Yes, a barbell makes the world go round when you’re crushing through a PPL routine that includes mostly compound exercises (i.e., bench press, squat, or deadlift).
But when you transition over to an intermediate split, you’ll find that your trusty old barbell isn’t as reliable as you once thought.
Forget about hitting your brachioradialis — hammer curls are impossible. And don’t expect to continue adding plates to your tricep extensions without an achy sensation in your elbows.
So, you’re SOL, right?
Not exactly! This is where an ergonomic tricep & hammer curl bar like the Valor Fitness OB-MULTI Swiss Bar Football Barbell comes into the picture.
Let’s jump in and talk about the seven best tricep and hammer curl bars!
In a Rush? Here’s Our Top Pick!
Valor Fitness OB-MULTI Swiss Bar Football Barbell
- A less bulky version of the standard Swiss or tricep bar
- Angled grip gives more exercise opportunities (like reverse curls)
- Supports both 1” weight plates and 2” Olympic bumpers
- Can handle 300 pounds with relative ease
Things to Consider When Buying Tricep & Hammer Curl Bars
Hammer curl and tricep bars are all about two things:
- Easing joint pressure during specific arm exercises.
- Enabling you to add neutral-grip exercises to your current workout routine.
But as straightforward as these bars seem, no two are the same.
So, here are four features you’ll want to weigh when deciding which hammer curl bar to add to your ever-expanding home gym!
Variety of Exercises Possible
A standard tricep bar has two vertical bars about arm’s width apart. That means you can consider adding the following exercises to your split routine regardless of which bar you buy:
- Hammer curls
- French press
- Skullcrushers
- Rows
- Front raises
- Close grip bench presses
Then, there’s the most complex-looking bar at the gym: The Swiss bar.
Swiss bars usually have 3-4 vertical bars for each hand that allow you to experiment with widths and grip angles while offering many of the same features of the standard tricep bar.
So, a Swiss bar would be a better call if you’re looking to jump from a neutral-grip bench press to hammer curls with no change in equipment (other than deloading weight plates, of course).
Maximum Weight Load (& Bar Weight)
Your tricep bar’s weight capacity is probably something you’ll never have to worry about, as most can handle 200-400 pounds with no trouble … no offense.
But the bar weight does matter!
The heavier the bar, the more likely it’s made of heavy-duty steel or chrome. But if you can’t even press or curl 19-30 pounds (the standard weight), this bar is virtually useless to you.
So, you might need to use dumbbells or resistance bands for the time being until you’re strong enough to use your hammer curl bar without cheat reps.
Or go for a lighter bar closer to 10-15 pounds to start.
Comfortable or Ergonomic Grip
Most tricep bars have a knurled grip (as it turns out, that’s what they call the rigid metal grip of the standard barbell or dumbbell). So, slippage mid-rep usually isn’t an issue with this gear.
But you might want to invest in weightlifting gloves if you have sensitive palms, as this grip can cause blistering or calluses.
You also want to make sure that the grip is long enough to fit your entire palm comfortably — preferably 5” or more for a little wiggle room.
Weight Plate Compatibility
The cost of the average home gym is anywhere between $1,000 and $10,000.
Yet, the last thing you want to do is order a tricep and hammer curl bar, only to realize that your current stack of weight plates isn’t compatible with your latest gym addition.
So, measure the diameter of the innermost portion of your weight plates and ensure they’ll fit first. They’ll usually be a standard 1” or an Olympic 2”.
However, a few rare tri-bars will even support both sizes, thanks to a removable sleeve.
Quick Summary View
| Rank | Name | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| #1 |  Valor Fitness OB-MULTI Swiss Bar Football Barbell |
| Check Price |
| #2 |  Marcy Threaded Solid Chrome Triceps Bar |
| Check Price |
| #3 |  Cap Barbell Olympic Triceps Bar |
| Check Price |
| #4 |  Synergee Tricep Bar |
| Check Price |
| #5 |  CAP Barbell 34" Regular Solid Tricep Bar |
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| #6 |  FITNESS MANIAC 34" Barbell |
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| #7 |  Xtreme Monkey Black Steel Swiss Bar |
| Check Price |
7 Best Tricep & Hammer Curl Bars
1. Valor Fitness OB-MULTI Swiss Bar Football Barbell
It might not be your run-of-the-mill tri bar. But the Valor Fitness OB-MULTI Swiss Bar Football Barbell may very well be precisely what the personal trainer ordered come arm day!
And we’re not just saying that …
This top-of-the-line Swiss bar will seamlessly fit into any of your upper-body workouts.
