CrossFit hand grips are an essential item in any CrossFit athlete’s gym bag. Whether you’ve been an athlete for several years, or you’re just starting out, you know that hand care is very important.
CrossFit gloves provide proper hand care. Without them, you run the risk of ripped and painful hands, which can take you out of training for weeks.
In this article, I review the 10 Best CrossFit Hand Grips. From my own experience as a CrossFit trainer, I will also cover what you need to look out for when buying a pair of hand grips.
In a Hurry? Here is our top pick:
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Quick Answer – 10 Best Crossfit Hand Grips in 2023
- Bear Complex Carbon Hand Grips – Best Overall
- Victory Hand Grips Tactical – Runner-Up
- JerkFit WODies Hand Grips With Wrist Wraps
- AEOLOS Leather Gymnastics hand grips
- Roohand Grips 2-Hole Hand Grips
- Rogue V2 Gymnastics Hand Grips
- Cross Training Fitness Hand Grips by Emerge
- WOD Nation Leather Barbell Gymnastics Hand Grips
- Bear KompleX 3 Hole Leather Hand Grips
- JAW Pull-up Hand Grips
Reviews – 10 Best Crossfit hand grips
1. Bear Complex Carbon Hand Grips – Best Overall
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The Bear Complex Carbon is a 3-hole CrossFit grip with leather on the inside. The outside has a carbon matt finish. The carbon texture is very grippy and you hardly need to chalk these. The 3-hole hand grips provide more coverage for your palm during false grip.
It comes with a Velcro strap. The wristband’s buckle has a protective pad under it so that it doesn’t dig into your wrist.
The Bear Complex Carbon Grip is the best value for money if you’re looking for an excellent grip on the bar.
Pros:
- It comes with a little bit of false grip protection, so it is great for the rings.
- Sweat from the inside of your palm doesn’t seep through to the outside carbon finish.
- It comes with durable leather on the inside.
- It’s flexible but strong and textured.
- The hand grips hold uncoated bars, coated bars, and wooden rings extremely well.
Cons:
- The finger holes are on the smaller side. It can be tricky to get the hand grips on and off between movement transitions.
- The Velcro seems a bit cheaply made.
2. Victory Hand Grips Tactical – Runner-Up
The Victory hand grips Tactical was launched at the 2019 CrossFit Games.
They come in a 2- or 3-hole as well as a fingerless option. The grip is great for any gymnastics movements like pull-ups, toes-to-bar, and muscle-ups.
A high-performance rubber polymer makes up the gripping surface of the grip.
It has a minimal wristband with a loop-through Velcro. It comes with a thumb guard on the lower end for the grip.
Pros:
- These hand grips significantly improve your performance. The inside of the grip is made of Kevlar which is abrasion-resistant. This material helps to keep moisture off your skin, ensuring a strong grip.
- They come in different colors.
- They are only 1.3 mm thick, you get very good tactile feedback from the bar.
- They work great on raw bars and powder coated bars.
- They come with a thumb guard that protects your wrist during the false grip.
Cons:
- Because of the superior grip, you might find the rings too sticky.
- They are not super comfortable and take some time to break in.
- The wristband is so tight and strong it can pull into your wrist.
3. JerkFit WODies Hand Grips With Wrist Wraps
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The JerkFit WODies were the first 3-finger hand grips on the market made from neoprene. This Latex-free woven elastic material gives a natural feel. They are great for both gymnastics as well as barbell movements.
They provide great hand protection and solid wrist support in the same package.
The fact that you can wash them wins my vote, but the finger holes do take some time to feel comfortable.
Pros:
- They absorb chalk and sweat well.
- They are washer and dryer safe.
- They come with a solid and wide wrist support strap that wraps around your wrists.
- They provide great protection for your hands. You will be able to crank out a few more reps than usual.
Cons:
- Due to the Velcro wrist support that wraps around your wrist, it’s not so easy to take them off between movements.
- The Velcro also tends to come undone during movement which can waste time.
- You still must chalk your hands as well as the grip to have a solid grip on the bar.
- They are pricey.
4. AEOLOS Leather Gymnastics Hand Grips
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These 3-hole leather-based grips are soft and form fitting. They are designed to reduce pressure on both your hands and your wrists. They’re affordable and ideal for pull-ups, lifting, kettlebell workouts, and cross training.
For two layers of leather at this price, these hand grips get my vote when it comes to pricing.
Pros:
- The soft leather takes on the form of your hands.
- They contain double layer palm pads.
- They soak up sweat effectively.
- The more these hand grips are chalked, the grippier they become.
- The wider wrist strap provides great wrist support while reducing wrist strain.
- They’re extremely useful for weightlifting as well.
- They’re durable and don’t tear easily.
- The finger holes are round to ensure a snug fit around your fingers.
Cons:
- The wrist straps are bulky, somewhat counterproductive. This can impede the range of movement in your wrists.
