Statics Bar Buyer’s Guide: 32mm or 38mm Bar?
If you’re training static calisthenics movements or doing freestyle, a solid statics bar is one of the most valuable bits of equipment you can own. But if you’re looking at the Gravity Fitness Statics Bar, you’ll notice there are two options for the top bar – 32mm and 38mm. Which one is right for you?
This guide breaks down the differences, what each bar is best for, and how to choose the option that will support your training goals.
What Is a Statics Bar and What Is It Used For?
A statics bar is a freestanding horizontal bar designed for freestyle, static holds, and controlled calisthenics skills.
A bit like parallettes, a statics bar gives you clear space around the bar and a stable base, plus adjustable height.
The Gravity Fitness Statics Bar is the result of years of consultation with coaches and athletes, and is intended for:
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Planche progressions
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Front and back levers
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Dips and dip holds
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Muscle-up transitions
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Static holds and freestyle
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Home use and gym use
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All the family (even kids)
With a 100cm top bar width, 120cm footprint, and 8 height adjustments from 85–130cm, it’s built to be rock-solid while still versatile enough for home or gym use.
What’s the Difference Between the 32mm and 38mm Statics Bar?
On our Statics Bar product page, you’ll see the option of 32mm or 38mm near the top of the page. This gives you two options of bar diameter, which affects how the bar feels in your hands and how your grip and forearms work.
32mm Diameter Statics Bar
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Replicates the feel of standard pull-up bars
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Familiar grip for most calisthenics athletes
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Slightly easier to hold for longer periods
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Less grip fatigue when training skills
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May feel too small for larger hands
38mm Diameter Statics Bar
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Thicker bar means more grip and forearm
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More challenging for holds and transitions
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Builds extra grip strength and wrist stability
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Good for larger hands (may not suit smaller hands)
Both versions use the same frame, width, height adjustment system, and ultra-stable 50 x 50mm feet with rubber caps. The only difference is the diameter of the horizontal top bar, how it feels in your hands, and how it challenges your grip.
Which Statics Bar Is Best for Your Training?
There’s no better option, just the right one for your goals. Here’s how to choose:
When to Choose the 32mm Statics Bar
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You’re newer to statics or advanced calisthenics
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You want the familiar feel of pull-up bars
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You’re learning positions and shapes
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Want to minimise grip as a limiting factor
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Train longer static holds
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Have small hands
Our 32mm statics bar is the most popular choice for athletes building consistency in planche, lever work, and dip holds.
When to Choose the 38mm Statics Bar
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You already have solid grip strength
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You want to challenge grip and forearms
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You’re training strength and grip
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You want extra carryover to rings and thicker bars
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You have large hands
The thicker bar adds a new element without changing the movement, making it a good choice for athletes who want progression without adding external load.
Best Exercises to Train on Statics Bars
32mm Statics Bar Exercises
The 32mm bar means grip is less likely to be a limiting factor, making it good for refining technique and holding positions for longer.
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Tuck, advanced tuck, and straddle planche holds
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Front and back lever progressions
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Straight bar dips
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Muscle-up transitions
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Long-duration support holds
38mm Statics Bar Exercises
The thicker bar rewards strength and control, and can expose weakness in your grip and wrist stability. Use it for:
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Planche lean holds
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Dip holds and slow dips
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Lever negatives
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Grip-intensive freestyle
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Shorter, higher-effort static holds
How to Choose a Statics Bar: What Are You Training For?
If you’re still not sure which option to choose, answer these questions first:
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Are my calisthenics movements limited by strength or grip?
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Am I learning skills, or intensifying skills I already have?
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Do I want a familiar bar feel, or an extra challenge?
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Am I training longer holds or shorter, harder efforts?
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Does a regular pull up bar feel too small or just right?
If your goal is skills and consistency (and pull up bars feel right in your hand), the 32mm is the best choice.
If your goal is strength progression and grip development (and pull up bars sometimes feel too narrow), the 38mm adds a layer of difficulty.
The Gravity Fitness 60-Day Returns Period
Don’t forget that all Gravity Fitness equipment comes with a 60-day extended return (and 5 year warranty) so if you decide you want to change your choice, get in touch.
We’ll sort it.
FAQs About Buying Statics Bars
Is the statics bar stable enough for advanced skills?
Yes. The Gravity Fitness Statics Bar is designed for stability, using bolt-secured height adjustments (not pins) and a wide, rubber-capped base.
Can beginners use a statics bar?
Yes (beginners and kids too!) With adjustable height and scalable exercises, it’s suitable for beginner holds through to advanced statics.
Is this better than a pull-up bar for statics?
A statics bar is completely different to a pull-up bar. It’s great for static holds and freestyle training, and gives you better positioning, height control, and more movement freedom.
