Which grips do you need for maximum performance and protection?
CrossFit is one of the most challenging training forms and is known for the high strain it places on your hands. Whether you do muscle-ups, pull-ups, toes-to-bar, or snatches, your skin is continuously put to the test. Blisters, tears, and calluses are common complaints among CrossFitters. ZEUZ grips are specially designed hand protectors for CrossFitters that not only protect your hands but also enhance your grip, performance, and even your hygiene.
What are grips and what are they for?
CrossFit grips are protectors that you simply wear around your wrist with a Velcro closure; the protective part covers your palm, often with or without finger holes. They are made from various materials such as leather, synthetic leather, microfiber, or carbon fiber. The purpose of ZEUZ grips: to protect your palms from blisters and tears caused by repetitive movements on a rig, barbell, or gym rings. By adding an extra protective layer, there is less friction damage and you maintain a strong grip longer. This allows you to do bigger sets, improve your technique, and build more confidence, especially in heavy workouts. Good grips are indispensable for every CrossFit athlete, from beginner to RX’er.
The benefits of ZEUZ grips during a CrossFit workout
ZEUZ grips offer a range of benefits that contribute to a better training experience and performance.
- Full-time protection: The main reason is protection against blisters, cracks, and painful tears. Especially in combined workouts with many pull-ups, toes-to-bar, or kettlebells.
- Better grip, less slip: Especially with sweaty hands or slippery bars, you prevent slipping, which avoids injuries and increases confidence.
- Train longer: Less hand damage means more training volume and thus progress. Injured hands are the most common reason to have to adjust or interrupt workouts.
- Perform more efficiently: During high-rep sets or competition elements, grips ensure continuity in movement; you don’t have to step off or reapply chalk.
- Train with more confidence: The certainty that your hands are protected gives you the freedom to try new skills or follow more intensive schedules.
- Hygienic advantage: Especially in gyms where many different athletes train, you protect your hands against bacteria and dirt on the equipment.
Recent studies show that CrossFit athletes with ZEUZ grips perform significantly more reps in their workouts compared to athletes without grips. A crucial factor if you want to improve your pull-up or muscle-up records.
What types of CrossFit grips are there?
There are various types of CrossFit grips on the market, each with specific characteristics and target groups.
- Grips with finger holes (‘fingerhole grips’): This classic model has two or three holes for your fingers and offers a lot of stability, especially when hanging for a long time on a rig or during heavy sets. They are favored by athletes who want maximum contact with the bar.
- Fingerless grips crossfit: Increasingly popular among both recreational and competitive athletes. They cover the palm without finger openings, allowing you to quickly switch between exercises without taking off your grips. This is ideal during WODs (Workouts Of the Day) with a lot of variation between rig and barbell.
- Material choice: Leather is very durable and molds to the hand, microfiber is light and wicks sweat quickly, carbon grips crossfit are extremely wear-resistant and offer a lot of grip (even without chalk). There are also combinations of these, depending on your preference and type of workout.
- Grips with wrist support: Some models offer extra padding or reinforcement around the wrist, which is especially appreciated during heavy lifts or double unders.
Depending on your hand type, training volume, and personal preference, you choose the model that best fits your training.
Carbon grips CrossFit: Top performance without chalk
Carbon grips have become indispensable in the world of functional training and competition. They are made from innovative fibers that are not only extremely wear-resistant but also provide enormous grip without the need for chalk. This is a huge revolution for gyms with strict chalk rules or when chalk is not available. Advantages of carbon grips:
- Maximum grip without chalk: Experienced athletes call it a 'gamechanger', especially with wet or sweaty hands the grip remains stable.
- Durability: In independent tests, carbon scores up to 300% longer lifespan than regular leather or microfiber.
- Hygienic: No chalk dust or residues in your clothes or lungs.
- Quick ready: No time lost re-chalking during a WOD.
Internationally established brands like ZEUZ release new carbon models almost annually. Among both RX competition athletes and recreational athletes, this subcategory is rapidly gaining ground.
Fingerless grips CrossFit: Fast transition & maximum freedom
Fingerless grips are designed without finger openings. This means they simply lie over your hand and you can easily and quickly take them on or off the bar during alternating exercises. Especially for CrossFit workouts with a lot of rig work (pull-ups, toes-to-bar, chest-to-bar) and alternations with barbell movements, these grips are ideal.
