Pull Up Handles are an excellent training device to develop your upper body strength – a vital element to success in your climbing ability. If you are struggling to hold your weight on the overhangs, or simply want to up your home-training game, it could be time to invest in a set of pull up handles.
There are numerous options available on the market, and while there is no such thing as the perfect pair of pull up handles, there should be a set out there for you. From rotating pull up handles to doorway and bar pull up handles, with varying types of pull up grips, this guide will help you to find the best pull up handles for you.
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What’s the Top 10 Best Pull Up Handles?
After a thorough search through the current marketplace, we have settled upon our favourite pull up handles below. The best pull up handles depends largely upon what you are using them for. So, without further delay, it is time to engage your shoulders, arms and back muscles, and get to training.
Most Important Features to Look out for
When it comes to key features for a pull up handle, it depends largely on how you want to use it. Most of these pull up handles are portable and versatile enough to use on its own or as an add on to a pull up bar or gym equipment. However, if you are looking for handles specific to climbing, consider ball-shaped or wooden handles to maximise the efficiency of your training.
Lastly, it is worth noting what equipment you already have at home, or at least have access to, and how you will be able to use each of the products. If you have only a door frame, perhaps the CrossGrips are the best. If you want to be able to use them in your local gym, something like the Kylins are easy to carry anywhere and attach to almost everything.
Precautions to take note of
It is always worth reading the safety ratings online and comparing the max weight each part of the product can hold against the weight you will be subjecting it to.
Also, depending on your living arrangements and interior structures in your home, be aware of screwing any equipment into your walls as this can cause problems with landlords, or subject you to dangerous situations should you screw into a cable above one of your doors or anywhere else in the house.
Basic Setup and Usage
Different types of handles have a different set up depending how they are utilized. If it is for home usage, it could well be the case that a basic pull up bar should already be installed in place to provide you something to attach your pull up handles to. For some others, it might involve some assembling and screwing items together to get it set up. Always refer to the manual provided with the equipment you purchase to ensure that you set up the equipment safely and efficiently.
1. CrossGrips Pull Up Bar Handles
| PROS |
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Multi-use – can be used for exercises besides pull-ups and chin-ups. Quick to install – can be put up in under 15 seconds. No screws needed |
| CONS |
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Only fits door frames of a certain size |
See it in your local store:
These small and portable devices can turn nearly any door frame into a training area without modifying your interior. They can also be used for floor training exercises such as dips and sit-ups.
2. Allbingo Ultra Heavy Duty Handles
| PROS |
|---|
A versatile design that can be used in a multitude of different exercises. Super strong and heavy-duty construction. Padded grips make it comfortable on the hands, even in strenuous exercises |
| CONS |
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Requires something to be attached to |
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These handles can be attached to a variety of different things, such as a high surface for the use in pull-ups, longer, supportive bands to complete suspended ring style exercises, and cable machines.
3. AbraFit Climbing Pull Up Power Ball Hold Grips
| PROS |
|---|
Easy to install on a pull-up bar or cable machine. Can be attached to many different objects to complete a variety of different exercises. Small and lightweight – can be easily taken anywhere |
| CONS |
|---|
Requires something such as a pull-up bar to attach to |
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Onto something a little more climbing orientated, ball-shaped pull-up grips are excellent training muscles which are needed when bouldering, such as forearm and grip muscles. These pull-up grips are fun to use and train your tendons efficiently to reduce your risk of injury when climbing.
4. Escape Climbing Power Piston
| PROS |
|---|
Small and lightweightEasy to carry around and attach to different machines. Wooden design specifically targets grip strength by reducing friction. Handcrafted and very affordable |
| CONS |
|---|
Carabiners not included – these will have to be provided by the user |
See it in your local store:
The Escape Climbing Wooden Pistons are another pull up handle that specifically targets climbers. By reducing the friction on the grip itself, using wood is a quick way to improve your hand strength, which is particularly helpful when climbing on smoother surfaces.
