If you have spent any time on a pull-up bar, gymnastics rings, or barbell, you know the toll it takes on your hands. Torn calluses, raw palms, and grip fatigue are some of the most common complaints in CrossFit — and they are almost entirely preventable with the right pair of grips.
But with so many options on the market, choosing the right grips can feel overwhelming. Carbon fibre, rubber, leather, two-hole, three-hole — what actually matters? In this guide, we break it all down so you can train harder, longer, and without shredding your hands.
Why You Need CrossFit Grips
Let us be clear: grips are not a sign of weakness. They are a tool — just like knee sleeves, wrist wraps, or lifting belts. The best athletes in the world use them, and for good reason.
- Hand protection: Grips create a barrier between your skin and the bar, reducing friction and preventing tears
- Better grip endurance: When your hands are not slipping with sweat, you can hold on longer through high-rep sets
- Faster recovery: Less damage to your palms means you can train more consistently without forced rest days
- Confidence on the bar: Knowing your hands are protected lets you focus on technique rather than pain
Carbon Fibre Grips: The Performance Choice
Carbon fibre grips have become the gold standard in competitive CrossFit, and it is easy to see why. They are ultra-thin, incredibly durable, and provide excellent tactile feedback on the bar.
Our Carbon Fibre CrossFit Grips are designed for athletes who want maximum bar feel with reliable protection. The carbon fibre material moulds to your hand over time, creating a custom fit that feels like a second skin. For athletes who prefer a slightly thicker profile with additional wrist support, the ComfortPro Carbon Fibre Grips offer the same carbon fibre construction with enhanced padding at the palm.
Best for:
- High-rep pull-ups, toes-to-bar, and muscle-ups
- Competition use where bar feel matters
- Athletes who have already developed calluses and want protection without bulk
Rubber Grips: Maximum Protection
If you are newer to CrossFit or prefer a thicker barrier between your hands and the bar, Rubber CrossFit Grips are an excellent choice. Rubber provides superior grip in sweaty conditions and offers more cushioning than carbon fibre.
Best for:
- Beginners building up their hand tolerance
- Sweaty training environments
- Athletes who prefer more padding
- Rope climbs and thicker apparatus
Textured Grips: The Aggressive Option
For athletes who want maximum grip without chalk dependency, the Xtreme CrossFit Grips feature an aggressive textured surface that bites into the bar. These are popular with athletes who train in humid conditions or who tend to have naturally sweaty hands.
Best for:
- Humid or hot training environments
- Athletes with sweaty palms
- Movements requiring aggressive bar contact
Sizing Your Grips
Proper sizing is critical. Grips that are too large will bunch up and create blisters, while grips that are too small will restrict movement and tear at the edges.
To measure your grip size:
- Measure from the base of your palm (where your wrist creases) to the tip of your middle finger
- Use the sizing chart provided with each product
- When in doubt, size down — grips will stretch slightly with use
Breaking In Your Grips
New grips, particularly carbon fibre, need a break-in period. Do not debut them on competition day or during a heavy gymnastics session.
- First session: Use them for 10-15 pull-ups and some barbell work to start moulding them
- Second and third sessions: Gradually increase volume — add toes-to-bar and kipping movements
- By session four or five: They should feel natural and be ready for full-volume work
Caring for Your Grips
Good grip care extends their lifespan significantly:
- After every session: Wipe them down with a damp cloth and let them air dry completely
- Do not leave them balled up: Store them flat or hanging to maintain their shape
- Chalk management: Excessive chalk build-up can stiffen carbon fibre — brush it off regularly
- Inspect regularly: Check for fraying at the finger holes and thinning at the palm
When to Replace Your Grips
Even the best grips have a finite lifespan. Replace yours when:
- The material has worn thin enough that you can see light through it
- The finger holes have stretched or torn significantly
- The grip surface has become smooth and slippery
- You notice decreased confidence on the bar
Most athletes replace their grips every three to six months depending on training volume. If you are training five or more days a week with significant gymnastics volume, lean toward the three-month end.
The Bottom Line
The right grips are the ones that match your training style, hand size, and comfort preferences. Carbon fibre for performance and bar feel, rubber for maximum protection, or textured for aggressive grip in tough conditions. Whichever you choose, your hands — and your training consistency — will thank you.