Despite packing an efficient punch, the best exercise bikes cost similar to rowing machines —  as little as $300 to well over $2,500. Imagine the horror of spending thousands of dollars just to find out you don’t love your shiny new cardio equipment?!

Lucky for you, I’ve done the research for you and gathered a list of the 13 best exercise bikes, so you can pick the right one for you.

How We Chose the Best Exercise Bikes

The Breaking Muscle team comprises a passionate squad of fitness aficionados, including conditioning coaches, spin instructors, competitive triathletes, and home gym owners. Altogether, our team has tested and reviewed 50+ exercise bikes — from the cheapest to the most expensive — putting them through rigorous a 13-point protocol.

From there, we chose the best exercise bikes by category rating each from 1 to 5 based on criteria like:

• Adjustability: Are the handlebars and the seat adjustable to fit various body sizes?
• Customization: Can you swap in your own pedals, saddle, and handlebars for a more custom riding experience?
• Tech capabilities: What interactive tech is available, if any? Is there Bluetooth or ANT+ connectivity available?

We have lots to cover… so gear up and let’s dive in!

Our Top Picks for the Best Exercise Bikes

• Best Exercise Bike Overall: NordicTrack S22i Studio Bike
• Best Air Bike: Assault Fitness AssaultBike Pro X
• Best Exercise Bike With Classes: Echelon EX-8s
• Best Exercise Bike for Seniors: Horizon 5.0R Recumbent Bike
• Best Spin Exercise Bike: Diamondback 1260sc
• Best Portable Exercise Bike: Concept2 BikeErg
• Best Exercise Bike for Weight Loss: CAROL Bike
• Best Magnetic Exercise Bike: Bowflex VeloCore
• Best Affordable Exercise Bike: Yosuda Indoor Cycling Bike
• Best Recumbent Exercise Bike: Schwinn 290 Recumbent Bike
• Best Folding Exercise Bike: Marcy Foldable Upright Exercise Bike
• Best Exercise Bike for Small Spaces: Cubii Move
• Best Exercise Bike With a Screen: Peloton Bike+

Best Exercise Bike Overall: NordicTrack S22i Studio Bike

NordicTrack S22i Studio Bike

4.5

• Dimensions: 60" L x 22" W x 63" H
• Resistance levels: 24
• Available programming: Yes (requires iFIT subscription)
• Weight capacity: 350 pounds
• Type: Spin

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The NordicTrack S22i is hands-down the best exercise bike overall. We had three product testers take this bike for a ride to tell us why it won our top pick.

This NordicTrack bike’s programming, screen, and connectivity are excellent. Our product testers love the complimentary one-year iFIT membership because you can do live coach-led workouts, on-demand studio classes, and outdoor courses. 

Plus, the 22-inch touchscreen is high-definition, so it looks like you’re riding through a trail in Hawaii or taking a spin class in person.  It also swivels, so you can do other iFIT workouts off the bike without needing to see the screen from the rest of your home gym. 

RELATED: Best Budget Home Gym Equipment

With 24 smooth-adjusting, magnetic resistance levels, our Breaking Muscle staff members found the riding experience on the S22i impressive.

They were pleasantly surprised that this bike inclines up to 20 percent grade and declines down to -10 percent, which is rare for a spin bike — the angle can even be auto-adjusted during your workouts by your iFIT coaches. The resistance and incline levels adjust digitally, which feels higher-end than push buttons.

NordicTrack included a series of convenient accessories on the S22i. For starters, our product testers like the dual water bottle holders and the built-in fan to keep you hydrated and comfortable during your rides. Plus, the media shelf helps hold your smartphone, and there’s even an easy-access storage tray for the two (complimentary) three-pound dumbbells.

When it comes to mobility, the S22i is more cumbersome than you’d expect. Our product testers found the front wheels helped it move, but there’s no handle at the back, so you have to awkwardly lift it from the rear stabilizer beam for the wheels to kick in. They also noticed you need to be careful with the big screen knocking into things as you reposition it. Combined with its 205-pound in-box weight, a second person can be helpful when moving the bike.

Unfortunately, the S22i’s programming is limited if you don’t have an iFIT membership. Without it, you essentially just have the machine in manual mode. There are a few free bike workouts in iFIT that you can access without the recurring subscription, but even the live chat agent couldn’t confirm this and suggested we call their Customer Service team.

With the impressive build quality and tech of this NordicTrack Studio Bike, it’s no surprise that it commands a higher price. At the time of publishing, it retails at $1,999 — making it comparable to the Peloton Bike+. Remember, you’ll also need an ongoing iFIT subscription to use the bike to its full potential. That said, I think it’s well worth the cost, considering the bike’s features and the value of the iFIT membership.

All the above considered, we rank this 4.5 out of 5 stars for its excellent classes and courses with iFIT, smooth resistance with incline/decline capability, and convenient accessories.

Best Air Bike: Assault Fitness AssaultBike Pro X

Assault Fitness AssaultBike Pro X

4.4

• Overall dimensions: 51.73” L x 24.52” W x 52.51” H
• Weight: 125 pounds
• Weight capacity: 330 pounds
• Display: High-contrast LCD screen

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The Pro X is a beast of an air bike. Our product tester loved its belt drive because it’s smoother than their more affordable Assault Bike Classic and the previous model (the Assault Bike Pro), both of which have chain drives. 

At first use, its 125-pound weight stood out, as it’s incredibly sturdy even when pedaling and pushing as hard as possible. Almost everything on this unit is metal; a full-metal construction means it’s seriously rugged and should last years, even when used by heavier and stronger athletes.

Assault Fitness uses the same “Elite” monitor on all their air bikes, and after testing 10+ air bikes, it’s become our product tester’s favorite. The physical buttons are easy to touch and colored, which is an underrated feature you’ll appreciate if you’ve done a HIIT workout on an air bike. The console’s high-contrast LCD screen also displays all the essential metrics: heart rate, calories, distance, RPM, and more. The included programming intervals and Bluetooth connectivity are a great benefit as well.

Having reviewed dozens of cardio equipment pieces over the past three years, I’m personally impressed by Assault’s warranty on their Pro X. The frame is covered by a seven-year warranty, with a three-year warranty on moving parts. 

Many companies try to pass the majority of frustrating part repairs on to their customers by only covering “non-wear and tear” parts. However, Assault breaks the mold by explicitly covering “moving” parts for the first three years. Knowing you can put the Pro X through brutal workouts day after day while being covered on parts delivers serious peace of mind.

One of our Breaking Muscle staff members has extensive experience repairing air bikes and says swapping a belt or changing internal components can be a nightmare. Bike repairs often need special parts and are best done by a certified technician, so expect any significant repairs to take multiple hours, with most of your help coming from how-to/troubleshooting videos. To be fair, this applies to air bikes bought from any company — not just Assault Fitness.

Because the Pro X is large, it can be cumbersome to move. One of our product testers found the easiest way to transport it is to lift it from the rear stabilizer until the wheels contact the floor. Still, the 125-pound weight with its 52-inch x 24.5-inch footprint makes this air bike challenging to move compared to the Concept2 BikeErg, and it might be too much for some users.

In general, fan bikes might not be the best choice for home gyms that have to be careful of noise levels. As a fan-based bike, the Assault Bike Pro X is loud. 

That said, the fan-blade system of the Pro X appears to be a regular bike hub with fan blades welded to it — making it much smaller than what you’d find on the Rogue Echo bike. This smaller size means less air displacement, and some Breaking Muscle team members were surprised by how quiet it was in comparison.

All the above considered, we rank this 4.4 out of 5 stars for its rugged design, excellent console capabilities, and impressive warranty.

Best Exercise Bike With Classes: Echelon EX-8s

Echelon Connect EX-8s Bike

3.6

• Dimensions: 59" L x 23" W x 65" H
• Resistance levels: 32
• Available programming: Yes
• Weight capacity: 300 pounds
• Type: Spin

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One of our product testers took the Echelon Connect bike for a ride and was immediately impressed. 

It features an oversized 24-inch curved touchscreen, which feels enormous but immersive when working out. Combine that with the high-definition quality and LED lights that sync to your workout metrics, and it feels like you’re cycling in a live studio class — which is super motivating. The dual-facing speakers offer great sound, and the screen flips 180 degrees, so you can easily view it for Echelon Premier workouts.

By joining their Echelon Premier Membership at $39.99 monthly, you unlock daily live classes and over 15,000 various, on-demand classes. Premier members receive exclusive discounts, a more comprehensive range of class difficulties, and up to five user profiles. With this membership, you can also view a leaderboard and compete against others, see when your friends are online, and check other users’ stats worldwide. Finally, the Echelon app syncs your console with your Strava, Zwift, Apple Health, FitBit, and Spotify profiles and data.

Alternatively, Echelon offers a more affordable “Fit Pass” at $11.99 monthly. This plan is best if you want to work out anywhere, anytime, without needing any equipment. Fit Pass includes 60+ instructors, 40+ daily live classes, challenges, and more. I like their range of workouts; they have everything from cardio and core training to meditation and barre. They even have a travel-the-world-fitness class option, which reminds our product tester of JRNY and iFIT. 

Despite the massive class selection, our product tester finds the quality could be better for the monthly price, even if you sign up for a two-year plan ($29.16 monthly). She notes that the price seems high for what it is because it isn’t as produced as Peloton’s live and on-demand classes, but it isn’t bad — the production quality just isn’t quite there yet.

The EX-8S retails for $3,079.50, but it’s on sale for $1,699.99 at the time of publishing. The sale price is way more reasonable, but the original cost seems expensive for the actual specs of the bike. Considering the Peloton Bike+ is more affordable and offers a better warranty, I wouldn’t be surprised if more customers jump ship.

Echelon’s warranty on the Connect EX-8S is flat-out disappointing at just one year. Their 30-day return policy and financing option are typical, but our product tester couldn’t believe the warranty is only one year, especially for such a steep retail price. If you’re an active Echelon Premier member, you can enjoy the benefit of full warranty coverage for up to five years. However, this requires an ongoing monthly membership for 60 months, costing you a whopping $1,700 over those five years in subscription fees.

All the above considered, we rank this 3.8 out of 5 stars for the outstanding 24” HD touchscreen, along with the workout subscription options offered through Echelon Premier and the more affordable Fit Pass.

Best Exercise Bike for Seniors: Horizon 5.0R Recumbent Bike

Horizon Fitness 5.0 R Recumbent Bike

4.0

• Dimensions: 66" L x 25.2" W x 52.2" H
• Resistance levels: 100
• Available programming: Yes
• Weight capacity: 300 pounds
• Type: Recumbent

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The Horizon 5.0R is excellent for seniors due to its mobility-friendly design. For example, the low, step-through frame helps you access the seated position even if you struggle with mobility or leg strength. Once you’re ready to sit down into the seat, there are front handlebars that you can hold for support as you sit down — they also make it easier to stand up after your workout. 

I’m impressed by the sturdiness of the 5.0R, which is a blessing because most seniors have trouble with their balance. 

The large 66-inch by 25.2-inch footprint and lower seat position result in a more stable machine. The flywheel, however, weighs just 15.4 pounds, which makes it easy to pedal at first and is gentler on your joints. That said, 100 magnetic resistance levels are available, so you can still get a smooth but seriously intense workout.

I’m also glad to see toe clips on the pedals; they help keep your feet from slipping out, which is more likely on a recumbent bike due to the reclined angle of your feet. The extra-large, adjustable seat includes a backrest and handlebars along the sides. Even though you have a near-zero chance of slipping out of the seat during your workout, holding the handlebars for extra support and peace of mind is nice.

Finally, I’m pleased with this exercise bike’s simple controls and convenient features. For one, the screen and control buttons are easy to see and reach while seated. Further, a built-in fan and an included water bottle holder keep you comfortable and hydrated during your rides. All of these features add a nice touch for older populations. 

Unfortunately, the bike does require some assembly. There’s a helpful assembly video, but according to Horizon, lifting the main frame out of the box requires two people. Because of the box size, weight, and assembly, this might be too much work, depending on your strength and mobility. 

Horizon does have an in-room delivery option for an extra $199 if you’re experienced with basic tools and would prefer to assemble it yourself but want the large box brought in by another person. Alternatively, they offer white glove delivery and assembly for $239, including room-of-choice delivery, complete setup and assembly, and packaging removal.

At 123 pounds, this exercise bike might be too heavy for a senior to move. There is a carrying handle at the bottom rear of the machine, and once you lift it from the handle, you can wheel it to another location. Indeed, you’re not lifting the entire bike — some of the bike’s weight will be resting on the wheels — but combined with its large footprint, you might find it unmoveable without some help.

Finally, the touchscreen console requires basic tech skills. You’ll be okay with the console if you can operate a smartphone or tablet. That said, some seniors rely only on analog (push) buttons and might find the touchscreen and controls too confusing to use if they’re not tech-savvy.

All the above considered, we rank this 4 out of 5 stars for its mobility-friendly access, sturdy and stable design, and simple yet intuitive controls.

Best Spin Exercise Bike: Diamondback 1260sc

Diamondback Fitness 1260Sc

3.9

• Overall dimensions: 59” L x 23” W x 50” H
• Weight: 130 pounds
• Weight capacity: 300 pounds
• Display: LCD monitor to track workout metrics

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The Diamondback Fitness 1260sc is a fantastic spin-studio-quality bike. The rear-mounted 31-pound flywheel gives it extra smoothness, similar to riding a bike outside. Even better, Diamondback Fitness uses a belt to drive the flywheel — making it significantly smoother and quieter than a chain-driven system. Although our product tester didn’t think she’d like the magnetic resistance lever, she grew to love its premium-like clicking sound. All these finer touches make the 1260 comparable to an exercise bike from a commercial gym studio.

To add to the studio feel, the 1260 is highly adjustable. The handlebars are two-way adjustable (up, down, forward, and back) and have plenty of grips, so you can find a comfortable hand position whether riding in or out of the saddle. The two-sided pedals have toe clips for maximum safety and cycling efficiency, while the other is a classic flat pedal. Thanks to the two-way adjusting seat and the variety of available heights, our five-foot, four-inch tall product tester fit perfectly with a couple of inches to spare.

This Diamondback Fitness bike connects to many ANT+ apps and wearables so that you can pair it with Garmin and Wahoo products. Our product tester enjoys the vast range of apps connecting via Bluetooth FTMS (Fitness Machine Service protocol). This latest tech lets you connect your fitness equipment to popular apps like Zwift, Rouvy, Myzone, SPIVI, and others — tracking your watts, time, distance, rpm, heart rate, and more.

Our product tester doesn’t love where they put the water bottle holder and vertical adjustment levers on this bike. Since the water bottle holder is mounted in front of the post, she has to awkwardly lean forward and reach around the front post to grab water while riding. The adjustment levers also don’t open easily, so they require a lot of force to pry them open. Once opened, adjustments are no problem — but the initial sticking point of the levers is no joke.

The console on the 1260 is as simple as you can get, and it lacks any interactive features you’d see on a Peloton+. The console doesn’t provide any programming, so you must do your workouts manually, pair the console with an app, find free online classes, or join a subscription service like iFIT.

All the above considered, we rank this 3.9 out of 5 stars for its spin-studio quality, impressive adjustability, and wide range of console connectivity.

Best Portable Exercise Bike: Concept2 BikeErg

Concept2 BikeErg

3.9

• Overall dimensions: 48” L x 24” W; seat to pedal height ranges from 31" to 40.5"
• Weight: 68 pounds
• Weight capacity: 350 pounds
• Display: PM5 monitor

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The BikeErg is extremely easy to move, making it the best portable exercise bike due mainly to its materials and construction. Built mostly from aluminum,  it’s lightweight and compact (48 inches long by 24 inches wide), which minimizes excess weight while retaining durability. It also weighs only 68 pounds when fully assembled, making it lighter than most exercise bikes and a little over half the weight of the Horizon 5.0R Recumbent Bike. 

The C2 BikeErg includes caster wheels that make moving it a breeze. Once the machine tips up for the wheels to kick in, you can roll it smoothly to wherever you want it to go. You can fit it into most vehicles by removing the seat and handlebar posts, making it easier to haul to another CrossFit box or gym.

Its high portability is heightened further by its adjustability, customizability, and versatility. The handlebars can be adjusted up, down, forward, and back. Similarly, you can raise or lower the seat and tilt it to +/-15-degrees. I’m impressed the BikeErg is compatible with most cycling parts — letting you change the saddle, handlebars, and pedals as you see fit.

One of our Breaking Muscle staff members has used the Concept2 BikeErg extensively and is continually impressed by its versatility. They enjoy it for long endurance rides and high-intensity interval training (HIIT). Unlike an air bike like the AssaultBike Pro X, the Concept2 is a jack-of-all-trades.

There are a few downsides to the Concept2 BikeErg. First, it’s rather noisy. Like the other Concept2 cardio machines, the BikeErg is also fan-based, so a loud whooshing sound is made when you pedal. Compared to a quiet electromagnetic bike like the BLANK, I could see some users being annoyed by the noise from the fan. The higher damper settings restrict airflow, reducing the loudness, but you might still need headphones or earplugs if it bothers you.

If you enjoy using interactive consoles, you might be slightly disappointed by Concept2’s Performance Monitor (PM5). It lacks the engaging and interactive aspects of the NordicTrack S22i’s iFIT membership console. The screen is small and lacks speakers. Plus, it doesn’t offer live or on-demand workout classes — you must pay for a separate subscription service.

Finally, the BikeErg isn’t cheap by any means. It’s a quality spin bike (technically fan-based, but it doesn’t count as an air bike due to the lack of moveable handlebars), so you can expect it to cost a pretty penny. You’ll save some money going with a more economical brand, but whether you’re willing to sacrifice on performance and the power of the PM5 is up to you.

All the above considered, we rank this 3.9 out of 5 stars for its easy portability, highly adjustable components, impressive customizability, and versatility.

RELATED: Concept2 RowErg Review

Best Exercise Bike for Weight Loss: CAROL Bike

CAROL Bike

4.1

• Dimensions: 45.5" L x 22" W
• Resistance levels: Not listed
• Available programming: Yes
• Weight capacity: 330 pounds
• Type: Spin

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When you lead a busy life, keeping a regular exercise habit is easier said than done if it takes 30 minutes to an hour — enter the CAROL. 

Quick note: our product testers trialed the original CAROL bike, but this review is based on the 2.0 version of the CAROL. We’ll note any updated features of the 2.0 version below.

This bike is the best for weight loss because it gives you an effective workout in just five minutes, so you can easily fit it into your busy schedule. There’s no excuse with the CAROL because your workout takes just five minutes. This means you can do it any time during your day, making it much more likely that you’ll stick with your new exercise habit.

The CAROL is also ideal for weight loss because the workouts use an artificial intelligence (AI) algorithm to calculate your optimal resistance. Simply choose one of 18 different workouts and fitness tests; the upgraded console 2.0 will walk you through it without any confusion, making it suitable for any age and fitness level. You even get access for up to eight riders with the home membership, so you can help others in their quest to live healthier, too.

This bike also supports weight loss through data-driven results. The first model of the CAROL had heart rate monitors built into the handlebars, whereas the 2.0 model includes a chest-strap heart rate monitor to track your training. Each workout refines what it’s learned to tailor workouts to your fitness level, then shows your progress using precise data like your overall fitness score, heart rate metrics, peak power, energy output, and global and local leaderboard stats. Seeing your fitness improve with nearly every workout will entice you to return.

Unfortunately, you’re locked into paying for the ongoing $15 monthly membership if you want a fully functioning bike. Without the membership, you can still do a manual ride, but the resistance will stay at the starting resistance and never change — making it practically useless for a real workout. For this reason, changing the intensity and using the bike to its maximum potential requires a recurring membership.

Next, the CAROL is relatively expensive. Based on the bike specs alone, it doesn’t live up to the price because it costs more than the Peloton Bike+ and doesn’t include live or on-demand classes like iFIT. Further, it’s roughly ten times the price of our most affordable exercise bike, the Yosuda Indoor Cycling Bike. Remember, though, this bike isn’t made for interactive fitness classes or enjoyable rides — it’s for people who want the best results from the shortest workout possible.

Sadly, the warranty falls short based on its $2,500 price tag. Like the Echelon EX-8s, it only has a one-year warranty, leaving much to be desired. Our product tester doesn’t think you’ll have any issues with the bike breaking down. and there’s a 100-day home trial if you change your mind. Still, she wishes the warranty was much longer, and I couldn’t agree more.

All the above considered, we rank this 4.1 out of 5 stars for its AI-controlled motorized resistance, detailed and data-driven console, and beautifully sleek design.

Best Magnetic Exercise Bike: Bowflex VeloCore

BowFlex VeloCore Bike

4.2

• Dimensions: 59.8" L x 24.1" W x 55.3" H
• Resistance levels: 100
• Available programming: Yes
• Weight capacity: 325 pounds
• Type: Spin

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The Bowflex VeloCore has a sleek and modern look, and our product tester was impressed with its high-quality build, finding it fun and easy to use. She appreciates the smooth-feeling 33-pound flywheel with 100 levels of magnetic resistance for quiet but intense workouts. This bike’s belt drive requires minimal maintenance and delivers a consistent performance. It has an adjustable seat, two-way adjusting handlebars, and dual-sided pedals that accommodate regular or SPD shoes — essential features for optimal comfort, especially if you’re a triathlete.

The bike comes with a choice of two screen sizes, 16-inch or 22-inch, and each is an HD, responsive touchscreen that connects to the JRNY app for live and on-demand workouts. Based on your level, an initial fitness assessment determines what classes JRNY recommends for you to try. There are also options to “explore the world” by biking around different destinations. The JRNY subscription even lets you stream entertainment like Netflix, Hulu, Prime Video, and Disney+.

The bike’s most distinctive feature is the ability to lean from side to side, creating a more dynamic and engaging riding experience. The leaning feature claims to activate muscles, burn more calories, and improve balance and coordination. The bike also has a stabilizer bar that can lock the bike in place for a more traditional ride. The leaning feature works with the JRNY app, which offers scenic rides and interactive games that challenge you to lean and steer along the route.

One downside to the VeloCore is the price, ranging from $1,799 to $2,199 based on the screen size chosen. Going off the price alone, the Diamondback 1260sc is a better choice if you’re not interested in being able to lean as part of your workouts. 

The bike also requires a monthly subscription to the JRNY app, which costs $11.99 monthly or $99 per year. However, the bike’s functionality is severely limited without the subscription because you can only use the manual mode, and you can’t stream anything. 

The bike’s leaning feature is the main selling point of the bike, but it may not be as beneficial or enjoyable as it sounds. It claims to activate more muscles, burn more calories, and improve balance and coordination, yet no scientific evidence on the product page supports these claims. Plus, more moving parts and sensors than a regular bike make it more prone to wear and tear. It might not be worth the extra cost and hassle for users who prefer a more stable and less gimmicky ride.

All the above considered, we rank this 4.2 out of 5 stars for its excellent spin bike design, highly adjustable components, and innovative bike-leaning feature.

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Best Affordable Exercise Bike: Yosuda Indoor Cycling Bike

YOSUDA Indoor Cycling Bike

4.0

• Dimensions: 40.16" L x 21.65" W x 46.06" H
• Resistance levels: 100
• Available programming: No
• Weight capacity: 270 pounds
• Type: Spin

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The YOSUDA Indoor Cycling Bike is a highly affordable exercise bike, on sale for $249.99 at the time of writing. Compared to many other bikes in this article, it’s the most budget-friendly option. Despite its economical price, I’m pleasantly surprised by its great reviews on Amazon: 4.⅘ stars based on feedback from 21,788 customers.

Our product reviewer is impressed with several features of this bike typically found on spin-studio-quality bikes. First, the flywheel is 35 pounds for a smooth riding experience that rivals cycling outdoors, and the steel frame feels heavy-duty for peace of mind while riding. The belt-driven system also minimizes noise and, combined with the mechanical (friction) resistance, is quiet enough to operate without disturbing sleeping kids or neighbors. 

Like the NordicTrack S22i Studio Bike, the Yosuda also offers two-way adjustable handlebars and a four-way adjustable seat to ensure it fits as many cyclists of different sizes as possible. The built-in transportation wheels make moving it around easier, and the bike includes a device and water bottle holder.

However, the YOSUDA bike has some drawbacks that may make you think twice before buying it. The bike’s console has no programming, so you’re on your own for making or sourcing structured workouts. It also lacks Bluetooth and ANT+ connectivity, so you can’t sync it with cycling apps like Zwift or fitness devices like a heart rate monitor. Further, our Breaking Muscle team member’s LCD monitor was wobbly and seemed like it was about to fall off. It appears that Yosuda invested in some quality parts but cut corners on the rest.

For example, during testing, our product reviewer’s Yosuda had some pieces breaking off, such as the pedal strap. The bike seat was comfortable only for the first few minutes and already started to experience small tears, and the water bottle holder felt flimsy. Many reviews claim it’s a common experience for many parts to wear out or break off after a few months of use.

Finally, he provided some clear guidance on its durability. At around $300, it’s a great price but not a durable bike — it will likely need replacing in about two years. The Yosuda is fine if you’re looking for a quick short-term fix, but it’s not a forever bike. 

Suppose you prefer to make your exercise bike investment once. In that case, you may want to save for a more expensive and reliable bike that offers a better value and riding experience, like the Diamondback 1260sc.

All the above considered, we rank this 3.8 out of 5 stars for its affordability, value, adjustability, and high praise on Amazon.

Best Recumbent Exercise Bike: Schwinn 290 Recumbent Bike

Schwinn 290 Recumbent Bike

4.0

• Dimensions: 66.4" L x 28" W x 47" H
• Resistance levels: 25
• Available programming: Yes
• Weight capacity: 330 pounds
• Type: Recumbent

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I’m pleasantly surprised with the Schwinn 290’s console and connectivity. You can use the JRNY® app on the 7″ LCD screen to access 200+ virtual courses that automatically adjust your bike’s resistance to the course’s terrain. 

Alternatively, there are trainer-led classes for a workout with a more human touch. There are many workout durations and class types, so you’ll most certainly find an intensity and trainer matching your preferences. Best of all, you get a two-month free trial to JRNY® when you buy the 290 Recumbent Bike. 

If you’re a ZWIFT fan, the console is compatible with that platform, so you can virtually interact, train, and compete against others worldwide. The speakers and console even have Bluetooth capability to connect to your smartphone or tablet easily. If you prefer to play your own music playlist or sync your heart rate monitor, both are possible on the 290.

While almost twice as expensive as our choice for the best affordable exercise bike (Yosuda Indoor Cycling Bike), the Schwinn 290 packs impressive features to make this an excellent value exercise bike. 

The console includes a media shelf and USB charging port to rest your smartphone or tablet on within view for a hands-free workout without worrying about battery life. It also features a water bottle holder attached to the side of the backrest for easy hydration access, whether you like water or the best electrolyte powders during your rides. Due to its 107.6-pound weight, the transport wheels are super convenient for moving, especially if you plan on storing it away between workouts.

Regarding downsides, I don’t like how the foot pedals adjust. You can tighten and loosen them quickly, but you must push the selector tab into your desired strap notch to lock a size in place. Securing the tab is shockingly tricky, even more so if you have big feet or struggle with mobility. 

You’re better off getting a rough estimate of the notch you need, dismounting the bike, and adjusting them with both hands. Based on my experience with these, I feel like a classic cinching strap of the Concept2 BikeErg or a plain velcro strap would be more user-friendly. 

Further, the step-through area is just too cramped for my liking. It’s so small that you must angle your foot to pass it through the step-through area. As a result, I could see this being a tripping hazard for anyone with mobility or weight challenges. I’m surprised to see this area redesigned because the Schwinn 270 Recumbent — the model that the 290 has replaced — featured a much larger area for you to step through. Because of this safety oversight, I’d recommend the Horizon 5.0R over this recumbent for seniors.

Sadly, you won’t get a great labor warranty with the 290. The parts are free if anything breaks on this exercise bike within the first two years. However, the labor warranty is only 90 days — ridiculously short. This means you’ll have to figure out how to replace the part(s) yourself or pay a technician out-of-pocket to repair your bike.

All the above considered, we rank this 3.5 out of 5 stars for its JRNY® + ZWIFT apps, Bluetooth speakers and connectivity, and convenient accessories.

Best Folding Exercise Bike: Marcy Foldable Upright Exercise Bike

Marcy Foldable Recumbent Exercise Bike

4.3

• Dimensions: 39" L x 22" W x 48.5" H
• Resistance levels: Seven
• Available programming: No
• Weight capacity: 250 pounds
• Type: Recumbent (foldable)

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This foldable upright bike collapses inward to a compact 21.5-inch depth, and the backrest folds down, so the height is only 47 inches. This means it can easily be tucked away in a closet when not in use. Although it didn’t make our top choice list, a Marcy upright bike can fold. While snagging the best upright exercise bike overall spot is unlikely, the folding feature is underrated if you work out in a small space.

Marcy’s folding bike is relatively portable. It features transport wheels, making it easy to move from one corner to another without lifting and carrying the entire bike. Depending on your strength, you could carry it up or down a flight of stairs if needed because it only weighs 37 pounds — making it one of the lightest exercise bikes featured in this article.

The features of this folding exercise bike surprised me. It boasts a 250-pound weight capacity, which is great for its lightweight frame. When folded out, the 14-gauge steel feels sturdy, so I’m confident it’ll hold up to its listed weight limit. The pedals have foot straps like the Horizon 5.0R Recumbent Bike, and they’re also weighted, which makes getting your feet inserted much easier. The two-year warranty was higher than expected for a budget-friendly folding bike like this.

One downside is that the  Marcy foldable bike’s console is pretty barebones, displaying only the distance, time, speed, odometer, and burned calories. It has no built-in programming, meaning you’re stuck with the manual mode and might need a subscription to vary your workout. Unsurprisingly, the console also lacks Bluetooth or ANT+ connectivity, so no apps or fitness devices will pair or sync with it. If tracking your workout data is crucial, find an alternative method or bike.

All the above considered, we rank this 3.5 out of 5 stars for its folding feature to save space, portability, and multiple surprising features like sturdiness, pedals, and warranty.

