If you’ve ever watched a strongman lift a thick axle bar and wondered how they build such crushing grip strength, the secret is simpler than you think: thicker handles. Fat grip attachments wrap around your existing equipment, instantly turning a standard barbell or dumbbell into a challenge that forces your forearms, biceps, and even your back to work harder. Whether you’re a seasoned lifter or just starting out, these tools can transform your workouts.
This guide breaks down the top seven fat gripz style handles on the market, from the original award-winning Fat Gripz to heavy-duty cable attachments. You’ll learn what makes each one unique, who it’s best for, and how to choose the right diameter and style for your goals. By the end, you’ll know exactly which grip trainer fits your training style and hand size.
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Fat Gripz – Thick Grips – Increased Muscle Fiber Activation – Bigger Arms (…
Best forAll-around grip and arm building
- Award-winning design
- Military-spec durable material
ConsiderMay be too thick for small hands
Fat Gripz Extreme (2.75 Inch Outer Diameter)
Best forAdvanced grip strength athletes
- Extreme 2.75-inch diameter
- Ideal for pro strength training
ConsiderToo thick for beginners
Fat Gripz One (1.75 Inch Outer Diameter)
Best forLifters with smaller hands
- Comfortable 1.75-inch diameter
- Great for beginners
ConsiderLess intense than original
Fat Gripz – Strength Builder For Men And Women (1.75”)
Best forWomen and small-hand lifters
- Stylish pink design
- Ideal for smaller hands
ConsiderLimited color options
Fat Gripz Pro – Special Edition Black (New) (2.25 Inch Outer Diameter)
Best forClassic performance with style
- Sleek black special edition
- Proven 2.25-inch diameter
ConsiderMay be too thick for some
KORIKAHM Arm Wrestling Handles, Fat Armwresting Training Equipment LAT Pull…
Best forCable machine and arm wrestling
- Rotating 2.36-inch grip
- Sturdy nylon strap
ConsiderOnly for cable machines
Lights Mountain Heavy Duty Fat Gym Handle Grip 2" Dia Aluminum Alloy Exerci…
Best forHeavy-duty metal grip training
- Aluminum alloy with knurling
- Stainless steel D-ring
ConsiderMetal may be cold initially
Fat Gripz Original – Award-Winning Grip Strength Trainer
Brand: Fat Gripz
The proven original that delivers serious grip and arm gains.
The original Fat Gripz are the gold standard in grip training, and for good reason. They wrap around barbells, dumbbells, pull-up bars, and resistance bands, instantly increasing the diameter of the bar. This forces your forearms and biceps to activate far more than with a standard grip, which is exactly why they’ve won four Men’s Health Magazine awards. The military-spec material is durable and provides a secure, non-slip surface even when your hands get sweaty.
You’ll notice the difference from your very first set. Exercises like curls, rows, and deadlifts become more challenging, but that’s the point—you’re building functional strength that carries over to real-world tasks. Whether you’re a special forces soldier, a bodybuilder, or just someone who wants bigger arms, these grips deliver. They’re portable enough to toss in your gym bag, and they work with almost any equipment you already own.
- Award-winning design
- Military-spec durable material
- Works on most equipment
- May be too thick for small hands
- Can slip on smooth bars
Fat Gripz Extreme – Maximum Thickness for Advanced Lifters
Brand: Fat Gripz
The ultimate challenge for those seeking maximum grip strength.
If you’ve mastered the original Fat Gripz and want an even greater challenge, the Fat Gripz Extreme takes things to the next level with a massive 2.75-inch outer diameter. This is the same design as the famous blue Pro version but with an eye-catching orange color and silver/grey writing. It’s specifically built for pro strength athletes and anyone looking to push their grip strength to the absolute limit.
Using these extreme grips will make even light weights feel heavy, forcing your forearms, biceps, and even your shoulders to work overtime. They’re perfect for exercises like farmer’s walks, deadlifts, and rows, where a thick grip translates directly to functional strength. The science backs it up: thicker bars cause greater muscle activation, which leads to more size and strength gains over time. If you’re ready to graduate from standard grips, this is your upgrade.
- Extreme 2.75-inch diameter
- Ideal for pro strength training
- Durable construction
- Too thick for beginners
- May limit weight used
Fat Gripz One – Smaller Diameter for Smaller Hands
Fat Gripz One offers the same benefits as the original Pro but with a smaller 1.75-inch outer diameter, making it ideal for people with smaller hands or those who want a less extreme challenge. The black color with orange writing gives it a sleek look, but the real story is in the fit. You’ll get the muscle-building effects of thick grips without feeling like you’re holding a tree trunk.
This version is perfect for functional training on all exercises—from curls and presses to rows and pull-ups. The smaller diameter means you can still maintain a comfortable grip while reaping the benefits of increased muscle activation. It’s also a great stepping stone if you’re new to thick-bar training and want to work your way up to the original or Extreme versions. Whether you’re a woman with smaller hands or a lifter who prefers a moderate challenge, Fat Gripz One delivers.
- Comfortable 1.75-inch diameter
- Great for beginners
- Versatile for all exercises
- Less intense than original
- May not fit very thick bars
Fat Gripz Strength Builder – Pink Edition for Women
Brand: Fat Gripz
A functional and stylish choice for women seeking grip gains.
This pink version of Fat Gripz One is designed specifically for women and anyone who prefers a smaller grip diameter. With the same 1.75-inch outer diameter as the black One, it provides a comfortable yet effective training experience. The vibrant pink color with purple writing adds a fun touch to your gym gear, but the functionality is serious.
