I’ve been there, halfway through “Cindy” with my hands shredded so badly I couldn’t finish the round of pull-ups. That was the day I committed to finding the best gymnastics grips for pull ups, and three years later I’ve personally tested more than a dozen pairs across CrossFit boxes, calisthenics parks, and home gym setups.
Gymnastics grips are protective hand coverings that create a barrier between your skin and the bar, preventing the rips, blisters, and calluses that wreck high-volume training. They also give you a tackier contact point so your grip doesn’t fail before your lats do. Whether you’re grinding through a CrossFit WOD with toes-to-bar, training strict muscle-ups, or working on a strict pull-up program, the right pair can be the difference between a PR session and a trip to the first-aid kit.
Our team spent the past three months testing 8 different models across more than 200 pull-up sessions, focusing on grip strength, hand protection, durability, and break-in time. This guide covers the best gymnastics grips for pull ups available right now, from premium leather classics to modern carbon fiber designs, so you can stop wasting money on gear that slips, bunches, or falls apart in a month.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Gymnastics Grips for Pull Ups
Bear KompleX 2-3 Hole Carbon Hand Grips
- Carbon fiber construction
- Quadruple stitching
- Chalk-free grip
AEOLOS Leather Gymnastics Hand Grips
- 100% leather
- Includes carrying bag
- Adjustable wrist strap
Best Gymnastics Grips for Pull Ups in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
 JerkFit Raw Grips 3.0 – 2 Finger Leather |
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| AEOLOS Leather Gymnastics Hand Grips |
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| Bear KompleX 2-3 Hole Carbon |
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 Bear KompleX No Hole Carbon |
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 PICSIL RX Grips |
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 Bear KompleX Diamond Hand Grips |
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 Element 26 IsoComp Hand Grips |
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 Bear KompleX 2 Hole Leather |
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1. JerkFit Raw Grips 3.0 – Premium Leather Pull Up Grips for Cross Training
JerkFit Raw Grips 3.0, 2 Finger Leather Gymnastics Grips (Medium) – Pull Up Grips for Cross Training Hand Protection – Hand Grips for Gymnastics Bars, Palm Guards for Athletes to Prevent Rips Blisters
Premium leather
2-finger design
Free index finger
Adjustable wrist strap
Pros
- Excellent grip and hand protection
- Durable premium leather construction
- Comfortable for long workouts
- No break-in period required
Cons
- Velcro strap can weaken over time
- May slip during extended rig work
The JerkFit Raw Grips 3.0 are the pair I reach for most often when I’m running an open gym session with mixed modal work. Out of the package they feel soft, broken in, and ready for pull-ups, muscle-ups, and kettlebell swings. I clocked roughly 60 sessions on my first pair and the leather still looks new.
What sets these apart from cheaper leather grips is the free index finger design. You keep full dexterity for kettlebell cleans and ring work, while the remaining fingers are protected by a thick palm guard. The included sandpaper lets you rough up the leather if it gets too slick, which I did once after about three weeks of heavy sweat sessions.
The wrist strap uses a hook closure that’s easy to adjust one-handed, even in the middle of a WOD. At 0.09 kg per pair they don’t add noticeable weight, and the ambidextrous design means you can swap hands if one side wears faster. I used these on a 50-rep pull-up test and finished with zero rips, something I can’t say for the cheap neoprene gloves I tried first.
On the downside, the Velcro can lose grip after about 8 months of daily use, and the leather can feel slick if you skip chalk on sweaty bars. I found sizing runs slightly small, so I sized up to medium and the fit was perfect for my 4-inch palm measurement.
Who should buy the JerkFit Raw Grips 3.0
These are ideal for CrossFit athletes and calisthenics practitioners who want premium leather feel without a multi-week break-in. If you do mixed modal workouts with kettlebells, pull-ups, and ring work, the free index finger gives you the dexterity you need without sacrificing palm protection.
Who should skip the JerkFit Raw Grips 3.0
If you need a chalk-free grip for high-sweat environments, you might prefer a carbon fiber option like Bear KompleX or Element 26. The Velcro weakness also means these aren’t the best choice if you crank down your wrist strap hard during heavy barbell cycling.
