From calisthenic athletes to Olympic gymnasts, using gymnastics grips for bars is highly recommended. They’re an easy way to minimize/prevent skin damage on your palms and improve your grip by blocking sweat from the bar. Let’s help you find a pair. To round up the best gymnastic grips for , our team of professional gymnasts, coaches, and athletes (including myself) selected and tested 15 commercial products.
Please visit our website for more information on this topic.
We evaluated each grip pair according to five relevant parameters — material, comfort, design, durability, and quality for price — and took into account reviews from other experts in the field.
Overall, we’ve spent about 4 hours with each, trying them on various grip-based gymnastics exercises, and narrowed the list to 8 we liked most. We update the list regularly, so if you have relevant experience or thoughts to share, feel free to leave a comment.
The Warm Body Cold Mind brand is synonymous with weightlifting, but our team consists of experts in all kinds of sports and physical activities. These grips are designed with everybody in mind, so you can use them for swinging on bars or as pull up hand protection to equal effect.
Product
Total
Material
Comfort
Design
Durability
Price/Quality
????WBCM4.9
5
5
4.5
5
5
????Bear Komplex4.8
5
4.5
4.5
5
5
????GymReapers4.7
4.5
4.5
5
5
4.5
WBCM Pro4.6
4.5
4.5
4.5
5
4.5
RooGrips4.5
5
4.5
4.5
4.5
4
Rogue4.4
5
4
4
4.5
4.5
Element 264.3
4.5
4.5
4
4.5
4
IronBull4.2
4.5
4
4.5
4.5
3.5
Warm Body Cold Mind Leather Hand Grips Basic - Gold Medal
Bear Komplex 3 Hole Carbon Fiber Hand Grips - Silver Medal
GymReapers Lifting Grips - Bronze Medal
Warm Body Cold Mind Leather Hand Grips Pro - Premium Pick
RooGrips Fingerless Grips - Best Fingerless Grips
Rogue V2 Gymnastics Grips - Best 2-Hole Grips
Element 26 Vise Grips by Scott Panchik - Best 3-Hole Grips
IronBull Strength EZ Gripz V2
Gold Medal
Our Ratings: 4.9
Material: 5
Comfort: 5
Design: 4.5
Durability: 5
Price/Quality: 5
The Warm Body Cold Mind brand is synonymous with weightlifting, but our team consists of experts in all kinds of sports and physical activities. This includes professional gymnasts and circus performers, as well as calisthenics athletes. These grips are designed with everybody in mind, so you can use them for swinging on bars or as pull up hand protection to equal effect.
The main construction material is genuine suede leather, widely regarded as the best material for gymnastics grips due to its durability. With a solid 2.2mm thickness, it adds the perfect layer of protection without weakening your grip. The tapered design is intentionally narrowed in the mid-section to fit snugly in a tight wrist.
The design utilizes three holes for the index, middle, and ring finger, helping them stay on easily. Fastening is done with a hook-and-loop system Velcro strap system with a total of 20 cm in length, allowing you to make precise fit adjustments quickly and easily. In addition, the strap is stitched into the leather, reducing the likelihood of pressure tears.
We kept the price as low as possible without sacrificing the quality. Of the products on this list, these are the most affordable. We also intentionally made them multi-purpose, so you can use them both as gymnastics or gym hand grips. Between four different sizes and three color options, we expect you’ll easily find the ideal pair.
Pros:
Cons:
Silver Medal
Our Ratings: 4.8
Material: 5
Comfort: 4.5
Design: 4.5
Durability: 5
Price/Quality: 5
For our runner-up best gymnastics grips, we chose the Bear Komplex 3-hole carbon fiber hand grips. The unique material makes these an easy standout. These are primarily advertised as pull up bar grips but can easily be used for gymnastics as well.
The Bear Komplex grips offer a unique material blend and design with the purpose of enhancing performance, featuring leather on one side for smooth palm contact and carbon fiber on the bar-facing side. The two sides are triple-stitched to prevent splitting even under intense use. The classic leather ensures a smooth feel on the skin, while the carbon fiber texture provides notable stickiness to the gripped object.
