Gymnastics grips are pieces of protective leather, worn on the hands of gymnasts while they perform on bars. They are attached at the wrist, lay over the palm of the hand, and secure to the fingers using finger holes. 

Grips are used to help the gymnast grip the bar during routines. They also protect the palm of the gymnast’s hands, to prevent blisters or “rips”. Rips are friction injuries where the outer layers of skin tears away from the hand. 

Female gymnasts use grips on the Uneven Bars, and there are two kinds of grips for women to choose from: dowel grips and non-dowel grips. Men use grips for Rings, High Bar and Parallel Bars, and they all differ from the women’s gymnastics grips that we talk about here. Leviero currently focuses on women’s gymnastics grips.

Dowel grips are generally used by competitive gymnasts of all levels to support their grip, and to protect their hands. The dowel of the grip is a small rod positioned on each grip near the gymnast’s fingers, that helps provide a better grip on the bar. Beginner gymnasts don’t need this type of grip, and generally choose a non-dowel, simple grip to avoid getting rips and tears.

Grips are secured around the wrist with either a buckle or hook and loop wrist strap. The choice of buckle versus hook & loop grips is a personal preference. Hook and loop (Velcro) grips tend to be more popular among beginner to mid-level gymnasts. They are easier to put on and can be adjusted easily to suit your wrist. Buckle grips, however, can offer more wrist support and will give you piece of mind that they won’t come undone, which is why many high-level gymnasts prefer buckle grips for high-level skills.

When a gymnast first starts her gymnastics journey, she will likely need some beginner gymnastics grips to protect her hands on the bars. Once she becomes a mid-level gymnast, she might want a narrow leather dowel grip that is easy to break in and still provides a good feel for the bar. As she becomes a high-level gymnast, she will most likely want a wider leather dowel grip that will be able to hold up during advanced skills. We can help you find the right gymnastics grip for you.

Gymnastics grips are pieces of protective leather, worn on the hands of gymnasts while they perform on bars. They are attached at the wrist, lay over the palm of the hand, and secure to the fingers using finger holes. 

Grips are used to help the gymnast grip the bar during routines. They also protect the palm of the gymnast’s hands, to prevent blisters or “rips”. Rips are friction injuries where the outer layers of skin tears away from the hand. 

Female gymnasts use grips on the Uneven Bars, and there are two kinds of grips for women to choose from: dowel grips and non-dowel grips. Men use grips for Rings, High Bar and Parallel Bars, and they all differ from the women’s gymnastics grips that we talk about here. Leviero currently focuses on women’s gymnastics grips.

Dowel grips are generally used by competitive gymnasts of all levels to support their grip, and to protect their hands. The dowel of the grip is a small rod positioned on each grip near the gymnast’s fingers, that helps provide a better grip on the bar. Beginner gymnasts don’t need this type of grip, and generally choose a non-dowel, simple grip to avoid getting rips and tears.

Grips are secured around the wrist with either a buckle or hook and loop wrist strap. The choice of buckle versus hook & loop grips is a personal preference. Hook and loop (Velcro) grips tend to be more popular among beginner to mid-level gymnasts. They are easier to put on and can be adjusted easily to suit your wrist. Buckle grips, however, can offer more wrist support and will give you piece of mind that they won’t come undone, which is why many high-level gymnasts prefer buckle grips for high-level skills.

When a gymnast first starts her gymnastics journey, she will likely need some beginner gymnastics grips to protect her hands on the bars. Once she becomes a mid-level gymnast, she might want a narrow leather dowel grip that is easy to break in and still provides a good feel for the bar. As she becomes a high-level gymnast, she will most likely want a wider leather dowel grip that will be able to hold up during advanced skills. We can help you find the right gymnastics grip for you.

Deciding whether or not you should start using grips is something that is usually discussed with your coach. If you’re starting your gymnastics journey and learning skills on bars, it’s a good idea to speak with your coach about the style of grips that might be best for you.

When you’re ready to start using grips, it’s important to consider whether you are going to get non-dowel or dowel grips first. If you choose dowel grips, you’ll then need to consider the shape of the grip, and whether you will choose buckle grips or Velcro grips.

