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The arm blaster is a pretty simple piece of equipment – just a plank and strap.

In other words: it’s not something you want to spend a ton of money on.

For some people, a blaster is crucial for isolating biceps and maintaining proper form, but others find it somewhat cumbersome.

Whether you swear by the bicep blaster or just want to give it a try, we’ve got a list of ten choices here that won’t leave you with buyer’s remorse.

Do You Really Need An Arm Blaster?

It depends who you ask. If you’ve never tried one, you might as well give it a shot because you might really end up liking it – plenty of people do.

arnold schwarzenegger

Bicep isolators have peppered the body building scene for decades. In the 1970s, their popularity surged thanks in major part to Arnold Schwarzenegger who swore by the device for isolating biceps.

Let’s check out some of the pros and cons so you can figure out if it’s worth the money:

Pros

  • Isolates biceps: The device does exactly what it’s marketed to do: isolate your biceps. It has one job to do and it does it well. As a nice bonus, this can lead to a nice pump following your workouts.
  • Reduces your reliance on momentum: When most people curl, they rely on the momentum from going down to pull their weight back up. Not anymore – it's all on your biceps to complete the full motion (and maybe some of your core strength, too).
  • Improves form: We can be honest with each other here: your form could probably use some improvement. A bicep isolator will force you to complete curls with proper form.
  • Eliminates ego: Too many guys and gals hit the gym and focus on curling the heaviest weight possible. We all know these people are sacrificing their form and, ultimately, results. A bicep isolator won’t let you lift more than you can actually lift with correct form. So just leave your ego at the door.
  • Perfect for Limited Space: If you can’t afford much equipment or a monthly gym membership, a bicep isolator can make a huge difference in your workout. They’re also great for anyone who works out at home in a small apartment or somewhere a bench wouldn’t be practical.

Cons

  • Could put stress on your lower back: For some newbies, an arm blaster can help them keep proper form but for others, it can put a lot of strain on their lower back. This is especially true if you try to lift more than your frame can handle.
  • Might feel uncomfortable: Some trainers with well-developed triceps don’t like how the plank feels pressing against their arms. It helps to pick a device that fits your current body and wear the plank as close to your elbows as possible.
  • Alternatives are available: If you have access to a gym, you could isolate your biceps with other methods like preacher curls or inclined dumbbell curls. If you workout at home, however, this would be a pro rather than a con.

If you’ve never tried one, you might as well give it a shot because you could end up really liking this piece of equipment – plenty of people do! And hey, you have ten blasters to choose from for less than $30 so why not, right? (Even if you don’t like it, you can always give it away as a gift later -- we promise it won’t expire or go bad.)

How We Chose Our Ratings

We browsed the internet looking for the best no-frills arm blaster we could find. Truth be told, this device should not cost you an arm and leg. In fact, anything over $50 is probably a huge rip off.

Here are a few factors we considered as we scanned the internet:

  • Neck Support: A lot of pressure from your weights will transfer through the plank and band up through your neck. By the time it reaches your neck it’s not too much pressure but you still need proper neck support to offset the stress. Otherwise you’ll have a strap digging into your neck.
  • Durability: Some devices are made of cheap materials -- you don’t want those because they could bend and defeat the purpose. We looked for steel-reinforced planks or durable designs that are sure to last.
  • Comfort: It’s worth picking an arm blaster with some nice pads for your elbows. If something isn’t comfortable, you’re not going to use it right? Plus, elbow pads can help you lift more weight because there will be intense less pressure on your joints.
  • Weight Load: This also plays into durability but weight load can vary from trainer to trainer. Some trainers will need a bicep isolator that can stand up to over 100lbs per arm without bending while others might only need up to 50lbs per arm. To be honest, if you’re lifting over 100lbs per arm you’re probably better off just using a preacher bench.

Everything with a five-star ranking is comfortable, functional, and built to last. Four-star rankings are still solid pieces of equipment but they might lack in one aspect.

Every selection with a three-star ranking is a great choice but might be more of a basic or beginner device.

And for under $30, how can you resist?

10 Awesome Arm Blasters Under $30

Everyone wants to get ripped without spending a ton of money. Dumbbells and barbells are already expensive enough already – you don’t want to spend a ton of money on something as simple as a bicep isolator.

Well, now you have ten options below to choose from:

1


4fit Heavy Duty Arm Blaster Body Building Bomber Bicep Curl Red
  • The contoured design allows arms and shoulders to be isolated while keeping the back and elbows locked in curling...
  • Used to enhance bicep curls, allows user to build lean and big muscle
  • Top Quality Biceps Isolator, Arm Blaster .

This 4fit blaster is made of solid metal rather than plastic so you can trust that it can withstand almost any weight you throw at it without bending. You also get some pretty nice elbow pads.

On the downside, this might not fit very large people so keep that in mind.


2


This arm blaster isn’t made of steel, but aluminum and it’s got a nice contour to keep your arms locked into place no matter what you throw at it. If you need something really solid to hold heavy weight, this is a great choice.

The Goliath also has a nice neoprene neck pad for extra support and comfort.


3

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This arm blaster from RIMSports is one of the best-rated on Amazon – and for good reason. Trainers love that they can mold this bar to fit their personal body shape – a feature you won’t find in all bicep blasters. Plus, it’s made from super durable materials, so it can withstand almost any weight you can handle.

All in all, this is an excellent choice for both new and seasoned trainers.


4


ARD-Champs Heavy Duty Arm Blaster Body Building Bomber Bicep Curl...
  • The contoured design allows arms and shoulders to be isolated while keeping the back and elbows locked in curling...
  • Comes with neck strap, with supreme v2 foam neck padding.
  • ARD Top Quality 8MM Biceps Isolator Arm Blaster .

