Dr. Will Murtagh is a performance physical therapist and writer who helps Fitness Athletes elevate their fitness and train pain-free.
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It is no secret that CrossFit’s diverse workouts and hard training can take quite a toll on your body. In order to continue to optimize your performance and progress in skills like pull-ups, muscle-ups, kettlebell swings, and other Gymnastic movements that place a high demand on the hands it’s important to select the right gear to optimize your performance and safeguard your hands.
There are many options when selecting the best CrossFit grips for you. In this guide, we will dive into which CrossFit hand grips I believe to be the best options by evaluating their features, materials, advantages, and disadvantages so that you can select the best ones that align with your personal preference.
What Are The Best CrossFit Grips?
Best Overall: Bear Komplex Grips
Best Carbon Fiber: Victory Grips
Best Leather Grip: PICSIL Condor Grips
Most Like Skin: Kangaroo Leather Grips
Lightest Weight: Jerkfit Wodies Hand Grips
Best Price: WOD Nation Grips
Best Dual Grip: Rogue V2 Gymnastics Grip
What Are CrossFit Grips?
Before we Dive into the Top CrossFit grips on the market today we should define what CrossFit grips are and why they are important to those who train hard. CrossFit grips are an accessory tool for the sole protection of protecting the skin on your hands while also providing improved gripping and in some cases wrist support. CrossFit grips can come in a variety of different designs and are made out of several different kinds of materials. This is ideal as CrossFitters can have diverse needs during their training and the variety of features available for CrossFit grips in the market allows each person to select which one is best for them. For example, some CrossFitters may prefer to use Carbon FIber grips for improved adherence to the bar while others may opt for a leather grip that is far easier to keep clean.
The Importance of a Good Grip
Maintaining a firm and reliable grip is critical in CrossFit. CrossFit grips provide a protective layer between your hands and the implement you are using the avoid direct contact and minimize friction. Many times the grip during a workout can be the main factor in whether you win the workout or set a new personal record. Additionally, a good grip can help maintain the condition of your hands and lower the risk of hand injuries or blisters as your calluses build up. Ultimately elevating your performance day to day.
There is nothing worse than being mid-Metcon and feeling the painful sensation of an old calluses tear away from the skin don’t even get me started on the pain you will feel after the workouts as the shower or sink water brushes over the wound. When you have a quality grip this is avoided whether you are on the pull-up bar, swinging the kettlebell for high-volume repetitions, or hanging on for dear life as you are performing muscle-ups.
The 4 Grip Types
2-hole and 3-hole Option Grips
Material: Leather or Synthetic Material
Features: Full palm protection, adjustable wrist straps
Things I like: 2/3-hole option grips can provide maximum hand protection and enhanced grip strength because the grips are more or less “locked in place” because they wrap around the fingers. 2/3-hold grips can come in either leather or synthetic materials and can be quite versatile and withstand both high-volume gymnastics and heavy-strength training.
Things I don’t like: I don’t love having my fingers in the holes of the grips for a few reasons. First is that I have found with time that as the grips become worn the holes become stretched out and the stability that it once has can decrease. Also, when you are moving quickly in a metcon there are times when you will jump up to the rings or pull-up bar and the grips can pinch your fingers requiring you to come down and readjust them as precious time ticks away.
Fingerless Grips
Material: Leather or Synthetic Material
Features: Fingerless design, grip strength, different colors
Things I like: I like fingerless grips mostly for the speed of use. Meaning that I rarely have to worry about the grips pinching my fingers and having to waste time to insert my fingers through the holes. During a metcon I can simply turn them over (if I wasn’t using them for another piece of the workout) and get right to the rings or pull-up bar.
Things I don’t like: The main issue with fingerless grips is that they don’t provide as much stability as 3-hole options because there is nothing anchoring them to your fingers. There can be times that as you grip the rings or pull-up bar there are portions of your hands that become exposed based on how you secured your grip. Since they are not secured to your fingers there is also a chance of the grip slipping as you perform your repetitions.
