How Much Do EZ Bars Weigh? (Standard, Olympic & Specialty Weights Explained)

EZ curl bars are common fixtures in many gyms and make biceps curls, skull crushers and even close-grip presses easier on the wrists and elbows. But there’s one thing frequently forgotten about? How much do EZ bars weigh?

EZ bars come in different shapes, sizes, and weights, meaning that unlike with the straight barbell, which generally runs 45 lbs, you might not be tracking your lifts accurately if you aren’t paying attention. If you’re using a fixed-weight EZ bar, a standard EZ bar, or an Olympic EZ bar, it’s important to know how much your bad boy weighs for progression, logging, and strength gains purposes.

In this guide, we’ll cover:

• Different EZ bar types with weights
• EZ bars weigh less than standard bars
• How to know which EZ bar to choose for your training
• EZ bar weight can have an impact on your workout performance
• Common questions about EZ bars

By the time we finish this article, you’re going to have a great idea of what EZ bar weights are and how to calculate them in your training.

How Much Does an EZ Bar Weigh? (Quick Answer)

The weight of an EZ curl bar varies depending on the type:

Type of EZ Bar	Average Weight (lbs)	Average Weight (kg)
Standard EZ Curl Bar	10–15 lbs	4.5–7 kg
Olympic EZ Curl Bar	18–25 lbs	8–11 kg
Fixed-Weight EZ Bar	20–110 lbs	9–50 kg
Super EZ Curl Bar	22–30 lbs	10–14 kg

Now, let’s break down each type so you know exactly what you’re working with.

Types of EZ Bars and Their Weights:

1. EZ Curl Bar (10–15 lbs / 4.5–7 kg)

The standard EZ curl bar is the most common variant you will come across in home gyms and some commercial gyms. It’s also lightweight and easy to hold, so it’s perfect for beginners and casual lifters. Olympic EZ bars use larger plates that are permanently molded, while standard EZ bars are designed for the 1-inch hole weight plates that are typically found in home gym configurations.

This varies depending on the bar style and brand, but most bars weigh around 10-15 lbs. Some are hollow so they’re even lighter and others are solid steel which gives them a bit more durability and weight.

You can make use of a standard EZ bar for biceps curls, triceps extensions, or upright rows. Due to its A-light weight, you might use it to get a high-rep workout in, or for warm-up sets before heavier bars. But if you’re looking to lift seriously heavy weights then an Olympic EZ bar may be the better choice for you.

Who should use it?

• For a basic price and low bar; Gymnasium owners.
• Those who are looking to do form only before adding any weight
• Types of lifters seeking lighter, more maneuverable gear

2. Olympic EZ Curl Bar (18–25 lbs / 8–11 kg)

The Olympic EZ curl bar is a step up in strength and weight capacity. This is a 2-inch Olympic weight plate version, as opposed to the standard version that shagged for more than their 2-inch Olympic weight plate. The rotating sleeves relieve wrist strain when curling and doing triceps work.

These come in 18 lb to 25 lb weights, and most of the commercial grade bars fall into the heavier side. The extra mass makes the bar feel more stable in hand while increasing the comfort of your lift. An Olympic EZ bar has knurling that is usually sharper and rougher than a standard bar, so it grips firmly even as you lift heavy loads.

Olympic EZ bars are distinct from the traditional EZ bars that accommodate spinlocks.

They have rotating sleeves, which relieve strain on the wrist and enable freer, more natural movement.

They’re longer and sturdier, so they’re better for progressive overload training.

More weight capacity due to higher-quality steel construction

Who should use it?

• Lifters looking for a stiffer barbell that can also take on loads.
• Who trains at a gym that has Olympic plates
• Anyone who likes rotating sleeves for more fluid lifts

3. EZ Bars for Fixed-Weight (20–110 lbs / 9–50 kg)

If you’ve ever stepped into a gym and spotted a rack of EZ bars with the weights already set, you’ve encountered fixed-weight EZ bars. But, they come in set weights, so you don’t have to load plates, which makes them great for high-tempo workouts or supersets where you need to change weights quickly.

EZ bars at a fixed weight vary from 20 lbs to 110 lbs, depending on the brand and gym. They are often used in arm exercises, like biceps curls, triceps extensions, and upright rows.

Fixed-weight EZ bars also have the advantage of being more convenient. No wasting time loading plates — just pick up the weight you want and start grinding away. The drawback, though, is that they can take up a lot of space in a gym and may not provide enough adjustment for progressive overload for those who want to gradually up their resistance.

Who should use it?

