Gear Guide
Best WOD Grips (2026)
The right gymnastics grip can be the difference between tearing off the bar at rep 20 and stringing together unbroken sets all day. We've tested the top options across hundreds of WODs so you don't have to.
Below, answer three quick questions and we'll match you with the best grip for your style. Or scroll down for our full comparison.
🎯 Find Your Perfect Grips
Do you prefer finger holes in your grips?
Full Comparison
Victory Grips
Conquer
The most advanced material Victory Grips has ever made
Pros
- ✓ Newest Victory Grips material — carbon-based synthetic blend
- ✓ Maximum grip with or without chalk
- ✓ Available in V-Series and Classic designs
- ✓ Fingerless (Freedom) and 3-hole (3-FC) configurations
- ✓ Most durable VG material to date
Cons
- ✕ Premium price ($52–$68)
- ✕ Newest material with less long-term data than Leather or X2
Code: WODLIKE — 10% off at Victory Grips
Victory Grips
Tactical
The thinnest, strongest, grippiest grips in the game
Pros
- ✓ Rubber polymer exterior — maximum grip even on powder-coated bars
- ✓ Woven Kevlar interior — absorbs moisture, heat-resistant
- ✓ No chalk needed
- ✓ Thinnest feel of any VG material
- ✓ V-Series Tactical 3.0 currently available
Cons
- ✕ Stiffer feel than softer materials — takes adjustment
- ✕ Primarily available in 3-hole configuration
- ✕ Premium price ($68)
Code: WODLIKE — 10% off at Victory Grips
Victory Grips
Apex
Made in the USA — the pinnacle of comfort and protection
Pros
- ✓ US-manufactured with an exclusive proprietary material
- ✓ Outstanding comfort and palm protection
- ✓ Available in 3-FC and Freedom (fingerless) configurations
- ✓ V-Series and Classic designs available
Cons
- ✕ Line being phased out — limited stock remaining
- ✕ Not as grippy as Tactical on slick bars
Code: WODLIKE — 10% off at Victory Grips
Victory Grips
X2
Lightweight, vegan, built for hot and humid conditions
Pros
- ✓ Lightest material in the Victory Grips lineup
- ✓ Vegan-friendly microfiber construction
- ✓ Best choice for hot and humid gym environments
- ✓ Most affordable Victory Grips option
- ✓ Available in Fingerless, 2-Finger, and 3-FC
Cons
- ✕ Works best with chalk
- ✕ Less durable than Conquer or Tactical over time
Code: WODLIKE — 10% off at Victory Grips
Victory Grips
Leather
Tried and true — classic leather, no compromises
Pros
- ✓ Classic leather construction proven over thousands of WODs
- ✓ 2.2mm thickness for reliable palm protection
- ✓ Excellent durability — ages beautifully with use
- ✓ Available in Men's and Women's 3-FC
Cons
- ✕ Break-in period required
- ✕ Requires chalk for best performance
- ✕ Heavier than synthetic options
Code: WODLIKE — 10% off at Victory Grips
RX Smart Gear
Alec Smith Grips 2.0
Games-approved grips from a Games athlete
Pros
- ✓ Designed by WOD athlete Alec Smith
- ✓ Games approved
- ✓ No-hole design for maximum speed and minimal bulk
- ✓ Excellent blend of protection and feel
- ✓ Well-padded palm protection
Cons
- ✕ No finger holes — not for athletes who prefer them
- ✕ Premium price
RX Smart Gear
Alec Smith HD Grips
Heavy duty protection for larger athletes
Pros
- ✓ Heavy duty version of the Alec Smith 2.0
- ✓ More material and padding — built for larger hands
- ✓ Games-approved design
- ✓ Maximum tear prevention for high-volume work
Cons
- ✕ Bulkier than the standard 2.0
- ✕ Not ideal for athletes with smaller or medium hands
RX Smart Gear
Alec Smith 3-Finger Grips
Alec Smith quality with 3-finger security
Pros
- ✓ Combines Alec Smith construction with 3-finger hole design
- ✓ More wrist strap stability than the 2.0
- ✓ Good for athletes transitioning from traditional 3-hole grips
- ✓ Games-quality craftsmanship
Cons
