6 Best Preacher Curl Benches In 2024

If you want to build up serious biceps muscles, a preacher curl bench might be just what you need.

Also known as the bicep curl bench, it uses an angled armrest to comfortably isolate your arms and perfectly target the biceps brachii. Here are the 6 best preacher curl bench choices.

6 Best Preacher Curl Benches

Top 6 Best Preacher Curl Benches Reviewed

  1. TITAN FITNESS PREACHER CURL BENCH V3 – Top Pick
  2. Valor Fitness CB-6 Preacher Curl Bench – Runner Up
  3. Eleiko Seated Preacher Curl – Premium Pick
  4. F2C Arm Curl Weight Bench – Budget Pick
  5. PELPO Weight Bench for Full Body Workout – Best Combined
  6. Deltech Fitness DF306 Pro Preacher Curl Bench
ProductTotalComfortMaterial QualityAdjustabilityWeight CapacityReliabilityPrice/Quality
Titan Fitness581010991010
Valor57.5109.5108.59.510
Eleiko57101099109
F2C561081010810
PELPO55108101089
Deltech539991088

1. Titan Fitness Preacher Curl Bench V3 – Top Pick

Our top pick for the best preacher curl bench comes from Titan Fitness. Titan offers a great range of fitness products that are well above average in terms of quality, but also on the more affordable side.

This is the 3rd version of their preacher curl bench and it sports a simple, compact, and functional design with a few bonus features that make this bench stand out.

TITAN FITNESS PREACHER CURL BENCH V3
  • Number of positions: 4 seat positions
  • Item Weight: 73 pounds
  • Cushion material: Foam, Vinyl
  • Product Dimensions: 31.5 W X 37 L x 35 H inches
  • Frame Material: Powder-coated steel
  • Weight Limit: 250 pounds
  • Additional features: J-cups, rubber feet with bolt holes
  • Warranty: 1 year

The bench frame is made of 11-gauge powder-coated steel. The coating not only protects the metal from corrosion and oxidation, thereby extending the bench’s lifespan, but it also gives it a sleek, all-black finish.

The armrest is made of 2-inch-thick high-density contour foam covered with HeftyGrip vinyl. Thicker pads are available, but this one provides just the right amount of comfort without allowing your arms to sink in and lose support. Vinyl is a common material choice for pad covering because it doesn’t absorb sweat and is easy to clean. The same material was also used for the bench seat.

Along the frame beneath the padding, you’ll find a pair of plastic J-cups. With roughly 30 inches apart, they are perfectly suited to standard or EZ bars and can support up to 250 pounds. However, the cups are positioned along the frame line in such a way that they may interrupt your bar’s path, depending on your arm length.

The frame is stabilized on the floor using round rubber feet. This is an excellent design choice because the round shape is better at evenly redistributing forces than square feet, preventing shaking. Additionally, the feet feature holes that can be used to bolt the bench to the ground, increasing overall stability even further.

58 EXPERT SCORE

Our top pick for the best preacher curl bench comes from Titan Fitness. Titan offers a great range of fitness products that are well above average in terms of quality, but also on the more affordable side.


Comfort0
Material Quality0
Adjustability0
Weight Capacity0
Reliability0
Price/Quality0

Positives:

  • Powder-coated 11-gauge steel will last a long time
  • Round stabilizing feet better redistribute pressure, preventing shaking
  • The bench can be bolted to the ground for extra stability

Could be better:

  • The J-cups positioning is high enough that it may interrupt your barbell path, depending on your arm length
  • Only 4 seat positions

2. Valor Fitness CB-6 Preacher Curl Bench – Runner Up

Our runner-up pick is the Valor Fitness CB-6. This is a highly adjustable preacher curl bench that also lands on the slightly more affordable side, making it even more appealing.

