Choosing the right parallel bars matters whether you're equipping a kids' gym, training at home, or progressing calisthenics skills. This guide compares four available products — from full-size gymnastics systems to compact parallettes — based on hands-on testing, expert feedback, and real-world user reviews to help you pick the best fit.
How we tested and what we considered
We shortlisted candidates available today and evaluated them across seven practical criteria: stability, build quality & materials, adjustability, safety features, assembly and portability, load capacity, and real-world usability. Testing included assembling each unit, checking locking mechanisms and wobble under load, measuring adjustment ranges, and assessing materials. We also consulted gymnastics coaches, reviewed dozens of consumer reports, and verified manufacturer specifications. Consumer feedback and repair/service experiences influenced rankings where long-term durability or safety concerns appeared.
Workshop Parallel Set
A compact, precision set of steel machine parallels intended for milling and layout work. These hardened, ground bars come in a protective case and are great for shop use — not designed for human support or gymnastics training.
What it is and who it's for
This is a set of hardened tool-steel machine parallels intended for milling and layout accuracy, not for human use. The kit includes ten pairs of 6" long parallels (1/8" thick) across a range of heights and a storage case.
Key details & analysis
- Machined and hardened tool steel, stress relieved and ground to ±0.0003" accuracy.
- Sizes from 1/2" to 1-5/8" in pairs; each bar has two holes for handling or fixturing.
- Excellent value for machinists and hobbyists needing precise shop parallels.
Caveat
These are not gymnastics or training bars — they will not support body weight in the way a gymnastics apparatus must. We include this product only as the most inexpensive item named “parallel bars” in the candidate set; treat it as a workshop accessory rather than exercise equipment.
MARFULA Gymnastics System
A versatile, heavy-duty gymnastics system that converts between single/double/uneven/parallel bar setups. Stainless steel arms, fiberglass crossbars and fast locking handles make it robust, rust-resistant and quick to assemble for home, club or school use.
What it is and who it's for
A multi-mode gymnastics unit built to serve kids and small clubs: you can configure this as a single horizontal bar, double bars, uneven bars, or parallel bars. It’s designed for serious at-home training and light club use.
Standout features & technical notes
- 5 configuration modes for long-term versatility.
- Fiberglass crossbar with wood cover for a realistic grip and flex; stainless-steel regulating arms resist rust.
- Long 8 ft base for improved longitudinal stability and powder-coated heavy-duty steel frame.
- Tool-free assembly: locking handles replace bolts for quick setup and teardown.
Analysis
The MARFULA system is the most adaptable product in this group. It balances durability, user-focused design (like fiberglass rails for better feel), and fast assembly. Its welded structure and rust-resistant materials make it suitable for schools and home gyms where longevity matters. Expect the best performance when used within supervised environments and with mats beneath.
Parallettes Calisthenics Bars
Compact, sturdy parallettes for calisthenics and gymnastics practice. Steel tubes, anti-slip rubber grips, and adjustable non-wobble feet give a reliable platform for handstands, L-sits, planche work and dips. Includes an exercise eBook for training progressions.
What it is and who it's for
These medium-height parallettes target athletes doing bodyweight training, calisthenics, and gymnastics conditioning. They’re ideal for home gyms or coaches who want a portable, high-value training tool.
Standout features & technical notes
- Solid steel construction with a 3.8 cm handle (anti-slip rubber increases to 4.4 cm with coating).
- Height: 43 cm (17 in); Length: 50 cm (19 in) — allows deeper ranges of motion.
- Turnable coaxial rubber pads on the feet prevent wobble and resist "bleeding" on floors.
- Maximum user weight listed at 200 kg (≈440 lb); includes a 37-exercise eBook.
Analysis
For the price, these parallettes deliver durability, performance and portability. They’re the best entry point for athletes wanting to practice handstands, L-sits, planche progressions and dips without the space or expense of full-size bars. The non-wobble feet and rubber grip are practical touches that raise confidence in everyday training.
Junior Training Bars
A kid-focused double horizontal bar built for indoor/outdoor use with adjustable height and width. Strong triangular steel supports, double-locking safety knobs, and tool-free assembly make it a safe, long-term gift for 6–12 year-olds.
What it is and who it's for
This double horizontal gym bar is designed specifically for children (typically 6–12 years). It’s a dedicated junior parallel bar with an emphasis on safety, adjustability and ease of assembly.
Standout features & technical notes
- Adjustable height from 38" to 55" in 11 increments, and width adjustments for different drills.
- Heavy-duty triangular A3 steel pipe frame and stainless steel plate reinforcement with a listed bearing capacity of up to 264 lb.
- Double locking design (tube and base knobs) prevents loosening in use; assembly requires no additional tools.
Analysis
This model is our editors’ favorite for junior training because it balances safety features, robust build and adjustability to grow with a child. It’s not aimed at adult competitive training but is excellent for developing coordination, strength and gymnastic basics in a secure package.
Comparison at a glance
- Best overall (most versatile / club-capable): MARFULA Gymnastics System — multi-mode configurations, fiberglass crossbar, stainless arms, quick assembly.
- Best for kids / editors' favorite: Junior Training Bars (GOFLAME) — child-focused safety, wide height range, double locks.
- Best value for bodyweight training: Parallettes Calisthenics Bars — portable, stable, and priced for most budgets.
- Budget/Non-exercise option: Workshop Parallel Set — accurate tool-steel parallels for machining, not suitable for supporting people.
Key differences summarized:
- Size & purpose: Full gymnastics units (MARFULA, GOFLAME) vs. compact parallettes (PULLUP & DIP) vs. machine shop parallels (WFLNHB).
- Adjustability: MARFULA and GOFLAME offer height/width adjustments; parallettes are fixed-height; machine parallels are fixed sizes for fixturing.
- Portability: Parallettes win for portability and storage. Full bars require space but often tool-free teardown.
- Load capacity & safety: Check each product spec — GOFLAME lists ~264 lb capacity for kids; parallettes list a 200 kg (≈440 lb) rating; MARFULA is built for club/home use with stable base.
Which is best overall? For a household or small club seeking a true gymnastics system, MARFULA earns the best overall pick for versatility, material choices and robust engineering. For child-specific use, GOFLAME is the top editors’ pick. If you need compact, affordable training for calisthenics and gymnastics conditioning, the parallettes represent the best value.
Final recommendation: Match the equipment to your user and goals. For adult or small-club versatility and multiple bar configurations choose MARFULA. For a child-focused, safety-oriented home unit pick the GOFLAME junior bars. If you want compact, portable training for calisthenics and skill-building, the parallettes are the most cost-effective option. Be aware that the WFLNHB parallel set is a machine-shop tool, not a gymnastics apparatus — useful if you need machining parallels but unsafe for human support. Our rankings reflect hands-on checks of stability, assembly, and materials, plus coach input and consumer feedback to give you practical, durable recommendations for real-world use.