Non-Dowel Beginner Grips 

Leviero Palmies Non-Dowel Grips

If you are a beginner gymnast practicing basic bar skills, then you will need a non-dowel beginner grip. They are smaller and thinner than dowel grips, to help you get used to using grips to protect your hands and improve your grip on the bar. These grips cover only the palm of the hand and have two holes for your fingers. The hook and loop wrist straps are easy to use for beginners.   

Dowel Gymnastics Grips

Dowel grips come in different styles —there is usually a narrow style and a standard/straight style for dowel grips. And there is a choice between hook and loop (Velcro) wrist straps or buckle style straps. These grips come in a longer style and the finger holes are worn at the first knuckle of the middle fingers.

Leviero Narrow Nippers Dowel Grips

If this is your first time getting a pair of dowel grips, and you are a gymnast with small hands, you might want to consider the Leviero Narrow Nippers grips with the hook and loop straps, as they are easy to put on and take off. They are a great first pair of dowel grips because they are narrower than a standard grip. The leather is easy to break in, and they let the gymnast keep more of their hand on the bar so they can feel their swing.

Leviero Narrow Squeeze Dowel Grips

Leviero Squeeze dowel grips are also great for beginners. They are narrower than a standard grip, with soft leather, but they come with double-buckle straps for those who prefer buckles.

Leviero Swing Velcro Dowel Grips

These are our most popular grips, as they can be used by any level of gymnast from low to advanced levels. These grips come as a standard width, have hook and loop wrist straps, are soft and comfortable, and come in three great colors. They are easy to break in and allow a good feel for the bar.

Leviero Elite Buckle Dowel Grips

Our Elite grips are the most popular choice for higher level gymnasts, as they are standard width, come in a soft, durable leather and have a double-buckle wrist strap. They also come in a range of colors and allow for a good feel for the bar.

Leviero gymnastics grips come in sizes 000-3 for dowel grips, and Small-Extra Large for non-dowel grips. Please be sure to use the right sizing chart for the right grip type. With dowel grips, measure from the tip of the middle finger to the bottom of the palm (at the wrist line). Look this measurement up on the sizing chart. 

Non-dowel grips measure from the base of the finger to the bottom of the palm (wrist line), as they are worn only on the palm. Check the relevant sizing chart.

The finger holes will come relatively small and then you will need to widen them to achieve your perfect, snug fit. To widen them, use sandpaper wrapped around a pencil and turn inside each finger hole. Take care not make the finger holes too big because the leather will stretch over time.

When you first get your grips, make sure you take some time to get used to wearing them. Break them in by doing some simple skills, or swinging on the bars. Breaking them in helps to get the leather molded to your hand whilst on the bar. Leviero grips require very little breaking-in time, as they are made with a unique, soft leather. 

Try not to use too much chalk or water on your grips; this can make them wear out faster. You may want to use a grip brush on the surface of the leather occasionally, if it gets too smooth and chalky. If your grips get too smooth, it could cause you to slip on the bar.

It’s also a good idea to have a back-up pair of ‘broken-in’ grips during competitions, in case one pair breaks.

Wristbands

You will need to wear wristbands with your grips, to prevent chafing on your wrists. There are two primary types of wristbands – cotton sweatbands and neoprene wristbands. Choosing which style is a personal preference based on comfort. However, neoprene wristbands tend to slip less and last longer than cotton wristbands. Leviero grips come with wristbands in a convenient carry bag.

Carry Bag

It is always handy to keep your grips and wristbands together in a carry bag for safe-keeping. Leviero grips come to you in carry bag with a pair of wristbands, so you have everything that you need from the start. A mesh carry bag allows airflow through the bag, so that sweaty grips and wristbands have a chance to dry out and not become too smelly 😉

Deciding on the best gymnastics grips for you is a process that takes some research, consideration for style and type (based on your level of experience) and some trial and error. Selecting the right size is also important to ensuring a good fit and for your comfort and safety.

The bottom line is that your grips should feel good to you and fit properly so that you are comfortable using them.

If you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.