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When it comes to bench pressing, the most important piece of fitness gear you can wear to protect your elbows is elbow sleeves.
In this article, I will recommend 11 of the best elbow sleeves for bench press.
I will also discuss the benefits of using them while bench pressing.
Table of Contents
What Are Elbow Sleeves?
Elbow sleeves are a type of compression sleeve that is worn around the elbow.
They are often used to protect the elbows from injuries, such as tendonitis or arthritis.
They can also help to improve performance by providing compression and support.
Most elbow sleeves are made of neoprene material and are available in various sizes to ensure that they fit correctly.
What Are Their Benefits for Bench Pressing?
There are several benefits of wearing elbow sleeves for bench pressing.
First, elbow sleeves can help to keep your elbows warm and flexible, which can help to prevent elbow injuries and speed up muscle recovery.
Second, they can help to protect your elbows from getting bruised or scraped.
Finally, elbow sleeves can help to increase muscle stability and elasticity, which may lead to more weight being lifted.
11 Top Elbow Sleeves for Bench Press
Whether you’re lifting heavy weights or high-volume training, there’s something on the list below for you!
1. Stoic Elbow Sleeves
The Stoic elbow sleeves are made with extra length and pending patented technology triple reinforced seams.
They are designed to prevent rips and tears even when put under a lot of stress.
Plus, the unique design helps hold heat against the joint for optimal muscle protection!
These performance sleeves also provide great support and compress your elbow to help protect it from injuries.
So you can stay efficient throughout practice or competition without having to worry about any pesky aches or pains.
Pros
- The full-length design offers maximum support throughout a full range of motion
- Holds heat really well
- Great for heavy lifts with mild tendonitis
- Solid durability
- Designed for squat, bench, overhead press, and tricep movements
- Comfortable enough to wear for longer durations
Cons
- Some users reported a loose fitting around their forearm region
Details
- Sizes: XS to XXXL
- Material: Neoprene, Nylon
- 7mm outer and 5 mm inner
- Sold as a pair
View live prices for Stoic Sleeves
2. Iron Bull Elbow Sleeves
The Iron Bull Elbow Sleeves are made with high-quality neoprene flex material that contours to your body like a glove.
This makes for an anatomical fit that’s second to none.
Durability is also taken into account, the sleeves suffer no tear or wear using double stitching for extra reinforcement.
For dedicated athletes like you who demand peak performance from their bodies, the Iron Bull Elbow Sleeves promise safety and support without any distractions from exercise activities.
The sleeves provide heavy-duty cushioning as well as compression on weakened joints so you can move freely without pain or discomfort.
With superior flexibility and resilience that lasts long after use, you’ll soon be enjoying optimal performance every single time.
Pros
- Keeps your elbow joints warm to reduce swelling and promote blood flow
- They provide a snug fit if you follow the sizing chart correctly
- Versatile
- Awesome support for lifting heavy weight
- Nice elasticity
Cons
- It is recommended to size down
Details
- 1 pair
- Sizes: XS to XXXL
- 9″ long
- 5 mm thick
- Material: Neoprene
View live prices for Iron Bull Sleeves
3. Mava Sports Bamboo Elbow Compression Sleeve
This sleeve is made from lightweight and low-profile bamboo material, making it perfect for those looking for a distraction-free feel as you train.
It also provides targeted compression, helping to relieve elbow pain quickly and efficiently.
Not only does this compression sleeve provide relief, but it looks great too!
The sleek design of the Mava Sports Bamboo Elbow Compression Sleeve adds an elegant touch to any sporty outfit while keeping your joints feeling great.
Pros
- Slim design allows you to wear them under your clothes
- Responsive customer support
- Great elbow sleeve for tennis elbow, tendonitis, and golfer’s elbow
- Affordable price
- Nonrestrictive and nonslip for good compression
- Suitable for high-volume weightlifting
Cons
- If you have sensitive skin it may get itchy after long durations of use
- They’re not as thick as other elbow sleeves for lifting weights
Details
- Sizes: Small to XXL
- Material: Bamboo Charcoal Fiber
- 1 pair
View live prices for Mava Sleeves
4. Rehband RX Original Elbow Sleeve
Introducing the Rehband RX Original Elbow Sleeve!
It is constructed with a two-panel design that follows the natural contours of your arms.
So you can stay comfortable and supported during even the most intense workouts.
Plus, it’s designed with input from professional athletes so you know it won’t hold you back.
The neoprene fabric gives you advanced muscle stabilization and added warmth, while abrasion-resistant fabric helps keep your skin clear.
Pros
- Machine washable (air dry only)
- Good durability
- Great elbow support and mobility
- Holds warmth to increase blood circulation
Cons
- You only get a single sleeve
Details
- Sizes: Small to XXL
- 5 mm thick
- Materials: Neoprene, Polyamide, SBR
- Single sleeve (fits either arm)
View live prices for Rx Sleeves
5. Copper Fit Freedom: Best Elbow Compression Sleeves
Take your injury prevention to new levels with this high-performance compression sleeve.