5. ACBEE Pull Up Assistance Resistance Bands Handles
| PROS |
|---|
Anti-slip materials Designed to work alongside resistance bands for training of antagonist muscles. Strong, heavy-duty design Protect your hands during band workouts |
| CONS |
|---|
Serve as an add-on and cannot serve as a pull up handle on its own |
See it in your local store:
Any climbers workout routine should include some work on the antagonist muscles. These handles pair perfectly with resistance bands with an anti-slip design and comfortable grip. These are excellent for bicep and shoulder training and brilliant for exercises such as rows and dead-lifts
6. PACEARTH Wooden Gymnastics Rings
| PROS |
|---|
Come with wide, adjustable straps to facilitate a variety of exercises. Wide, comfortable and hand-friendly grips. Pairs nicely with non-slip hand tape |
| CONS |
|---|
Not suitable for standard pull-ups, more for muscle ups |
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Gymnastic rings are a staple piece of equipment in any climbing gym workout area. A huge amount of different exercises are possible to train your upper body and core, simply by adjusting the length of the bands they are attached to.
7. Fitteroy Premium Heavy Duty Exercise Handles
| PROS |
|---|
Extremely comfortable for cable workouts, with thick padded grips Wide enough to accommodate all hand sizes Can be attached to resistance bands, cable crossover and smith machines |
| CONS |
|---|
Not a standalone piece of exercise equipment – must be attached to other gym equipment |
See it in your local store:
Comparable to the Allbingo Handles, the Fitteroy Handles are industrial strength grips that can attach to different exercise machines for a diverse range of exercises.
8. Tikaton Resistance Bands Handles
| PROS |
|---|
Greater range of exercises than any of the other products on this list. D-Ring handles are removabl Can be used on a variety of other gym equipment |
| CONS |
|---|
Requires screwing onto a stable surface. Focus on quantity, not quality |
See it in your local store:
With the Tikaton Resistance bands comes an entire home gym. This set comes complete with a pull-up bar, and adjustable D-ring (a handle with straps on either side leading to a single point, creating the rough shape of the capital letter”D”) pull-up handles
9. Yoyoapple Heavy Duty Exercise Handles
| PROS |
|---|
Great to look at. Can hold up to 1000lbs of weight. Portable and easy to set up almost anywhere |
| CONS |
|---|
May require a self-sourced carabiner to attach to some machines |
See it in your local store:
These fun banana shaped handles are great to look at but also helps you to improve your grip posture and are more comfortable to use. Their simple looping design allows them to be attached to many different exercise machines, as well as pull-up bars.
10. KYLIN SPORT Cable Machine Attachments
| PROS |
|---|
Budget-friendly – these are the cheapest D-Rings in our list. Lightweight and portable Can be used on a multitude of equipment |
| CONS |
|---|
Less strong and durable than comparable products. Less comfort on fingers compared to other models |
See it in your local store:
The Kylin Sport cable is a budget-friendly D-Ring pull-up handle which is capable of everything the other D-Ring pull-up handles, albeit at a small cost to your comfort. These are not as comfortable as the well-padded Tikatons or Fittaroys, however, if you are unsure if pull-up handles are for you, these are a great place to start
For easy installation and the ability to do a diversity of workout moves, we recommend the Cross Grips Pull Up Handles as our favourite top choice. Simple and fuss free without the need of additional equipment except a door frame.
Questions and Answers About Pull Up Handles
Is pull up handles better than pull up bars?
Pull-up handles are more versatile than a standard pull-up bar. It can be used for a larger range of training exercises, but are often dependent on a pre-existing installed pull-up bar. Both pull up handles and pull up bars can be used to train similar muscles such as lads, trecepts, biceps, back muscles and more.
Is pull up handles good for strength training?
Pull-up handles are best used for training upper body strength. It focuses on the forearms, your biceps, your shoulders and can also be adapted to help you train your core and work that body.
How to drill pull up handles?
Not all pull-up handles need drilling, and it depends on how you are using them as to whether you need to drill anything at all. Many can simply be attached to a pull-up bar for the most basic use. If you don’t have a pull-up bar, it is likely that most pull up bar handles can be attached to a wall through a supporting beam, but please refer to the instructions with your specific handles to ensure that the installation is safe and secure.
How can you work on your grip with pull up handles?
The best way to improve your climbing grip with pull-up handles (especially for climbing related exercise) is to use something like the wooden cylinders by Escape, as there is less friction on the handles than a comfort grip or climbing hold, meaning you have to hold it stronger to complete the exercise.
Why getting rotating pull up handles help in overall fitness?
Rotating pull-up bars help with balance distribution and coordination, depending on how they are used. Rotating grips activate more muscles and help to increase strength and definition throughout your entire arm.
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