Gymnastics hand grips protect the palm and fingers from the tearing, ripping, and blistering that bar work and ring work cause without protection. At beginner levels, dowel grips or simple leather guards reduce friction damage while allowing the gymnast to build hand conditioning gradually. At elite levels, properly fitted dowel grips with the correct leather thickness, dowel size, and wrist buckle become essential equipment that can affect swing mechanics and release skills.
This guide reviews seven of the best gymnastics hand grips and guards, covering beginner-appropriate finger guards, intermediate dowel grips, and professional-grade options. We evaluate leather quality, buckle durability, dowel placement, wrist support, and how each grip performs across bar work, rings, and parallel bars.
Quick Comparison: Best Gymnastics Hand Grips and Guards (2026)
| Product | Category | Rating | Best For | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reisport Hook and Loop Women’s Gymnastics Dowel Grips | Best Overall | ⭐ 4.7/5 | Intermediate to advanced gymnasts who want professional-grade dowel grips for uneven bars | Check Price |
| US Glove Women’s Gymnastics Dowel Grips Buckle | Best for Intermediate | ⭐ 4.5/5 | Club-level gymnasts who want dependable dowel grips with buckle closure | Check Price |
| Gibson & Barnes Gymnastics Dowel Grips Junior | Best for Young Gymnasts | ⭐ 4.4/5 | Junior gymnasts (ages 6–12) beginning dowel grip use for the first time | Check Price |
| Bailie Gymnastics Dowel Grips Professional Grade | Best Professional Grade | ⭐ 4.6/5 | High school and college gymnasts who want professional construction for competitive use | Check Price |
| Palmer Gymnastics Velcro Dowel Grips Women’s | Best Value | ⭐ 4.3/5 | Recreational and club gymnasts who want solid dowel grips at an accessible price | Check Price |
| Gymnastics Evolution Girls Beginner Finger Guards | Best for Beginners | ⭐ 4.3/5 | Beginning gymnasts not yet ready for dowel grips who need basic skin protection | Check Price |
| Nathan Sports Wristband Grip Gymnastics Multi-Sport | Best Multi-Sport | ⭐ 4.2/5 | Recreational athletes who need grip aids for gymnastics, cheerleading, and pole fitness | Check Price |
Detailed Reviews
1. Reisport Hook and Loop Women’s Gymnastics Dowel Grips
Best for: Intermediate to advanced gymnasts who want professional-grade dowel grips for uneven bars | ⭐ 4.7/5
Reisport is the grip brand most trusted by elite gymnasts and their coaches — the leather quality, dowel placement, and construction represent the benchmark that other grip manufacturers are measured against. The hook-and-loop (Velcro) wrist closure allows rapid adjustment and secure fit across training sessions, and the leather is substantial enough to provide significant friction reduction without being so thick that bar feel is lost. The dowel sits in precisely the right position relative to the grip’s finger holes to create the bar pocket that enables clean kip casts and release skills. Gymnasts who upgrade from cheaper grips to Reisport consistently report an immediate improvement in bar confidence and skin protection.
Pros
- ✓ Elite-standard leather quality trusted by professional gymnasts worldwide
- ✓ Hook-and-loop closure allows rapid adjustment and reliable secure fit
- ✓ Dowel positioned precisely for clean kip casts and advanced release skills
Cons
- ✗ Premium price reflects elite-level manufacturing — above recreational gymnast needs
- ✗ Requires proper break-in period before the leather conforms to the individual hand
2. US Glove Women’s Gymnastics Dowel Grips Buckle
Best for: Club-level gymnasts who want dependable dowel grips with buckle closure | ⭐ 4.5/5
US Glove is the most widely used grip brand in American club gymnastics, trusted by coaches for its consistent quality, reliable buckle hardware, and leather that balances protection with sufficient bar feel for developing gymnasts. The traditional buckle closure provides the same precise fit adjustment session after session without the Velcro wear that affects hook-and-loop closures over time. The dowel size options (three widths from junior through senior) allow gymnasts to choose the dowel that matches their current skill level and hand size. Coaches who order grips for entire teams consistently specify US Glove for its predictable quality and availability of all sizes.
