You are halfway through a high-rep workout. The pull-up bar feels like a cheese grater. Your palms are burning, and you see the first hint of a tear forming.
A single rip can sideline your training for an entire week. This is exactly why finding the best CrossFit grips is the most important gear decision you will make.
High-repetition gymnastics movements demand more than just grit. You need a barrier between your skin and the cold steel. Good grips don’t just stop rips. They help you hang on longer during heavy sets.
Whether you are chasing your first muscle-up or grinding through “Fran,” the right pair changes everything. From classic leather to aerospace-grade carbon fiber, here are the best CrossFit grips available on Amazon to keep you on the rig.
Contents
Why You Need Quality Gymnastics Grips
Many athletes think chalk is enough. In reality, chalk often increases friction and leads to bigger tears. Gymnastics grips provide a smooth sliding surface that protects your delicate palm skin. They act as a secondary layer of protection against the harsh friction of pull-up bars.
Without proper hand protection, your progress will eventually stall. You cannot train hard if your hands are covered in bandages. Grips also allow you to utilize a “dowel effect.” This involves folding the material over the bar to create a mechanical advantage. It lets you grip the bar with less forearm fatigue.
Expert Picks: The Top 5 CrossFit Grips
We selected these products based on grip reliability, comfort, and user satisfaction.
1. Bear KompleX 3-Hole Carbon Fiber Grips
Best Overall Performance
If you watch the CrossFit Games, you will see the orange-strapped Bear KompleX everywhere. These are widely considered the benchmark for modern gymnastics grips.
The patented carbon fiber material is incredibly sticky. It works on powder-coated, stainless, and zinc bars without needing much chalk. The three-hole design offers maximum coverage for the entire palm.
What Users Like: Real users love the durability. They report these lasting through a year of heavy daily use. The neoprene wrist strap is soft and doesn’t dig in during kipping.
What Users Dislike: The carbon material doesn’t stretch. You must get your sizing exactly right. Some users find the three-hole design slightly restrictive for fast transitions to the rower.
Verdict: The top choice for serious competitors and heavy sweaters.
2. Victory Grips X2 Freedom (Fingerless)
Best for Fast Transitions
Victory Grips is a brand founded by a gymnast. Their X2 Freedom model is the gold standard for fingerless designs.
The fingerless “Freedom” shape allows you to flip the grips back instantly. This is vital for workouts that mix pull-ups with double-unders or burpees. The X2 material is a synthetic microfiber that is thin and breathable.
What Users Like: Users rave about the “bar feel.” You can feel the metal without losing hand protection. The soft wrist strap is one of the most comfortable on the market.
What Users Dislike: They are expensive. They also require more chalk than carbon fiber models to maintain a “locked-in” feel.
Verdict: Perfect for athletes who value speed and efficiency.
3. Element 26 IsoComp Gymnastic Hand Grips
Best Stickiness Without Chalk
Element 26 has designed a grip that relies on a specialized isoprene polymer. It is arguably the stickiest material on this list.
These grips are designed to be used without chalk. In fact, adding chalk can actually reduce their effectiveness. They are incredibly thin (1.2mm), providing an amazing connection to the pull-up bars.
What Users Like: Athletes who train in humid garages love these. They stick to the bar like glue. Users also appreciate the Kevlar reinforcement, which prevents the material from stretching over time.
What Users Dislike: If your gym’s bars are already caked in old chalk, these won’t work well. You have to keep the bar clean for the best results.
Verdict: The best “no-chalk” solution for high-rep gymnastics.
4. WOD Nation Leather Gymnastics Grips
Best Value for Money
WOD Nation provides a slightly more refined leather experience than Rogue. They include extra accessories that make them a great gift.
These use a soft, flexible suede leather that requires less break-in time. They often come with a carrying bag and a pair of wrist sweatbands. This makes them a complete kit for hand protection.
What Users Like: The out-of-the-box comfort is a common highlight. Users appreciate the three-hole design for better coverage. The Velcro is strong and doesn’t pop open during high-volume sets.
What Users Dislike: Suede leather is less durable than full-grain leather. You might need to replace these every six months if you train four or five times a week.
Verdict: The best complete “starter kit” for new CrossFitters.
5. Iron Bull EZ Gripz V2
Best for Heavy Pulling
These are not your typical gymnastics grips. They use a rubberized “palm pad” that is popular for both gymnastics and heavy barbell work.
The heavy-duty rubber material offers an insane amount of friction. It essentially “locks” you onto the bar. The wrist strap is wide and provides excellent support during heavy snatches or deadlifts.
What Users Like: Users who struggle with grip strength love these. They take the pressure off the forearms. They are also very durable and easy to clean with a damp cloth.
What Users Dislike: The rubber can be too sticky for some. It can make “spinning” around the bar during muscle-ups feel slightly clunky. They are bulkier than leather options.
Verdict: Ideal for athletes who want a multi-purpose tool for the rig and the barbell.
Buying Guide: How to Choose Your Grips
Selecting among the best CrossFit grips involves more than just picking a color. You must match the gear to your specific needs.
- Material Choice
- Leather: Classic feel. Molds to your hand. Works best with lots of chalk.
- Carbon Fiber: The most versatile. Great on all pull-up bars. Extremely durable.
- Synthetic/Rubber: The stickiest. Often works best with little to no chalk. Great for humid environments.
- Holes vs. Fingerless
- 2-Hole: Minimalist. Allows for more hand-to-bar contact.
- 3-Hole: Maximum coverage. Best for those who rip on the pinky-side of their palm.
- Fingerless: Fastest transitions. Preferred by competitors who need to move between the rig and the rower quickly.
- Sizing and Fit
Never guess your size. Measure from the base of your palm to the base of your middle finger. Most brands offer a “regular” and a “gymnastics” fit. If you want to create a “dowel effect” for better grip, always size up. A grip that is too short will pull on your wrist and cause discomfort.
How to Maintain Your Gear
Even the best hand protection will fail if you don’t care for it. Here is how to make your grips last.
Air Them Out: Never leave sweaty grips in your gym bag. Bacteria will eat the leather and make them smell. Hang them on the outside of your bag after class.
Clean the Surface: For synthetic grips, use a damp cloth to wipe away excess chalk. For leather, use a soft brush to remove the “crust” of old chalk and sweat.
Check the Velcro: Over time, lint can clog your straps. Use a toothpick to clean the “hook” side of the Velcro to ensure it stays secure during your WOD.
Final Words
Your hands are your most important tool in the gym. Protecting them is an investment in your consistency. A single tear can ruin a week of training, but the right grips keep you moving.
For most athletes, the Bear KompleX Carbon Fiber grips offer the best performance across all bar types. If you prioritize speed and transitions, the Victory Grips Freedom series is a game-changer. And for those just starting out, the WOD Nation leather kit provides everything you need to stay safe.
Don’t wait for your first rip to take action. Order your pair today and crush pull-ups pain-free!