- ✕ Slightly more bulk than the 2.0
- ✕ Premium price
Element 26
IsoGrip Gymnastic Hand Grips
Isoprene polymer — a completely different grip experience
Pros
- ✓ Unique isoprene polymer material — unlike anything else on the market
- ✓ No finger holes for unobstructed, minimal feel
- ✓ Excellent grip and flexibility
- ✓ Durable construction
- ✓ $34.97 sale price — strong value
Cons
- ✕ No hole design provides less wrist/bar security
- ✕ Isoprene material is polarizing — try before committing
Element 26
IsoComp Gymnastic Hand Grips
Compression-based design for enhanced hand support
Pros
- ✓ Compression grip technology provides superior hand support
- ✓ No hole design — fast and minimal
- ✓ Premium material construction
- ✓ Good for athletes with hand fatigue or chronic soreness
Cons
- ✕ $39.97 — mid-range price
- ✕ Compression feel is different — takes adjustment
- ✕ No finger holes
Element 26
Vise Grips
Clamping 3-hole design for unshakeable bar security
Pros
- ✓ 3-hole design with a clamping mechanism for excellent bar security
- ✓ Secure finger placement on pull-ups, muscle-ups, and bar work
- ✓ Available in S/M/L
- ✓ $39.97 sale price
Cons
- ✕ Clamping mechanism takes a few sessions to get used to
- ✕ Heavier and bulkier than no-hole options
Bear KompleX
No Hole Pinnacle Speed Grips
Bear KompleX's most advanced no-hole grip
Pros
- ✓ 2.3mm single-layer microfiber — premium construction
- ✓ Performs in hot and humid conditions
- ✓ Breathable and chalk-compatible
- ✓ Minimal stretch over time — stays consistent
- ✓ Works on rough bars, steel, powder-coated, and rings
Cons
- ✕ $49.98 — premium pricing
- ✕ No finger holes — not for athletes who prefer them
Bear KompleX
Carbon No Hole Speed Grips
Carbon fiber speed — no holes, no chalk
Pros
- ✓ Carbon fiber construction — no chalk required
- ✓ Lightweight and minimal feel
- ✓ Extremely durable over time
- ✓ Works on slick and powder-coated bars
Cons
- ✕ Stiffer feel — break-in period
- ✕ No finger holes
Bear KompleX
Black Diamond No Hole Speed Grips
Premium Black Diamond material, built for pure speed
Pros
- ✓ Black Diamond material — premium tier BK construction
- ✓ No hole design for maximum speed
- ✓ Excellent for high-volume gymnastics and competition
- ✓ Trusted by competitive WOD athletes
Cons
- ✕ Premium price ($49.98)
- ✕ No finger holes — not for all athletes
Bear KompleX
Carbon Comp 2-Hole Hand Grips
Patented carbon tech with 2-hole wrist strap security
Pros
- ✓ Patented carbon fiber technology — no chalk required
- ✓ Works on slick and powder-coated bars
- ✓ Triple stitching for maximum durability
- ✓ Custom wrist strap — wrist protection under buckle
- ✓ 2-hole design for secure finger placement
Cons
- ✕ 2-hole only — not available in 3-hole
- ✕ $44.98
Bear KompleX
2-Hole Hand Grips
Classic BK leather construction in a 2-hole design
Pros
- ✓ Classic Bear KompleX leather construction
- ✓ Proven 2-hole design for secure bar work
- ✓ Durable — holds up to years of training
- ✓ Most affordable BK grip option
Cons
- ✕ Requires chalk
- ✕ Leather break-in period
Bear KompleX
3-Hole Pinnacle Grips
Bear KompleX's best material in a full 3-hole design
Pros
- ✓ Pinnacle tier BK material in 3-hole configuration
- ✓ Maximum palm coverage and security
- ✓ Excellent for muscle-ups, pull-ups, and bar complexes
- ✓ Premium microfiber construction
Cons
- ✕ $49.98 — premium pricing
- ✕ More bulk than no-hole options
Bear KompleX
Carbon Comp 3-Hole Hand Grips
Carbon fiber meets full 3-hole coverage
Pros
- ✓ Patented carbon fiber — no chalk required
- ✓ 3-hole design for maximum finger security
- ✓ Best of both worlds: carbon material + finger hole protection
- ✓ Works on slick and powder-coated bars
Cons
- ✕ $49.98 — premium pricing