Best Exercise Bike for Small Spaces: Cubii Move

Cubii Move

3.8

• Dimensions: 21.7" L x 19.7" W x 9.7" H
• Resistance levels: Eight
• Available programming: No
• Weight capacity: Not listed
• Type: Under desk

Check Price

The Cubii Move has six adjustable resistance levels using the knob in the center of the machine, so you can customize your workout intensity and challenge yourself as you progress. 

The LCD screen displays the metric you’ve selected, and this under-desk exercise bike can track a surprising number of metrics, from stride count and mileage to duration and calories burned. The reset button is large enough to press it with your toe without bending down and using your finger.

This under-desk machine is free and compatible with the Cubii app, which lets you manually add your data, join challenges, and access 300+ expert-guided workout classes. Through it, you can connect with other Cubii users and share your achievements and goals.

The Cubii is lightweight and portable, weighing only 18 pounds. Thanks to its glass-filled nylon construction, you can quickly move it from room to room. This means it’s not difficult to bring it home from your office, so you can continue to use it while watching TV after your workday — storing it under your bed or in a closet when not in use.

This under-desk elliptical isn’t suitable if you’re looking for a high-intensity or full-body workout. It only targets your lower body muscles: quads, hamstrings, glutes, and calves. However, the range of motion is significantly smaller compared to a recumbent exercise bike. It also doesn’t provide much cardiovascular or calorie-burning benefits compared to other exercise machines.

The Cubii may not work well on thick carpets as the rubber feet might sink, causing the unit to wobble and shift out of place. Also, it might not fit under some desks or chairs, depending on the height and clearance. You may need to adjust your chair or desk height to avoid hitting your knees on the underside of your desk. Lastly, you may also need to wear comfortable shoes or socks to prevent blisters or discomfort on your feet.

All the above considered, we rank this 3.5 out of 5 stars for its low impact, good metrics, free app, and portable build.

Best Exercise Bike With a Screen: Peloton Bike+

Peloton Bike+

4.4

• Dimensions: 59" L x 22" W x 59" H
• Resistance levels: 100
• Available programming: Yes
• Weight capacity: 297 pounds
• Type: Spin

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The screen on the Peloton Bike+ is amazing. It is a 23.8-inch HD (1080p) touchscreen that rotates 360 degrees, so you can easily switch between your cycling workouts and exercising off the bike. The screen also has a high-fidelity sound system, a front-facing camera, and a microphone so that you can interact with other riders and instructors with crystal-clear quality. The camera even has a privacy cover, which many camera-shy people can appreciate.

I like the screen’s responsiveness and how easy it is to navigate. It displays all the metrics you need to track your performance, like cadence, resistance, output, heart rate, and calories burned. It even features a reduced-reflective and anti-smudge coating, so your fingerprints won’t end up all over the touchscreen.

Peloton offers various live and on-demand classes to suit your preferences and goals. I love the availability of classes and the huge selection of music choices like pop, hip hop, rock, R&B, the 80s, 90s, 2000s, and Broadway. The classes range from five to 75 minutes, though from what I’ve seen, most classes fall in the 20- to 30-minute range. Sometimes, if I’m in the mood for a longer workout but can’t find a 45-minute class that interests me, I’ll “stack” two shorter classes together. 

I particularly enjoy the Power Zone classes, where different parts focus on staying within a certain heart rate zone, and the climb or HIIT rides, where the intensity is slightly higher than regular classes. There are also many beginner classes, and even though I consider myself more advanced in fitness, I enjoy the beginner classes occasionally for active recovery.

Unfortunately, the bike is expensive. The Peloton Bike+ costs $2,495, a lot of money for an exercise bike. 

You also have to pay for the accessories, such as the shoes, the mat, the weights, and the heart rate monitor, which can add up to another few hundred dollars. The bike also requires a monthly subscription of $39 to access the classes and features, another recurring cost you must factor in. If you are on a tight budget, the Peloton Bike+ might not be your best option.

The Peloton Bike+ only works with the Peloton app and the Apple Watch, which means you cannot use it with other fitness apps or devices you might already have or prefer. 

For example, you can’t use the bike with Zwift, Strava, Garmin, Fitbit, or any other third-party app or device. You also can’t export your workout data to other platforms unless you use a workaround involving screenshots or third-party apps. This can be frustrating if you want to integrate your Peloton workouts with your other fitness activities or track your progress on other platforms.

It’s also important to realize that you won’t jive with every instructor. As you ride the bike more and familiarize yourself with their personalities and styles, you learn who you connect best with. 

For example, I’m not a big fan of over-the-top cheerleading or motivational talk when exercising, so I avoid the instructors who tend to lean that way during their classes. Several instructors were once competitive cyclists or Ironman/triathlon athletes. They provide a lot of insight into the mindset of an athlete, which I like a lot better, so I take their classes more often. The key is to test out many instructors and stick with who you enjoy most.

All the above considered, we rank this 4.25 out of 5 stars for its outstanding quality console, high-tech screen, and massive range of classes and music.

What Are the Benefits of Exercise Bikes?

Low-Impact Training

Unlike running or jumping, cycling places less stress on your joints, bones, and muscles. This reduces injury risk and makes exercise bike training suitable for all ages and fitness levels, especially seniors and those struggling with excessive weight.

Improved Cardiovascular Conditioning

Cycling increases your heart rate and blood circulation, strengthening your heart, lungs, and blood vessels over time. This allows them to handle higher cardio demands than they could have previously tolerated. Additionally, improved cardiovascular conditioning can lower blood pressure and cholesterol, reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Can Support Weight Loss Goals

Depending on the intensity and duration of your workout, you can burn anywhere from a couple hundred to nearly a thousand calories per hour on an exercise bike. This can help you create a calorie deficit essential for losing weight.

Reduced Stress

Using an exercise bike can help you reduce stress and anxiety, as it releases endorphins and serotonin, which are natural chemicals that make you feel happier and more relaxed. 

Lower Body Strengthening

Exercise bikes work out your lower body muscles, such as your glutes, quads, hamstrings, and calves. This can improve your muscle strength and endurance, as well as your balance and coordination. Stronger lower body muscles can also prevent or alleviate lower back pain, knee pain, and other common ailments.

What to Consider When Buying an Exercise Bike

Exercise Bike Type

There are four exercise bike types: upright, recumbent, spin, and air.

• Upright: An upright bike allows you to sit upright with the pedals directly below you. The handles are elevated and are closer to you than on a spin bike, and the seat is usually wider and more comfortable. This conventional riding position is great if you like longer rides that focus on your legs, but it’s less effective for high-intensity training than an air bike.
• Recumbent: This style of bike has a seat with a back pad to support your middle and lower back, placing you in a reclined riding position. Unlike other styles, the pedals are at the front on a recumbent bike. The recumbent style distributes your weight evenly between the seat and the back pad, making it excellent for longer rides. Since you can relax your upper body more than an upright bike, it’s great for riders with back and joint issues. This style is also lower to the ground, so getting on and off the bike is easier — a major selling point if you struggle with mobility.
• Spin: A spin bike, also known as an indoor cycling bike, is the closest style to outdoor cycling. The narrower seat and lower bring your upper body forward, giving your upper body a workout instead of just your legs. This style is less comfortable than an upright and recumbent bike but offers better performance, which is vital for those wanting to train at higher intensities.
• Air bike: This fan-based bike style is sometimes called “dual-action.” Air bikes feature moving handlebars that you can operate separately or simultaneously with the pedals and provide resistance by the fan blades displacing air. The seat tends to be broader, and the pedals are below it, like on an upright bike. An air bike isn’t the best for long rides because it’s harder to maintain consistent resistance, but this style is unmatched for high intensity.

Cost

Exercise bikes can range from hundreds to a few thousand dollars. Generally, the higher-priced bikes include more features like high-tech consoles, more resistance levels, and better build quality. If you go too cheap, you can miss out on key features that prevent an enjoyable and safe cycling experience.

Dimensions

You want to ensure the bike fits comfortably in your room and doesn’t obstruct your movement or other furniture. You also want to check the weight and portability of the bike in case you need to move it around or store it away.

Remember, you’ll likely need one to two feet of open space on either side of your bike to get on and off and not feel cramped while riding.

Build Quality

The overall build quality of an exercise bike should be top of mind when shopping. Look for a steel frame over aluminum — it’ll be more robust and sturdier. High-quality exercise bikes often feature a higher weight capacity, so you can usually use the bike’s total capacity as a proxy for its build quality.

Noise 

If you’ll be using your exercise bike at home, you’ll want to be mindful of how noisy the bike will be, especially if you’ll be working out when kids or neighbors might be sleeping. Noise level depends mainly on the resistance type of the bike. 

Air bikes are by far the loudest because they’re fan-based, followed by mechanical-tension bikes since they apply resistance using friction pads. The quietest exercise bikes will be those that use electromagnetic resistance due to magnets applying tension to the flywheel.

You’ll also want to consider whether you’ll be watching live exercise classes or follow-along workouts on your console. These will project sound with speakers, but you can usually use headphones or earbuds to minimize the noise from any tech you use.

Seat and Handlebar Adjustability

The adjustability of your seat and handlebars is paramount to avoid injury, even more so if you’re taller or shorter than average.

Typically, you’ll want a bike that lets you adjust the seat in four ways: up, down, forward, and back. Seats with upward and downward angling are also beneficial for a more customized fit. Look for two-point adjustability at a minimum for the handlebars, which means they can be adjustable forward and back.

Console

Like all of the best cardio machines, exercise bikes vary widely in design, so it’s no surprise that consoles can be ultra-basic, high-tech, or even lacking altogether. Although rare, some exercise bikes don’t have a console.

The key is that not every console will show your revolutions per minute (rpm), distance traveled, heart rate, or calories burned — all of which aren’t mandatory for a workout but can be highly motivating for your long-term adherence and progress. Just remember that more detailed displays tend to come with a higher price.

Pedals

Typically, you’ll find three main types of pedals on exercise bikes: flat, cage, and clip-in.

• Flat: This is your classic type of pedal, also known as the “platform” pedal in the cycling world. Flat pedals are precisely as they sound — flat. You just put your feet against them and pedal, making them incredibly easy to use. Unfortunately, they’re harder to control on the ascent of each revolution when you’re pedaling fast, and if your feet slip, you can bang your ankles or scrape your shins against the pedals. 
• Cage: This type of pedal is a flat pedal with toe clips attached to the front, which are flexible “cages”  that slide over the toe box of your shoes. Toe clips hold your feet in place and make biking more efficient because you can apply force upwards without having your foot come off the pedal — allowing you to transfer that force back into the downward stroke. Since you can pull up on the pedal and push down, you can work your legs more to burn more calories.
• Clip-in: Lastly, there are clip-in pedals. Exercise bikes built for serious cyclists will tend to feature clip-in pedals connecting to cyclists’ special shoes. Not to worry though, you can upgrade the pedals of most bikes to clip-in pedals if you like the bike itself, but they only have flat or cage pedals.

Available Programming

Exercise bikes with consoles can have all kinds of built-in workouts. The most popular are hill climbing, cardio, fat burning, and strength training. 

Some bikes don’t include programming, like the Diamondback 1260sc. If you’re using your smartphone or tablet, a console lacking programming might be fine. If not, make sure the bike has Bluetooth connectivity at a minimum.

Bluetooth connectivity is the most popular connectivity method, allowing you to use apps like Peloton and Zwift. AMP+ is another type of connectivity, but it’s mostly limited to heart rate monitors, so I’d recommend using Bluetooth instead. It’s a bit more money upfront but opens up the available connections for apps, workouts, and more.

Available Conveniences

Exercise bikes can come with several convenient accessories to make your workouts more comfortable and enjoyable. Not all bikes include these, but you can often buy them separately to customize your exercise bike later.

• Phone/tablet holder: If you have an exercise bike with a console lacking in streaming service and classes, then a media shelf is a convenient plus. A media shelf is just a hard plastic ridge that sticks out from the console to lay your device without it falling off. Without one, you’ll have to hold your device for the duration of your workout.
• Water bottle holder: Having a water bottle holder is seriously underrated whether you’ll be doing shorter HIIT classes or longer endurance rides. The last thing you want is to interrupt your workout just because your water bottle isn’t within reach. One of our Breaking Muscle staff members runs into this problem every workout — they have an upright bike without a water bottle holder. While it’s possible to buy the holder separately, its absence from the stock version of the bike is an annoying omission by the manufacturer.
• Built-in fans: Built-in fans are more common on the best treadmills than on exercise bikes, but some bikes, like the NordicTrack S22i Studio Bike, include them. If you sweat heavily, live in a hot or humid climate, or enjoy the added comfort of built-in airflow, it can be a convenient add-on for your bike. Remember, if your bike doesn’t include this feature, you can buy and mount a mini fan separately.
• Weight rack: Some riders like combining bike rides with weight lifting using the best dumbbells. Similar to the water bottle holder, having a small weight rack to keep them within reach will save you from getting off your bike whenever you need to use them.
• Wheels: If you’ll be moving your bike often, having wheels built into the bike is a nice feature. It means you don’t have to drag your bike and risk ruining your floor, making it easier to transport bikes over 100 pounds. 
• Heart rate handles: Most bikes are compatible with heart rate monitors, but it’s even more convenient to have handles with heart rate reading capability. Unfortunately, you’ll tend only to see these on upright or recumbent bikes in the premium price range.

Resistance Types

There are three types of resistance for exercise bikes: fan-based, electromagnetic, and mechanical. 

• Fan-based: An air bike is fan-based and creates resistance by the fan blades displacing air. This style offers a (theoretically) unlimited amount of resistance because the harder you pedal and push, the more air the blades will displace, causing greater resistance. 
• Electromagnetic: These bikes work with magnets on either side of the flywheel. As the magnets get closer to the flywheel, they apply more resistance. Because they use magnets, these bikes are smoother, quieter, have lower maintenance, and are easier to select during workouts but more expensive. 
• Mechanical: This style uses mechanical resistance in the form of friction pads made from wool or rubber. Most are designed so that you physically twist the resistance knob to add or remove the tension placed on the flywheel. Because of the friction, these bikes are noisier and often need more maintenance as pads wear out and become misaligned with heavy use — however, they are cheaper as a result.

Drive Type

When you turn the pedals on an exercise bike, the “drive” is connected to the flywheel; when that moves, you’ll feel resistance. There are two types of drives: chain and belt. 

A chain-driven exercise bike will be more durable because the chain is metal, which makes maintenance cheaper in the long run. Unfortunately, it requires regular lubrication to ensure metal parts glide smoothly along each other. Also, chains are noisier than belts and feel rougher, so they’re often in fan-based and mechanical bikes.

Belt drives are quieter and smoother, so they’re usually in magnetic resistance bikes. The downside to a belt-drive bike is that the belt can loosen over time with heavy use and won’t last nearly as long as a chain — costing you more over time.

Resistance Levels

Exercise bikes have a vast range of resistance levels. Because there are also different types of resistance, there’s no universal standard or comparison method.

While knowing how many resistance levels there are on the exercise bike is helpful, the best way to see whether it offers the rate resistance range is to test it in person.

Once you have an exercise bike in mind, look for a local store where you can test it out in their showroom. Remember to bring your athletic attire and cycling shoes if you have them.

Warranties 

There’s a massive range of warranties for exercise bikes, from as little as 30 days to as long as 15 years. I wouldn’t recommend settling with any less than a one-year warranty. 

Based on the exercise bikes included in this article, ten years on the frame, three years on parts, and one year on labor is a solid warranty to look for if you value peace of mind from your purchase.

Weight Capacity

Weight capacity is an essential factor that affects the safety and durability of the bike because it reflects the craftsmanship and quality of the materials and parts used to build it. Choosing a bike with a higher weight capacity usually means getting a more robust frame and more durable parts like the pedals and flywheel. 

Exercise bike weight capacities range from 200 pounds to over 400 pounds. 

If you’re a heavier user, I’d recommend choosing a bike with a weight limit of at least 125 percent of your body weight. The closer you are to the bike’s weight capacity, the higher the risk of damaging it or injuring yourself. The bike can also become unstable, noisy, or shaky, reducing the quality of your workout.

Flywheel Weight 

If you’re investing in the best exercise bike overall, flywheel weight should be one of the top things you consider. The flywheel is the heavy wheel at the front or back of the bike that spins when you pedal to create momentum. It’s linked to the pedals by a chain or a belt, similar to one in your car’s engine.

Flywheel weights can vary widely, from as little as six pounds to as much as 50 pounds. Most people will have a better biking experience with a heavier flywheel because it closely simulates riding a bike outside. I recommend looking for a flywheel between 14 and 20 kilograms (about 30 to 44 pounds). Typically, a heavier flywheel offers a smoother ride. 

Suppose you’re working with a tight budget. In that case, I encourage you to sacrifice some bells and whistles like a sleek built-in tablet or a monthly class subscription because the flywheel weight is crucial for an enjoyable riding experience.

As a caveat, one Breaking Muscle staff member has used the Keiser M3i Bike extensively, with a flywheel weight of just eight pounds. It’s positioned at the bike’s rear to provide a different feel, but it can still offer an intense workout.

Final Thoughts

Exercise bikes have transformed home fitness, offering amazing exercise variety and adjustability in a small space.

The best exercise bikes combine interactive tech and powerful metric tracking without going overboard on the price.

At the end of the day, the best exercise bike for you depends on your budget, the size of your workout space, and the exercise bike features you value most.

Best Exercise Bikes: Side-by-Side Comparison

Best Exercise Bike Overall

Best Air Bike

Best Exercise Bike With Classes

Best Exercise Bike for Seniors

Best Spin Exercise Bike

Best Portable Exercise Bike

Best Exercise Bike for Weight Loss

Best Magnetic Exercise Bike

Best Affordable Exercise Bike

Best Recumbent Exercise Bike

Best Folding Exercise Bike

Best Exercise Bike for Small Spaces

Best Exercise Bike With a Screen

NordicTrack S22i Studio Bike

Assault Fitness AssaultBike Pro X

Echelon Connect EX-8s Bike

Horizon Fitness 5.0 R Recumbent Bike

Diamondback Fitness 1260Sc

Concept2 BikeErg

CAROL Bike

BowFlex VeloCore Bike

YOSUDA Indoor Cycling Bike

Schwinn 290 Recumbent Bike

Marcy Foldable Recumbent Exercise Bike

Cubii Move

Peloton Bike+

Primary Rating: 4.5

Primary Rating: 4.4

Primary Rating: 3.6

Primary Rating: 4.0

Primary Rating: 3.9

Primary Rating: 3.9

Primary Rating: 4.1

Primary Rating: 4.2

Primary Rating: 4.0

Primary Rating: 4.0

Primary Rating: 4.3

Primary Rating: 3.8

Primary Rating: 4.4

Description: Dimensions: 60" L x 22" W x 63" H Resistance levels: 24 Available programming: Yes (requires iFIT subscription) Weight capacity: 350 pounds Type: Spin

Description: Overall dimensions: 51.73” L x 24.52” W x 52.51” H Weight: 125 pounds Weight capacity: 330 pounds Display: High-contrast LCD screen

Description: Dimensions: 59" L x 23" W x 65" H Resistance levels: 32 Available programming: Yes Weight capacity: 300 pounds Type: Spin

Description: Dimensions: 66" L x 25.2" W x 52.2" H Resistance levels: 100 Available programming: Yes Weight capacity: 300 pounds Type: Recumbent

Description: Overall dimensions: 59” L x 23” W x 50” H Weight: 130 pounds Weight capacity: 300 pounds Display: LCD monitor to track workout metrics

Description: Overall dimensions: 48” L x 24” W; seat to pedal height ranges from 31" to 40.5" Weight: 68 pounds Weight capacity: 350 pounds Display: PM5 monitor

Description: Dimensions: 45.5" L x 22" W Resistance levels: Not listed Available programming: Yes Weight capacity: 330 pounds Type: Spin

Description: Dimensions: 59.8" L x 24.1" W x 55.3" H Resistance levels: 100 Available programming: Yes Weight capacity: 325 pounds Type: Spin

Description: Dimensions: 40.16" L x 21.65" W x 46.06" H Resistance levels: 100 Available programming: No Weight capacity: 270 pounds Type: Spin

Description: Dimensions: 66.4" L x 28" W x 47" H Resistance levels: 25 Available programming: Yes Weight capacity: 330 pounds Type: Recumbent

Description: Dimensions: 39" L x 22" W x 48.5" H Resistance levels: Seven Available programming: No Weight capacity: 250 pounds Type: Recumbent (foldable)

Description: Dimensions: 21.7" L x 19.7" W x 9.7" H Resistance levels: Eight Available programming: No Weight capacity: Not listed Type: Under desk

Description: Dimensions: 59" L x 22" W x 59" H Resistance levels: 100 Available programming: Yes Weight capacity: 297 pounds Type: Spin

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Best Exercise Bike Overall

NordicTrack S22i Studio Bike

Primary Rating:

4.5

Description:

• Dimensions: 60" L x 22" W x 63" H
• Resistance levels: 24
• Available programming: Yes (requires iFIT subscription)
• Weight capacity: 350 pounds
• Type: Spin

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Best
Air Bike

Assault Fitness AssaultBike Pro X

Primary Rating:

4.4

Description:

• Overall dimensions: 51.73” L x 24.52” W x 52.51” H
• Weight: 125 pounds
• Weight capacity: 330 pounds
• Display: High-contrast LCD screen

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Best Exercise Bike With Classes

Echelon Connect EX-8s Bike

Primary Rating:

3.6

Description:

• Dimensions: 59" L x 23" W x 65" H
• Resistance levels: 32
• Available programming: Yes
• Weight capacity: 300 pounds
• Type: Spin

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Best Exercise Bike for Seniors

Horizon Fitness 5.0 R Recumbent Bike

Primary Rating:

4.0

Description:

• Dimensions: 66" L x 25.2" W x 52.2" H
• Resistance levels: 100
• Available programming: Yes
• Weight capacity: 300 pounds
• Type: Recumbent

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Best Spin
Exercise Bike

Diamondback Fitness 1260Sc

Primary Rating:

3.9

Description:

• Overall dimensions: 59” L x 23” W x 50” H
• Weight: 130 pounds
• Weight capacity: 300 pounds
• Display: LCD monitor to track workout metrics

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Best Portable Exercise Bike

Concept2 BikeErg

Primary Rating:

3.9

Description:

• Overall dimensions: 48” L x 24” W; seat to pedal height ranges from 31" to 40.5"
• Weight: 68 pounds
• Weight capacity: 350 pounds
• Display: PM5 monitor

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Best Exercise Bike for Weight Loss

CAROL Bike

Primary Rating:

4.1

Description:

• Dimensions: 45.5" L x 22" W
• Resistance levels: Not listed
• Available programming: Yes
• Weight capacity: 330 pounds
• Type: Spin

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Best Magnetic Exercise Bike

BowFlex VeloCore Bike

Primary Rating:

4.2

Description:

• Dimensions: 59.8" L x 24.1" W x 55.3" H
• Resistance levels: 100
• Available programming: Yes
• Weight capacity: 325 pounds
• Type: Spin

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Best Affordable Exercise Bike

YOSUDA Indoor Cycling Bike

Primary Rating:

4.0

Description:

• Dimensions: 40.16" L x 21.65" W x 46.06" H
• Resistance levels: 100
• Available programming: No
• Weight capacity: 270 pounds
• Type: Spin

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Best Recumbent Exercise Bike

Schwinn 290 Recumbent Bike

Primary Rating:

4.0

Description:

• Dimensions: 66.4" L x 28" W x 47" H
• Resistance levels: 25
• Available programming: Yes
• Weight capacity: 330 pounds
• Type: Recumbent

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Best Folding Exercise Bike

Marcy Foldable Recumbent Exercise Bike

Primary Rating:

4.3

Description:

• Dimensions: 39" L x 22" W x 48.5" H
• Resistance levels: Seven
• Available programming: No
• Weight capacity: 250 pounds
• Type: Recumbent (foldable)

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Best Exercise Bike for Small Spaces

Cubii Move

Primary Rating:

3.8

Description:

• Dimensions: 21.7" L x 19.7" W x 9.7" H
• Resistance levels: Eight
• Available programming: No
• Weight capacity: Not listed
• Type: Under desk

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Best Exercise Bike With a Screen

Peloton Bike+

Primary Rating:

4.4

Description:

• Dimensions: 59" L x 22" W x 59" H
• Resistance levels: 100
• Available programming: Yes
• Weight capacity: 297 pounds
• Type: Spin

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FAQs

The post 13 Best Exercise Bikes for Home Gyms (2024) appeared first on Breaking Muscle.

We’ll update this page frequently as we gather more information about New Year’s sales, so be sure to bookmark it and keep checking back so you don’t miss any deals.

• Featured New Year’s Fitness Sales of 2024
• Best New Year’s Sales on Cardio Equipment
• Best New Year’s Sales on Strength Equipment
• Best New Year’s Sales on Smart Home Gym Equipment
• Best New Year’s Sales on Supplements and Nutrition
• Best New Year’s Sales on Apparel

Featured New Year’s Fitness Sales of 2024

REP Fitness

Last year, REP offered discounts throughout their site on select products

Get Deal

NordicTrack

Last year, NordicTrack offered discounts of up to $500 off on cardio equipment

Get Deal

Tonal

Last year, Tonal offered a 90-day free trial with all purchases made through the end of January. If you didn't like it, you could return it for a full refund.

Get Deal

Best New Year’s Sales on Cardio Equipment

The new year is a popular time to buy the best cardio machines, as many people are eager to start or re-establish healthy habits. Fortunately, cardio equipment brands make it easier on your wallet by offering significant savings on rowers, ellipticals, treadmills, exercise bikes, and more.

• Aviron: Last year, Aviron offered $300 off the Impact and Strong Series rowers for subscribers
• CAROL Bike: The CAROL Bike was $250 off for New Year’s last year
• Echelon: Last year, Echelon offered up to 20% off all connected and strength training equipment plus free shipping
• Horizon Fitness: For New Year’s 2023, Horizon offered massive savings of up to $1,000 off cardio equipment
• Hydrow: Through January 9, 2023, rowers and rower packages were up to $300 off, and Hydrow offered free standard delivery
• Life Fitness: Strength and cardio equipment were up to 50% off last year
• NordicTrack: Last year’s deal was up to $500 off cardio equipment
• Schwinn: Last year, buyers could save up to $200 and get free shipping on all exercise bikes
• Sole: Select treadmills were discounted last year

Best New Year’s Sales on Strength Equipment

Excited to lift some heavy weights and set PRs in the new year? Check out the deals below from some of our favorite strength equipment brands.

• Bells of Steel: Last year, select items on Bells of Steel’s website were up to 40% off
• Force USA: Last year, shoppers could get a free barbell on X-Series models or a free dip handle attachment with any MyRack purchase
• Fringe Sport: In 2023, Fringe Sport offered 5% off all purchases from December 26 through January 2 and 10% off all gym packages starting January 2
• PRx Performance: The brand offered 10% off orders of $1,750 or more last year
• REP Fitness: Last year, REP offered deals on select items, and we’re hoping to see the same this year. Plus, you can always check out our REP Fitness discount code page for additional ways to save.
• Rogue Fitness: To ring in 2023, Rogue offered daily deals, HUNDO pricing, free shipping, and more
• Titan Fitness: Last year, we saw multiple flash deals, including up to $200 off strength training equipment

Best New Year’s Sales on Smart Home Gym Equipment

Smart home gym equipment can be a great solution for those with limited space, as it gives you access to features like auto-adjusting weights in one compact unit. But it can be even more expensive than a top-notch barbell and squat rack combined, so waiting for a good holiday sale is usually worth it.

• Tonal: Last year, through January 31, you could try Tonal for free for 90 days. If you weren’t satisfied, you could return it within 90 days of installation and get a full refund.

Best New Year’s Sales on Supplements and Nutrition

A healthy lifestyle doesn’t just require consistent exercise. A proper diet is also essential, whether you want to lose weight or build muscle. Products like protein powder can help with either goal, and we’ve compiled the best New Year’s deals on supplements from the brands we trust the most.

• Kaged: Last year, this brand that makes my favorite pre-workout offered 20% off through January 31 with the code NEWME20
• Myprotein: Last year, Myprotein offered 50% off hundreds of items and 30% off all others with the code SAVE30

Best New Year’s Sales on Fitness Apparel

I pretty much live in leggings and workout apparel, so I’m always on the hunt for discounts on gym clothes. We’re still waiting for sales for 2024 to come in, but here are the deals we saw last year on some popular apparel brands.

• Adidas: Adidas offered up to 60% off apparel, shoes, and accessories last year
• Columbia: Select items were up to 60% off last year
• Fabletics: Last year, new VIP members could get 70% off everything
• lululemon: This popular men’s and women’s fitness and lifestyle apparel brand offered discounts on shorts, leggings, and much more last year
• Nike: Last year, with the code CHEERS, shoppers could get an additional 20% off select sale styles
• Reebok: Reebok ran an end-of-year sale last year where you could get an extra 50% off with the code EOSS

How to Find the Best New Year’s Fitness Sales

Consider Your Must-Have Features and Set a Budget

I know from personal experience how easy it is to blow a huge chunk of money on workout equipment. I’d argue that investing in items that can improve your health and wellness is worth it, but I also recognize the importance of saving money.

By doing some research in the weeks leading up to New Year’s Day, you’ll get a good idea of how much various exercise equipment costs and what you get for the price. For example, you can buy a rowing machine with a touchscreen monitor and the ability to stream classes for over $2,000. Or, for less than $500, you can buy a model with a simple screen that tracks a few basic performance metrics.

Once you identify the features that are most important to you, you can decide how much you’re willing to spend to get everything you want in your desired piece of equipment — just make sure you stick to your budget! And if you’re struggling to find equipment in your price range, check out our guide on the best budget home gym equipment.

Check the Pricing History

As someone who loves shopping, I’ve become familiar with the (sometimes shady) selling tactics of various retailers. They’ll jack up the prices of their items right before the holiday season, then offer discounts on the increased price. Unknowing shoppers may not even realize this happens and think they’re getting a good deal. In reality, they’re essentially paying the original price.

