Since UK-based Active Hands launched its General Purpose Gripping Aid in 2007, anyone with limited hand function seeking a good workout has not needed to look any further. Active Hands’ sleek, sturdy design coupled with its simple functionality made its selection a no-brainer. But a new contender has entered the market: the Grip Glove USA. With new features differentiating it from the rest, does it have what it takes to knock out the champ? We put both to the test and have the results below.
The Champ: Active Hands General Purpose Gripping Aid
The Active Hands General Purpose Gripping Aid has enjoyed a long reign as the top gripping aid. It got there by mimicking the design of the generic suede gripping aids so many of us received in therapy, but wisely adding several features that improved the performance and functionality for users. The Active Hands gripping aid is made of neoprene and has a strap around the wrist and another that wraps around the hand, both of which are secured using strong Velcro to ensure a firm grip on the object being held. For quads, and others with limited hand dexterity, the Active Hands gripping aids have rings at the ends of the straps, allowing the user to to pull the strap tight with a finger or even their teeth, like I do. I have used the Active Hands gripping aids for many years and have found them to be easy to use, versatile, and durable. I have used them for everything from lifting weights and using cardio machines, to holding utensils while cooking. The only problem I have while using the Active Hands gripping aids is the amount of stress put on my wrists when lifting weights. As a C5-6 quad, I have decent wrist extension strength but no ability to flex my wrist with my palm facing upwards. When using the Active Hands gripping aids, the weight of dumbbells or a cable machine will pull my wrist down causing stress on the joint and limiting how much I can lift.
The Active Hands General Purpose Gripping Aid starts at $94.95 per glove and can be purchased individually or in pairs. They are available in small, standard, and large in several colors. For more information, please visit activehands.com.
The Challenger: Grip Glove USA
The Grip Glove USA is the newest contender trying to take Active Hands’ title. The Grip Glove USA looks like a bulked up take on the Active Hands aid, with several additional features that set it apart from previous also-rans. The Grip Glove USA features a removable aluminum bar that runs across the top of the wrist and forearm, a strap that wraps around the wrist, and a second strap that wraps around the forearm for additional support. The Grip Glove USA also has six D-rings for attachment of cables and pulleys, as well as a wraparound grip for the hand like the Active Hands gripping aid.
The best new benefit of the Grip Glove USA is the support provided by the aluminum bar. As previously mentioned, I have limited strength in my wrists that affects my ability to lift as much as I would like. The aluminum bar provides excellent support for my wrists and allows me to lift more weight with more control. It is especially beneficial when doing exercises like curls, chest presses, and internal and external rotations.
The six D-rings are another good addition that provides options for attaching cables and resistance tubes. For some exercises, I found it easier and more effective to attach whatever I was using directly to the D-ring instead of using a handle attached to a machine. The aluminum bar also enhances the utility of the D-rings. I have used wrist straps with D-rings to attach cables, but it always feels like there is not enough support and too much stress on my arm. The bar eliminates the stress and makes using the D-rings a good experience.
The only major problem I encountered with the Grip Glove USA could be unique to me, but is worth mentioning, nonetheless. When using the Grip Glove USA, it tended to make my forearm flip over. I do not have the ability to rotate my forearm from having my palm facing up to facing down. When doing exercises like rowing that required me to pull with my palm facing down, the gloves would twist my forearm and I could not counteract it. This may not be a problem for everyone, but it prevented me from doing some exercises.
The Grip Glove USA can be purchased individually or in pairs and is available in small or large sizes for $99.50 per glove. For more information, visit gripgloveusa.com.
The Verdict
In a close battle, the Active Hands gripping aids remain undefeated. The Active Hands gripping aids are still the best option for most use cases — they work the best for gripping handles on cardio machines and sports equipment, and work very well when using a handle attached to a cable machine or resistance tubes. If you prefer to not grip a handle, or if a lack of wrist strength hinders your workouts, the Grip Glove USA gives much-needed support to the wrists and may improve your workouts. If cost is not an issue, I would recommend buying both to have the option to use either as needed.
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At $95 EACH!!, both gloves are TOO EXPENSIVE for an average Joe (quad) like me.
I agree, it seems like the manufacturers are taking advantage of the exclusive nature of the group of people who would need these gloves to keep the price high. They sound like they’d be really beneficial for a variety of people and I’d be willing to spend $50/pair, but not $200.
Yes, they are expensive, and I am not sure if it applies this time, but many times adaptive products that we need are made by small companies and it costs them a lot of money to get these products out here to us.
I completely agree most cannot afford them…If I recall that have payment plans for wheelchair, maybe they do for gloves too, Or possibly they have scholarships? Maybe you could call and find out.
Good luck to you,
Full finger weight lifting gloves cost $18 – $30/pair sew on 4 inches of heavy canvas or leather with a 12 inch strip of velcro strapping across the end might cost $3 – $5 material and $10 – $15 in labor at most, so $50/pair would not be unreasonable without gouging the heck out of folks that need them!
So they should sell this at cost? What about their kids’ clothing expenses, or their gas? The sales volumes on these products are tiny. Maybe a few hundred sales per year. Do the math. You are forgetting that a product needs a roughly 3x profit factor to account for overhead expenses, like heat. And internet. And all the random online subscriptions you have to have to operate a website. And crippling taxes on both ends. Also, someone had to design this, answer emails with your complaints, handle returns, etc etc. Both products are the result of compassionate and hard working entrepreneurs who are trying to help people. $100 is a typical, nice dinner for two in 2023. Also, your gym gloves are made in China for $3. So they charged you 10x. Back in China, an old woman who can’t afford to go to a doctor making the cheap gym gloves in Dongguan, working overtime. So the Amazon/Walmart resellers you are thinking of are “price gouging” you too. Everything is done this way. Do you think a coffee costs $4 for the cafe to make? Try $0.21. But they need luxuries, like heat and your Wi-Fi and a free restroom for you. Don’t buy and complain – because maybe these owners will get tired and close shop. Then you can sew your own stuff…good luck with that. The sewing machine will set you back $300. Pack of Velcro at Michael’s is $9. Happy sewing! Don’t spend the $-63 you’ll save all in one place. I think both products shown here look amazing and wish them the best. God bless.