- It’s time consuming to get the wrist strap on and off. You will lose time during a workout transitioning from one movement to another.
- They need to be chalked a lot before they really work well
- It can be confusing which grip is for the left hand and which grip is for the right hand, since they’re not labeled.
5. RooGrips Leather Hand Grips
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Roohand grips is a 2-hole CrossFit grip made from genuine kangaroo leather. This grip provides good hand coverage with enough feedback from the bare bar.
It comes with a padded wrist band and is made of neoprene which soaks up sweat efficiently.
The Roohand grips 2-Hole hand grips gets my vote for being thin and lightweight.
Pros:
- They have a very thin, durable soft leather with a second skin feel.
- These hand grips are great if you’re looking for something you can use across the barbell as well as gymnastics movements.
- The hand grips contour the shape of your hands.
- The wrist band has an adjustable hook-and-loop.
Cons:
- They do an OK job of gripping the bar, but you still need to chalk your hands before using them.
- The hand grips might feel too thin to provide enough protection.
- They are pretty expensive.
- The hand grips end up shifting during ring muscle ups, no matter what you do.
6. Rogue V2 Gymnastics Hand Grips
The Rogue V2 Gymnastics grip is a 2-hole leather grip with a thin wrist strap. The leather is textured on both sides to prevent slippage. This lightweight, thin and durable grip is great for gymnastics and barbell movements.
The Rogue V2 Gymnastics hand grips are great for beginners who still need a bit more tactile feedback from the bar.
Pros:
- The wrist straps are thin, so you can still wear a fitness watch or tracker.
- These grips also work great for deadlifts.
- They’re super convenient. There’s no need to take them on and off and refit the wrist straps again and again when transitioning from one workout to the next. This saves you a lot of time.
- It’s a reliable pair of hand grips at an affordable price.
Cons:
- They tend to slide around on the palm of your hand during pull-ups.
- They can put some pressure on the fingers which can be uncomfortable.
- They have a hook and loop strap and the hook can dig into your wrist, making it uncomfortable to use.
7. Cross Training Fitness Hand Grips by Emerge
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The Cross Training Fitness hand grips are made from a soft neoprene material and have a 4-fingered design. They have silicone padding on the outside which covers and protects the entire palm.
These fitness hand grips also come with a wrist brace. They are suitable for both gymnastics and cross training.
The Cross-Training Fitness hand grips are great for beginners who are looking for good hand protection.
Pros:
- The palm is made of a cushioned leather that molds to the shape of your hand.
- The Velcro wrist strap makes it easy to put them on and off.
- They provide a stronger hand grip on non-gymnastics movements like deadlifts.
Cons:
- The larger wrist strap can be too bulky. This can restrict your wrist’s range of movement.
- They’re not grippy enough on the bar.
- They’re not particularly long lasting. They can wear out fast especially if you are a high-volume athlete.
8. WOD Nation Leather Barbell Gymnastics Hand Grips
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The WOD Nation Leather Grip has a pretty solid minimalist design. It’s made from genuine leather that conforms to the shape of your hand. The leather is triple stitched to the wrist strap for extra reinforcement. It’s a 2-hole grip that still allows you to feel the bar underneath your hands.
These grips are a winner if you’re a beginner looking for good value for money.
Pros:
- It comes with a lifetime guarantee.
- It is available in different colors.
- It provides a solid grip on the bar.
- The Velcro nylon wrist strap is reinforced with extra stitching.
- To transition between movements, you can remove the grip from your fingers and turn it to the back of your hand.
- The leather is very flexible.
Cons:
- The wrist strap is bulky.
- The finger holes are very large.
- The color may stain your hands.
9. Bear KompleX 3 Hole Leather Hand Grips
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The Bear KompleX 3-hole leather hand grips are made of genuine leather. They provide a solid grip on both raw steel bars and rings. They work great in gymnastics as well as kettlebell and barbell movements.
This Bear KompleX 3-hole grip is a great option if you’re looking for strength and durability.
Pros:
- The soft leather is durable with reinforced stitching. These grips mold to fit the shape of the bar and your hand. The more you use them, the softer they get and the better they continue to break in.
- They come in a variety of colors.
- Because of the thin leather, it doesn’t feel like you’re having something extra between your hands and the bar.
- The manufacturer provides a sizing guide and video instructions on how to use them.
- These hand grips work great on a grippy, coated bar. However, they perform even better on a slippery bar.
Cons:
- They’re a bit on the pricey side.
- They’re not washable.
- The wrist support is not solid, because the Velcro wrist band is quite narrow.
- The holes can be too tight, especially if you have chubbier fingers.
10. JAW Pull-up Hand Grips
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This grip is made from a lightweight material and is used for both the palm protector and the wrist strap. It is a 2-hole grip that provides enough coverage for your palm.
The lightweight wrist strap makes it perfect for movements like handstand push-ups.
The JAW hand grips are one of the most comfortable hand grips. It won’t impede your finger grip or sensation.
