Bear KompleX Grips Review 2026: Complete Guide to Every Grip in the Range

Bear KompleX has been one of the most trusted names in CrossFit grips for years. Their range covers everything from carbon fibre speed grips to premium leather options — but with eight different models to choose from, picking the right pair can feel overwhelming.

We've been stocking and testing Bear KompleX grips at WORKIT since we opened. In this guide, we break down every grip in the range so you can find the perfect pair for your training style, hand size, and budget.

Why Bear KompleX?

Bear KompleX stands out in the crowded gymnastics grips market for a few key reasons. Their patented Carbon Comp material grips the bar without chalk, which is a genuine advantage during long WODs when your hands are sweating. Their Pinnacle microfibre range is one of the thinnest on the market at just 2.3mm, giving you real bar feel while still protecting your palms.

They also offer more grip styles than most competitors — 3-hole, 2-hole, and no-hole speed designs across three different material families. That means whatever your preference, there's a Bear KompleX grip designed for it.

The Three Bear KompleX Material Families

Before diving into individual models, it helps to understand the three material platforms Bear KompleX builds on:

Carbon Comp — Patented carbon fibre composite material. Sticks to the bar without chalk, extremely durable, and maintains grip even when wet. The firmest feel of the three.
Black Diamond — Premium leather construction with a textured finish. Softer feel than Carbon Comp, moulds to your hand over time. Needs a short break-in period.
Pinnacle — 2.3mm single-layer microfibre. The thinnest and lightest option. Sweat-resistant and ready to use straight from the packet with zero break-in time.

Bear KompleX Carbon Comp Grips

Bear KompleX Carbon Comp 3-Hole Gymnastics Grips

The 3-hole Carbon Comp is the most popular grip in the Bear KompleX range, and for good reason. The three finger holes lock the grip in place during pull-ups, toes-to-bar, and muscle-ups, while the patented carbon fibre material sticks to any bar surface without chalk.

If you're doing high-volume gymnastics work — think Murph, competition WODs with big sets of pull-ups, or regular muscle-up practice — this is the grip to go for. The carbon material won't stretch or degrade the way leather can, and it handles sweat better than anything else we've tested.

Best for: Dedicated gymnastics sessions, competition prep, athletes who hate chalking up mid-WOD.

Bear KompleX Carbon Comp 2-Hole Gymnastics Grips

The 2-hole version uses the same Carbon Comp material but with only two finger holes instead of three. This gives your ring finger more freedom and can feel more natural for athletes who find 3-hole grips restrictive.

The trade-off is slightly less security on the bar during high-rep kipping movements. If you primarily do strict pull-ups, ring work, or lower-rep gymnastics, the 2-hole design gives you a great balance of protection and dexterity.

Best for: Ring muscle-ups, strict gymnastics, athletes who prefer a less restrictive fit.

Bear KompleX Carbon No-Hole Speed Gymnastics Grips

The Carbon No-Hole Speed grip strips things back to the essentials — full palm protection with zero finger holes. This is designed for athletes who move constantly between the barbell and the rig during mixed-modal WODs.

Without finger holes, you can drop from the pull-up bar, pick up a barbell for cleans or snatches, and get back on the rig without stopping to adjust your grips. The Carbon Comp material still grips the bar brilliantly, so you're not sacrificing hold for speed.

Best for: Mixed-modal WODs, barbell-to-bar transitions, athletes who hate fiddling with grips mid-workout.

Bear KompleX Black Diamond Grips

Bear KompleX Black Diamond 3-Hole Gymnastics Grips

The Black Diamond 3-hole is the classic leather option in the Bear KompleX lineup. The textured leather surface provides excellent grip and moulds to your hand shape over time, creating a custom fit that synthetic materials can't quite replicate.

Leather grips do need a break-in period — expect a session or two before they feel fully comfortable. But once broken in, many athletes prefer the softer, more natural feel of leather over carbon or microfibre.

Best for: Athletes who prefer traditional leather feel, high-rep pull-ups and toes-to-bar, anyone willing to invest in the break-in period.

Bear KompleX Black Diamond No-Hole Speed Gymnastics Grips

The Black Diamond speed grip combines the premium leather construction with a no-hole design. You get the moulded leather feel for bar comfort with the speed advantage of no finger holes for quick transitions.

This is a great option if you love the feel of leather grips but train a lot of mixed workouts where you're switching between equipment constantly.

Best for: Leather lovers who do mixed-modal training, barbell-heavy WODs with gymnastics elements.

Bear KompleX Pinnacle Grips

Bear KompleX Pinnacle 3-Hole Gymnastics Grips

The Pinnacle 3-hole is the lightest grip in the entire Bear KompleX range. At just 2.3mm thick, this single-layer microfibre grip gives you maximum bar feel while still protecting against rips and blisters.