Pros
- ✓ US Glove consistency trusted by American club gymnastics coaches for team ordering
- ✓ Traditional buckle closure provides precise fit that holds without Velcro wear
- ✓ Multiple dowel size options allow matching to gymnast’s level and hand proportion
Cons
- ✗ Buckle adjustment takes longer than hook-and-loop alternatives between sessions
- ✗ Leather requires similar break-in time to other premium grips before full protection
3. Gibson & Barnes Gymnastics Dowel Grips Junior
Best for: Junior gymnasts (ages 6–12) beginning dowel grip use for the first time | ⭐ 4.4/5
Gibson & Barnes produces grips specifically proportioned for junior gymnasts whose smaller hands and developing bar skills require different sizing than adult grips. The narrower palm, shorter finger holes, and smaller dowel create a grip that actually fits a child’s hand correctly — rather than an adult grip that a child awkwardly adapts to. The leather weight is appropriate for junior bar work (kips, clear hips, cast handstands) without being so stiff that a young gymnast cannot properly close the hand around the bar. Coaches working with Level 3–6 gymnasts who are just beginning grip use will find the Gibson & Barnes the safest and most appropriately proportioned option for young athletes.
Pros
- ✓ Junior proportions sized specifically for young gymnasts’ smaller hands
- ✓ Narrower palm and shorter finger holes fit correctly without adult-grip adaptation
- ✓ Leather weight appropriate for Level 3-6 junior bar skills
Cons
- ✗ Outgrown as hands grow — need to reassess sizing annually for developing gymnasts
- ✗ Junior proportions inappropriate for adult recreational gymnasts of any skill level
4. Bailie Gymnastics Dowel Grips Professional Grade
Best for: High school and college gymnasts who want professional construction for competitive use | ⭐ 4.6/5
Bailie is the grip manufacturer trusted by many NCAA gymnastics programs — the leather is competition-grade, the dowel construction handles the forces generated by elite swing mechanics, and the finish is refined enough that judges and coaches do not visually distinguish them from the highest-end alternatives. The wrist support built into the grip provides additional injury prevention during the high-load positions of giants and release skills, and the palm leather thickness provides genuine skin protection through the volume of bar repetitions that competitive training demands. High school Level 8–10 gymnasts and NCAA competitors who have outgrown club-level grips will find the Bailie the natural next step.
Pros
- ✓ Competition-grade leather trusted by NCAA gymnastics programs
- ✓ Enhanced wrist support construction addresses high-load giant bar positions
- ✓ Professional finish appropriate for competitive settings at high school and college level
Cons
- ✗ Professional price appropriate for competitive level — not recreational gymnasts
- ✗ Construction optimized for high-skill bar work — less benefit at lower skill levels
5. Palmer Gymnastics Velcro Dowel Grips Women’s
Best for: Recreational and club gymnasts who want solid dowel grips at an accessible price | ⭐ 4.3/5
Palmer’s velcro-closure dowel grips provide the core functionality of a proper gymnastics grip — friction reduction, bar pocket creation, skin protection — at a price that makes sense for recreational gymnasts and families whose children are in early club levels before competitive commitment is established. The leather quality is adequate for the skill levels at which most recreational gymnasts train, the velcro closure provides fast adjustment between events, and the construction holds through a typical 6–9 month season without delaminating or buckle failure. Palmer is not a competition choice, but for its intended audience it delivers honest, reliable value.
Pros
- ✓ Accessible price for recreational gymnasts before competitive commitment is established
- ✓ Core grip functionality — friction reduction, pocket formation, skin protection — reliably delivered
- ✓ Velcro closure provides fast adjustment between bar, beam, and floor rotation
Cons
- ✗ Leather quality below professional-grade alternatives — not for Level 7+ competitive use
- ✗ Velcro wears over time — may need replacement after a full competitive season
6. Gymnastics Evolution Girls Beginner Finger Guards
Best for: Beginning gymnasts not yet ready for dowel grips who need basic skin protection | ⭐ 4.3/5
Before gymnasts are ready for dowel grips, finger guards provide basic palm protection during the early phase of bar skill development — protecting the skin from friction damage without the bulk and positioning requirements of full dowel grips. The Gymnastics Evolution finger guards are simple, leather or synthetic palm pieces with individual finger loops that hold them in position during bar work. They allow the hand to close naturally around the bar without modification, which is important for beginning gymnasts still developing the fundamental bar skill patterns that dowel grips are designed to assist at higher levels. Coaches typically specify finger guards for students in their first year of bar training.