CrossFit Gloves
Material: Synthetic Material
Features: Full hand coverage, better grip
Things I like: Some CrossFit athletes may opt for gloves over traditional gymnastic grips. This can be a great option for you if you prefer to have total hand coverage during your workouts and not have to bother with readjusting grips during your metcon. Some gloves can even be designed with a sort of adhesive that provides a firm grip during intense lifting or gymnastic exercises.
Things I don’t like: I don’t love CrossFit gloves for a few reasons. First is that there are some movements that feel better with direct contact to the bar such as during Olympic lifting. I find that being able to feel the knurling on the bar helps with performance. Also, the use of gloves on every movement in the metcon can cause a breakdown of the material sooner and decrease the life of the glove. With wraps, there are usually adjustments made mid metcon to only use the grip on movements that need it. With gloves, it is more cumbersome to take them off and put them back on.
Synthetic Material Grips
Material: Synthetic Material
Features: Durable materials, easy maintenance, good grip
Things I like: Synthetic material grips are ideal for improved durability and low maintenance on your gymnastic grips. Synthetic material grips are more resistant to wear and tear during high-intensity metcons so they may be more suitable for you if you regularly need hand protection such as during times of the year when gymnastic volume training is high or during Crossfit competitions.
Things I don’t like: There aren’t many things I don’t like about synthetic material gloves but the main thing is that synthetic material gloves may not be as comfortable as gloves made of leather or cloth.
The Best CrossFit Grips: My Top 7
Material: Synthetic or Leather
Features: 2-hole, 3-hole, or fingerless design.
Bear Komplex Grips are a great option and the ones that I use myself. Thus, they take first in the rankings. Bear Komplex Grips offers various different styles based on which kind of grip you want between fingerless and with holes. Are also known for their durability and can offer wrist wrap technology for additional support.
Material: Leather or Synthetic
Features: 2-hole, 3-hole, or fingerless design.
Victory Grips are another great option. These grips can be made from leather or synthetic materials and offer different options with regard to thickness and design. Victory Grips provide great durability and comfort and some models even come with wrist support straps.
Material: Leather or synthetic material
Features: 2/3-hole grips or fingerless
The PICSIL Condor Grips are another great option for you if you are looking for a grip that has a variety of options with regards to finger holes or fingerless options. As well as is also made to be durable, comfortable, and reliable in protecting your hands. PICSIL Condor Grips are priced in the moderate range and may offer you great value for your dollar as compared to cheaper or more expensive options.
Material: Kangaroo Leather
Features: 2/3-hole grips, fingerless options, embossed “pebble grain” surface.
Kangaroo Leather Grips are designed with the intent of feeling like a “second layer of skin”. They boast a light and slim cut design that is aimed at an all-purpose use between gymnastics and intense lifting. These are ideal for CrossFitters who prefer a minimalist grip and prefer a leather option.
Material: Hypo-allergenic latex-free woven elastic
Features: 2/3-hole grips, designed to provide a natural and flexible feel using soft, textured, and flexible materials.
Jerkfit Wodies Hand Grips are a good option for those who want their CrossFit grips to feel like they are not actually wearing grips. These grips are generally thinner and less bulky than leather grips. They may not provide as much durability as other options but they can be preferred for how lightweight they feel.
Material: Leather, Nylon
Features: 2/3-hole grips, known for comfortable fit and durability, generally cheaper.
WOD Nation Grips are great for you if you want a CrossFit grip that is built for comfort and won’t break the bank. These grips provide good stability with their 2/3-hole options and are fastened with a triple-stitch Nylon wrist strap.
Material: USA Made Leather
Features: 2-hole grips, dual-sided leather, and a hook loop strap.
The Rogue V2 Gymnastics Grips are another good option if you prefer leather grips that are made with quality in mind. Rogue Fitness is known for their superior quality fitness equipment and their grips are no different. Additionally, these grips are on the cheaper side if you are looking to preserve some capital.
