Best CrossFit Grips UK 2026: Frog Grips vs Victory Grips vs Velites

If you’ve ever torn your hands to shreds during pull-ups, burpees, or rope climbs, you know the value of decent CrossFit grips. That burning sensation, the blisters, the torn calluses—they don’t have to be a badge of honour. A quality pair of grips protects your hands, extends your workout capacity, and lets you focus on technique rather than pain management.

The problem? With so many brands competing for your attention—Frog Grips, Victory Grips, Velites, Bear KompleX, and more—choosing the right pair can feel overwhelming. Which ones actually perform? How do you know your size? What’s the difference between fingerless and finger holes?

We’ve tested dozens of gymnastic grips over the years, and in this guide, we’ll break down the three most popular brands available in the UK, compare them head-to-head, and help you find the perfect fit for your training style.

What Are CrossFit Grips?

CrossFit grips are protective hand gear designed to prevent your hands from tearing during high-repetition pulling and pressing movements. They cover the palm and fingers (or just the palm) and typically feature reinforced material in high-friction areas.

Unlike leather gymnastics grips from decades past, modern CrossFit grips UK athletes use today are engineered with advanced materials like synthetic leather, carbon composites, and moisture-wicking fabrics. They’re lighter, more breathable, and often more durable than traditional options.

The core benefit is simple: grips reduce the force needed to grip a pull-up bar, allowing you to complete more reps with less hand fatigue. For high-volume workouts—think Murph or Filthy Fifty—this makes a measurable difference in your performance and recovery.

Types of CrossFit Grips

Not all grips are created equal. Understanding the main variations helps you narrow down what will work best for you.

Fingerless vs Finger Holes

Fingerless grips (also called palm-only grips) cover just the palm and the base of your fingers. They’re ideal if you value maximum dexterity and feel. Many athletes prefer them for barbell work, kettlebell exercises, and any movement where precise hand positioning matters.

Finger hole grips extend coverage to your fingertips and include cutouts for each finger. They provide more hand protection overall, making them brilliant for high-rep bar work, rope climbs, and longer gymnastics sessions. Your fingers are protected from abrasion, which matters when you’re doing 50+ pull-ups in a single session.

Material Types

Synthetic Leather: Durable, easy to clean, and affordable. Most popular for everyday training.

Carbon Composite: Offers superior grip, especially when hands are sweaty. Premium brands use carbon in high-wear areas.

Neoprene Blend: Provides wrist support and moisture management. Often seen in higher-end models.

Frog Grips Review

If there’s a king of the CrossFit grips UK market, it’s Frog. They’ve dominated Google Search Console with nearly 10,000 impressions for “frog grips” alone, and for good reason.

Frog Grips Elite HD Fingerless

The HD variant is Frog’s latest offering. Price: £59.99.

Frog Grips Elite Grips HD Fingerless uses their proprietary “High Definition” palm material—essentially a carbon-enhanced synthetic leather that grips the bar better and lasts longer than standard materials. The palm is reinforced in the high-friction zones (where your hand naturally pulls), so wear is distributed more evenly.

Why athletes love them:

Exceptional bar grip, especially in high-rep sets
Lightweight and breathable—you barely notice them
Easy to clean and maintain
Fingerless design offers maximum feel and control
Proven track record (they’re the most-searched grip brand in the UK)

Potential drawbacks:

Fingerless means less fingertip protection during rope climbs
Some athletes with larger hands find the sizing inconsistent

Frog Grips Elite OG Fingerless

The “OG” (Original) model is Frog’s classic fingerless grip, also priced at £59.99.

Frog Grips Elite Grips OG Fingerless uses traditional synthetic leather rather than the carbon composite in the HD version. It’s slightly less grip-focused but offers a familiar feel that many long-time athletes prefer. Think of it as the reliable choice—proven, consistent, and comfortable from day one.

The OG model is ideal if:

You prefer a break-in period (the OG softens and moulds to your hand over time)
You do a lot of barbell work and need maximum feel
You’re transitioning from no grips to grips and want something forgiving

Frog Grips Elite HD Finger Holes

The complete protection option: £59.99.

Frog Grips Elite Grips HD Finger Holes combines the durability of the HD material with finger cutouts for maximum hand coverage. If you’re doing high-volume gymnastics work or rope climbs, this is the grip to choose. Your fingertips get the same protection as your palm.

Athletes choose this version for:

High-rep pull-up workouts (Murph, Filthy Fifty, etc.)
Rope climbs and other gymnastics movements
Long training sessions where hand protection is paramount
Indoor competitions (where consistency matters more than feel)

Victory Grips Review

Victory Grips are a newer challenger in the market—and they’re gaining ground. What’s interesting from an SEO perspective is that “victory grips” ranks for 2,207 impressions but only gets 12 clicks. This tells us athletes are searching for them but not clicking through results. That’s a credibility/positioning issue, not a product quality issue.

