Buying the best gymnastics rings depends on a few different things from person to person. The goal of this post is to leave you with the best option for you when it comes to getting your first, second, or 10th set of rings. I’ll share info on how to hang them, where to put them, and a few resources on exercises that you can use to get started.
Whether you’re using these for gymnastics, or looking for the best CrossFit rings the information remains the same – the features for both are equally desirable because you’re going to be doing the same movements. Before we get into things you should read exactly how these rings are mounted – before you get all excited and get a pair of them you should figure out if you can hang them!
Best Gymnastics Rings Review Table:
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Gymnastics Rings Guide
There are a few factors to consider when buying a set of rings for gymnastics or CrossFit (hint you want the same thing in the end):
- Surface – Your options here are mainly wood and plastic. A lot of people flock to wood because historically it provided a better gripping surface but plastics have come a long way – and are often quite a bit cheaper. The one plus side is that wood naturally absorbs the chalk which is almost always used while doing ring work, so that DOES make it a slightly better gripping surface over the plastic counterparts.
- Weight – Heavier rings pose a safety risk – if a hefty say metal ring were to strike you during exercise it could be quite hazardous. Some people prefer the feel and control that a heavier ring gives but learning to use a lighter ring is also a challenge. Lighter rings are also easier to transport and bring wherever you want. Composite rings are the lightest, wood is a bit heavier, and metal is obviously the heaviest.
- Strap – Never get rings with a range of less than 8 feet, this equates to roughly 16 feet of total length per strap. With a minimum range of 8ft you can perform all ring exercises, any lower than that and you could run into clearance issues.
- Durability – Plastic can be more durable than wood if it’s high quality, but most of the wooden rings are stronger than plastics as the plastics are often cheaply made.
- Mounting – There are a lot of different ways to mount your rings. They could be hung from the rafters, from a tree, or a special mounting station could be made. Make sure you buy appropriate length straps for your station – I’ll share some good options for this later.
Best Gymnastics Rings Reviews
Let’s get into the reviews of the best gymnastics rings out there now. I’ll be covering aspects like cost, handle material, weight, strap specifications, and durability. Let’s go!
ProSource Fitness Gymnastics Rings Review [usr 3.5]
These ProSource rings are not only a great deal but a great option when it comes to picking the best rings for gymnastics or crossfit. They are a plastic ring, however they do have 17ft straps that can hold up to 1,000lbs which is more than enough. The plastic is good quality and provides a decent grip. Overall these are great for any gymnast or CrossFit goer on a budget, and in fact I’d recommend them as a decent starting set if you’re not on a budget.
- Easy to mount, holds 1000lbs
- Grippy plastic rings
- 17ft straps are perfect length for your needs
- Great gymnastics rings for those on a budget, or those looking for their first pair
- Best budget gymnastics/crossfit rings
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Rep Wood Gymnastics Rings Review [usr 4.5]
Here’s a great option when it comes to wooden rings with the Rep Wood gym rings. Featuring an 18′ strap, 600lb capacity, and two ring diamater availabilities in 1.11 and 2.25 inches. The great thing about the straps is that they’re screen printed with foot measurements on them that make them easily to adjust evenly on the fly.
- Numbered straps make set up and adjustments a breeze
- Nice quality grippy wooden rings available in 1.11 or 1.25″
- 18′ straps – the optimal length
- 600lb capacity
- Best wooden gymnastics rings
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Pellor Olympic Exercise Rings Review [usr 4]
Here’s another set of plastic (ABS) rings that you should consider. They’re a bit of a step up price-wise and quality from the ProSource and I think it’s justified. With a max capacity of 1200lbs the straps are more durable, a foot longer at 18′, and they have slightly heavier duty buckles. I also think that the writing and grooving on the rings makes them grippier than the ProSource and they’re also available in cool colors if you want them to stand out at your gym. A step up with some luxury features, but definitely doesn’t make the ProSource rings an obsolete option.
- 1200lb capacity
- ABS plastic rings with grippy texturing
- 17′ straps – good length
- Heavy duty adjusting buckles that are easy to use
- Available in a bunch of different colors
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BodyPress Wood Rings Review [usr 4]
Here’s another similar option to the Rep Wood’s when it comes to quality wooden rings. They’re only available in 1.25″ diameter which is fine but the stand out point for me is the upgraded die cast buckles for better stability and reduced wear on the straps. In the end they’re very similar to the Rep Wood’s and at the same price, but the buckles are upgraded slightly. Definitely an option to consider – they also have hash marks for adjusting like the Rep Wood’s.
- 17ft straps
- Die cast upgraded buckles for easy adjusting and durability
- Top quality wooden rings at 1.25″
- Blue straps
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Rogue Gymnastic Wood Rings Review
Getting a bit pricier, and undoubtedly higher quality I present the first of the Rogue gymnastics rings. These are their wooden rings featuring 16′ straps, 1.25″ or 1.11″ diameter rings options, heavy duty buckles, and also velcro on the straps to keep the excess in place. These are a bit pricer and I’m not sure the quality demands it but it is an option from a reputable CrossFit equipment dealer. If you’re looking for the best rings for CrossFit it’s hard to argue that anyone other than Rogue would produce them.
- 1.25″ or 1.11″ diameter wooden rings
- 16′ strap with heavy duty buckles – Rogue also sells a 40′ strap if you think 16′ is a bit short
- Straps have velcro sections to keep excess in place
- Options include longer straps, extra straps, ring bags, and different strap colors
- Overall a great option for a super high quality set of gymnastics rings
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Rogue Metal Gymnastics/CrossFit Rings Review
Very similar to the wooden rings except featuring 1.25″ steel tubing that’s TIG welded and powder-coated to be grip friendly but pass the test of time. These are heavy duty, heavy rings that are built to last and be friendly on the hands. They’re no doubt the heaviest rings on this list and will outlast every single other ring on this list as well. Coming standard with the 16′ straps like the wooden rings (I would recommend getting the 40′ strap upgrades). These have a lifetime warranty and there’s no wonder they offer it – these things are literally indestructible.
- Best metal gymnastics rings for gymnastics movements or CrossFit
- 1.25″ 14-gauge steel, welded, powdercoated
- 16′ strap with velcro to secure extra strap
- The powder coated exterior holds chalk like the wood
- Great option for heavy-duty rings – most durable gymnastics rings on this list
- Best metal crossfit/gymnastics rings
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Best Gymnastics/CrossFit Rings Conclusion
With three options of ring materials in plastic, wood, and metal it’s not super straight forward which gynmastics rings would be the best for you.
Plastic is often the cheapest, and can be grippy but doesn’t hold chalk like the wooden surface does.
Wood is great – it absorbs the chalk, is comfortable/ergonomic to grip, and lasts quite a while. It doesn’t last as long as plastic or metal and does have the potential to degrade.
Metal is the heaviest of all, the most expensive, and also the most durable.
If you’re just starting out or on a budget, get a reasonbly priced plastic or wooden pair. At the upper levels we have Rogue producing a high-quality wooden and metal ring, and a great budget plastic option in the ProSource ring. Either way, get a material you’d be comfortable with and a strap length of at least 18′ which is what I always recommend. Here are some great ring exercises for the beginner and experienced ring trainers alike to get you started!
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