Gymnastics Grips: What Parents Need to Know

Grips are one of the first pieces of equipment parents are asked to buy, and one of the most confusing. The terminology is unclear, the sizing varies by brand, and the options multiply as your gymnast moves up the levels. Most parents figure it out through trial and error — an expensive first pair that turns out to be wrong, a size that was too big, a style the coach didn't want.

This guide covers how grips work, when gymnasts start using them, what changes at each level, how to measure correctly, and what to expect over a competitive career. The goal is to give you enough background to have an informed conversation with your gymnast's coach — who should always have the final word on what grip is right for your child.

What Gymnastics Grips Are and What They Do

Gymnastics grips are leather hand guards worn during bar work — uneven bars in women's gymnastics, high bar and parallel bars in men's. They serve two primary functions: protecting the skin on the palm from friction rips, and — in dowel grips — creating a mechanical connection between the hand and the bar that changes how skills are executed.

Grips are not gloves. They cover only the fingers and palm, leaving the thumb free. A wrist buckle or velcro strap secures them to the wrist. The leather sits between the gymnast's hand and the bar on every swing, catch, and release.

At lower levels, the protective function is most important. At higher levels, the mechanical function — how the grip interfaces with the bar during giants and release moves — becomes the primary consideration.

Dowel Grips vs. Non-Dowel Grips

There are two main types of gymnastics grips, and understanding the difference matters before you buy anything.

Non-dowel grips (sometimes called flat grips or beginner grips) are a simple piece of leather with finger holes and a wrist closure. No additional hardware. They protect against rips and let the gymnast feel the bar directly. Most coaches introduce non-dowel grips first, or at the beginning of Level 4 training when bar volume increases.

Dowel grips have a rigid rod — typically wooden or carbon fiber — sewn horizontally across the finger holes, between the leather and the bar. When the gymnast's hand wraps around the bar, the dowel creates a catch point that helps lock the grip in place during powerful swings. This makes giants more efficient and provides a more secure catch on release moves. Dowel grips are standard in competitive gymnastics from Level 5 onward for most athletes, though some coaches delay introduction until Level 6.

Within dowel grips, there are also single-bar and double-bar variations. A single-bar dowel has one rod; a double-bar has two, positioned across two sets of finger holes. Double-bar dowels are the standard for competitive gymnastics at Level 5 and above. Single-bar dowels are sometimes used as a transition from non-dowel grips.

When Do Gymnasts Start Wearing Grips

There is no universal rule. The timing depends on the gymnast's skill progression, bar training volume, and coach preference. That said, typical patterns by program level are:

If your gymnast is asking for grips because teammates have them, that is not a reason to buy them. Grips introduced before a gymnast is ready can create a dependency that interferes with skill development. Follow your coach's guidance.

How Grip Fit and Sizing Works

Incorrect sizing is the most common grip mistake families make. A grip that is too large is not just uncomfortable — it can shift on the bar during releases and become a safety issue. A grip that is too small restricts circulation and causes blisters from pressure rather than friction.

How to measure: The measurement used for grip sizing is the palm length — the distance from the base crease of the wrist to the base of the middle finger, not the fingertip. Use a soft tape measure or a strip of paper marked against a ruler. Measure both hands and use the larger measurement.

Every brand publishes its own sizing chart, and the sizes do not translate between brands. A size small in one brand may be a medium in another. Always use the brand-specific chart for the grip you are purchasing, and remeasure before each new pair — hands grow, particularly in the 8-14 age range when most gymnasts are in active competitive training.

• When between sizes on a dowel grip, most coaches recommend sizing down. Leather stretches with break-in and use.
• For wrist closure style (velcro vs. buckle), velcro is generally easier for younger gymnasts to manage independently. Buckle closures are common at higher levels.
• Remeasure every 6 months for growing athletes. Sizing can change meaningfully over a competitive season.

What Changes by Level

Grip needs evolve significantly as a gymnast progresses. Here is what parents should understand at each stage.

Breaking In New Grips

New grips are stiff and do not perform the same as broken-in grips. The break-in period typically takes 1–3 weeks of regular practice. During this time, the leather softens and conforms to the gymnast's hand, and the dowel settles into its working position.

A few practical notes for parents on break-in:

• New grips should be introduced during regular practice, not at a meet. Never give a gymnast new grips immediately before competition.
• Lightly dampening the leather with water before the first practice session can speed the softening process. Follow the manufacturer's guidance.
• Chalk is applied from the first use — it conditions the leather and helps with bar grip.
• Grips should be stored in a dry environment. Heat and moisture degrade leather significantly. Do not leave them in a hot car or in a wet gym bag.

When to Replace Grips

Worn grips are a safety issue. Parents should periodically inspect their gymnast's grips, and gymnasts should be taught to recognize when replacement is needed. Signs that grips need to be replaced include:

• Leather thinned to the point of near-transparency, particularly near the dowel or finger holes
• Cracks or splitting in the leather
• The dowel shifting or sitting loosely in its channel
• Wrist closure that no longer holds securely during bar work
• Increased ripping frequency — worn leather loses its friction properties and the skin underneath bears more load

Competitive gymnasts in active training typically replace grips once or twice per year at lower levels, with frequency increasing at higher levels where training volume and release-move repetition are greater.

Wrist Supports and Dowel Guards

Two additional items parents will encounter in gymnastics equipment discussions are wrist supports and dowel guards.

Wrist supports (sometimes called Tiger Paws, wrist savers, or similar trade names) are worn in addition to grips, not instead of them. They provide added wrist support and are sometimes used by gymnasts managing wrist discomfort or recovering from wrist injuries. Their use should always be directed by a coach and, if related to injury, by a healthcare provider. They are not protective in a way that allows training through injury.

Dowel guards are small additional leather pieces that cover the dowel to reduce bar impact and callusing in certain grip positions. They are not standard equipment and are used at specific levels or for specific skill needs. Coach guidance applies.