There’s a familiar, frustrating story for anyone serious about building their arms. You’re in the zone, midway through a set of bicep curls with a straight barbell, and suddenly, it’s not your biceps that are screaming for a break—it’s your wrists. That sharp, uncomfortable twinge forces you to rack the weight, cutting your set short and killing your momentum. For years, I pushed through that discomfort, thinking it was just part of the process. I tried adjusting my grip, lowering the weight, but the awkward, unnatural angle of a straight bar always left my forearms and wrists feeling compromised. This isn’t just about discomfort; it’s about a fundamental limitation on your training. When you’re constantly fighting against joint pain, you can’t achieve the mind-muscle connection needed for real growth. It was this exact roadblock that sent me searching for a specialized tool, a bar designed not just for lifting, but for lifting *smarter*. That search led me to the RitFit 2 Inch EZ Curl Bar Olympic Curl Barbell, a piece of equipment that promises to solve this exact problem.
- Premium Specifications: Features a substantial 9kg (~20 lbs) weight and a rackable 1.2m (47") length for versatile workouts. Delivers superior grip and slip resistance.
- Ergonomic Curved Shaft Design: The 28mm bent shaft maximizes comfort and workout effectiveness, significantly reducing strain on wrists and forearms for lifters of all levels.
- Multi-Muscle Targeting: Enables targeted training for biceps, triceps, and core, while also facilitating exercises for shoulders, back, and legs when used with a bench.
What to Consider Before Buying a Strength Training Bar
A Strength Training Bar is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for unlocking targeted muscle growth while prioritizing joint health. Specialty bars like EZ curl bars, tricep bars, and trap bars are engineered to place your hands and wrists in more natural, ergonomic positions than a standard straight barbell. This subtle shift in biomechanics can make a world of difference. It allows for better isolation of the target muscles—like the biceps and triceps—by reducing the strain on supporting joints and tendons. The primary benefits are twofold: you can often lift heavier or for more reps because your weak points (like wrist stability) are no longer the limiting factor, and you significantly reduce the long-term risk of repetitive strain injuries that can sideline your fitness journey entirely.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone who has moved beyond beginner workouts and is looking to add precision and intensity to their training, particularly for arm and upper body development. If you run a home gym and have noticed that straight bar curls or skull crushers cause wrist or elbow pain, an EZ curl bar is a logical and necessary next step. However, it might not be the right fit for an absolute beginner who should first master fundamental movements with basic equipment. Likewise, if your goals are purely focused on powerlifting’s “big three” (squat, bench press, deadlift), a specialty bar like this is a supplement, not a replacement for a high-quality Olympic straight bar. For those lifters, investing first in a power rack and a standard barbell would be a wiser allocation of their budget.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Space: Specialty bars are typically shorter than Olympic barbells. The RitFit bar, at 47 inches, is perfect for smaller home gym spaces where a 7-foot bar would be cumbersome. Measure your workout area and ensure you have enough clearance not just for the bar’s length, but also for loading and unloading weight plates on either side without hitting a wall or other equipment.
- Capacity/Performance: Check the maximum weight capacity. The RitFit 2 Inch EZ Curl Bar Olympic Curl Barbell is rated for 350 pounds, which is more than sufficient for the vast majority of users for isolation exercises. Also, consider the sleeve design. Rotating sleeves, like those on this bar, are a premium feature that allows the weights to spin independently, reducing torque on your wrists and providing a smoother feel during lifts.
- Materials & Durability: The bar’s material and finish are paramount for its longevity. Most quality bars are made from alloy steel. Pay close attention to the coating. A simple chrome finish can chip or rust over time, while a more advanced coating like the black manganese phosphate on the RitFit bar offers superior corrosion and abrasion resistance, ensuring it looks and performs well for years.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: A key feature for usability is the knurling—the etched pattern on the grip areas. It should be deep enough to provide a secure, non-slip grip, but not so aggressive that it tears up your hands. For maintenance, a bar with a high-quality coating requires little more than a wipe-down after use to remove sweat and chalk, preventing rust and preserving the finish.
