Bear Grips Knee Wraps Review: Solid Support for Squats and Powerlifting

Looking for knee wraps that provide solid support without restricting your movement during squats? The Bear Grips Knee Wraps might be worth your attention.

These 72-inch elastic wraps feature a polyester construction with a velcro closure system. I tested them during my gym sessions for squats, deadlifts, and other leg exercises over several weeks.

The bottom line? They deliver reliable compression and knee support at a reasonable price point, though they require some practice to wrap correctly. Here’s my full breakdown.

What I Liked

Strong Knee Support

The Bear Grips Knee Wraps provide excellent knee support during heavy lifts. When I put these on, I feel confident tackling squats and deadlifts without worrying about knee strain. The compression helps stabilize the joint throughout the range of motion.

Adjustable Compression

The wraps let you get the exact tightness you want around your knee. Unlike knee sleeves that come in fixed sizes, these wraps allow you to adjust compression based on the exercise or how your knees feel that day. This flexibility makes them more versatile for different training scenarios.

Reliable Velcro Strap

The hook-and-loop fastener holds firm throughout workouts. I never had to stop and readjust mid-set because the velcro came loose. It grips well and stays in place even during intense leg sessions.

Maintained Mobility

Despite the compression, I can move my knee perfectly when wrapped properly. The stretchy polyester material allows for full range of motion during squats. You can get deep into the hole without feeling restricted.

Versatile for Multiple Exercises

These wraps work well beyond just squats. I used them for leg presses, deadlifts, and various leg exercises. The 72-inch length provides enough material to wrap securely for any lower body movement.

What Needs Improvement

Velcro Quality

While the velcro strap is strong and functional, it could have a more premium feel. The material feels slightly cheap compared to the polyester wrap itself. That said, it does the job and holds securely during workouts.

Learning Curve

Getting the wrapping technique right takes some practice. New users might struggle to achieve the optimal tightness on their first few attempts. It would be helpful if Bear Grips included wrapping instructions for different leg sizes. Once you get the hang of it, wrapping becomes second nature.

Breathability During Intense Sessions

Like most knee wraps, these get warm around the knee area during workouts. The compression naturally traps heat, which is expected with this type of gear. The breathability is comparable to other wraps I have used, so this is not unique to Bear Grips.

How It Compares

Wraps vs Knee Sleeves

The biggest advantage of knee wraps over knee sleeves is adjustable compression. With sleeves, you are locked into a fixed tightness based on the size you buy. Wraps let you dial in exactly how much support you need for each workout or exercise.

Bear Grips vs Premium Brands

Compared to premium options like Rogue or SBD, the Bear Grips wraps offer solid value at a lower price point. The premium brands provide more aggressive compression and competition-grade materials, but at significantly higher cost. For most recreational lifters and home gym users, Bear Grips delivers adequate support.

Bear Grips vs Iron Bull

Iron Bull knee sleeves are known for rigid compression and durability. However, they offer less flexibility for adjusting tightness. If you prioritize the ability to customize your compression level per workout, the Bear Grips wraps give you more control.

Final Verdict

The Bear Grips Knee Wraps earn a 3.5 out of 5 rating. They deliver solid knee support and adjustable compression at an accessible price point.

These wraps do exactly what they are supposed to do: provide knee stability during squats, deadlifts, and other leg exercises while maintaining mobility. The velcro could feel more premium, and there is a learning curve for proper wrapping, but these are minor issues for the value offered.

I recommend picking up the Bear Grips Knee Wraps if you want reliable knee support for your weightlifting sessions without spending on premium-priced alternatives. At $29.99 for a pair, they offer good value for recreational lifters and home gym users.