Choosing your first gymnastics grip for bars can feel confusing because there are several products that sit somewhere between bare hands and a full specialist grip setup.
The most important rule is simple: use the type and size your coach recommends for your level and discipline.
Start by understanding the different products
Wristbands are soft fabric bands worn around the wrist, often beneath suitable grips.
Bar gloves provide a fabric layer over more of the hand.
Gymnastics grips are specialist hand equipment designed for apparatus such as bars or rings, depending on discipline and design.
Our wristbands, bar gloves and grips guide explains these differences in more detail.
When are grips introduced?
There is no universal age or training-hour rule. Some gymnasts move into specialist grips earlier than others depending on the skills they are learning, their hand size, their programme and their coach's preference.
Do not buy grips just because another gymnast in the group has them.
Fit matters
Always use the manufacturer's sizing guide and ask the coach to check the fit before the gymnast trains in a new pair. A grip that is incorrectly sized can move, feel uncomfortable or interfere with normal bar work.
Do grips replace chalk?
Not necessarily. Chalk and grips do different jobs. Gymnasts may use chalk with grips depending on the apparatus, grip type and club practice.
If chalk is part of your setup, ChalkBuddy® is designed to keep standard block chalk protected and organised in the kit bag.
You can also read our beginner guide to gymnastics chalk.
What about bar gloves?
Gymatics® Bar Gloves are cotton hand protection and are different from dowel grips or leather grips. They may suit some gymnasts as a simple form of protection, but the coach should still guide what is appropriate.
What about wristbands?
Gymatics® extra-wide wristbands can be worn beneath suitable grips to provide a soft layer around the wrist.
Check the whole bar setup
Before training, make sure grips, gloves, wristbands and any other equipment are clean, dry and in good condition. Worn stitching, damaged straps or a poor fit are reasons to stop and check the equipment.
For a fuller routine, see our gymnastics hand care for bars guide.
The best first grip is the right one for the gymnast
Do not choose based on what looks most advanced. Choose the setup that fits correctly, matches the programme and has the coach's approval.