Making an informed decision on a specialty bar can dramatically enhance your training effectiveness and enjoyment.
While the RitFit 2 Inch EZ Curl Bar Olympic Curl Barbell is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:
- CONSTRUCTION – Made from solid cold rolled steel with a chrome finish; Accommodates Olympic weight plates (with 2-inch center hole); 30-day warranty*
- 95 pounds set: 1x 5 feet Standard Barbell Bar (10 lbs) & Star Locks, 2x 2.5lbs, 2x 5lbs, 2x 10lbs, 2x 25lbs Cast Iron Plates.
- SPECS – 110, 000 PSI tensile strength Japanese cold rolled steel; 15-inch loadable sleeve length; The shaft length (inside length between the sleeves) is 51. 5 inches; Handgrip diameter 28. 5 mm;...
First Impressions: Unboxing the RitFit EZ Curl Bar
The RitFit 2 Inch EZ Curl Bar Olympic Curl Barbell arrived securely packaged, a good sign that the company takes shipping seriously. Upon unboxing, the first thing we noticed was the finish. We tested the silver variant, and it had a clean, professional look. The bar has a satisfying heft to it, weighing in at a nominal 20 pounds (9 kg), which feels substantial and balanced in the hands. There is no assembly required; it’s ready for plates right out of the box. The knurling feels just right—what we’d call a medium depth. It’s aggressive enough to lock your grip in place, even with sweaty palms, but not so sharp that it would be uncomfortable for high-rep sets. The rotating sleeves spun smoothly with a satisfying, low-friction whir, a clear indicator of quality bearings or bushings within. Compared to cheaper, fixed-sleeve bars we’ve used in the past, the difference is night and day. This is a piece of equipment that immediately feels like a serious upgrade for any home gym.
Advantages
- Ergonomic bent shaft design significantly reduces wrist and forearm strain.
- High-quality knurling provides a secure, non-slip grip.
- Smoothly rotating sleeves enhance the feel of lifts and protect joints.
- Durable construction with a generous 350 lbs weight capacity.
Limitations
- Weight collars are not included with the bar.
- The 28mm grip diameter might feel slightly thin for users with very large hands.
A Deep Dive into the RitFit EZ Curl Bar’s Performance
A bar’s true worth is only revealed under a heavy load, through countless reps and sets. We put the RitFit 2 Inch EZ Curl Bar Olympic Curl Barbell through a rigorous testing protocol, focusing on the exercises it was built for: bicep curls, preacher curls, tricep extensions (skull crushers), and upright rows. Our goal was to evaluate it on the three pillars of a great specialty bar: ergonomics, construction, and real-world performance.
Ergonomics and Grip Design: The Key to Wrist Comfort
The single most important feature of an EZ curl bar is the shape of its shaft, and this is where the RitFit model truly excels. The bar features multiple bends, creating distinct grip positions that put the wrists in a more natural, semi-supinated or semi-pronated state. When performing standard bicep curls, we immediately felt the difference. The strain we typically experience in our wrists with a straight bar was completely gone. This allowed us to focus 100% of our mental and physical energy on squeezing the biceps at the top of the movement. One user review we came across mentioned the “aggressive angle let’s to target supinated and pronated,” and our testing confirmed this insight. The wider grip position is perfect for hitting the long head of the bicep, while the narrower, more angled grip allowed us to really isolate the short head, especially on a preacher bench. The 28mm grip diameter is a standard for Olympic bars and felt comfortable and secure, allowing for a full, powerful grip. The knurling, as mentioned, is expertly applied. It provides fantastic tactile feedback and grip security without being overly abrasive, a balance that many manufacturers fail to achieve. After several high-volume arm workouts, our hands felt fine, with no excessive callusing or discomfort—a testament to the well-executed grip design. This ergonomic superiority is the core reason to own an EZ curl bar, and the RitFit 2 Inch EZ Curl Bar Olympic Curl Barbell delivers on this promise flawlessly.