Thanks to its four unique sets of 5” knurled handles, every exercise from reverse curls and close-grip bench presses to neutral-grip military presses and hammer curls are 100% possible.
But we can’t get through this review without applauding the durability and reliability of this bar.
On top of the practically invincible 12-gauge steel exterior and anti-slip removable chrome sleeves, this Swiss bar can single-handedly support lifts of up to 300 pounds.
You know what that means.
Load up your favorite 2” Olympic bumpers or 1” standard weight plates the next time your P.H.U.L. routine suddenly jumps from lying rows to bicep curls — and everything in between!
Pros:
- A less bulky version of the standard Swiss or tricep bar
- Angled grip gives more exercise opportunities (like reverse curls)
- Supports both 1” weight plates and 2” Olympic bumpers
- Can handle 300 pounds with relative ease
Cons:
- Plastic caps at the end seem flimsy (a cosmetic issue)
- The bar appears to be hollow and occasionally rattles inside
- Black paint doesn’t last forever
2. Marcy Threaded Solid Chrome Triceps Bar
When you don’t see sense in buying gear loaded with unnecessary bells and whistles, it’d be silly to overlook the Marcy Threaded Solid Chrome Triceps Bar.
Seriously, this hammer curl bar gets straight to the point!
With a 1” diameter, this tricep bar is already compatible with those small weight plates collecting dust in your garage. Just load ‘em up (<300 pounds) and start cranking out sets of front raises.
But what’s even better is the lack of spring collars — yep, you heard that one right!
This high-end tri-bar set comes with the rare threaded sleeves and star lock collar combo instead for a unique twist on arm day.
Spinning the collars every time you adjust the weight is a mind-numbing task. But you won’t have to worry about a loose weight plate if you hit muscle failure on a heavy set of presses.
And with its anti-corrosion coating and high-quality steel, this bar is designed to last!
Pros:
- Star collars are far less likely to come undone during a set (won’t loosen)
- Never worry about exceeding the 300-pound load limit
- The company offers replacements if yours arrives damaged!
- Avoid the dreaded rusting issue of metal gear
Cons:
- A 12.5-pound tri-bar is a little lightweight
- Threaded sleeve produces metal splinters (been there, wear gloves)
3. Cap Barbell Olympic Triceps Bar
If you’re still a rookie in the fitness community, a 300-pound capacity hammer curl bar is well beyond your abilities.
So, start simple with the Cap Barbell Olympic Triceps Bar for now!
With a 200-pound max load and weighing a modest 19 pounds, this tricep bar will serve as your right-hand man as you learn the biomechanics of a proper skullcrusher or seated extension.
And though it’s not a “beast” in the ordinary sense of the word, this bar certainly has its perks for real weightlifting noobs.
The most underrated benefit is the revolving sleeves. It’s not as complicated as it sounds — when the plates rotate with each rep, the bar puts less pressure on your elbows and wrists.
Combining a smoother hammer curl and medium-depth/nonslip knurling will activate muscles more efficiently with no wasted effort. Translation: Sweet, sweet gains!
Pros:
- Comes from one of the most reputable fitness companies around — CAP
- Rotating sleeves protect your forearms and wrists even more
- Seems to be a reliable, well-made tricep bar
- Also comes in a sleek black version
Cons:
- Grip might be a little narrow for bigger guys
Tons of complaints about the clamps (tip: buy your own)
4. Synergee Tricep Bar
Gym equipment can’t look cool … right? Well, when you’re looking for a tricep bar that’s both heavy-duty and stylish, the red and black versions of the Synergee Tricep Bar are solid choices.
But the colors are only scraping the surface of this bar’s true potential.
This tool is nowhere near the confines of “standard.” Not only is it made of high-grade steel, but it also boasts a thick exterior finish (like chrome), precision welding, and a medium knurling
In other words, your 20-pound front raises are no issue. But if you’re ready to load up the bar for an 80-pound close-grip bench press or 40-pound pullover today, don’t feel the need to hesitate!
We’re firm believers that your gear should nurture your gains — just like this product!
And even better: If your bar happens to arrive damaged, you can contact the manufacturer for a free replacement. Talk about getting your money’s worth and fast-tracking your progress.
Pros:
- Add a little flair to your gym with a red or black bar
- Coated high-grade steel provide a sense of reliability
- Medium knurling for unquestioned grip
- Get a replacement if you’re not happy!
Cons:
- Doesn’t seem to come with collars
- What’s the weight capacity?
