Best CrossFit Grips [2024]: 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.
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
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