Best CrossFit Grips [2024]: Barbell & Pull Up Hand Protectors

Jun. 23, 2025

Best CrossFit Grips []: Barbell & Pull Up Hand Protectors

We’ve reviewed 10 of the best CrossFit grips available to buy online and added a buyers guide to help you choose the best ones for your WOD workouts.

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Since CrossFit involves a lot of holding on to metal bars like kettlebells, barbells and pull up bars, it can take a heavy toll on your hands. So having a quality set of hand grip protectors is essential if you plan to get serious about CrossFit training without shredding your paws.

Below are reviews of 10 of the best hand grips for CrossFit, available to buy online. We’ve included those designed for more for pull ups and others that are better suited to kettlebell swings and barbell lifts.

10 Best CrossFit Grips

1. Bear Komplex Carbon Hand Grips

Bear Komplex Carbon Hand Grips are one of very few sets of grips made from carbon fiber, with the majority being made from leather. The material is durable and flexible, and the grips, which come in a 2-hole or 3-hole design, are especially ideal for pull up bar exercises and do tend to fall short of leather grips for barbell training.

The carbon fiber really does a good job of gripping and while the Bear Komplex grips are a little on the expensive side, they will last and they will protect your hands well. Other than the high price, the only real pitfall is that the circular finger holes tend to dig in a little bit.

Pros

Carbon fiber does a good job of sticking to any surface
Ideal for pull ups and bar work
Durable and long lasting
2-hole or 3-hole grip choices

Cons

Expensive
Finger holes could be better designed

2. ProFitness Ventilated Cross Training Gloves

Leather grips are the most common type of hand grips for CrossFit and many other exercise and gymnastics formats. They’re strong, tough, and they offer the kind of protection you want. However, they can be inflexible and get hot and sticky.

ProFitness Ventilated Cross Training Gloves are made from a suede leather. It offers greater flexibility and breathability while still offering decent protection. The hand grips come with two or three finger holes, according to your preference, and are a good all-rounder grip. These inexpensive grips also have wrist support, although the sizing can be a little bit off so you do need to double check when you order, to avoid disappointment.

Pros

Cheap
Breathable, flexible fabric
Good wrist support
Prevents sweat-related grip problems

Cons

Could be grippier
Tend to be quite tight, so consider a size up

3. WOD And Done And Hook Grip Handle

Single use grips are designed for exactly that purpose: use them once and then throw them away. They stick to your hand and wrist using adhesive and they are supposed to be sweat-proof, although this is only really true for shorter workouts. The grips are reasonable, however, and suitable if you’re in a pinch. Also, we know some people prefer single-use grips, even though we believe you would be better finding a decent set for long term use.

If you’re new to CrossFit or are just looking to try some grips out of the first time, single-use grips like the WOD And Done Grips might be a good option, although there are cheaper options out there that can be used for much longer and offer better grip. Alternatively, you can throw a pack in your bag for emergencies or as a backup, until you find a permanent pair.

Pros

Adhere to your hands so guaranteed to fit snugly
Flexible once on the hand
Good as a backup or for emergency use

Cons

Can work out very expensive
Not as sweat-proof as claimed

4. Element 26 IsoGrip Hand Grips

Element 26 is another company experimenting with the use of different materials, and their IsoGrip Hand Grips use a rubber material that grips onto the bar even without chalk. They don’t have finger holes which can be a blessing and a curse. The gloves don’t feel as secure around the fingers but there is no danger of the grips digging in around the base of the fingers.

The wrist strap can also be trimmed to size, which means that there shouldn’t be any problem getting a good fit no matter your hand size. The grip itself is made from a single piece of rubber so there is no stitching to fail and the material won’t stretch. They’re also a decent price, although there are cheaper options out there.

Pros

No danger of the grips digging in your fingers
Rubber grips well to bars and other material
Adjustable strap fits well

Cons

No finger holes can take some getting used to
The grip doesn’t last as long as leather

5. Picsil Azor Grips

Picsil Azor Grips come in a 2 or 3 hole design and they’re made from a patented material that is flexible enough to sit around a pull up bar but strong enough to offer decent protection. The material may not be strong enough for hard rig work or regular heavy weights, but great for pull up bar work.