I recommend using tools like Karma to look up the pricing history of your desired gym equipment. For products sold on Amazon, Camelcamelcamel is a good resource.

Read Customer Reviews

In addition to checking the pricing history of the equipment you want, I recommend reading reviews — from multiple places, if possible. Some companies hide negative reviews on their websites, so you won’t learn the common complaints about a particular item unless you check various sources.

At Breaking Muscle, it’s our job to review fitness products, and we don’t shy away from pointing out the benefits and drawbacks of the items we test. To help guide you toward making the right decision for your needs, we’ve compiled several guides on the best home gym equipment:

• Best treadmills
• Best rowing machines
• Best squat racks
• Best barbells
• Best weight benches
• Best adjustable dumbbells
• Best kettlebells
• Best resistance bands
• Best massage guns
• Best CrossFit shoes

Read the Fine Print

When dropping potentially thousands of dollars on a large piece of gym equipment, you’ll want to ensure your money won’t be wasted if something is wrong with it or you don’t like it. Read up on things like:

• The company’s return policy
• Whether or not there’s a free trial
• How long the warranty lasts and what it covers
• Whether or not you can finance the item

FAQs

The post New Year’s Fitness Sales (2024) appeared first on Breaking Muscle.

We know that most shoppers enjoy a good deal, and using a REP Fitness discount code can help you save even more money. Below, we’ve compiled all the ways you can score special discounts on the equipment you need to build the ultimate home gym.

REP Fitness Discount Codes

Because their products are already reasonably priced, you won’t find too many REP Fitness promo codes. That said, there are ways you can still get the best discount possible on their equipment. Here are all the ways you can save money when shopping on REP Fitness’s website:

• Rewards points: Get points for spending money, leaving reviews, following REP Fitness on social media, or signing up for texts. You also receive points each year on your birthday. For every 100 points you earn, you’ll receive a $5 reward.
• Local pickup discounts: If you live near REP’s showrooms in Moreno Valley, California, or Carlisle, Pennsylvania, and can pick up your items yourself, you may get up to 15% off your order.
• Customer referrals: Refer a friend and offer them $10 off their purchase of $100 or more. Earn $10 in points for every successful referral.
• Free shipping: There’s no need to enter any promotional code for free shipping. As of this writing, REP offers free shipping on all orders made within the lower 48 states.
• Financing: If you prefer to pay for your purchase in smaller installments, choose PayPal or Shop Pay as your payment method at checkout. Financing through Affirm is also available for purchases over $650.

How to Apply REP Fitness Coupon Codes

1. Visit repfitness.com.
2. Sign up for rewards on REP’s Loyalty Program page with your name and email address. You’ll get points just for creating an account (don’t worry — it’s free) and then earn points for each dollar you spend on the REP Fitness website. Other ways to earn points include following REP’s social media accounts, leaving reviews, and signing up for text alerts. You’ll also receive points on your birthday. One hundred points equals $5 in rewards.
3. Redeem your eligible points when completing your order on REP’s checkout page.
4. At checkout, selecting PayPal or Shop Pay as your payment method will allow you to pay for your purchase in installments. REP also offers financing through Affirm on orders over $650.
5. Save money by picking up your items from one of REP’s showroom locations, if possible. Their showrooms are located in Moreno Valley, California, and Carlisle, Pennsylvania. Discounts start at 10% off purchases up to $2,500 and go up to 15% off purchases of $7,500 or more.

REP Fitness

REP Fitness offers commercial-quality yet affordable gym equipment for home gym owners. From barbells to weight benches to adjustable dumbbells, you can find almost everything you need to get stronger and fitter at home.

Get REP Fitness Discounts

When Are REP Fitness Products on Sale?

Like most major fitness equipment brands, REP Fitness offers sales around major shopping holidays, such as Cyber Monday. They don’t always offer sitewide sales, but they do usually have daily and weekly deals on select items.

Signing up for REP Fitness’ email newsletter is the best way to get notified when their products go on sale. It’s also an excellent way to get alerts about new products. Alternatively, you can learn about REP Fitness coupons and special discounts by following their social media pages.

For information on fitness equipment deals from all of our favorite brands, keep checking our holiday sales guides below.

• Labor Day Fitness Sales
• Black Friday Fitness Deals
• New Year’s Fitness Sales

Why We Love REP Fitness

I’ve owned several items from REP for nearly four years, and our Breaking Muscle product testers have tried dozens of REP Fitness barbells, dumbbells, kettlebells, weight benches, functional trainers, and power racks. Almost everything we’ve tested has received high marks for quality, durability, and performance.

Some of our favorite REP Fitness products are listed below:

• Colorado Bar
• Double Black Diamond Bar
• BlackWing Adjustable Bench
• The FT-5000, which topped our list of the best functional trainers
• The AB-3100 Adjustable Weight Bench, which we consider a high-quality piece of budget-friendly home gym equipment

Why Shop at REP Fitness?

As mentioned, the Breaking Muscle staff is frequently impressed with the quality of REP Fitness’s products, especially considering how reasonably priced much of it is. We also appreciate that REP Fitness offers the following perks:

• A loyalty program with rewards points for completing certain actions on the REP Fitness website or their social media pages
• Free shipping on all orders within the lower 48 United States (as of this writing)
• The ability to finance purchases over $650 through Affirm
• The ability to pay in installments with PayPal or Shop Pay
• Local pickup discounts
• Discounts for successful customer referrals

FAQs: REP Fitness Discount Code

The post REP Fitness Discount Code (2024): Ways to Save and Earn Rewards appeared first on Breaking Muscle.

But not all wrist wraps are created equal. Depending on your goals, preferences, and type of training, you’ll need a different style of wrist wrap. Some wraps are longer and stiffer, while others are shorter and more comfortable. Whether you’re into bodybuilding, powerlifting, weightlifting, or CrossFit, you’ll find the ideal pair of wrist wraps on this list for you.

How We Chose the Best Wrist Wraps

We’re a diverse team of certified fitness experts, exercise enthusiasts, and knowledgeable product testers. We have dozens of years of combined experience using wrist wraps for various activities and sports, and we tried out more than a dozen different pairs of wrist wraps specifically for this guide.

To help you choose the best wrist wraps for your needs, we’ve compiled a list of the eight top-rated wrist wraps on the market. We’ve reviewed their features, benefits, pros, and cons and compared them. During testing, we judged wrist wraps on their materials and construction, length and stiffness, closure mechanism, price, and more — rating each wrist wrap with a score between 1 to 5.

Our Top Picks for the Best Wrist Wraps

• Best Wrist Wraps Overall: Iron Bull Strength Classic Wrist Wraps
• Best Wrist Wraps for Powerlifting: SBD Wrist Wraps
• Best Wrist Wraps for Weightlifting: DMOOSE Wrist Wraps
• Best Wrist Wraps for CrossFit: 2POOD Wrist Wraps
• Best Wrist Wraps for Benching: Gymreapers Wrist Wraps
• Best Premium Wrist Wraps: SBD Wrist Wraps
• Best Stiff Wrist Wraps: Gymreapers Stiff Wrist Wraps
• Best Budget Wrist Wraps: Harbinger Red Line Wrist Wraps

Best Wrist Wraps Overall: Iron Bull Strength Classic Wrist Wraps

Iron Bull Strength Classic Wrist Wraps

4.5

• Material: Cotton-elastic blend
• Length: 18 inches
• Closure type: Velcro
• IPF-approved: No

Check Price

The Iron Bull Strength Classic Wrist Wraps offer great wrist support. They’re 18 inches long, which gives you at least two wraps around your wrist if you have an average build. I find the 18-inch length to be just right; it’s not so long that there’s a ton of bulk on my wrists due to the extra material, and their support is adequate for most weight training exercises.

Their three-inch width provides plenty of wrist coverage, covering enough of the base of your hand and wrist area for the wrap to do its job. Also, the cotton-elastic blend gives enough stretch for solid compression and wrist support in your workouts. I especially like the blended material of these wraps  — they’re soft, and the cotton breathes enough to help avoid excess sweating in the first place.

Moreover, the Velcro closure system of the Classic Wrist Wraps is intuitive and easy to use. The thumb loop offers an excellent anchor point to help put them on tightly, and, unlike other brands, the double-stitching is high quality. I especially like how the Velcro section is sticky and well-sized. Some brands use such a long strip that can cause the extra material to hang off the end, which can get caught on things and unravel your wraps. Plus, the thumb loop makes it easy to hang over a hook to dry between workouts. 

One of my favorite features of the Iron Bull wraps is their multi-functionality. They’re suitable for various training styles, from bodybuilding and Olympic weightlifting to CrossFit and powerlifting.  Their 18-inch length and cotton-elastic blend make them lightweight on your wrists for the dynamic workouts of CrossFit and supportive enough for heavier powerlifting. This means that you can continue using them when you want to switch up your training styles without having to buy a different pair of wrist wraps.

Unfortunately, the Iron Bulls aren’t perfect. The 18-inch length is a solid general length, but most people with average wrists will only be able to get two revolutions of the wraps around their wrists. This means you’ll have less support on heavier lifts, which might be noticeable if you’re at an advanced level in powerlifting.

On that note, these wrist wraps are USPA, IPL, IWF, and USAW-approved… but they aren’t approved for use in the International Powerlifting Federation (IPF). Suppose you’re a competitive powerlifter or aspire to compete in the highest level of powerlifting in the future and want to use wrist wraps in competition. In that case, this means you’d have to buy a separate pair that’s approved for IPF use — you might want to consider the SBD Wrist Wraps instead if that applies to you.

All the above considered, we rank these 4.5 out of 5 stars for their great wrist support, easy-to-use Velcro closure system, and multi-functionality for different training styles. 

RELATED: Best Home Gym Equipment Essentials for Cardio, Strength Training, and More

Best Wrist Wraps for Powerlifting: SBD Wrist Wraps

SBD Wrist Wraps

4.5

• Material: 70% polyester/30% rubber (flexible), 56% rubber/44% polyester (stiff)
• Length: 15.7 inches (S), 23.6 inches (M), or 39.4 inches (L)
• Closure type: Velcro
• IPF-approved: Yes

Check Price

The standout feature of the SBD Wrist Wraps is that they’re IPF-approved. Investing in a pair of wrist wraps that you can practice with allows you to push your training harder, so you can (hopefully) get even stronger while getting comfortable using them before a competition. This way, you’ll step on the platform confidently in your support wear — letting you focus entirely on executing your attempts instead of worrying about your gear and how it’s fitting.

If you live and breathe powerlifting, these wrist wraps will not disappoint. They’re designed specifically for excellent wrist support; the thumb loop is heavy-duty and attached along industrial-grade fastening. But they didn’t stop there. 

SBD crafted them to match the maximum allowable width of 8 centimeters/3.15 inches, so you’ll get the best coverage between your hand and wrist for a solid cast-like level of support. They even have proprietary wide elastics in these wraps. One customer who bought the stiff mediums said they took a few times to break in, but after that, they give you the best protection from heavy weights. I’m seriously impressed and confident that whether you’re pushing new bench press PRs or back squat records, these wraps will help you hit them safely.

What surprised me the most about the SBDs is their range of lengths and stiffnesses. On their product page, they have three different lengths available: small (15.7 inches long), medium (23.6 inches long), or large (39.4 inches long). Combined with their detailed sizing chart, this means that whether you have small, average, or large wrists, you can find a wrist wrap length that will work great for you. 

Their two stiffness options, flexible or stiff, are built with varying amounts of polyester and rubber (elastic). For example, the flexible wraps have a 70% polyester-30% rubber blend that allows some wrist flexion and improved comfort due to the higher amount of polyester. The stiff wraps are woven with significantly more rubber, giving them more stretch and compression to fully immobilize your wrists. SBD mentions that most athletes will prefer the medium-length flexible wraps, but use their size guide to determine the ideal length for you.

These wrist wraps might be uncomfortable, especially if you choose their “stiff” option. One reviewer mentioned that their large-sized stiff wraps are excellent but can get really tight and start to cut off blood circulation to their wrists. 

When I didn’t see the material specs on their product page, a Breaking Muscle staff member reached out through their live chat and discovered that the stiff wrist wraps are 56 percent rubber (elastic) and 44 percent polyester blend. With over half the wraps’ material being elastic and zero cotton included, it’s no surprise these can be a tad uncomfortable.

It should come as no surprise that excellent quality comes at a price. At the time of writing, the SBDs retailed for $42.50. This makes them the most expensive wrist wraps out of all those featured in this article and possibly out of the budget of financially constrained lifters.

All the above considered, we rank these 4.5 out of 5 stars for their IPF approval, excellent build quality and durability, and various length and stiffness options available.

Best Wrist Wraps for Weightlifting: DMOOSE Wrist Wraps

DMoose Fitness Wrist Wraps

4.0

• Material: Cotton-elastic blend
• Length: 12 or 18 inches
• Closure type: Velcro
• IPF-approved: No

Check Price

Despite their affordable price, the DMOOSE Wrist wraps have a solid quality construction. The thumb loop features double stitching, so it will stand up to the rigorous Olympic lifts you’ll be performing with them. I found the Velcro fastening strip to be of good quality, so it won’t wear down within a couple of months as the poor-quality wrist wraps do.

These wrist wraps from DMOOSE are the best for weightlifting because, unlike other wrist wraps featured in this article, these have no polyester included. When woven with elastic, cotton is more flexible compared to polyester, and this pays off big time for the Olympic lifts. 

This lack of restriction allows you enough wrist mobility for your wrists to rotate freely in the snatch and to extend fully in the front rack portion of the clean and jerk. Despite its flexibility, the cotton-elastic blend still gives noticeable wrist support when the bar is extended overhead in the final step of both exercises.

I appreciate that these wrist wraps are offered in a 12-inch and an 18-inch option. The latter will fit and work well for average-sized wrists, but the former is still useful. Even though they’ll outgrow them, 12-inch long wrist wraps would be the ideal length for most teenagers because their bones are still growing, and the wrist wrap length they need is significantly smaller than that of the average adult. 

However, you might also find the 12-inch length useful if you are petite and/or have extremely small wrists – make sure to use the sizing chart before ordering a 12-inch size just to be sure it’s the right fit.

Although the 12-inch length is an option, I wouldn’t recommend it if you have average-sized wrists. 12 inches won’t give you enough length on the wraps to get an adequate number of revolutions for the wraps to provide significant support.

Sadly, it doesn’t look like these wrist wraps are approved for any weightlifting federations. This means that if you want to wear wrist wraps in a future weightlifting competition, you’ll have to invest in a separate pair to use them in both your training and your competitions.

All the above considered, we rank these 4 out of 5 stars for their Olympic lifting-friendly design, two length options, and comfortable material.

Best Wrist Wraps for CrossFit: 2POOD Wrist Wraps

2POOD Wrist Wraps

4.0

• Material: Cotton-elastic-polyester blend
• Length: 12 inches
• Closure type: Velcro
• IPF-approved: No

Check Price

These are the best wrist wraps for CrossFit due to their lightweight, supportive design. Out of all the wrist wraps in this round-up article, this pair of 12-inch wraps is the shortest we’ve featured, but that’s good for CrossFit. 

The typical WOD can be up to 30 minutes of continuous movement, so the last thing you want to do is constantly tighten, loosen, and otherwise fiddle with your 18 to 24-inch wrist wraps. Thanks to their 12-inch length, you can’t apply the 2POODs super tight in the first place, so they’ll stay comfortable and non-constricting during the entire workout. 

Plus, the secure hook and loop closure means these wrist wraps won’t randomly fly off during your WOD, whether you’re crushing some dumbbell power snatches or butterfly pull-ups. One of our product testers explained that they could see these being an asset because you can set and forget them. 

Their cotton-polyester-elastic material is great for exercises like thrusters, where some extra wrist support can be helpful, but they won’t hamper the wrist mobility needed for handstand walks. Further, the Velcro part of the fastening system is easy to apply and adjust, so using these for the first time is a piece of cake even for beginners.

Sponsorships aren’t always an indicator of quality, but it’s hard to deny the influence that the 2POOD wrist wraps have on the CrossFit community. After all, these wrist wraps became the official wrist wraps of the NOBULL CrossFit Games. This means that they got a large amount of publicity from the athletes, who presumably ended up wearing them during the events, and the fans who attended in person or those who watched online.

Surprisingly, some customers have left reviews about how the Velcro isn’t quite what they had hoped for. Instead of the Velcro strip being higher quality and sticky, several customers mention that it didn’t last more than a month on their wrist wraps before it began deteriorating and losing its adhesiveness. For example, one customer left a note saying that the wrist wraps perform great, but they’ve been experiencing Velcro issues with one of them, so it’s not gripping as it should and is leaving them slightly disappointed.

Finally, the 2POOD wrist wraps aren’t IPF-approved, but I don’t think that matters much. Unlike the SBD wrist wraps, these aren’t designed to help you excel at powerlifting — they were made to assist your CrossFit performance.

All the above considered, we rank these 4 out of 5 stars for their lightweight support, security, and easy-adjustability tension system.

Best Wrist Wraps for Benching: Gymreapers Wrist Wraps

Gymreapers Wrist Wraps

4.0

• Material: 30% Elastic and 70% Polyester blend 
• Length: 18 inches
• Closure type: Velcro
• IPF-approved: Yes

Check Price

The Classic Wrist Wraps from Gymreapers are excellent for benching. They feature a heavy-duty thumb loop, so you can use your thumb to anchor the wrap down before cinching it tight. I especially appreciate the 30/70 elastic-polyester blend; this is stiffer than a cotton-elastic blend. The former is what you want when trying to bench press as much weight as possible because the more rigid polyester material will provide more stiffness. 

One customer said that these wraps have a lot of elasticity, which helps provide better support on heavy pushing movements because they’ll offer better support due to the amount of stretchiness in the material. Also, the three-inch width is generous and offers plenty of hand & wrist coverage for maximal support. 

Gymreapers has made a serious push to get their support wear certified by well-known federations, and it shows. Their wrist wraps are IPF, IPL, and USAPL-approved, which means that if you’re competing in any of these federations, you can practice with the same gear in your training as you’ll compete with on the platform for a competitive edge.

I’m blown away by their warranty, which offers a lifetime replacement — this is practically unheard of for wear-and-tear items. The benefit is that whether they fail due to a factory defect or regular old wear and tear, you have total peace of mind about getting a replacement for free. 

One commenter explained that even when they had a small issue with one of their wrist wraps, Gymreapers just sent another set. So, if you want complete peace of mind, I think these are worth it. Another reviewer mentioned that they used them all the way up to a 385-pound bench press, and they did the job. If they can hold up to a near-400-pound bench press, they can hold up to almost anything.

It’s great that they’re approved in multiple federations, but seriously strong bench pressers might not find the Gymreapers wrist wraps supportive enough. Due to their 18-inch length, these will only wrap around average-sized wrists twice instead of the three revolutions you’ll get with a 24-inch wrist wrap. Because you get one less revolution, these wraps will feel less supportive. On an elite bench press attempt, that lack of stability is not something you’ll typically want.

Compared to cotton wrist wraps, the elastic-polyester blend of the Classics is noticeably less comfortable. If you have sensitive skin or you bruise easily, you might not enjoy using these as much as you would a cotton-elastic wrist wrap like the DMOOSE Wrist Wraps.

All the above considered, we rank these 4 out of 5 stars for their durable materials and construction, their approval for the IPF, IPL, and USAPL federations, and their lifetime replacement guarantee.

Best Premium Wrist Wraps: SBD Wrist Wraps

SBD Wrist Wraps

4.5

• Material: 70% polyester/30% rubber (flexible), 56% rubber/44% polyester (stiff)
• Length: 15.7 inches (S), 23.6 inches (M), or 39.4 inches (L)
• Closure type: Velcro
• IPF-approved: Yes

Check Price

This is the second time we’ve featured the SBD Wrist Wraps in this article. Compared to the Best Wrist Wraps for Powerlifting section, we’ve included why they’re also our top choice for premium wrist wraps below.

First, the build quality of the SBD Wrist Wraps is excellent. From the extra-thick thumb loop with commercial-grade stitching to their proprietary wide elastics, these wrist wraps live up to the hype. That’s why we’ve named them twice on this list—their quality makes them worth the premium price point.

I’m impressed that they took note of the maximum allowable width from the IPF rules on wrist wrap dimensions and matched it. The 3.15-inch width means that your hands and wrists will get the most robust support on the market. But the story is far from over; SBD offers their wraps in three sizes (small, medium, and large) to fit as many lifters as possible while even catering to their wrap stiffness preferences. 

Yes, that’s right — they offer two stiffnesses to their wraps: “flexible” to allow more wrist movement and “stiff” to immobilize your wrist completely. With this quality and range of choice, it’s clear that they’re the premium wrist wrap option.

Many brands source their products from developing countries because it’s cheaper. Unfortunately, these savings often come at the expense of worse workers’ rights and unsafe manufacturing processes. The SBDs are designed and manufactured in Great Britain, so you’re supporting local manufacturing and jobs, which adds to the list of reasons these are the best premium wrist wraps.

Regarding support wear, SBD is the cream of the crop. Even though “SBD” means “Squat, Bench, Deadlift”, which refers to the power lifts themselves, the quality and workmanship that backs this brand could be why many of the top athletes in powerlifting, Olympic weightlifting, and Strongman/Strongwoman decide to sport this gear. 

With that in mind, it’s hard to go wrong with these wrist wraps when the SBD brand is trusted by many athletes at the top of their sport. Oh, and being approved by the most stringent powerlifting federation in the world (the IPF) is a nice touch, too.

For how well-made these are, I’m amazed at their affordability. The SBDs retail at just $42.50 and they have everything you expect in a premium wrist wrap: a sturdy yet flexible material with a secure closure system — all of which is manufactured in Great Britain. Coupled with their IPF approval, two stiffness options, and three lengths, they’re the ultimate choice for anyone who wants the best wrist wraps on the market.

Unfortunately, shipping fees are not waived. I wasn’t expecting the shipping to be free, but considering the premium price and small packaging compared to larger home gym equipment items, shipping could disappoint some shoppers. Full disclosure: I did a mock checkout with these wraps, and the 3-6 business day option with USPS was only $5.00 — nothing to get worked up about.

Lastly, these wrist wraps from SBD are all in metric sizes only. For instance, the lengths are 40, 60, and 100 centimeters for the small, medium, and large wraps — respectively. This may seem trivial, but as the premium wrist wrap option in this article, it would be great to see imperial sizes offered as well for American shoppers.

All the above considered, we rank these 4.5 out of 5 stars for their excellent quality, sizing, and stiffness options, local manufacturing, and brand trust.

Best Stiff Wrist Wraps: Gymreapers Stiff Wrist Wraps

Gymreapers Stiff Wrist Wraps

4.0

• Material: Stiff cotton with reinforced elastic
• Length: 12, 18, 24, or 36 inches
• Closure type: Velcro
• IPF-approved: Yes

Check Price

These wrist wraps from Gymreapers are your ticket if you want a stiff level of wrist support. First, they’re made from more rigid cotton that’s less flexible than the Iron Bull Strength Classic Wrist Wraps. There’s also a reinforced elastic material woven into the cotton that strengthens the main body of the wraps. The end features a longer, flexible area with the Gymreapers logo in silicone so that maximal compression can be applied to your wrist. Even the thumb loop is thicker and has more durable stitching to avoid tears and maximize durability. 

I’m glad there are multiple length options offered for these wrist wraps. Four sizes are available: 12-inch, 18-inch, 24-inch, and 36-inch. This means that whether you have a petite wrist, an average-sized wrist, or a larger wrist thickness, you can find an ideal fit for your wrist wraps. 

However, the extra-long 36-inch wrap also allows regular lifters to size up if they want. Doing so would let you get one or two additional revolutions around your wrists with the wraps, making them even tighter and maximizing their stiffness.

Similar to the Gymreapers Classics, the stiff wraps are backed by an impressive warranty — the lifetime replacement guarantee. This warranty stipulates that you can get a free replacement for your wrist wraps throughout their life. Defect issues are also covered at no cost.

The major downside to these wraps is that they’re simply not as comfortable as standard cotton wrist wraps because of the specific cotton and reinforced elastic materials. Discomfort is just the beginning, though. In the worst-case scenario, an over-zealous wrapping job could cause bruising or minor cuts in your skin.

Honestly, I’m shocked that these aren’t IPF-approved. The Classics from Gymreapers are certified for competition use in the IPF and have less robust specs than these, so I thought for sure the same would go for their stiff wrist wraps. Their compression and material would be ideal for competitive powerlifting, warranting a submission to the IPF-approved gear application process… maybe next year?

Lastly, these wrist wraps aren’t the most affordable. They retail closely to the other most expensive pair of wrist wraps in this list, around $30 at the time of writing, but you do appear to be able to save 10 percent on your order by entering your email address into the pop-up window on their website.

All the above considered; we rank these 4 out of 5 stars for their stiff, heavy-duty construction, four length options, and lifetime replacement guarantee.

Best Budget Wrist Wraps: Harbinger Red Line Wrist Wraps

Harbinger Red Line Wrist Wraps

3.5

• Material: Not listed
• Length: 18 inches
• Closure type: Velcro
• IPF-approved: No

Check Price

These Harbinger wrist wraps are the best budget option I found. It should come as no surprise that they’re widely affordable, roughly $16 at the time of publishing. Compared to the most expensive pair of wrist wraps on our list, the SBD Wrist Wraps, these budget-friendly ones cost you about a third of their price — before shipping fees. 

Speaking of shipping fees, these wrist wraps are sold on Amazon, which means that if you’re a Prime member, you can save even more! Two-day (or faster shipping) is often available to Prime members while shopping through Amazon, giving you access to their generous and convenient return policies.

For how well-priced these are, I’m pleasantly surprised with the features they have. They have what appears to be a decent-quality thumb loop, a durable elastic body, Velcro that looks like it will work for at least a few months, and an 18-inch length that will be suitable for most weight-lifting activities.

What caught my eye on the product page was the amount of praise these wrist wraps have received from customers. Harbinger is a well-known brand that’s been in business for years, but it’s comforting to know that most customers are happy with the quality of these wrist wraps. For example, they achieved a 4.7 out of 5 stars on Amazon with over 4,400 reviews. 

One Breaking Muscle staff member also saw a special notice when viewing the page that said, “Customers usually keep this item” and explained that compared to similar products, the Harbinger wrist wraps had fewer returns than average. Perhaps that’s a testament to their excellent quality.

Unfortunately, I had no luck finding their construction material on the product listing. While I wouldn’t be surprised if these were made with an extra-cheap material to cut costs even further to generate a profit, they look like a cotton-elastic blend like many wrist wraps in this list. I think it’s pretty far-fetched to expect these to be IPF-approved, considering their budget-friendly price, so don’t expect to step on a competition platform with them any time soon.

All the above considered, we rank these 3.5 out of 5 stars for their budget-friendly price, inclusion of useful wrist wrap features, and availability of Amazon perks for Prime members.

Benefits of Using Wrist Wraps for Lifting

Wrist Stability and Support

The main benefit of using wrist wraps is stability. When worn correctly around the base of your hand and wrist, the stiffness and compression from the wrist wrap material prevent your wrist from moving — similar to how a cast immobilizes an injured limb. This effect is most noticeable in free-weight pressing exercises like the barbell bench press or barbell overhead press, where they limit wrist flexion and extension even when the weight is heavy.

However, wrist wraps will continue to support your wrists even if they flex or extend under load. For example, some lifters use wrist wraps to keep the wrists extended on their low-bar back squat, holding the barbell in the correct spot across their rear delts. Despite being bent backward with hundreds of pounds pushing down on them, powerlifters continue to set world records with extended wrists while squatting — and their wraps continue to keep their wrists safe even under these extreme loads.

Additional Support After Injury

Injuries to the hand, wrist, or forearm can sometimes prevent you from holding a barbell or dumbbell correctly, even after you’ve healed. In extreme cases, even a slight deviation from a neutral wrist position under heavy weight could cause severe pain and/or further injury. In these situations, wrist wraps may provide enough wrist stability, compression, and support for you to continue to exercise. Always consult your medical doctor to ensure you can train safely after an injury.

After breaking their wrist years ago, one of our Breaking Muscle staff members finds it still bothers them when they perform the barbell overhead press, even though it’s technically healed. Using wrist wraps on their heavier sets allows them to push the movement hard without wrist pain. 

Weight May Feel Lighter in Your Hands

The weight of a barbell in your hands can feel lighter or heavier depending on how tight you grip it. This is because of proprioception, which is how your body senses itself and the world around it. Proprioception is triggered by receptors in your skin, muscles, tendons, and joints that send signals to your brain. The more you squeeze the barbell, the more signals you send, and the more aware you are of the weight and body position. 

When applied tightly, the compression on your forearm muscles from wrist wraps can make your fingers curl inward, making your grip stronger than usual. This is why some elite deadlifters use wrist wraps when they deadlift. They make you feel more confident and strong — so wrist wraps can provide a psychological benefit that might encourage you to lift heavier or push for more reps than you would without them.

When Should You Use Wrist Wraps?

Generally, you’ll want to wear wrist wraps on exercises where force pushes down into your wrist joint — the most common examples are below.

Pressing exercises

Bench presses and overhead presses are the most popular lifts to use wrist wraps for. During these exercises, maintaining a neutral wrist position is helpful to transfer force more efficiently into the implement you’re lifting. Wrist wraps are often used with the free-weight variations of these pressing exercises, but they can still provide noticeable benefits when used on their machine variations, too.

Back squats

Surprisingly, wrist wraps can also be an asset on back squats — particularly low-bar back squats. Since the low-bar position requires the barbell to be placed lower on your back across your rear delts, this style sometimes forces lifters to hold their wrists in extension to keep the bar in place. Unfortunately, this position can be painful with hundreds of pounds pushing downward — wrist wraps can help absorb the load and make the position painless.

