When it comes to pull-ups, muscle-ups and toes-to-bar, CrossFit athletes rely on hand grips that can hold up under serious volume. This page tracks what grips elite CrossFit athletes are actually using in competition and training so you can find what’s best for you.
🧠 TL;DR — Not Sure Which Grips to Choose?
Skip the scroll — here’s a quick cheat sheet to help you decide fast:
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🛡️ Want max wrist support?
👉 FROG Elite HD or RX Alec Smith HD -
🧼 Hate using chalk?
👉 Bear KompleX Carbon -
🧘♂️ Need a minimalist feel?
👉 STMN SYNTH Free -
🥵 Train in humid conditions?
👉 Element 26 Vise Grips
Use code WODLIKE for 10% off! -
🧤 New to grips and want a safe bet?
👉 PICSIL Falcon 3H
Bear KompleX Carbon Grips
Grip Variants: Bear KompleX Carbon Comp Hand Grips, Bear KompleX Carbon No Hole Speed Grips
Athletes Using This Grip: Alexis Raptis, Mat Fraser
Pros:
• Patented carbon fiber grips work exceptionally well on slick and powder-coated bars
• Durable triple stitching and lightweight, sticky carbon fiber
• Comfortable wrist strap that doesn’t dig in
Cons:
• No-hole design may be less secure for athletes who prefer finger anchoring
• Carbon material may feel stiff for some athletes
Bear KompleX Pinnacle Grips
Grip Variants: Bear KompleX No Hole Pinnacle Speed Grips
Athletes Using This Grip: Rich Froning
Pros:
• Single-layer microfiber is breathable, chalk-compatible, and highly durable
• Doesn’t stretch much over time, maintaining consistent support
• Excels in all conditions, including humid climates and powder-coated bars
Cons:
• Microfiber feel may not be preferred by those who like a tackier grip
• More minimal feel may sacrifice some cushioning
Element 26 Vise Grips by Scott Panchik
Grip Variants: Isocomp Hand Grips
Athletes Using This Grip: James Sprague
Pros:
• Dual-layer microfiber offers instant comfort and durability
• Strong wrist support with a neoprene pad
• No break-in period; competition-ready
Cons:
• 3-hole design not ideal for athletes who prefer fingerless styles
• Thicker material may reduce bar feedback
FROG Grips Base Grips
Grip Variants: FROG Grips Base Grips 2.0
Athletes Using This Grip: Austin Hatfield, Colten Mertens, Jayson Hopper
Pros:
• New Block Fibre improves grip and chalk retention
• Softer, more pliable feel with better comfort around finger holes
• Available in a variety of styles and colors
Cons:
• Less wrist padding than other premium options
• Still developing durability reputation with the new material
FROG Grips Elite 4.0 Finger Holes
Grip Variants: FROG Grips Elite 4.0 Finger Holes
Athletes Using This Grip: Emily Rolfe, Tia-Clair Toomey
Pros:
• Hypalon with Kevlar backing: elite grip and durability
• Hybrid wrist support (between OG and HD) for balanced comfort
• 3-layer tech = maximum grip + protection
Cons:
• Hybrid width may still not satisfy users who want max or minimal wrist coverage
• Chalk-free grip may not perform well for chalk-preferred users
FROG Grips Elite Grips 4.0
Grip Variants: OG and HD (pictured)
Athletes Using This Grip: Grace Walton
Pros:
• HD = Heavy Duty wrist support and wide hand coverage
• Super grippy hypalon/kevlar/microfiber 3-layer tech
• Chalk-free use, excellent for slippery bars
Cons:
• Bulkier wrist design may be restrictive for some
• Higher wrist support may interfere with wrist flexion
PICSIL Falcon Grips 3H
Grip Variants: PICSIL Falcon Grips 2H
Athletes Using This Grip: Emma Lawson
Pros:
• 3-hole design with carbon fiber for strength and grip
• Soft inner lining reduces friction and increases comfort
• Lightweight yet durable
Cons:
• Works best with chalk; performance may drop without it
• Fixed size/fit may not be ideal for everyone
PICSIL Falcon Grips No Holes
Grip Variants: PICSIL Falcon Grips No Holes
Athletes Using This Grip: Aimee Cringle, Jeffrey Adler
Pros:
• No-hole design offers quick on/off and freer transitions
• Same durable carbon fiber and soft inner lining as 3H
• Slightly thicker (2.4mm) for more protection
Cons:
• No-hole style lacks finger anchoring, which some athletes prefer
• Slightly thicker may reduce bar feel for minimalists
RX Smart Gear Alec Smith Grips 2.0
Grip Variants: RX Smart Gear Alec Smith Grips 2.0
Athletes Using This Grip: Dani Speegle, Danielle Brandon
Pros:
• Designed for smooth transitions with flap-over feature
• Neoprene wrist padding for extra comfort
• Made in the USA
Cons:
• May not offer as much grip on powder-coated bars
• Natural fibers may wear faster than synthetic
RX Smart Gear Alec Smith HD Grips
Grip Variants: RX Smart Gear Alec Smith HD Grips
Athletes Using This Grip: Dallin Pepper, Laura Horvath
Pros:
• Thicker leather for bigger athletes (200+ lbs)
• Flexible flap gives full-hand protection
• Same premium design as other Alec Smith grips
Cons:
• Bulkier and heavier — may feel clumsy for smaller athletes
• Leather can stretch or require break-in
STMN Hand Grips SYNTH Free
Grip Variants: STMN Hand Grips SYNTH Free
Athletes Using This Grip: Abigail Domit, Haley Adams
Pros:
• Soft and porous synthetic leather; vegan and washable
• Ideal for rough surfaces and chalk use
• Excellent absorption and grip on ropes, KBs, and DBs
Cons:
• May wear faster than natural leather under extreme volume
• Less effective without chalk
Victory Grips X2 3-FC
Grip Variants: Victory Grips Women’s X2 3-FC
Athletes Using This Grip: Alex Gazan, Arielle Loewen, Brooke Wells, Paige Semenza, Justin Medeiros
Pros:
• Top performer in hot and humid conditions
• Excellent protection and bar feel via compressible X2 material
• V-Series wrist strap distributes force evenly
Cons:
• Performs best with chalk; less ideal for chalk-free athletes
• May feel soft/squishy for those wanting more rigidity
Finding the right grips can take some trial and error, but seeing what the pros use is a great place to start. We’ll keep this list updated as new competitions roll out and new grip tech hits the scene, so check back anytime you’re ready to upgrade.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best grips for CrossFit?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but some of the most popular CrossFit 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 CrossFit 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 CrossFit 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.