This arm blaster from RIMSports is one of the best-rated on Amazon – and for good reason. Trainers love that they can mold this bar to fit their personal body shape – a feature you won’t find in all bicep blasters. Plus, it’s made from super durable materials, so it can withstand almost any weight you can handle.

All in all, this is an excellent choice for both new and seasoned trainers.


5


FITNESS MANIAC Heavy Duty New Arm Blaster Isolator Bodybuilding Bomber...
  • FITNESS MANIAC Heavy Duty Arm Blaster Isolator Bodybuilding Curl Bicep Triceps Black Arm Machines

This blaster has an ergonomic design to contour your body and provide incredible comfort and support. The elbow pads are made of high-density foam, so you stay comfortable while gaining a nice pump.

Good news: this blaster is great even for big dudes!


6


This blaster from Lebboulder is made with aluminum so you could probably bend or mold it to fit your personal shape if you need to do that.

Trainers love this isolator because it’s comfortable and does what it’s supposed to do. Bigger folks might have trouble with this one though.


7

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Wyox knows what they’re doing. They designed an arm blaster that can hold up to a total of 100lbs because it’s made from sturdy materials like steel.

Although this blaster is padded around the neck and elbows, very large people might have trouble using the equipment correctly.


8


ARD-Champs Heavy Duty Arm Blaster Body Building Bomber Bicep Curl...
  • The contoured design allows arms and shoulders to be isolated while keeping the back and elbows locked in curling...
  • Comes with neck strap, with supreme v2 foam neck padding.
  • ARD Top Quality 8MM Biceps Isolator Arm Blaster .

ARD-Champs designed this blaster with comfort in mind. The elbow pads are super dense, so you should be able to pull heavy weight without feeling uncomfortable. You also get decent neck support and a metal-reinforced strap to keep everything perfectly locked into place.

You can’t beat the price for this one: some varieties run under $.


9


BeSmart Arm Blaster for Biceps & Triceps Dumbbells & Barbells Curls...
  • ☑️ LOCK IN GOOD FORM: Isolate your Biceps and Triceps with our Premium Arm Blaster that enables you to maximize...
  • ☑️ PROGRESSIVE OVERLOAD: Overload comes from Increased tension. Our Bicep Blaster is designed to lock you in the...
  • ☑️ SKIP THE LINE: Don’t wait for your turn in the gym for the preacher bench. Our stylish Muscle builder has a...

Be Smart is another fitness brand that’s somewhat new to the arm blaster game but they designed a solid product here.

Their product is made from durable metals, so it won’t bend or break while you’re lifting heavy weight. You also get nice padding around the elbow or triceps area to help you keep your form in place.

10


POWER GUIDANCE Arm Blaster, Bicep Isolator for Arm & Bicep Support,...
  • Enhance your BICEP CURLS - Our Uniquely contoured design allows you to isolate your arms and shoulders while keeping...
  • Premium quality and unique design - The padded neck strap is quick release so you can to adjust it to the perfect...
  • One Size Fit All - POWER GUIADNCE Arm Blaster offers a secure fit for anyone looking to enhance and boosting their bicep...

POWER GUIDANCE is new to the scene but their blaster is designed for use with people of all sizes and made of rugged materials so it’s sure to last.

The plank has extra padding to keep elbows and triceps comfortable while building biceps.

How To Get The Most Out Of Your Arm Blaster

arm blaster

So, you’re thinking of buying an arm blaster, but you aren’t quite sure how to use it. Well, you get the basic idea, but how can you get the most out of the equipment?

Remember that your ultimate goal is always to reach progressive overload by consistently increasing volume and intensity as well as speed and time. Sticking to the same exercise day after day puts you at risk for hitting more plateaus so it makes sense to do more than just traditional curls all the time.

Dumbbell Hammer Curls

Lock your equipment snuggly against your midsection and stand upright with your feet about shoulder-width apart. Hold the dumbbells with palms facing your torso.

Bend one arm up to achieve a full bicep contraction with your palm still facing your body – just like you’re swinging a hammer but bending at the elbow. You can contract both arms at the same time or separately; stand up or sit down – give all variations a shot.

Barbell Bicep Curls

Stand upright with your feet shoulder-width apart. Hold the barbell in your hands with your palms facing upwards. Bend your arms at the elbow to contract your biceps. Slowly release – the bicep isolator you’re wearing won’t let you rely on momentum to bring your arms back down or up.

21s

Oh, this one gets fun: you’ll complete 21 repetitions total split up into three sets of seven.

For the first segment, start with your arms (holding dumbbells or a barbell) fully extended near your lap. Contract your bicep until your arms form a 90-degree angle (half-way) and slowly release. Repeat seven times.

For the next set, start at the 90-degree half-way point and lift the dumbbells (or barbell) until your biceps are fully contracted.

Finally, complete the last set of seven just as you would a normal curl. 21s will really bring your biceps to the next level – especially if you’re using an arm blaster.

Your Buyer’s Guide

The arm blaster is an overly simple piece of equipment: just a plank and strap.

Still, this doesn’t mean you should just buy the first product you see. Keep a few factors in mind before you make a final purchase:

  • Price: You really don’t want to overpay for a bicep isolator. Unless you absolutely need something very specific that no other product has, go with one of these great pieces of equipment under $30
  • Experience: Are you buying the product because you’re a newbie and want to ensure you have proper form from the get-go? Are you a seasoned veteran who specifically wants to isolate their biceps? Different people probably need different pieces of equipment.
  • Weight Load: How much are you lifting? If you’re pulling over 100lbs per arm, you might need to splurge on a higher-priced model. If you don’t plan to lift more than 50lbs per arm, anything on this list should be fine.

With the right attitude and workout, this equipment can definitely help you reach your fitness goals.

 

Last update on 2024-02-21 at 19:07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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