Best Pull up assist band 1

Pull up assist bands are a great piece of equipment for both beginner trainees and pro athletes alike. Most gym-goers will use resistance bands as part of their strength training program for either mobility exercises or simulate exercises like rows and bench press. They work great for that, however, resistance bands can also be used to assist in movements such as pull-ups. In this article, we will go over the best pull up assist bands that you can find on the market.

1. FREETOO Resistance Bands - Pull Up Assistance Bands

Summary

FREETOO offers continuous resistance bands made from natural latex that can be used to simulate multiple exercise movements, stretching, mobility, and assist with pull-ups. Their Amazon page shows 5 different resistance levels, however, you are only able to choose 1 of 2 resistance levels; the purple band (35-85lbs) or the red band (15-35lb). One thing which is interesting is that they offer a 1-year warranty; however, I can not comment on how good the warranty is. While glancing over the reviews, there are some pictures of bands tearing. Still, it has an average of 4.5-star reviews from 520 reviewers. All in all, it looks like a good, basic resistance band

Pros

  • Good reviews
  • 1-year warranty
  • Made of latex

Cons

  • Only 2 resistance levels are able to be bought

Takeaway

While their Amazon does need some help, these look like some good, basic bands at a good price.

2. REP Fitness Pull up Assistance Bands

Summary

REP Fitness has a very good reputation in the fitness industry for quality products at an affordable price. REP offers 7 varying resistance levels in their continuous loop resistance bands. The smallest band offer 5-15 lb. of resistance with the largest band offering 75-175lb. There are also several different bundles offered if you are interested in buying multiple bands. Unfortunately, their site does not tell what the bands are made of. Either way, they look high quality and have great reviews on their page. Plus, they come from a trusted brand in fitness.

Pros

  • Many different levels of resistance
  • Priced well
  • Respectable brand
  • Multiple bundles

Cons

  • Material used is not disclosed.

Takeaway

A massive range of bands with some of the largest band resistance available. If you need heavy resistance, these will do the job.

3. WODFitters Pull Up Assistance Band

Summary

WODfitters offer resistance bands that come in 6 different levels of resistance ranging from 10-35lbs all the way to a massive 80-200lbs of resistance. There are also several different bundles to choose from. I was only able to find a generic answer regarding the material that they are made of - rubber. Being these are marketed towards Crossfitters, they seem to be geared towards helping to assist with movements such as pull-ups and dips. However, they also have some pictures of athletes performing banded bench press so it seems they have a lot of versatility depending on what size you purchase.

One mildly annoying point with their Amazon site is that all the bands and bundles are on different pages instead of one page with a drop-down menu. However, the red band has a 4.5 average review from over 2,000 reviewers.

Pros

  • Options up to 200lbs of resistance
  • Multiple bundles
  • Versatile uses

Cons

  • More expensive than other brands
  • Unclear information on material
  • Amazon site could be improved

Takeaway

Marketed towards CrossFit, these bands are able to meet the needs of anything you may need resistance bands for; from stretching to banded barbell movements.

4. Titan Fitness Loop Resistance Multi-pack

Summary

Titan Fitness is one of the top brands for high-quality equipment for a relatively affordable price. They are probably the most established brand on this list. This a multi-pack set that includes 4 continuous loop bands made from "durable latex". Each band is 12" in length (none stretched) and varies in resistance level from 15-35lb all the way up to 70-120lb bands. This set of four bands comes with a 1-year warranty. It is not unheard of to have even the best quality bands break so having a warranty is a plus if this is among your primary concerns. In the review section, a few reviewers specifically mention they primarily use them for dips and pull-ups assistance. Being that they are only 12", they could also be used as hip circle bands if needed.

Pros

  • Highly reputable company
  • 4-pack priced for a budget
  • From 15-120 lbs of resistance
  • Reviewers specifically mention great use of pull up assistance
  • Overall a great resistance band set

Cons

  • While fairly priced, they are still more expensive than others

Takeaway

A great set of bands that would be perfect to travel with. Or if you just need a wide assortment of bands for a home gym. Titan Fitness never disappoints.

5. Serious Steel Assisted Pull-Up Band

Summary

Serious Steel is a brand that is mostly sold on Amazon yet has a great reputation among lifters. Even in elite circles, the brand is well-respected for offering high-quality products for often much lower prices. These continuous loop bands come in 6 resistance levels. Their lowest resistance is one of the lightest offering 2-15 lbs all the way up to 60-150lbs. Unfortunately, there does not seem to be a package offered. What I like about these is that there are some basic instructions on how to use the bands to help assist with pull ups. There are also some other basic tips on how to use them for other various movements. Seems to be made of latex rubber but information disclosure is not clear.

Pros

  • Well respected brand
  • Very light resistance available if needed
  • Basic instructions are given for use with pull up assistance
  • 6 band selection

Cons

  • Slightly high price

Takeaway

If you want to pay a little extra for bands that are extra durable, Serious Steel delivers with these high-quality bands.

