For biceps growth
For biceps growth, the two are close. EZ-bar curl rates slightly higher: more of the work on the biceps.
Rope hammer curl gives more stretch.
Both are good choices that train the biceps the same way, so they swap freely. Rotating between them every few weeks is an easy way to vary your training.
The research score comes from these, scored by hand from the studies. Lifter scores appear once an exercise has 10 ratings. How scores work
EZ-Bar Curl. Heavy, simple biceps loading with a grip kinder to the wrists than a straight bar. Little stretch at the bottom.
Rope Hammer Curl. A neutral grip shares the work with the brachialis and forearms, under steady cable tension.
For biceps growth, the two are close. EZ-bar curl rates slightly higher: more of the work on the biceps. Rope hammer curl gives more stretch. Both are good choices that train the biceps the same way, so they swap freely. Rotating between them every few weeks is an easy way to vary your training.
About the same: both are easy to learn.
EZ-bar curl needs an EZ bar, so for most people it’s a gym exercise. Rope hammer curl needs a cable station, so for most people it’s a gym exercise.
About the same: both rate Excellent for joint and recovery cost in our research rubric.