Clench Fitness Resistance Bands Handles Review & Unboxing

[@deandrewilson588]

The clench handles are the absolute best band handles I've ever used. It did take a few weeks to get used to them though. I use them for both unilateral and bilateral movements. If you're doing curls with just one band, as you were in the video, the handles won't work. You would need a set of bands, just as you would need a set of dumbbells. If you were buying weights, you would buy a set of each and not just one. Same thing with bands, except they're a lot cheaper. Also, the handles are designed in such a way that the bands can be wrapped multiple times around the ears to shorten the length of the band and create tension throughout the entire ROM. This is particularly useful on curls for example. As far as the chest presses, I only do unilateral chest presses, as I am able to place more tension on the pecs using a lighter band. If I were to do a bilateral chest press, being that the tension is horizontal and not vertical, I would be using a band so heavy that it would overcome the weight of my entire body and pull me towards the door. Lastly, I recently found that if I were to continue using bands exclusively, the handles would be a must on pretty much all my pushing movements. Once you get really strong with these, the torque on the wrists become unbearable and will cause major distress to the joint. I've tried altering my hand position and the positioning of the bands in my palm, but it hasn't helped much. If you're using 80 or 100 lb bands, this may not be a concern for you, but as I said, once you get really strong, it will become an issue. The handles really have alleviated the wrist pain on my pressing motions. Hope this helps.

[@GamerBody]

Thanks for your experience. Pretty much everything you described regarding how you use them is why I don't like them haha. I do pretty much all exercises with both arms or legs at the same time to save on the amount of time my workout lasts. No need for bilateral movements so that is why I like the bar, and why these handles are not good for me. Keep up the good work and I hope you achieve the results you are looking for!

[@deandrewilson588]

@@GamerBody thanks bro. I enjoy your content.

[@rolfvreijdenberger1639]

After using them for about a month, I find them to be great! It indeed has a learning curve, But am now used to it. Great for deadlifts, shrugs and other excercises where you would normally stress rthe hands too much when using heavy bands

[@Sharetheroad3333]

This was the first review that came up when I was looking into the handles. They seem so easy to use, I bought them almost because of this review. It’s really difficult to over state just how easy these handles are. The instructions are simple enough for a small child, and they have countless videos on their website. They are versatile, light, and strong. They are easily one of the best and cheapest tools I have ever purchased. I am buying their foot plate next. Very easy to use. Not at all sure how anyone would find them difficult.

[@davidk6269]

The footplate looks like a winner, but at over $300, it is sadly just too expensive for me. Darn.

[@onpoint357]

@@davidk6269 make your own with a restaurant grade Chopping boarrd and 4 hockey pucks.

[@chrisyoung8062]

@@onpoint357 now that's a great idea!

[@onpoint357]

@@chrisyoung8062 been using mine for few months now. Put the bands underneath and lay on top of platform and put bar through bands at both ends and then do bench presses. And can do bent over rows , and shrugs and deadlifts etc etc

[@johnjackman7946]

The clench handles, while not instantly obvious to use, solve a more serious problem that the other easier-to-use handles cause: an unacceptable delay in tension....with the other handles there is a significant distance between the hook that the band easily attaches to, and the actual handle that you grab onto..and it is this added distance that causes the delay in tension. While you do need to read and apply the one paged one sided pamphlet a coupla three times (sopranos reference), it's pretty instant after that in terms of ease of use. The problem these bands solve is worth the minimal learning curve. And to your viewer who said that these handles add 15 mins to his workout, I would recommend not using the handles on every exercise...for me I use them only on deadlifts and flies...for the other exercises I just use a heavy duty pair of padded gloves that I got for $25 at Lowe's (or Blowe's as I like to call it because every time I go there I blow a lot of cash). I highly highly recommend these handles.

[@GamerBody]

Sure they work for a few exercises, but I still find the J hooks work far better than these and are easier to set up. While you lose tension a bit sooner, as long as you don't completely let the tension out of the hands you will be fine. Of course, depending on the exercise and your height this may differ, but for my at 5'11" I didn't like the Clench handles at all and prefer the regular J handles. The Clench handles may work better if you have more than one loop band, but that is also a pain to work with imo. I also use a bar setup which is what I prefer overall, but if I had to drop it I would use J handles. I am looking for ones now where the "J" is closer to the hands to keep more tension.

