Frog Grips vs Victory Grips: Which CrossFit Grips Are Best?

When it comes to hand protection during CrossFit training, grips are an absolute game-changer. Whether you’re working through muscle-ups, pull-ups, or rope climbs, a quality pair of grips can mean the difference between a solid training session and one cut short by torn palms. Two brands consistently dominate the UK CrossFit market: Frog Grips and Victory Grips. Both offer excellent protection, but they take different approaches to comfort, durability, and design. Let’s break down the key differences so you can find the perfect pair for your training.

What Are CrossFit Grips?

CrossFit grips are protective hand gear designed to prevent blisters and tears during high-rep gymnastics movements. They typically cover your palm and extend partway up your fingers, leaving the tips exposed so you can still feel the bar. Think of them as a protective layer between your hands and the barbell or pull-up bar—they distribute pressure and reduce friction, which is exactly what you need during a gruelling WOD.

Material Quality and Construction

Frog Grips are known for their premium construction. Their Frog Grips collection features high-quality leather combined with reinforced stitching that holds up brilliantly under repeated stress. The Elite Grips HD, for example, use a fingerless design that’s both durable and breathable. The material feels substantial from day one and only gets better with use as it moulds to your hands.

Victory Grips also use quality materials, but with a slightly different philosophy. Their construction leans towards flexibility and comfort. Victory Grips tend to be a bit softer initially, which some athletes find immediately more comfortable. However, this softer material does require a bit more care during the break-in period. The tactical design of Victory Grips is engineered for specific grip types—they’re purpose-built for hook grip work in particular.

Winner: Frog Grips for long-term durability, Victory Grips for immediate comfort.

Comfort and Fit

Comfort is deeply personal. Frog Grips have a snug, secure fit that takes a few sessions to break in. Once they’re moulded to your hands, they feel like a second skin. Many athletes appreciate this precision fit because it means zero wasted movement and maximum security during explosive movements.

Victory Grips prioritise immediate comfort. The Victory Grips range (particularly the Tactical 3.0 line) has a more forgiving fit out of the box. If you prefer minimal break-in time and maximum comfort from session one, Victory Grips deliver. The padding is carefully positioned to reduce pressure points without sacrificing performance.

Winner: Victory Grips for immediate wearability, Frog Grips for tailored fit.

Sizing Options

Both brands offer sizing, but they approach it slightly differently. Frog Grips typically come in XS, S, M, L, and XL. Victory Grips use a similar range but with slightly different dimensions—Victory sizing tends to run a touch larger. If you’re between sizes, Frog’s snug fit means you should size down if you want security, whereas Victory’s roomier approach lets you size up if you prefer a looser feel.

Always measure your hand properly before ordering. Most brands recommend measuring your palm width and hand length, then consulting their specific sizing chart. Since Frog and Victory have different specifications, comparing charts side-by-side is crucial. Check out our complete CrossFit grips sizing guide for detailed measurements and tips.

Durability in Training

Frog Grips are built to last. Athletes regularly get 12-18 months of hard training from a single pair, even in high-volume training cycles. The reinforced seams hold strong, and the leather resists tears better than softer alternatives. Frog Grips Elite HD Fingerless models are particularly robust.

Victory Grips are durable too, but the softer material does wear a bit faster in certain scenarios—particularly if you’re doing lots of rope climbs or high-rep pull-ups. Many athletes report getting 8-12 months of solid use before needing replacement. That said, the comfort advantage early on makes this trade-off worthwhile for some people.

Winner: Frog Grips for sheer longevity.

Price and Value

Both brands are premium products with pricing to match. Frog Grips typically range from £25-£35 per pair, whilst Victory Grips generally sit in the £30-£40 bracket. Victory’s higher price point reflects their reputation and the engineering that goes into immediate comfort. Frog offers slightly better value if you’re willing to invest a week or two in the break-in period.

Consider cost-per-month: if Frog Grips last 18 months and Victory last 12, you’re actually getting better long-term value from Frog despite the slightly lower upfront cost.

Comparison Table

Feature	Frog Grips	Victory Grips
Material Quality	Premium leather, reinforced	Quality, slightly softer
Break-In Period	1-2 weeks	Minimal (1-2 sessions)
Comfort (immediate)	Good after break-in	Excellent from day one
Durability (months)	12-18 months	8-12 months
Price (typical)	£25-£35	£30-£40
Best For	Durability and value	Immediate comfort

Which Should You Choose?

Choose Frog Grips if: You’re training hard and want maximum durability. You don’t mind a brief break-in period. You prefer a snug, secure fit. You’re looking for the best long-term value.

Choose Victory Grips if: You want comfort from your first training session. You value the immediate feel and don’t mind replacing grips more frequently. You prefer a roomier fit. You appreciate the tactical engineering specifically for hook grip work.

Honestly? Many serious CrossFit athletes own both. Frog Grips for your heaviest training cycles and Victory Grips for conditioning days when maximum comfort matters. There’s no universally “best” choice—it depends on your priorities and hand size.

Where to Buy

Both brands are available at WORKIT. Browse our full Frog Grips collection or check out Victory Grips options. We also stock Frog Grips Elite HD Fingerless and Victory Grips Men’s Tactical 3.0 Freedom for athletes wanting specific models.

FAQs

How long does it take to break in Frog Grips?

Most athletes report that Frog Grips are properly broken in within 1-2 weeks of regular training. The leather softens and moulds to your hands during this period. By week three, they’ll feel custom-fitted. Some people need a few extra sessions if they have particularly sensitive skin.

Can you machine wash grips?

We don’t recommend machine washing either brand. Instead, hand wash with mild soap and cold water, then air dry completely. Machine washing can damage the leather and compromise the durability. A quick rinse after particularly sweaty sessions keeps them fresh without proper washing.

What’s the difference between fingerless and full-finger grips?

Fingerless grips (like Frog Elite HD) cover your palm and part of your hand but leave your fingertips exposed, giving better bar feel and grip for pull-ups. Full-finger designs offer more protection but can feel bulkier. Most CrossFit athletes prefer fingerless for gymnastics movements.

What size should I order if I’m between sizes?

For Frog Grips, size down if you want maximum security and snugness. For Victory Grips, you can comfortably size up if you prefer a looser feel. Always measure your hand properly before ordering—this matters more than brand preference.

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

Cart 0

No more products available for purchase