Quick Overview
Fat Gripz are the most popular thick grip training attachments on the market. You can easily add these to dumbells, barbells, or cable attachments to increase the diameter and build bigger and thicker arms. They’re available in three sizes, are easy to use, and are very affordable.
Who It’s Right For
Things to Consider
So, you want juicy forearms, biceps that pop, and a grip so strong you’ll bring anyone to their knees…
Well, I’ve got just what the doctor ordered: Fat Gripz.
Fat Gripz are very simple attachments that wrap around your dumbbell or barbell shafts to thicken the diameter. You can also use them on cable attachments and weight machines to make any movement more challenging.
In this article, I’ll walk you through the Fat Gripz construction, benefits, and the different versions you can buy.
If you’re looking for a great upper body pump and you want bigger and stronger arms, read below to see how these can help.
Let’s dig in.
Fat Gripz are excellent handle grips that make the diameter of barbells, dumbbells, etc... thicker. This makes your grip stronger and leads to increased arm size and strength. For the price, they're a great low-cost accessory for every gym.
Fat Gripz Review
The Fat Gripz have been around for years now and, in that time, they’ve become a very popular workout accessory. So popular that there have been dozens of knock-offs and a whole slew of similar product concepts with different shapes and sizes.
The product itself is very simple. Fat Gripz are small, lightweight cylinders that increase the diameter of a weight implement.
They’re made of a hard compound that looks and feels like heavy-duty rubber. One on side of the grip is a slit that you simply pull apart to attach to whatever you’re using.
Once attached, the grips sit very snugly, especially if you’re using a knurled barbell or dumbbell. The inner diameter measures 1″ and the outer diameter measures around 2.25″. Depending on the diameter of the bar/implement you’re using, they may not close entirely around the shaft, but that’s ok. Once they’re attached, they’re not going anywhere so long as you’re squeezing and using them as designed.
On each end of the grips is a beveled edge that was purposely designed to accommodate bends. A prime example of this is an EZ Curl Bar, which the Fat Gripz fit very well. Angled pull-up bars, angled cable attachments, etc… are also examples.
I’ve owned Fat Gripz for several years. Since my version, the exterior has been updated to include a textured, knurled surface. I don’t have any issues whatsoever with my smooth-surface grips – my grip feels very secure. Still, this is a nice improvement on the current model for enhanced texture.
Fat Gripz Benefits
There are several benefits to consider when deciding on whether or not to buy Fat Gripz.
You’ll Build Bigger and Stronger Arms
One of the biggest benefits of Fat Gripz is that they recruit more muscle fibers, particularly in the forearms. Most people, myself included, have forearms that lag behind their biceps and triceps in terms of size and strength. Slapping on some additional forearm size will immediately make your arms look even bigger. With increased strength and endurance of the forearms as well, you’ll be able to train heavier weights for more reps, which is a recipe for more size and strength throughout the entire arm.
Your Grip Strength Will Skyrocket
Another huge benefit of the Fat Gripz, and thick-bar training in general, is that your grip strength will explode. That’s simply because the demand is greater since you have to work harder to hold onto a thicker shaft (don’t be nasty). Part of what makes them so effective is that you have to actively squeeze them… your grip can’t help but improve.
Whether you’re training isometric holds or repping high-volume biceps curls, they will lead to serious grip gains.
They Take Up No Space
Fat Gripz are less than 5″ long, they’re 2.25″ thick, and they weigh less than 2 pounds. You can easily pack them in a bag to take to the gym or you store them virtually anywhere in your home gym. I store mine on my Wall Control setup.
They’re Easy to Use
Fat Gripz couldn’t be easier to use. Simply grab them, pull the opening apart, wrap it, and release. You’ll be using a thick bar in no time.
They’re Inexpensive
Fat Gripz are very affordable at only $29.95 for a pair. They also ship for free from Amazon.
Which Model Should You Buy
You can purchase Fat Gripz in three different versions. The most popular option is the Pro model, which is what I’m reviewing here. These are the original version, and they’ll be great for a wide population of lifters. The Pro model is sold in bright blue but they also have a limited edition colorway, which is black with blue text.
If you want something more hardcore and challenging, you can purchase the Fat Gripz Extreme. These bright orange grips are thicker than the Pro model at 2.75″ vs. 2.25″.
If you want something more entry-level, the Fat Gripz One are your best bet. These are sold as black with orange text or pink with purple text. The main difference is the outer diameter is 1.75″ vs. 2.25″.
My Experience With Fat Gripz
I’ve been using Fat Gripz for years with great success. They do exactly what they claim to do. They increase grip strength, they give you a juicy pump, and they build bigger and stronger arms.
I don’t use them in every session, but every time I do use them I leave telling myself “I need to use those more often.”
My favorite movements to perform with them include the following:
- Curls and all the variations (hammer curls, dumbbell curls, preacher curls, EZ bar curls, etc…)
- Triceps kickbacks with dumbbells and pushdowns on the cable machine
- Dumbbell rows
- Pull-ups on the squat rack
- Isometric barbell holds for time (excellent for grip)
Overall, they work exceedingly well. I have also used a few knock-offs that companies have sent me. Do not buy the knock-offs. They don’t work as well and you’re not saving that much money considering how inexpensive the Fat Gripz are.
Check out the Best Barbells and Best Dumbbells for using Fat Gripz.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Cons
Final Thoughts
Overall, I have been very pleased with the Fat Gripz. They’re a cheap weightlifting accessory that take up little space and work very well. I highly recommend them if you’re looking to build bigger, stronger arms.
Fat Gripz Rating
Final Verdict
If you’re looking for an affordable and effective training tool that will take your grip strength and arm size to the next level, I highly recommend Fat Gripz. They’re inexpensive and they work!