Elbow sleeves have become standard gear for weightlifters and other athletes.
It’s easy to see why. They provide support, protection, and help injury recovery.
If you have any type of elbow discomfort, elbow sleeves can make a big difference in your ability to train hard.
Whether it’s general discomfort from tendonitis to a nagging injury, they will help you train with confidence.
In this guide, we will look at the best elbow sleeves for weightlifting available. Let’s get going!
In a Hurry? Here is our top pick:
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Quick Answer – The Best Elbow Sleeves For Weightlifting
- Stoic Elbow Sleeves – Best Overall
- Kunto Fitness Elbow Brace – Best Budget
- Venom Elbow Sleeve – Best For Length
- Gymreapers Elbow Sleeves – Best Value
- Nordic Lifting Elbow Sleeves – The Best Unisex Elbow Sleeves
- Rip Toned Elbow Sleeves – Best Professionally Endorsed Elbow Sleeves
- Iron Bull Strength Elbow Sleeves – Best Fit
- McDavid Elbow Compression Sleeve – Best For Neoprene Allergies
- Bear KompleX Elbow Sleeves – Best For All Types Of Weightlifting
Reviews – Best Elbow Sleeves For Weightlifting
Stoic Elbow Sleeves – Best Overall
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The Stoic Elbow Sleeves are our best overall.
They are specifically designed to help users lift more weight. These sleeves feature 7mm thickness around the outer elbow and 5mm thickness around the inner elbow.
Additionally, they are made from patent-pending durable neoprene material. The Stoic Elbow Sleeves maintain compression on your elbow through the entire exercise.
Additionally, they will support your toughest weightlifting workouts and help you achieve your best lifts with no elbow discomfort. They are available in 7 sizes and are guaranteed to outlast any other brand.
PROS
- Features Patent Pending Construction
- Thick 7mm Outer Elbow Protection
- Thick 5mm Inner Elbow Protection
- Available in 7 Sizes
CONS
- Some Users Feel The Sizes Run Big
Kunto Fitness Elbow Brace – Best Budget
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The Kunto Fitness Elbow Brace uses a blend of nylon, spandex, and rubber.
It’s available in 5 sizes and designed to fit with no slipping. These sleeves apply even pressure across the entire elbow joint. They ease discomfort from golfer’s elbow, tennis elbow, arthritis, and joint inflammation.
Also, it helps prevent injury and allows a good range of motion for your weightlifting workout. The breathable material fits securely and provides good compression, and form-fits your elbow.
Furthermore, they are priced for the budget-conscious weightlifter.
Finally, this product features a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
PROS
- Fits Securely
- Good Compression Sleeve For Resistance Training Or Your Chosen Sport
- Allows Good Mobility
CONS
- Some Users Feel The Sizes Run Big
Venom Elbow Sleeve – Best For Length
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The comfortable, non-slip Venom Elbow Sleeve is designed for ease of movement during your weightlifting sessions.
It’s elastic, lightweight, and durable. The Venom Elbow Sleeve provides good compression and holds in heat. They help increase blood flow and reduce stiffness.
The Venom sleeve supports users with arthritis, tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow, or bursitis.
Additionally, this sleeve is one of the longest elbow sleeves on the market. If you want good support in the upper and lower arm, the Venom Elbow Sleeve is the best choice.
Finally, this Sleeve is available in 5 sizes, and fit securely without slipping or bunching.
PROS
- Provides Good Support During Weightlifting Workouts
- Holds In Heat & Increases Blood Flow
- Available In 5 Sizes
CONS
- Some Users Find The Sleeve Bunches Up With Use
Gymreapers Elbow Sleeves – Best Value
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Here’s a pair of elbow sleeves that are 5mm thick for good support while weightlifting.
Gymreapers Elbow Sleeves feature extra stitching for a secure, durable fit. These sleeves improve muscle control while training due to their compression.
Also, they help reduce general elbow pain. The Gymreapers Elbow Sleeves are made of neoprene and will not slide or bunch up.
Available in 5 sizes and included free are a pair of supportive wrist wraps. That makes Gymreapers Elbow Sleeves the best value.
PROS
- Thick 5mm For Good Protection During Training Sessions
- Made Of Extra Strength Neoprene With Reinforced Stitching
- Includes A Pair Of Wrist Wraps
CONS
- Some Users Feel They Stretch Out With Use
Nordic Lifting Elbow Sleeves – The Best Unisex Elbow Sleeves
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Available in 5 sizes, the Nordic Lifting Elbow Sleeves help reinforce and protect your elbows.