5. CAP Barbell 34″ Regular Solid Tricep Bar
Do you already have a favorite set of 1” locking collars in your basement gym? Then, there’s no need for an entire tricep bar set — go for the CAP Barbell 34″ Regular Solid Tricep Bar instead.
It’s everything you need … and nothing that you don’t.
This 15-pound, heavy-duty steel, black-powder coating combo shines the spotlight on the durability of CAP gear. In other words, this bar is tough as nails (both figuratively and literally).
This tri-bar can handle up to 200 pounds on your favorite upper-body exercises, whether you’re training to failure on shoulder presses or sculpting peaking biceps with hammer curls.
And the knurling doesn’t cut as deep as other bars we’ve seen.
So, if you’re still toughening up the skin on your palms or jumping back into lifting after a few years off, this lack of rough grip will only work to your benefit … give up those blisters.
Pros:
- Compatible with your favorite 1” locking or spring collars
- Feels pretty solid for a lightweight, 15-pound bar
- Does exactly what it’s supposed to — nothing more, nothing less
Cons:
- Must order collars separately
- Knurling isn’t as deep or grippy as other bars (not a good choice if you get sweaty)
6. FITNESS MANIAC 34″ Barbell
It seems like many manufacturers hone in on just one feature of their tri bars (i.e., Grip, rotating sleeves, steel, etc.). But the FITNESS MANIAC 34″ Barbell features a little bit of everything.
So, if you value everything equally, this is our recommendation.
This hammer curl bar is the lightest you’ll probably see, weighing in at an unusually light nine pounds. But if you’re a beginner looking to build foundational strength, it shouldn’t be a problem.
In fact, it might just work to your benefit — slowly add light 2.5-pound plates to your hammer curls or seated tricep extensions until you can handle a standard weighted tricep bar.
Of course, the benefits don’t end there.
This bar also has rotating sleeves to reduce pressure on your sensitive wrist and forearm muscles while also boasting a tough, diamond-knurled handgrip.
So, when your upper-body day calls for rows, shrugs, hammer curls, or lying tricep extensions, you’ll be able to fully-customize your lift as you learn the basics of resistance training.
Pros:
- Sleeves rotate to be gentler on the wrists and forearms
- The whole kit and kaboodle — a high-quality bar and spring collars
- No reported complaints about quality or durability
Cons:
- A 9-pound bar is exceptionally lightweight for a pro (but great for noobs!)
- FITNESS MANIAC isn’t the most well-known brand
7. Xtreme Monkey Black Steel Swiss Bar
Now, if the gym is your “holy place” and you want a piece of gear that does it all, you might want to bite the bullet and go for something like the Xtreme Monkey Black Steel Swiss Bar.
Rumor has it: This Swiss bar should last forever — we say it’s TBD.
What sets this bar apart is that it does … well … everything. Not surprisingly, it can handle the basic tricep extensions, overhead presses, and even neutral-grip bench presses.
But the barbell-like appearance on three grips widens the playing field.
On top of adding a little grip variety to your benches and rows, you can also position it atop your squat rack to moonlight as your own makeshift pull-up bar (with multiple grips!).
And with a 400-pound maximum capacity and two black collars, this bar goes well past the two exercises you were looking to make easier … right?
Pros:
- Boasts neutral and semi-neutral grips in three unique positions
- Deep knurling for an unforgettable grip
- Doubles as a neutral-grip pull-up bar
- Seems to have the best potential in terms of longevity
Cons:
- Handles might be too thick if you have small-ish hands
- The end caps become damaged or pop out easily
Top Picks for the Best Tricep & Hammer Curl Bars
Valor Fitness OB-MULTI Swiss Bar Football Barbell
- A less bulky version of the standard Swiss or tricep bar
- Angled grip gives more exercise opportunities (like reverse curls)
- Supports both 1” weight plates and 2” Olympic bumpers
- Can handle 300 pounds with relative ease
Are you still torn between which of our top seven tricep and hammer curl bars will fit nicely into your home gym and help you reach your fitness goals?
Here’s a brief overview of our top three:
- Valor Fitness OB-MULTI Swiss Bar Football Barbell: Multiple grips and angles to add more than just the hammer curl or tricep extension to your split routine
- Marcy Threaded Solid Chrome Triceps Bar: One of the most reputable, standard tricep bars if you don’t need all the bells and whistles
- Cap Barbell Olympic Triceps Bar: A more lightweight option and a tremendous first hammer curl bar for any home gym
So, it looks like you’re out of excuses to skip biceps/triceps day, huh?