• Lifters who prioritize ease of use and fast incremental adjustments.
• Commercial Gym The full set of bars
• If you want something smaller and lighter to handle

4. EZ Curl Bar (22–30 lbs / 10–14 kg)

A Super EZ Curl Bar has more exaggerated bends compared to a traditional EZ bar. These additional curves improve the positioning of the wrist, which is beneficial to anyone with wrist or elbow pain.

Due to that unique shape, the Super EZ bar is particularly helpful for those experiencing joint pain. The exaggerated curves of Hanh’s bars make biceps curls and triceps extensions feel more organic, helping take stress off the wrists and elbows. This is often recommended for lifters coming back from injury or those with pre-existing joint conditions.

These bars also tend to be a bit heavier than the typical EZ bar because of the extra steel incorporated in the design, weighing somewhere between 22 and 30 lbs.

Who should use it?

• Weight trainers with pain in their wrists or elbows
• Those seeking additional wrist-friendly views
• Bodybuilders looking to lessen pressure on joints
• Replacement involved in joint-related injuries in athletes

Why Do EZ Bars Weigh Less Than Barbells?

There are a number of reasons that Z bars are much lighter than straight barbells, all of which are related to their design and purpose.

1. Reduced Size and Decreased Length

The size difference between EZ bars and barbells is an essential reason why EZ bars are lighter. A standard Olympic barbell is 7 feet (84 inches) long while most EZ bars are 4 to 5 feet long. But reduction in length translates to less material, meaning a lighter overall product.

2. Fewer Materials and Lighter Construction

EZ bars only need to withstand the moderate weight loads of straight barbells. Because powerlifting and Olympic weightlifting require bars that can handle hundreds of pounds, they also need thicker steel and reinforced construction. The material needed to make an EZ bar is considerably lighter and more manageable because EZ bars are usually fucking isolation pieces like curls and extensions.

3. It Needs Less Denser Steel Due To The Curved Design

Unlike straight barbells, EZ bars are curved in shape and don’t have to be as stiff or dense as straight bars. These bends distribute the weight better, so less steel is needed, as long as the structural integrity is still there. So the bar stays sturdy and robust, but at the same time it remains lighter than a straight bar.

4. They Are for Isolation Movements, Not Heavy Loads

Barbells were designed for heavy compound lifts such as squats, deadlifts, and bench presses—movements that require maximal stability and load-bearing capacity. EZ bars are intended for biceps curls, triceps extensions, and other single-joint activities, which do not need crazy durability or a high weight capacity. Since such are not required to bear as much weight, Manufacturers are able to cheaply manufacture them light and easy to use.

5. Less Knurling and Smaller Sleeves

They are full knurling pattern over the surface of the barbell and long, rotating sleeves for big plates. EZ bars also only have knurling in some parts of the grip and feature much shorter sleeves. Lower weight than barbells part of the reason behind this is much lower material use either.

The Advantage of the Lower Weight:

While EZ barbells are lighter than straight barbells, this is actually a boon when doing isolation movements. Because these bars are mainly utilized in biceps and triceps workouts, the lighter weight allows for:

• More controlled muscling of the muscles on strict form exercises
• A more natural angle for the wrists and elbows than heavy straight bars
• Better high-rep training efficiency, perfect for bodybuilding

EZ bars are specific for a purpose in your training program; although they aren’t designed for the same heavy loads as a barbell, they are perfectly suited for the loads they should be used at.

How EZ Bar Weight Impacts Your Training?

Most lifters don’t consider how much their EZ bar actually weighs, even though it does factor into logging progress. “As an example, if you assume an EZ bar weighs 20 lbs and it actually weighs 15 lbs, your numbers will compare incorrectly when comparing lifts.

Here’s how EZ bar weight looks with different training goals:

1. Progressive Overload and Strength Training

At its core, strength training is all about progressively loading to create muscle and strength. Because EZ bars weigh about half as much as a multi-play barbell, many lifters fail to accommodate their effects on progressive overload. What-it-is, tracking the exact weight of the EZ bar that you are using makes certain that you are hitting progress of the decades.

For instance, if you usually curl a 50-lb EZ bar (with plates on it), then take an Olympic EZ bar that weighs 5 lbs more than the one you normally use, your lifts will feel a little harder. That additional weight might be minuscule, but every little bit counts in muscle gains and performance. Paying attention to bar weight helps you progressively overload and change up the resistance so you push past plateaus.