These hand grips are priced reasonably and are comfortable. They’re also washable, which means you can get rid of the smell after a those intense workouts.

Pros

Great flexibility for pull ups
2- or 3-hole design
Washable grips

Cons

Not as robust for barbell exercises

6. AEOLOS Leather Gymnastics Hand Grips

AEOLOS Leather Gymnastics Hand Grips are true leather grips. They have three finger holes and are designed to be robust and firm. They’re also very reasonably priced and do have wrist support built in. They also come with a free carry bag.

Some users will love the firm leather, while others will find them inflexible, and this inflexibility is magnified by the connected wrist strap. Because the whole thing is one piece, it means that you can’t move the support separately to the gloves. For this, the grips are only really suitable for exercises and movements that don’t require wrist movement because you’ll have to keep putting them on and taking them off.

Pros

Cheap
Tough leather should prove durable
Includes a carry bag

Cons

The leather is inflexible
Connected wrist strap impedes proper wrist movement

7. WODFitters Textured Leather Hand Grips

WODFitters Textured Leather Hand Grips are a fairly basic grip design with two finger holes and a fastening wrist loop. The textured leather is robust and strong while being surprisingly flexible. The textured grip does prevent slips and gives you confidence on the bar, too. The grips are also some of the cheapest on our list.

However, while the grip itself is good quality, there are some issues with the wrist strap. The nylon fabric is easily torn and the stitching has a tendency to break, while the strap itself digs into the wrist and can leave marks and calluses behind.

Pros

Cheap
Textured leather gives good grips
Grips are durable

Cons

Wrist strap breaks easily
Wrist strap digs in

8. WOD Nation Barbell Gymnastics Grips

WOD National Barbell Gymnastics Grips are the cheapest set on our list and are made with tough leather so the grips will last. The extra protection offered by the leather grips makes these a great choice for beginners. They offer more protection and they grip hard, although their lack of flexibility means that they aren’t the best option when progressing to more challenging work and progressive routines.

You have to pay attention to make sure you get a good fit, especially because the finger holes are unforgiving so you should expect them to dig in around this area. And, their lack of flexibility is not only uncomfortable but it does lead to tearing especially around the wrist strap area.

Pros

Really cheap
Good grip for beginners

Cons

Wrist strap tears
Grips dig in around the finger holes

9. JerkFit WODies Hand Grips With Wrist Straps

JerkFit WODies Hand Grips With Wrist Straps are made from a neoprene material and have a padded palm section. They have three finger holes and a wrist strip, which needs to be fitted or the grips are unusable. They do a good job of protecting the hands when doing most exercises, but they may not be the ideal solution for all.

First, the WODies fall on the expensive side of this list. What’s more, the wrist strap has to be attached to use the grips, which will prevent solid muscle building in the wrists. Also, while the padded grips do offer a sense of protection and prevent most injuries to the hand, the padding can prevent you from achieving a reassuring grip on the bar.

Pros

Padded grips protect the hand
Neoprene is flexible and breathable
Wrist strap offers support

Cons

You can’t use the grips without the wrist support
Expensive
Padding prevents a really strong-feeling grip

10. RooGrips 3-Finger Protective Leather Hand Grips

RooGrips 3-Finger Protective Leather Hand Grips have 3 finger holes, although they also sell 2-hole grips for the same price and are made from leather: kangaroo leather, in fact. They shouldn’t tear but apparently offer good protection on the bar. When you sweat, the leather will get stickier, rather than slicker, and are coated to soak up moisture.

The RooGrips are the most expensive grips we reviewed, presumably because of the cost of kangaroo leather and because of the additional coating. Also, the grips are thin and they feel it, which means less confidence when using them. This also means that while they are durable, they are not entirely protective against blisters and calluses.

Pros

The leather is durable
Stick well to bars

Cons

Not as protective as claimed
Feel thin when wearing
Really expensive

CrossFit Hand Grip Buyers Guide

CrossFit grips can protect against injury and improve grip. There are various grips on the market and you need to find a set that fits your training style and suits your preferences.

