Currently the exercise ‘Strict Curl’ is gaining popularity and now everyone is
seeking for some quite information about it.

“How much should I curl for my bodyweight?” is a popular question. It’s really hard to track down the strict bicep curl record because it’s just not established like the squat, benchpress and deadlift, but I tried my best to make a list from 1945 – today plus I added the bodyweight. Just compare yourself with those athletes and maybe you’ll get your answer!

152lb/69kg by Arthur Verge

Arthur was able to slow curl 152lb and to deadlift 468lb. Furthermore he dumbbell curled 45lb 100 times (50 each arm). At the time when Arthur accomplished his record of 152lb
Two Hands Slow Curl these were his measurements: Bicep 16 1/2 ins. Foreams 12 1/2ins Weight 10st./ 140lb (source Strength and Health Magazine 1945 July)

200lb/90kg by George Rasso Stangelmeier

He was one of a trio of German strongmen known as the Rasso trio. His two arm curl of slightly over 200 lbs. is the equal of the best.(source: Muscle Power 1950 Oct p22)

200lb/90kg by Al Berger

Al Berger, the champion reverse curl exponent and an all-round grip artist, has accomplished 175 lbs. in a palms down curl and was capable of 200 lbs. in the standard curl. (source again from: Muscle Power 1950 Oct p22)

170lb/77kg by Tommy Kono

Tommy Kono told to bodybuilding Photograph ‘John Corlett’ that he curled 170lb and his bodyweight was around 174lb. Photo appeared in the December 1959 issue of S&H

John Corlett met Tommy and I would love to quote him:
“He also said it was done “British style”. He then did a very quick demo of “British style”- let’s see if I can describe what he demonstrated- you drag the barbell up your torso until the forearms are parallel to the ground and then perform a strict curl with a straight back with upper arms close to the body. I then attempted to get more information about this style of curling but Tommy was then ambushed by a crazed “fan” and I moved on.?”

235lb/106kg by Luthers Rogers

Photo appeared in S&H in November 1960, Luthers Roger strict curled 235lb.

Fred Sulis 

October 12, 1963 Los Angeles Powerlifting Championships, Fred Sulis curled 180 pounds, strict form at only 157 1/2 pounds bodyweight. The late Bob Hise said, “If I had not witnessed it myself I never would have believed it.” (source: Iron Master, volume 28, December 1999, page 50)

215lb/97kg by Pat Casey

September 1964 issue of MD, Pat Casey is curling 215lb!

203lb/92kg by Gene Fisher

January 1965 issue of Muscular Development, Gene Fisher is performing a curl with 203lb. Using a barbell not EZ Bar!

210lb/95kg by CT FLETCHER 

Ct Fletcher (BW 275lb) is known for his strong arms, and I was able to find a picture of him strict curling 210lb from from Dale Harder’s book–Strength & Speed. (Date: unknown)

# 260lb/118kg – YOU CAN’T BEAT OLDSCHOOL!

Doug Hepburn (birth:1926)  is the king of the strict curl. Currently Denis Cyplenkov is receiving credit for holding the strict curl record with 249lb.

But in my opinion, Doug Hepburn is still holding the current strict curl record with 260lb/118kg and not Denis. It’s well documented in the muscle magazines and on wikipedia.com . It must to be added that Doug performed it with a straight bar, which makes it more harder than an ez-bar!
Doug Hepburn was very proud of his strong arms and wrote some articles, which you’d find on neckberg.com FOR FREE.