Overview
Earlier this year, rubber material gymnastic grips became a hot topic in the CrossFit community. When the 2025 CrossFit Games rulebook was released, it appeared that rubber-style gymnastic grips were banned for in-person competitions, including events like the CrossFit Semifinals and CrossFit Games. This announcement sparked intense discussions, confusion, and debate among athletes, coaches, and brands alike.
However, in a surprising twist, CrossFit with the help of CAC (CrossFit Athlete Council) reversed the decision, allowing all types of gymnastic grips to be used throughout the 2025 CrossFit Games season. Let’s break down the impact of this rule change and what it means for athletes moving forward.
The Controversy: Why the Ban Sparked Debate
The initial ban on rubber grips left many in the CrossFit community puzzled. Here’s why it was such a hot-button issue:
- Increased Grip Assistance: Rubber grips are known for their enhanced grip, which can provide a significant advantage in gymnastics movements such as pull-ups, toes-to-bar, and muscle-ups. This raised questions about whether they give an unfair advantage by reducing the need for grip strength and shoulder endurance.
- Safety Concerns: While extra grip can be beneficial, it also poses risks, especially for beginners or athletes with underdeveloped grip strength and scapular endurance. Being “stuck” to the bar for a few extra reps might seem advantageous but can increase the risk of wrist and shoulder injuries in the long term.
- Community Responsibility: The debate highlighted a larger issue: Should CrossFit dictate which equipment is safe, or should athletes, coaches, and brands be responsible for educating the community on the pros and cons of different gear?
The Case Against the Ban
While safety is a valid concern, banning rubber grips entirely seemed like an overreach. Here’s why:
- Responsibility and Education: At Reyllen, we believe the responsibility for safe and effective training lies with the community—not the rulebook. Brands, coaches, and experienced athletes should educate newcomers on proper grip & shoulder strength development and safe usage of all types of equipment.
- Freedom of Choice: Athletes have different needs, preferences, and training environments. A one-size-fits-all rule doesn’t account for individual differences. Rather than banning specific grips, CrossFit could have issued guidelines to help athletes make informed decisions.
The Good News: Ban Lifted and New Grip Rules
In response to community feedback, CrossFit reversed the decision, allowing all types of gymnastic grips for the 2025 season. Here’s what’s new:
- All Grips Permitted: Athletes are now free to use any style of gymnastic grips, including rubber, leather, and synthetic materials.
- No Length Restrictions: Grips of any length are allowed, giving athletes more flexibility in finding the best fit and style for their needs.
- Consistent Thickness Requirement: The material of the grips must maintain the same thickness throughout.
- No Dowels or Folds: The sewn fold or any type of dowel is still prohibited, maintaining consistency in how grips interact with pull-up bars and rings.
Reyllen’s Stance: Educate, Don’t Restrict
At Reyllen, we believe that there is no single “best” hand grip—only what works best for each individual athlete. Different athletes have unique needs based on their training style, environment, and personal preferences.
Our mission is to educate and empower athletes to make informed choices. That means helping the community understand the pros and cons of different grip materials, designs, and features so they can select the equipment that suits their goals and needs.
Rather than imposing restrictions, the focus should be on education, safety, and proper progression in training. This approach allows athletes to enhance performance while minimising the risk of injury.
Final Thoughts
The reversal of the rubber grip ban is a win for athlete choice and individuality. However, it also serves as a reminder of the importance of education and responsible equipment usage. As the 2025 CrossFit Games season unfolds, athletes will have the freedom to experiment and find what works best for them.
At Reyllen, we’re committed to supporting the community by providing high-quality, safe, and effective gymnastic grips—no matter your preference. Because at the end of the day, it’s not about the gear itself but how you use it to become a better athlete.