Pros:
- You can cut the holes to fit your fingers if they are a bit snug.
- The fabric is lightweight and is suitable for barbell movements as well.
- Because of the softer material, it fits comfortably onto your hand.
- The hand grips are suitable for individuals who are just starting with gymnastics movements.
- The fabric is 100% washable.
Cons:
- They don’t last as long as leather hand grips.
- There are occasional problems with sizing and fit.
Buying Guide – How to Choose The Best CrossFit Hand Grips?
1. Do You Really Need CrossFit hand grips?
As a CrossFit athlete and coach, I get a lot of questions on CrossFit hand grips. Do I need them? What size should I get? What type of hand grips should I get? Are they any good on slippery bars?
In CrossFit, we develop what we call proprioception. It means you must be aware of your body’s position in space. It will assist you to execute your movements with proper technique and avoid injury.
Proper technique becomes second nature as muscle memory develops. Tactile proprioception is the feedback you receive from the bar with your bare hands.
When you use any type of grip, your tactile proprioceptive reduces. Personally, I rely on that tactical feedback from the bar a lot and it helps me feel safer on the bar.
With that in mind, there is nothing worse than sitting with a bloody tear. It can put you on the side-line for at least a week.
Whether you’re going to benefit from CrossFit hand grips are going to depend on your goals. CrossFit hand grips provide good hand protection and grip strength. They allow you to keep a firm and comfortable grip on the bar, without ripping your hands.
2. What To Look For When Purchasing CrossFit hand grips
Not all CrossFit hand grips are equal. To find the right grip, here are a few things you should keep in mind.
Material
The inner layer and the outer layer of hand grips are sometimes made of different materials.
Most hand grips use genuine leather and neoprene. The inner layer and the outer layer of hand grips are sometimes made of different materials. The soft side of the grip will be the inner layer, while the rough side will be on the outer layer of the grip.
The main complaint from athletes is the discomfort of hand grips at the start of use. The leather needs to be broken in and requires an adaptation process. Leather tends to break in over a period and will stretch somewhat.
The thickness of the grip will allow you to feel less or more of the bar. It will determine whether you can use the hand grips on kettlebell and barbell movement.
Most CrossFit hand grips still need to be chalk. Some materials can absorb some of the sweat from your hand so that your hand doesn’t feel slippery.
Some hand grips are only made to protect your hands and will not provide a solid grip on the bar.
Sizing
To allow for tactile proprioceptive feedback, the hand grips must fit as close as possible to the actual size of your hands.
Different manufacturers run different sizing instructions, so following their size charts are important. Looking at product reviews will also give you an idea of what to look out for during sizing.
If your size is on the borderline of two sizes, go with the larger size.
Some hand grips offer room for a dowel that provides space between your palm and the finger holes. This will prevent pinching and aid in gripping.
A grip that is too small will not allow for enough dowel and will constrict the motion of your hands and wrists.
Fit and Flexibility
You want to look for a grip that has a natural fit on your hand and the bar.
There are 3 variations of hand grips available: 2-hole, 3-hole, or freedom grip. The freedom grip does not have any finger holes. The 3-hole finger grip will fit slightly wider across your palm. The 2-finger grip offers less palm coverage giving you more exposure to the bar.
If you’re a beginner CrossFit athlete and you’re just learning to do pull-ups, a 2-hole grip will be ideal. It will give you enough feel on the bar and still enhance your grip strength.
Wrist Straps
You can choose between a basic wrist strap or one with added wrist support. The wider and longer the wrist strap, the more support it provides.
The wrist strap comes in either a Velcro or a buckle style. Buckle straps are more secure. But they tend to dig into your wrist if there’s no protective material underneath.
Velcro is less invasive but not as secure. The stickiness can wear out over time and the straps can come undone during a workout.
Wrist straps with a connected grip and wrist support are great for movements where wrist mobility is relatively fixed. On the other hand, they can restrict the range of motion on movements where more wrist flexibility is needed, such as wall balls.
Durability and Price
CrossFit hand grips are not designed to last forever. Experts do advise that you replace your hand grips at least once a year.
The stitching quality is an essential part of a good grip. You do not want to lose grip due to stitch weakness.
The price of the CrossFit hand grips should match the quality of the features offered.
Conclusion
Whether you’re new to Crossfit or have been training for a while, I recommend you get yourself a pair of hand grips.
CrossFit hand grips will protect your hands. They will give you more grip on the bar and allow you to crank out a few extra reps.
My top pick goes to Bear Complex Carbon. They have everything you need in one product. They offer great protection and durability. They’re grippy and you don’t have to worry about the type of bar you will get during competitions.
As an alternative, I recommend Victory Hand Grips Tactical, which are slightly more affordable and still do a good job.
Finally, if a slimmer and more lightweight fit feels better against your skin, Roohand Grips 2-Hole might be the grip for you.