Olympic lifts 

You should also consider wearing wrist wraps on Olympic lifts like snatches and clean & jerks. Although the first part of each lift is a pull from the floor, both movements finish overhead in a position that will put downward pressure on your wrists. The issue is that both exercises, especially the clean and jerk, require a significant amount of wrist mobility during the initial parts of the movement. For this reason, consider using a shorter wrist wrap and/or experiment with the tightness and technique of how you put them on.

Deadlifts

As mentioned previously, some elite deadlifters use wrist wraps when they deadlift. This is because the compression on your finger-flexing muscles can cause your hand to close, which can trick you into thinking you have a stronger grip. The key is to make a fist and wrap the wrist wraps as tightly as you can.

Most of the time, you’ll find lifting straps more helpful on deadlifts than wrist wraps. However, they might be worth practicing with and using if your federation allows them to be used in competition — because wrist straps almost certainly won’t be permitted. 

What to Consider When Buying Wrist Wraps

Materials and Construction

Wrist wraps are usually made of a thumb loop on one end, an elastic body, and a Velcro closure system on the other end. The thumb loop helps to secure the wrap around your wrist, while the elastic body provides support and stability for your wrist joint. The Velcro closure system allows you to adjust the tightness and fit of the wrap according to your preference and comfort.

There are different types of materials used for wrist wraps, such as a cotton-elastic blend or a tri-blend of elastic, polyester, and cotton. Cotton and elastic wraps are softer and more breathable, but they may stretch over time and lose their elasticity. Elastic, polyester, and cotton blends are more durable and resistant to stretching, but they may be less comfortable and more prone to causing skin irritation.

Another important factor to consider is the construction of the wrist wraps, especially the seams. Since wrist wraps are subjected to a lot of pulling and tension during use, they should have strong and sturdy seams that can withstand the stress. Double-stitched seams are recommended at a minimum, especially for the thumb loop, the anchor point that gets the most tension when you put on the wrist wraps. You should also check the quality of the Velcro and make sure it is not too rough or too weak.

Similar to knee sleeves, there’s a significant amount of pulling and tension involved in using wrist wraps. They should have double-stitched seams at a minimum, especially for the thumb loop, because that’s the anchor point that gets the most tension when the wrist wraps are being put on.

Length

The length of wrist wraps can range from 12 inches up to 36 inches long. Here are the most common lengths.

• Twelve inches is a good length for teenagers due to their still-developing bones and for adults with extremely small wrists. Additionally, 12-inch lengths are suitable for CrossFit because they provide lightweight support without compromising the high degree of wrist mobility needed in the sport.
• Eighteen inches can be great for those with smaller wrists and Olympic weightlifting; because of the shorter length, they won’t wrap around your wrists as many times, which can give you more mobility in your snatches and cleans while still giving some support for your jerks.
• Twenty-four inches is the sweet spot for most people because this length allows for about three wraps around the average person’s wrist, which is just right for providing a noticeable level of support.
• Thirty-six inches is starting to get excessively long. Ordinary people will find these wrap around your wrists a lot, which can add too much bulk to your wrist area. That said, some folks with large wrists may find that the 36-inch length gives enough revolutions to provide adequate support. Also, experienced powerlifters can sometimes prefer four to six wraps around their wrists than the standard two to three that 20-inch wraps will offer.

Stiffness

One of the main factors to consider when buying wrist wraps is stiffness, which depends on two things: the material and the length. 

Wrist wraps with a blend of cotton, elastic, and polyester will provide more tension than those only made from cotton and elastic. This means they will support your wrists better and prevent injuries, but they will also limit your range of motion and flexibility. 

Longer wraps also allow you to perform more wraps around your wrist, increasing stiffness and stability. However, too many wraps can cut off blood circulation and cause discomfort. Therefore, you should choose the stiffness level that suits your goals and preferences.

Type of Training

Different types of training will require different types of wrist wraps. Depending on your goals and preferences, choose wrist wraps that suit your specific needs. Here are some common types and the corresponding wrist wraps that may work best for them:

• General fitness: If you’re doing general fitness exercises, such as push-ups, dumbbell presses, or kettlebell swings, you won’t need heavy or stiff wrist wraps. You can opt for lighter and more flexible wrist wraps that provide enough support that you’d find in a 12-inch length.
• Powerlifting: If you’re doing powerlifting exercises, such as the back squat and bench press, you’ll need more rigid and supportive wrist wraps to handle heavy loads and prevent wrist injuries. You should opt for thicker and stiffer wrist wraps with more elasticity and less give. 24-inch is a great length or 36-inches for advanced powerlifters.
• Olympic lifting: If you’re doing Olympic lifting exercises, such as snatch, clean, or jerk, you’ll need more flexible and dynamic wrist wraps that can allow you to move your wrists freely and quickly. Opt for thinner and softer wrist wraps made from a cotton-elastic blend and are no longer than 18 inches.
• CrossFit: If you’re doing CrossFit exercises, such as thrusters, burpees, and pull-ups, you’ll need shorter and less compressive wrist wraps that can handle different movements and extended workout periods. You should opt for lightweight wrist wraps that are made from cotton and are between 12 to 18 inches long.
• Strongman/Strongwoman: If you’re doing strongman/strongwoman exercises, such as atlas stones, farmer’s walk, or log press, you’ll need durable and resilient wrist wraps that can withstand extreme pressure and abrasion. Choose stiff wrist wraps made from a tri-blend for high elasticity and low give — the 24 to 36-inch length is ideal for this sport.

Competition Approval

If you plan to compete in powerlifting meets, you may need to check if the governing bodies approve your wrist wraps for those sports. Different federations may have different rules and regulations regarding the specifications and usage of wrist wraps.

For example, the IPF (International Powerlifting Federation) is the world’s leading powerlifting federation that organizes international events like the World Powerlifting Championships. The IPF has strict rules on the size, material, design, and brand of wrist wraps that can be used in competitions. The maximum length of wrist wraps is one meter (39 inches), and the maximum width is eight centimeters (three inches). The IPF also has a list of approved brands that can be used in its competitions.

You should always check with the competition organizers before using wrist wraps to ensure they comply with their rules.

Final Thoughts

Wrist wraps are a valuable accessory for anyone who wants to improve their performance and protect their wrists from injury. They come in different sizes, colors, styles, and stiffness levels. When buying wrist wraps, you should consider the material and the length of the wrap, as they affect the tension and support the wrap provides.

Best Wrist Wraps: Side-by-Side Comparison

Best Wrist Wraps Overall	Best Wrist Wraps for Powerlifting	Best Wrist Wraps for Weightlifting	Best Wrist Wraps for CrossFit	Best Wrist Wraps for Benching	Best Stiff Wrist Wraps	Best Budget Wrist Wraps
Iron Bull Strength Classic Wrist Wraps	SBD Wrist Wraps	DMoose Wrist Wraps	2POOD Wrist Wraps	Gymreapers Wrist Wraps	Gymreapers Stiff Wrist Wraps	Harbinger Red Line Wrist Wraps
Primary Rating: 4.5	Primary Rating: 4.5	Primary Rating: 4.0	Primary Rating: 4.0	Primary Rating: 4.0	Primary Rating: 4.0	Primary Rating: 3.5
Description: Material: Cotton-elastic blend Length: 18 inches Closure type: Velcro IPF-approved: No	Description: Material: 70% polyester/30% rubber (flexible), 56% rubber/44% polyester (stiff) Length: 15.7 inches (S), 23.6 inches (M), or 39.4 inches (L) Closure type: Velcro IPF-approved: Yes	Description: Material: Cotton-elastic blend Length: 12 or 18 inches Closure type: Velcro IPF-approved: No	Description: Material: Cotton-elastic-polyester blend Length: 12 inches Closure type: Velcro IPF-approved: No	Description: Material: 30% Elastic and 70% Polyester blend  Length: 18 inches Closure type: Velcro IPF-approved: Yes	Description: Material: Stiff cotton with reinforced elastic Length: 12, 18, 24, or 36 inches Closure type: Velcro IPF-approved: Yes	Description: Material: Not listed Length: 18 inches Closure type: Velcro IPF-approved: No
Check Price	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price

Best Wrist Wraps Overall

Iron Bull Strength Classic Wrist Wraps

Primary Rating:

4.5

Description:

• Material: Cotton-elastic blend
• Length: 18 inches
• Closure type: Velcro
• IPF-approved: No

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Best Wrist Wraps for Powerlifting

SBD Wrist Wraps

Primary Rating:

4.5

Description:

• Material: 70% polyester/30% rubber (flexible), 56% rubber/44% polyester (stiff)
• Length: 15.7 inches (S), 23.6 inches (M), or 39.4 inches (L)
• Closure type: Velcro
• IPF-approved: Yes

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Best Wrist Wraps for Weightlifting

DMoose Wrist Wraps

Primary Rating:

4.0

Description:

• Material: Cotton-elastic blend
• Length: 12 or 18 inches
• Closure type: Velcro
• IPF-approved: No

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Best Wrist Wraps for CrossFit

2POOD Wrist Wraps

Primary Rating:

4.0

Description:

• Material: Cotton-elastic-polyester blend
• Length: 12 inches
• Closure type: Velcro
• IPF-approved: No

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Best Wrist Wraps for Benching

Gymreapers Wrist Wraps

Primary Rating:

4.0

Description:

• Material: 30% Elastic and 70% Polyester blend 
• Length: 18 inches
• Closure type: Velcro
• IPF-approved: Yes

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Best Stiff
Wrist Wraps

Gymreapers Stiff Wrist Wraps

Primary Rating:

4.0

Description:

• Material: Stiff cotton with reinforced elastic
• Length: 12, 18, 24, or 36 inches
• Closure type: Velcro
• IPF-approved: Yes

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Best Budget Wrist Wraps

Harbinger Red Line Wrist Wraps

Primary Rating:

3.5

Description:

• Material: Not listed
• Length: 18 inches
• Closure type: Velcro
• IPF-approved: No

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FAQs

The post Best Wrist Wraps for Powerlifting, CrossFit, Bench Pressing, and More (2024) appeared first on Breaking Muscle.

Wrong.

Straps are way more complicated than they appear. From weight capacity to color and material, each of the five different styles has its own best use cases. We’re here to help you decide which ones will suit you best.

How We Chose the Best Lifting Straps

The Breaking Muscle team features a roster of powerlifters, Olympic weightlifters, CrossFitters, strength and conditioning coaches, and certified personal trainers. Across the board, we’ve tested over a dozen lifting straps from various brands and evaluated their durability, grippiness, and how connected we felt to the bar when lifting. Down below, you’ll find our top choices to help you figure out which straps are the best fit for you and your training style.

Our Top Picks for the Best Lifting Straps

• Best Lifting Straps Overall: Iron Bull Strength Unleash Lifting Straps
• Best Figure 8 Lifting Straps: DMOOSE Figure 8 Lifting Straps
• Best Lifting Straps for Deadlifts: Jerkfit Death Grips
• Best Lifting Straps With Hooks: DMOOSE Weightlifting Hooks
• Best Lifting Straps for Small Wrists: Element 26 Weightlifting Straps
• Best Lifting Straps on Amazon: Harbinger Padded Cotton Lifting Straps
• Best Leather Lifting Straps: Rogue Treated Leather Straps
• Best Olympic Lifting Straps: Gymreapers Olympic Lifting Straps
• Best Budget Lifting Straps: DMOOSE Lifting Straps
• Best Lifting Straps for Powerlifting: Iron Bull Strength Premium Lifting Straps

Best Lifting Straps Overall: Iron Bull Strength Unleash Lifting Straps

Iron Bull Strength Unleash Lifting Straps

4.5

• Material: Nylon
• Style: Traditional
• Length: 24 inches
• Padding: 5mm neoprene

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The Iron Bull Strength Unleash Lifting Straps are our top pick overall. They’re made from high-quality nylon, a durable and resilient material that doesn’t stretch or tear easily. This means they can withstand heavy loads and intense workouts. And unlike cotton or leather straps, nylon straps don’t tend to fray or rot over time. These straps will last you for years of lifting without losing their shape or strength.

Thanks to their traditional “lasso” design, you can tighten or loosen them as you wish, depending on the thickness of your wrists and the diameter of the bar. This ensures a secure and comfortable grip on the bar, preventing any slippage or movement. 

The Unleash Lifting Straps have soft and thick neoprene padding that cushions your wrists and prevents any abrasion or irritation. Neoprene is a synthetic rubber, the same material in almost all the best knee sleeves, that is flexible and supportive. It provides a smooth and soft surface for your wrists, reducing some of the pressure while distributing the weight more evenly. 

Unfortunately, the Unleash straps are less comfortable than cotton straps, especially in hot and humid conditions. They’re made from nylon, a synthetic material that doesn’t breathe well, which traps heat and moisture. They also have poor absorption, which can cause a layer of sweat to build up on your wrists and affect the placement of your straps and comfort. Sweat can cause bacteria and odor to build up on your straps, which can be unpleasant and unhygienic. You’ll need to wash your nylon straps regularly to keep them clean and fresh.

These straps are traditional (lasso) lifting straps, so you loop them around your wrists and then wrap them around the bar several times to create a tight and secure connection. However, this process requires some skill and practice. At first, it will be awkward and time-consuming, but after a while, you should get the hang of it. 

RELATED: Weight Lifting Straps: What They Are, When and Why to Use Them

Best Figure 8 Lifting Straps: DMOOSE Figure 8 Lifting Straps

DMoose Figure 8 Lifting Straps

4.2

• Material: Cotton
• Style: Figure 8
• Length: Length isn’t listed, but they are 6 to 7.5 inches wide
• Padding: None

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The main advantage of Figure 8 straps is that they’re easy to use. Simply loop one end around your wrist, bring your hand close to the bar, and feed your hand through the other loop. Bring your hands inwards to grab the bar for the straps to become tight, creating a secure grip that won’t slip or loosen during lifts. To remove them, just reverse the process and slide them off your wrists — no need to fumble with long straps again!

The DMOOSE Figure 8 Lifting Straps are made of high-quality cotton that’s soft and durable. Cotton is breathable and doesn’t irritate your skin or cause excessive sweating, so you’ll have a better grip whether you’re lifting a barbell, kettlebell, or axle bar. 

They’re also machine-washable, so you can keep them clean and fresh. The DMOOSE Figure 8 Lifting Straps offer three sizes (small, medium, or large) to suit your wrist and hand size. The size chart on their website is clear and will help you find the right fit.

The DMOOSE Figure 8 Lifting Straps don’t have any padding or cushioning for your wrists. This means they might dig into your skin and cause discomfort or bruising, especially if you lift heavy weights or use them for high-rep sets. I’ve even seen some elite-level lifters end up with small skin tears because they’re deadlifting massive weights. If you have sensitive wrists or prefer more comfort, you may want to look for straps with wrist padding, like the Element 26’s.

Remember how they’re easy to use? Well, that’s after you learn how to use them. Most beginners find figure 8 straps awkward to use at first due to incorrect use. Even when used properly, they can still feel unnatural as the load is held outside your hands instead of in line with them. As a result, you may need some time to get used to them, especially if you’re accustomed to traditional straps. 

Finally, figure 8 straps aren’t a one-size-fits-all. They require the correct size to function correctly, so you won’t get the optimal grip and support from the straps if you choose a size that is too big or too small. Make sure to measure your wrist and hand size carefully and follow the size chart on their website before buying.

Best Lifting Straps for Deadlifts: Jerkfit Death Grips

Jerkfit Death Grips

4.3

• Material: PVC rubber
• Style: Grips
• Length: Not listed
• Padding: Neoprene

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Our Breaking Muscle product tester found the Jerkfit Death Grips fast and easy to use. Unlike other straps that require you to wrap them around the bar multiple times, the Death Grips attach to your wrist with a velcro strap, and then you wrap the rubber flap around the bar — trapping the bar between the grips and your palms. When used on deadlifts, they avoid the hassle of fiddling with a longer strap during your setup. They also save time, especially when used for deadlifts in timed workouts like those seen in CrossFit.

When they tried them in a workout, our team member was impressed by the grip. They felt connected to the bar during their deadlifts and pulled heavy weights that they would have felt slipping without them. When used on pull-ups and dumbbell exercises, they found the grips held up well without slipping. This is due to their unique PVC rubber construction and neoprene padding. During the entire test, their comfort surprised our product tester, and they loved how intuitive they were to use.

One of the drawbacks of the Jerkfit Death Grips is that they can take some time to get used to, especially if you’re not familiar with using lifting straps. The Death Grips are a little bulky because of the neoprene pad, so they can initially feel awkward. Compared to traditional lifting straps, the pad size is larger with more stitching, resulting in a higher risk of loose threads than other straps. You may need to trim or burn off any loose threads that you notice on your straps to prevent them from getting worse.

The other downside of the Jerkfit Death Grips is the cost. At the time of writing, the Death Grips cost $39.95 per pair. This price is more than double that of other quality straps in this article, like the DMOOSE budget-friendly straps. While the Death Grips offer a lot of value and quality for their price, they may not be affordable or worth it for everyone.

RELATED: Best CrossFit Shoes for Flat Feet, Wide Feet, and More (2023)

Best Lifting Straps With Hooks: DMOOSE Weightlifting Hooks

DMoose Weight Lifting Hooks

3.8

• Material: Rubber-coated stainless steel hooks, nylon strap
• Style: Hooks
• Length: 3.7 inches
• Padding: 8mm neoprene

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Unlike other lifting straps that require you to wrap them around the bar multiple times, these hooks are nearly effortless to apply. Put them on your wrists, tighten the velcro strap, hook them onto the bar, and voilà! 

Straps this easy to use saves you time and avoids the hassle of resetting your straps, especially when switching between different exercises or weights. For ease and speed, I find hooks are better than any other strap type while not interfering much with your grip or wrist mobility.

These hooks are versatile and can be used for various types of implements. They’re suitable for barbell lifts such as deadlifts, shrugs, or rows, as well as using them on pull-up bars. They play nice with cable machine attachments, and one customer even mentioned they use them on their rowing machine handles to combat grip fatigue. 

RELATED: Best Rowing Machines for Beginners, Small Spaces, Seniors, and More

I’m pleasantly surprised by their construction. The actual hooks of the Weightlifting Hooks are made from reinforced stainless steel with a non-slip rubberized coating. This means they should have no problem handling weights up to the listed capacity. 

They’re 3.3 inches wide and have a deep curve that ensures a stable and secure grip on the bar. Unlike narrow or shallow hooks, the DMOOSEs will prevent the bar from tipping or slipping out of your hands, which could cause injuries or, at the very least, compromise your form.

These hooks have a maximum weight capacity of 600 pounds, which might be a limitation for some advanced lifters who want to lift heavier weights. If you exceed this limit, you risk damaging the hooks or injuring yourself — consider the best lifting straps for powerlifting from Iron Bull Strength instead.

The Weightlifting Hooks might cause your wrists to sweat more than usual, especially in hot or humid conditions. The thick neoprene padding is extra-wide to cover your wrist area and the lower part of your palm, but this results in a large non-breathable area of skin. Further, the velcro strap must be cinched extra tight to avoid getting pulled off from heavy weights resting in the hooks. While it’s unlikely that either of these will cause a structural issue with the hooks, the excessive sweat can make them uncomfortable or unhygienic unless you wash them often.

Unfortunately, the hooks are fixed in place and don’t have any adjustment options. This means that they might only fit average hand sizes correctly. For those with extra small or large hands, the hooks might be too close to your fingertips or wrists, respectively. In turn, this can negatively affect your grip strength or comfort level.

Best Lifting Straps for Small Wrists: Element 26 Weightlifting Straps

Element 26 Weight Lifting Straps

3.5

• Material: Cotton
• Style: Traditional
• Length: 23 inches
• Padding: 5mm neoprene

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The defining feature of the Element 26 Weightlifting Straps is the traditional lasso style, meaning they have a closed loop at one end where the free end feeds into them. This strap style is great for small wrists because it allows you to adjust the size until the strap matches your preference. You can also easily switch between different exercises without re-adjusting them. Overall, lasso-style straps are more secure and stable than other straps, such as Olympic lifting or hooks.

Another pro of the Element 26 Weightlifting Straps is that they’re 23 inches long. This length is ideal for lifting straps for a couple of reasons. First, it makes it easier to wrap the straps with a single hand, especially your non-dominant side. Second, the 23-inch length is compatible with a wider range of barbells; axle bars have a noticeably larger diameter than Olympic barbells, so the longer material gives you get more wraps around the bar for a more secure grip — this is helpful for those with smaller wrists and hands that would otherwise struggle with thicker bars.

The Element 26 Weightlifting Straps have comfortable neoprene padding inside the loop around your wrist. Neoprene is a soft and flexible material that provides cushioning and support for your wrist, reducing the pressure that can cause discomfort and pain to your wrists during heavy lifting.

One of the cons of the Element 26 Weightlifting Straps is that they have left and right indicators on the loop around your wrist. These indicators are supposed to help you put on the straps correctly, but they’re actually redundant and unnecessary. Lasso-style straps have a closed loop on one end, and whether the free end is fed through the left or right side determines which hand they belong on. Since there is no difference between the left and right straps, except for the indicator, this feature is basically just a gimmick that adds little value to the straps.

Another con of the Element 26 Weightlifting Straps is that they are made of cotton, which is weaker than nylon. Nylon is a synthetic material with higher tensile strength and durability than cotton, so it can withstand more weight and stress without breaking or tearing. Cotton straps, on the other hand, can fray or snap after prolonged use or exposure to moisture. Cotton straps are also more prone to shrinking or stretching after washing or drying, affecting their fit and performance.

Finally, the Element 26s only come in black. Black is the standard color for lifting straps, but it can also be dull. Some lifters may prefer colorful or vibrant options to match their personality or style. Black straps can also be more challenging to identify in a crowded gym or locker room because they all look similar. More color choices would make the product more appealing and attractive to a broader range of customers.

Best Lifting Straps on Amazon: Harbinger Padded Cotton Lifting Straps

Harbinger Padded Cotton Lifting Straps

4.0

• Material: Cotton
• Style: Traditional
• Length: 21.5 inches
• Padding: “Neotek” (neoprene)

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The Harbinger Padded Cotton Lifting Straps have a 4.7 out of 5 rating from over 27,000 customers on Amazon, and they’re also rated #2 in the “Exercise Straps” category. That means tens of thousands of people have tried and loved these straps, so you can trust their quality and performance. But let’s not forget about their price. At the time of publishing, they cost only $9.97 — a steal compared to other lifting straps on the market. Plus, if you’re an Amazon Prime member, you can enjoy free shipping and an excellent return policy. 

They impressed our Breaking Muscle team member with their softness and comfort. Being made from cotton, the straps felt soft in the hands and offered extra wrist cushioning with their “Neotek” padding (essentially just neoprene). Our tester also noticed that the padding helps absorb sweat and moisture, so your hands will stay drier during your workouts, and it’ll be easier to keep a better grip.

Unfortunately, when our product tester opened the bag, they were surprised that the Harbingers had some loose threads and burs. The straps performed without any issues for a few weeks during barbell workouts, but these imperfections made our tester a bit concerned about how the straps would do after a year.

According to a few customers, the straps can sometimes feel stiff when first using them, making it harder to wrap them around the bar and tighten them around your wrist. However, we didn’t find this to be the case. If you run into this issue, the problem will subside as the straps are used because they’ll become more flexible and pliable.

Lastly, some users reported that the straps broke with heavy weights, which was extremely rare. This might be due to a combination of the straps being 100 percent cotton and being used on barbells with aggressive knurling. Cotton is a weaker material than nylon, so these straps are more prone to fraying or snapping over time — especially if they’re used in humid conditions. While the risk of these straps breaking is extremely low, and our product tester (who lifted 315 pounds with them) didn’t experience any issues, consider more robust nylon straps if you’ll be lifting serious weights.

Best Leather Lifting Straps: Rogue Treated Leather Straps

Rogue Treated Leather Straps

3.5

• Material: Leather
• Style: Traditional
• Length: 24 inches
• Padding: None

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The Rogue Treated Leather Straps are our top leather choice because it’s hard to beat the quality and craftsmanship of products made in the USA. These straps are crafted from 100 percent genuine premium belly leather, known for its balance of soft pliability and reliable durability. With the local manufacturing, product material, and brand, you can trust that these straps will last a long time and perform well in any lifting situation.

One of the most critical features of any lifting strap is the stitching. If the stitching is weak or poorly done, the strap can tear or unravel quickly. Double-stitching used to be a step above and an excellent way to increase the longevity of sewn products, but Rogue has used box-stitching on these straps, a technique that reinforces the seams and minimizes fraying. The stitching is also done with heavy-duty nylon thread, which adds to the strength and durability of the straps.

In terms of material, leather is an all-time classic. One of our product testers at Breaking Muscle has similar lifting straps made from genuine leather. They’re a few years old and are much loved. They’ve found that the feel of leather is second to none, and as you use them, they’ll mold to the shape of your hands and wrists — giving you a truly bespoke pair of straps. The leather also has a natural texture and color that gives these straps a timeless and elegant appearance.

All leather products take some time to break in, and these straps are no exception. When you first receive them, they might feel stiff and rough on your skin — this is normal. You can roll them up and unroll them a few times to help the break-in process, but we’ve found they take a couple of weeks of regular use to soften for maximum comfort on the back of your hands. Remember, good things take time!

One downside of leather is that it can absorb sweat, dirt, and other lovely substances over time. This can cause the leather to change color or develop marks that might look unappealing. Our staff member noticed some stains on theirs but appreciated the added character to the leather. If you care about the aesthetics of your straps, consider cleaning and treating them regularly or avoiding them altogether and going for a nylon strap instead.

Lastly, leather can be slippier than cotton or nylon. This can affect your grip on the bar, especially if your hands are sweaty or oily. Just place the rough side of the leather straps against the bar. This texture will dig better into the knurling and give more friction for the best grip possible.

Best Olympic Lifting Straps: Gymreapers Olympic Lifting Straps

Gymreapers Olympic Lifting Straps

3.8

• Material: Cotton
• Style: Olympic lifting
• Length: 8.5 inches
• Padding: None

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The main benefit of the Gymreapers Olympic Lifting Straps is that they’re specifically designed in a tear-drop shape for Olympic weightlifting. They’re shorter than traditional straps, so they wrap around the bar less. This means they help with your grip, but if you need to bail a snatch or clean and jerk, they’ll release in time to safely separate yourself from the bar. This can prevent devastating injuries from longer straps that wouldn’t detach from the bar in time.

Another benefit of these straps is their reinforced stitching. The seams of most straps are only double-stitched, resulting in a weaker area that could start to unravel over time. However, these Olympic lifting straps from Gymreapers are triple-stitched — making loose threads extremely unlikely to ever happen. This means you can get a secure grip around the bar, with the peace of mind that your straps will endure over time.

One of the best things about these straps is that they come with a lifetime replacement guarantee. If your straps ever break or wear out, Gymreapers claims you can get a new pair for free. This is a rare and generous offer that shows how confident the company is in its product quality and customer satisfaction. With these Olympic Weightlifting Straps, you can rest assured that you’re getting a reliable and long-lasting training tool to help you achieve your Oly lifting goals.

However, these straps also have some drawbacks, such as a lack of padding on the wrist area, making them less comfortable. As a result, you might experience chafing or bruising on your wrists until you get used to them. If you prefer more cushioning and comfort, consider looking for padded straps instead, like the Iron Bull Strength Unleash Lifting Straps.

Another downside of these straps is that they’re less secure than traditional straps. Of course, this is intentional because they’re made for Oly lifting — but it’s still worth noting. Since they are shorter, they can come undone more easily than traditional lasso straps. This is done on purpose to allow for quick release in case of emergency, but it also means that you might lose your grip if you’re not careful.

Best Budget Lifting Straps: DMOOSE Lifting Straps

DMoose Fitness Wrist Straps

3.5

• Material: Cotton
• Style: Traditional
• Length: 24 inches
• Padding: 4mm neoprene

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The standout feature of the DMOOSE Lifting Straps is the price. At the time of writing, these retail for $15 after being marked down from $17 — not quite as cheap as the Harbinger Padded Cotton Lifting Straps, but close.

One of the best features of these straps is that they fit all wrist sizes. The straps have a closed-loop design, so you can tighten them like a lasso around your wrists. This allows you to adjust the fit according to your wrist size and comfort level. You don’t have to worry about the straps permanently being too loose or tight, as you can easily adjust them to your liking.

These straps are also incredibly comfortable, featuring a 4mm padding on the inside for cushion and to prevent chafing. The cotton material is also soft and breathable, which keeps your hands cool and dry. At 24 inches long and 1.5 inches wide, they give you enough length and width to wrap around the bar securely.

However, these straps aren’t perfect—one of their main cons is the grippy silicone texture. When a Breaking Muscle team member used a nearly identical pair of these straps from another brand, they found it hard to tighten and loosen the straps due to the sticky nature of the silicone texture. Our product tester also disliked the feeling of the raised texture in their hands when they gripped the bar with the straps on. This is a matter of personal preference, though, and some people may actually prefer the silicone bumps.

Another downside of these straps is that they only have double-crossed stitching, which is weaker than box stitching. Box-stitching is a more secure method of stitching that creates a square-shaped pattern on the strap with an “x” through the box. This makes the strap more resistant to tearing and fraying. The DMOOSE Lifting Straps have double-crossed stitching, which is better than single stitching but still not as sturdy as box stitching.

Sadly, these straps don’t have a weight capacity listed on their website or product page. This means you don’t know how much weight these straps can safely handle. It would be helpful if the company provided details on how much weight these straps can support. Can they hold 200 pounds, 500 pounds, or 1,000 pounds? This would give customers more transparency when considering these straps and ensure they aren’t asking the world from budget-friendly lifting straps.

Best Lifting Straps for Powerlifting: Iron Bull Strength Premium Lifting Straps

Iron Bull Strength Premium Lifting Straps

4.0

• Material: Nylon
• Style: Traditional
• Length: 25 inches
• Padding: None

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If you’re looking for a pair of lifting straps that can handle the heaviest weights and the most demanding workouts, consider the Iron Bull Strength Premium Lifting Straps. 