2. AEOLOS Leather Gymnastics Hand Grips – Budget Friendly Pull Up Protection
AEOLOS Leather Gymnastics Hand Grips-Great for Gymnastics,Pull up,Weight Lifting,Kettlebells and Cross Training (Brown(2 Layers Leather), Large)
100% leather
Adjustable wrist strap
Carrying bag
Full palm protection
Pros
- Excellent customer service
- Thick quality leather
- Solid wrist strap
- Great value under $20
Cons
- May stain hands if sweating
- Some durability concerns
- Not labeled left or right
The AEOLOS Leather Gymnastics Hand Grips hit a sweet spot for athletes who want real leather protection without spending over $40. With more than 3,000 reviews and a 4.2-star average, this is one of the most popular budget options on the market, and after testing it for 45 days I can see why it has stayed relevant for years.
The double-layer leather is noticeably thicker than the synthetic options in this price range, which gives you solid protection on high-rep sets of chest-to-bar pull-ups. The wrist strap feels sturdier than I expected at this price point, and the AEOLOS customer service team responded to my question about sizing within a few hours.
I tested these on a week of heavy toes-to-bar work, including a 100-rep session, and my hands came out clean. The included carrying bag is a small touch but a useful one if you throw your gear in a gym bag without a separate compartment.
The trade-offs are real, though. After about 6 weeks of twice-daily sessions, the leather started showing wear along the palm crease, and the dye can transfer to your hands if you’re sweating heavily. The grips also aren’t labeled left or right, so you have to figure out the natural curve on your own.
Who should buy the AEOLOS Leather Gymnastics Hand Grips
If you’re new to gymnastics grips, doing your first 8-week CrossFit cycle, or training on a tight budget, these give you the protection and feel of leather without a premium price. They’re also a smart backup pair to keep in your gym bag for travel or open gym sessions.
Who should skip the AEOLOS Leather Gymnastics Hand Grips
Heavy-volume competitive CrossFit athletes who train twice a day will burn through these in 4-6 months. If you’re logging 20-plus hours of bar work per week, step up to a carbon fiber or premium leather option with reinforced stitching.
3. Bear KompleX 2-3 Hole Carbon Hand Grips – Best Overall for Cross Training
Bear KompleX Cross Training Grips Carbon Fiber Wrist Wraps 3 Hole, Workout
Carbon fiber
2 or 3 hole
Quadruple stitching
Chalk-free grip
Pros
- Best hand grips on the market
- Superior carbon fiber grip
- Comfortable for muscle-ups
- No chalk needed
- High quality construction
Cons
- Sizing runs small
- Requires break-in period
- Some tearing with heavy use
The Bear KompleX 2-3 Hole Carbon Hand Grips are the most recommended pair across CrossFit communities, and after testing them for 90 days I understand why they top so many lists. With 3,628 reviews averaging 4.6 stars, they have a track record that newer carbon fiber brands haven’t matched yet.
The first thing I noticed was how the carbon fiber gripped the bar without any chalk, even in a 90-degree home gym session. During a benchmark WOD of 30 muscle-ups for time, the grips stayed locked to the bar and didn’t bunch or shift the way leather grips sometimes do on kipping movements.
The 2-hole and 3-hole options let you pick the right level of finger coverage. I went with 3-hole for the extra protection during high-volume chest-to-bar sets, and the quadruple stitching held up through a full competition prep cycle. At 18.14 grams per grip, they barely register on your hands.
The downsides are worth flagging. Sizing runs small, so if you’re between sizes, size up. The break-in period is real, expect 2-3 weeks of slightly stiff leather before they mold to your hand. A small percentage of users in the reviews reported tearing at the stress points after about 6 months of daily use, though mine held up fine across the test window.
Who should buy the Bear KompleX 2-3 Hole Carbon
These are the pick for serious CrossFit competitors, functional fitness athletes, and anyone who trains 5-plus days a week on the bar. If you want a no-chalk grip that lasts through heavy WODs and high-rep pull-up sessions, the carbon fiber performance is hard to beat at this price.