These grips are not as stiff upon initial wear, reducing the overall break-in period. Some reviews mention that, while the material has decent longevity, it tends to fail under higher pressure. Keep this in mind if you plan to use them as regular workout grips, such as for deadlifts, or if you happen to weigh more than the average gymnast.
The tapered three-hole design is similar to our own WBCM grips, which we also appreciate. Additionally, these grips use hook-and-loop Velcro closure straps, although they are not directly padded. The sizes range from S to XL, which is decent, but there’s only one color option available at the moment.
Pros:
Cons:
Bronze Medal
Our Ratings: 4.7
Material: 4.5
Comfort: 4.5
Design: 5
Durability: 5
Price/Quality: 4.5
GymReapers makes a common appearance on our “best exercise gear” top lists, and we’re happy to give them a shout when they put out a good product. As for these grips, people who prefer a fingerless design will like them a lot.
GymReapers grips are made from a blend of rubber with a leather coating, creating a unique blend of durability and comfort. With double stitching, they're built to last and resist tearing from intense weightlifting, so they’ll easily survive a gymnastics routine. Furthermore, the fingerless design maximizes finger dexterity, which is ideal for gymnastics, where a slightly loose grip is commonly employed to reduce traction.
Their unique taper accommodates larger finger spreads for a comfortable fit. The primary color option is black, with variants featuring red or military green detailing. The price point is average: not a selling point but not deal-breaking either. Initial use may release a noticeable odor due to friction, though it diminishes over time.
Between the three sizes, they fit a wide range of wrist circumferences. That said, it can be challenging to find the ideal pair if you fit between two sizes. We recommend that GymReapers expand the size options in the future for better precision.
Pros:
Cons:
If you are looking for more details, kindly visit Zechen Fitness.
Premium Pick
Our Ratings: 4.6
Material: 4.5
Comfort: 4.5
Design: 4.5
Durability: 5
Price/Quality: 4.5
As our premium choice, we offer you a more advanced version of our gold medalist — the Warm Body Cold Mind Leather Hand Grips PRO. These are essentially the same product as our #1 with a slightly different leather processing to make them thinner. Overall, a great option if you don’t mind spending a little more.
The WBCM Leather Hand Grips Pro are made from the same high-quality genuine leather as our top pick but are thinner, measuring just 1.8mm. This facilitates an easier break-in period than most other grips and offers a firmer grip on the bar, albeit with less cushioning compared to some other picks. The material is completely compatible with gym chalk and easy to maintain.
For simple home care, just wash them out with mild soap and water and air dry, but avoid exposing them to heat or light. They utilize the same hook-and-loop Velcro strap adjustable closure, and with four size options, they will easily accommodate different-sized wrists. Thanks to the tapered design, they bend easily in the hand, and the three-hole system keeps them secure throughout your routine.
We also offer the most color choices with these, including six total options and a mix of light and dark colors. While priced slightly higher than the Basic grips version, they still maintain a competitive price for a premium product build, especially when compared to some options on the list.
Pros:
Cons:
Best Fingerless Grips
Our Ratings: 4.5
Material: 5
Comfort: 4.5
Design: 4.5
Durability: 4.5
Price/Quality: 4
RooGrips was founded in Sydney, Australia, in to offer a unique take on traditional leather hand grips. Their secret is the material they use, which you may be able to guess from the company name and location.
RooGrips are crafted from smooth kangaroo leather — a premium quality material that is also ethically sourced. It glides smoothly along gymnastics bars and exhibits excellent durability against friction. However, breaking them in initially may require some effort, as the leather is quite stiff. The fingerless design ensures maximum dexterity during routines.
The wrist collar boasts a simple hook-and-loop closure with thick padding, offering a noticeably higher degree of comfort during use compared to other similarly priced grips. The material is externally treated with oils, after which it becomes water-resistant and antimicrobial, facilitating easy washing and preventing sweat accumulation.
Uniquely, these grips are machine washable if you have the leather setting on your machine or by simply using a low-temperature wash setting without detergent. That said, these high-quality features contribute to the total price, making these slightly expensive for gymnastics bar hand grips.
Pros:
Cons:
Best 2-Hole Grips
Our Ratings: 4.4
Material: 5
Comfort: 4
Design: 4
Durability: 4.5
Price/Quality: 4.5
Next on the list are the Rogue V2 Gymnastics Grips. It seems like no workout gear top list is complete without mentioning Rogue at least once. As we’ve grown to expect from their product line, these are high-quality, made in the U.S.A., and competitively priced.