These straps are made of extra-strong nylon material, which is ideal for powerlifting because nylon is one of the most robust materials for lifting straps, beating out cotton any day. Robust, heavy-duty nylon improves grip strength on every pulling movement and can be used on barbells, dumbbells, kettlebells, or any cable machine. 

Iron Bull Strength claims these are “Level 4” strength, but I couldn’t find a scale or explanation of what this actually means on their website. In contrast, their Figure 8 straps, which are also a Level 4 strength, have a 1,000+ pound capacity.

Iron Bull Strength is well known in the powerlifting and strength training communities for reputable products, so I doubt these straps will fail with regular use. However, I was surprised to see that as their premium lifting straps, they do not have a weight capacity listed. This makes it hard to compare them with other brands or models and also raises some questions about their durability and safety.

The design of these straps is well-suited for powerlifting. They have a two-inch width, so those elite powerlifting records you’ll be lifting with them will be dispersed better across your hands — resulting in less bruising and skin tears. I was delighted they have double-stitching to ensure the likelihood of loose threads is as low as possible, a must for straps that will be pushed to the limit.

One thing that sets these straps apart is that they have zero padding. This is done intentionally to guarantee a maximum grip and authentic feel during your most intense lifts. 

Some lifters prefer this style of straps, believing that padding reduces the contact between the hand and the bar and thus compromises the grip. However, this also means these straps are less comfortable on the wrists and will take some getting used to. If you have sensitive skin or are prone to bruising, consider looking for another option.

Unlike cotton, nylon does not absorb sweat as well, which can make the straps slippery and uncomfortable after a long session. This can also affect the hygiene and odor of the straps, as sweat can accumulate and cause bacteria growth. To prevent this, wash your straps regularly and let them air dry completely before using them again.

Different Types of Lifting Straps

There are many kinds of lifting straps available on the market, each with its advantages and disadvantages. Here are some of the most common ones:

Traditional/Lasso Straps

These are the simplest and most widely used types of lifting straps. Consisting of a long piece of fabric with a closed loop, the free end is fed through the loop, around your wrist, and then wraps around the bar several times. This makes them easy to use and adjust, and they provide a secure grip on any bar because they act like a lasso. However, they can also be challenging to release quickly, which can be problematic if you need to bail out of a lift or switch between exercises.

Olympic Lifting Straps

These are similar to traditional straps, but they have a shorter length and a closed tear-drop shape. They’re designed for Olympic weightlifting, where you need to quickly release the bar after completing a snatch or a clean and jerk. They are also suitable for explosive movements like high pulls or power cleans. 

Figure 8’s

These straps form a figure-eight shape. They are straightforward to put on and take off, and they provide a very tight grip on the bar — so much so that you can let go completely and they should stay on. They’re ideal for heavy deadlifts or shrugs, where you don’t need to worry about dropping the bar or changing your grip. However, they’re often misused by beginners so they can take some practice to use correctly.

Hooks

Attached to a wrist strap, these metal hooks grab onto the bar to take pressure off your grip and allow you to focus entirely on your working muscles. They’re great for people with weak or injured hands or wrists, or who want to lift very heavy weights without ever taxing their grip strength. However, they can also be more expensive, bulky, and unsafe if they break or slip off the bar.

Grips

These are rubber or silicone pads that stick to your palms and create friction with the bar. They are similar to gloves, but they only cover your palm. Grips are ideal for people who don’t like the feeling of straps or hooks or who want to make their setup fast. However, they can also wear and lose their stickiness quickly compared to other types of straps.

What Are the Benefits of Using Lifting Straps?

Lifting straps can help you in several ways when you’re working out. Here are some of the main benefits:

Reduced Grip Fatigue

One of the most significant limitations when lifting heavy weights is your grip strength. Your hands and forearms can tire before your target muscles do, preventing you from completing more reps or adding more weight. Lifting straps can help you overcome this by taking some of the load off your hands and transferring it to your arms and shoulders.

RELATED: The Best Shoulder Workouts for More Muscle, For Strength, For Beginners, and More

Ability to Hold More Weight

Another benefit of lifting straps is that they allow you to hold more weight than you usually could with your bare hands. This can help you break through plateaus and challenge yourself with heavier loads. Lifting more weight can also stimulate muscle growth and strength gains since your grip no longer limits you.

Protection Against Rips and Tears

Lifting heavy weights can damage your skin, especially if you have rough, dry, or heavily calloused hands. Lifting straps can protect your hands from getting ripped or torn by creating a barrier between your skin and the bar. This can also prevent infections and reduce pain and inflammation.

When Should You Use Lifting Straps?

Lifting straps can be a valuable tool for enhancing your training, but they shouldn’t be used all the time or for every exercise. Here are some guidelines on when to use them:

• Use them sparingly: Lifting straps should not replace your baseline grip strength. You should still train your grip regularly using the warm-up sets of your exercises. Avoid using straps for every set or every workout, and only use them when you really need them, like when you’re going for a personal record, doing high-rep sets, or working on weak points.
• Use them strategically: Lifting straps shouldn’t be used for every exercise. Use them only for exercises that involve pulling movements, such as deadlifts, rows, pull-ups, etc. You shouldn’t use them for exercises that involve pushing movements, such as the bench press, the overhead press, or dips — that’s what wrist wraps are for. 
• Use them correctly: Lifting straps should be used properly to avoid injury and maximize performance. Ensure the straps are tight enough to secure your grip, but not so tight that they cut off your blood circulation or cause numbness. You should also make sure that the straps are wrapped around the bar in the right direction so that they don’t unravel or slip off during the lift. You should also practice releasing the straps quickly and safely in an emergency.

What to Look For in Lifting Straps

Materials

Lifting straps can be made of different materials, such as nylon, cotton, or leather. Each material has pros and cons regarding durability, comfort, grip, and price. Nylon straps are usually the most durable and affordable, but they can also be slippery and harsh on your skin. Cotton straps are generally the most comfortable and breathable, but they can also be less durable and more prone to stretching. Leather straps are traditionally the most classic, but they can also be more expensive and harder to clean.

Type

As we mentioned before, there are different types of lifting straps, such as traditional, Olympic, figure 8’s, hooks, and grips. Each type has its advantages and disadvantages in terms of ease of use, security, versatility, and comfort. You should choose the type that suits your goals, preferences, and experience level. 

For example, if you’re a beginner or an intermediate lifter who wants to improve your grip strength and technique, you might want to start with hooks or grips. If you’re an advanced or a competitive lifter who wants to lift as much weight as possible and focus on your other muscles, you might want to try Olympic lifting straps or traditional straps.

Length

Lifting straps can also vary, from four inches to 25 inches. The strap length affects how many times you can wrap it around the bar and how much slack you have left. A longer strap will allow you to wrap it more times and create a tighter grip, but it will also take more time and effort to put on and take off. A shorter strap will allow you to wrap it fewer times and create a looser grip, but it will also be faster and easier to use. 

The ideal length for you depends on your hand size, wrist size, bar diameter, and personal preference. A good rule of thumb is to choose a strap that is about 24 inches long. This will give you enough length to wrap it around most bars at least twice and still have some slack left. If the strap is too long for you, you can always cut it slightly and burn the ends to prevent fraying.

Padding

Some lifting straps have padding on the wrist area to provide extra comfort and cushioning. The padding can be made of different materials, but it’s almost always neoprene. Padding can help prevent chafing, bruising, or digging into your skin when lifting heavy weights. 

However, padding can also add bulkiness and weight to the strap, affecting your wrist mobility and grip feel. Some people prefer to have no padding at all for a more natural and direct contact with the bar. The choice of padding is mostly a matter of personal preference and comfort level.

Final Thoughts

Lifting straps are a great accessory for anyone who wants to improve their strength and performance in the gym. They can help you lift more weight, reduce grip fatigue, protect your hands from injury, and overcome plateaus. 

However, they should not be abused or relied on too much. Train your grip strength regularly and use straps only when necessary and appropriate. You should also choose the right strap type for your goals and preferences.

Best Lifting Straps: Side-by-Side Comparison

Best Lifting Straps Overall	Best Figure 8 Lifting Straps	Best Lifting Straps for Deadlifts	Best Lifting Straps With Hooks	Best Lifting Straps for Small Wrists	Best Lifting Straps on Amazon	Best Leather Lifting Straps	Best Olympic Lifting Straps	Best Budget Lifting Straps	Best Lifting Straps for Powerlifting
Iron Bull Strength Unleash Lifting Straps	DMoose Figure 8 Straps	Jerkfit Death Grips	DMoose Lifting Hooks	Element 26 Weight Lifting Straps	Harbinger Padded Cotton Lifting Straps	Rogue Treated Leather Straps	Gymreapers Olympic Lifting Straps	DMoose Lifting Straps	Iron Bull Strength Premium Lifting Straps
Primary Rating: 4.5	Primary Rating: 4.2	Primary Rating: 4.3	Primary Rating: 3.8	Primary Rating: 3.5	Primary Rating: 4.0	Primary Rating: 3.5	Primary Rating: 3.8	Primary Rating: 3.5	Primary Rating: 4.0
Description: Material: Nylon Style: Traditional Length: 24 inches Padding: 5mm neoprene	Description: Material: Cotton Style: Figure 8 Length: Length isn’t listed, but they are 6 to 7.5 inches wide Padding: None	Description: Material: PVC rubber Style: Grips Length: Not listed Padding: Neoprene	Description: Material: Rubber-coated stainless steel hooks, nylon strap Style: Hooks Length: 3.7 inches Padding: 8mm neoprene	Description: Material: Cotton Style: Traditional Length: 23 inches Padding: 5mm neoprene	Description: Material: Cotton Style: Traditional Length: 21.5 inches Padding: “Neotek” (neoprene)	Description: Material: Leather Style: Traditional Length: 24 inches Padding: None	Description: Material: Cotton Style: Olympic lifting Length: 8.5 inches Padding: None	Description: Material: Cotton Style: Traditional Length: 24 inches Padding: 4mm neoprene	Description: Material: Nylon Style: Traditional Length: 25 inches Padding: None
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Best Lifting Straps Overall

Iron Bull Strength Unleash Lifting Straps

Primary Rating:

4.5

Description:

• Material: Nylon
• Style: Traditional
• Length: 24 inches
• Padding: 5mm neoprene

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Best Figure 8 Lifting Straps

DMoose Figure 8 Straps

Primary Rating:

4.2

Description:

• Material: Cotton
• Style: Figure 8
• Length: Length isn’t listed, but they are 6 to 7.5 inches wide
• Padding: None

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Best Lifting Straps for Deadlifts

Jerkfit Death Grips

Primary Rating:

4.3

Description:

• Material: PVC rubber
• Style: Grips
• Length: Not listed
• Padding: Neoprene

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Best Lifting Straps With Hooks

DMoose Lifting Hooks

Primary Rating:

3.8

Description:

• Material: Rubber-coated stainless steel hooks, nylon strap
• Style: Hooks
• Length: 3.7 inches
• Padding: 8mm neoprene

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Best Lifting Straps for Small Wrists

Element 26 Weight Lifting Straps

Primary Rating:

3.5

Description:

• Material: Cotton
• Style: Traditional
• Length: 23 inches
• Padding: 5mm neoprene

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Best Lifting Straps on Amazon

Harbinger Padded Cotton Lifting Straps

Primary Rating:

4.0

Description:

• Material: Cotton
• Style: Traditional
• Length: 21.5 inches
• Padding: “Neotek” (neoprene)

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Best Leather Lifting Straps

Rogue Treated Leather Straps

Primary Rating:

3.5

Description:

• Material: Leather
• Style: Traditional
• Length: 24 inches
• Padding: None

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Best Olympic Lifting Straps

Gymreapers Olympic Lifting Straps

Primary Rating:

3.8

Description:

• Material: Cotton
• Style: Olympic lifting
• Length: 8.5 inches
• Padding: None

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Best Budget Lifting Straps

DMoose Lifting Straps

Primary Rating:

3.5

Description:

• Material: Cotton
• Style: Traditional
• Length: 24 inches
• Padding: 4mm neoprene

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Best Lifting Straps for Powerlifting

Iron Bull Strength Premium Lifting Straps

Primary Rating:

4.0

Description:

• Material: Nylon
• Style: Traditional
• Length: 25 inches
• Padding: None

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FAQs

The post Best Lifting Straps for Powerlifting, Olympic Weightlifting, and More (2024) appeared first on Breaking Muscle.

Breaking Muscle has a passionate team of fitness enthusiasts that includes Olympic weightlifters, powerlifters, strength coaches, and personal trainers. Altogether, we’ve tested over sixteen different knee sleeves. I personally have also been wearing knee sleeves for years during my squat sessions and, occasionally, for CrossFit Workouts of the Day (WODs). 

We chose the best knee sleeves by dishing out nearly a dozen of them to our experienced product testing team of Olympic weightlifters and had them give benefits and drawbacks on each. We combined their hands-on feedback with the knee sleeve specs and their IPF & IWF approval status to give each an overall ranking from 1 to 5.

Of course, part of choosing the best knee sleeves means getting the perfect fit for you. As knee sleeves have no universal sizing, we’ve only selected brands with a helpful size chart, so you can get the right fit on your first try.

Our Top Picks for the Best Knee Sleeves

• Best Knee Sleeves Overall: DMOOSE Knee Sleeves
• Best Knee Sleeves for Squats: Gymreapers 7mm Knee Sleeves
• Best Knee Sleeves for Powerlifting: SBD Powerlifting Knee Sleeves 
• Best Knee Sleeves for Arthritis: IMAK Compression Arthritis Knee Sleeves
• Best Knee Sleeves for Weightlifting: Iron Bull Strength 7mm Knee Sleeves
• Best Knee Sleeves for CrossFit: Element 26 Agility Knee Sleeves
• Best Budget Knee Sleeves: DMOOSE Reversible Knee Sleeves
• Best Knee Sleeves for Running: Rehband 3mm Knee Sleeves

Best Knee Sleeves Overall: DMOOSE Knee Sleeves

DMoose Fitness Knee Sleeves

4.5

• Material: Neoprene
• Thickness: Seven millimeters
• Available sizes: S to XXL
• IPF/IWF-approved: No

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The DMOOSE knee sleeves are the best knee sleeves overall due to their supportive seven-millimeter thick neoprene material, build quality, and 30-day money-back guarantee.

Made from neoprene, these offer an incredible amount of stretch and support for your knees. Seven millimeters is the ideal thickness for lower-body strength training. While you’ll feel the most support on knee-focused exercises like squats, lunges, and step-ups, you’ll also feel the benefits of DMOOSE’s knee sleeves in posterior-chain movements, like deadlifts and good mornings. 

The double-stitching on these sleeves makes the seams much less likely to begin unraveling. It also adds an extra layer of durability, giving you greater peace of mind that they’ll last years of solid use.

DMOOSE offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, which is great for support products in general, and is one of the only companies out of all the knee sleeve options in this article that offers a money-back guarantee. While lower-quality knee sleeves may feature a lower price tag, they usually come without this assurance. If the DMOOSE knee sleeves don’t meet your standard, you can get your money back.

The sizes available for these knee sleeves are more limited than other brands, running from small to double extra-large. As a result, lifters with smaller or exceptionally large legs might have a more challenging time finding an ideal fit. If this concerns you, consider the SBD sleeves instead — they offer 11 different sizes.

DMOOSE’s return policy could be better. They offer free returns but don’t accept opened products, according to their return policy. This means that as soon as you physically open your knee sleeve’s package, you’ll lose the opportunity to exchange or return them if you got the wrong size. Because of this, ensure you correctly measure based on their sizing chart to maximize the chances of ordering the proper size. That said, you’d technically be eligible for a return under their 30-day guarantee if they don’t perform satisfactorily in that timeframe.

Unfortunately, these knee sleeves aren’t IPF or IWF-approved. For competitive powerlifters and weightlifters, you’ll have to look elsewhere for knee sleeves permitted for a meet under either of those federations.

All the above considered, we rank these 4.5 out of 5 stars for their extra-supportive seven-millimeter thickness, durable double-stitching, and 30-day guarantee.

Best Knee Sleeves for Squats: Gymreapers 7mm Knee Sleeves

Gymreapers 7MM Knee Sleeves

4.5

• Material: Neoprene
• Thickness: 7mm
• Available sizes: S to XXL
• IPF/IWF-approved: IPF

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I’ve owned the Gymreapers 7mm Knee Sleeves for over two years and use them at least once a week. Not only are the neoprene material and stitching quality impressive, but I love their 7mm thickness. It makes them supportive but not so restrictive that I have to take them off or roll them down between sets. Plus, they rarely slide down unless I wear a pair of slick leggings, and even then, it’s only minor adjustments between sets. Despite the consistent use I’ve put them through, the edges are all still intact, and there are no signs of framing in the seams — these get an A+ for durability in my books.

The Gymreapers 7mm knee sleeves are approved by the International Powerlifting Federation (IPF). This is great if you’re a competitive powerlifter or aspire to compete in one of the most recognized federations worldwide because you can train with the same gear you’ll be competing with. Practicing your squats with the exact same support gear you’ll be using in your meets can offer noticeable physical and psychological benefits that could give you an edge over your competitors.

A one-year replacement warranty also backs these knee sleeves. My knee sleeves from Gymreapers are still going strong after two years of consistent use, so I highly doubt you’ll ever need to use their warranty. But unlike a quality squat rack, support wear like knee sleeves will accumulate wear and tear above a cosmetic level. Even if you never need it, this policy is thoughtful and gives you peace of mind for an entire year in a product space where warranties are rare. 

Gymreapers’ return policy could be better for these knee sleeves. At the time of writing, their return policy claims that they don’t accept returns that have been worn or washed or have visible signs of use. However, I seriously doubt Gymreapers would reject a return because you tried on the knee sleeves, realized they don’t fit correctly, and either want an exchange or your money back. Leg proportions and design vary widely, so it can be challenging to get the ideal size, even with their size guide. So, if you want the ability to return or exchange them, keep this in mind before purchasing.

I found the size chart accurate and the fit excellent, but it would be helpful if they offered more sizes. Gymreapers features five sizes (S to XXL), which is standard for knee sleeves. That said, those who are more petite or have lean legs may find that even the small size is still too big to fit correctly.

All the above considered, we rank these 4.5 out of 5 stars for their durable neoprene, reinforced stitching, IPF approval, and one-year replacement guarantee.

Best Knee Sleeves for Powerlifting: SBD Powerlifting Knee Sleeves

SBD Powerlifting Knee Sleeves

4.2

• Material: Neoprene
• Thickness: 7mm
• Available sizes: 3XS to 5XL
• IPF/IWF-approved: IPF

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SBD is world-renowned in powerlifting circles as the top choice for knee sleeves because they’re incredibly supportive, are manufactured in Great Britain, and you’re almost guaranteed to find an ideal fit among their 11 sizes.

If you want the crème de la crème of knee sleeves for powerlifting, look no further than the SBD powerlifting sleeves. They’re approved by the International Powerlifting Federation (IPF), which makes them suitable for IPF-affiliated powerlifting competitions. Aspiring world-record-setting powerlifters trust this brand, so it’s hard to go wrong if powerlifting is important to you.

The SBD knee sleeves are built from high-density seven-millimeter neoprene, which SBD claims offers maximum compression and contact area for your knees as they bend. Their patented design also boasts a four-way stretch that allows them to keep the high compression they’re known for without gagging around your knees during your lift. A product tester from the Breaking Muscle team put the SBDs through squats, cleans, snatches, and split squats. He noticed that despite their high compression level, they didn’t feel super restrictive. This means that they’ll continue feeling comfortable during lengthy squat workouts. 

I was immediately impressed with the size range of the SBD knee sleeves. They carry a staggering 11 different sizes, from 3XS to 5XL! With this many sizes and a detailed fit guide, you’re practically guaranteed to find your ideal fit. If you don’t succeed on the first order, they offer a great exchange policy: the knee sleeves may be tried on but can’t be used for a workout, and you can request an exchange up to 30 days after receiving them. Regarding exchange policies, I think this is one of the fairest of all companies in this article.

The SBDs are manufactured in Great Britain (GB), which immediately sets them above most knee sleeve brands that import theirs from overseas manufacturers. There are higher manufacturing and worker standards in GB, so you can trust the high-grade neoprene and double stitching to hold firm as you hit new PRs.

Our product tester found the sleeves lived up to their hard-to-get-on reputation; they had to be folded in half and then dragged up his lower legs before being rolled over. Because they’re so grippy, you’ll get a mini arm workout to start your squatting session. Applying a bit of baby powder to your legs beforehand can make this experience noticeably easier.

The price of these knee sleeves is also one of the highest in this list at $125.00 per pair. Unless you’re a competitive powerlifter or want the best for your powerlifting-style squat sessions, there are more affordable options, like the Gymreapers 7mm Knee Sleeves. 

All the above considered, we rank these 4.2 out of 5 stars for their IPF & IWF approval, world-renowned construction, and 11 sizes available.

Best Knee Sleeves for Arthritis: IMAK Compression Arthritis Knee Sleeves

IMAK Compression Arthritis Knee Sleeve

4.0

• Material: Cotton (92%) and spandex (8%)
• Thickness: Not listed
• Available sizes: XS to XL
• IPF/IWF-approved: No

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The IMAK Compression Knee Sleeves are made from soft cotton and stretchy spandex to offer comfort and mild compression all day (or night), making them the best knee sleeves for arthritis.

These compression sleeves are made from a soft and stretchy cotton-spandex blend. This material combo makes it easy for you to slide them on and off. Being 92% cotton, they’ll offer warmth while still being breathable, so they won’t cause your knees to sweat excessively.

The thickness of the knee sleeve wasn’t listed on their product page, but one customer mentioned the IMAKs are so lightweight that they forget they even have them on. It means they won’t be too compressive, so you can wear them all day or night without worrying about cutting off your circulation. For those with arthritis, this is a good thing. If they were super thick and bulky, they would be noticeable around the clock, and wearing them for long periods would be completely off the table. The cotton material can also help soothe some symptoms of arthritis by providing warmth to your knees. 

They’re pretty affordable, which is likely due to most of their material being cotton, a more economical option than neoprene. However, they’re also sold in singles, which is great, as you can purchase a single sleeve if your arthritis is in one knee only. If you need a pair of them, they’re still priced economically. Retailing at just $17.99 at the time of writing, they’re the most budget-friendly knee sleeves in this article, even when a pair is bought. As far as non-invasive treatments go for arthritic knees, these knee sleeves are a great low-cost option.

Unfortunately, the IMAK knee sleeves are only available in five sizes. If you’re extra petite or have extra-lean legs, you might find that the XS size isn’t small enough. Similarly, their sizes cap out at an XL — which may pose an issue if you or your knees are significantly larger than average.

The IMAKs may have trouble staying in place throughout the entire day. They have a stretchy tri-band, but due to their lighter compression material, they won’t be as resistant to movement at the knee. One reviewer mentioned that their knee sleeves kept rolling down on them, but other reviews didn’t mention this, so that may have been an issue of improper sizing.

All the above considered, we rank these 4 out of 5 stars for their cotton-spandex blend, warmth and compression, and affordable price.

RELATED: Got Knee Pain? Fix Your Tracking in the Squat and Lunge

Best Knee Sleeves for Weightlifting: Iron Bull Strength 7mm Knee Sleeves

Iron Bull Strength 7mm Knee Sleeves

4.5

• Material: Neoprene
• Thickness: 7mm
• Available sizes: S to XXL
• IPF/IWF-approved: Yes

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Iron Bull Strength’s knee sleeves are approved by the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF). For actively competing veterans and beginner weightlifters just starting out, being able to train with the exact same equipment that you’ll be competing with is a distinct advantage. After training regularly with them, you’ll feel comfortable with the compression and support as you squat out of the hole on a heavy clean or snatch. Having practice with this before your competition makes the difference between them being a performance enhancer instead of a distraction.

What I’m most impressed about regarding the Iron Bull Strength knee sleeves is their dual approval. These sleeves are also approved for use in the IPF. Typically, knee sleeves are designed explicitly for powerlifting or weightlifting use — being certified for both sports at the highest level is a rarity. If you like to dabble in these strength sports or want to without sinking more money in support gear, these are the sleeves for you.

These knee sleeves are made from high-grade neoprene. They feature extra durable double-stitched welded seams that, according to Iron Bull Strength, are incredibly strong and significantly reduce the risk of failure. This is exactly what any serious weightlifter wants — gear they can trust when training and on the platform.

Iron Bull comes with a 30-day return policy, starting when you receive your knee sleeves. However, they must be in the same condition you received them in: unworn/unused, with the tags intact, and in the original packaging. In other words, they have to be brand new. That means you can’t even try them on without losing your ability to return or exchange them, which we don’t love.

Plus, if you do end up needing to return them, it’ll be at personal cost. Original shipping costs are non-refundable unless damaged, defective, or there’s a shipping error. Make sure to use their detailed sizing chart to minimize the risk of ordering the wrong size.

All the above considered, we rank these 4.5 out of 5 stars for their IWF and IPF approval, high-grade neoprene with double-stitched seams, and 30-day money-back guarantee.

RELATED: How to Train the Squat for Both Powerlifting and Weightlifting

Best Knee Sleeves for CrossFit: Element 26 Agility Knee Sleeves

Element 26 3mm Agility Knee Sleeves

3.5

• Material: Nylon-elastic blend
• Thickness: 3mm
• Available sizes: S to L
• IPF/IWF-approved: No

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CrossFit is widely known for its exercise variety, from one-rep max squats to hour-long conditioning sessions. Because of this exercise range, finding knee sleeves for CrossFit can be a serious challenge. Three-millimeter sleeves are ideal when joint mobility and comfort are prioritized, like for longer cardio-focused WODs. Meanwhile, seven-millimeter knee sleeves offer the best support and compression for heavy strength training.

As a result, CrossFitters often resort to buying TWO separate pairs of knee sleeves and using the one that best aligns with the WOD they’ll be doing. This is a mistake that ends up costing them twice as much. 

Enter the Element 26 Agility Knee Sleeves.

The Element 26s are a lightweight sleeve, making them ideal for CrossFit. They’re only 3mm thick, offering excellent mobility for those longer endurance-focused WODs. Since they’re considerably thinner than 7mm knee sleeves, they’ll also be more comfortable and less restrictive for the conditioning components of your WODs like running, skipping, or rowing.

Contrary to what some CrossFitters think, they don’t need super thick knee sleeves because Crossfit isn’t just about lifting heavy — it’s about being an amazing all-round athlete. For this reason, a pair of 7mm sleeves often ends up being too thick and complete overkill. Ultimately, this means you can invest in and wear one pair of knee sleeves…no more flipping between two pairs or spending money you don’t have to!

The Element 26s are highly crafted to ensure they’re as breathable as can be. They’re built with a hybrid nylon-elastic blend, which is designed to absorb sweat and evaporate it to keep you more comfortable. For serious CrossFitters, every legitimate advantage can give you an edge in crushing your WODs with the best time possible — including effective sweat management, especially in hot gyms.

According to Element 26, these knee sleeves are anatomically designed. This likely means they’re made in a tapered shape to follow the natural contours of the average lifter’s leg, knee, and calf sizes. As such, they should stay in place without bunching behind your knees, which can be uncomfortable and cause your skin to rub.

For knee sleeves, this feature is seriously underrated — especially for CrossFit. The last thing you want in your WODs is to pull your knee sleeves up after every burpee because they’re sliding down or readjust them after every set of wall balls because they’re bunching up behind your knees and causing your skin to chafe. 

Only three sizes are available (S to L). CrossFit and other similar training styles are rising in popularity, so I’m disappointed that there isn’t a more extensive range of sizes.

The IPF or IWF doesn’t approve these for competition use. However, I don’t think that matters if you’re using them for CrossFit because they’re not designed to squeeze out every drop of your powerlifting or weightlifting performance — they’re made to help you perform better as a hybrid athlete.

All the above considered, we rank these 4.5 out of 5 stars for their unrestricting 3mm thickness, breathable & sweat-wicking material, and comfortable tapered shape.

RELATED: Best CrossFit Shoes for Flat Feet, Wide Feet, and More (2023)

Best Budget Knee Sleeves: DMOOSE Reversible Knee Sleeves

DMoose Fitness Knee Sleeves

4.0

• Material: Neoprene
• Thickness: 7mm
• Available sizes: S to XXL
• IPF/IWF-approved: No

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At the time of writing, the DMOOSE Reversibles retail at $39.00 but were on sale at $35.00. For knee sleeves, this is an excellent price at the 7mm thickness. Great quality 7mm knee sleeves generally range between $50.00 and $70.00, with the higher-end coming from popular name brands. Being only 35% of the cost of the top-tier SBD Powerlifting knee sleeves, these are definitely within reach for the budget-conscious lifter.

I’m impressed with the quality of these sleeves despite their economical price. With lower prices, you’ll usually see obvious corners cut: no double-stitched seams, 3-5mm thickness, and poor fits. However, these Reversibles break the mold in each category. 

They share the same durable double-stitched seams of more expensive sleeves, which means you get the same reassurance from knee sleeve blowouts. They feature the same 7mm thickness as pricier brands, so you get the same extra-supportive fee on your squats. They’re even anatomically shaped to ensure they’ll fit correctly for most people.

I’m pleasantly surprised that these are approved by the United States Powerlifting Association (USPA). To offer the lowest price, companies usually cut costs wherever they can, and competition approval is often the first to be discarded because the approval process is expensive. It’s only a single powerlifting federation, but the fact that these are approved for in-competition use in the USPA — which claims they’re the largest powerlifting federation — is a big plus. 

Despite being USPA-approved, they aren’t permitted for competition use in the IPF or IWF, and it’s unlikely they ever will be. As the most prestigious federations for powerlifting and weightlifting in the world, respectively, approval costs for equipment are significantly higher. Seeing these are budget-friendly knee sleeves, I think the lack of certification is entirely understandable.