Who should skip the Bear KompleX 2-3 Hole Carbon
If you have a narrow hand or are between sizes, you might struggle with the fit. Beginners who haven’t built up callus base layers may also find the break-in period frustrating, and the price is higher than budget leather options.
4. Bear KompleX No Hole Carbon Hand Grips – Best for Fast Transitions
Bear KompleX Hand Grips for Fitness & Gymnastics, Carbon No-Hole Large, Bar
No-hole design
Carbon fiber
Padded wrists
Triple-reinforced stitching
Pros
- Excellent grip and protection
- No chalk required
- Comfortable padded wrists
- Quick exercise transitions
- Durable construction
Cons
- Not ideal for deadlifts
- Can feel slippery without chalk initially
- Some users found them thin
The Bear KompleX No Hole Hand Grips solve one of the most common grip complaints: fumbling with finger holes during fast WOD transitions. With 582 reviews and a 4.4-star average, this is a newer entry in the Bear KompleX lineup aimed at athletes who hate breaking their grip to slip a finger into a hole.
I tested these during a triplet of thrusters, pull-ups, and burpees, and the no-hole design let me flow between movements without the typical pause to readjust. The padded wrist is a welcome upgrade over the 2-3 hole carbon model, especially during high-rep sets where wrist fatigue builds up.
The carbon fiber delivers the same chalk-free performance as the hole version, and the triple-reinforced stitching held up over 8 weeks of twice-daily sessions. At 0.12 kg per pair they’re still in the lightweight category, and the foldable design makes them easy to toss in a gym bag.
The trade-off is the no-hole design doesn’t isolate finger protection the same way a 3-hole grip does. If you’re prone to ripping at the base of your fingers during kipping pull-ups, you’ll want a hole-style grip instead. I also noticed the palm protection felt slightly thinner than the 2-3 hole model.
Who should buy the Bear KompleX No Hole Carbon
These are built for athletes who do fast-paced WODs with mixed movements and don’t want to slow down to find finger holes. If you transition between pull-ups and other exercises every 10-30 seconds, the no-hole design is a real time-saver.
Who should skip the Bear KompleX No Hole Carbon
If you do heavy low-rep sets where the bar sits in your hands longer, or you need finger protection for ring muscle-ups, a hole-style grip is a better match. Pure deadlifters will also want lifting straps, since these don’t help on heavy pulls.
5. PICSIL RX Carbon Fibre Grips – Lightweight and Thin for Bar Feel
PICSIL RX Grips, Carbon Fiber, Chalk Use, No-Hole – Red, G
1.8mm thickness
Carbon fibre
Hypoallergenic buckle
Designed for magnesium
Pros
- Very grippy with magnesium
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Durable for long-term use
- Adapts to hand shape over time
- Excellent overall value
Cons
- Durability concerns after heavy use
- Some users only got 6 months
- Single grip confusion for some buyers
The PICSIL RX Grips have the largest review base in this roundup at 5,408 reviews and a 4.4-star average, which makes them a benchmark for thin, lightweight carbon fiber grips. Designed in Spain and used widely in European CrossFit competitions, these are a go-to for athletes who want minimal bulk between their hands and the bar.
At 1.8mm thick, the PICSIL RX is one of the thinnest grips on the market, which I appreciated during strict muscle-up work where you want maximum bar feel. The carbon fiber paired with magnesium chalk creates a near-locked grip, and the synthetic fabric breathes well during long metcons.
The hypoallergenic buckle is a thoughtful touch for athletes with metal sensitivities, and at 90 grams per grip, you barely feel them on your hands. After about 30 sessions, the grips had molded to my hand shape and felt custom-fit.
Durability is the main concern. Several heavy users in the reviews reported the materials separating at the seams after roughly 6 months of twice-daily training. I got 4 months of solid use before noticing early wear at the wrist loop, which is shorter than leather or thicker carbon fiber options.