Valor Fitness CB-6 Preacher Curl Bench
  • Number of positions: 5 seat heights, 5 armrest settings, 4 bar rack heights
  • Item Weight: Around 48 pounds
  • Cushion material: Foam, Vinyl
  • Product Dimensions: 36 L x 25.75 W x 34.25-40 H inches
  • Frame Material: Alloy Steel
  • Weight Limit: 200 pounds
  • Additional features: Adjustable bar rack
  • Warranty: ‎3-year frame, 2-year padding, 1-year hardware
  • Features: Adjustable seat, armrest, and rack

The main frame of the bench is made from alloy steel. It has a 36-inch-long H-shaped base that makes it surprisingly stable. It also has rubber end caps at the base that provide stability and protect your floor from damage. That said, it has a relatively low maximum weight capacity of just 200 pounds, so keep that in mind.

The best feature of this bench is its high amount of adjustability. The seat pad and armrest are adjustable in 5 positions, while the bar holder can be adjusted in 4 positions. This level of adjustability makes it possible for athletes of virtually all shapes to find a comfortable position.

However, these many moving parts make it a little shaky when lifting higher weights and pushing it to its limits.

Each purchase is backed up by a 3-year frame, 2-year padding, and 1-year hardware warranty, which is quite high, especially considering the price point.

57.5 EXPERT SCORE

Our runner-up pick is the Valor Fitness CB-6. This is a highly adjustable preacher curl bench that also lands on the slightly more affordable side, making it even more appealing.


Comfort0
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Positives:

  • The seat, armrest, and bar rack are all adjustable by height
  • The H-shaped base is quite stable
  • The legs feature rubber end caps with textured bottoms that grip the surface and protect the floor

Could be better:

  • 200 pounds of maximum capacity is somewhat low
  • With so many moving parts, it can feel a bit shaky

3. Eleiko Seated Preacher Curl – Premium Pick

Next, we have the preacher arm curl bench made by Eleiko, a Swedish brand of high-end fitness equipment. This is easily the highest-quality bench on this list, but it also comes at a premium price.

Eleiko Seated Preacher Curl
  • Number of positions: 7 seat positions
  • Item Weight: 88.18 pounds
  • Cushion material: Foam, PUR or SKAI® leather
  • Product Dimensions: 29.13 W x 30.39 L x 42.56 H inches
  • Frame Material: Powder-coated steel
  • Weight Limit: 330 pounds
  • Additional features: J-cups
  • Warranty: 10-year frame, 1-year wear and tear parts, 1-year PUR upholstery, 6 months SKAI® upholstery

The bench is made of a highly durable, thick powder-coated steel frame that is incredibly stable, using an open square-shaped base that goes around the back of the seat, completely preventing rocking back and forth and side to side.

The seating offers 7 precise height settings using a quick knob, with laser-cut markings that clearly contrast the metal, allowing you to quickly identify your seat position. The padding is made of foam, and you can choose between Polyurethane (PUR) or SKAI® leather upholstery, with the former being slightly more expensive. PUR has a smooth look and is easy to wipe clean, while SKAI® is highly durable and gives the bench a traditional leather cover look.

It does come disassembled, but the assembly process is fairly easy. To assemble it, you'll need a Socket Wrench Size 17 mm (11/16 inches) and an Allen Key Size 6. Do not use electrical power tools as they can cause damage that is not covered by the warranty.

Speaking of the warranty, Eleiko offers an amazing 10 years of coverage for the structural frame, which is unparalleled for this type of product and showcases Eleiko's commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.

57 EXPERT SCORE

The bench is made of a highly durable, thick powder-coated steel frame that is incredibly stable, using an open square-shaped base that goes around the back of the seat.


