8 Best Elbow Sleeves for Powerlifting – Introduction
What are the best elbow sleeve options for powerlifting and weightlifting?
In theory, all you need to build muscle and get stronger is something heavy to lift.
As brilliant as your body undeniably is, it can’t tell the difference between using a state-of-the-art chest press machine and doing floor presses with a rusty old barbell!
So long as you work hard and train consistently, your muscles will adapt and grow.
Of course, you also need to respect your body’s need for rest, muscle recovery, and food.
You’ve got to put back in what intense training takes out.
And speaking of intense training, hitting the weights hard and heavy can sometimes lead to aches and pains.
Warming up, using good technique, proper form, and increasing the intensity and volume of your workouts will help keep joint pain to a minimum.
But, in some cases, those aches and pains develop anyway.
While you COULD just soldier on and ignore your sore joints, a better solution is to use knee and elbow sleeves.
These items are so helpful that many lifters won’t train without them.
This article explains what elbow sleeves do, what to look for in a good pair of elbow sleeves, and seven of the top elbow sleeves today!
How Do Elbow Sleeves Improve Your Training?
Elbow sleeves are snug-fitting, elasticated tubes that you pull up and wear around your elbows.
They’re made from various materials, including neoprene and elasticated fabric.
Wearing elbows sleeves can have a significant impact on your workouts.
Their effects include:
Increased warmth
Warm joints are usually more mobile and less painful.
Wearing elbow sleeves increases blood circulation, which may also speed up healing.
In contrast, cold joints are often stiff and sore.
So, whether you train in a cold gym or suffer from joint pain and stiffness, you’re sure to appreciate the warming effect of elbow sleeves.
Support
Lifting heavy weights requires good joint stability.
The more your joints wobble, the more likely you will fail during your lift.
The risk of injury is higher, too.
Snug-fitting elbow sleeves help support your elbow joint, eliminating at least some of the wobble that could lead to injuries.
Lift more weight
Elbow sleeves “bunch up” on the inside of your elbows when you bend your arms.
As a result, they act like springs to help you extend your arms more forcefully, which may help you bench and overhead press more weight.
For that reason, while you can use elbow sleeves in training, they generally are not allowed in powerlifting or weightlifting competitions.
However, strongman events typically permit the usage of elbow sleeves.
A psychological boost
Pulling on a pair of elbow sleeves feels a lot like putting on your armor before a battle.
They provide a sensation of protection and additional support, which can translate to a better workout.
It’s like cinching up your weightlifting belt or chalking your hands; it’s another part of the ritual of lifting weights.
Protection during Zercher lifts
There are several variations of Zercher lifts, including squats, Romanian deadlifts, and lunges.
The term Zercher refers to holding your barbell in the crook of your elbows instead of the more usual front or back rack position.
Zercher lifts are ideal for exercisers without a squat or power rack.
As effective as the Zercher lifts are, they’re also quite painful, which is why many exercisers avoid them!
However, wearing elbow sleeves makes things like Zercher squats much more comfortable and will also help prevent the bar from slipping out of your arms.
If elbow pain has put you off Zercher lifts in the past, elbow sleeves could be the solution for which you’ve been waiting!
What to Look for In the Best Elbow Sleeves
Not sure what to look for in a new pair of elbow sleeves?
Consider the following:
Material
Elbow sleeves are usually made out of neoprene or elasticated fabric.
High grade neoprene elbow sleeves provide firm support, making them ideal for those seeking joint stability during intense workouts.
Neoprene, the same material that makes up wetsuits, is excellent for insulation, added heat retention, and superior support.
Surfers, swimmers, and divers who spend time in chilly ocean waters are regular wetsuit users.
They are essential to help the swimmers avoid hypothermia, a precariously low body temperature.
However, neoprene can also make you sweat and is not breathable.
Neoprene elbow sleeves can be hard to pull on if you are even a little sweaty, so you may need to chalk the inside to make putting them on easier.
Elasticated fabric elbow sleeves are also very supportive, but they aren’t as effective for insulation.
However, they’re usually easier to put on than the neoprene type.
They also tend to soak up sweat, but most are washable, albeit by hand in cold water.
Thickness
You can get elbow sleeves in a range of thicknesses, usually from 2-3mm to 7-10mm.
Thicker elbow sleeves provide more insulation and support but are also stiffer and more cumbersome.