Construction, Durability, and Finish
When you invest in gym equipment, you expect it to last. The RitFit 2 Inch EZ Curl Bar Olympic Curl Barbell is built from solid alloy steel and feels incredibly robust. The stated 350-pound weight capacity gives us immense confidence. While it’s unlikely most users will curl that much weight, this high capacity rating speaks to the bar’s structural integrity and the quality of the materials used. It means the bar won’t flex or bend under heavy loads during other potential exercises like lying tricep extensions or even close-grip bench presses for those who dare. We loaded it up to 185 pounds for some heavy negatives and it felt completely solid, with no signs of strain or whipping. The finish is another standout feature. RitFit uses a black manganese phosphate coating on some versions, which is a step above the standard chrome found on many budget-friendly bars. This type of finish is known for its exceptional resistance to corrosion, rust, and chipping. In a home gym environment, which can often be prone to humidity changes (think garages or basements), this is a critical feature for long-term durability. After weeks of use, including plates being slid on and off the sleeves repeatedly, the finish held up remarkably well with no visible scratches or blemishes. This commitment to quality materials echoes the sentiment from users who noted it was “Good quality for its price,” and we fully agree. This is not a disposable piece of equipment; it’s a long-term investment in your training.
Performance in Action: Sleeves, Balance, and Versatility
Beyond the grip and build, a bar’s performance is defined by how it feels during a dynamic lift. The rotating sleeves on the RitFit 2 Inch EZ Curl Bar Olympic Curl Barbell are a game-changer. For those unfamiliar, rotating sleeves allow the weight plates to spin independently of the bar itself. During a movement like a bicep curl, this eliminates the rotational inertia (or torque) that would otherwise be transferred to your wrists. The result is an incredibly smooth, fluid motion that feels more natural and places less stress on your joints. The spin on the RitFit bar’s sleeves is smooth and consistent, with no sticking or grinding, which is impressive at this price point. The bar is also perfectly balanced. We tested this by placing the unloaded bar on a flat bench and it sat perfectly level. This balance translates to a predictable and stable feel when lifting, with no side-to-side wobble, allowing you to maintain perfect form. Its versatility also shines through. We used it for standing curls, preacher curls, “skull crusher” tricep extensions, and close-grip upright rows. In every application, the bar performed exceptionally, proving it’s not just a one-trick pony for biceps but a comprehensive tool for developing the entire upper arm and shoulders. For anyone looking to add a versatile, high-performing specialty bar to their gym, the performance features of the RitFit are a compelling reason to check the latest price and availability.
What Other Users Are Saying
Our positive experience with the RitFit 2 Inch EZ Curl Bar Olympic Curl Barbell is strongly supported by general user feedback. Many lifters echo our praise for its core functionality. One user enthusiastically called it an “Awesome piece for my gym,” specifically highlighting how the angles allow for precise muscle targeting. Another confirmed our feelings about its overall quality, stating they “Love everything from the grips to the length and weight as well as the look.” These comments reflect a high level of satisfaction with the bar’s fundamental design and build quality.
However, it’s important to present a balanced view. The most common piece of critical feedback we found was that the bar “Does not include collars clearly shown in advertisement photo.” This is a valid point. While it’s standard practice in the industry for Olympic specialty bars to be sold without collars, promotional images can sometimes create a different expectation. We can confirm that our test unit did not come with collars, so buyers should be prepared to purchase a pair of 2-inch Olympic collars separately if they don’t already own some. This is a minor issue in the grand scheme of the bar’s quality, but an important one for potential buyers to be aware of to avoid any surprises.
How Does the RitFit Bar Compare to the Alternatives?
The RitFit 2 Inch EZ Curl Bar Olympic Curl Barbell is a fantastic tool for arm isolation, but it’s part of a larger family of specialty bars. Understanding its place requires looking at alternatives that serve different, specific purposes. Here’s how it stacks up against other popular options.