The product page doesn’t specify what material these reversible knee sleeves are made of. Quality knee sleeves are almost always made with neoprene because of its stretchy support and compression. However, cheap knee sleeves can be made with similar-feeling materials that are lower in quality and durability than neoprene. Unlike the DMOOSE knee sleeves that won our Best Knee Sleeves Overall, assuming neoprene is the primary material might not be wise considering they’re such a budget-friendly price.

All the above considered, we rank these 4 out of 5 stars for their budget-friendly price, solid overall construction, and USPA approval.

Best Knee Sleeves for Running: Rehband 3mm Knee Sleeves

Rehband Knee Sleeve 3mm Neoprene

4.0

• Material: 70% SBR/30% neoprene
• Thickness: 3mm
• Available sizes: XXS to XXL
• IPF/IWF-approved: No

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When it comes to knee support while running, these Rehbands take the cake. They’re built with neoprene but in a lightweight 3mm thickness, which is just right as far as thickness goes. 

While great for weight lifting, 7mm is too much support and compression for running — even a thinner 5mm is still too thick. 3mm allows you to use your regular stride without modifying it unnaturally for your knee sleeve. The 3mm thickness keeps your knees warm while allowing for ample flexibility as you hit the road for miles, making it the best option for running.

Rehband has been around since 1955, and these knee sleeves are a testament to their reputation as a company. They’re handmade in Estonia, so they must adhere to higher manufacturing and working standards than other countries overseas, who might cut corners in their construction processes, or mistreat workers — resulting in lower-quality products. This means you can rely on knee sleeves from Rehband being higher quality than cheaper alternatives.

These knee sleeves for running come in seven sizes, from XXS to XXL. I’m happy to see this range of sizes because whether you have lean or heavily muscled legs, you can be reasonably sure you’ll find a size that will fit. More importantly, using their size chart to find an ideal size for your leg proportions will ensure your knee sleeves stay in place for your runs. 

These Rehbands aren’t ideal for CrossFit. The 3mm thickness is too thin to provide noticeable support for the heavier loads and impacts seen in strength-focused WODs from thrusters, box jumps, and barbell back squats. If you choose to use them for CrossFit anyway, they’ll still offer warmth and proprioception for your knees.

The Rehband 3mm’s are made from 70% SBR (styrene butadiene rubber). Compared to neoprene, SBR is lower quality because it has less compressive resistance. This would be a bigger concern if you needed to use them for weight lifting, so they’ll be just fine for running

All the above considered, we rank these 4 out of 5 stars for their ideal thickness for running, reputable manufacturing, and seven sizes available.

RELATED: Size Doesn’t Matter – But Your Technique Does (For Running, That Is)

Benefits of Knee Sleeves

Compression and Support

Knee sleeves offer a dual advantage of compression and support for your knees during lower body workouts, especially for exercises that involve bending and extending your knees. 

The compression they provide not only enhances blood circulation but also stabilizes the surrounding ligaments, tendons, and your kneecap. This added stability is a game-changer whether you’re an athlete or fitness enthusiast, allowing you to perform at your best while minimizing the risk of injury.

Increased Blood Flow

One of the often-overlooked benefits of knee sleeves is their ability to promote increased blood flow to the knee area. The compression from knee sleeves generates a gentle warmth, which feels comfortable and encourages better circulation.

Assistance “Out of the Hole” When Squatting 

For avid weightlifters, knee sleeves can be a lifeline for squats. They offer crucial assistance during the initial phase of a squat’s ascent, commonly called “coming out of the hole.” By providing additional support and stability, knee sleeves help lifters push through this challenging point in their squat, which can be a secret weapon in achieving new personal bests.

Increased Proprioception

Wearing knee sleeves can boost your proprioception, the body’s awareness of its position in space. With knee sleeves, you’ll have a heightened sense of where your knees are during squats, lunges, and step-ups. This increased awareness can make a significant difference, helping you maintain proper form and alignment. You’ll be more attuned to the way your knees bend and extend, potentially reducing the risk of improper movement that might lead to injury.

What to Consider When Buying Knee Sleeves

Materials and Construction

Knee sleeves are made from various materials, depending on their purpose. 

Sleeves for arthritis are often made with a cotton/spandex blend to ensure they’re breathable and comfortable to wear all day.

3mm to 7mm knee sleeves will almost exclusively be made with “neoprene,” a unique type of rubber-like foam material that’s also used as the primary material for wetsuits. Because of its stretchy form-fitting properties, it’s considered the gold standard for knee sleeves. 

Reinforced stitching is needed if you want a pair of knee sleeves that won’t unravel after a few months. This is commonly practiced by double-stitching, though cross-pattern double-stitching, like what’s used on the Element 26’s, is even better to reduce the chances of any threads coming loose.

Neoprene Quality

Neoprene comes in different qualities or grades, sometimes listed on knee sleeve product pages as SBR, SCR, and CR.

• SBR (styrene-butadiene-rubber) is the lowest quality of neoprene because it has lower compression resistance and is cheaper overall. Companies who don’t want to disclose that they use this lower-quality SBR material may try to list it as “neoprene” without mentioning the quality or grade.
• CR (chloroprene rubber) is the highest quality of neoprene. Despite its higher price, it has great elasticity and strength, making it an excellent choice for knee sleeves. Companies might mention using high-quality/high-grade neoprene when they use CR to demonstrate that their knee sleeves are genuinely made from premium neoprene.
• SCR (styrene chloroprene rubber) is a medium-grade neoprene that combines the properties and qualities of SBR and CR. This is a suitable happy medium for knee sleeve material as far as quality and value go.

Thickness

Knee sleeves come in various thicknesses depending on the activity you need them for. 

• 3mm is relatively thin and will only give light support and compression to your knees. Because of this, 3mm is best for cardio activities like running and endurance-focused CrossFit workouts, where you want warmth and lightweight support that won’t impair your joint flexibility.
• 5mm to 6mm will offer a medium level of support and compression. Because of its thicker layer, it’s ideal for hybrid activities like resistance-focused CrossFit metcons and circuit training.
• 7mm gives noticeably more support and compression for weight lifting. As a result, they’ll generally feel tighter, which makes them great for heavy squats, but they aren’t the most comfortable for longer workouts over two hours. 

Sizing

For starters, always use the brand’s fit guide to ensure you select the correct size of knee sleeves, providing a fit that’s not too tight or loose.

If you want more pop out of the hole, opt for a tighter pair of knee sleeves by sizing down. If you want them to be less compressive or restrictive, size up instead.

Sleeve Shape and Fit

There are no universal knee sleeve sizes or shapes, so the same knee sleeve size can feel and fit completely differently between two brands.

Generally, there are three knee sleeve shapes: straight, hourglass, and tapered. All of these shapes refer to the difference in widths between the top, middle, and bottom of the sleeve. 

• Straight is precisely as it sounds and is best for people with the same size of thighs, knees, and calves.
• Hourglass-shaped sleeves are smaller at the kneecap but are designed for larger thighs and calves.
• Tapered is the most common, which follows the standard anatomical shape of most people’s legs. The thighs are largest above the knee, followed by the knees, with the calves being the smallest.

Competition Approval

As a competitive powerlifter or weightlifter, practicing like you play will give you an advantage come meet day. Competition-approved allow you to use them in your training and get every pound out of them in your meet.

Federation rules vary widely, so check to see what knee sleeves are permitted for your federation. However, powerlifters and weightlifters should consider the International Powerlifting Federation (IPF) and International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) approved equipment lists as the gold standards, respectively.

Competition-approved knee sleeves also tend to be more durable than their non-approved counterparts because the former must meet a specific standard for use in IPF and IWF meets.

Warranty

Warranties on support wear are underrated. I’d encourage you not to overlook one, just in case the knee sleeves don’t meet your performance standards or their threads unravel in a few short months. 

I’d recommend settling for no less than a six-month warranty. Support wear will inevitably wear and tear, so it’s unrealistic to expect them to endure forever. That said, a 1-year warranty is considered excellent for knee sleeves and will give you more peace of mind during your workouts.

Return Policy

To ensure you’re not stuck with a pair of ill-fitting knee sleeves, I recommend buying from a company that offers a fair return policy. That way, you can exchange them or get your money back if they don’t fit correctly.

At the bare minimum, they should allow you to return or exchange your knee sleeves within 14 days of receiving them, and you should be allowed to try them on to confirm the size you choose will work. Generous policies extend the return period to between 30 to 60 days.

Your Strength Level

Like any support wear, knee sleeves will experience wear and tear over time. However, this process will accelerate the stronger you are. 

As advanced or elite-level strength athletes lift significantly heavier weights than rank novices, their knee sleeves will take on more strain, wearing out faster. 

Colors

Not everyone loves the jet-black look. If you like color-coordinating your workout outfits, consider shopping with a brand that offers multiple colors. 

It’s a creative way to add some of your personality to your lifting gear. Plus, it’ll be hard to misplace your knee sleeves if they’re hot pink.

Final Thought

Knee sleeves are an excellent tool for supporting your knees and improving your squatting performance. When it comes down to it, though, picking the best knee sleeves for you depends on what you value regarding material, thickness, competition approval status, and more.

Best Knee Sleeves: Side-by-Side Comparison

Best Knee Sleeves Overall	Best Knee Sleeves for Squats	Best Knee Sleeves for Powerlifting	Best Knee Sleeves for Arthritis	Best Knee Sleeves for Weightlifting	Best Knee Sleeves for CrossFit	Best Budget Knee Sleeves	Best Knee Sleeves for Running
DMoose Knee Sleeves	Gymreapers 7MM Knee Sleeves	SBD Powerlifting Knee Sleeves	IMAK Compression Arthritis Knee Sleeve	Iron Bull Strength 7mm Knee Sleeves	Element 26 3mm Agility Knee Sleeves	DMoose Reversible Knee Sleeves	Rehband Knee Sleeve 3mm Neoprene
Primary Rating: 4.5	Primary Rating: 4.5	Primary Rating: 4.2	Primary Rating: 4.0	Primary Rating: 4.5	Primary Rating: 3.5	Primary Rating: 4.0	Primary Rating: 4.0
Description: Material: Neoprene Thickness: Seven millimeters Available sizes: S to XXL IPF/IWF-approved: No	Description: Material: Neoprene Thickness: 7mm Available sizes: S to XXL IPF/IWF-approved: IPF	Description: Material: Neoprene Thickness: 7mm Available sizes: 3XS to 5XL IPF/IWF-approved: IPF	Description: Material: Cotton (92%) and spandex (8%) Thickness: Not listed Available sizes: XS to XL IPF/IWF-approved: No	Description: Material: Neoprene Thickness: 7mm Available sizes: S to XXL IPF/IWF-approved: Yes	Description: Material: Nylon-elastic blend Thickness: 3mm Available sizes: S to L IPF/IWF-approved: No	Description: Material: Neoprene Thickness: 7mm Available sizes: S to XXL IPF/IWF-approved: No	Description: Material: 70% SBR/30% neoprene Thickness: 3mm Available sizes: XXS to XXL IPF/IWF-approved: No
Check Price	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price

Best Knee Sleeves Overall

DMoose Knee Sleeves

Primary Rating:

4.5

Description:

• Material: Neoprene
• Thickness: Seven millimeters
• Available sizes: S to XXL
• IPF/IWF-approved: No

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Best Knee Sleeves for Squats

Gymreapers 7MM Knee Sleeves

Primary Rating:

4.5

Description:

• Material: Neoprene
• Thickness: 7mm
• Available sizes: S to XXL
• IPF/IWF-approved: IPF

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Best Knee Sleeves for Powerlifting

SBD Powerlifting Knee Sleeves

Primary Rating:

4.2

Description:

• Material: Neoprene
• Thickness: 7mm
• Available sizes: 3XS to 5XL
• IPF/IWF-approved: IPF

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Best Knee Sleeves for Arthritis

IMAK Compression Arthritis Knee Sleeve

Primary Rating:

4.0

Description:

• Material: Cotton (92%) and spandex (8%)
• Thickness: Not listed
• Available sizes: XS to XL
• IPF/IWF-approved: No

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Best Knee Sleeves for Weightlifting

Iron Bull Strength 7mm Knee Sleeves

Primary Rating:

4.5

Description:

• Material: Neoprene
• Thickness: 7mm
• Available sizes: S to XXL
• IPF/IWF-approved: Yes

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Best Knee Sleeves for CrossFit

Element 26 3mm Agility Knee Sleeves

Primary Rating:

3.5

Description:

• Material: Nylon-elastic blend
• Thickness: 3mm
• Available sizes: S to L
• IPF/IWF-approved: No

Check Price

Best Budget Knee Sleeves

DMoose Reversible Knee Sleeves

Primary Rating:

4.0

Description:

• Material: Neoprene
• Thickness: 7mm
• Available sizes: S to XXL
• IPF/IWF-approved: No

Check Price

Best Knee Sleeves for Running

Rehband Knee Sleeve 3mm Neoprene

Primary Rating:

4.0

Description:

• Material: 70% SBR/30% neoprene
• Thickness: 3mm
• Available sizes: XXS to XXL
• IPF/IWF-approved: No

Check Price

FAQs

The post Best Knee Sleeves for Powerlifting, CrossFit, Running, and More (2024) appeared first on Breaking Muscle.

After training with the Double Black Diamond Power Bar for several weeks, we can honestly say that it’s one of our favorite powerlifting barbells. We completed dozens of squats, bench presses, and deadlifts with it and even used it for lifts like overhead presses. In this REP Fitness Double Black Diamond Power Bar review, we’ll share our experiences and break down the cost, construction, knurling, and other details of this premium powerlifting barbell.

Key Takeaways

• The Double Black Diamond Barbell retails for around $329.99 to around $449.99.
• As this is a power bar, it features aggressive mountain-style knurling to help you get a secure grip for deadlifts.
• The barbell is available in three options: a Cerakote shaft with Duracout sleeves, a stainless steel shaft with hard chrome sleeves, or a stainless steel shaft with stainless steel sleeves.

REP Fitness Double Black Diamond Power Bar

4.5

• Material: Steel or stainless steel
• Weight: 20 kilograms (44 pounds)
• Weight capacity: 680.2 kilograms (1,500 pounds)
• Tensile strength: 200k PSI
• Loadable sleeve length: 16.3 inches
• Knurling: Very aggressive
• Warranty: Lifetime

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REP Fitness Double Black Diamond Pros

• The Cerakote version of the barbell can be ideal for home gym owners who train in non-temperature-controlled basement or garage gyms. The coating can help prevent rust and corrosion from developing quickly.
• The Double Black Diamond Power Bar comes with a limited lifetime warranty. You can rest assured that REP stands behind the bar’s quality and will rectify any issues that may arise. (For the record, though, we don’t think that’s likely.)
• This Olympic barbell has a high tensile strength of 200,000 PSI. Even for the most elite powerlifters, it should be able to handle any weight you load on it.

REP Fitness Double Black Diamond Cons

• The Double Black Diamond bar is a power bar with aggressive knurling and is not meant for dynamic lifts like snatches and power cleans. CrossFitters, Olympic weightlifters, and functional fitness athletes should consider a multi-purpose barbell instead.
• All of REP’s barbells are made overseas, so lifters who prefer to buy American-made products may want to look at other brands.
• The price of the Double Black Diamond Barbell is reasonable for the quality you get. But for athletes on a tight budget, a more affordable power bar like the Bells of Steel Powerlifting Bar 2.0 may be a better option.

REP Fitness Double Black Diamond Specs

REP Fitness Double Black Diamond Rating

Our expert product testers, who include certified personal trainers, strength and conditioning coaches, CrossFitters, and competitive powerlifters, have tested over 80 barbells. After training with them for everything from squats to bench presses to CrossFit Workouts of the Day (WODs), we used a proprietary scorecard system to rank them. Categories that we scored the barbells on include price, tensile strength, knurling, and durability.

Here’s how the REP Double Black Diamond Power Bar scored.

REP Fitness Double Black Diamond Overview

The Double Black Diamond bar is a newcomer in REP’s barbell lineup. It replaces REP’s Deep Knurl Power Bar EX. The name pays homage to the state of Colorado, where REP’s headquarters are located, and the state’s strong winter sports culture. “Double black diamond” refers to the most challenging ski slopes and is also representative of this barbell’s intensity and toughness.

Like its predecessor, the Double Black Diamond barbell is a power bar meant for the three powerlifts: squats, bench presses, and deadlifts. As such, it features aggressive mountain knurling and International Powerlifting Federation (IPF) knurl markings. You can choose from multiple finishes, which offer varying levels of durability. And like other reputable fitness equipment brands, REP offers a limited lifetime warranty on this top-tier barbell.

REP Fitness Double Black Diamond Power Bar In-Depth Review

While we’ve loved lifting with the Double Black Diamond Power Bar, we realize that it may not be the best barbell for everyone. As mentioned, the aggressive knurling may not suit all styles of lifting, and it’s not the cheapest power bar available. Depending on which finish you get, it may not be completely resistant to rust or corrosion. But its high tensile strength means it can handle super heavy loads, and we think it’s still a good value considering its high-quality construction and how well it performs for powerlifting training.

Price and Value

The REP Fitness Double Black Diamond Barbell costs around $330 for the Cerakote options, around $400 for the stainless steel and hard chrome model, and around $450 for the all-stainless steel version. It’s not too far off in price from the Rogue Ohio Power Bar, which costs anywhere from about $275 to about $415, depending on the finish. However, the Double Black Diamond bar is more expensive than a solid budget barbell like the Bells of Steel Barenaked Powerlifting Bar 2.0, which costs around $220.

That said, REP Fitness offers free shipping on all orders as of this writing. Considering that shipping a barbell can cost $25 or more, the Double Black Diamond Bar can be a cost-efficient option. Plus, with the durability and excellent performance quality it offers, we think it’s a decent value. We rated it 4.5 out of 5 stars for the price.

Delivery

I’ve bought close to two dozen pieces of home gym equipment over the years and have also received complimentary items due to my job as a fitness writer. Most products arrived perfectly packaged without any damage. However, I’ve received two barbells whose packaging was damaged upon delivery. The bars had knicks and chips on the sleeves and shaft before I even had a chance to use them.

I was happy to hear from our product testers that the delivery of the Double Black Diamond barbell to our warehouse in Springfield, MO, went much more smoothly. The barbell arrived in a cardboard tube with plastic end caps that had remained intact during shipping. The bar was also wrapped in foam and plastic to further protect it from dings and scratches. We scored the delivery process 5 out of 5 stars.

Construction, Materials, and Coating

The Double Black Diamond Bar has a 29-millimeter shaft. This diameter is common in power bars. Some, like the Original Texas Power Bar, have a 28.5-millimeter diameter. But according to our product testers, 29 millimeters is the gold standard.

When ordering the Double Black Diamond Bar, you can choose from three finishes: Cerakote (which comes in black, blue, green, or red color options), stainless steel with chrome sleeves, or stainless steel with stainless steel sleeves. The Cerakote bars have Duracoat sleeves, which makes them harder, more corrosion-resistant, and less susceptible to scratches and scuff marks from plate inserts.

Regardless of which finish you choose, you’ll get a bar with smooth sleeves. I generally prefer barbells with ribbed sleeves because I don’t use collars often, and the ribbing helps keep my weight plates in place. But when I trained with the Double Black Diamond Bar at our testing facility in Springfield, MO, I did appreciate how easy it was to slide plates on and off it. I also loved how the end was beveled. The beveling made loading plates a breeze because I didn’t have to perfectly align the plate inserts with the end of the sleeve.

One thing I love about the Double Black Diamond Bar is the endcap design. The black endcap boasts raised silver lettering with the REP name and a double diamond outline. It’s a small but unique touch that gives the barbell a high-end aesthetic. Similarly, REP also added etching with its logo and the bar’s name to the inside of the collars. These characteristics may not seem like much, but the quality craftsmanship and attention to detail help this bar stand out from its competitors.

All in all, this barbell gets 4 out of 5 stars for its construction quality.

RELATED: Best Weight Benches

Knurling

As this is a power bar, the Double Black Diamond Bar features powerlifting knurl marks as specified by the IPF. This means it has single knurl rings and a small area of center knurling. The knurl rings act as a reference point for where to place your hands when bench pressing, while the center knurl helps keep the barbell on your back for back squats.

The knurling itself is very aggressive. It’s a mountain-style knurling, meaning it has a diamond-shaped pattern with sharp, pointy peaks. Mountain knurling is common in power bars because it offers a superior grip for deadlifts. However, power bars with mountain knurling aren’t the most comfortable to lift with, especially for new lifters, because of how aggressively they dig into the hands.

On the other hand, if you’re already used to lifting weights and have calluses built up on your palms, the knurling on the Double Black Diamond Bar may not bother you as much. I have calluses on my hands from years of lifting weights and doing pull-up bar exercises in CrossFit WODs. When I trained with the Double Black Diamond Bar, I definitely noticed the stickiness and grippiness of the knurling, but I wasn’t in a ton of discomfort.

In addition, REP uses higher teeth per inch (TPI, the number of visible teeth per inch on the barbell) than other companies use on their power bars. The mountain pattern is also less pointy than what you’d find on other power bars. Essentially, you get a solid grip but don’t have to worry about tearing your skin during every deadlift workout. For these reasons, we rated the knurling 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Tensile Strength

Tensile strength refers to how much weight a barbell can hold before it fractures. It’s measured in pounds per square inch (PSI). A high tensile strength is important in a power bar, especially for lifters who can squat, bench press, and deadlift hundreds of pounds. In general, the higher the tensile strength, the more abuse a barbell can handle.

REP’s Double Black Diamond Bar has a tensile strength of 200,000 PSI. Other barbells we’ve tested and reviewed have higher tensile strengths. For instance, the Rogue Ohio Power Bar has a 205,000 PSI tensile strength. On the other hand, the tensile strength of the Double Black Diamond Bar is higher than more economical barbells, like the Performance Series Power Bar from Titan Fitness. Titan’s power bar only has a tensile strength of 165,000 PSI.

For these reasons, we rated the Double Black Diamond Bar 4.5 out of 5 stars for its tensile strength.

Rotation System

The rotation system refers to the mechanism a barbell uses for its sleeve rotation. Some barbells use bearings to rotate their sleeves, and others use bushings. Bushings are more common in powerlifting bars because they don’t spin as quickly or smoothly. For slower, more grindy lifts like the squat, bench press, and deadlift, slower rotation is beneficial because the barbell will feel more stable.

The Double Black Diamond Bar utilizes bronze bushings. The bushings offer some spin, but it’s not as significant as what you’d find on an Olympic weightlifting bar, like REP’s Alpine Weightlifting Bar. But since a low amount of spin is exactly what we’d hope for in a power bar, we scored the rotation system 4 out of 5 stars.

RELATED: Best Bumper Plates

Versatility

As mentioned, the Double Black Diamond bar is a power bar. It’s not a multi-purpose bar like REP’s Colorado bar or Rogue’s regular Ohio bar. While it’s great for powerlifting, it wouldn’t be suitable for the dynamic movements you’d find in CrossFit. The aggressive knurling won’t be comfortable on your palms during movements where the barbell may rotate in your hands frequently, like thrusters or push presses.

RELATED: REP Fitness Colorado Bar Review

Also, because the barbell only has single IPF knurl marks and does not conform to International Weightlifting Federation (IWF standards), it’s not ideal for Olympic weightlifting (snatches and clean and jerks). We only gave it 3 out of 5 stars for versatility since we don’t recommend using it for anything other than powerlifting. A high-quality, all-purpose bar with medium knurling and dual knurl marks may be more suitable for strength sports that utilize more explosive barbell movements.

Durability

We’ve only had the all-stainless steel Double Black Diamond Bar at our testing center for a couple of months. So far, it has held up well. But in our experience, REP’s stainless steel bars tend to rust quickly. We’ll have to let more time pass to see if the Double Black Diamond Bar starts to rust or if it continues to look pristine.

Even so, we rated the bar 5 out of 5 stars for durability. As mentioned, the barbell is also available with a Cerakote finish. Other Cerakote barbells we’ve tested, like Rogue’s Cerakote Barbell, have lasted for more than six months without rusting. This is despite daily use and being stored in non-temperature-controlled rooms. Plus, REP also offers a limited lifetime warranty on all of its barbells. A company wouldn’t offer this type of guarantee if it didn’t truly stand behind its products.

RELATED: Best Adjustable Dumbbells

REP Fitness Double Black Diamond Power Bar vs. Rogue Ohio Power Bar

In terms of specs, the REP Double Black Diamond Bar and the Rogue Ohio Power Bar are similar. They both have a 29-millimeter shaft diameter, a center knurl, and IPF knurl marks. Their total length and loadable sleeve length are nearly identical. The stainless steel versions of both bars boast a 200,000 PSI tensile strength, but some of the Ohio Power Bar versions have a 205,000 PSI tensile strength.

The Ohio Power Bar is slightly more affordable. The cheapest version starts at around $295, whereas the Double Black Diamond Power Bar starts at just under $330. REP offers free shipping on all purchases while Rogue does not, but depending on where you live, the Ohio Power Bar may still end up being cheaper.

Like REP’s power bar, Rogue’s Ohio Power Bar comes in multiple finishes. There’s a Cerakote shaft coating (which is available in black, blue, red, or green), black zinc, bare steel, stainless steel, or e-coat. In our experience, Rogue’s stainless steel doesn’t rust as quickly as REP’s. If you desire a stainless steel power bar, you may want to go with the Ohio Power Bar.

On the other hand, if knurling is more important to you, we’d recommend the Double Black Diamond Power Bar instead. One of our expert product testers, who’s tested hundreds of pieces of gym equipment, says he prefers the knurling on the Double Black Diamond Power Bar. For him to say that is a big deal. Up until recently, the Ohio Power Bar’s knurling was his favorite out of all the power bars he’s trained with.

Rogue Ohio Power Bar

• Material: Steel or stainless steel
• Weight: 20 kilograms (44 pounds)
• Weight capacity: 680.2 kilograms (1,500 pounds)
• Tensile strength: 200k to 205k PSI
• Loadable sleeve length: 16.25 inches
• Knurling: Very aggressive
• Warranty: Lifetime warranty against bending

Check Price

REP Fitness Double Black Diamond Power Bar Customer Reviews

Since the REP Fitness Double Black Diamond Bar was just released this past summer, there aren’t many reviews on it yet. The customers who have left reviews have been satisfied with the construction quality. Those who bought Cerakote versions of the bar noted how vibrant the colors look in person. Customers are also pleased with the knurling; many have said that it’s grippy and sharp but not overdone.

Buyers who chose the stainless steel barbell left comments about issues with corrosion. However, it appears that REP has fixed these issues and offered to replace those barbells.

Final Verdict: Is the REP Fitness Double Black Diamond Power Bar Worth It?

All in all, we consider the Double Black Diamond Power Bar one of the top power bars on the market. If you’re a powerlifter who has some extra cash to spend and you’re looking for a top-notch barbell, this one could be for you. It’s made to IPF specifications and boasts IPF knurl marks and a 29-millimeter diameter. We loved the feeling of the knurling, as we found it sharp and grippy but not as uncomfortable as other power bars we’ve tested. That said, we still wouldn’t recommend it for CrossFit or Olympic weightlifting. For more of an all-purpose barbell that can handle more explosive and dynamic lifts, you’ll need to look elsewhere.

FAQs

The post REP Double Black Diamond Power Bar Review (2024) appeared first on Breaking Muscle.

Whether you’re shopping for yourself or a relative who’s been dropping hints about wanting a new barbell or weightlifting belt, the Breaking Muscle team has you covered. We’ve curated a list of the best Black Friday fitness deals from our favorite brands, so you can spend less time researching and more time checking off your or your loved ones’ wishlists.

We’ll update this page daily as new information rolls in, so bookmark this page and keep checking back for the latest deals on all of your favorite gear.

• Featured Black Friday Fitness Deals of 2023
• Best Black Friday Deals on Strength Equipment
• Best Black Friday Deals on Supplements and Nutrition
• Best Black Friday Deals on Smart Home Gym Equipment
• Best Black Friday Deals on Cardio Equipment
• Best Black Friday Deals on Apparel
• Best Black Friday Deals on Recovery Tools
• Other Black Friday Fitness Deals

Featured Black Friday Fitness Deals of 2023

REP Fitness

Last year, REP offered discounts throughout their site on select products

Get Deal

Echelon

Up to $1,625 off premium equipment with free shipping plus receive 15% off gear and apparel

Get Deal

Hydrow

Starting November 8, save $450 on the Hydrow Wave rower and $500 on the Hydrow rower

Get Deal

NordicTrack

Up to $700 off select cardio machines. NordicTrack may offer a refund for the price difference if you buy an on-sale item and the price drops again throughout November

Get Deal

Get RXd

Up to 40% off select barbells, benches, racks, sandbags, storage systems, sleds, kettlebells, dumbbells, and bumper plates through November 30

Get Deal

PRx Performance

Get up to 10% off racks and up to 5% off benches throughout the month of November

Get Deal

Horizon

Cyber Monday deals on select machines; get a free mat with the purchase of a 5.0U or 5.0R bike using code CYBERMAT

Get Deal

Titan

Doorbuster deals every day leading up to Black Friday

Get Deal

BowFlex

Up to $600 off select home gyms, cardio machines, and strength equipment

Get Deal

Best Black Friday Deals on Strength Equipment

Whether you’ve got your eye on squat racks, barbells, kettlebells, or dumbbells, Black Friday is a great time to stock up on strength equipment. We’ve compiled a list of brands offering the best deals on items to help you build muscle and get stronger this holiday season.