Rogue V2 gymnastics Grips offer superb quality with their USA-made leather build. Featuring a two-hole design that accommodates the middle and ring fingers while leaving the index finger free, they offer a unique balance of dexterity and security. This design allows for seamless movement between the thumb and index finger while ensuring they remain in place during complex routines.
Despite their quality construction, Rogue Grips have some drawbacks. The non-tapered, narrow design measures 2.5" (6.35 cm) in width across all sizes, with only the length differing, which may not suit every hand size. It's essential to measure your hand before purchasing to ensure the perfect fit.
The design is also a bit bland and limited to one color option (gray) which may not appeal to everyone's aesthetic preferences. Additionally, while the Velcro strap is functional, it lacks the comfort padding that can significantly enhance the user experience and alleviate pressure during prolonged use.
Pros:
Cons:
Best 3-Hole Grips
Our Ratings: 4.3
Material: 4.5
Comfort: 4.5
Design: 4
Durability: 4.5
Price/Quality: 4
As the name suggests, Element 26 designed these grips in collaboration with cross-athlete champion Scott Panchik. Cross-athletes spend a decent amount of time working out on bars, and Panchik himself is no stranger to gymnastics rings either.
The Element 26 Grips feature a unique microfiber material that mimics the stickiness of faux leather, providing excellent grip without slowing you down during workouts and gymnastics. Microfiber grips require essentially no break-in time, offering immediate usability and comfort out of the box. Moreover, this material is compatible with chalk for added sweat resistance and fairly easy to just wipe off.
The slim design with a tapered bottom section ensures optimal coverage of the palm, while the three-hole system provides a secure fit. However, the square finger holes may not feel as snug due to their shape, leading to potential chafing during use.
Currently, the grips are available in a sleek black-and-white color scheme, with the white side going against the skin and the black side gripping the bar, making them easy to put on. The hook-and-loop velcro closure ensures a secure fit, complemented by excellent neoprene wrist padding for enhanced comfort during workouts. However, they are noticeably more expensive at full price than some of our other top picks.
Pros:
Cons:
Our Ratings: 4.2
Material: 4.5
Comfort: 4
Design: 4.5
Durability: 4.5
Price/Quality: 3.5
Last but not least we have the IronBull Strength EZ Gripz V2. This unique pair of workout grips packs a surprising number of features upon closer inspection. The durability is also great, as is expected from IronBull products, which are typically made for powerlifting.
IronBull Strength EZ Gripz are made from an undisclosed material that essentially works as faux leather. It’s sticky but doesn’t stop movement, allowing for smooth grip transitions. The build features built-in arch support that takes the shape of the palm and can somewhat enhance spin on gymnastics bars.
Everything is tightly packed together with contrasting double stitching for added durability, particularly around pressure points. The hook-and-loop Velcro closure offers a snug fit, complemented by an unbreakable stainless steel buckle for durability. The padding is also good; however, it’s a bit larger by design.
It may not fit well on smaller wrists and can somewhat limit mobility. While the overall quality is good, with a price point leaning towards the higher end, these may be a tougher sell than our top picks.
Pros:
Cons:
In the simplest of terms, gymnastics bar hand grips are protective gear for your hands. When a gymnast grips a bar, they apply pressure to their palm, and as the palm slides and rolls across the bar, it causes friction between the skin and the gripped surface. It can cause different kinds of friction-related injuries, particularly corns and calluses as well as blisters forming on your hands.
Grips are useful in two ways. Firstly, they act as cushioning between the palm and the gripped object, reducing the direct pressure on the palm. Secondly, they add a protective layer between the skin and the object's surface, reducing friction. It’s important to mention that grips are not a foolproof solution, but they can make things better.
The need for wearing grips is an ongoing debate, and there isn’t a right or wrong answer. Gymnastics bars can be quite slippery, and athlete safety is consistently being explored, with grips in combination with chalk being a common suggestion. However, some professional gymnasts, such as Lena Degteva, argue against them and prefer the raw approach for developing natural skin resistance.