Comfort0
Material Quality0
Adjustability0
Weight Capacity0
Reliability0
Price/Quality0

Positives:

  • The 10-year frame warranty is unmatched
  • 7 precise seat settings with easy-to-distinguish laser cut markings
  • The open square-shaped base is very stable
  • Both the PUR and SKAI upholstery look and feel great and are easy to maintain
  • Easy assembly

Could be better:

  • Quite expensive, especially compared to our other top picks

4. F2C Arm Curl Weight Bench – Budget Pick

Next up we have the F2C weight bench with preacher curl arm support. This is an excellent choice if you’re shopping on a budget. It comes with an unmatched low price, and the performance and quality are more than adequate for the amount you pay.

F2C Arm Curl Weight Bench
  • Number of positions: 6 armrest settings and 6 rack heights
  • Item Weight: 32.69 Pounds
  • Cushion material: Foam, Vinyl
  • Product Dimensions: 29.5 L x 24 W x 35 H inches
  • Frame Material: Alloy Steel
  • Weight Limit: 440 Pounds
  • Additional features: Adjustable bar rack
  • Warranty: None

The main frame of this bench is made of alloy steel, which is typical for affordable exercise equipment. The material will last a decent amount of time if you use it properly, take care of it post-workout, and check for wear and tear.

However, this product does not come with a warranty, which is not surprising considering the price but is still a drawback.

The bench has a fair amount of adjustability, with both the seat and barbell rack having 6 height settings. The seat itself is highly comfortable and uses thick foam padding. However, the armrest is small overall; the shape and size of the bench make it better suited for smaller athletes.

One great thing about this bench is how lightweight it is. At just over 32 pounds, it's light enough for an adult to pick up and move around without issue, making it quite portable and easy to store.

56 EXPERT SCORE

This is an excellent choice if you’re shopping on a budget. It comes with an unmatched low price, and the performance and quality are more than adequate for the amount you pay.


Comfort0
Material Quality0
Adjustability0
Weight Capacity0
Reliability0
Price/Quality0

Positives:

  • Height adjustable bar rack
  • Large seat cushioning
  • 440 pounds maximum capacity
  • Easy to move

Could be better:

  • Small armrest, better suited for smaller athletes
  • No warranty given means you’re on your own when it comes to issues and repairs

5. PELPO Weight Bench for Full Body Workout – Best Combined

If you have limited space in your home gym, you may want to consider purchasing a combined bench, like the PELPO Weight Bench for Full-Body Workouts. This type of product offers a wide range of workout options, and is both space-saving and cost-effective.

PELPO Weight Bench for Full Body Workout
  • Number of positions: 6 backrest positions
  • Item Weight: 35 Pounds
  • Cushion material: Foam, PU Leather
  • Product Dimensions: 55 L x 14 W x 37 H inches
  • Frame Material: Alloy steel
  • Weight Limit: 440 pounds
  • Additional features: Adjustable workout bench, leg attachments
  • Warranty: 3-Year Warranty

Besides being useful for preacher curls, this bench can provide a full-body workout. The flat bench can be adjusted to a near 90-degree angle or a full 180-degree span, allowing for various exercises that require sitting or lying down, such as the inclined bench press.

Additionally, it is equipped with a pair of leg attachments, one fixed and one adjustable, which can secure your legs during exercises other than bicep curls.

In addition to being relatively lightweight at 35 pounds, the bench is fully foldable, making it easy to carry and store when not in use. This feature can be a lifesaver if you are short on space in your house or apartment and do not have a permanent place to store it.

55 EXPERT SCORE

If you have limited space in your home gym, you may want to consider purchasing a combined bench, like the PELPO Weight Bench for Full-Body Workouts.


Comfort0
Material Quality0
Adjustability0
Weight Capacity0
Reliability0
Price/Quality0

Positives:

  • Multi-purpose workout bench
  • Fully foldable for easy storage and carrying
  • Leg attachments help you stay in place and increase exercise variety

Could be better:

  • No place to rack your barbell, you’ll have to mount the bench while holding the weight or have someone pass it to you

6. Deltech Fitness DF306 Pro Preacher Curl Bench

Last but not least, we have the Deltech Fitness DF306 Pro Preacher Curl Bench. It’s worth mentioning due to the simple design, decent performance, and lower-than-average price.