Its copper-infused fabric ensures long-term protection against odor and bacteria buildup while delivering long-lasting durability.
You’ll also love its 4-way stretch material that will move with you no matter what activity or sport you choose to do.
The contoured design offers complete elbow coverage for custom comfort where it counts most.
Say goodbye to joint discomfort, inflammation, and soreness in your elbow area with Copper Fit Freedom Elbow Compression Sleeves!
Pros
- Machine washable
- Odor resistant
- Alleviates elbow joint stiffness and swelling
- The mild compression makes these comfortable to wear for all-day pain relief
- Reasonable price compared to other sleeves that are sold as a single
- Made with flexibility in mind
Cons
- Tends to slide down the upper arm
Details
- Sizes: Medium to XL
- Materials: Nylon, Spandex
- One sleeve
View live prices for Copper Fit Sleeves
6. Gym Reapers Weightlifting Elbow Sleeves & Wrist Wraps Bundle
Break your limits and challenge yourself with Gym Reapers Weightlifting Elbow Sleeves & Wrist Wraps Bundle!
Join the reapers in achieving your fitness goals with this highly supportive bundle.
These elbow sleeves and wrist wraps are designed to provide optimal compression and warming effects, ensuring a comfortable workout experience.
You’ll love their form-fitting feel as it provides maximum flexibility and reinforcement on arm stitching for even more support.
Keep your focus longer as these products help reduce strain and keep you centered during intense workouts.
Pros
- The perfect bundle for extra support on heavy overhead press and bench press
- The ergonomic and premium quality neoprene fits the arm properly
- Sleeves are designed to alleviate tendonitis and tennis elbow
- Low profile design
- Decent durability for the price
- Good compression and warmth
Cons
- Many users reported that they had to size up because they were too tight around their upper arm
Details
- Sizes: Small to XXL
- Thickness: 5 mm
- Material: Neoprene
- Sleeves come as a pair
- 60-day returns
- 18″ wrist wraps
View live prices for Gym Reaper Sleeves
7. Hyfan Professional Elbow Wraps
Whether you’re a gym-goer, athlete, or lifting weights in the garage gym, Hyfan elbow wraps are here to help take your fitness goals to the next level.
Feel fully supported with their elastic and mesh construction.
While the cross-weaved seams create an extra-durable piece that can outlast any kind of workout.
Plus, you’ll never want to skip a day when you see their exclusive “Never Give Up” logo emblazoned on each strap.
It’s a little reminder that everything else in life is temporary but your determination should always stay strong.
Pros
- You can adjust the elbow compression to fit your needs
- They come with a carry bag
- Great elbow support
- The wraps are less likely to slide down your arm
Cons
- The velcro doesn’t tend to last long
Details
- 40″ long
- Material: Polyester
- Pair
- One Size
View live prices for Hyfan Wraps
8. SBD Elbow Sleeves: Best for High-Volume Training
This top-of-the-line product provides superior support through its reinforced seam construction, giving you maximum compression and durability.
Going hard and heavy with any exercise won’t be a problem.
These sleeves are designed for high-volume training and are perfect for those who work themselves to exhaustion in the gym.
Resiliently constructed using premium materials, you can power through any exercises without worrying about them succumbing to any wear and tear.
Plus, you’ll be able to move freely as these sleeves are also designed for enhanced mobility.
They’ll be keeping up with every movement of yours without jolts or pauses!
Pros
- Excellent for holding warmth to maximize blood circulation and prevent injury
- Extremely durable
- Accurate sizing chart
- Great elbow stability and compression
- Provide comfort and mobility
Cons
- They don’t have much elasticity or assistance during lifts
Details
- Sizes: XS to 2XL
- Sold as a pair
- Thickness: 5 mm interior, 7 mm exterior
- Material: Neoprene
View live prices for SBD Sleeves
9. Powerlix Elbow Compression Garment: Best Sleeves for Weightlifting
Designed with high-performance fabric, these compression sleeves are perfect for taking your workouts to the next level.
Not only do they provide extra support and comfort for your elbows.
But their sweat-proof design ensures that you won’t have any annoying moisture interrupting your focus.
Plus, Powerlix is doctor recommended to help increase blood circulation, relieve pain, and promote faster recovery.
You’ll experience maximum performance without the worry of elbow pain.
Pros
- Designed with anti-slip knitting
- The 4-way compression sleeves offer a full range of motion
- Form-fitting
- Breathable and sweat absorbent
- Evenly distributed compression
- Adequate for all-day use
Cons
- Users with sensitive skin might get itchy during prolonged wearing
Details
- Sizes: Small to XL
- 2 Pack
- 100% money-back guarantee
- Material: Neoprene
View live prices for Powerlix Garments
10. Iron Bull Strength Support Straps: Best Elbow Wraps
These wraps have been specifically crafted from durable, premium materials to support you during your next workout.