Today, some coaches recommend beginners to train without them to get a good feel for the bar first but slowly introduce them as the athlete goes into more advanced tricks and routines.
Our verdict tends to be “try and see for yourself.” There’s no net negative to wearing grips, and If you have sensitive skin, you might find they help a lot. Skin rips and calluses are especially common in gymnastics. Additionally, there’s nothing technically stopping you from using them since they’re allowed in mainstream competitions. You’ll see Olympic gymnasts perform both with and without them.
Here are some examples of differences between gymnastics bar hand grips. This should help you better understand which ones to get:
Traditionally, gymnastics grips were made of leather, with the smooth side gracing the palm while the suede side touches the bar. The rough surface of the suede offers more traction and is more resistant to friction tears. Additionally, suede is naturally more moisture-absorbent, meaning it’s less likely to slip on potential sweat stains found on the bar.
You’ll find grips made from both real and faux leather. The former is more expensive and higher quality on average but harder to break in. Faux leather is typically more affordable and less stiff, though durability can vary significantly from brand to brand. In modern times, we’ve also seen the rise of synthetic materials like carbon fiber or microfiber, often acting as a faux leather variant.
These materials can be a bit stickier, which can be both a good or bad thing depending on your preferences. They may not offer as fast and smooth of a transition as leather, but you might feel the grip more securely. In addition, they’re commonly infused with some sort of padding such as foam to make them softer on the palm. If speed specifically isn’t a high concern for you, you might find these more fitting.
Gymnastics bar hand grips come with both hole and no-hole options. Grips that feature finger holes, whether it’s two or three, offer a more secure fit and prevent them from shifting around in the hand during the routine. However, depending on your grip spread and finger thickness, for example, holes can feel constricting.
Some gymnasts prefer the no-hole option because it offers greater freedom for the fingers. That said, this leaves the chance of grips shifting around or bending during your routine, which can expose your skin and thus defeat the purpose of wearing grips.
"With holed versions of gymnastics grips, you have the flexibility to use them as if they were the no-hole variety. Simply refrain from inserting your fingers through the holes, or use only the number of holes that suits your preference."
The choice of wrist closure on workout grips mostly comes down to a traditional buckle or a hook & loop with a Velcro strap for security. So, what’s the difference? A buckle system is typically more durable and expensive than simple Velcro. The chance of it coming undone is practically non-existent unless the buckle is damaged somehow.
However, depending on your wrist shape and size, you might not be able to find the ideal fitting hole, making these less comfortable to wear. Meanwhile, the sticky Velcro strap typically seen on gym grips does not have constrictions on how tight or loose it can fit. Additionally, the back of the strap is typically covered in some sort of foam padding to relieve pressure from the wrist.
This combination allows you to find the exact fit for your wrist, allowing for superior comfort. These grips are also more affordable on average, though Velcro straps tend to wear out over time (become less sticky), warranting sooner replacement.
You’ve probably noticed that some gymnastics grips have small horizontal bars on them. These are called dowels. Dowel grips for gymnastics are primarily used to depressurize the fingers, adding another layer of protection. They also act as a sort of hook, latching onto the bar and adding spin that a hand alone cannot achieve due to its uneven shape.
In many cases, this can compensate for variations in palm size among athletes, ensuring a more consistent grip and allowing gymnasts of different proportions to swing and glide seamlessly. While more seamless transitions sound great, it’s highly debated whether or not to use them. Technically, they’re not barred from competitive use, so you don’t have to worry about that.
However, they’re primarily used by advanced gymnasts, for example, for adding momentum to maintain fast-paced routines. When it comes to beginner grips for gymnastics, it’s often recommended to start without dowels and develop synergy with the bar, while the speed and control come naturally with muscle memory.
Here are the factors to consider when searching for the best hand grips for you.
As mentioned previously, your options for material boil down to leather, its faux variants, or a synthetic material. Real leather can be more durable and visually appealing, though it can cost a premium. Synthetic materials are cheaper but aren’t necessarily worse.
Extra padding and adjustable straps help but fit is paramount. Take good care to measure your palm and refer to the size chart. It doesn’t matter how much padding you add if the grips bend in your hand and interfere with your workout.
It’s okay to choose a product that grabs your attention visually, as long as it fits your needs in terms of size, hole numbers, and type of fastening mechanism. Feel free to shop around, some brands offer various color options too.