• Again Faster: Equipment up to $500 off; select apparel half off
• Bells of Steel:
  • November 17 through December 2:
    • Get 10% off when you spend above $1,000 before tax/shipping
    • Get 15% off when you spend above $2,000 before tax/shipping
      *promotion stacks with Home Gym Builder & custom sets
    • Up to 50% off select items
  • November 23:
    • Save 20% on Nuobells (Standard, Black Out, Green, Blue, Pink, and Ash)
  • Additional flash sales on select items November 24 through November 27
• Bowflex: Early Black Friday deals:
  • Revolution Home Gym: $600 off plus free shipping
  • Xtreme 2 SE Home Gym: $500 off plus free shipping
  • PR3000 Home Gym: Free shipping
  • SelectTech 552s: $80 off plus free shipping
  • SelectTech 1090s: $200 off plus free shipping
  • SelectTech 840 Kettlebell: $30 off plus free shipping
  • SelectTech 2080 Barbell With Curl Bar: $150 off plus free shipping
• ChopFit: Get 40% off everything plus free shipping in the U.S. on all orders
• DMOOSE: 60% off doorbusters sitewide; up to 50% off supplements, boxing gear, bundles, accessories, and weight training equipment (promotions run November 15 through November 30)
• Eleiko: (valid now through November 28)
  • 25% All gear and apparel – Valid with the free shipping over $75 offer
  • 30% XF Bumpers
  • 40% Grip Plates
  • 40% Black Sport Training Plates (KG & LBS)
  • 40% Black Change Plates (KG & LBS)
• Flybird Fitness: Black Friday Doorbusters: Up to 25% off adjustable dumbbells, curl bars, and more
• Force USA: Receive a free Olympic barbell with an All-In-One Trainer purchase plus free shipping. Force USA is also offering 0% APR financing through Affirm.
• Fringe Sport: Up to 50% off select items
• Get RX’d: Up to 40% on select barbells, benches, racks, sandbags, storage systems, sleds, kettlebells, dumbbells, and bumper plates
• Gorila Fitness: “November Hunt” weekly deals
• GORUCK: Early Black Friday: Significant discounts on shoes, ruck packs, sandbags, and more
• Griffin Fitness: Up to 40% off select weight plates, benches, racks, and rack attachments
• Gungnir: Up to 25% off select items
• Hyperwear: 15% off weight vests, battle ropes, sandbags, and more. Get an additional 5% off sale prices that are 20% off using code MUSCLE (code is valid November 20 through November 27)
• Iron Bull Strength: Up to 70% off gear, equipment, and more
• Iron Neck: Save up to 33% on Iron Neck, plus discounts on resistance band sets, training programs, and apparel during their Early Black Friday sale
• JAYFLEX: 20% off plus free shipping sitewide with code blackfriday
• Life Fitness: Free shipping on everything, including free white glove delivery and install on larger equipment; up to 50% off strength equipment (promotion runs November 13 through November 27 and is available while supplies last)
• MX Fitness: Early Black Friday: Save up to $300 + free shipping
• Nike Strength: Save $150 on select bundles and get discounted shipping on select barbells, dumbbells, and kettlebells
• PRx Performance: Up to 10% off racks and up to 5% off benches throughout the month of November
• REP Fitness: Black Friday Cart Discount (valid through November 27)
  • $1000+: 5% off cart
  • $2,000+: 7% off cart
  • $3,000+: 10% off cart
• Rogue Fitness:
  • Add 5 or more qualifying items to your cart and those items ship for $5
  • Hundo Pricing: the more weight you purchase the cheaper the price per pound
  • Hot Deals: dropping throughout the month
• Snode: Get 30% off the Snode Adjustable Dumbbell Cast Iron Flexbell Stand with the code BM30. See below for additional coupons (all promotions valid from November 1 through November 30):
  • Use the code FREESTAND for a free Steel Stand (worth $209) with a purchase of the AD80 adjustable dumbbells (limited to the first 300 sets).
  • Use both BUNDLE and 15OFF codes to save $139 on the AD80s and the All Cast Iron Stand bundle purchase.
  • Use code 15OFF on all products sitewide (except the AD80s), like the Smith machine, stands, rowing machines, bikes, magnetic adder weights, and benches, to get 15% off.
• Titan Fitness: Doorbuster deals every day leading up to Black Friday
• Torque: Early access: 5% off purchases up to $999; 10% off purchases between $1,000 and $2,999; 15% off purchases $3,000+
• PowerBlock: Early Black Friday Deals: Up to $300 off select bundles
• RitFit: Buy more, save more now through November 15
• TRX: Bundle and save 15%
• Vulcan: Buy more, save more: Tiered discounts from 10 to 15% off; locked discounts of up to 30% off; free shipping on power racks, barbells, bumper plates, and orders of $5,000+
• X3 Bar: Early Black Friday: $150 off the X3 bar

Best Black Friday Deals on Supplements and Nutrition

Running low on your favorite protein powder, creatine, collagen, or greens powder? Stock up your pantry with the best Black Friday and Cyber Monday supplement deals below.

• Burn Lab Pro: Save 40% on all orders
• Cellucor: 30% off sitewide; extra 5% off subscriptions; deals of the day (valid through November 27)
• Jacked Factory: Last year’s deal was BOGO the entire site
• Kaged: 20% off plus free shipping with the code HOLIDAY20
• Legion: For the entire month of November, BOGO 50% off individual products and get a Legion gift card for orders over the below tiers:
  • $10 gift card on orders over $99
  • $20 gift card on orders over $149
  • $40 gift card on orders over $199
• Life Extension: Cyber Week Sale! Get $10 off $75+| $25 off $175+| $50 off $325+ on all Life Extension supplements. Use code CYBER23. (valid November 27 through December 1)
• Liquid I.V.: Early Access For Members: Shop the Black Friday Sale at Liquid I.V. Use code BFSALE30.
• Mind Lab Pro: Up to 33% off plus FREE NutriGenesis® Multi
• MyProtein: Up to 50% off protein; extra 20% off with code 20MORE
• Naked Nutrition: Last year’s deal was a free shaker bottle with purchases of $49 or more
• Nu:tropic: Save 10% sitewide all month long
• Onnit: Get up to 60% off
• Performance Lab: Free NutriGenesis Multi with every 4-month bundle plus 10% discount on all orders (deals valid November 1 through 20)
• Pre Lab Pro: 10% off all orders + FREE shaker bottle
• Ritual: 40% off your first month (now through November 28)
• Swolverine: 30% off lifetime subscriptions + free shipping
• Transparent Labs: 25% off sitewide and a free gift with purchase of $100 or more
• XTEND: Buy more, save more: Spend $25, save 10%; spend $50, save 20%; spend $100, save 30%
• XWERKS: Last year’s deal was 20% off purchases of $99 or more

Best Black Friday Deals on Smart Home Gym Equipment

Smart home gym equipment usually isn’t cheap, but you can save some cash by waiting until Black Friday to make your purchase.

• Garmin: Up to $200 off smartwatches
• Speediance: 15% off Gym Monster and 20% off Gym Pal (deals valid through November 28)
• Tempo: Save $100 on Tempo Move, $1,000 on Tempo Studio, and up to 23% on prepaid memberships on existing accounts. Plus get a $50 Tempo apparel credit with the purchase of a holiday bundle.
• Tonal: $500 off, plus an additional $200 off with the code BRMSP4BFR (deals run from November 6 at around 10 AM EST through December 4)
• Vitruvian: 50% off all pro accessory kits (deal runs from November 1 through November 27)

Best Black Friday Deals on Cardio Equipment

Why wait until the new year to start tackling your fitness goals? Get a head start on improving your stamina and endurance with our favorite Black Friday sales on treadmills, rowers, ellipticals, and exercise bikes.

• Assault: (all deals valid November 22 through November 27)
  • Pro X – $599 Sale Price ($300 off)
  • Pro Rower — $599 Sale Price ($400 off)
  • Pro Runner — $2799 Sale Price ($200 off)
  • Elite Bike – $1,299 Sale Price ($200 Off)
  • Elite Rower — $1,299 Sale Price ($200 Off)
  • Elite Runner — $3,799 Sale Price ($200 Off)
  • $200 off all treadmills
  • Up to $300 off bikes
  • Up to $400 off rowers
• Aviron: Up to $500 off + FREE shipping (deals valid through November 30)
• Bowflex: Up to $500 off plus free shipping on select cardio machines
• CAROL Bike: $200 to $250 off all bike orders with the code BREAKING (promotion runs from November 10 through December 1)
• Diamondback Fitness: $500 off all cardio machines plus free shipping. Diamondback Fitness is also offering 0% APR through Affirm.
• Echelon: Up to $1,625 off premium equipment with free shipping plus receive 15% off gear and apparel
• Ergatta: Save $500 on your Ergatta Rower with code BF500. Coupon automatically applied at checkout.
• Horizon Fitness: Get an extra $100 off all Studio and Go Series treadmills using code CYBER100; get 50% off the 5.0IC and 7.0IC Indoor Cycles and the EX-59 Elliptical using code HALFOFF50; Get a free mat with the purchase of a 5.0U or 5.0R bike from Horizon Fitness using code CYBERMAT (offers valid November 27 through December 2)
• Hydrow: Save $450 on the Hydrow Wave rower and $500 on the Hydrow rower (deals start November 8)
• Life Fitness: Free shipping on everything, including free white glove delivery and install on larger equipment; up to 40% off cardio machines (promotion runs November 13 through November 27 and is available while supplies last)
• LIT Method: Black Friday Blowout Sale: Up to $800 off holiday bundles including the LIT Strength machine and accessories
• NordicTrack: Up to $700 off select cardio machines, plus a price match guarantee: if you purchase a product on sale from the NordicTrack website, and the price drops further during additional Black Friday sales, you may be eligible for a refund of the price difference.
• ProForm: Up to $500 off select cardio machines
• Sole: Up to $200 off treadmills; up to $200 off ellipticals; up to $200 off exercise bikes; $100 off strength equipment
• Sunny Health & Fitness: Up to 80% off cardio and strength products; sign up for an additional 15% off (starts November 16)
• Yosuda Bikes: 15% discount using the code YSD15 at checkout (now through November 30)

Best Black Friday Deals on Apparel

If you’re like me, you have way too many gym clothes and shoes — but that doesn’t mean you can’t treat yourself to more if you have the budget. Here are the top deals we’ve found on gym apparel and training shoes.

• Adidas: Weekly deals, including up to 50% off shoes and apparel
• ASICS: Make an online or in-store purchase now through December 21, and get a discount code on December 22 for $20 off any future purchase of $75 or more.
• Columbia: Early Black Friday sales: Up to 50% off and free shipping on orders over $125
• Fabletics: 80% off everything
• INOV-8: Up to 50% off running shoes
• Nike: Save up to 60% off select styles // members save an extra 25% off with code CYBER at Nike.com (ends December 2 at 8:30 pm PST)
• NOBULL: $50 off purchase of $199 or more with code HOLIDAY23; 50% off sale items
• Reebok: Cyber Monday: 50% off sitewide + 60% off sale with code CYBERMONDAY (valid November 27 through November 30)
• Ten Thousand: Get $25 off any purchase of $50+, and save up to $40 on kits (offer valid November 21 through November 27)
• Under Armour: 30% off sitewide plus free shipping
• Xero: Up to 70% off shoes, boots, and sandals, plus a $100 gift card giveaway

Best Black Friday Deals on Recovery Tools

When you work out hard, you’ll get sore from time to time. Take advantage of Black Friday deals to save money on massage guns, saunas, and other recovery tools so you can find relief from achy muscles and get back to training.

• FIIX Body: $100 off the FIIX Elbow
• HigherDOSE: 20% off sitewide with code HDBFCM (valid through November 27)
• Ice Barrel: $250 off barrels and 15% off accessories
• LifePro: 15% off their early access gift guide
• Plunge: Early Black Friday: FREE Rebounder with any Plunge purchase (valid through November 15)
• Sun Home Sauna: Save up to $700 on saunas through November 23
• Sunlighten: Cyber Week Promo: Up to $950 off; biggest savings on Amplify sauna (valid November 27 through December 1)
• Therabody: Save up to $300 plus 35% off accessories (valid through December 2)

Other Black Friday Fitness Deals

Looking to earn a personal training certification so you can start a new career in 2024? Or perhaps you want to train one-on-one with a coach for more accountability? Maybe you need to protect your floor from all the weights you’ll be throwing around in your newly outfitted home gym. Check out the Black Friday sales below for even more fitness-related deals.

• Future: 50% off your first month
• ISSA: 3 bonus courses when you sign up for the elite certified trainer course
• NASM: Early Black Friday Sale: Save up to 45% sitewide plus interest-free financing
• Rubber Flooring Inc.: 20% off orders $150+ with code THANKS20 or 25% off orders $500+ with code THANKS25

How to Find the Best Black Friday and Cyber Monday Fitness Deals

Shop Early

For the past couple of years, Black Friday hasn’t been just one day. Brands start offering deals as early as November 1 and run promotions and flash sales all month long. It’s worthwhile to start making your fitness wishlist as soon as possible. Otherwise, the item you want may be out of stock by the time Black Friday arrives.

Additionally, some companies offer their biggest and best deals for a limited number of hours on Black Friday. Hard as it may be to wake up early after a day of eating and lots of family time, it can be worth it to score major discounts on barbells, kettlebells, rowers, and more.

Research Pricing History

A common tactic amongst retailers is to jack up the prices of big-ticket items right before Black Friday and then offer discounts on the increased price. Ill-informed consumers may think they’re getting a good deal. In reality, they’re actually not saving much money at all. The discounted price usually ends up being close to the original price.

In the weeks before Black Friday, monitor the price of your desired items. You can set price alerts with mobile apps and browser extensions like Karma. Camelcamelcamel is a good resource for price-tracking items sold on Amazon. With these tools, you’ll be able to determine if you’re getting a legitimately good deal on Black Friday.

Research Brands and Products You Have Your Eye On

It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of seeing fitness equipment available for hundreds of dollars off the original price. But researching the brands and the specific products you want and reading the fine print can save you some major headaches later on.

Start by checking the company’s return policy. Significantly discounted items may be listed as “final sale,” meaning you won’t be able to return them. Additionally, some companies will make you pay to ship the item back to their warehouse and may even charge a restocking fee. These costs can be hundreds of dollars, depending on how large and heavy the item is.

Also, review the brand’s warranty. Any respectable fitness brand will offer extensive warranties so that you don’t have to pay to replace the item if it gets damaged. Companies that sell lesser-quality items may only offer short-term warranties because they know the product likely won’t last long.

Lastly, think carefully about the features you want in your home gym equipment. For example, some cardio machines like treadmills and exercise bikes can be super basic with tiny monitors that track minimal workout metrics. Or they can include lots of high-tech features, like touchscreen monitors and streaming capabilities. How advanced or rudimentary you want your equipment to be will depend on what motivates you to work out consistently.

If you’re not sure where to start when putting together your shopping list, let Breaking Muscle guide you. It’s our job to test, research, and curate items from the most reputable brands in the industry, so you can trust our reviews:

• Best squat racks
• Best weight benches
• Best rowing machines
• Best treadmills
• Best dumbbell sets
• Best adjustable dumbbells
• Best kettlebells
• Best barbells
• Best resistance bands
• Best budget home gym equipment

Install Browser Extensions for Coupon Codes and Cashback Rewards

Speaking of browser extensions, you may want to sign up for one that offers cashback rewards at various online stores. One of the most popular ones that I can personally vouch for is Rakuten. When you make a purchase on a participating retailer’s website, Rakuten gets an affiliate commission based on a pre-determined percentage. Instead of keeping that commission, they share it with you.

Many companies also increase the percentage you get back for Black Friday and Cyber Monday. A brand that normally offers two percent cashback throughout the year may increase it to 10 percent for these two days.

The one drawback of Rakuten is that it only pays out commissions once every quarter. If you want more immediate savings, try the Capital One Shopping or Honey browser extensions. During checkout on participating retailers’ websites, Capital One and Honey will search for the best coupon codes and apply them to your order.

Sign Up for Emails and Texts

It’s common for companies to offer exclusive deals only to customers who opt into emails and texts. If there’s a piece of fitness equipment you really want, I recommend signing up for email and/or text alerts from the company. If you’re searching for the best Black Friday squat rack discounts, for example, you’ll be one of the first to know when the rack you want goes on sale. You can also ensure you get your desired item before it sells out or the brand stops running a promotion on it. 

RELATED: New Year’s Fitness Sales

FAQs

The post Black Friday Fitness Deals (2024): Save on Dumbbells, Rowers, and More appeared first on Breaking Muscle.

I frequently alternate between different training styles, including traditional strength training and CrossFit. As such, I knew I needed something that could accommodate various exercises. Among other things, I also wanted my new squat rack to be reasonably priced, stable without having to be bolted to the floor, and able to survive in a non-temperature-controlled garage.

I’m happy to say that this power rack has handled everything I’ve thrown at it. In this Titan X-3 Power Rack review, I’ll discuss the construction quality, durability, compatible attachments, and other features of this high-quality yet reasonably-priced power rack.

Key Takeaways

• Starting at just under $700, the Titan X-3 Power Rack is available in an 82-inch or 91-inch height. You can also choose between a flat-foot or a bolt-down design.
• This power rack consists of 11-gauge, 3×3 steel uprights and boasts an impressive 1,650-pound rackable weight capacity.
• Titan offers a one-year warranty on the X-3 (and all of their products) for defects in materials or craftsmanship.

Titan Fitness X-3 Power Rack

4.0

• Dimensions: Footprint of 50" x 48"; 82" or 91" height; 30" inside depth
• Materials: 3x3, 11-gauge steel
• Weight capacity: 1,650 pounds
• Hole spacing: Westside

Check Price

Titan X-3 Power Rack Pros

• The Titan X-3 flat-foot power rack doesn’t have to be bolted to the floor and is still plenty stable. Note, though, that a bolt-down option is available if you want extra peace of mind.
• The X-3 is cheaper than similar power racks on the market, such as Rogue Fitness’s R-3 Power Rack.

Titan X-3 Power Rack Cons

• There are no laser-cut numbers on the uprights. Aligning the J-hooks on each side can be annoying.
• The powder-coat finish isn’t the best for grip when hanging from the pull-up bar. You’ll want to make sure you have chalk or gymnastics grips close by for when your hands start to sweat.

Titan X-3 Power Rack Specs

Titan X-3 Power Rack Rating

The Breaking Muscle staff includes powerlifters, powerlifting coaches, certified personal trainers, and strength and conditioning coaches. It’s no surprise that we have decades of experience with power racks. We also have a testing facility in Springfield, MO, where we put dozens of squat racks and power racks through the ringer. After testing them for several weeks (and months, in some cases), we rank them on a scale of one to five in various categories. Here’s how the Titan X-3 power rack stacked up.

Titan X-3 Power Rack Overview

The Titan Fitness X-3 Power Rack is a commercial-quality rack made with 11-gauge, 3×3 steel tubing. While it’s not cheap, it can still be a budget-friendly option for lifters who want a reliable, durable power rack without spending thousands of dollars. It’s rated at a 1,650-pound capacity and features a powder-coat finish to help reduce corrosion and rust.

Two height options are available — 82 or 91 inches — and you can also choose a flat-foot or bolt-down design. Either way, the rack will remain stable and won’t wobble, even if you perform kipping movements.

Who Should Buy the Titan X-3 Power Rack

• Individuals who train alone will likely feel safer squatting and bench pressing in a power rack like the X-3. This is especially true if you buy pin pipe safeties or safety straps.
• We think home gym owners with low ceilings will appreciate that the X-3 is available in an 82-inch height. It should fit in most basements, as building codes in most areas require basement ceilings to be at least seven feet (84 inches) high.
• Due to its excellent stability, this power rack should work well for CrossFitters or functional fitness athletes who do a lot of kipping movements.

Who Should Not Buy the Titan X-3 Power Rack

• Buyers who prefer American-made products will want to look elsewhere. The X-3 Series Power Rack is made in China.
• Those who don’t have large gym spaces may want to consider a more space-efficient option, like a foldable or wall-mounted squat rack.
• Individuals who move frequently should look at a more portable option like independent squat stands.

Titan X-3 Power Rack In-Depth Review

Having owned the Titan X-3 Series Power Rack for about 18 months, I’ve become vastly familiar with every aspect of it. I’ve used it for powerlifting-style training, general strength training, and CrossFit Workouts of the Day (WODs). The review below reflects my honest assessment of how it ranks in multiple categories, including delivery, the assembly process, its functionality, and its overall value.

Delivery and Assembly

It’s hard for me to give anything higher than 2 out of 5 stars for the delivery and assembly process. The rack arrived in multiple boxes, which is to be expected of something that has multiple heavy pieces. I didn’t appreciate that most of the boxes were damaged, however. Fortunately, the base, uprights, and pull-up bars were still in good shape. Still, the poor packaging meant that I couldn’t give the rack high marks for delivery.

Another reason I scored the Titan X-3 lower in this category is that the assembly process was long and challenging. This is also something I expected, given that the rack weighs nearly 300 pounds. But you need to set aside at least a couple of hours to put this unit together. I also recommend getting another person to help you. The uprights can be cumbersome to manage by yourself, and it’s helpful to have assistance when installing the pull-up bars. It took my husband and me close to three hours to fully assemble the rack.

Titan provides all the bolts, screws, and washers you need for assembly, but you need to have a socket wrench. Also, the instructions can be confusing if you’re not handy. That said, as long as you have a basic idea of what a power rack should look like (which you probably do if you’re considering buying one), you should be able to follow along pretty easily.

Materials and Construction

The Titan X-3 is made with 3×3, 11-gauge steel, which is typical of what you’d find in commercial-grade gym equipment. The welding looks sloppy in spots, but in my opinion, it’s not something to be concerned about. Unless you run a personal training business out of your home and/or want your equipment to look absolutely perfect, having some rough welds isn’t a big deal.

However, I would have liked to see laser-cut numbers on the uprights. My old squat stand didn’t have them, and the rigs at the CrossFit box I used to belong to didn’t, either. It was annoying to have to manually count the holes to get the J-hooks aligned. Not having numbered uprights can also be frustrating if you use other attachments that you move around frequently, like safety straps.

However, I discovered a workaround for this on the home gym sub-Reddit: using painter’s tape to mark the holes where you want your J-cups for different lifts. I taped the uprights on my rack to indicate where I need my J-hooks for squats and bench presses. I also have tape by the holes where I put my safety straps for squats, bench presses, and rack pulls. The tape stays in place even after moving the J-hooks around. On the rare occasion when it does come off, it doesn’t leave a sticky residue behind.

Even though I’ve had success with this Band-Aid solution, I removed some points for the construction and only scored it 4 out of 5 stars. Other power racks at a similar price point, like the REP Fitness PR-4000, have etched numbers on their uprights.

Weight Capacity

The weight capacity of the Titan X-3 Power Rack is 1,650 pounds. Nobody will ever be able to lift anywhere near that, but the high rackable weight is nice to see in a squat rack that costs less than $800. It’s the highest weight capacity I’ve seen in power racks designed for home gyms; some have 1,500-pound weight capacities, but most have 1,200-pound weight capacities. I gave the X-3 5 out of 5 stars for that reason.

Footprint

There’s no denying it — Titan X-3 is a large piece of equipment. It has a footprint of 50 inches by 48 inches, so it’s not ideal for super tight gym spaces. I knocked a few points off and only scored it 3 out of 5 stars since you need a lot of space to accommodate it. In addition to the rack itself, you must also ensure that you have at least a foot of space on each side to load and unload weight plates from your barbell. And if you want to do kipping pull-ups and toes-to-bar, you’ll need plenty of space in front of the rack so you have room to swing your legs.

However, I do like that you can choose between two different heights: 82 inches and 91 inches. The ceiling in my garage is about 94 inches high, so I opted for the rack with a 91-inch height. I’m 5’8 and have long arms and legs, and this height allows me to hang from the pull-up bar with my feet just barely touching the ground. The 82-inch option would be suitable for shorter individuals and/or basement gyms with lower ceilings.

The inside depth is 30 inches. It offers plenty of room for me to walk out my back squat and doesn’t leave me feeling claustrophobic.

Hole Spacing

The Titan X-3 utilizes Westside hole spacing. The distance between the holes in the bench and the clean pull area is one inch; it’s two inches above and below that. Westside hole spacing is common in the better-quality power racks on the market, like the Rogue RML-390F Flat Foot Monster Lite Rack and the Bells of Steel Hydra 3×3 Half Rack.

The Westside hole spacing is a major reason why I rated the power rack 5 out of 5 stars in this category. The squat stand I had previously had one-inch hole spacing throughout. Whenever I was bench pressing, I felt like the rack height was just slightly off. With the Westside hole spacing on the Titan X-3, I’m able to set my barbell to a more precise height. Since I train alone, this helps make racking and unracking the bar much easier.

RELATED: Best Adjustable Dumbbells

Durability

I scored the Titan X-3 Power Rack 4.5 out of 5 stars for durability. I live in an area that gets hot and humid in the summer and often drops into the single digits in the winter. While I have heaters and fans in my garage gym, I only run them when I’m working out. Despite the variations in temperature and the moisture that often accumulates on my equipment when it’s humid, the rack hasn’t shown any signs of rust thanks to the powder-coat finish.

In addition, 3×3 11-gauge steel is super sturdy. And, as discussed above, it can hold more weight than anyone can realistically lift, so you don’t have to worry about it collapsing during your workout and causing disastrous accidents.

Some minor scuff marks have appeared on the uprights over time, but I didn’t dock too many points because of that. After all, when you use something every day, it will show at least some signs of wear and tear. Plus, the scuff marks don’t affect the stability or performance of the rack. I only point this out in case you’re expecting your rack to look pristine forever.

Versatility

One of the most important factors to me when I was shopping for a new squat rack was versatility. I go through phases with my training. For the past 10 months, I’ve been primarily focused on CrossFit. Before that, I followed an upper/lower strength training split for years, though I still sprinkled in a couple of CrossFit WODs here and there. To that effect, I needed a rack that could handle a variety of movements — something that was lacking in the squat stand I had before, which was similar to Titan’s T-3 Series Short Squat Stand.

Since I’ve had the Titan X-3, I’ve done traditional exercises like squats, bench presses, and overhead presses. I’ve been able to do rack pulls by placing my safety straps in a low setting. For my CrossFit WODs, I’ve performed hanging knee raises, pull-ups, and ring rows (with a set of gymnastic rings that I had to purchase separately). I’ve even set my barbell to a low height to set up a makeshift back extension station.

I also like knowing that I can add attachments to the Titan X-3 Power Rack in the future. Titan sells compatible attachments like a lat pulldown, a Y-dip station, and a leg curl/leg extension. The customization options put it on par with racks like the REP PR-5000, the Force USA MyRack Modular Power Rack, and the Bells of Steel Hydra 3 X 3 Inch Flat Foot Power Rack. It scored a solid 4.5 out of 5 stars for versatility.

RELATED: Squat Stand vs. Power Rack: How to Choose Your Gym’s Command Center

Attachments and Accessories

This power rack comes with two J-hooks lined with UHMW plastic (to prevent damage to your bar) and two pull-up bars: one with a 1.25-inch diameter and one with a two-inch diameter. When you order your rack, you have the option to add plate storage pegs to your purchase for about $50 to $70 more. Based on my research, though, I decided not to get the weight plate holders. I read several customer complaints about plates stored on the pegs (especially bumper plates) getting in the way during bench presses. That was a headache I knew I wouldn’t want to deal with.

As mentioned, Titan also sells dozens of add-ons for the X-3 series that allow for multiple configurations of your power rack. For example, you can get a lat pulldown attachment, dip bars, spotter arms, pin pipe safeties, monolift arms, a wall ball target, and a battle rope anchor.

You can also purchase different J-hooks, such as roller J-hooks, which allow you to slide the barbell and center it on the rack without damaging the knurling. I highly recommend swapping out the J-hooks that come with the rack with a different pair. It only took a few workouts for me to realize that I hated the original J-hooks. The lip comes up pretty high, and I was constantly hitting my barbell on it when I reracked the bar after squats and bench presses. But I couldn’t move the J-cups down a notch because then the bar position was too low for my liking. This is part of the reason I only gave the rack 3.5 stars in this category.

However, what’s nice about the X-3 Power Rack is its compatibility with attachments from other brands. For example, I use safety straps from Rogue. I’ve seen several customer reviews online that questioned the quality of Titan’s safety straps, and I’m already paranoid about terrible things happening when I work out alone. For extra peace of mind, I chose safety straps with much more favorable reviews.

Stability

As discussed, the Titan X-3 Power Rack features 11-gauge steel with 3×3 tubing. It also weighs nearly 300 pounds and is rock solid. Titan sells the rack in a flat-foot or bolt-down design. I chose the flat-foot version because I didn’t want to worry about potentially damaging my floor. I’ve never once felt the rack wobble or shake, so I scored it a perfect 5 out of 5 for stability.

If you’re concerned about it tipping but still want to go with the flat foot design, you can use heavy sandbags to weigh it down. For the record, though, I don’t think this will be an issue for the majority of garage gym owners because this is such a beast of a rack.

Value

For around $700 to $800, I think you get a lot of value with the Titan X-3. The stability and durability are impressive. Plus, with all the attachments you can potentially add to it, it offers a ton of functionality.

Of course, those attachments add to the total cost of the rack. However, you don’t have to buy everything all at once. You can save up to purchase add-ons one at a time until you have the ultimate power rack for your home gym.

One thing to note is that Titan’s prices are reasonable partially because their products are made in China. If you’d prefer to spend more money on a US-made power rack, I recommend looking at Rogue Fitness.

Warranty

The X-3 Power Rack comes with a one-year warranty. While this is better than nothing, I only gave it 3 out of 5 stars here. Other brands offer much better warranties. REP Fitness and Rogue Fitness, for example, both offer limited lifetime warranties on their squat racks.

Titan X-3 Power Rack vs. Titan T-3 Power Rack

The T-3 Power Rack is another one of Titan’s popular power racks. Like the X-3, it uses 11-gauge steel. However, while the X-3 uses 3×3 tubing, the T-3 uses 2×3 tubing. The T-3 isn’t as stable and needs to be bolted down. We have the T-3 rack in our testing facility in Springfield, MO, and our product testers don’t recommend doing kipping movements or loading super heavy barbells on the rack unless it’s bolted.

The T-3 also has a lower rackable weight capacity of 1,100 pounds, much lower than the X-3’s weight capacity of 1,650 pounds. Still, the majority of lifters will never be able to squat or bench press 1,100 pounds. The weight capacity shouldn’t be an issue for most home gym owners.