Material

The primary materials used in CrossFit grips are:

Leather – Leather is durable and tough but it can be inflexible and the leather itself, especially around finger holes, can dig in if you don’t get the perfect size.
Rubber – There aren’t many rubber options on the market, but the material is strong and flexible, and it should offer a really strong grip especially on metal.
Neoprene – Neoprene is a synthetic rubber that tends to be lighter than natural rubber but just as flexible. It can be pierced and may get broken over time, however.

Wrist Straps

There is some debate regarding the use of wrist straps for CrossFit grips. On the one hand, they offer support and can help prevent stress injuries. On the other, if you rely on wrist straps, you won’t be building wrist muscles which may hold you back in the long run. Whatever your preference, ensure that the straps are comfortable and offer a firm fastening when worn.

Cushioned Grips

A few of the sets above have cushioned grips. This means that the palm section of the grip is padded which obviously provides greater protection against the bar or material that you’re gripping but having that extra padding in the grip means that it can be difficult to get a really strong grip and decent purchase and it might be especially impractical with kettlebells and on the CrossFit rig.

Verdict – Which Are The Best CrossFit Hand Grips?

CrossFit should be challenging on the whole body, but that doesn’t mean you want to tear your hands and endure blisters and calluses. Grips help prevent these injuries to the hand, and they are considered an essential tool to a CrossFit workout.

We found the Bear Komplex Carbon Hand Grips to be both sticky and durable, although a little on the expensive side. If you’re just starting out or working on a tight budget, the ProFitness Cross Training Grips are not only inexpensive but are breathable and provide good wrist support.

More CrossFit gear review guides:

Barbells
Kettlebells
Pull Up Stands
Jump Ropes
Resistance Bands
Knee Sleeves
Gymnastic Rings
Weight Vests

Best Gymnastics Grips - GymnasticsHQ

Finding the best gymnastics grips is crucial for any gymnast aiming to enhance their performance and protect their hands during bar routines. Whether your child is just starting or is an experienced gymnast, the right grips provide essential support, prevent blisters, and offer better control on the apparatus. With various styles and brands available, choosing the perfect grips can be overwhelming. In this article, we’ll guide you through the top gymnastics grips on the market, explaining their features, benefits, and how to choose the best option to meet your gymnast’s needs.

What are Gymnastics Grips?

Gymnastics grips are leather devices worn on the hands of gymnasts while they perform on the bars. Grips are basically a piece of leather material that covers the palm of the hand. The gymnastics grips are attached at the wrist and secured on the fingers with holes. Female gymnasts use grips on Uneven Bars, while male gymnasts use grips on High Bar and Still Rings. Crossfit athletes also wear grips while they are practicing and competing. Gymnastics grips typically have 2 finger holes while crossfit grips can have 3 finger holes.

Gymnastics grips are used to help the gymnast grip the bar and to prevent blisters or “rips” to the gymnast’s hands. Rips are friction injuries where the outer layers of skin rip or tear away from the hand. (

Beginner gymnasts don’t always wear grips, but many start wearing them when they start to get rips and blisters. Most competitive gymnasts wear uneven bar gymnastics grips. They can help improve performance and lessen the wear and tear on your hands.

We can help you find the right gymnastics grip for you – as a gymnast starts her career she will likely want beginner gymnastics grips. Once she becomes a mid-level gymnast she might want a thinner leather grip that is easy to break in, so that she can still have a good feel for the bar. As she becomes a high-level gymnast she will most likely want a thicker leather grip that takes longer to break in, but that will be able to hold up during advanced skills.

Do I Need Gymnastics Grips?

Deciding whether you should start using uneven bar grips is a decision that is usually made with your coach. You can check out the video above to find out when my sister started wearing grips. Most coaches want their gymnasts using grips by the time they are starting to learn circling elements like clear-hip circles and giants.

If you’re a beginner gymnast, and your hands hurt while you are practicing bars there is no reason not to try them as long as your coach doesn’t object.

Things to Consider when Buying Gymnastics Grips

When you go to buy grips, there are a few things to consider – dowel vs. non-dowel grips, the shape of the grip and what type of closure you would like (buckle vs. hook and loop).

Types of Uneven Bar Grips

There are two main types of gymnastics grips – a basic non-dowel beginner grip and a dowel grip.

Dowel vs. Non-Dowel Beginner Grips

If you are a beginner gymnast learning basic bar skills then you want a non-dowel beginner grip. They all come in basically the same shape with two holes for your fingers. Here are Nastia Liukin Beginner Grips and another basic beginner grip.

