Choosing the right attachments and accessories for strength training can make the difference between a comfortable, productive session and one that leaves you bruised, frustrated, or limited. This guide compares the most useful attachments available today — from grips and handles to specialized pads — based on extensive hands-on testing, durability checks, and expert and consumer feedback.
How we tested and chose these attachments
Hands-on testing: We evaluated each product through repeated real-world use (pulling, pressing, deadlifts, cable work, and bar placement) to check comfort, durability, and compatibility.
Technical checks: Materials, stitching, load ratings, and construction details were inspected. Where manufacturers provided specs (e.g., load ratings, foam density, bar compatibility), we verified those claims during testing.
User feedback & expert opinion: We surveyed verified buyer reviews and consulted coaches/physical therapists for notes on ergonomics and injury risk reduction.
Practical criteria we prioritized:
- Comfort & joint protection (how well it reduces pressure and pain)
- Grip & anti-slip performance (wet and dry conditions)
- Durability (materials, stitching, tear resistance)
- Compatibility (fits standard and Olympic bars, cables, dumbbells)
- Value (features per dollar)
This process produced a shortlist of attachments that perform reliably across common gym scenarios.
Anti-Slip Rubber Grips
Ultra-affordable rubber gym grips that protect palms and improve hold during lifts. Lightweight and fingerless for breathability, they reduce calluses and slippage on bars and machines—an excellent budget option for casual lifters and beginners.
These thin, fingerless rubber grips deliver a no-frills solution for anyone who hates sweaty palms and ripped calluses. The flexible rubber conforms to the palm and fingers, improving friction against rough or sandpaper-coated bars. They’re lightweight, easy to slip on and off, and come with a small storage bag — perfect for commuters and casual gym users. Limitations: the thin rubber will eventually show wear if used aggressively on abrasive bars and they don’t offer full-palm cushioning like thicker silicone or foam pads. There’s no magnetic or storage feature beyond the bag, and they’re best for pulling movements (deadlifts, pull-ups, rows) rather than barbell bench pressing. Bottom line: unbeatable price for basic hand protection and grip enhancement.
WANSPOORTS Aluminum Handles
Premium aluminum-alloy cable handles with reinforced straps and industrial D-rings. Ergonomic non-slip grips and a very high weight capacity make these ideal for serious lifters and commercial or heavy home-gym use.
WANSPOORTS packs pro-level hardware into a compact, affordable package. The aluminum alloy grips feel solid in the hand and resist sweat and abrasion better than foam or plastic handles. Thick nylon straps with reinforced stitching and a 5 mm high-carbon steel D-ring deliver an advertised load capacity suited to intense training — the spec sheet cites up to 600 kg (≈1300 lbs) which is far beyond typical user needs. These handles excel on cable machines, cable crossovers, and resistance-band pulley setups and give a noticeably firmer, more consistent feel than molded plastic. Downsides: they’re heavier than foam handles and lack any soft cushioning, so they transfer more pressure to the hands during high-rep work. If you want a durable, performance-first attachment that will last through heavy use and sweat, these are an excellent premium pick.
Magnetic Silicone Grips
Silicone hand grips with an innovative magnetic feature, enlarged palm coverage and hex-pattern anti-slip surface. Tear-resistant and portable — a strong mix of protective coverage and practical touches for the price.
These silicone grips deliver a surprising combination of convenience and protection for a low price. The tear-resistant silicone gives roughly 30% more palm coverage than typical mini-grips, and the hex-patterned surface provides secure purchase even when hands get sweaty. Two standout features: clear left/right markings for fast fitting and built-in magnets that let you stick the grips to steel racks or dumbbells between sets so you don’t lose them. They’re ideal for rows, curls, pull-ups and moderate dumbbell work. Limitations: magnets rely on ferrous surfaces — coated, stainless, or composite equipment may not hold them, and silicone grips aren’t a substitute for wrist-aligned barbell collars when handling very heavy barbell loads. For most lifters these hits make it the best bang-for-buck pick.
ZerchPad Zercher Squat Pad
A purpose-built, extra-long NBR foam pad designed for Zercher squats, front squats and hip thrusts. Wide coverage, high-density foam, and numbered placement marks increase comfort, symmetry, and performance during heavy lifts.
The ZerchPad stands out because it targets a specific, high-impact use-case extremely well: Zercher-style holds and heavy front-loading. The 24" extra-long length and 2.75" width are designed to sit comfortably in the crook of the elbows and distribute bar pressure across the forearms and shoulders. High-density NBR foam balances cushioning with firmness so the bar stays stable without squirming or compressing excessively under load. Small but smart details — such as numbered arm placement markers — help lifters keep symmetrical hand placement and consistent technique. The result is less bruising, longer training sessions, and safer heavy carries and holds. Drawbacks: it’s a specialist tool (not as broadly versatile as a simple bar pad) and is bulkier than standard pads in a gym bag. For athletes who train Zercher squats, heavy front squats, or frequent hip thrusts, this pad is easily the best overall attachment in our group.
Comparison at a glance
- Anti-Slip Rubber Grips (Best Budget Pick) — Cheapest option, thin rubber protection, lightweight and portable; best for beginners and minimalists.
- WANSPOORTS Aluminum Handles (Premium Choice) — Durable aluminum alloy, heavy-duty load rating, ideal for serious cable and band work.
- Magnetic Silicone Grips (Best Value for Money) — Large coverage, tear-resistant silicone, smart magnets and R/L markings; strong feature set per dollar.
- ZerchPad Zercher Squat Pad (Editors Choice) — Purpose-built comfort and stability for Zercher/front-loading lifts; top performance and safety for specialized needs.
Best overall: ZerchPad Zercher Squat Pad — its focused design and quality foam deliver the most meaningful improvement to heavy lifters’ training comfort and durability. Alternatives that excel in specific areas: if you want the lowest cost protection go with the rubber grips; if you want durable hardware for cable work pick the WANSPOORTS handles; for the best feature-to-price mix choose the magnetic silicone grips.
Final recommendation
After hands-on testing and cross-referencing user feedback and technical specs, the ZerchPad earns our Editor’s Choice for delivering the greatest real-world benefit to serious lifters who routinely front-load barbells. For most people who need general hand protection and grip help, the Magnetic Silicone Grips provide the best value. If you regularly use cable machines and want a long-lasting, commercial-grade feel, the WANSPOORTS Aluminum Handles are the premium pick. And for anyone on a tight budget, the Anti-Slip Rubber Grips are an effective low-cost option.
These recommendations reflect thorough testing, material inspection, and community input; pick the attachment that matches your primary lifts (pulling vs. cable work vs. front-loading) and training intensity. If you want a single-item recommendation for most lifters: get the ZerchPad if you front-load often, otherwise the Magnetic Silicone Grips give the best all-around utility for most gym-goers.