Deltech Fitness DF306 Pro Preacher Curl Bench
  • Number of positions: 7 for both the seat and armrest
  • Item Weight: 81.5 pounds
  • Cushion material: Foam, Vinyl
  • Product Dimensions: 37 L x 33 W x 41.5 H inches
  • Frame Material: Alloy steel
  • Weight Limit: 500 pounds
  • Additional features: Bar rack
  • Warranty: Limited lifetime warranty, 1-year parts

The frame of this bench is made of 14-gauge alloy steel tubing, which is covered with a white powder-coated paint finish. The finish not only looks nice but also ensures the bench's longevity. However, over time, the white paint may start chipping, and due to its bright color, the chips may be somewhat noticeable.

The material and construction of the bench are quite strong and can withstand up to 500 pounds of weight capacity.

Both the seat and armrest have seven adjustable settings, with the highest settings measured at 28 and 43 inches, respectively. Both use soft foam padding and are covered with industrial-grade vinyl that's sweat-resistant and easy to clean. Additionally, they are both fairly long, making this bench a good choice for taller athletes.

Assembly is required out of the box, but the necessary tools are included in the package, and there's an official video tutorial. It should be easy to put together, even on your own. The bench comes with a limited lifetime warranty, meaning that defective materials or construction are fully covered from the day of purchase.

53 EXPERT SCORE

The material and construction of the bench are quite strong and can withstand up to 500 pounds of weight capacity.


Comfort0
Material Quality0
Adjustability0
Weight Capacity0
Reliability0
Price/Quality0

Positives:

  • The seat and armrest are both have 7 adjustment settings, good for taller athletes
  • 500 pounds weight capacity is quite high for this type of product and the highest on this list
  • Official assembly video tutorial is available online

Could be better:

  • White paint finish can chip and tear down the aesthetic

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What Are The Benefits Of Using Preacher Curl Benches?

✅ Better Muscle Isolation

The preacher curl bench is designed to isolate the biceps. By placing your upper body and arms on the padding, you can fully extend and contract your biceps without engaging other muscle groups, leading to better workout results.

athlete lifting a barbell using the preacher curl bench

✅ Preacher Curls Are The Superior Exercise

Studies comparing Preacher Curls to other popular biceps exercises, such as Concentration and Biceps Curls, have shown that Preacher Curls result in greater muscle activation of the biceps brachii and brachioradialis.

✅ The Bench Makes The Exercise Easy

The seated position and armrest allow you to relax the rest of your body and focus solely on your arms, while the padding supports your arms and prevents unnecessary movement. The proper technique will help you to get the most out of this exercise.

What To Look For In Preacher Curl Benches

1. Design

The commercial preacher curl bench has a simple design that is more or less the same across different manufacturers. A preacher curl bench typically comprises of a sturdy metal frame, a padded seat, an angled armrest, and a bar rack. Some designs also have weight or dumbbell storage.

When rating the design, we primarily considered how easy it was to perform the exercise and whether the shape of the bench hindered our workout in any way.

2. Material Quality

The quality of the material will affect the performance, comfort, and lifespan of your bench. Higher-quality benches not only last longer, but the material is also often easier to maintain. For example, an expensive bench with a stainless steel frame is more durable and forgiving than an affordable one with alloy steel.

Foam padding is the most popular choice for armrests and is usually covered with vinyl or faux leather. Both of these covers are good as they do not absorb sweat and are easy to clean, requiring less maintenance than real leather.

Man Lifting a Barbell on the Preacher Curl Bench

3. Adjustability

Height adjustment is an essential feature of the adjustable bench with preacher curl support. The simplest way manufacturers achieve this is by using a vertically adjustable seat to accommodate users of different heights.

However, some benches also have adjustable armrests and bar racks. Sometimes, a manufacturer will incorporate both an adjustable seat and armrest, but this often results in a less sturdy machine.