6. Draper's Strength Heavy Duty Pull Up Assistance and Powerlifting Stretch Bands

Summary

Draper's Strength continuous loop resistance bands are made of a "high-quality latex" and come in 7 levels of resistance. The lightest offers 2-15 lbs of resistance and goes up to a massive 70-175lbs of resistance. What instantly sets these bands apart is that it comes with an Eguide for workouts. It also provides a chart to help you with choosing what band is appropriate for you to use with assisting with pull-ups. I can not comment on the quality or content of the workout guide but the pull-up chart does look to be well put together. There does not seem to be any bundles so you must buy one band separately.

Pros

  • Eguide and pull up assist guide can be a great, free tool
  • Bands look durable
  • The specific emphasis put on assisting with pull-ups
  • Large range of resistance to choose
  • Better priced than most

Cons

  • No bundles

Takeaway

I love these bands as they come with an eGuide AND a pull up assist guide. Still, these bands still look amazing even without those free bonuses. They look like a win.

7. Fringe Sport Strength Bands

Fringe Sport Strength Bands

Summary

Fringe Sport is a relatively new weight lifting equipment brand that manufactures everything you need such as plates and bars. This includes these continuous loop resistance bands made from high-quality latex. Fringe Sport offers 7 different resistance levels. Their lightest level is a bit heavier than most giving 20-35lbs of resistance and goes all the way up t0 80-200lbs. They do have good reviews with many commenting on high quality and the ability to be used for assisting with pull-ups as well as performing compound movements. However, I don't see what justifies such a high price.

Pros

  • Heavy resistance up to 200lbs
  • Versatile uses

Cons

  • Expensive for what it does
  • No option for very light resistance

Takeaway

Unless these do something I am unaware of, I do not see anything that justifies the price. Especially with so many other great bands at much cheaper prices.

8. INTEY Pull up Assistance Bands

Summary

INTEY claims they have the most "economical exercise bands". They offer 4 continuous loop bands made from 100% latex rubber which are available to be purchased as a single band (except the second lightest, not sure why), or in a set with all 4 bands. The lightest band which you can buy separately offers 15-35 lbs of resistance, then 35-85lbs, while the heaviest offers 50-125 lbs. The set of all four bands includes another band that has a resistance of 25-65lbs at an affordable price. When you buy the set, you also get a little carrying gym bag and an Ebook. These bands have over 8,000 reviews with a 4.5-star review. The brand INTEY also seems to offer other sets with lighter resistance, hip circle bands, and booty bands which can be accessed from their Amazon page.

Pros

  • Very low and economical price
  • Buy single bands or a set
  • Ebook and gym bag with a set
  • Warranty

Cons

  • Can't really see any

Takeaway

If these are as durable as they claim (they have the reviews), these are a very economical choice as they have everything you need. Saying anything negative would be nitpicking.

9. Synergee Pull up Assist Bands

Summary

Synergee offers two different sets of continuous loop resistance bands. The first set comes with 3 bands of variable resistance including 30-50lbs, 40-80lbs, and 50-120 lbs. The second set comes with those same 3 bands, plus a lighter band 0f 5-15lbs. The bands are said to be made of 17 layers of latex for ultimate durability. Being an elite athlete or a weekend warrior, these bands are marketed to be used for stretching and mobility as well as assisting in pull-ups and performing a large variety of exercises. They boast an average review of 4.5 stars on Amazon yet only have 263 reviews.

Pros

  • Look great
  • 2 different bundles
  • Adequate resistance for the majority of people

Cons

  • Newish brand (untested yet good reviews)

Takeaway

Although the two different bundles seem unnecessary, either set looks like it will meet the needs of the majority of people.

10. Mummy Strength Pull up Resistance Bands

Summary

While I originally thought these were bands meant for moms, I discovered they are named after the monster. They really push their durability and are described as "tough as nails" bands made from "premium-grade latex" and come with a lifetime warranty. They offer 5 bands with multiple resistance levels but the individual resistance levels aren't given, just that all 5 bands together can offer resistance levels from 5-175lbs of resistance. They offer a buying guide based on your weight and pull-up ability to give you guidance as to what band you should buy. They do look to be very high-quality bands that can aid with your training, and unlike many other brands, I did not see any reviews talk of tearing or breaking.

Pros

  • Lifetime warranty
  • No (seen) reviews of breaking
  • Look very durable and professional
  • Reasonable priced
  • Buying guide

Cons

  • Exact resistance levels not given

Takeaway

These things look great aesthetically AND very durable. They definitely look like they belong in a CrossFit box with some strong lifters. Plus, a lifetime warranty shows they are confident in their product.

11. Iron Core Athletics Pull Up Assist Bands

Summary

Iron Core Athletics offers 4 continuous loop bands made from layered latex and are "commercial gym quality". Their smallest band offers 10-35lbs of resistance and their heaviest band offers 50-120lbs of resistance. While not a lifetime warranty, they do offer a 2-year warranty which is plenty long enough. They stand out as only having about 100 reviews but still have earned an average of 4.5-star review.