Also, the compression effect of these sleeves ease joint pain and promotes injury recovery.
These elbow sleeves are made of spandex/latex reinforced nylon for durability. They’re engineered to provide good compression and a snug fit.
They project the elbows during weightlifting, bodybuilding, and CrossFit workouts.
Additionally, these sleeves are specifically designed for male or female weightlifters and athletes.
Finally, the Nordic Lifting Elbow Sleeves are designed to be comfortable and provide even compression.
PROS
- Designed To Reinforce The Elbows During Weightlifting Workouts
- Made Of Reinforced Nylon
- Helps Ease Joint Discomfort
CONS
- The Nylon Material Causes Itchiness In Some Users
Rip Toned Elbow Sleeves – Best Professionally Endorsed Elbow Sleeves
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These are the only elbow sleeves endorsed by Kevin Weiss, 2014 World Powerlifting Champion.
Rip Toned Elbow Sleeves feature 7 available sizes. Made of 5mm thick neoprene, these comfortable elbow sleeves provide good compression and protection.
Also, they provide relief from elbow discomfort and support injury recovery. The snug fit of these elbow sleeves improves blood flow and improves weightlifting performance.
Additionally, they support powerlifting, bodybuilding, and strength training workouts.
The Rip Toned Elbow Sleeves feature a lifetime replacement guarantee.
PROS
- World Champion Powerlifter Endorsed
- Made Of 5mm Thick Neoprene
- These Sleeves Come In 7 Sizes: X-Small To 3X Large
CONS
- Some Users Feel There’s Not Enough Breathability
Iron Bull Strength Elbow Sleeves – Best Fit
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The Iron Bull Strength Elbow Sleeves are made using 5mm thick neoprene.
They’re designed to be flexible and provide a contoured fit. The fit is so secure, they are our pick for the best fit.
Also, they provide compression and stability for your weightlifting workouts.
These elbow sleeves have good breathability and protect sore elbows from further discomfort while training.
Additionally, they help prevent injury by reducing pressure or swelling that may be caused by intense exercise.
Finally, they come in 7 different sizes for a good fit and feature double stitching for durability.
PROS
- Features 5mm Neoprene
- Provides A Contoured Fit With Good Flexibility
- Available in 7 Sizes
CONS
- Some Users Do Not Like The Neoprene Odor
McDavid Elbow Compression Sleeve – Best For Neoprene Allergies
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The McDavid Elbow Compression Sleeve is designed to provide maximum support for anyone experiencing elbow pain.
This is pain due to golfer’s elbow, tennis elbow, arthritis, or bursitis.
All of these ailments can be aggravated by intense weightlifting.
This is the only sleeve that has bi-lateral gel support that provides compression without excess heat buildup. The stretch elastic material is a good choice for anyone allergic to neoprene.
This sleeve is designed to fit either arm or use two for both arms.
PROS
- Designed To Provide Maximum Support For Elbow Discomfort
- Features Exclusive Gel Pockets That Enhance Compression
- Good Choice For Users With Neoprene Allergies
CONS
- A Few Users Feel The Sleeve Cuts Off Circulation
Bear KompleX Elbow Sleeves – Best For All Types Of Weightlifting
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By keeping the elbow warm and tight, Bear KompleX Elbow Sleeves prevent injuries, improve performance, and enhance circulation.
Use these elbow sleeves whether you’re recovering from injury or experiencing sore muscles from your last workout.
Bear KompleX sleeves are made using 5mm neoprene for good overall support.
Additionally, they are designed to be durable and elastic. Plus, they are an official CrossFit Games sponsor.
Also, the Bear KompleX Elbow Sleeves are ideal for weightlifting, powerlifting, or bodybuilding.
PROS
- Made From 5mm Thick Neoprene
- Supports Injury Recovery
- Use For Weightlifting, Powerlifting, Bodybuilding Or CrossFit
CONS
- Some Users Feel These Sleeves Run Small
Buying Guide – How To Choose The Best Elbow Sleeves For Weightlifting?
Many weightlifters wear elbow sleeves due to joint pain, including tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow, bursitis, and arthritis. Also, some weightlifters may be recovering from an injury. Besides compression, elbow sleeves provide support and protection during your weightlifting workouts. See below for additional benefits of elbow sleeves.