[@rustyyoung7980]

@@GamerBody Have you found a pair of J-hooks closer than Garage Fits?

[@sinocelt]

@@GamerBody > I am looking for ones now where the "J" is closer to the hands to keep more tension. Maybe a bar with a hook on each side would work? Something like this, to give you an idea of what I mean: www.eurotruss.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/HCHC-X.jpg With a shorter bar and longer hooks, of course. Do you think it would work? Probably not, or someone else would have invented it already. Another possibility would be a resistance band bar, like the one I link to below, only very short. runbryanrun.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/DIY-Resistance-Band-Bar-%E2%80%93-DIY-X3-Bar-1200x480.jpg But here again, if that worked, someone would be selling them already. Oh, wait, what about huge carabineers? www.mustardoutdoors.nz/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/extra-large-carabina2.jpg The ones I found with foam like this one above aren't solid enough, though: 30 kg (66 lb) max. www.amazon.com/Locking-Carabiner-Connector-Trailer-Hammocks/dp/B09DM53SLB/ This one above seems solid enough (load bearing: 1,500 lb). You'd have to wrap one side with some kind of handle, but foam tubes are cheap. The only real problem is that changing bands may be a little slow. Oh, wait, and being so short -- or rather so narrow -- the metal may press on the back of your hand quite uncomfortably when doing presses. But that would also be true of any shorter J hook you mentioned you were looking for.

[@GamerBody]

@@rustyyoung7980 I have not as the only handles I've used since are the ACBEE J-Hook handles.

[@Exodus26.13Pi]

Bands are the future!

[@GamerBody]

Not sure about that, but they are a tool people can use for resistance.

[@binslick1000]

If bands are not the future then what is? Bands can give you the same resistance as free weights!!

[@GamerBody]

Yes and no. They do not follow the proper strength curve for most exercises. You really want to most resistance at the mid point, not the full contraction (note, this is from what I've read and listening to Jay Vincent). They are a tool, but not the best tool to achieve that goal. Can bands produce results, of course, but are they the most optimal option, I don't think so. There are some products coming to market like V-Form and Tonap that follow these strength curves, but they are very expensive. I'm excited to see what products compete against them to lower the pricing.

[@binslick1000]

With free weights, resistance is created by gravity. Because of this, free weights can only provide resistance in a vertical plane (the direction of gravity - down!). So, because gravity only pulls the weight down, you must position yourself correctly to work the desired muscle. RESISTANCE BANDS  With resistance bands, resistance is created by elastic force. You aren’t relying on gravity to create resistance; you need tension. Force is made in the direction you are stretching the band. Because of this, resistance bands can provide resistance in both horizontal and vertical planes, and any direction, and at any angle.

[@GamerBody]

@@binslick1000 horitzonal vs vertical doesn't matter in terms of muscle building. All that matters is enough stimulus to the muscles are provided. Being able to do it at different angles, while it may provide more variety, is not what matters. Is resistance only in a vertical plane wrong? I'd say no as most things you do in life will have gravity as a major factor when it comes to resistance. My biggest gripe with resistance bands is where the greatest tension (resistance) takes place. For optimal results, you want it to follow a strength curve where the max resistance is at the peak force output of the muscle, not necessarily the most contracted part. Most of the time, this is somewhere close to the middle of each rep. So resistance bands can be useful, but I would not call them the most optimal option, but one I still use in my workouts alongside body weight and dumbbells.

[@miguelcardenas3027]

I love the clench handles they were the first unique ones that I saw designed for flat loop bands, just takes a little getting used to

[@GamerBody]

I'm glad you do! I personally did not like them at all and prefer the J-hook style.

[@TuzoAnime]

The clench ground plate looks pretty good, but too expensive for me. The handles look ok.