Pros

  • Low, economical price
  • Single bands or bundle
  • 2-year warranty
  • Look very durable

Cons

  • Only 100 reviews
  • Smaller selection than other brands

Takeaway

The newest brand on the list so they have a lot to prove, and it looks like they do with these bands.

12. Rubberbanditz Pull Up Assistance Bands

Summary

Rubberbanditz comes in with a huge selection of 8 different levels of continuous loop bands. They are said to be made from heavy-duty latex rubber that is able to stretch 2.5 times its original length. The lightest resistance level offers 5-15lbs of resistance all the way up to their largest band which offers 80-200lbs of resistance. They offer an ebook that is specifically designed to help with improving pull-ups. It also seems they have a book that shows how to do movements such as hip thrusts and squats. Both can be a great tool to use in your training. Their bands also come with a lifetime warranty which can eliminate any type of concern with the quality. They don't have as many reviews as other brands (634) but still boast a 4.5-star average rating. Most negative reviews revolve around bands breaking or poor quality control with different bands.

Pros

  • Lifetime warranty
  • Huge range of bands
  • Free pull up Ebook and workout guide

Cons

  • No bundles
  • Not as many reviews as other brands

Takeaway

I really liked these bands due to their huge assortment, massive resistance available, lifetime warranty, and free guides.

Conclusion

When choosing your bands, keep in mind your budget and purpose. All of the above brands will be acceptable and none raise any large concerns. You may also want to look at aesthetics as well if that is a concern as some do look more "professional" than others. Also, if you want to buy multiple bands, you'll probably want to look at buying a bundle to save money.

Buying Guide

Before you purchase your bands, let's go through some key points.

Benefits of pull up assist bands

The use of resistance bands can greatly enhance your overall training due to the numerous benefits they have

Never Miss a Workout: Being that resistance bands are extremely easy to store, you can easily keep them as a set at home or take them with you on trips. Therefore, if you're short on time or traveling, you can easily get a workout in

Assist with Movements: Using bands is a great way to help assist with different bodyweight movements such as dips, pull ups, and push ups. Being that you are still doing the same movement, your body still requires the same movement pattern learning.

Full Body Workouts: Using a band is a great way to get in a full-body workout due to its versatility.

Great for All Levels: Resistance bands come in a wide assortment of resistance making them perfect for beginners and elite lifters alike

Advanced Workouts: Using bands in conjunction with barbell movements is a common way to add variable resistance for advanced lifters.

How to properly use pull up assist bands

Using pull up band to assist with pull ups can be a bit tricky at first. If you are brand new to using resistance bands to assist with pull-ups, I would definitely suggest buying a brand such as Rubberbanditz or Drapers Strength as they come with a guide but here are a couple of tips:

1) Don't use too heavy: You want a band to help with the movement, not do everything. Therefore, use a band that is just strong enough to assist you with the number of reps you need. Also, too heavy can be dangerous

2) You may need a friend: The first time you try to use a band with assist pull ups, ask a friend for some assistance. You may need some starting and finishing

3) Tighten your core: One of the reasons using assist bands is superior to using a pull up machine is that you free hang. This means you will need to brace your core from swinging. Don't be surprised to have a sore core your first day. Not that that's a bad thing!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7yqudG7vnow

What to consider when buying pull up assist bands

When buying your bands, keep these points in mind to help to assist you with making your purchase?

Price: While all resistance bands are relatively cheap, there is still some variability in their prices. Therefore, keep your budget in mind when choosing a set

Function: Decide why you are buying bands. Do you want them to travel with or use at home? Will you use it for full-body workouts or do you just want for legs? Or maybe you want some to use with banded barbell movements.

Quantity: If you are buying a large assortment, you're obviously better of buying bands in a bundle. If you need just one, spending money on a bundle would be wasting it.

Aesthetics: Different bands utilize different styles with their bands. Some look more "hardcore" while others come in light, pastel colors. If this matters to you, you will need to look at the bands and decide if it is what you're looking for.

Frequently Asked Questions

What resistance bands should I buy for pull ups?

I really like the Rubberbanditz bands as they offer both a workout guide and a "how-to" training manual for doing assisted pull ups . That being said, you want to start with a lighter band and work your way up. Using too strong of a band can be a bit dangerous and hard to control. I find most people work well with 10-60lbs for pull up assistance

Are banded pull ups good?

Absolutely. They work much better than assisted machines because they mimic the movement much better. This is due to the fact your body is still hanging freely rather than being supported. I always use banded pull ups with clients who are unable to perform solid pull ups

Can I get ripped with resistance bands?

Yes! While "getting ripped" really depends on your diet, bands are able to offer enough resistance to promote muscle hypertrophy or muscle growth.