Benefits Of Elbow Sleeves
It’s become common to see weightlifters and other athletes wearing elbow sleeves. There are several reasons why they have become popular. Here are the main benefits:
- Improved Circulation – Elbow sleeves improve blood flow to your joints and muscles. This can help reduce inflammation and ease joint pain.
- Improved Stability – This improves performance during heavy lifts by stabilizing the elbows.
- Injury Prevention – Elbow sleeves help prevent injuries by keeping your elbow tight. They also provide heat retention. This allows weightlifters to train even with mild joint injury or discomfort.
- Injury Recovery – One of the reasons for wearing elbow sleeves is to enhance recovery from injuries. They allow weightlifters to continue to train while recovering. Also, they support recovery by improving blood flow and reducing swelling.
How Do Elbow Sleeves for Weightlifting Work?
Elbow sleeves use compression. This means the sleeve is designed to increase blood circulation to the areas that need it the most. The elbow sleeves promote compression by wrapping tightly around the elbow.
As noted above, compression increases blood flow to the area. One important note is that they should not be too tight. Elbow sleeves should fit snugly, but no so tight as to cut off circulation.
What You Should Consider When Purchasing An Elbow Sleeve
Several things need to be considered before buying an elbow sleeve for weightlifting.
These include the following:
Material
Another consideration is the material used to make the elbow sleeves. It should be lightweight, durable, and breathable. Many of the options in our guide are made of neoprene. Some use nylon, and others use a blend. The best choices feature 5mm or even 7mm thickness. This provides the best combination of protection and support.
Stitching
Durability is another important consideration. The best elbow sleeves have reinforced stitching for strength.
Size
Many of the elbow sleeves presented in this guide feature 5 size options. Some offer as many as 7 choices. Choosing the correct size is critical to getting the most from your elbow sleeves.
If they’re too small, they will hurt and cut off circulation. Too big, and they won’t do anything. The way you determine the size is to measure the circumference of the elbow joint.
If you’re between the sizes offered, you should follow manufacturer guidelines. Some suggest going up to the next larger size, while others suggest going down to the next smallest size.
Slip Resistance
One of the most irritating things with elbow sleeves is to have them constantly slide down and bunch up. Many elbow sleeves are designed to fit snugly and allow good movement without sliding. Before buying, check the reviews to see how the sleeve you’re considering performs in real life.
Sleeve Length
Elbow sleeves come in different lengths. It should cover your elbow joint, part of your forearm, and part of your upper arm. One advantage to covering the upper arm is that it helps relieve tendonitis discomfort.
FSA or HSA Eligible
Since elbow sleeves are used to relieve specific elbow joint conditions, they are considered health products. For this reason, many of them are FSA or HSA eligible. An FSA, or Flexible Savings Account, is an employer-provided benefits account. This account allows you to put aside pre-tax earnings for eligible OTC health supplies. This includes elbow sleeves.
Similarly, an HSA, or Health Savings Account, also allows you to put aside pre-tax earnings for eligible health products. Check with your health plan administrator to see if either of these accounts applies to you.
Using Elbow Sleeves For Weightlifting
Eliminating elbow discomfort and increasing support is important for weightlifting. If you’re training with heavy weights it’s important to have as much elbow protection as possible. This is especially true if you’re suffering from an injury or any type of elbow pain. The best elbow sleeves for weightlifting promote confidence as well as protection and injury prevention or recovery.
Conclusion
As you’ve seen by reviewing our guide, there’s an elbow sleeve for every weightlifting need.
If you want our best overall pick, the Stoic Elbow Sleeves are the choice for you. These sleeves feature dual-level thickness around the inner and outer elbow for maximum protection. They are available in 7 sizes and built to last.
On the other hand, if budget is a concern, the Kunto Fitness Elbow Brace is the best choice. These sleeves provide even compression over the entire elbow area. They’re made of a special nylon, spandex, and rubber blend. As well, they come in 5 different sizes.
If you prefer professionally endorsed elbow sleeves, Rip Toned Elbow Sleeves are endorsed by Powerlifting World Champion Kevin Weiss. These sleeves provide good thickness, they’re available in 7 sizes, and they offer a lifetime guarantee.
The best elbow sleeves for weightlifting are the ones that fit your goals the most.
Our guide gives you several great options. Make your choice and hit the gym!