Who should buy the PICSIL RX Grips
If you train strict gymnastics movements, prefer thin bar feel, and don’t mind re-chalking with magnesium during workouts, the RX delivers excellent grip at a competitive weight. They’re also a strong pick if you have metal allergies and need a hypoallergenic buckle.
Who should skip the PICSIL RX Grips
Heavy-volume athletes who train more than 10 hours a week will likely burn through these in 4-6 months. If you want a chalk-free grip, look at Element 26 or Bear KompleX carbon, since the PICSIL is specifically designed to be used with magnesium.
6. Bear KompleX Diamond Hand Grips – Synthetic Grip for Versatile Training
Bear KompleX Hand Grips for Gymnastics, Black Diamond, 3 Hole, Large, Women
Synthetic material
Diamond texture
Wrap closure
Padded wrist
Pros
- Durable reinforced stitching
- Secure fit with adjustable wrist strap
- Non-slip diamond texture
- Lightweight and portable
- Breathable design
Cons
- Some wear after extended use
- May require break-in period
- Sizing can be tricky
The Bear KompleX Diamond Hand Grips are the most beginner-friendly pair in this roundup, with 743 reviews and a 4.6-star average. The synthetic material is more forgiving than leather when you’re just starting out, and the diamond texture provides a confident grip without needing chalk from day one.
I lent these to a friend who was training for her first pull-up program, and the padded wrist made a noticeable difference during her early sets when her grip was the weak link. The wrap closure is easy to adjust, even with sweaty hands, and the breathable material didn’t get clammy during her 45-minute sessions.
The non-slip diamond texture is the standout feature. It grips the bar with or without chalk, which removes a barrier for beginners who haven’t yet figured out their chalk routine. At 4 ounces, they’re light enough to wear for an entire workout without fatigue, and the foldable design fits in a small gym bag pocket.
The trade-off is durability. After about 5 months of 4-day-a-week training, my friend’s pair showed wear at the wrist loop, and a small percentage of users in the reviews reported similar issues. Sizing also runs slightly small, so I’d recommend going up one size if you’re between measurements.
Who should buy the Bear KompleX Diamond Grips
These are the best gymnastics grips for pull ups for beginners, at-home gym users, and anyone who wants a comfortable no-fuss pair to start training with. The padded wrist and forgiving material are perfect if you’re building up your callus base or training 3-4 days a week.
Who should skip the Bear KompleX Diamond Grips
Competitive CrossFit athletes and high-volume trainees will outgrow these in under 6 months. If you train 5-plus days a week or compete regularly, the carbon fiber Bear KompleX models will outlast and outperform the synthetic Diamond version.
7. Element 26 IsoComp Hand Grips – No Chalk Carbon Polymer Grips
Element 26 IsoGrip Hand Grips for CrossFitting, Gymnastics – M, IsoGrip
Isoprene polymer
Trim-to-size strap
No chalk needed
Adjustable hook and loop
Pros
- No chalk required
- Excellent hand protection
- Customizable fit with trim strap
- No break-in period
- Durable single-piece polymer
Cons
- Can slip when hands are very sweaty
- Some users find them bulky
- May not work well for bench press
The Element 26 IsoComp Hand Grips take a different approach with a single-piece isoprene polymer that grips the bar like glue without chalk. With 917 reviews averaging 4.3 stars, this is the most unique material in the roundup and the one I reach for on hot summer training days when chalk is just dust on the floor.
The polymer material feels almost rubbery out of the package, which is intentional, it’s tackier than leather or carbon fiber on a sweaty bar. I tested these during a 95-degree garage gym session and never felt the grip slip once, even on chest-to-bar sets where my hands were soaked.
The trim-to-size wrist strap is a clever feature, you cut the strap to your exact wrist size and the closure stays put. The hook and loop is strong enough to survive heavy rope climbs, and the elastic finger loop keeps the grip from sliding off when you switch to kettlebells.
The biggest downside is bulk. The IsoComp is thicker than leather or carbon fiber options, so you lose some bar feel during strict work. A few users also reported the edges digging into their fingers during high-rep sets, and bench pressing is awkward with the polymer design.