Victory Grips Tactical 3.0 Freedom (Men’s)

Price: £59.99.

Victory Grips Men’s Tactical 3.0 Freedom is a fingerless grip with a tactical aesthetic (think military-inspired design). The 3.0 iteration features improved wrist support and a stabilising band across the wrist.

What makes them stand out:

Excellent wrist support—noticeably better than Frog for athletes with weak wrists
Modern, minimal design that looks professional
Great for strict gymnastics movements (handstand walks, wall balls)
Durable carbon-infused material rivals the Frog HD

Trade-offs:

Wrist band can feel restrictive if you prefer maximum freedom
Less “feel” than fingerless Frogs for barbell work
Newer brand means fewer long-term durability reports

Victory Grips Tactical 3.0 Freedom (Women’s)

Price: £59.99.

Victory Grips Women’s Tactical 3.0 Freedom features the same performance specs as the men’s version but with a women’s-specific cut. The hand compartments are narrower, and the wrist support is proportioned differently.

If you’re a woman with smaller hands, this is worth considering. Many women report that unisex grips (even when sized down) still feel too loose around the wrist.

Victory Grips Women’s X2 Freedom

Price: £59.99.

Victory Grips Women’s X2 Freedom is the women-only option from Victory, featuring their dual-strap wrist support system. The X2 designation refers to the two stabilising straps instead of one, providing asymmetrical wrist support for athletes with previous wrist injuries.

This is a specialised choice for women who need maximum wrist stability—particularly useful if you’ve recovered from a wrist sprain or have chronic wrist mobility issues.

Velites Grips Review

Velites are a premium Greek brand that’s recently expanded into the UK market. Velites All Terrain Gymnastic Grips are priced at £47.99—making them the most affordable option in this comparison.

Design and Material

The All Terrain model uses a hybrid material blend: synthetic leather on the palm and a carbon-reinforced neoprene on the finger areas. This is a clever design that offers durability without excessive stiffness.

Velites position their grips as “all terrain,” meaning they’re designed to perform equally well in barbell work, gymnastics, and obstacle course training. No specialisation, just solid all-round performance.

Performance in the Gym

Honest assessment: Velites don’t grip the bar quite as aggressively as Frog HD or Victory Tactical 3.0. However, they’re more than adequate for most athletes, and the lower price point makes them excellent value.

Choose Velites if:

You’re budget-conscious and want a solid backup pair
You split time between multiple disciplines (CrossFit, Olympic weightlifting, gymnastics)
You prefer a lighter, less aggressive grip feel
You train indoors and don’t need maximum all-conditions performance

Potential limitations:

Grip durability not quite at the level of premium brands
Fewer UK reviews and testimonials compared to Frog
Less wrist support than Victory Tactical 3.0

Frog Grips vs Victory Grips vs Velites: Head-to-Head Comparison

Here’s how the three brands stack up across key categories:

Brand	Model	Price	Material	Best For	Grip Strength	Wrist Support
Frog	Elite HD Fingerless	£59.99	Carbon-enhanced synthetic	High-rep pull-ups, barbell work	Excellent	Minimal
Frog	Elite OG Fingerless	£59.99	Synthetic leather	Balanced training, beginners	Very Good	Minimal
Frog	Elite HD Finger Holes	£59.99	Carbon-enhanced synthetic	Rope climbs, gymnastics, Murph	Excellent	Minimal
Victory	Tactical 3.0 (Men’s)	£59.99	Carbon-infused neoprene	Strict gymnastics, handstand work	Very Good	Excellent
Victory	Tactical 3.0 (Women’s)	£59.99	Carbon-infused neoprene	Strict gymnastics, women athletes	Very Good	Excellent
Victory	Women’s X2 Freedom	£59.99	Carbon-infused neoprene	Wrist stability, women athletes	Very Good	Outstanding
Velites	All Terrain	£47.99	Synthetic leather + neoprene	Budget option, general training	Good	Good

How to Choose the Right CrossFit Grips

Selecting the right grips depends on three main factors: your hand type, your training focus, and your budget.

Consider Your Workouts

If you specialise in high-rep pull-ups and barbell work, prioritise grip strength. The Frog Elite HD Fingerless is your move—it offers maximum feel and the most aggressive palm grip available.

If you’re training for gymnastics competitions or completing high-volume gymnastics chipper workouts, finger holes matter. Your fingertips will thank you during rope climbs and high-rep handstand work. The Frog Elite HD Finger Holes is the gold standard here.

If you’re recovering from a wrist injury or have chronic instability, Victory Tactical 3.0 or X2 provide superior wrist support that makes a real difference.

