Cybex VR2 Bicep Curl w/Swivel Handles

Name: Cybex VR2 Bicep Curl w/Swivel Handles
Brand: Cybex
Rating: 5.0 (6 reviews)

The Cybex VR2 Bicep Curl w/Swivel Handles is a commercial-grade, selectorized arm-curl machine from Cybex’s now-discontinued VR2 line, built for gyms wanting a dedicated seated bicep-isolation station. Its defining feature is a pair of handles that rotate freely, letting a lifter switch between wide-grip, close-grip, and hammer-curl positions within the same set without leaving the seat – a feature independent users specifically credit for an unusually strong bicep and forearm pump. A single rotation point positioned behind the user keeps tension isolated on the biceps and limits hip-flexor cheating through the range of motion. The belt-driven weight stack (205 lbs) is described by resellers as smooth, and the frame measures roughly 42” L x 42” W x 55” H at about 407 lbs. Cybex no longer manufactures the VR2 line, so it’s exclusively found used or reconditioned through commercial fitness equipment dealers; a 2015 CPSC recall (#15-749) covering VR2/VR2TA/ Eagle/VR3 arm curl machines built 1996-2008 found the swivel handles could break off the frame, so buyers of a used unit should confirm the recall repair kit was applied.

Buying guide

Best GHD for a Home Gym — July 2026

Dimensions	42" L x 42" W x 55" H
Availability	Discontinued by Cybex -- sold only used or reconditioned through commercial fitness equipment dealers
Model number	4535
Weight stack	205 lbs
Safety notice	Subject to CPSC Recall #15-749 (2015): swivel handles on units built 1996-2008 can break off the frame; confirm the free repair kit was applied before buying used
Handle feature	Swivel handles rotate for wide-grip, close-grip, and hammer-curl variations without changing machines
Machine weight	~407 lbs
Rotation point	Single rotation point positioned behind the user for bicep isolation and reduced hip-flexor cheating
Drive mechanism	Belt-driven

What is a Machine?

What a strength machine is

A strength machine guides the resistance along a fixed path so you can train a movement safely, often without a spotter. The main types: selectorized (pick weight with a pin), plate-loaded (add your own plates for a heavier ceiling and better feel), and functional trainers / cable machines (adjustable pulleys for dozens of exercises).

Machines vs. free weights

Machines shine for isolation, safety, and high-rep hypertrophy, and for training hard alone. Free weights build more stabilizer strength and carry over better to sport. Most well-rounded home gyms use a rack and barbell as the core and add one machine — often a cable/functional trainer or a lat-pulldown/row — to fill the gaps.

The sub-types worth knowing

“Machines” covers several categories that barely compete with each other: GHDs for hamstring and posterior-chain work, belt squats for loading the legs without the bar on your back, leg press / hack squat combos for heavy quad volume, reverse hypers for posterior-chain work and lower-back decompression, cable towers and functional trainers for pulling movements, and row machines. Pick the one that fills a gap in what your rack and barbell already do. Almost nobody needs two.

Space and standalone vs. rack-mounted

Most of these come in a standalone version and a cheaper rack-attachment version. The attachment saves floor space and money, but often gives up stability or range of motion — a tradeoff worth checking on the specific product rather than assuming, since it varies a lot between designs.

A note on ratings

Machine listings frequently show a manufacturer’s own on-site rating, which runs high (4.7–5.0 is typical) and sometimes pools reviews across a whole product family rather than the exact configuration you’re buying. Where we have independent hands-on coverage, our summaries anchor to that instead, and say so on the product page.

How it compares

	Cybex VR2 Bicep Curl w/Swivel Handles	Athena® Selectorized Side-Mount Functional Trainer	Hack squat pro	Arcadia™ Functional Trainer
GymRadar rating	5.0/5	5.0/5	5.0/5	5.0/5
Price	$1,895.00	$949.99	$10,850.00	$2,199.99
Dimensions	42" L x 42" W x 55" H
Availability	Discontinued by Cybex -- sold only used or reconditioned through commercial fitness equipment dealers
Model number	4535
Weight stack	205 lbs	170 lbs per side stock (feels like 85 lbs at 2:1 ratio); upgradeable to 220 lbs per side (feels like 110 lbs)
Safety notice	Subject to CPSC Recall #15-749 (2015): swivel handles on units built 1996-2008 can break off the frame; confirm the free repair kit was applied before buying used
Handle feature	Swivel handles rotate for wide-grip, close-grip, and hammer-curl variations without changing machines
Machine weight	~407 lbs
Rotation point	Single rotation point positioned behind the user for bicep isolation and reduced hip-flexor cheating
Drive mechanism	Belt-driven

5.0/5 · 6 GymRadar reviews

Reviews by source

Expert	5.0/5	6 reviews
Reddit	4.5/5	1 reviews

The VR2 Bicep Curl’s signature feature is its rotating handles, which let lifters switch from wide grip to close grip to hammer curls within a single set without changing machines – real-world praise on r/bodybuilding singles out exactly this for delivering an unusually strong bicep and forearm pump. Versatility is the standout dimension: a single rotation point positioned behind the seat isolates the biceps and keeps the hips from cheating the rep, matching Cybex’s own design intent. The weakest mark is durability – Cybex’s swivel handles were the subject of a 2015 CPSC recall (108 incidents, 12 injuries, one resulting in vision loss) covering VR2/VR2TA/Eagle/VR3 arm curl machines built 1996-2008, so a used unit’s manufacture date and handle-hardware condition are worth checking before buying.

+Versatility: rotating handles let users switch between wide, close, and hammer curl grips mid-set (r/bodybuilding user account)
+Functionality: single rotation point positioned behind the user isolates the biceps and minimizes hip-flexor cheating (The Fitness Resource spec sheet, matching manufacturer design intent)
+Build quality: belt-driven stack described by a reseller as "extremely smooth" (Fitness Equipment Empire)
+Value: priced well below remanufactured VR2 circuit units ($1,895 vs $3,099-$3,399 remanufactured) (Fitness Equipment Empire, The Fitness Resource)

−Durability: subject to CPSC Recall #15-749 (2015) -- swivel handles on VR2/VR2TA/Eagle/VR3 arm curl machines built 1996-2008 can break off the frame, with 108 reported incidents including 12 injuries and one case of vision loss
−Functionality: no independent long-form editorial review found -- signal is thin (retailer marketing copy, a single Reddit comment, and resale-condition videos)
−Value: the main purchasable listing requires contacting the seller for a quote rather than transparent checkout, and used-unit age/condition varies widely, which affects whether the recall repair kit was ever applied (Fitness Equipment Empire)

$1,895.00

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