Introduction
In episode #5 of Home Gym History, @VintageWeightsPGH tells us where the curl bar came from, the evolution of this specialty barbell over time, how to identify one of the original curl bars created, and much more.
The episode can be listened to on Spotify, Apple, Garage Gym Radio, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
Outline
(0:44) Other Common Specialty Bars: While there are many other specialty bars, the curl bar is likely the most popular and well-known one globally.
(1:51) THANK YOU, PAUL QUINN: The depth of information would not have been possible without Paul spending time with Rob on the phone, who has researched this topic for countless hours.
(2:34) Who Invented the Curl Bar? York Barbell did not invent the curl bar, as many believe. Lewis Dymek was the inventor.
(3:13) Why was the Curl Bar Invented? For the same reasons we use one today, the curl bar allows the wrists and forearms to take a more neutral position, allowing for a more comfortable grip. Therefore, you should be able to curl more.
(7:04) Jackson Curling Bar After collaborating for quite some time, Dymek hands the rights over to Jackson to fully own the rights to produce the curl bar.
(8:45) The Rarest Plates of All Time? As a gift, Andy Jackson sent Dymek 1A 45’s made that said “To Lewis from Andy.” Paul Quinn eventually bought these.
(13:25) York Comes into the Story: Jackson finds out that York is going into production of curl bars. After threatening a cease and desist letter, York and Jackson cut a deal for York to be the exclusive producer of curl bars at an unbelievable price.
York ultimately makes it factory-made (easier to produce) and changes the name to E-Z-Kurl Bar.
(17:06) Patent Rights Expire: This led to many innovations over the years, including the ability to be racked, knurling has been added, different coatings, and much more.
(19:56) What Happened to the Inventor? After the sale, he continued his career as an engineer but worked within his passion.
(22:45) Identifying Original Bars: No knurling and machined vs. manual bending are several distinguishing factors.
Sources
Special thanks to Paul Quinn for his dedicated research. His enthusiasm for history and generosity in sharing it is appreciated! All images and research other than those listed below are courtesy of Paul Quinn.
Also, thank you to Joe Roark’s Iron History (www.ironhistory.com), a vintage weight and physical culture forum and community. The image of Lewis Dymek was previously posted to the Iron History Facebook account.
Patent US2508567A, 23 May 1950, Google Patents, https://patents.google.com/patent/US2508567
Quinn, Paul (September, 2022) Personal Communications [Email, Phone]
The Man Who Invented the EZ Curl Bar, Iron History, Facebook, 10 April 2017, Facebook Link
York EZ Kurl Bar Advertisement, Muscular Development, Volume 5, Number 1, Strength & Health Publishing Company, January 1968
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