Watson Gym offer two EZ bar attachments, for use on an adjustable pulley or similar station, but how would you know which one is best for you? They’re not cheap, so if you’re only going to buy one you’ll want to know which one to get. Below I’ve shared pictures, specifications, and my opinions on using both, and which one I use more.
Which is better? The EZ Curl Bar attachment (regular grip) or the Thick Grip EZ Curl Bar attachment?
To answer this question, we need to compare the specs:
| EZ Curl Bar (regular grip) | Thick Grip EZ Curl bar | |
| Width | 76cm (30 inches) | 90cm (35 inches) |
| Weight | 2KG | 5.2KG |
| Thickness | 33mm (1.3 inches) | 50mm (2 inches) |
| How it attaches | Easily – it being lighter and narrower, it’s much easier to hold and attach | The weight and size make the bar awkward to position and clamp. I usually move the adjustable pulley to the lowest setting and attach from the floor |
| Comfort | The shallow angles make the bar comfortable for use without a second thought | The strong angles mean you need to find a position that’s comfortable for you |
| Bearings | Large bearings that could be serviced, using hex keys | Larger bearings that could be serviced, using hex keys |
| Mount | 10mm hole through a 5mm plate with branding | 10mm hole through a 5mm plate |
Review of the regular grip EZ curl bar attachment
As it’s Watson Gym, the build quality is high. The first thing that struck me with this attachment was how diminutive in size it is, and how un-industrial. It’s likely the most slender piece of equipment I have from Watson.
But in use it’s really nice. The angles are shallower, so it’s very easy to find a comfortable position. You also benefit from it being very light weight, at only 2KG, and the narrower width, which means attaching and detaching it is much easier.
For those with small hands, who like to get a strong grip around the bar, the regular sized bar diameter is sure to please. Whilst there’s no rough grip – cuts or marks in the bar to aid grip – the material is grippy enough for home workouts.
Review of the Thick Grip EZ curl bar attachment
The bar screams Watson Gym at you. It’s overbuilt, it’s angular, there are huge welds, and it looks tough as hell. This attachment will outlast you. But it’s weight and width can make it cumbersome in use.
The angles are also relatively steep, so unless you can find a way to make the angles work for you you may become uncomfortable over time. But, if do find a comfortable position, and the 50mm thickness isn’t too much for your hands, then you’ll find this a comfortable EZ bar attachment to use.
My favourite EZ bar attachment and why
Whilst they both benefit from an excellent build quality, and the bearing mount for each means perfectly smooth movement, it’s got to be the regular grip attachment for me. I love the comfort of the Thick bar, placing less perceived strain on my wrists, but the regular bar is easier to attach, easier to store, the shallower angles means it’s significantly more comfortable right away, and that means I can focus more on my training than the equipment.
Hope this helps.
Simply Seanie 