Pros
- ✓ Appropriate protection level for beginning gymnasts not yet ready for dowel grips
- ✓ Allows natural hand closure around the bar without grip bulk or modification
- ✓ Low price appropriate for a beginner phase product that is soon outgrown
Cons
- ✗ Outgrown quickly — most gymnasts transition to dowel grips within 1-2 years of bar training
- ✗ Provides less protection than dowel grips during higher-volume training sessions
7. Nathan Sports Wristband Grip Gymnastics Multi-Sport
Best for: Recreational athletes who need grip aids for gymnastics, cheerleading, and pole fitness | ⭐ 4.2/5
Nathan Sports’ grip accessory bridges gymnastics, cheerleading, and pole fitness — sports that all involve gripping a bar or pole overhead and all benefit from friction reduction between the palm and the apparatus. The construction is simpler than dedicated gymnastics dowel grips, making it more appropriate for recreational and fitness contexts than competitive gymnastics. The wristband construction provides some wrist support during overhead work, and the grip material reduces the callus and blister formation that comes from regular bar and pole work without protection. Adults in fitness pole classes, cheerleading programs, and recreational gymnastics will find this grip an accessible protective option.
Pros
- ✓ Bridges gymnastics, cheerleading, and pole fitness — versatile multi-sport application
- ✓ Simpler construction appropriate for fitness and recreational contexts
- ✓ Wristband provides basic wrist support during overhead bar and pole work
Cons
- ✗ Not appropriate for competitive gymnastics — lacks dowel placement for bar skill development
- ✗ Simpler construction less protective under competitive-level training volumes
Buying Guide: What to Look for
Choosing gymnastics grips requires matching the type and grade of grip to the gymnast’s level and apparatus:
- Finger Guards vs. Dowel Grips: Finger guards are for beginning gymnasts. Dowel grips are for gymnasts who have developed basic bar skills (kip, clear hip) and need the bar pocket that a dowel creates to advance technically.
- Dowel Size: Small dowels suit gymnasts in earlier skill development; larger dowels suit advanced gymnasts performing giants and release skills. Your coach should specify the correct dowel size — using too large a dowel before the skills require it is counterproductive.
- Wrist Closure: Buckle closures are more durable over time; hook-and-loop (Velcro) closures are faster to adjust but wear out sooner. Both work well — choose based on how often you adjust during practice.
- Breaking In: All leather grips require break-in. Coaches typically have a specific break-in protocol — rolling the grip around a bar, stretching with hands, and controlled progressive use. Never use new grips for the first time in competition.
- Sizing: Grip sizing is based on hand measurements, typically from the middle finger tip to the base of the palm. Always check the brand’s sizing chart — sizing varies between manufacturers.
Frequently Asked Questions
At what gymnastics level should I start using grips?
Most coaches introduce dowel grips when gymnasts begin working on back hip circles and mill circles — typically around Level 3–4 in the USAG structure. The specific timing depends on the gymnast’s hand development and the coach’s philosophy. Finger guards may be used earlier for basic skin protection.
How do I know what grip size I need?
Measure from the base of the palm to the tip of the middle finger. Compare this measurement to the brand’s size chart. Grips should be snug enough that the finger holes hold the grip in place without being so tight that blood flow is restricted.
How do I break in new gymnastics grips?
The standard break-in protocol varies by coach, but typically involves: rolling the grips around a bar dowel for several sessions, stretching the leather by pulling the finger holes, and using the grips during warm-up bar work only (not skills) for the first 2–3 sessions. Never debut new grips in competition.
How often should gymnastics grips be replaced?
This depends on training volume. Most club gymnasts training 12–15 hours per week replace grips every 6–12 months. Signs of replacement include leather thinning to the point of reduced protection, buckle or velcro failure, or cracking along the dowel fold line.
Can I use gymnastics grips for rock climbing or weightlifting?
Gymnastics grips are specifically designed for the smooth bar surfaces of gymnastics apparatus. They are not designed for the textured holds of rock climbing or the specific hand positioning of weightlifting. Those activities have their own appropriate grip accessories.
Final Verdict
For competitive gymnasts at Level 7 and above, Reisport or Bailie grips are the professional-standard choice whose quality justifies the investment. Club gymnasts at Levels 4–6 will find US Glove the most trusted and teacher-recommended option for their level. Junior gymnasts just beginning grip use should start with Gibson & Barnes’ junior-proportioned design. Beginning gymnasts not yet at the dowel grip stage should use simple finger guards. Recreational gymnasts and those in fitness contexts will find Palmer or Nathan Sports provide adequate protection without the professional-level investment.