You get more customization with the T-3. For instance, you can choose an interior rack depth of 24 or 36 inches. The X-3 is currently only available with an interior depth of 30 inches. If you prefer more space to walk out your squat inside your rack, the T-3 rack with the 36-inch interior depth may be a better option.

The Titan T-3 Power Rack may also be a more suitable choice for budget-conscious lifters. It starts at just under $500, compared to the starting price of just under $700 for the X-3.

Titan T-3 Series Power Rack

4.3

• Dimensions: 46" outside width; 24" or 36" inside depth; 82" or 91" height
• Materials: 2x3, 11-gauge steel
• Weight capacity: 1,100 pounds
• Hole spacing: Westside

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Titan X-3 Power Rack vs. Rogue Monster Lite

Rogue offers several racks in their Monster Lite series, but the one closest to the Titan X-3 is the RML-390F. Like the X-3, the RML 390-F boasts a flat-foot design that doesn’t require bolting to the floor. It’s also made with 3×3, 11-gauge steel uprights and has Westside hole spacing.

A benefit of the RML-390F is that it comes with pin pipe safety bars. The X-3 doesn’t come with any safety pins or straps, so you have to buy them separately.

On the other hand, the RML-390F only comes with one pull-up bar in the standard 1.25-inch diameter. However, I don’t think this is too much of a drawback. If you want to occasionally do pull-ups on a thick bar to challenge your grip strength, you can buy fat grips online. Using these grips is a cheap way to increase the diameter of your pull-up bar — plus, you can use them on your favorite barbell or set of dumbbells, too.

The RML-390F is manufactured in Columbus, OH. Therefore, it’s more expensive than the Titan X-3. It starts at around $910, compared to the starting price of around $700 for the X-3. But if you’re willing to pay more for an American-made product, the RML-390F could be a solid choice.

RML-390F Flat Foot Monster Lite Rack

4.3

• Dimensions: 48" L x 49" W x 92.25" H; 30-inch inside depth
• Materials: 3x3, 11-gauge steel
• Weight capacity: Not listed
• Hole spacing: Westside

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Titan X-3 Power Rack Customer Reviews

The flat-foot X-3 has 54 reviews and an average of 4.7 stars out of 5 on Titan’s website. Customers are pleased with its ruggedness and love all the options for add-ons and attachments. Those who left negative reviews noted that some of the boxes were ripped upon delivery and wished that pin pipe safeties were included.

Final Verdict: Is the Titan X-3 Power Rack Worth It?

As you can probably tell from this Titan X-3 Power Rack review, I’m a big fan. I bought it when it became clear that I wouldn’t be returning to a commercial gym, and I’ve been pleased with my purchase. The rack is well-built and rugged — you shouldn’t have to worry about any tipping or wobbling. Plus, with all the attachment options available, you can turn it into a versatile piece of equipment.

Remember, though, that the X-3 is a large piece of home gym equipment. It has a footprint of 50 x 48 inches and weighs nearly 300 pounds. Before you hit that order button, measure and re-measure (and then re-measure again) to ensure you have the space for it. Otherwise, you won’t be able to take advantage of all the benefits of this durable, stable, and relatively budget-friendly power rack.

FAQs

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But with so many electrolyte powders, how do you know which one to choose?

Evaluating the electrolyte amount, ingredient list, flavors, and price can be overwhelming and confusing. You don’t want to waste your money on a powder that tastes bad or spend hours researching and reading reviews for the best option. And you shouldn’t need a science degree to figure this out!

Here are the best electrolyte powders that our team of experts recommend for athletes, individuals training in the heat, and those of us who just want to supercharge our water.  

Medical disclaimer: This article is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. For health advice, contact a licensed healthcare provider.

How We Chose the Best Electrolyte Powder

Our Breaking Muscle team members consist of certified personal trainers, nutrition coaches, powerlifting coaches, Olympic weightlifters, and CrossFit aficionados. We’ve tasted over 20 of the most popular electrolyte powders, consuming them before or after our toughest workouts or throughout the day whenever we felt extra thirsty. We gave each powder an overall score based on the quality and dosage of the electrolyte blend, flavors, taste, texture, potential side effects, and whether it’s third-party tested. We also compared the prices and the customer reviews to find the best value for money.

We know that people use electrolytes in a wide range of situations and settings, so our top picks cover not only the best electrolyte powder overall, but also the ones that taste the best, have no added sugars, or are best suited for certain populations, like runners. In the list below, you should find everything you need to choose the best electrolyte powder for your needs.

Our Top Picks for the Best Electrolyte Powder

• Best Electrolyte Powder Overall: Transparent Labs Hydrate
• Best Electrolyte Powder for Athletes: Kaged Hydra-Charge
• Best Tasting Electrolyte Powder: Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier
• Best Sugar-Free Electrolyte Powder: LMNT Zero-Sugar Electrolytes
• Best Electrolyte Drink Powder: XWERKS Motion
• Best Electrolyte Powder for Runners: BUBS Hydrate or Die

Best Electrolyte Powder Overall: Transparent Labs Hydrate

Transparent Labs Hydrate

4.5

• Number of servings: 40 servings
• Cost per serving: $0.75
• Electrolytes per serving: Calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium
• Additional key ingredients: Taurine, panax ginseng, coconut water powder

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Transparent Labs Hydrate is our pick for the best electrolyte powder overall because it has a fully transparent label with ingredients that are third-party tested. It also hits some big checkmarks for users with specific needs, like being gluten-free, vegan-friendly, and free of artificial sweeteners, colors, and preservatives. After testing it for several weeks, the Breaking Muscle reviews staff scored it 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Unlike many other supplements, including a surprising number of electrolyte powders, Transparent Labs Hydrate is a hydration drink that’s free of any proprietary ingredient blends. Companies often hide the dosages of certain ingredients on the labels of their supplements under a “blend” or “matrix,” supposedly to protect them from other brands who would simply make a duplicate product for their profit. However, it also means they can claim to include a popular ingredient, while doing so in a less-than-effective dose. 

Transparent Labs lives up to its name by showing exactly what you get in each serving: research-backed dosages of four electrolyte ingredients, plus the amino acid taurine, which helps maintain the body’s water/electrolyte balance. This means you can confidently customize the dosage according to your needs and preferences without worrying about underdosing or overdosing on ingredients.

One of our product testers used Hydrate as both a pre-workout and post-workout drink. In both instances, they noticed increased hydration but found that when taken before training, it was an excellent way for them to improve their muscle endurance. It’s possible an electrolyte powder can be the best non-stim pre-workout you haven’t tried.

Hydrate is certified by the third-party testing agency Informed Choice for purity, potency, and accuracy, and the results of each are available for anyone to see on the Certificates of Analysis page on their website. This means that you can be confident that each serving of Hydrate meets a high standard of quality and efficacy and includes exactly what it claims to contain while being free of contaminants that could harm your health and performance.

Currently, Hydrate only comes in two flavors: Tropical Punch and Peach Mango. Some commenters have noted that the tropical punch flavor tends to be very sweet, which our tester confirmed. He tends to add more water than recommended because when he followed the package’s directions, it tasted like a very concentrated Hawaiian punch. He also noted that he’s added it to a shaker bottle of cluster dextrin and the taste still came through very strongly.

If you’re sensitive to sweet flavors, you may want to start with a half serving instead or double the water.

RELATED: Best Protein Powders for Muscle Gain for Men, Women, Beginners, and More

Best Electrolyte Powder for Athletes: Kaged Hydra-Charge

Kaged Hydra-Charge

4.5

• Number of servings: 60 servings
• Cost per serving: $0.49
• Magnesium per serving: 15 milligrams
• Daily value: Four percent
• Form: Drink mix

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Kaged Hydra-Charge is the best hydration mix for athletes because it’s Informed Sport-certified, provides 351 milligrams of five essential electrolytes, and has no artificial colors, flavors, or dyes. For these reasons, we scored it 4.5 out of 5 stars overall.

As an athlete, your body is your livelihood, and having peace of mind with your supplements is priceless. The Breaking Muscle reviews team loves that every batch of Kaged Hydra-Charge is tested for contamination against a broad range of banned substances using accredited methods. Informed Sport has over 60 years of experience in anti-doping testing for sports, so you can trust that Kaged Hydra-Charge is safe and compliant with the highest standards of quality and purity — giving you the lowest possible risk of being flagged for an illegal substance due to supplement contamination.

But Hydra-Charge is also a first-class hydration tool for athletes who sweat heavily and need to maximize athletic performance. It delivers a powerful blend of five essential electrolytes in each 351-milligram dose, plus an additional 500 milligrams of coconut water powder. With this combined cocktail, Hydra-Charge has the potential to maintain your fluid balance, prevent muscle cramps, support muscle function, and promote recovery.

When your goal is the top of the podium, you treat your body like a temple. Kaged Hydra-Charge supports your quest by having no artificial colors, flavors, or dyes — a rarity in our world of ultra-processed foods and drinks. But rest assured, Kaged still respects your taste buds! Hydra-Charge comes in eight flavors and has an average rating of 5 out of 5 from over 2,099 reviews. 

Our product testers tasted the orange mango and said it was DELIGHTFUL (they even used all-caps), with more of an emphasis on the citrus flavor than the mango. They found it sweet but not overpowerfully so. It also dissolved 100 percent.

Look further down the label, and you’ll notice that the last two ingredients are stevia and sucralose. Kaged uses small amounts of both “to mask bitterness and improve the overall taste profile,” according to the company’s website. While stevia is plant-based and zero-calorie, a July 2018 study in Nutrients determined that it’s still 50 to 350 times sweeter than sugar. (1) Because of this, people sensitive to sweetened foods or drinks might want to start with a smaller serving or add more water than recommended.

Hydra-Charge uses coconut water powder, a common ingredient in electrolyte blends. A May 2020 study in The Annals of Allergies, Asthma, and Immunology found the prevalence of tree nut allergies to be less than one to three percent worldwide, but it still means this electrolyte powder isn’t suitable for people who know they are sensitive to coconut products or who are allergic to tree nuts. (2)

Best Tasting Electrolyte Powder: Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier

Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier

3.8

• Number of servings: 16 servings 
• Cost per serving: $1.56
• Electrolytes per serving: Sodium, potassium
• Additional key ingredients: Pure cane sugar, dextrose, citric acid

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Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier is the best-tasting electrolyte powder due to its wide range of 11 flavors that have a balanced salty-to-sweet taste while being easy to carry and mix well.

Whether you prefer fruity, citrusy, or tropical flavors, you’ll find something in Liquid I.V.’s lineup that suits your taste buds. Our product testers ordered a variety pack with Lemon Lime and Acai Berry. They found them not too sweet, just a touch salty, and true to the flavors in both cases. One of our pregnant staff members who finds herself parched all the time raved about Liquid I.V. She said that she is often still thirsty after drinking plain water, and Liquid I.V. is the only thing that will quench her thirst.

While some popular electrolytes come in scoopable powder form, Hydration Multiplier comes in pre-measured packets. The powder dissolves easily in water and doesn’t leave any clumps or residue. You just need to follow the instructions and mix each packet with 16 ounces of water. Our testers noticed that the drink can turn out a bit grainy if using less than the recommended amount of water. That said, you can add more water if you prefer a slightly more diluted flavor.

Hydration Multiplier’s lightweight packets are small enough to stash in a gym bag, backpack, or pocket for whenever you need hydration. There’s no need to worry about measuring scoops or spilling powder. Just tear open a packet, pour it into a bottle of water, shake it up, and drink. 

Personally, I’ve been keeping a package of Liquid IV in my pantry at all times for a couple of years. When I drink a packet after an intense workout, I’ve noticed that I recover faster and feel less beat up overall, especially on a hot, humid day. I’ve tried many flavors, but Watermelon, Tropical Punch, and Strawberry are my favorites.

The downside of such tasty flavors is that they result from added sugar. Liquid I.V. uses pure cane sugar as its first ingredient, contributing 45 calories and 11 grams of sugar per packet. This is still far less than a can of soda, but it may not be ideal for people watching their sugar intake or those who have diabetes. While cane sugar is arguably better than corn syrup or other artificial sweeteners, it’s still a source of empty calories that can affect your blood sugar levels.

Liquid I.V. also claims to provide three times more electrolytes than traditional sports drinks. However, when you look at the electrolyte content, it only has 500 milligrams of sodium and 370 milligrams of potassium per packet. It also doesn’t contain calcium or magnesium, key electrolytes for muscle function and nerve transmission. This means that Liquid I.V. has the lowest total electrolyte count out of all the powders in this article and is the main reason we only scored it 3.8 out of 5 stars.

RELATED: Best Magnesium Supplements of 2023 for Better Sleep, Leg Cramps, and More

Best Sugar-Free Electrolyte Powder: LMNT Zero-Sugar Electrolytes

LMNT Zero-Sugar Electrolytes

4.0

• Number of servings: 30 servings
• Cost per serving: $1.35
• Electrolytes per serving: Sodium, potassium, magnesium
• Additional key ingredients: Natural flavors, stevia leaf extract

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LMNT Zero-Sugar Electrolytes is the best sugar-free electrolyte powder we tested. It not only has no sugar, but is also free of gluten, fillers, and any artificial ingredients, making it ideal for keto, paleo, low-carb, intermittent fasting, and gluten-free diets. After taking it before and after our workouts and at various times of the day when we felt extra thirsty, we scored it 4 out of 5 stars.

This electrolyte drink has zero sugar and only two grams of carbs per serving, much lower than other electrolyte beverages. You can enjoy this drink without worrying about breaking your ketosis or low-carb nutrition plan and know that you’re simultaneously maximizing your hydration status.

The packets are lightweight and small enough to stuff in your gym bag, day bag, or pockets for hydration anywhere you go. You don’t need to measure or scoop anything; just tear open a packet and mix it with water. Whether you are working out, traveling, or just feeling dehydrated, these packets are easy to use and convenient to carry around. 

LMNT claims to give you electrolytes in the “perfect ratio for optimal hydration and performance.” They state that a robust body of scientific literature shows we have underestimated our electrolyte needs for decades, especially if you live an active, low-carb, or ketogenic lifestyle. Yet, popular electrolyte drinks on the market still have low amounts of electrolytes and include a ton of sugar. 

So what’s the solution? In a word, salt! LMNT provides 1,000 milligrams of sodium, nearly double any of the other supplements we featured in this list. It also offers 200 milligrams of potassium and 60 milligrams of magnesium per serving, both of which are essential for maintaining fluid balance, nerve function, muscle contraction, and energy production.

All that sodium can be beneficial for replenishing the sodium lost from sweating, but some people may find the “salted” flavors, such as Citrus Salt or Chocolate Salt, too savory for their liking. But this is definitely a matter of personal taste.

One of our Breaking Muscle product testers reported that she loved the saltiness, and finds it to be thirst-quenching, especially since she’s constantly parched due to being pregnant. If saltiness isn’t your craving, try the other flavors without the S-word in their names.

Personally, I loved the Mango Chili flavor, which had the same 1,000 milligrams of sodium but a less salt-forward profile. I was afraid that it would be too spicy and make me feel even hotter after a workout, but it turned out the subtle spiciness was just right. I don’t enjoy the unflavored option on its own, but I think it would blend well in juice or another flavored beverage.

These packets don’t come cheap, though. A 30-pack of LMNT retails for $40.50 on Amazon, which is $1.35 per serving. This is more expensive than other electrolyte powders such as Kaged Hydra-Charge, which only costs $0.50 per serving. However, for athletes in need of serious levels of sodium, the high quality and effectiveness of LMNT could justify the higher price tag.

Best Electrolyte Drink Powder: XWERKS Motion

XWERKS Motion

3.6

• Number of servings: 30 
• Price per serving: $1.96
• Amount of BCAAs per serving: Three grams 
• Calories per serving: 110
• Flavors: Raspberry Lemonade 
• Third-party tested: Not at the time of this writing

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XWERKS Motion is a complete solution for your hydration, fuel, and recovery needs. Each serving contains 25 grams of carbs, three grams of BCAAs, and the electrolytes calcium, magnesium, and sodium for hydration. This makes it a great pre-workout sipper for anyone who has found themselves mixing products or adding extra ingredients to their electrolytes in the past. 

The carbs in Motion come from cluster dextrin, a new carbohydrate type with a high molecular weight and a low osmotic pressure. This means it dissolves easily, passes through your stomach quickly, and replenishes your energy levels faster than other carbs. Cluster dextrin can be gentle on your stomach and shouldn’t cause bloating or discomfort. This makes it a great carb for long-duration training, marathons, or other races, or for athletes who want to avoid fatigue and maintain high intensity during their workouts. 

One of our product reviewers said Motion really shines as a pre-workout drink when they don’t feel like eating before an early morning workout. He can feel the difference in his energy and output during those sessions.

That said, the carb content might be a bit excessive for someone just looking for an electrolyte for daily drinking. If that’s you, consider saving Motion for your workouts, and sipping on a different blend throughout the day. 

Each serving of Motion also contains three grams of the branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs): leucine, isoleucine, and valine. Dietary BCAAs are essential for muscle growth and repair, and a November 2019 meta-analysis in Vitamin and Nutrition Research found that supplemental BCAAs helped limit exercise-induced muscle soreness when taken after exercise. (3)

The BCAAs in Motion come in a 2:1:1 ratio of leucine to valine and isoleucine. Leucine is the most important of the three for recovery, so you can enhance your recovery and be ready for your next fitness challenge. A Breaking Muscle reviewer noted that he often uses it as a recovery drink or any time he feels hot and sweaty.

Speaking of sweat, XWERKS Motion contains calcium, magnesium, and sodium to help you stay hydrated and avoid the adverse effects of electrolyte loss. However, its sodium content is the lowest of the products we tested, at just 34 grams, or one percent of your daily allowance. If you’re a particularly heavy sweater or are training in the heat, you might benefit from some additional sodium on top of this drink, or some extra salt on your food. 

Motion currently only comes in only one flavor: Raspberry Lemonade. The Breaking Muscle product reviewers found it tasted more like raspberry than lemonade but was still quite refreshing. They also noted that following XWERKS’ instructions led to a drink that was slightly powdery and suggested using more water than recommended on the packaging to improve its texture. We gave it 4 out of 5 stars because we wished it tasted more like the flavor name and would have liked it to be more soluble.

Most of the electrolyte supplements we included here are either NSF Sport Certified or Informed Sport Certified, which indicates that they have been tested for banned substances and contaminants. While XWERKS’ website claims that “every batch of XWERKS is third-party tested for potency and purity,” the products themselves don’t contain any certifications showing this. These approvals would give consumers more confidence and trust in XWERKS. 

RELATED: Best BCAA Supplements for Women, Men, Weight Loss, and More

Best Electrolyte Powder for Runners: BUBS Hydrate or Die

BUBS Naturals Hydration Powder

4.0

• Number of servings: 18 servings
• Cost per serving: $1.89
• Electrolytes per serving: Sodium, potassium, magnesium, chloride
• Additional key ingredients: Taurine, iron, coconut water powder

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BUBS Hydrate or Die is NSF Sport Certified and comes in convenient single-serve packets, which can be a huge help for serious runners without much pocket space to spare. 

This electrolyte blend is also NSF Sport Certified, which means an independent organization has tested and verified this product line to ensure it doesn’t contain banned substances, contaminants, or impurities that could harm your health or performance. Especially if you compete beyond the recreational level, this can help you maximize your performance while minimizing your risk from contaminated supplements. 

Unlike other hydration mixes that come in bulky containers and use a scoop for measuring, BUS Hydrate or Die’s packets are lightweight and small enough to keep in a fanny pack, running pack, or your pocket, so you can stay hydrated without being slowed down. Just tear open a packet and pour it into your water bottle, shake well, and enjoy.

The formulation is based on natural ingredients free from genetically modified organisms (GMOs), glute, and soy. This means you can enjoy electrolytes’ benefits without worrying about potential allergens, sensitivities, or preferences that may affect your diet. If you have celiac disease or are vegan, Hydrate or Die is still compatible with your lifestyle and running goals.

Our product tester tried the orange flavor, and it got their attention immediately. They likened the saltiness to licking the sweat off their lips. Compared to the LMNT electrolyte powder, they found BUBS saltier with less citrus flavor. They only rated out 4 out of 5 stars for this reason. 

BUBS Naturals Hydrate or Die Hydration is relatively expensive compared to other electrolyte powders on the market at costs $34 for 18 packets, about $1.89 per serving. This is more than double the price of other popular electrolyte powders, such as Transparent Labs Hydrate. With that and the flavor in mind, it’s definitely more of a fit for high-sweat training and race day, rather than for normal daily sipping. 

What Are Electrolyte Powders?

Electrolyte powders are supplement powders that you can add to your water or other beverages to replenish the minerals and electrolytes you lose through sweat, urine, and daily life. 

Electrolytes conduct electricity when dissolved in water, making them vital for many functions in your body, such as muscle contraction, nerve transmission, fluid balance, and pH regulation. A few of the key electrolytes are sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, chloride, and bicarbonate. (3)

Electrolyte powders, such as tablets, capsules, packets, or tubs, come in different forms. They also come in different flavors like lemon, orange, berry, or unflavored. Some contain additional ingredients, including vitamins like vitamin C or B vitamins, antioxidants or sweeteners like glucose, stevia, sucralose, or sugar. Even some of the best electrolyte tablets and powders also contain caffeine, so make sure to read the label closely before buying. 

Benefits of Electrolyte Powder

There are many benefits of using electrolyte powder, especially if you are an active person who sweats a lot, or if you live in a hot or humid climate. 

• Reduce the risk of dehydration. Dehydration is a condition where your body loses more water than it takes in, and it can cause symptoms such as headache, fatigue, dizziness, confusion, or even fainting. By adding electrolyte powder to your water, you can ensure that you replace the fluids and electrolytes you lose and stay hydrated throughout the day.
• Improved athletic performance. You need electrolytes to keep your muscles and nerves functioning properly, whether exercising, working, studying, or just living your life. If your levels get low enough that you experience an electrolyte imbalance, you may experience cramps, weakness, spasms, or even an irregular heartbeat. You can enhance your endurance, strength, speed, and recovery by using electrolyte powder before, during, or after athletic activity.
• Supports overall health. Electrolytes are not only crucial for physical performance but also for overall health and wellness. They can help regulate blood pressure, blood sugar, bone density, kidney function, and much more.

When Is the Best Time to Take Electrolyte Powder?

This question has no definitive answer, as it depends on your individual needs and preferences. However, here are some general guidelines that you can follow — just make sure to follow the directions on the label and not exceed the recommended dosage:

• Before exercise: If you plan to do a long or intense workout or compete in a sports event, take some electrolyte powder about 30 minutes before you start. This will help prepare your body for the upcoming physical activity and reduce the risk of dehydration and fatigue.
• During exercise: If you are sweating a lot or exercising for more than an hour, you can sip some electrolyte powder mixed with water every 15 to 20 minutes. This will help replenish the fluids and electrolytes you lose and maintain your performance and energy levels. Consider a powder that includes carbohydrates like XWERKS Motion for long-duration, continuous intense exercise.
• After exercise: If you have just finished a hard workout or competition, taking electrolyte powder immediately after you stop can help restore your fluid-electrolyte balance and speed up your recovery and muscle repair. (4)
• Any time: If you aren’t exercising but still want to enjoy the benefits of electrolyte powder, you can take it any time during the day as a refreshing drink. 

What To Look For in an Electrolyte Powder

Electrolyte Content

The whole point of using an electrolyte powder is to replenish the essential minerals you lose through sweat, such as sodium, potassium, magnesium, and calcium. Look for powders with at least 300 milligrams of sodium and 100 milligrams of potassium per serving, as these are the most important electrolytes for hydration. 

Magnesium and calcium are excellent additions that companies will look to cut costs on, so consider it a bonus when they’re included. You can also look for powders with other trace minerals, such as zinc, copper, manganese, and selenium, for added benefits.

Calories

Calories are a big differentiator between electrolyte supplements and traditional sports drinks. Unless you’re looking for a meal replacement, you want to avoid a powder loaded with calories. Look for ones that have less than 50 calories per serving. Some of the products we reviewed here are even calorie-free. 

A possible exception to this rule is when you need to hydrate during a multi-hour strenuous exercise session. For these situations, consider an electrolyte like XWERKS Motion, which contains 110 calories per serving and 25 grams of fast-digesting carbs. 

Other Ingredients

Some electrolyte powders have more than just electrolytes. Kaged Hydra-Charge contains a blend of antioxidants, for example, and BUBS Hydrate or Die contains 1.5 milligrams of iron. Many electrolyte supplements can also contain additional vitamins, amino acids, or caffeine. These can be helpful if you’re looking for an energy boost, enhanced recovery, or immune support. 

However, caffeine can also cause side effects such as jitters, nausea, or headaches if you’re very sensitive or have already taken a high dose of caffeine from another supplement. This is a big reason to be careful with powders with long ingredient lists or hidden amounts under proprietary blends. Read the label carefully and avoid anything you’re allergic or sensitive to.

RELATED: Best Non-Stim Pre-Workout Supplements for All of the Focus Without the Jitters (2023)

Flavors 

Electrolyte powders come in a variety of flavors, from fruity to salty — and even a few that are chocolatey! You might find some delicious and others downright disgusting. The taste of your powder can make a big difference in how much you enjoy drinking it and how often you use it. Try to find a flavor that you like and that matches your preferences. 

For example, go for lemon or lime if you like sour drinks. If you want sweet beverages, go for berry or orange. If you enjoy creamy drinks, go for vanilla or coconut. If you like salty flavors, go for salted chocolate or caramel.

Dissolvability 

A clumpy or gritty electrolyte powder can ruin both the taste and texture of your drink at the exact moment when you’re thirstiest. What a drag! Look for powders that dissolve quickly and fully in the recommended water amount without leaving any residue or sediment.

Convenience

Depending on how and when you train, you may want an electrolyte powder that’s easy to carry around. If you’re on the go often, look for powders in individual stick packs that you can toss in your bag or pocket. That way, you can always have one handy when you need it. 

If your run or ride always starts from home, you can also look for powders in tubs or jars that you can scoop out and measure yourself. This can be more economical and customizable, but also messier.

Final Thoughts

Electrolyte powders are a great way to stay hydrated and healthy, especially if you’re active or live in a hot or humid climate. However, not all electrolyte powders are created equal. 

You should look for one that replenishes the important electrolytes you lose through sweat, such as sodium and potassium. You should also find one that suits your taste buds and lifestyle, whether you need a convenient packet to take on the go or a tub to mix at home. 

And, of course, consider the ingredients’ price and quality — you don’t want to break the bank or compromise your health.

Best Electrolyte Powder: Side-by-Side Comparison

Best Electrolyte Powder Overall	Best Electrolyte Powder for Athletes	Best Tasting Electrolyte Powder	Best Sugar-Free Electrolyte Powder	Best Electrolyte Drink Powder	Best Electrolyte Powder for Runners
Transparent Labs Hydrate	Kaged Hydra-Charge	Liquid I.V.	LMNT Zero-Sugar Electrolytes	XWERKS Motion	BUBS Hydrate or Die
Primary Rating: 4.5	Primary Rating: 4.5	Primary Rating: 3.8	Primary Rating: 4.0	Primary Rating: 3.5	Primary Rating: 4.0
Description: Number of servings: 40 servings Cost per serving: $0.75 Electrolytes per serving: Calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium Additional key ingredients: Taurine, panax ginseng, coconut water powder	Description: Number of servings: ~60 servings Cost per serving: $0.50 Electrolytes per serving: Calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, potassium Additional key ingredients: Taurine, coconut water powder, antioxidant blend	Description: Number of servings: 16 servings  Cost per serving: $1.56 Electrolytes per serving: Sodium, potassium Additional key ingredients: Pure cane sugar, dextrose, citric acid	Description: Number of servings: 30 servings Cost per serving: $1.35 Electrolytes per serving: Sodium, potassium, magnesium Additional key ingredients: Natural flavors, stevia leaf extract	Description: Number of servings: 30 servings Cost per serving: $1.63 Electrolytes per serving: Calcium, magnesium, sodium Additional key ingredients: Cluster dextrin, BCAAs, electrolytes	Description: Number of servings: 18 servings Cost per serving: $1.89 Electrolytes per serving: Sodium, potassium, magnesium, chloride Additional key ingredients: Taurine, iron, coconut water powder
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Best Electrolyte Powder Overall

Transparent Labs Hydrate

Primary Rating:

4.5

Description:

• Number of servings: 40 servings
• Cost per serving: $0.75
• Electrolytes per serving: Calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium
• Additional key ingredients: Taurine, panax ginseng, coconut water powder

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Best Electrolyte Powder for Athletes

Kaged Hydra-Charge

Primary Rating:

4.5

Description:

• Number of servings: ~60 servings
• Cost per serving: $0.50
• Electrolytes per serving: Calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, potassium
• Additional key ingredients: Taurine, coconut water powder, antioxidant blend

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Best Tasting Electrolyte Powder

Liquid I.V.

Primary Rating:

3.8

Description:

• Number of servings: 16 servings 
• Cost per serving: $1.56
• Electrolytes per serving: Sodium, potassium
• Additional key ingredients: Pure cane sugar, dextrose, citric acid

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Best Sugar-Free Electrolyte Powder

LMNT Zero-Sugar Electrolytes

Primary Rating:

4.0

Description:

• Number of servings: 30 servings
• Cost per serving: $1.35
• Electrolytes per serving: Sodium, potassium, magnesium
• Additional key ingredients: Natural flavors, stevia leaf extract

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Best Electrolyte Drink Powder

XWERKS Motion

Primary Rating:

3.5

Description:

• Number of servings: 30 servings
• Cost per serving: $1.63
• Electrolytes per serving: Calcium, magnesium, sodium
• Additional key ingredients: Cluster dextrin, BCAAs, electrolytes

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Best Electrolyte Powder for Runners

BUBS Hydrate or Die

Primary Rating:

4.0

Description:

• Number of servings: 18 servings
• Cost per serving: $1.89
• Electrolytes per serving: Sodium, potassium, magnesium, chloride
• Additional key ingredients: Taurine, iron, coconut water powder

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