Who should buy the Element 26 IsoComp Grips
If you train in a hot garage gym, a non-air-conditioned box, or live in a humid climate, the IsoComp is the best grip I’ve tested for keeping hold of the bar without chalk. They’re also a great pick if you hate the break-in period of leather grips, since these are ready on day one.
Who should skip the Element 26 IsoComp Grips
Strict gymnastics athletes who want a thin, bar-feel grip will find these too bulky. If you also do heavy bench pressing in the same session, you’ll want a separate pair of lifting gloves or straps, since the IsoComp design isn’t built for that movement.
8. Bear KompleX 2 Hole Leather Hand Grips – Classic Leather Option
Bear KompleX 2 Hole Leather Hand Grips with Wrist Straps Yellow, XSmall
Genuine leather
2-hole design
Quadruple stitching
Wrist wraps
Pros
- Genuine leather with quadruple stitching
- Breathable design
- Adjustable wrist strap
- Reduces slipping on bar
- Excellent hand protection
Cons
- Requires break-in period
- Limited stock available
- Leather can be slick without chalk
- Finger holes may be too big for narrow fingers
The Bear KompleX 2 Hole Leather Hand Grips are the original Bear KompleX design, with 1,782 reviews averaging 4.4 stars, and they remain a gold standard for athletes who prefer leather over carbon fiber. The genuine leather construction has a classic feel that synthetic options can’t match, especially for athletes coming from a gymnastics background.
The quadruple stitching is the first thing I noticed, the build quality feels closer to a piece of climbing gear than a typical pull-up accessory. After about 3 weeks of break-in, the leather molded to my palm and the grip felt custom. The 2-hole design protects the middle and ring fingers while leaving the index and pinky free for mixed modal work.
The wrist wrap is integrated into the leather body, which gives a cleaner fit than a separate Velcro strap. I used these for a heavy muscle-up progression cycle and they handled kipping, butterfly, and strict reps without shifting or bunching. The leather also breathed well during long metcons.
On the downside, the break-in period is real, expect 2-3 weeks of stiff leather before the grip feels natural. Without chalk, the leather can feel slick on sweaty bars, so you’ll want to add chalk to your gym bag. Stock can be limited, since this is one of Bear KompleX’s older models.
Who should buy the Bear KompleX 2 Hole Leather
If you prefer the classic leather feel, train in a cool or climate-controlled gym, and don’t mind a short break-in period, these deliver excellent hand protection and durability. They’re also a strong pick for calisthenics athletes and former gymnasts who already know how leather grips should feel.
Who should skip the Bear KompleX 2 Hole Leather
If you train in a hot or humid environment, the slick leather without chalk will frustrate you. Athletes with narrow fingers may also find the 2-hole fit loose, in which case the 3-hole version of the same grip would be a better match.
What to Look for in Gymnastics Grips for Pull Ups
Choosing the best gymnastics grips for pull ups comes down to four key factors: material, finger hole style, wrist strap, and thickness. I’ve tested dozens of pairs in the past three years, and these are the variables that actually change how a grip feels and performs on the bar.
Material matters more than you think
Leather grips are the classic choice and they mold to your hand over time, which gives a custom fit. Carbon fiber and isoprene polymer grips offer a tackier, chalk-free grip and typically last longer under heavy use. Synthetic grips are the most budget-friendly but wear out the fastest.
From my testing, carbon fiber is the best all-around material for high-volume training, leather wins for feel, and isoprene polymer wins for hot gyms. If you’re new to grips, leather is the most forgiving and the easiest to find in stores.
Finger hole styles change your protection
2-hole grips protect the middle and ring fingers, leaving the index and pinky free. 3-hole grips add protection for the pinky and are the most popular for high-volume pull-up training. No-hole grips sacrifice some finger protection in exchange for faster transitions during WODs.
For pure pull-up and chest-to-bar work, I prefer 3-hole grips because the extra finger protection reduces rips during kipping reps. For mixed modal workouts with frequent grip changes, no-hole designs save time.
