6 Best Gymnastics Grips For Advanced Gymnasts Coaches Recommend

Your gymnast’s coach pulls you aside after practice. "It’s time for a new pair of grips," they say, and you feel that familiar mix of pride in their progress and a slight dread about another equipment purchase. This isn’t like buying their first pair of simple palm guards; at this level, grips are a critical piece of safety equipment. They are the essential link between your child’s hands and the bar as they start learning giants, release moves, and other high-level skills.

Selecting the Right Grip for High-Level Skills

When your gymnast moves into the advanced levels, the conversation about grips changes entirely. We’re no longer just talking about preventing rips and calluses. We’re talking about a tool that helps them maintain a secure hold on the bar during powerful, dynamic swings. The most significant feature of an advanced grip is the dowel—a small piece of leather or rubber rod stitched into the grip that creates a pocket for the bar to sit in. This feature is non-negotiable for high-level skills.

The right grip provides confidence. It allows your gymnast to focus on their technique without worrying about their hands slipping. The choice is no longer about a generic brand but about finding the specific cut, leather type, and closure system that works for your child’s hand shape, swing style, and the skills they are training. Always involve your gymnast’s coach in the final decision, as they have the most insight into what the athlete needs for the skills they’re teaching.

Reisport Protec: The Elite Gymnast’s Choice

You’ve likely seen this grip on television during elite competitions. The Reisport Protec is widely considered the gold standard for competitive gymnasts, and for good reason. It’s crafted from a durable, high-quality leather that is stitched in three layers and laminated, providing exceptional strength and longevity. Coaches often point to this grip for gymnasts training for Level 9, 10, and beyond.

The key benefit of the Protec is its ability to mold to the gymnast’s hand over time, creating a truly custom fit that offers an unparalleled feel on the bar. However, this comes with a caveat: a notoriously long and difficult break-in period. This is an investment in both money and time, best suited for the highly committed gymnast who has the patience to work with the stiff leather until it becomes an extension of their hand.

US Glove RKO: For Durability and Quick Break-In

If the idea of a month-long break-in period sounds daunting, the US Glove RKO is a fantastic alternative that many coaches trust. These grips are known for their remarkable durability, often outlasting other brands, which is a huge plus for families with gymnasts who train long hours and are tough on their equipment. The leather is treated to be softer and more pliable right out of the package.

The RKO (an acronym for "rips, kills, and owns" the competition) is designed to minimize the break-in time, often feeling ready for skills within just a few practices. This makes it a practical choice for a mid-season replacement or for the gymnast who values function over a long "molding" process. It provides a secure dowel and a reliable feel without the initial stiffness of some elite-level competitors.

Bailie Double Buckle: A Classic, Reliable Grip

Sometimes, the tried-and-true classics are popular for a reason. The Bailie Double Buckle grip has been a staple in gyms for decades, and its design is built around one core principle: security. The defining feature is the two-buckle wrist closure, which provides an incredibly snug and stable fit that won’t stretch or slip during the most powerful swings.

This grip is an excellent choice for gymnasts who generate a lot of force and need to feel completely locked in. The leather is high-quality and durable, offering a great balance of comfort and support. While it may not have the high-tech lamination of a Reisport Protec, its straightforward, robust design has earned the loyalty of countless coaches and athletes over the years.

Gibson Just Right: For a Secure, Custom Feel

Is your gymnast particular about how things feel in their hand? The Gibson Just Right grip might be the perfect match. This grip is designed with a narrower palm piece, which many gymnasts prefer as it reduces bulk and minimizes any folding or bunching of leather. It’s for the athlete who wants maximum feel and connection with the bar.

The "Just Right" also features a special finger-locking system that helps keep the fingers in the correct position, preventing the grip from sliding down during use. This creates a secure, almost custom-fit sensation that helps the gymnast feel confident and in control. It’s a great option for athletes with slender hands or those who are sensitive to the fit and feel of their equipment.

TEN.O Pixie Grips: Best for Smaller, Strong Hands

Advanced skills aren’t just for teenagers. Many younger gymnasts in Levels 7 and 8 have the strength and technique for big swings but still have small hands. Standard advanced grips can be too wide or long, creating a safety issue. The TEN.O Pixie Grip is specifically designed to solve this problem.

Pixie Grips feature a smaller, narrower palm piece and a shorter finger length, perfectly proportioned for the younger competitive gymnast. Critically, they still include the essential dowel needed for high-level skills, providing the same mechanical advantage as an adult-sized grip. This is the ideal transitional grip that bridges the gap between basic palm protectors and full-size competitive models, ensuring safety and proper technique for petite athletes.

Reisport Velcro Grips: For a Fast, Secure Fit

For gymnasts who love the renowned quality of Reisport leather but prefer a different closure system, the Velcro version is a top-tier choice. Instead of buckles, this model uses a high-quality hook-and-loop strap that allows for quick adjustments and an easy on-and-off process. This can be a huge convenience during practices with lots of rotations between events.

The primary decision between buckles and Velcro comes down to gymnast preference and coach philosophy. Some feel that buckles offer a more consistent, locked-in tightness with every use, while others find modern Velcro systems to be just as secure and far more convenient. If your gymnast values speed and ease of use, and their coach approves, this is an excellent, elite-level option.

Coach’s Tips for Grip Sizing and Maintenance

Getting the right grips is only half the battle; proper sizing and care are what make them safe and effective. Never guess on the size. An ill-fitting grip is dangerous and can hinder skill development.

• Measure Precisely: Use the manufacturer’s specific sizing chart. Most require you to measure from the base of the palm to the tip of the middle finger. Do not buy a larger size for them to "grow into."
• Get Coach Approval: Once the grips arrive, have your gymnast’s coach check the fit before your child uses them or puts chalk on them. The coach will ensure the dowel sits correctly on the fingers. Most retailers will not accept returns once grips have been used.
• Break Them In Safely: Your gymnast should not jump on the high bar and do giants with brand-new grips. The break-in process should be gradual, starting with simple taps and swings on a low bar to soften the leather and get used to the feel.
• Maintain Them: Use a grip brush to remove caked-on chalk, which can cause the leather to dry out and crack. Store them in a grip bag to protect them from moisture and getting crushed in their gym bag. Regularly inspect the stitching and leather for signs of excessive wear or tearing, and plan to replace them before they fail.

Choosing advanced grips is a significant milestone that signals your child’s dedication and progress in the sport. Think of it less as a purchase and more as an investment in their safety and confidence. By working with their coach and focusing on the right fit for their specific needs, you are giving them the best possible tool to reach for that next big skill.