If you’re looking for the perfect elbow sleeves for calisthenics, look no further because we’ve got all the information to help you find sleeves that are right for your body and workout needs.
We’ll dive straight into our recommendations, and later in this article, we’ll also take you through the benefits of using elbow sleeves in calisthenics and how to know if you need a sleeve.
Our Recommendations
We’ll show you our elbow sleeve recommendations, so you can decide which will be best for you based on your shape, size, protection, and workout requirements.
The following sleeves can all be used for calisthenics and come with varying benefits depending on your requirements.
1. Gymreapers Elbow Sleeves
*Our top pick
First on the list are our favorite elbow sleeves for calisthenics: Gymreapers.
Gymreapers Elbow Sleeves provide more support than most other sleeves and are made from quality material that helps them fit comfortably around the elbows.
The material used in these sleeves is 5mm thick, which is thicker than most, however, this doesn’t restrict movement, making them suitable for calisthenics.
The support offered by Gymreapers Elbow Sleeves can help to aid recovery and reduces the risk of new injuries. They also help improve mobility in the elbows in various exercises and moves.
Gymreapers Elbow Sleeves are sold in various sizes, making them suitable for men or women.
Although they’re pricier than some sleeves, it’s worth remembering they’re sold in pairs compared to some others where you only get one per pack, and you get what you pay for in quality and comfort.
These sleeves are worth buying if you want to protect both elbows and need plenty of support.
CategoryGymreaper Elbow Sleeves SpecificationsNumber of sleeves in a packTwo (one pair)Product highlightsExcellent quality, extra support but still flexible enough for calisthenicsSizes availableS, M, L, XL, XXLPrice range$45-$50Colors availableBlack & red, black & white, green & whiteStar rating4.6/5
2. Incrediwear Elbow Sleeves
*Best for pain reduction & injury prevention
Incrediwear Elbow Sleeves have a unique and proven design which can help ease pain related to existing conditions and prevent further injury.
The company states that their product has anti-inflammatory properties because it helps increase circulation and reduces inflammation in the elbow joint.
Although the Incrediwear sleeve is a little pricier than some, we like this product for comfort and support and because it works without constricting movement in calisthenics.
This sleeve has a more natural feel, making it perfect for those who want support during calisthenics, especially street or freestyle workouts.
It’s also comfortable enough to wear when you’re not exercising if you want some added support for recovery.
CategoryIncrediwear Elbow Sleeves SpecificationsNumber of sleeves in a packOneBest forSupport, comfortSizes availableS, M & LPrice range$35-$40Colors availableGreyStar rating4.5/5
3. Kunto Fitness Elbow Sleeve
The next sleeve in our list of recommendations is the Kunto Fitness Sleeve. This sleeve is another one of our top picks due to the quality of the material and the protection it can offer to those with various conditions and injuries.
The Kunto Sleeve offers support to those with sprains, pains, and joint problems such as arthritis and tennis elbow, and it can help with recovery from past injuries.
The main feature of this product is the four-way stretch fabric, which provides support where it’s needed most while being flexible enough to perform all kinds of calisthenics exercises and moves. It also comes in various sizes, making it suitable for men or women.
The Kunto Elbow Sleeve offers value for money due to the high level of support and quality fabric, however, it’s probably best for those who only need protection for one arm because it’s not sold as a pair.
CategoryKunto Elbow Sleeve SpecificationsNumber of sleeves in a packOne (offers available if you buy more than one)Product highlightsExcellent for quality and support and can help improve mobility in calisthenicsSizes availableXS, S, M, L, XLPrice range $25-$30 Colors availableBlack & orange, white & grey, nudeStar rating4.4/5
4. FCNUSXSPORTS Elbow Sleeves
*Best value for money
Next up are FCNUSXSPORTS Elbow Sleeves, which are our top choice in the value for money category.
These sleeves provide comfort and support while being flexible and not too tight, which means they work well for all kinds of calisthenics workouts.
FCNUSXSPORTS Elbow Sleeves come in various sizes, so you can get a fit that’s right for you, and they’re suitable for both men and women.
When it comes to value for money, these sleeves are a top choice for those on a budget. You can pick this product up for just $11.97 (at the time of writing), which is excellent value considering the quality and the fact you get a pair.
CategoryFCNUSXSPORTS Elbow Sleeves SpecificationsNumber of sleeves in a packTwo (one pair)Product highlightsComfortable, excellent value for moneySizes availableXS, S, M, L, XLPrice range$10-$15Colors availableBlack & grey, black & blue, black & redStar rating4.4/5
5. PowerLix Elbow Sleeves
*Top choice for comfort
Powerlix Elbow Sleeves are a bestseller with a neat and simple design that offers support and comfort, making them an excellent chose for those who perform calisthenics.
Comfort is the main focus of these sleeves, and they have a unique sweatproof feature that helps maintain comfort and keeps the joint at an optimum temperature, which is said to protect the joint and aid recovery.
We also like these sleeves because of their value for money and the fact they come in a pair, which is especially good if you’re looking to protect both elbows.
These sleeves are good for men and women and can be bought in various sizes and colors.
CategoryPowerlix Elbow Sleeves SpecificationsNumber of sleeves in a packTwo (one pair)Product highlightsBestseller, sweatproof, good value for money & excellent supportSizes availableS, M, L, XLPrice range$20-$25Colors availableBlack, beige, blueStar rating4.4/5
6. Thx4Copper Elbow Sleeves
*Lightweight & flexible
Thx4Copper Elbow Sleeves are pretty different from the others we’ve reviewed so far because they’re made from a material that contains genuine copper fiber.
