A tricep bar weighs 15 to 25 pounds for EZ curl bars and 35 to 45 pounds for multi-grip (Swiss/football) bars. The EZ curl bar is the most common "tricep bar" — its angled grips reduce wrist strain during skull crushers, overhead extensions, and curls.
Types of Tricep Bars
EZ Curl Bar
The most common bar called a "tricep bar." Features a W-shaped or zigzag grip pattern that places the wrists at a semi-pronated angle. This reduces wrist and elbow stress compared to a straight bar. Available in standard (1-inch sleeves, 10 to 15 lbs) and Olympic (2-inch sleeves, 18 to 25 lbs) versions.
Best for: Skull crushers, overhead extensions, close-grip presses, and bicep curls. The go-to bar for tricep isolation work with free weights.
Multi-Grip (Swiss/Football) Bar
A rectangular frame with multiple parallel handles at different widths and angles. Weighs 35 to 45 lbs. Allows neutral-grip pressing — a more shoulder-friendly position than a straight bar. Used for bench press variations, floor presses, and overhead work.
Best for: Close-grip pressing with a neutral grip, floor press, overhead press. Excellent for lifters with shoulder issues who need to press without a pronated grip.
Tricep Hammer Bar
A dedicated bar shaped like the letter D or an oval with two parallel handles inside. Designed specifically for hammer-grip skull crushers and extensions. Weighs 20 to 30 lbs. Less common than EZ bars but provides a true neutral grip through the full range.
Weight Reference
| Bar Type | Weight Range | Sleeve Type |
|---|---|---|
| Standard EZ curl bar | 10–15 lbs | 1-inch (standard) |
| Olympic EZ curl bar | 18–25 lbs | 2-inch (Olympic) |
| Multi-grip / Swiss bar | 35–45 lbs | 2-inch (Olympic) |
| Tricep hammer bar | 20–30 lbs | Varies |
Always weigh your specific bar before calculating working loads. Manufacturer weights can vary by 2 to 5 pounds from listed specifications.
Olympic EZ Curl Bar
Best bar for skull crushers and extensions.
Why we suggest it: Olympic sleeves with better balance than standard bars.
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How to Choose
If you do primarily isolation work (skull crushers, extensions): get an EZ curl bar. Olympic version if you plan to go heavy. If you want a pressing-focused bar for bench and floor press: get a multi-grip bar. If you already have both and want variety: consider the hammer bar.
Pair your bar with appropriate weight plates and a cable attachment set for a complete free-weight and cable tricep setup. See our equipment guide for full recommendations. For the exercises that use these bars, see our tricep extension variations and skull crushers guide.