Factors to Take into Account When Choosing CrossFit Grips
When deciding on the ideal CrossFit grips for your needs, there are several factors to consider. Your selection should align with your personal preferences and workout style. Here are some important things to think about:
Now that you know my top picks for CrossFit gloves in the marketplace you can begin to come to conclusions on which choice is the best option for you. But as an added reminder these are the specific factors that you need to take into account when choosing your CrossFit Grips.
1. Material:
The specific material that makes up the grips is going to offer both specific advantages and potential disadvantages that may be deal breakers for you based on your needs and preferences. For example, leather grips are going to provide you with more comfort and a more natural feel as you train. But, gloves made with synthetic materials are going to provide excellent grip improvements, are more durable, and are much easier to maintain.
2. Design:
The actual design of the grip can dictate which one you go with. As mentioned above in the different types section, there are advantages and disadvantages to fingerless vs 3-hole grips vs actual CrossFit gloves. If you value total hand coverage over durability and ease of donning then gloves may be your best bet. But if you want the flexibility mid-metcon to choose which implements you use your grips with then fingerless gloves may be a good choice for you.
All options can work in the right setting and for the right person as long as they provide a secure grip and allow you to get the most out of your CrossFit exercises.
3. Wrist Support:
If you experience wrist issues or desire additional support, choose grips with adjustable wrist straps or integrated wrist wraps.
If you require wrist support then opting for a glove type that has this will be crucial to you. Some grips can provide this through the use of a velcro strap that is thicker or even have wrist wraps built into the grip. However, in my opinion, if you do require wrist support you should be looking to work with a professional to improve the stability of your wrist instead of masking it using equipment.
If this is you then please check out 1:1 Pain-Free Performance Program to book a free consultation on how I can help you train pain-free.
4. Size:
I think this goes without saying that sizing your CrossFit grips appropriately is important. There are a variety of different sizes to accommodate various hand dimensions. Getting the fit right will provide a snug fit, prevent hand injuries, and ensure optimal performance.
All of the grips listed above have their own sizing charts on their respective produce pages. Be sure to take a look at them before making your purchase.
5. Maintenance:
It is important to pick a grip that will not require more maintenance than what you are willing to perform. If you are a particular person and don’t mind spending a few extra minutes to clean and maintain your grips and Leather grips fit your personal needs then they may be a good option for you.
But, if you are like me and really don’t want to be bothered with high maintenance then synthetic materials are going to be your best bet.
The Best CrossFit Grips: Bear Komplex Grips
I am currently using Bear Komplex Grips as my CrossFit grips. I chose Bear Komplex Grips based on the exact framework that I provided for you above. When I was selecting my grips I knew that I wanted a pair of grips that gave me the ability to transition quickly between implements via their fingerless technology, I wanted a thinner grip to get as close to direct contact as possible, I wanted a durable grip that could be used in the rain, the hot summer months and the cold winter months.
I also preferred to select a grip that was made of Carbon Fiber, a material specifically designed for strength since I knew that this would enhance their durability and improve my grip on the bar. I have used these grips for several years now so I can personally attest to their quality and the role that they have played in enhancing my performance.
The Wrap Up
Regardless of your skill level, finding a good CrossFit grip will benefit you. The fact is that CrossFit has opened up what is assumed possible from a gymnastics volume perspective. But with that comes the need to safeguard your hands from injuries. The last thing you want to do is go into a retest of your favorite workout or a big competition only to experience a rip just before the 3…2…1…go!
Whether you prefer the organic feel of leather grips or the more durable and sticky synthetic materials like Carbon Fiber, there are various options for you to choose from to enhance your performance and safeguard your hands during intense CrossFit workouts.
Take the time to explore the choices I mentioned, read other CrossFitters reviews, and go with the grips that best fit your requirements so that you are ready to conquer any workout that comes your way.
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