The big advantage over Carbon Comp and Black Diamond is the zero break-in time — the microfibre is ready to perform straight from the packet. It's also sweat-resistant, so it handles humid gym conditions well.

Best for: Athletes who want maximum bar feel, those who hate break-in periods, lightweight grip preference.

Bear KompleX Pinnacle No-Hole Speed Gymnastics Grips

The Pinnacle speed grip is the thinnest, lightest speed grip Bear KompleX makes. If you want palm protection that feels like it's barely there — but still stops your hands getting shredded — this is the one.

The no-hole design means fast transitions, and the 2.3mm microfibre means you can feel every knurl on the bar. Ideal for athletes who normally train without grips but want some protection for competition day or high-volume sessions.

Best for: Minimalist grip preference, competition day protection, athletes transitioning from no grips to grips.

Bear KompleX Grips Sizing Guide

Getting the right size is critical with Bear KompleX grips. Too big and they'll bunch up on the bar; too small and they'll restrict your movement and wear out faster.

To measure your hand, lay it flat and measure from the base of your palm (where your wrist meets your hand) to the base of your middle finger. Use this measurement against the Bear KompleX sizing chart:

Small: Under 4.0 inches
Medium: 4.0 - 4.5 inches
Large: 4.5 - 5.0 inches
XL: Over 5.0 inches

Tip: If you're between sizes, the Carbon Comp and Black Diamond ranges benefit from sizing up slightly since they have less give. The Pinnacle microfibre has minimal stretch, so go true to size for the best fit.

If you prefer a fold at the top of your grip during gymnastics movements, consider sizing up one size. This creates a cushioned dowel effect that some athletes find more comfortable during high-rep pull-ups.

Which Bear KompleX Grip Should You Buy?

Here's a quick decision guide:

Mostly gymnastics (pull-ups, muscle-ups, toes-to-bar)? Go 3-hole in whichever material you prefer. Carbon Comp for durability, Black Diamond for leather feel, Pinnacle for lightweight.
Mixed WODs with lots of barbell work? Go no-hole speed in your preferred material. You'll thank yourself during those barbell-to-bar transitions.
Want maximum grip without chalk? Carbon Comp is the standout — the patented material genuinely sticks to the bar.
Want the lightest, thinnest grip possible? Pinnacle range. At 2.3mm, nothing else Bear KompleX makes is thinner.
Prefer traditional leather feel? Black Diamond range. Break them in and they'll mould to your hands perfectly.
Not sure where to start? The Carbon Comp 3-hole is the best all-rounder and the most popular grip in the range.

Bear KompleX Grips Care and Maintenance

To get the most life out of your Bear KompleX grips, follow these simple care tips:

Wipe them down after each session — chalk buildup degrades the grip surface over time
Let them air dry completely before storing. Don't leave them balled up in your gym bag
For Carbon Comp grips, a damp cloth is all you need. Avoid soaking them
For Black Diamond leather grips, occasional leather conditioner helps maintain suppleness
For Pinnacle microfibre, hand wash gently if needed and air dry flat

FAQs

Are Bear KompleX grips good for beginners?

Yes. The Pinnacle range in particular is great for beginners because there's no break-in period and the thin material lets you develop bar feel while still protecting your palms. If you're new to grips, start with the Pinnacle 3-hole.

How long do Bear KompleX grips last?

With proper care, Carbon Comp grips typically last 6-12 months of regular training (4-5 sessions per week). Black Diamond leather grips can last even longer once broken in. Pinnacle grips are thinner and may show wear sooner under very heavy use, but most athletes get 4-8 months from them.

Can I use Bear KompleX grips for rope climbs?

The 3-hole and 2-hole models work well for rope climbs. No-hole speed grips can be used but offer less friction on the rope. For dedicated rope climbing, a 3-hole grip gives you the best combination of palm protection and rope grip.

What's the difference between Bear KompleX and Frog Grips?

Bear KompleX offers a wider range of materials (carbon fibre, leather, and microfibre) while Frog Grips focuses on premium leather and HD synthetic options. Both are excellent choices — the best grip depends on your material preference, training style, and budget. Check out our Best CrossFit Grips UK 2026 guide for a detailed comparison.

Do I need chalk with Bear KompleX grips?

The Carbon Comp range is specifically designed to grip without chalk — the patented material sticks to the bar naturally. Black Diamond and Pinnacle grips can benefit from light chalk use, but it's not essential.

Shop Bear KompleX Grips in the UK

We stock the full Bear KompleX gymnastics grips range at WORKIT with free UK delivery on orders over £100. All grips ship from the UK — no waiting for international delivery.

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