Are fingerless grips suitable for heavy workouts? Absolutely! Nowadays many top athletes consciously choose fingerless grips for speed, comfort, and excellent protection. It is important that you choose a brand that fits your hand well, because too wide fingerless grips can shift. Top models like ZEUZ Ultra+ Grips No Chalk excel in firmness and grip, even without chalk. In heavy competition WODs and qualifiers, fingerless grips are often chosen because of the time savings and light weight.
No Chalk Grips – The new standard within CrossFit
With the popularity of both carbon and ultra sticky microfiber, a new standard has emerged: crossfit grips no chalk. Athletes and coaches increasingly report that you don’t have to compromise on grip or safety when choosing quality 'no chalk' grips. On the contrary, consistency even improves because you don’t lose time grabbing chalk, and the air and equipment stay cleaner.
No chalk grips are extremely popular in international competitions where chalk use is limited due to hygiene and cleaning. Models like the ZEUZ Ultra+ No Chalk dominate the rankings worldwide. Users also report that these grips hardly degrade in quality even after many months of intensive use.
Best CrossFit Grips right now: Which are recommended?
Besides the wide range of different grips, the ZEUZ Ultra+ Grips score best in tests. They are used by many athletes during official CrossFit competitions and have also been voted the most comfortable grips at the moment. The sticky layer works even with sweaty hands, and especially in high-rep and interval WODs, it is the big favorite.
What do athletes and reviewers say about crossfit grips no chalk?
CrossFit athletes of all levels experience great benefits with the ZEUZ Ultra+ no chalk grips. Especially in gyms where chalk use is discouraged, carbon grips and ultra-sticky fingerless models have become the norm. According to leading sports platforms and experts, the Zeuz Ultra+ No Chalk offers the most consistent grip, regardless of sweaty or wet hands.
Note: the comfort of a grip remains very personal. Try different models, pay attention to size, and choose the material that fits your type of workouts and hand size.
What to look for when buying grips?
The choice of good grips depends on your hand size, the type of workouts, personal preference, and budget.
- Fit: A grip that is too large shifts, too small pinches. Especially with fingerless grips, the right size is essential.
- Material choice: Carbon grips crossfit last the longest and are ideal for no chalk training; leather molds nicely to the hand; microfiber is light and dries quickly.
- Use: Do you do a lot of pull-ups, muscle-ups, or toes-to-bar? Then choose sticky or fingerless grips. Lots of lifting? Consider grips with extra wrist support.
- Maintenance: Check if the grips are washable in the product description on the website.
- Price versus quality: More expensive models often last much longer (sometimes up to three times longer than cheap grips) and offer more stable performance throughout their lifespan.
Facts, figures & trends around CrossFit grips
Recent international user data shows:
- Over 85% of CrossFit athletes regularly use grips during workouts with extensive bar elements or heavy dumbbell/barbell exercises.
- Crossfit grips no chalk are the fastest growing category in 2024-2025, with the ZEUZ Ultra+ No Chalk as the absolute favorite worldwide.
- Fingerless grips are becoming increasingly popular within crossfit, especially because of speed and ease during workouts with many transitions.
- More and more boxes prohibit loose chalk use due to hygiene, making ‘no chalk grips’ indispensable.
Practical tips for use and maintenance of your CrossFit grips
- Always let your grips dry well after use to prevent mold, odors, and wear.
- Wash your grips according to advice; not every material is suitable for the washing machine. Clean carbon grips preferably with a damp cloth.
- Use grips only for rig or bar work to avoid excessive wear during other exercises.
- Replace grips timely when worn or losing grip; a torn or hard grip works counterproductive to your performance.
- Try different sizes and materials beforehand with friends in your box; the differences in fit and comfort are greater than you think!
Get your grips for CrossFit at ZEUZ!
CrossFit grips have become indispensable in every serious training in 2024-2025. They protect your hands, improve your performance, and provide maximum comfort and hygiene. No chalk models, especially carbon grips crossfit and fingerless grips crossfit, are the future and offer the most benefits in terms of ease of use and performance. Whether you are a beginner, recreational athlete, or (top) athlete, investing in good, fitting crossfit grips always pays off in progress and enjoyment. Don’t forget: try different types, pay attention to reviews, fit, and your personal training style to determine which grip variant supports you best!
