Introduction
The Titan Rackable Curl Bar is the best budget option out there. Overall, the pros definitely outweigh the cons for anyone looking to bring in a rackable curl bar at the lowest price possible.
Within this Titan Rackable Curl Bar review, I discuss:
- What is a Rackable Curl Bar
- Why go rackable over basic curl bar
- Overview of the Bar
- Is it worth it?
- vs. REP Rackable Curl Bar
- Conclusion
You can also listen to us chat about it in our audio review below:
What is a Rackable Curl Bar?
The rackable curl bar is pretty self-explanatory. It’s an EZ curl bar that can be racked in your squat rack. The ‘don’t curl in the squat rack’ mantra does not apply to this bar.
Why go Rackable?
While you don’t want to take up a rack in a busy gym to work on your glory muscles, using your squat rack to curl in your home gym is totally acceptable. Not only is it permissible, but it’s also highly convenient, which is why the rackable curl bar is a moderately popular option for home gym owners. The Titan Rackable Curl Bar fits the definition and is priced well.
Let’s look at some of the details.
Easier to Use
We have broken this down and covered this in an earlier comparison of the rackable vs. EZ curl bar. Still, it boils down to a better user experience without spending much more for a rackable version.
Price Difference is Not Huge
On average, rackable curl bars cost between $20-$60 more than their short counterparts, which isn’t a big difference when talking about a new barbell.
| Non-Rackable | Cost | Rackable | Price | |
| Rogue Curl Bar | $205 + shipping | Rogue Curl Bar (E-Coat) | $265 + shipping | |
| REP Curl Bar (chrome) | $149 | REP Curl Bar (Chrome) | $199 | |
| Bells of Steel | $149 | Bells of Steel (titanium/gold sleeves) | $250 + shipping | |
| Vulcan Curl Bar | $159 | Titan Rackable Curl Bar | $119 | |
| Titan Curl Bar | $89 | |||
| Fringe Sport Curl Bar | $229 | |||
| Fray Curl Bar | $89 + shipping |
Loading is Easier
The convenience of using a rackable curl bar while loading and unloading the bar and while trying to execute movements makes it a worthwhile investment. Being able to load and unload the bar while it is on the rack makes you loathe the days of getting on the ground and loading one side of your EZ curl bar at a time and or, even worse, balancing your EZ curl bar on your bench and doing a balancing act, so it doesn’t fling off.
The rackable curl bar makes things convenient and easy. Therefore, we’d say it is worth the additional investment.
Titan Rackable Curl Bar Overview
This is one of the most budget-friendly options out there, and when you are looking for curl bars, there isn’t a lot you need to ask from it. That being said, here are some of the details:
Chrome Finish/Knurling
This bar is chrome finished, and that’s the biggest knock on it. Chrome is a cheaper finish and usually leads to an almost ‘slippery’ feeling knurl. The knurl on this bar is particularly pretty good for a chrome bar. Just to repeat, it is good compared to other chrome knurling. To be clear, it is not good if you are a stickler for knurling. Tan
Knurl Throughout
The Titan Rackable Curl bar gives you knurling throughout all grip points, which is an excellent addition. Bars like the REP rackable curl bar are only knurled at the ergonomic grips. If you wanted to keep the Titan bar on the rack for some wide grip movements, you have knurling to work with.
Random Weight
Curl bars generally come in a little lighter than the 20kg or 45lb typical bar weight. Other bars like the REP and Rogue rackable curl bars weigh 35lbs. A nice number to do your weight math. The Titan Curl bar weighs 31lbs. This can be a little annoying for the meticulous lifter.
Length Between Sleeves
In between the sleeves, the bar is 49.25″ long. When it is loaded on your rack, there is not a ton of extra room for clearance. Traditionally, Olympic barbells will have over 51″ of clearance between sleeves. This bar fits the rack a little too snug. You can find yourself banging into the uprights when reracking.
Sleeve Details
The loadable sleeve is shorter than a traditional barbell. For comparison, an Ohio bar has a 16.4″ loadable sleeve. and The Titan Rackable Curl bar sleeve is 9.75″. This is pretty standard for curl bars in general, and since the bar is used for curls and other accessory movements, most people don’t need a traditional Olympic bar sleeve length. All that said, it remains a shorter loadable sleeve length when compared to both REP and Rogue options as well. The Rogue Rackable curl bar has a sleeve length of 10.5″. The REP Rackable curl bar has a sleeve length of 10″.
The sleeves have bronze bushings. This gives you just enough rotation for an accessory bar. The sleeves are also smooth (non-ribbed) and have that inexpensive chrome finish and feel.
Is the Titan Rackable Barbell Worth it?
Titan Fitness has a polarizing reputation in the home gym community. The important takeaway that you should have with inexpensive companies like Titan is that some things in their catalog have great value and can get the job done well. The Titan Rackable Curl bar fits that definition. If you want to bring a rackable curl bar into your home gym, you should feel good about bringing in this bar.
The only people this bar would not be recommended for are those who can’t get past the chrome finish. If you have a certain level of distaste for chrome bars, there are other options out there that will fit your needs.
For everyone else, you should consider this bar for under $120.
Vs. REP Rackable Curl Bar
Titan Fitness offers a more budget-friendly rackable curl bar ($40 cheaper + Free Shipping). It is an excellent option, but the Titan version is not quite in the same class as this version from REP.
In addition, the grip diameter, the distance between sleeves, and overall length are a bit smaller Plus, there is also some “rattle” around the sleeves, which you don’t find on the REP option.
The price variation between these two curl bars is generally valid, and the “overall value” seems similar.
Conclusion
The Titan Rackable Curl Bar sits at a great price and will be a great addition to your home gym. The flaws (chrome finish, shorter sleeves, tight fit in the rack) are not anything significant that will deter most people.
The rackable curl bar is an excellent fit for the home gym, and since it is only slightly more expensive than a regular EZ curl bar, it is recommended to go with that option.
If you are looking for a sound bar that won’t break the bank, this one from Titan is just that.