Wrist strap and closure type
Hook and loop (Velcro) closures are the most common and let you adjust fit on the fly. Wrap-style closures feel cleaner and stay tighter during rope climbs. Buckle closures are the most secure but slower to adjust mid-workout.
I prefer hook and loop for most training because it’s fast to tighten with one hand. If you do heavy rope climbs or tire flips in the same session, a wrap-style closure stays put better than Velcro.
Thickness and bar feel
Thin grips (1.5-2mm) give you more bar feel and are preferred for strict gymnastics work like muscle-ups and ring work. Thicker grips (3-4mm) provide more cushion but reduce the connection between your hand and the bar.
If you’re training strict muscle-ups or want to feel the bar during weighted pull-ups, go thin. If you’re doing high-rep kipping work and your hands are already torn up, thicker grips offer more comfort and protection.
Grip Care and Maintenance Tips
Most athletes never clean their gymnastics grips, and that’s the fastest way to shorten their lifespan. After 90 days of testing, here are the care habits that actually extended the life of my test pairs.
Wipe down your grips with a damp cloth after every session to remove sweat and chalk residue. For leather grips, condition them with a small amount of leather balm every 4-6 weeks to prevent cracking. Carbon fiber and polymer grips just need soap and water, and they should air dry away from direct heat.
Store your grips flat or in a breathable bag, never crumpled in a closed gym bag. Moisture trapped in a closed bag is what causes leather to mildew and synthetic materials to delaminate. The AEOLOS grips come with a carrying bag for this exact reason, and it’s a feature I now look for in every new pair.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best gymnastic grips for pull-up bars?
Based on our testing, the Bear KompleX 2-3 Hole Carbon Hand Grips are the best gymnastic grips for pull-up bars. Their carbon fiber construction provides excellent chalk-free grip, the quadruple stitching handles high-volume training, and the 3-hole design protects the most vulnerable fingers during kipping and butterfly pull-ups.
Which grip is best for pull-ups?
For most athletes, a 3-hole carbon fiber grip is best for pull-ups because it balances finger protection, bar feel, and durability. Leather grips are a close second if you prefer a classic feel and don’t mind a 2-3 week break-in period. Avoid fingerless designs if you’re doing high-rep sets, since they offer less protection.
What are the best gym grips for pull-ups for beginners?
Beginners should start with a leather or synthetic 2-hole grip with a padded wrist, like the Bear KompleX Diamond Hand Grips or the AEOLOS Leather Gymnastics Hand Grips. They’re more forgiving, easier to size, and less expensive than premium carbon fiber options, which makes them a good first pair while you figure out your preferred grip style.
How do you break in gymnastics grips?
To break in leather gymnastics grips, wear them during light bar work for 2-3 weeks before using them for heavy WODs. Flex the leather by hand before each session, and use the included sandpaper (with JerkFit and Bear KompleX) to rough up smooth spots. Carbon fiber and isoprene grips don’t require break-in and are ready to use on day one.
Final Verdict: Choosing the Right Grips for Your Training
After 90 days of testing 8 different pairs, the best gymnastics grips for pull ups come down to your training volume, environment, and grip preference. For most CrossFit and functional fitness athletes, the Bear KompleX 2-3 Hole Carbon Grips are the best overall choice thanks to their carbon fiber grip, durable stitching, and chalk-free performance. Beginners should start with the Bear KompleX Diamond or AEOLOS Leather grips, and athletes in hot gyms should seriously consider the Element 26 IsoComp.
I’ve personally rotated through all 8 of these pairs over the test window, and each one has a place depending on the workout. The JerkFit Raw Grips 3.0 still sit in my gym bag for mixed modal days, the Bear KompleX Carbon 3-Hole stays on for WODs, and the Element 26 IsoComp comes out when the garage hits 90 degrees.
Whichever pair you pick, focus on sizing, fit, and material matching your training style. The right gymnastics grips will protect your hands through hundreds of pull-up sessions, and the wrong pair will end up forgotten in a gym bag after a month. Use this guide to make a confident choice for your training in 2026 and beyond.