EZ BAR VS STRAIGHT BAR...

[Spawn]

Straight or EZ bar: Which is best for building biceps?

Although the EZ bar (a shorter bar found in many gyms with "bends" where you grip it) is often used when people train their biceps, researchers from Oklahoma State University have shown that a straight bar actually produces greater muscle activity in the biceps. Although one of the main roles of the biceps is to flex the elbow joint, it also rotates the palm. In other words, if you hold your palm face down, then twist it so that it faces up, the biceps is doing some of the work.
With a straight bar, the palm is already facing up. With the EZ bar, your palms are angled in slightly so they face each other. The researchers think this is one reason why the EZ bar curl reduces muscle activity in the biceps compared to using a straight bar.
Of course, the EZ bar does work other muscles well, such as the forearmsand side of the upper arm. However, if you want to get maximum growth of the biceps, make sure that the straight barbell curl is used. Dumbbell curls with the palms facing up for the whole movement are also be highly effective for this purpose.

[Tiny]

I'm getting a EZ bar for Christmas, I have been using the straight bar for years. Straight bar hurts my wrist with heavier weights, so I am going to see if the bent bar releives some pressure. I broke my wrist twice, so it's a bit sensitive under pressure.

I would go with dumbells, but don't have the room for a rack of them. I have no pain curling with db's.

[Spawn]

Yes many ppl hve trouble with heavy weight on the straight bar due to wrist pain. I like to change it up and use em all. I also like the EZ bar cuz it works the forerms. They all have there positives and negatives but when used as a variety you get the best of them all. Iv got weak wrists so switching it up really helps me.

[2nd2no1]

I like the straight bar feel it deeper in the bicep,and yes way harder on the wrist,definitly ware gloves with tight wrist wraps...

[Reaper]

EZ Bar for me and I also use weightlifting gloves that have wrist wraps to help support my wrist.

[Tiny]

I have wrist wraps that I use for benching and it helps dramatically. The wraps do nothing for curls, it's the opened angle that hurts.

[Spawn]

Hmm i needa get me a pair of those. Idk why iv nvr thought of that lol.

[Reaper]

Smalls1 go to APT Pro Gear! www.prowriststraps.com
Best damn site on the web in my opinion for buying pro weight lifting gear.

[Mountain Monster]

I prefer dumbbells for biceps myself but I do alternate ez curl to straight to mix it up.interesting article bro,Thanks.

[Spawn]

Thanks reaper! Glad you like it MM.

[paolo123]

yeah the straight bar fucks with my wrist 2 much. i always use dumbbells

[STEROID]

I use both but prefer the ez curl because of less stress on my wrists.Now don't get me wrong,I really feel there is no replacement for the straight bar for building mass,I use this less now for pain issues.At my stage of the game,I am more trying to maintain mass than building new anyway.LOL

Im also a big dumbbell user.

[Anabolic5150]

I use both but prefer the ez curl because of less stress on my wrists.Now don't get me wrong,I really feel there is no replacement for the straight bar for building mass,I use this less now for pain issues.At my stage of the game,I am more trying to maintain mass than building new anyway.LOL

Im also a big dumbbell user.


Gotta agree with this 100%. Been doing this a long time, mass is not the issue it is training in an area that is pain free. I built a very solid base with straight bar curls and still do them when I train (recovering from a torn triceps, so not for a few more weeks) but only do 2 sets. I keep my reps in the 8-10 range with straight bar and use wrist wraps as well. To high or to low of reps kill my wrists and I always develop tendonitis if doing to much with the straight bar. But the EZ curl can be no better.

Try alternating hand placement, many guys pick it up always at the angle, you are so close to a hammer curl, a lot of biceps stimulation for me is left out. I'll go narrow, wide, just mix it up.