Copper is thought to have healing properties when it comes to joint pain, so these sleeves are designed to ease pain, prevent injury, and protect joints.
We like the design of these sleeves because they’re sleek, flexible, and comfortable while still being supportive, making them ideal for calisthenics.
They slip on easily and come in various sizes, making them suitable for men and women.
They’re also really good value, with a pair coming in at less than $15.
CategoryThx4Copper Elbow Sleeves SpecificationsNumber of sleeves in a packTwo (one pair)Product highlightsLightweight, flexible, contains real copper, excellent valueSizes availableS, M, L, XL, XXLPrice range$10-$15Colors availableBlackStar rating4.4/5
7. Mava Sports Bamboo Elbow Sleeves
Mava Sports Bambo Elbow Sleeves are a good choice for calisthenics freestylers who are looking for sleeves that are flexible enough for an intense routine.
Although they look fairly simple, they still offer plenty of support and can help improve pain and mobility during exercise while decreasing the risk of injury.
These sleeves are available in various sizes and can fit men or women, providing you get the right size for your arm.
They also offer excellent value, with one pair costing less than $15. Offers are also available via Amazon if you buy more than one pack (pair).
CategoryMava Sports Bamboo Elbow Sleeves SpecificationsNumber of sleeves in a packTwo (one pair)Product HighlightsExcellent for comfort and fit, flexible for calisthenicsSizesS, M, L, XL, XXLPrice range$10-15Colors availableBlackStar rating4.4/5
8. FENGJIDA Elbow Sleeves
FENGJIDA Elbow Sleeves are extra unique because they have adjustable straps, which provide extra support.
These sleeves are good for anyone who has an elbow injury and is looking to continue training or those who are experiencing elbow pain or want to prevent potential problems.
While the extra strapping might look like these sleeves could restrict movement, they’re still flexible enough for calisthenics and can help improve elbow mobility.
While you only get one of these sleeves per pack, they’re still excellent value for money at less than $15 per sleeve, especially considering the extra support they provide.
The only downside to these sleeves is fewer size choices, however, the sleeves are adjustable, so you can tighten it up or down at each end.
CategoryFENGJIDA Elbow Sleeves SpecificationsNumber of sleeves in a packOneProduct highlightsExtra support but is still flexible enough for calisthenics & good value for moneySizes availableL & XLPrice range$10-$15Colors availableBlackStar rating4.3/5
9. Sparthos Elbow Sleeves
The final product we’re reviewing today is Sparthos Elbow Sleeves. We like these because they’re fairly small, have a sleek design, but they also offer plenty of support if you’re recovering from injury or trying to prevent pain.
They’re an excellent choice for calisthenics because they’re thin and flexible enough to perform any move you like and come in various sizes, so men or women can use them.
If you’re the kind of person who likes to coordinate their workout gear, there’s a choice of bright colors, including blue and pink.
Sparthos Elbow Sleeves are excellent value for money, with a pair costing around $15, and offers are available if you buy more than one pack.
CategorySparthos Elbow Sleeves SpecificationsNumber of sleeves in a packTwo (one pair)Product highlightsFlexible, sleek design & flexible yet supportive for calisthenicsSizes availableS, M, L, XLPrice range$10-$15 (offers available if you buy more than one pair)Colors availableBlack, blue, beige, pinkStar rating4.3/5
What to Look For When Choosing Elbow Sleeves
When choosing the best elbow sleeves for calisthenics, there are some key points to consider to make sure they’re going to fit properly and work effectively. These points include:
- Comfort. A good quality sleeve shouldn’t be itchy or uncomfortable. It should fit like a glove and not roll up or down while wearing it. Choose a material that feels soft but offers a good level of support.
- Fit. Check sizing guides and take measurements to ensure you’re getting the right size for your arm. Elbow sleeves should provide compression and support without being too tight and shouldn’t feel like they’re cutting off your circulation.
- Support & Protection. People wear elbow sleeves for different reasons, including reducing pain, increasing mobility, injury prevention, or to help with recovery from a previous injury. This means that the level of support a person needs will be dependent on their circumstances. Make sure the sleeve you choose can offer the support and protection that you need, especially if your workouts are fairly intense.
- Quality. As with most purchases, it’s important to choose a quality product that will last, that you won’t end up throwing in the trash after two weeks. If you regularly wear elbow sleeves for calisthenics, they must be hardwearing enough to take the strain of repetitive movement. You can pick up good quality elbow sleeves for low prices, providing you pick the right ones (see our reviews above).
- Flexibility. This is a key consideration if you’re buying elbow sleeves for calisthenics because of the required range of motion to perform various moves and exercises in a workout. Ensure the sleeve is flexible enough to move your arm and elbow joint effectively, or it could restrict your movement.
When Should You Wear Elbow Sleeves for Calisthenics?
The final point is, do you even need to wear elbow sleeves for calisthenics? So, let’s look at why you might need them and the potential benefits you could get from using them in a workout.
Elbow sleeves are beneficial when you perform calisthenics workouts if you fall into any of the following categories:
- You’ve had a previous injury, but you still want to train and need something to aid recovery.
- You’re experiencing pain in your elbow and want additional support.
- You don’t have any injuries or pain, but you want to protect your joints from possible problems.
- You’re prone to injury in that area.
- You want to increase mobility in your elbow joint/s.
Whatever your reason for using elbow sleeves, we just wanted to finish by saying that if you’ve had a past injury or you’re experiencing pain when you exercise, it’s always a good idea to seek advice from a medical professional if you’re concerned or you feel the condition is getting worse.