1. CAP Barbell 34″ Triceps Bar
- Solid Steel w/ Chromed Finish
- Threaded Ends w/ Star Lock Collars
- 30 Day Manufacture's Warranty
The CAP Triceps Bar is an even more specialized tool. Instead of the wavy shaft of an EZ curl bar, it features a rectangular or oval frame with two parallel, neutral grips inside. This design is purpose-built for exercises like hammer curls and overhead tricep extensions. The neutral grip (palms facing each other) is often considered the most joint-friendly position for pressing movements. If your primary goal is to target the triceps with maximum comfort and isolation, or if you love the feel of hammer curls for your biceps and brachialis, this bar is a superior choice for those specific lifts. However, it lacks the versatility of the RitFit EZ Curl Bar, as it’s not well-suited for traditional supinated curls or upright rows.
2. CAP Barbell Trap Bar
- SPECS: Dimensions are 50” L x 29” W x 14” H; Loadable sleeve length is 9.5 inches; Total assembled weight is 28lb; Suggested Max Weight Capacity 500 pounds
- GRIPS: Neutral placed grip are comfortable and elevated sleeves making lifting easier on the back
- COMPACT: Constructed of tubular steel, this bar takes up minimal amount of space in home gym
The CAP Trap Bar, or hex bar, serves a completely different training function. This bar allows the user to stand *inside* a hexagonal frame, with grips at their sides. Its primary use is for deadlifts and shrugs. Lifting from this position keeps the weight centered with your body’s midline, which significantly reduces shear stress on the lumbar spine compared to a conventional barbell deadlift. It’s an excellent tool for learning proper deadlift mechanics or for lifting heavy with a lower risk of back injury. While you can’t perform curls or tricep extensions with it, it’s an indispensable tool for building overall strength and power. Someone focused on heavy compound lifts would choose this over the RitFit bar.
3. CAP Barbell Olympic Trap Bar Multiple Grip
- SPECS – This heavy-duty trap bar measures 55.71" L × 24.61" W × 5" H and weighs 49.26 lb. With a 750 lb weight capacity, this hex bar is built for durability, making it a reliable choice for...
- QUALITY – Constructed from 25 mm solid steel with a tough black powder-coated finish, this hex bar delivers long-lasting performance and resistance to wear, even during heavy trap bar deadlift or...
- ROOMY DESIGN – Features 25" of space between grip handles for natural, comfortable hand placement. With 9" loadable sleeve length, this hexagon bar holds multiple Olympic weight plates for versatile...
This is an enhanced version of the standard trap bar. The key difference is the inclusion of multiple grip options—typically a set of standard-height handles and a set of raised handles. The raised handles reduce the range of motion, which is beneficial for beginners, lifters with mobility issues, or for pulling heavier weight (rack pulls). Some models may even offer different grip diameters. This bar is for the serious strength athlete who wants the back-saving benefits of a trap bar but also desires more versatility in their pulling exercises. It is a direct competitor to the standard trap bar, not the RitFit EZ Curl Bar, and represents a premium choice for those dedicated to heavy deadlifts, farmer’s walks, and shrugs.
Our Final Verdict on the RitFit 2 Inch EZ Curl Bar Olympic Curl Barbell
After extensive testing, we can confidently say that the RitFit 2 Inch EZ Curl Bar Olympic Curl Barbell is a top-tier choice for any home gym enthusiast looking to take their arm training to the next level. Its superb ergonomics effectively eliminate the wrist strain that plagues so many lifters using straight bars, allowing for better focus and muscle isolation. The build quality, from the durable alloy steel construction and 350-pound capacity to the smooth-spinning sleeves and resilient finish, is exceptional for its price point. It strikes a perfect balance between affordability and the premium features you’d expect to find on more expensive equipment.
While the lack of included collars is a minor point to be aware of, it does not detract from the outstanding value and performance of the bar itself. If you’re serious about building your biceps and triceps, want to protect your joints, and are looking for a versatile and durable tool that will last for years, this bar is an easy recommendation. It’s an investment that will pay dividends in comfort, safety, and most importantly, results. For anyone ready to finally overcome training plateaus and build the arms they’ve always wanted, we highly recommend you get the RitFit 2 Inch EZ Curl Bar Olympic Curl Barbell for your gym today.
Last update on 2025-11-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API