Gymnastics Rings Buyer’s Guide: 28mm or 32mm Rings?

Gymnastics rings are one of the most low-cost and versatile bits of calisthenics equipment for your collection. Whether you’re working on pull-ups, dips, muscle-ups, strength holds, or conditioning, rings are a great way to challenge strength, stability, and control.

The Gravity Fitness Wooden Gymnastics Rings are always popular, but have you noticed that we offer two handle diameters: 28mm and 32mm? This guide breaks down the differences and how to decide which size gymnastics rings are best for you.

What are calisthenics gymnastics rings?

Gymnastics rings are rings on straps that attach to an overhead anchor point like a pull-up bar, rig, or even a sturdy tree branch. The fact that they move freely makes every exercise more demanding and can be a great way to do modified version of movements.

Gravity Fitness Gymnastics Rings are designed for:

• Calisthenics and street workout

• Gymnastics-style strength training

• CrossFit and functional fitness

• Bodyweight strength training

• Skill development and mobility

Our gymnastics rings are a fan-favourite because they’re portable, quick to set up, and can be used at home, at the gym, or anywhere you can train. The straps are 4.5m and numbered (so you can always set them up to equal length), and high-strength (400kg load rating!) with quick-adjust cam buckles. Our rings and their straps are built to handle everything from beginner rows to advanced muscle-ups and static holds.

Why choose wooden gymnastics rings?

If you’ve been shopping around for gymnastics rings you’ll know that there are plastic ones and wooden ones. Ours are – and always will be – wooden. Why? Quite simply, wood is better for your hands and wrists. It’s more forgiving (leading to less strain), it absorbs sweat in hot weather and doesn’t feel cold in cold weather. If you’re training outside, wooden rings won’t get slippery. Wood also just looks nicer than plastic!

What’s the difference between 28mm and 32mm gymnastics rings?

You can get our wooden gymnastics rings in 28mm or 32mm ring diameter. The main difference is how the rings feel in your hands and how demanding they are on your grip and forearms.

28mm gymnastics rings

• Thinner rings, closer to competition gymnastics rings

• Easier to grip for smaller hands

• Slightly less grip fatigue

• For longer sets and focus on technique

32mm gymnastics rings

• Thicker handle for more grip demand

• Closer to standard calisthenics and pull-up bar feel

• Builds more forearm and grip strength

• Feels more stable for pressing movements

Both options give you our sustainable wooden rings, Gravity-branded high-strength straps, numbered markings for easy setup, and the same tested load capacity. The difference is just the diameter of the rings.

Which gymnastics rings are best for your training?

Neither option is better (which is why we offer both) it depends on how you train and what your focus is.

When to choose 28mm gymnastics rings:

• You have smaller hands

• You’re newer to rings training

• You don’t want grip to be a limiting factor

• You’re focused on skill development and longer sets

• You prefer a gymnastics-style feel

When to choose 32mm gymnastics rings:

• You want to build grip strength

• You have decent pulling and pushing capacity

• You train calisthenics more than traditional gymnastics

• You want gymnastics rings that feel closer to pull-up bars

Best exercises to train on gymnastics rings

Because grip is less limiting, 28mm rings are good for learning new movements and building volume. They’ll work well for:

• Ring rows and assisted pull-ups

• Ring dips and dip holds

• Muscle-up progressions

• Support holds and slow tempo work

• Longer sets and skill practice

Exercises that suit 32mm rings

The thicker 32mm size rings challenge your grip more and carry over to bar-based calisthenics.

• Strict pull-ups and chin-ups

• Ring dips and deep dips

• False grip work

• Muscle-up transitions

• Shorter, high-effort sets

How to choose: what are you training for?

If you’re unsure which option to go for, ask yourself these questions:

• Are my sets limited more by grip or strength?

• Do I want rings for learning skills or for strength overload?

• Do I prefer a gymnastics feel or a calisthenics-style feel?

• Will I be training long sets or short, intense efforts?

If grip is your weakness, 28mm rings may let you train more effectively.
If you want gymnastics rings to build grip strength, 32mm rings will do that job.

Where can you hang gymnastics rings?

There’s a reason gymnastics rings are a must-have calisthenics tool. You can hang them from pull-up bars, portable pull up racks, rigs, ceiling joists, and strong outdoor structures. Our rings come with long, numbered straps which makes it quick and easy to adjust both rings to the same length.

Limited Edition: Dragon Ball Z Gymnastics Rings

You might have seen our ultra-limited Dragon Ball Z gymnastics rings – part of our DBZ collab and the world’s first officially licensed DBZ fitness equipment.

These are made of ABS plastic rings (which enabled us to get the iconic Goku colours!), high-strength straps with 400kg load rating, and the standard Gravity Fitness quality and warranty. Depending on when you read this, they might already be gone – they were ultra-limited edition.

The Gravity Fitness 60-day returns promise

Remember, anything you buy from Gravity Fitness comes with a 60-day extended return (and 5-year warranty) – even if you just want to change your gymnastics rings from 28mm to 32mm.

Gymnastics Rings FAQs

Are gymnastics rings good for beginners?

Yes, gymnastics rings are suitable for all levels, including beginners. In fact they’re a great tool for doing modified movements like ring rows and supported dips.

Are wooden gymnastics rings better than plastic rings?

Most athletes think so. Wooden rings absorb sweat, offer better grip, and feel more comfortable especially during longer sessions.

How strong are Gravity Fitness gymnastics rings?

Gravity Fitness gymnastics rings and straps are tested to a 400kg load rating and use high-strength straps with secure cam buckles.

Can I use gymnastics rings outdoors?

Yes, as long as you have a solid overhead anchor point. Wooden rings shouldn’t be left outside permanently.

Do I need two different ring sizes?

Most people only need one set but some athletes like owning both sizes so they can use 28mm rings for longer sets and skill work, and 32mm rings for grip challenge and strength progression. This can be a useful option if you train regularly.