You’ll use these grips on dumbbells, barbells, cable attachments, and even resistance bands to build arm size and strength. The smaller diameter is perfect for smaller hands, allowing you to focus on muscle activation without struggling to hold the bar. It’s a fantastic way to add variety to your workouts and target your forearms and biceps from a new angle. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned lifter, this grip trainer helps you get stronger in style.
- Stylish pink design
- Ideal for smaller hands
- Enhances muscle activation
- Limited color options
- Not as intense as larger grips
Fat Gripz Pro Special Edition – Classic Black with Blue Accents
Brand: Fat Gripz
A stylish, high-performance grip trainer for serious lifters.
The Fat Gripz Pro Special Edition brings the same proven design as the original blue version but in a sleek black finish with blue writing. This 2.25-inch outer diameter is the sweet spot for most lifters—thick enough to challenge your grip significantly, but not so thick that it becomes impractical. It’s a favorite among professional football players, champion bodybuilders, and special forces soldiers.
You’ll wrap these around barbells, dumbbells, cable attachments, and machine handles to instantly increase muscle activation. The science is clear: thicker bars force your muscles to work harder, leading to greater size and strength gains. This special edition not only performs but also looks great in any gym bag. If you want the classic Fat Gripz experience with a fresh aesthetic, this is the one to get.
- Sleek black special edition
- Proven 2.25-inch diameter
- Trusted by elite athletes
- May be too thick for some
- Price may be higher than standard
KORIKAHM Arm Wrestling Handle – Rotating Fat Grip for Cables
Brand: KORIKAHM
A robust cable attachment for serious grip and forearm training.
The KORIKAHM Arm Wrestling Handle is a unique cable attachment designed for fat grip training. It features a 2.36-inch rotating extra-large grip, which is thicker than most standard fat grips, and a textured surface to prevent slipping. The enhanced black nylon strap is built to withstand heavy use, so you won’t have to worry about wear and tear.
This handle is perfect for lat pulldowns, rows, and arm wrestling-specific exercises. The rotating grip allows for natural wrist movement, reducing strain while still challenging your forearm and grip strength. It’s a versatile addition to any cable machine, helping you develop the muscles of your back, shoulders, and arms. If you’re into arm wrestling or just want a heavy-duty cable grip, this one stands out.
- Rotating 2.36-inch grip
- Sturdy nylon strap
- Anti-slip textured surface
- Only for cable machines
- May be too large for some
Lights Mountain Heavy Duty Fat Handle – Aluminum Alloy Grip
The Lights Mountain Heavy Duty Fat Gym Handle is a metal alternative to rubber grips. Made from aluminum alloy with a 2-inch diameter and anti-slip knurling, it provides a secure, comfortable grip that lasts. The welded D-ring is made of super-large stainless steel, ensuring durability even under heavy loads.
This handle attaches to cable machines, lat pulldowns, and other pulley systems, making it a versatile tool for building bigger, stronger arms. The double-layer webbing is 5cm wide and sewn for extra strength, so you can trust it to hold up during intense workouts. The knurled surface gives you a firm grip, which is essential for heavy pulling exercises. If you prefer a metal handle over rubber, this is a top choice.
- Aluminum alloy with knurling
- Stainless steel D-ring
- Double-layer webbing for strength
- Metal may be cold initially
- Only for cable machines
Buyer’s Guide: What to Consider
Choosing the right fat grip attachment depends on your hand size, training goals, and the equipment you use. This guide helps you evaluate the key factors so you can pick the perfect grip trainer for your needs.
- Grip Diameter: The outer diameter determines the challenge level. Smaller diameters like 1.75 inches are easier for beginners or those with smaller hands, while 2.75 inches offers extreme difficulty. Choose based on your current grip strength and hand size.
- Material and Durability: Rubber grips like Fat Gripz are flexible and portable, while metal handles like the Lights Mountain offer rigidity and knurling. Consider the material's durability and how it feels in your hand during sweaty workouts.
- Compatibility with Equipment: Some grips wrap around any bar, while others are specifically for cable machines. Think about where you'll use them—dumbbells, barbells, pull-up bars, or cable attachments—and choose accordingly.
- Rotating vs. Fixed Grip: Rotating handles, like the KORIKAHM, allow natural wrist movement, reducing strain and mimicking real-world movements. Fixed grips are simpler and often more stable. Decide based on your exercise preferences and joint comfort.
- Intended Use and Goals: Are you aiming for bigger arms, stronger grip, or arm wrestling performance? Fat Gripz are versatile for general strength, while specialized handles like the KORIKAHM are better for cable exercises and arm wrestling. Match the product to your specific training goals.
Conclusion
Fat grip training is a proven way to boost grip strength, build arm size, and enhance overall muscle activation. Whether you opt for the award-winning original Fat Gripz, the extreme thickness of the Extreme version, or a durable metal handle for cable machines, each product offers unique benefits. Consider your hand size, experience level, and the exercises you plan to do.
For most lifters, the classic Fat Gripz Pro is a reliable all-around choice, while the Fat Gripz One is perfect for smaller hands. If you’re into cable training, the KORIKAHM or Lights Mountain handles are excellent. Whichever you choose, you’ll be adding a powerful tool to your workouts.
Steven Settles is an ISCET-certified master in appliance repair. He has aced the National Appliance Service Technician Certification Exam, showcasing his exceptional diagnostic and repair skills. With an in-depth understanding of the latest repair technologies and a keen eye on evolving industry standards, Steven is a go-to expert for any appliance issue.