If you are very big and powerful, thick elbow sleeves should be fine.
However, thinner elbow sleeves may be a better choice if you are a novice and not used to wearing this type of supportive equipment.
A high-grade 5mm neoprene sleeve balances support and flexibility, making it ideal for general training, while a 7mm neoprene sleeve provides crucial support for heavy lifts and powerlifting.
Therefore, for most lifters, a neoprene sleeve between 5-7mm offers the best balance of support and flexibility.
Fit
The best sleeves should be snug and not overly tight.
If they’re too tight, you may not have a full range of motion, and they could even reduce blood flow to your hands.
Make sure you measure the circumference of your elbows to get the right fit elbow sleeves.
If you are unsure which ones to buy, order a couple of different sizes and send back the ones you don’t want.
Color
It used to be that plain black was the standard color for elbow sleeves.
Now there are lots more choices, in both color and design.
If you want to match your elbow sleeves to your workout wardrobe, that’s welcome news.
The 8 Best Elbow Compression Sleeves
Now that you know a little more about elbow sleeves, you should have no problem choosing the best product for your needs and goals.
But, to make things a little easier for you, here are seven of our favorite elbow sleeves for this year!
#1. Inzer XT Elbow Sleeves
Inzer makes some of the best powerlifting and weightlifting gear in the world!
Their elbow sleeves are unique because they are adjustable to fine-tune the fit.
Made from elasticated fabric, these Inzer XT Elbow Sleeves are highly supportive and supremely comfortable.
Pros:
- Available in five sizes
- Made from elasticated fabric
- Hand washable
- Three Velcro adjustment straps for a customized snug fit
- Designed to be loosened off between sets for unrestricted blood flow
- Great for relieving all types of elbow pain
- Supportive yet flexible
Cons:
- Quite expensive
- Only available in one color – black and red
#2. Gymreapers Elbow Sleeves + Wrist Wraps
Gymreapers have a reputation for making well-priced, premium-quality workout gear, and their neoprene elbow sleeves are no exception.
In addition to a pair of elbow sleeves, you’ll also receive two elasticated wrist wraps, making this a great combo set.
Gymreapers Elbow sleeves are ideal for general workouts as they aren’t too thick.
Pros:
- 5mm thick neoprene construction
- Reinforced seams
- Available in five sizes
- Available in three colors
- Supplied with a pair of elasticated wrist wraps
- 60-day money-back guarantee
- Affordable price point
Cons:
- Users report that these supports lose some of their elasticity with repeated use
#3. Rehband RX Original Elbow Sleeve
Rehband elbow sleeves are popular with competitive weightlifters, CrossFitters, and other professional athletes.
They’re the only elbow sleeves also classified as a medical device.
Supportive and flexible, these elbow compression sleeves are ideal for anyone with existing elbow pain or who wants to avoid it in the future.
You can experience elbow pain from any of the main lifts in powerlifting and weightlifting, not only the bench press and overhead presses, but even deadlifts.
If you ever develop lateral epicondylitis (aka tennis elbow tendonitis) as I did, make sure to see 5 Simple Steps to Stop Elbow Pain From Lifting Weights.
While elbow sleeves wouldn’t contribute much to your squat and deadlift workout, there is no reason not to wear them in training because the warmth and joint support may be appreciated.
Note – Rehband elbow sleeves are sold singularly.
Pros:
- 5mm neoprene
- Reinforced seams
- Patented anatomical design
- Available in four sizes
- Ideal for injury prevention and rehab
Cons:
- Expensive
- Sold singularly
- Only available in one color – blue
#4. Mava Sports Bamboo Elbow Braces
These elbow brace compression sleeves are more like a compression garment than full-on weightlifting elbow sleeves.
But, if you want light support for general workouts, you’re sure to like these elbow sleeves.
Constructed from bamboo charcoal fiber, Mava Sports Bamboo Elbow Brace support sleeves are breathable, comfortable, and help reduce joint inflammation and pain.
Pros:
- Made for sensitive skin
- Supportive without being restrictive
- Longer length so they cover your lower biceps and upper forearms, too
- Well-priced
- You can comfortably wear these elbow braces for long periods
- Breathable compression fabric
- Will not roll down during use
- Available in four sizes
- Available in two colors
Cons:
- Not as supportive as other elbow sleeves on review
- Not ideal for heavy lifting
#5. Nordic Lifting Elbow Sleeves
Nordic is gaining a reputation for making high-quality, well-priced strength training equipment.
