One of the biggest mistakes athletes make when buying CrossFit grips is choosing the wrong size.
If your grips are too small, they can feel tight and uncomfortable.
If they’re too large, they may bunch up or lose control on the bar.
That’s why proper hand measurement matters.
How to Measure Your Hand for Gymnastics Grips
To measure your hand:
- Open your hand flat
- Measure from the base of your palm to the base of your middle finger
- Do not include the fingers themselves in the measurement
- Compare your measurement to the grip sizing chart
Most athletes should measure their dominant hand for the best fit.
Should You Size Up or Down?
Never size down.
If you fall between sizes, always size up. A slightly larger grip will not hurt performance and usually feels more comfortable during workouts.
Grip sizes typically increase in small 1/4-inch increments, so the difference between sizes is minimal. Sizing up helps avoid a grip that feels too tight or restrictive during pull-ups, toes-to-bar, and bar muscle-ups.
Why Proper Grip Sizing Matters
The right grip size helps:
- improve control on the bar
- reduce slipping
- improve comfort
- reduce hand irritation
- improve bar muscle-up transitions
A properly fitted grip can completely change how your pull-ups, toes-to-bar, and gymnastics movements feel.
Iron Claw vs Iron X Sizing
At RBST Gear Co., both Iron Claw and Iron X grips are designed with a fingerless fit for modern CrossFit athletes.
All RBST GEAR CO grips are cut using the same sizing pattern, meaning the fit remains consistent across all grip models for the same size.
Iron Claw Grips
Best for:
- beginners
- intermediate athletes
- daily training
Iron X Grips
Best for:
- advanced athletes
- competitors
- high-volume gymnastics work
Both grips are designed to feel lightweight, secure, and comfortable during workouts.
Final Verdict
Before buying CrossFit grips:
- measure your hand correctly
- choose the right fit for your training style
- avoid guessing your size
The right grip size improves comfort, control, and confidence on the bar.
FAQ: How to Measure Your Hands for CrossFit Grips
1. How do I measure my hands for CrossFit grips?
Measure from the base of your palm to the base of your middle finger without including the fingers themselves.
2. Should I size up or size down for gymnastics grips?
Never size down. If you fall between sizes, always size up for a more comfortable fit.
3. Why should I size up on CrossFit grips?
Sizing up helps avoid grips feeling too tight or restrictive during pull-ups, toes-to-bar, and bar muscle-ups.
4. How much difference is there between grip sizes?
Most grip sizes increase in small 1/4-inch increments, so the difference between sizes is minimal.
5. Are all RBST GEAR CO grips sized the same?
Yes. All RBST GEAR CO grips use the same sizing pattern, providing consistent sizing across all grip models.
6. What happens if my grips are too small?
Grips that are too small may feel tight, uncomfortable, and restrictive during workouts.
7. What happens if my grips are too large?
Slightly larger grips usually still perform well and may feel more comfortable for some athletes.
8. Should beginners use tighter or looser grips?
Most beginners prefer a comfortable fit that allows natural movement and easy transitions.
9. Do fingerless grips fit differently than finger-hole grips?
Yes. Fingerless grips usually feel more natural and less restrictive during CrossFit workouts.
10. Which hand should I measure?
Measure your dominant hand for the most accurate fit.
11. Can grip sizing affect performance?
Absolutely. Proper grip sizing improves comfort, control, grip consistency, and confidence on the bar.
12. What are the best grips for beginners?
Many beginners prefer Iron Claw grips because they provide comfort, durability, and an easy-to-use fingerless design.
13. What are the best grips for advanced athletes?
Advanced athletes often prefer Iron X grips because of their ultra-thin feel and aggressive grip performance.
14. Do CrossFit grips stretch over time?
Some grip materials may soften slightly with use, but proper sizing is still important from the start.
15. Why is proper grip sizing important for bar muscle-ups?
Correct sizing helps improve control, reduce bunching, and create smoother transitions during gymnastics movements.
16. Can the wrong grip size cause hand discomfort?
Yes. Incorrect sizing can create pressure points, slipping, or discomfort during high-volume workouts.
17. Are RBST grips designed for modern CrossFit workouts?
Yes. RBST grips are designed specifically for modern CrossFit athletes and fast gymnastics transitions.
18. Should I measure my hands before ordering grips online?
Yes. Measuring your hands is the best way to improve sizing accuracy and overall grip performance.
19. Are fingerless grips better for everyday training?
Many athletes prefer fingerless grips for daily CrossFit workouts because they feel lightweight and natural.
20. Where can I buy CrossFit grips?
You can find Iron Claw and Iron X grips at RBST Gear Co..