Best CrossFit Grips for Pull-Ups

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Quick answer: The Victory X2 Freedom is our best overall pick for chalked, high-volume pull-up work. Choose the Victory Conquer Freedom if your gym limits chalk or has powder-coated bars. The JerkFit WODies make the most sense if you want full-palm coverage and built-in wrist support in one piece.

A grip that works brilliantly on one rig can feel slick on another. Start with the bar surface and your gym's chalk rules, not the logo.

Best CrossFit grips at a glance

Material guidance is based on current manufacturer descriptions. Victory's grip-material guide explains its current chalk and surface recommendations; always recheck the model-specific size chart before ordering.

1. Victory X2 Freedom - best overall

The X2 Freedom is the strongest all-around choice for athletes who regularly use chalk and accumulate a lot of hanging volume. Victory describes its X2 material as soft and vegan, with a 2.2 mm starting thickness that compresses with use. The fingerless Freedom shape also makes it quick to move between the rig, barbell and dumbbells.

Best for: Chalked pull-up bars, high-volume pull-ups and toes-to-bar, and athletes who prioritize protection.

Why it stands out: It combines substantial coverage with a fast fingerless design. That is useful in mixed-modal workouts where you cannot spend time threading fingers in and out of holes.

Skip it if: Your gym does not allow chalk, or its bar coating already feels slick with chalk. The Conquer material below is designed for that situation.

See Victory X2 Freedom options →

2. Victory Conquer Freedom - best for no-chalk gyms

The Conquer Freedom is the more logical choice when chalk is unavailable or counterproductive. Victory currently positions the Conquer Freedom for use with or without chalk and for a wide range of bar surfaces. Like the X2 Freedom, it is fingerless for faster transitions.

Best for: Powder-coated rigs, chalk-restricted gyms and humid or sweaty sessions.

Why it stands out: It solves a different problem than the X2. Instead of assuming more chalk is always better, its material is intended to grip without it.

Skip it if: You train primarily on a well-chalked bar and already know you prefer a chalk-dependent grip material.

See Victory Conquer Freedom options →

3. JerkFit WODies - best for full-palm coverage and wrist support

WODies combine a three-finger palm protector with an integrated wrist wrap. JerkFit says the flexible design is made to move from pull-up work to a barbell without removal, and the fabric is machine washable. This is the most distinct option here: it is closer to a grip-and-wrap hybrid than a minimalist gymnastics grip.

Best for: Full-palm protection, athletes who like integrated wrist support and workouts that alternate between the rig and a barbell.

Why it stands out: The coverage and built-in wrap reduce the need to manage two separate accessories.

Skip it if: You want the strongest possible dowel effect, a minimalist feel or completely unrestricted wrist movement.

See JerkFit WODies options →

Do not confuse gymnastics grips with thumb tape: gymnastics grips protect the palm during pull-ups and other hanging work, while hook-grip tape protects the thumb where it contacts a barbell. For Olympic lifts, see our guide to choosing hook grip tape.

Best grips for pull-ups: how to match the grip to the bar

Match the material to the bar

A rough steel bar, smooth powder-coated bar and heavily chalked gym rig do not create the same friction. If possible, identify your usual bar coating before buying. Chalk-friendly material is not automatically the best choice on a no-chalk or slick powder-coated setup.

Choose fingerless or finger-hole grips

Fingerless grips are fast: flip them over the bar for pull-ups, then move them out of the way for the next movement. Finger-hole grips stay located on the hand and can create a pronounced fold, or dowel, between the palm and bar. Neither design is universally better; speed favors fingerless grips, while some athletes prefer the more anchored feel of finger holes.

Prioritize correct sizing

Do not assume your glove size. Brands use different hand measurements, and the intended length can vary by grip style. Measure exactly where the manufacturer's current size chart instructs, then recheck before ordering. A grip that is too short may not form the intended fold; one that is too large can bunch unpredictably.

Decide how much wrist structure you want

Most gymnastics grips use a wrist strap to anchor the palm material, but that does not make them a substitute for a dedicated lifting wrap. If heavy pressing is the main problem, see our guide to wrist wraps for functional fitness. If torn palms during hanging work are the problem, start with grips.

Grips do not replace good pull-up setup

Grips can reduce friction on your skin and improve contact with the bar, but they cannot fix a loose doorway bar, poor mounting or a bar that does not match your space. Training at home? Compare the best doorway pull-up bars before adding high-rep kipping work.

If you are building a broader setup, our home gym equipment guide prioritizes the few pieces that unlock the most useful workouts.

Preparing for Murph or other loaded pull-up workouts? Pair the right grip setup with our weighted-vest guide for CrossFit and Murph, which compares stability, loading style and movement tradeoffs.

How to reduce torn hands

• Stop a set when a hot spot develops instead of waiting for the skin to separate.
• Keep calluses smooth rather than letting thick edges catch on the bar.
• Use only the amount of chalk your grip material and bar require.
• Build hanging volume gradually, especially after time away from pull-ups.
• Let grips dry fully after training and follow the manufacturer's care directions.

For workouts that pair well with a pull-up setup, start with our collection of bodyweight WODs.

Frequently asked questions

Are fingerless CrossFit grips better?

Fingerless grips are usually faster during transitions and easy to flip away from the palm. Finger-hole grips feel more anchored and may create a stronger dowel effect. The better choice depends on your preferred feel and workout style.

Should grips be tight or loose?

The wrist attachment should be secure without cutting off circulation, while the palm section needs enough length to work as the manufacturer intends. Because sizing methods differ, use the current chart for the exact model rather than relying on a general glove size.

Do you use chalk with gymnastics grips?

It depends on the material and bar. Victory recommends chalk with its X2 material and positions Conquer for no-chalk use. Follow the grip maker's guidance and your gym's rules.

Can grips prevent every hand tear?

No. Grips can reduce direct friction, but excessive volume, thick calluses, moisture and poor technique can still cause tears. Treat developing hot spots as a reason to stop or scale the set.

Can I use gymnastics grips on a doorway pull-up bar?

Usually, provided the bar is securely installed and the grip material works with its coating. Many doorway bars are intended for strict movements; do not kip unless the bar and mounting method explicitly support that use.

Selection is based on current manufacturer specifications, intended use and comparative fit, not a claim that WOD Fever personally tested every model. Product specifications, prices and availability can change; verify the current listing and size chart before buying.

CrossFit is a registered trademark of CrossFit, LLC. WOD Fever is not affiliated with or endorsed by CrossFit, LLC.

For workouts that also include rope climbs, hand grips do not protect your lower legs. See our guide to choosing shin guards for rope climbs for fit and coverage options.