2. Muscle Growth and Hypertrophy

The main concept with training for muscle hypertrophy (muscle size growth) is keeping continuous tension on the muscles. EZ bars enable more controlled movements, minimalizing momentum, and also requiring stricter form. The EZ bar is light compared to a straight barbell which offers:

• Higher rep ranges, which are better for muscle growth (8–15 reps per set).
• Improved isolation of the biceps and triceps, with increased activation.
• Less of a load on the stabilizing muscle groups, and therefore the prime mover receives most of the load.

More so, the varying weights available through the EZ bar facilitate drop sets and supersets, both of which are excellent methods for muscle endurance and fatigue-based hypertrophy.

3. Joint and Wrist Health

The ergonomic grip of an EZ bar, which minimizes stress on the wrists and elbows, is one of its biggest advantages. Straight barbells or trap bars, for example, can place an unnatural torque on your wrists when curling, and while many people can get away with doing this without pain in the short term, over the long term, this can lead to full-blown repetitive use injuries like tendonitis. The angled grip of an EZ bar places the wrists and elbows in a more natural position, which helps to:

• Minimize joint loading during higher-rep training
• Avoid wrist and forearm pain
• Benefit lifters with existing joint issues

This makes the EZ bar an excellent option for injury recovery, or for those trying to train without any unnecessary strain.

4. This is how fast and efficient workouts are

For many lifters, time efficiency is crucial, and an EZ bar can help streamline your workout. If you’re using a fixed-weight EZ bar for your training, you’ll be able to travel between sets very quickly without needing to change plates. This is ideal for:

• Circuit training, where changing weights quickly is key
• Supersets — coupling biceps curls with triceps extensions without a break
• For example, during high-intensity workouts, shortening periods of rest improves endurance

If you’re accustomed to working out in crowded gyms—where having to wait for equipment is part of the experience—it’s nice to have a fixed-weight EZ bar that you instantaneously have access to that you can use to piece your workout together seamlessly.

5. High-Rep, Endurance-Centric Training

Because they tend to be lighter than straight barbells, EZ bars are a great tool for high-rep training. You can make better control and reduce early fatigue if you work on muscular endurance or toning by using an EZ bar. For example:

• Lighter EZ bars can be used for strict, controlled reps and higher rep ranges (15+ per set)
• They are great for bodyweight-style workouts, including drop sets and burnout reps
• The less total fatigue you have, the longer you can train without overloading your central nervous system.

It is a useful tool for conditioning if you are an athlete, fighter, or someone who does a lot of endurance-related activity.

6. The Importance of Functional Strength and Sport-Specific Training

EZ bars are also an important tool for sport-specific training; they are not for bodybuilding alone. Many sports have a need for big, functional upper body and grip strength, including:

• Martial arts, where grip endurance is essential both for grappling and for striking;
• Baseball and tennis, which use strong forearms to redouble swing power.
• There are also football and rugby, where arm and grip strength drive physical tackles and ball control.

An EZ bar leaves room for wrist stability and forearm endurance, which is why using it is considered excellent training for functional strength in many athletes.

7. Choosing Weights According to Purpose

Selecting the appropriate EZ bar weight will largely depend on your fitness objectives:

For a newbie: Typical EZ bar (10–15 lbs) to practice form and establish a basic strength level.

• For strength and size: the joint spacing on an Olympic EZ bar (18–25 lbs) with progressive weight loading is best for hypertrophy.
• All kinds of weights: A fixed-weight EZ bar (20–110 lbs) enables quicker switching in high-intensity training.
• For joint health: A Super EZ bar (22–30 lbs) has a specific construction that is easier on the wrists and elbows.

Which EZ Bar Should You Use?

Selecting the best EZ bar for you is dependent on your goals and how your gym is set up:

• For Home Gyms → Standard EZ bar (for lighter weights, space-saving)
• For Heavy Training → Olympic EZ bar (long-lasting, holds more weight)
• For Quick Workouts → Fixed-weight EZ bars (no loading plates)
• Think Joint Comfort → Super EZ bar (more ergonomic grip)

FAQs About EZ Curl Bars

Final Thoughts:

So how much does an EZ bar weigh? They run 10 lbs to 110 lbs depending on the type. Standard EZ bars are on the lighter scale, while Olympic and fixed-weight EZ bars provide more of a variety to train progressively.

Knowing the weight of your bar helps you keep track of your progress, train accordingly, and avoid mistakes. Whether you’re curling, pressing or blasting triceps extensions, knowing exactly what’s in your hands counts for a lot, in terms of how effective your training will be.

If you’re serious about your training, put in the extra second to factor in the weight of your EZ bar—because when it comes to strength training, every pound matters.