Durability will often be a reflection of the materials used and price. Leather grips with metal buckles will cost more than faux leather with velcro straps, though it’s expected that the former lasts longer. Consider the balance of durability and cost.
Conventional wisdom tells us that more expensive products offer higher quality and, thus, are worth spending more on. However, that’s not always the case with gymnastics grips. Some options are simply more expensive due to brand recognition, for example. Cheaper options can offer just as good quality for the price, so don’t take it at face value and check the specs.
Here’s how you put on gymnastics bar hand grips:
Start by sliding your grips over the hand and place the closure mechanism on top of your wrist, but don’t tighten yet. If there are finger holes present, fit your fingers first. Fasten the closure and then stretch the material out to make sure it’s evenly spread across the palm without creases.
If a dowel is present, make sure it faces the hand and sits on the middle portion of your fingers, between the joint bends. Once you’re happy with how it sits in your hand, tighten the strap or buckle to a desired fit.
"The fit of the fastening mechanism should be tight enough not to slide up and down. That said, be mindful of blood flow. You should be able to comfortably bend and twist your wrist without pain or discomfort."
Once you have them on, give them a test run on some basic warmup drills. Hand from the bar and take a few swings to see how they feel. Now is also the time to readjust the fit to avoid hurting yourself.
Classic gymnastics grips for bars are typically made of leather or suede (or faux variants). Initially, they can be quite stiff, resisting palm bending. This can make them uncomfortable to wear until broken in. Trying a complex routine with them out of the box can cause skin damage, especially around the finger holes.
Before putting on your new grips, start by rolling them down from the top on both sides to soften them up. For now, make the roll as wide as necessary, avoiding too much force application on the material. Next, wrap them around the bar or ring and roll them back and forth. After a few repetitions, try putting them on to check how they feel.
Perform simple hand movements like curving your palm and fingers. Once they loosen, try hanging or swinging on a bar. If still stiff, apply leather or suede conditioner, avoiding forceful bending to prevent cracks and tears.
Classic leather hand grips offer a smoother roll and a snugger hold but break easier with frequent use. Conversely, carbon grips provide reduced friction (which can be a good or bad thing depending on if you want speed or grip), but are generally more durable and sweat-resistant, making them a notable alternative. The ultimate choice comes down to personal preference.
For classic leather hand grips, Warm Body Cold Mind is the perfect choice. For carbon fiber grips, we recommend Bear Komplex.
Wipe your leather hand grips down after each use to remove excess sweat. Use a leather brush to dust off chalk particles. Avoid soap and water but feel free to use a dedicated leather/suede cleaning solution. Air dry them but don’t leave them out in the sun or high heat to prevent shrinkage and cracks.
Those were the 8 best gymnastic grips for and how to wear them. A gymnastics routine consists of swinging, pirouettes (rolling), gripping & catching, and various other movements that cause friction between the bar and palm skin. To avoid skin damage such as burns, calluses, or blisters from said friction, adding a protective layer is advised.
While there are gymnasts who prefer a raw approach and opt for chalk only, rest assured that both beginners and pros wear gymnastics hand grips for bars and rings especially. If you’re looking for a pair, we recommend the Warm Body Cold Mind Leather Hand Grips Basic. With multiple sizes and colors to choose from and great value for money at a competitive price, they’re an easy choice.
We’d love to hear from you as well. How long have you been doing gymnastics and which disciplines (bars, rings, pommel horse) you plan to use the grips for? Leave a comment letting us know and make sure to follow us on social media for similar content.
Also read:
References:
Our product reviews are meticulously curated by a team of seasoned athletes, certified coaches, and sports nutrition experts, boasting more than 20 years of collective coaching experience. In our mission to promote Olympic weightlifting and strength training, we engage in comprehensive testing and evaluation of weightlifting products and supplements, making certain that only the utmost quality items meet our rigorous criteria.
We take a hands-on approach, procuring and personally testing these products in gym settings, affording us genuine insights into their performance. Our credibility stems from the expertise of experienced athletes, supported by authentic photos and videos, offering you dependable assessments tailored to athletes of all skill levels.
If you are looking for more details, kindly visit finger hole grips manufacturer.