Hand Size and Shape

Frog grips suit most hand shapes, but athletes with particularly broad or narrow hands sometimes find the sizing inconsistent. Victory grips offer gender-specific sizing, which helps—especially for women.

If you have smaller hands, look for women’s-specific options. If you have larger hands, try the grips on before buying if possible (or order from a retailer with easy returns, like WORKIT).

Training Volume

High-volume athletes (multiple sessions per week, high rep counts) benefit from premium materials. Invest in Frog HD or Victory Tactical 3.0 for longevity.

Moderate-volume athletes can comfortably use Velites. They’ll last years with proper care, and the lower price means less financial sting if you need to replace them.

How to Size CrossFit Grips

Sizing is crucial. Too tight, and they’re uncomfortable and restrict blood flow. Too loose, and they slip during workouts, defeating the purpose.

Measure Your Hand

Most brands use a simple measurement: from the base of your palm (where your wrist creases) to the tip of your middle finger. Frog provides this guide on their product pages.

For most adults: measure your hand length and refer to the size chart. UK sizing typically goes Small, Medium, Large, and XL. For a detailed breakdown of every brand's sizing, check out our complete CrossFit grips sizing guide.

The Fit Test

When you put on a grip, it should feel snug but not restrictive. You should be able to move your fingers freely within the cutouts. The wrist strap should sit just above your wrist bone—not cutting into skin, not sliding down.

If you’re between sizes, choose the smaller size. Grips stretch slightly with use, and you can always adjust wrist straps.

Try-On Tips

If ordering online from WORKIT, order two sizes if you’re unsure. Most UK retailers (including WORKIT) offer returns within 30 days, so there’s minimal risk.

FAQs About CrossFit Grips

Do I really need grips for CrossFit?

Not strictly necessary, but highly recommended if you’re doing regular pull-ups, rope climbs, or other gymnastics work. They extend your training capacity, reduce hand pain, and speed up recovery. If you’re doing three or more sessions per week, grips are worth the investment.

How long do CrossFit grips last?

Premium grips (Frog, Victory) last 12–24 months with regular use, depending on training volume. Budget options (Velites) typically last 6–12 months. If you train 4–5 times weekly, expect the shorter timeline. Proper care (washing regularly, storing dry) extends lifespan considerably.

Can I use the same grips for weightlifting and gymnastics?

Yes, but not optimally. Fingerless grips are better for barbell work (Olympic lifts, deadlifts) because they offer maximum feel. Finger hole grips are better for gymnastics. If you do both equally, Velites All Terrain are designed for versatility. If you specialise, buy grips for your primary discipline.

Are Frog grips really better than Victory or Velites?

Frog grips have the most aggressive bar grip and are the most proven in the UK market. However, “better” depends on your priorities. Victory offers superior wrist support. Velites offer better value. For pure grip strength and pull-up performance, Frog edges ahead.

How do I clean and maintain my grips?

Hand wash with warm soapy water after sweaty sessions, then air dry completely before storing. Never machine wash or put in the dryer—it damages the materials. If they start to smell, a rinse with white vinegar works wonders. With proper care, grips will perform well for years.

What’s the difference between version 4.0 and 3.0 grips?

Each generation typically improves materials and durability. The Frog HD represents their latest technology (carbon-enhanced palm). Victory Tactical 3.0 is their current-gen offering. Always check product listings to confirm you’re buying the latest version—older stock sometimes gets discounted.

Where to Buy CrossFit Grips in the UK

You’ll find grips at most fitness retailers, but for the best selection of premium brands, head to WORKIT’s CrossFit grips collection. They stock Frog, Victory, Velites, and Bear KompleX—all the brands covered in this guide.

Why buy from WORKIT:

Expert advice from actual athletes (the WORKIT team competes at regional level)
Free delivery on orders over £100
Easy returns within 30 days
Stock rotation ensures you get current-generation products
Regular updates on new models and restocks

You can browse Frog Grips Elite HD Fingerless, Frog Grips Elite OG Fingerless, Frog Grips Elite HD Finger Holes, and all Victory and Velites options directly from their site.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right CrossFit grips comes down to understanding your training style, hand shape, and priorities. Frog Grips dominate the UK market for good reason—they offer exceptional grip and durability. Victory Grips excel at wrist support and gender-specific sizing. Velites provide budget-friendly, all-round performance.

Don’t overthink it. Most athletes find their favourite brand and stick with it. If you’re new to grips, start with Frog Elite OG Fingerless—they’re forgiving, comfortable, and will serve you well for months. As you refine your preferences, you can experiment with other options.

Whatever you choose, invest in best CrossFit grips rather than skipping them entirely. Your hands—and your performance—will thank you.

Written by the WORKIT team — CrossFit enthusiasts based in the North West of England.

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