Curl Bar	$229
Fray Curl Bar	$89 + shipping

The short EZ bar is an excellent addition for accessories and is typically used in a preacher curl station or commercial gyms. It is used away from racks and platforms and more in the general-purpose areas of the gym. For that reason, the length of the bar being shorter is a huge benefit.

There can also be a benefit to having a smaller curl bar in your home gym in your home gym. If you are dealing with tight spaces or want to have a bar that is easy to move around, the short curl bar can be better. The short curl bar will be ideal if you have a preacher curl station. It is also a smaller piece of equipment to store when you are not using it.

If you don’t have a curl station, loading and unloading the bar can be inconvenient. To rack the bar means loading it on the floor. There is also the strategy of balancing the bar on a bench while it is being loaded, which most of us have done. Not a huge deal, but not the most comfortable way to set up a lift. There is also some strategy and skill in getting set up for a heavy skull crusher or tricep extension and what to do when you have completed your reps.

Being able to use the rack for these lifts is hugely beneficial.

Rackable Curl Bar

Rackable curl bars are EZ-curl bars that are long enough to be used in your squat rack. These bars are typically heavier (because they are more bar), and they often come with different finishes depending on the companies that offer them.

Bar	Price
Rogue Curl Bar (E-Coat)	$265 + shipping
REP Curl Bar (Chrome)	$199
Bells of Steel (titanium/gold sleeves)	$250 + shipping
Titan Rackable Curl Bar	$119

Let’s talk about why you would want to use an EZ-curl bar in your rack, thus needing/wanting a rackable curl bar.

The convenience of loading your barbell from the rack, picking it up off the rack, or executing a lift like a skull crusher makes the rackable curl bar a worthwhile upgrade.

When you look at the price differences between the short curl bars and their rackable counterparts, you spend roughly an extra $20-$60 for bars from the same company. You may prefer a short EZ-curl bar that we will address below, but if these reasons don’t fit your situation, we recommend spending a few extra dollars and getting a rackable curl bar.

Who Shouldn’t Get a Rackable Curl Bar?

Here are a few reasons why a rackable curl bar wouldn’t be for you.

• Tight Spaces: If it is difficult to wield around a full-sized barbell in your space, swapping your straight bar for a rackable curl bar every time you want to do accessories might be a pain. A shorter EZ-curl bar may be a better fit for your situation.

• Designated curl station: If you have a preacher curl station in your space you may not want an extra 2 feet of a barbell to work around when you are doing curls. Short curl bars fit preacher curl stations nicely and will be best if you have one.

• Money is that tight: The price difference between short EZ-curl bars and rackable ones is between $20-$60, which is not a huge difference. If bringing a new item to your space is something that takes you months to save for, and you would have to make sacrifices by keeping the extra money for a rackable curl bar, then the short one will get the job done.

• You don’t have a rack: If you don’t have a rack, then the rackable curl bar isn’t for you for obvious reasons. That may seem obvious, but some home gyms consist of dumbbells, kettlebells, or other training styles as their main feature. If this is your gym and you still want to add an EZ-curl bar to your space, then a short curl bar would most likely be the better option.

Conclusion

The rackable curl bar will be the recommended bar when you’re looking to add an EZ bar to your home gym. The slight price increase will be worth the money when you consider the convenience of having a bar that you can use in your power rack. From here, you need to decide the coating and company you are going to choose from.

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