The loop velcro system ensures a secure fit every time with a double zigzag stitch for added reinforcement.
Elastic construction means that these wraps will move with you, allowing for more range of motion and flexibility, so nothing can slow you down.
What’s more, these wraps are incredibly lightweight and low-bulk, giving you an unparalleled level of comfort and versatility.
Pros
- Breathable
- You can adjust them to the amount of elbow compression you need
- Easy to put on and take off for most users
- Very supportive for heavy benching and tricep exercises
- The velcro stays secured
- Decent comfort
Cons
- The velcro isn’t long enough for users with thicker arms to achieve a tight enough wrap
Details
- Material: Nylon
- One Size
- 40″ long
- Comes as a pair
View live prices for Iron Bull Straps
11. Sling Shot Strong: Best Elbow Sleeve for Bench Press
Introducing Sling Shot Strong: the best elbow sleeves for any type of pressing movement!
Whether you’re just starting out or you’re already an experienced powerlifter, these elbow sleeves are an essential piece of gear that will take your training to the next level.
Made with Level 3 material, these durable sleeves will give you maximum support and full-arm motion during your workouts.
Plus, they feature a single seam so they fit seamlessly against your arms.
And no need to worry, they’ve been tested by serious strongmen and powerlifters, so you know you can trust their performance.
Pros
- Offers some assistance at the bottom of pressing movements
- Unrestricted movement
- The single seams are used to minimize skin irritation
- Awesome sleeves for reducing elbow pain and arthritis
- Snug fitting
- Long-lasting
- Provides ideal elbow compression and support
Cons
- They fit too tight for some users (may have to size up)
Details
- Sizes: Small to 4XL
- Sold in pairs
- 5 mm thick
- Material: Neoprene
View live prices for Strong Sleeves
How To Choose the Right Elbow Sleeves for You
Elbow sleeves are a great way to protect your elbows when you are working out or playing a sport.
Although most elbow sleeves are made from the same material, there are some differences to look out for.
These will depend solely on your goals and level of pain.
Here are some tips on how to choose the right ones for you:
1. Decide the type of sleeve you need.
There are three types of elbow sleeves: high compression, neoprene, and thermal.
Compression sleeves offer the most support and are best for athletes.
Neoprene usually has thick elbow sleeves and provides more warmth.
Thermal sleeves are the longest and thinnest option.
2. Consider the size and fit of the sleeve.
Elbow sleeves come in different sizes, so be sure to choose the right one for you.
They should be snug but not too tight and should cover your entire elbow joint.
3. Choose the right material.
Elbow sleeves can be made from a variety of materials, including cotton, nylon, rubber, and spandex.
Be sure to choose a material that is comfortable and breathable.
4. Consider the price.
Elbow sleeves can range in price from $10 to over $60 depending on the type and quality of the sleeve you choose.
The Dos and Don’ts of Using Elbow Sleeves While Bench Pressing
When using elbow sleeves while bench pressing, there are a few things you should keep in mind.
First, make sure the sleeves fit comfortably and are not too tight.
They should be tight enough to stay in place, but not so tight that they restrict blood flow or are uncomfortable.
Second, make sure the sleeves are the right size.
If they are too small, they will be difficult to put on and may cut off circulation.
If they are too large, they will slip down and not provide the support you need.
Elbow Sleeve FAQs
How Do Elbow Sleeves Work?
Elbow sleeves work by compression.
This compression helps keep the muscles and tendons warm, which can help you recover from and prevent injuries.
Additionally, the compression can help improve blood circulation, which can also help with recovery and injury prevention.
Do Elbow Sleeves Help Bench Press?
Elbow sleeves can help you bench press more weight by providing extra support to your elbows.
If you’re wearing highly elastic elbow sleeves they can even give you a little boost at the bottom of your rep.
Do Elbow Sleeves Actually Help?
Many people find that they help reduce pain and inflammation.
The sleeves may provide compression and/or insulation, which are said to help alleviate these issues.
How Much Weight Do Elbow Sleeves Add to Your Bench?
Wearing elbow sleeves correctly may add about 5-10 pounds to your bench.
When you wear them, they help keep your muscles warm, which can lead to better performance.
However, this will also depend on the brand, elasticity, and compression level of the sleeves.
Add Elbow Sleeves to Your Gym Bag!
When it comes to the best elbow sleeves for bench press, this article has you covered.
With a wide range of sizes and materials to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect pair of sleeves to help increase your bench press weight.
Be sure to consider compression, size, and material when making your selection in order to get the most out of your workout.
Source:
https://www.gymreapers.com/blogs/news/why-are-elbow-sleeves-so-popular
