Dowel vs Pre-Dowel Grips: What's the Difference?
Choosing the right gymnastics grip is one of the most important equipment decisions a gymnast makes. The wrong grip — or wearing one before you're ready — can affect bar technique and even lead to injury. Here's what you need to know.
What Are Pre-Dowel Grips?
Pre-dowel grips (also called no-dowel grips) are the starting point for gymnasts who are beginning to train on bars. They protect the hands and help prevent rips, but don't have the rigid dowel rod that changes the feel of the bar.
The US Glove Beginner Hook and Loop Grips are our go-to recommendation for gymnasts at this stage. Made from high-quality lightweight leather, they feature a curved, medium-width palm piece designed to protect the hand, decrease pain and rips on the palm, and increase grip on the bar as your gymnast begins to learn to swing.
Recommended for: Gymnasts just beginning to try out grips, learning to kip, or preparing to transition to dowel grips.
What Are Dowel Grips?
Dowel grips have a small wooden or plastic rod (the dowel) sewn into the leather. When the gymnast grips the bar, the dowel hooks over the top and gives them far more bar control. This is essential for skills like giants, Tkatchevs, and release moves.
The US Glove Hot Shot Double Buckle Uneven Bar Grips are our most popular competition-quality dowel grip. They feature a narrow, curved palm piece with a leather-wrapped, sewn-on dowel, and US Glove's innovative finger locking system minimises shifting and keeps fingers from slipping out of the finger holes during use.
Recommended for: Small hands, compulsory-level athletes, and gymnasts who want to feel more of the bar with their palm. Designed for gymnasts weighing between 32kg and 43kg. Note: the double buckle closure is not ideal for very young gymnasts wearing grips for the first time. very young gymnasts should start out with the US Glove Hot Shot Buckle Uneven Bar Grips, a single buckle version of the Hot shot grips which is better suited to younger gymnasts.
When to Make the Upgrade
The general rule of thumb: make the switch to dowels when your coach recommends it — usually around the time a gymnast is learning giants. Switching too early can interfere with developing correct technique.
- Still learning kips and casts? Stick with pre-dowels or no grips.
- Solid kip, working giants or higher-level release moves? Time to try dowels.
- Competing at a higher level? Dowels are typically required.
How to Size Your Grips
To find the correct size, measure your hand from the wrist to the tip of the middle finger. Sizing varies between grips, and even between grips from the same brand, so always check the size chart on each product before ordering. If you're unsure, contact us before ordering and we can help you find the right fit.
Don't Forget Wrist Protection
We recommend pairing any gymnastics grip with wristbands. The RS Gymwear Extra Long Wrist Protectors are perfect for under your grips, or for a premium level of support and comfort for longer bar training sessions, try our the DRYbands.
Shop Gymnastics Grips at RS Gymwear
We stock the full range of US Glove gymnastics grips — beginner, buckle, and double buckle styles — and we regularly restock popular sizes. If your size is out of stock, get in touch and we'll hold a pair for you.