These elbow sleeves are supportive yet flexible and very hardwearing.
They’re not as thick as some elbow sleeves, but if you only need light support and value your mobility, these Nordic Lifting Elbow Sleeves could be the ones for you.
Pros:
- Made from latex-reinforced spandex for support with flexibility
- Washable
- Available in five sizes
- Breathable fabric
- Good compression
- Ideal for rehab and injury prevention
- Won’t roll down or slip during use
- Well-priced
Cons:
- Only available in one color – black
- Not ideal for heavy lifting
#6. Nisrok Elbow Sleeves
Exceptional elbow support can be expensive.
But if you want to lift heavier weights and aim for new personal records, you’ll probably need the support that premium elbow sleeves like Nisrok Neoprene Brace Sleeves offer.
But, if you aren’t an elite lifter, train with moderate weights, and only need light to medium support, you don’t need to break the bank to buy a decent pair of elbow sleeves.
This Nisrok Compression Elbow Sleeves pair is an excellent product for less demanding lifters.
Pros:
- 5mm neoprene construction
- Ergonomic design
- Reinforced seams
- Longer length to cover lower forearms and upper biceps
- Available in two colors/designs
- Available in five sizes
- Well-priced
- Suitable for men and women
Cons:
- A little undersized – you may need to buy a bigger size than indicated on the sizing chart
#7. Stoic Elbow Sleeves for Powerlifting
If you’re a serious lifter looking to hit heavier weights, higher reps, and more intensity in your training, Stoic Elbow Sleeves can help.
With their specially designed construction, they’ll help keep your elbows safe and secure while you work out.
Plus, they’ll help to reduce fatigue and soreness so you can get back to your workout quicker.
Stoic Sleeves are 100% guaranteed to outlast any other sleeve on the market, using only the best materials and construction methods.
Whether you’re a powerlifter, bodybuilder, CrossFitter, or weightlifter, these Stoic Sleeves for Powerlifting will keep your elbows feeling great!
Pros:
- Made from ultra-high density 7MM thick neoprene
- Hand washable
- Available in seven sizes
- Ideal for heavy lifting
- High quality
- Stay in place
- Excellent elbow support and pain reduction
- 100% guaranteed
- Good price point
Cons:
- Only available in one color – black
#8. SBD Elbow Sleeves
The chances are that you’ve seen SBD elbow sleeves on the athletes competing in the World’s Strongest Man!
Endorsed by professionals, these joint compression sleeves are comfortable, supportive, and very flexible.
While SBD sleeves are a popular choice, they aren’t the cheapest at $62.50 a pair, but the quality is unmistakable.
Pros:
- Made from 5mm and 7mm neoprene panels for maximum support and flexibility
- Premium materials
- Reinforced seams
- Classic design
- Six sizes
Cons:
- Quite expensive
- Only available in one color – black/red
Best Elbow Sleeves for Powerlifting – Wrapping Up
While elbow sleeves aren’t essential, you’ll quickly appreciate how useful they are once you start wearing them.
Supportive and warming, they help make your workouts more comfortable and productive.
And, if you suffer from elbow discomfort, or you’re a more mature powerlifter, they can provide the pain relief for which you’ve been looking.
With so many different elbow sleeves to choose from, it can be hard to know which ones to buy.
Use our guide to help you pick the right product for your needs and budget.
What’s Next
If you are new to the sport of powerlifting, see the Best Powerlifting Program for Beginners.
Of course, you don’t need to be a powerlifter to benefit from the three big lifts, as you can see in more detail below:
- 37 Remarkable Benefits of Deadlifts to Unleash Your Fitness Fast
- 20 Greatest Benefits of Squats; King of Free Weight Training
- 10 Bench Press Benefits, Muscles Worked, Variations + How-To
When you start eating clean and add any of the three main lifts, such as the deadlift, you can dramatically change your body.
Related Posts:
- 7 Best Knee Sleeves for Squats, Powerlifting & CrossFit Today
- Weightlifting Gear You Need – Sleeves, Wraps, Belts, and More!
- Stop Elbow Pain From Lifting: 5 Simple Steps That Work
- Top 10 Bench Press Benefits: How To, Muscles Worked & Variations
- Knees Hurt When Squatting? 5 Mistakes You’re Probably Making