- ✕ Carbon can be stiffer than microfiber
Frog Grips
HD & OG Fingerless Grips
Boutique no-hole grips with bold colorways and a strong community following
Pros
- ✓ Multiple lines: Elite HD, Base HD, and Elite OG — choose your thickness and feel
- ✓ Wide colorway selection: lavender, all black, pink, orange, white, green
- ✓ No-hole design for maximum speed and minimal bulk
- ✓ International store available for global customers
Cons
- ✕ No affiliate program — no discount available
- ✕ Fewer user reviews than major brands
Frog Grips
Fingerhole Grips
Boutique fingerhole grips with Frog Grips quality and colorway variety
Pros
- ✓ Base and Elite Fingerhole tiers — choose your protection level
- ✓ Wide colorway selection across both tiers
- ✓ Finger hole security with reliable palm protection
- ✓ International store available for global customers
Cons
- ✕ No affiliate program — no discount available
- ✕ Fewer user reviews than major brands
Picsil
Falcon Grips — No Holes
Carbon fiber no-hole grips from WOD's rising European brand
Pros
- ✓ Carbon fiber construction — no chalk required
- ✓ No-hole design for speed and minimal bulk
- ✓ Durable performance on any bar type
- ✓ Growing following in the competitive WOD community
Cons
- ✕ No affiliate program — no discount available
- ✕ Carbon may feel stiff initially
Picsil
Heron Grips — No Holes
Soft, premium no-hole grip from Picsil with no break-in required
Pros
- ✓ Soft premium material — comfortable feel from day one
- ✓ No-hole design for speed
- ✓ No break-in period compared to traditional leather
- ✓ Solid palm protection for heavy gymnastics volume
Cons
- ✕ No affiliate program — no discount available
- ✕ Works best with chalk
STMN
Zero Slim Hand Grips
Ultra-thin no-hole grips for athletes who want to feel the bar
Pros
- ✓ Exceptionally slim profile — minimal interference with bar feel
- ✓ No-hole design for maximum speed
- ✓ Lightweight construction
- ✓ From STMN, an emerging brand in competitive WOD
Cons
- ✕ No affiliate program — no discount available
- ✕ Less padding — best for athletes with well-developed calluses
STMN
Rocket Hand Grips
More palm coverage and protection from STMN's lineup
Pros
- ✓ No-hole design with more material than the Zero Slim
- ✓ Better palm coverage for high-volume work
- ✓ Durable construction
- ✓ STMN brand — growing presence in competitive WOD
Cons
- ✕ No affiliate program — no discount available
- ✕ Bulkier than the Zero Slim
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best grips for WOD?▾
There's no one-size-fits-all answer, but some of the most popular WOD grips among elite athletes include Victory Grips, Bear KompleX, and PICSIL. Each brand offers different materials and styles — like fingerless, 2-hole, or 3-hole — so it comes down to personal feel and bar type.
What's the difference between leather and synthetic grips?▾
Leather grips tend to mold to your hands over time and provide a very "locked-in" feel, while synthetic grips are often lighter, dry faster, and can offer better grip on certain coated bars. Some athletes also prefer carbon fiber-style materials for extra stick.
Should I use grips for WOD workouts?▾
Yes, if your workouts include high-rep pull-ups, bar muscle-ups, or Olympic lifts, grips can help protect your hands, reduce tears, and improve your grip on slick bars. Many top athletes use grips in both training and competition for performance and injury prevention.
Do you need chalk with WOD grips?▾
Many athletes still use chalk even with grips, especially during long or sweaty workouts. However, some newer grips (like carbon or microfiber options) are designed to work well with minimal or no chalk, depending on the bar finish.