OUR PICK: Nastia Liukin’s Beginner Hook & Loop
WHY: Basic, soft leather grip that gives you full palm protection. The hook & loop closure makes it easier for beginners to put the grips on themselves.

Types of Dowel Grips

Dowel grips come in different shapes — skinny, straight and curved. You probably need dowel grips if you are doing more advanced bar skills.

Skinny Grips: Skinny grips are good for being able to better feel the bar. Here is Nastia’s Big Swinger grip, which is an example of a skinny grip.
Straight Grip: The straight dowel grip is a Russian design. It’s good because it covers more of the hand. Here is Nastia’s Russian Heritage grip, which is the straight dowel grip design.
Curved Grip: The curved dowel grip is a nice combination of the two. It covers more of the hand than the skinny grip, while allowing you better feel for the bar than the straight grip. Here is an example of a curved grip. Most gymnasts use curved grips.

Some dowel grips come with a rubber band attached. The rubber band can be used to help hold the grip more securely to your finger. If you don’t like it on the grip you can always cut it off.

For more information, please visit Zechen Fitness.

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OUR PICK: Bailie Beginner Hook & Loop Grips
WHY: They are a great first pair of dowel grips because they are narrower and smaller than a standard grip. The leather is easier to break in, and they let the gymnast keep more of their hand on the bar so they can feel their swing.

Specialty Gymnastics Grips

Bailie Beginner Dowel Grips

If this is your first time getting a pair of dowel grips, and you are a gymnast with small hands, you might want to consider the Bailie Beginner Dowel Grip (the first link is hook and loop, here they are in buckle). They are a great first pair of dowel grips because they are narrower and smaller than a standard grip. The leather is easier to break in, and they let the gymnast keep more of their hand on the bar so they can feel their swing.

Reisport Protec Grips

Reisport Protec grips are a little different than normal grips. They are recommended for Level 9, 10 or Elite girls who are frequently breaking or over stretching their grips. They are different from normal grips in that they have stronger leather that stretches less.

Buckle vs. Hook & Loop

Grips are secured around the wrist with either a buckle or hook and loop. The issue of buckle versus hook & loop grips can be a personal preference. Buckle grips can offer more wrist support and will give you piece of mind that they won’t come undone. Many high-level gymnasts prefer buckle grips because of this; they don’t want to risk hook & loop grips coming undone during a high level skill. However, hook & loop grips tend to be more popular among beginner to mid-level gymnasts. Hook & loop grips are easier to tighten and can be adjusted exactly to your wrist.

What Brand of Gymnastics Grips Should I Buy?

While there are many grip brands, I will give you the benefits of the most popular.

Nastia Grips: Nastia Liukin has created a great line of grips. She has a nice beginner grip, a curved dowel grip and a Russian heritage straight grip.
Reisport Grips: Reisport grips are internationally well-known and very respected. They are known for their red Velcro strap.
Bailie Grips: Bailie grips have been around a long time and are often thought of as long-lasting, heavier leather. They may take longer to break in than other thinner leather grips.
US Glove Grips: US Glove grips are another popular gymnastics grip brand.

What Size Gymnastics Grips Do I Need?

Gymnastics grips generally come in sizes 0-3. Each company will have a different sizing chart. Generally to determine what size grip you will need, measure from the tip of the middle finger to the bottom of the palm. Look this measurement up on the sizing chart. The finger holes will come relatively small and then you will need to widen them to achieve your perfect, snug fit. To widen them, use sandpaper wrapped around a pencil. Make sure to not make the finger holes too big because the leather will stretch over time.

Where Can You Buy Gymnastics Grips Online?

While you can buy grips online at a few different stores, the site we recommend is Gym Supply because of their high quality grips and variety of choices.

We know how confusing it can be to pick the right grips! To help you, we’ve created a list of the 10 Best Gymnastics Grips below.

10 BEST GYMNASTICS GRIPS

Name of Gymnastics Grip Sizes Available Description Price Nastia Liukin Beginner Hook & Loop Gymnastics Grip XS, S, M, L, XL Great grip choice for the beginner gymnast. Bright pink strap is appealing to most gymnasts. $11.95