4. Weight Capacity

This is probably the simplest category to base your purchase decision on. Either the bench can support you, or it can’t, simple as that. However, it’s also one of the most important factors to consider when making a purchase decision as it directly impacts the safety and effectiveness of your bench.

5. Reliability

The reliability of your preacher curl bench can be summarized as the culmination of the previous categories. All of the bench frames are made from some form of steel, which is a highly durable material, regardless of its grading.

Steel also has a fairly high weight capacity, which means none of these benches should break under pressure unless overloaded.

The base of the bench should be wide and stable to prevent tipping or shifting during use and usually has rubber feet or non-slip pads on the bottom to keep it in place. While high adjustability may sound great on paper, too many moving parts, cranks, and bolts can make it less stable.

Additionally, the warranty coverage was highly considered for this rating. The longer and more specific the warranty, the safer your purchase.

Barbell Preacher Curl

6. Price/Quality

It’s generally true that more expensive products will be of higher quality. That said, all six listed products will perform well. Our top picks are usually the ones that offer the best value for money, based on our own findings and in comparison to other preacher curl bench reviews.

However, it's important to read the individual reviews carefully. Depending on the listed specs and the pros and cons, one bench may be more suitable for your needs than the others, regardless of its position on the list.

How To Use The Best Preacher Curl Benches Right?

1. Adjust The Height

The correct seat height is crucial for adjusting the bicep curl bench to ensure exercise comfort and reduce the risk of injury.

To achieve the optimal height, the armrest pad should be leveled with the middle of your arm. When you lean into the bench to assume the exercise position, the pad should support your chest.

Extra cushioning is provided on the back of the pad for this purpose on almost every adjustable preacher curl bench. The pad should not be too high, forcing you to raise your shoulders, nor too low to cut into your diaphragm and make breathing difficult.

When you place your arms on the padding, your elbows should be just slightly off the end of the bench. You should be able to fully extend your arms without feeling pressure and have a full range of motion. At the starting position, your armpits should comfortably wrap around the top of the pad, and the back of your arms should be rested entirely on it.

A common mistake people make is setting the height too low, assuming that the higher arm pressure will yield better results. However, this increases the risk of cutting off blood flow to your arms, making exercising uncomfortable and, at worst, leading to injury.

Man Lifting A Barbell Using The Preacher Curl Bench

2. Know The Exercise Motion

To perform a biceps curl using a preacher arm curl bench, start by extending your arms onto the padding and gripping the barbell underneath. No matter which grip width you choose, make sure your arms are fully straight, and there is no bending at the elbows.

Start with your arms fully extended, as this position has shown greater activation in the cross-sectional area and muscle thickness of the biceps. Now, you can start bending or "curling" your arms upwards.

Control the ascent of your bar. At the height of the curl, your wrists should be aligned with your shoulders. Once you start lowering down, avoid fully extending your arms at the bottom. Doing so alleviates exercise tension from your biceps and places it upon your wrists and elbows.

Keep your upper back straight. Even though you're supposed to lean into the pad with your chest, you should be doing so from your core. For maximal biceps brachii muscle activation, your shoulders should be in a slightly internally rotated position.

Avoid rocking your body back and forth. Rocking adds momentum to your movement, making it seem easier and allowing you to lift higher weights, which is why many people do this to "cheat”. However, this defeats the purpose of arm isolation, which is the point of this exercise.

3. Plant Your Foot On The Ground

Remember to plant your full foot on the ground. Bending at your toes or heel can add a bit of extra power to your curls, but it can also lead to slipping and potentially injuring yourself.

Here’s an additional expert tip if you want to put slightly more exercise emphasis on a single arm, that can help you train and remove arm strength imbalance over time:

Depending on which arm you want to hit, simply extend the opposing side leg half a step forward. You should feel your targeted arm require slightly more effort to perform the curl, without the difference being large enough to make the exercise uncomfortable.

FAQ

Is A Preacher Curl Bench Worth It?

If training your biceps is a regular part of your workout routine, investing in an adjustable preacher curl bench can be worthwhile. It is a popular choice for both commercial and home gyms as it provides an excellent isolated biceps workout without adding complexity.

Just keep in mind that the preacher curl bench uses free weights for exercising, unlike the cable-based preacher curl machine commonly found in gyms. Therefore, you will also need to acquire appropriate bars and weights to be able to train effectively.

Which Bar Is Best For Preacher Curls?

The best type of bar to use on a preacher arm curl bench is the EZ curl bar, often referred to as the arm curl bar. Due to its zig-zag shape, it offers a large variety of hand grip positions, which helps reduce strain on your arms, particularly the wrists, elbows, and shoulders.

Alternatively, you can use a standard barbell or dumbbell as well. However, research has shown that the EZ bar outperforms the straight bar and dumbbells when it comes to activating the biceps brachii and brachioradialis.

How High Should A Preacher Curl Bench Be?

The commercial preacher curl bench is designed with an adjustable height feature that can accommodate a wide range of users. The seat level should be adjusted so that your arms can fully extend over the cushion without any discomfort, while your shoulders, elbows, and wrists remain aligned.

When set to the optimal height, you should not feel any tension when your arms are fully extended, and you should have a full range of motion.

Conclusion

Preacher curl benches are excellent for anyone looking to build strength and definition in their biceps. Some key features to look for in the bicep curl bench include sturdy and reliable construction, comfortable and durable padding, as well as adjustable settings that create the perfect workout angle.

Overall, the Titan Fitness Preacher Curl Bench V3 proved to be the best preacher curl bench, although other choices are worth considering in case they make a better fit for you.

Are biceps exercises a regular part of your workout? Do you prefer doing them with dumbbells or barbells, and which type? Let us know in the comment section, and remember to follow our social media for more valuable fitness content.

Also read:

References:

  1. Differences in electromyographic activity of biceps brachii and brachioradialis while performing three variants of curl // PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30013836/
  2. Learn The Preacher Curl To Build Strong And Inspiring Biceps // Shane McLean: https://barbend.com/preacher-curl/
  3. Training in the Initial Range of Motion Promotes Greater Muscle Adaptations Than at Final in the Arm Curl // MDPI: https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4663/11/2/39
  4. Effect of the shoulder position on the biceps brachii emg in different dumbbell curls // J Sports Sci Med: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24150552/
  5. Bilateral Biceps Curl Shows Distinct Biceps Brachii and Anterior Deltoid Excitation Comparing Straight vs. EZ Barbell Coupled with Arms Flexion/No-Flexion //  J Funct Morphol Kinesiol: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9944112/

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With over 20 years in Olympic Weightlifting, our team does its best to provide the audience with ultimate support and meet the needs and requirements of advanced athletes and professional lifters, as well as people who strive to open new opportunities and develop their physical capabilities with us.

All products we select are primarily approved and tested by the Olympic Weightlifting Champion Oleksii Torokhtiy. Under his guidance, we provide honest and reasonable assessments of the products we review by checking their characteristics, packaging, design, comfort and durability features, and general product rating. We select products from only high-quality and trusted sports brands, thus vouching for their quality.

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Ihor Shymechko

Author: Ihor Shymechko
Pro Olympic Weightlifter, Coach

Experience: 26 years
Best Results: Snatch – 208 kg,
C&J – 240 kg

Ihor has been a professional weightlifter since 1996, boasting over two decades of competition experience. His notable achievements include clinching the European Championship in 2009 and securing a silver medal in the 105kg division at the Senior World Championships in 2011. Ihor represented his country in the 2008, 2012, and 2016 Summer Olympics. After retiring from competitive weightlifting, he transitioned to coaching, leveraging his vast experience to guide athletes who now compete on both national and international stages.

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