[@GamerBody]

I haven't tried the board out yet so I'm not too sure, but looks OK. The handles though, I do not like vs the J hooks I use now.

[@binslick1000]

These handles are great very comfortable, and ergonomic especially doing flys and presses. I like them.

[@GamerBody]

It's not so much the comfort and ergonomics, it's the setup is terrible, especially if you try to attach both handles at once on a single line of the bands. For example, standing biceps curl is just horrific to setup and even once complete, doesn't function well. Otherwise they are decent.

[@binslick1000]

@@GamerBody They are great for flies. Yes, the setup is a pain in the butt.

[@binslick1000]

Have you reviewed the XBAR??

[@JoseRodriguez-si4xt]

I think these are more intended for using as 1 handed exercises like dumbbells..... if you wanna do 2h movements then use the setup you have with the longer and carabiners to simulate using an ez bar or shorter barbell. I know some companies have you use the long bar they provide for 1h exercises which I'm sure is probly just as weird as using these for 2h exercises. BTW they do show for tricep overhead extention you can put the band in the middle slot facing up and the same for push downs check out their KZbin channel

[@binslick1000]

@@JoseRodriguez-si4xt I use the handles for flies and presses.

[@ux.franco]

Glad I found your review before purchasing them!

[@davidk6269]

Thank you very much for your review! I found your pros and cons discussions to be very helpful!

[@matthewruhland8443]

i tried them as well. I didn't like them. Instead i just use carabiners and bodylastics handles. Bodylastics are probably my favorite bands but I have started doing more free weights due to not getting the results I want after about 7 years of bands.

[@GamerBody]

Nice. Bodylastics also comes up all the time so I may try them against the UnderSun resistance bands.

[@proudmisfit4405]

@@GamerBody bodylastics are tube style and have been in the game almost longer than any other company. undersun and bodylastics i feel are the only two companies that priorities bands as a main product.

[@marcaube7257]

I also do not like the handles. I currently use the Undersun bands and GoFit tube bands. I also have the Rogue shorty band for pull downs. I use handles that GoFit provides. I also place a weight lifting steel curling bar thru the eye rings of each tube band. Most exercises with Undersun are completed by the bare hand as I only use the 3 small bands. My GoFit bands range from 20-100lbs in 10 lb increments. These bands have a large eye ring at each end that allow the curling bar to be positioned. This is a much better tool than the bars that band provider have designed that are usually made out of plastic. I am not sure but I believe the Torrobands also offer a large eye ring that would accommodate a curling bar. Thank You for the honest review.

[@binslick1000]

The handles are great. Very comfortable and ergonomic.

[@iceone1216]

I would agree with you. The design seems to be the rate limiting factor to have a productive varied workout. I don't want to take a month to get used to a product, as one of your user commented. They also look awkward to use. I'm just catching up on your posts and really like your objectivity when reviewing a product. 🇨🇦

[@GamerBody]

Thanks for the comment. I use this setup with J-Hook handles right now: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bYrckJSLZ76UfJI

[@chrisyoung8062]

Based on the the favorable comments below I ordered a set of these with the silicon grips. They are a little expensive but if they work I'm ok with that. I have the handles that have a slit opening but getting the bands in and out is a hassle. The thing that I like about these is first the apparent ease of getting the bands hooked in and second the ability to take up additional slack by wrapping. I'm still figuring out the best way for me to use the bands and have found your suggestion of using the Step Up platform and a bar really helpful. I'm hoping you're being too hard on these handles though. In general your suggestions are great.

[@GamerBody]

I wasn't a fan and I switched to the J hook style handles (way faster to setup and use, also cheaper). You might get used to the Clench though and it can become 2nd nature.

[@Timm129]

@@GamerBody which j hook handles are you using for resistance bands..do you like?.

[@hagninety4116]

Hi Darrik I have old handles from the ironmind fable cables. Just regular gym style handles pretty much. I put some carabiners on them and they work great and are quick release. I haven’t got the bar so I’ve been doing everything unilaterally. Thanks for such great videos. Reminds me I need to do more cables. Always good vibes and thorough info. 👍👍

[@BloodCovenant]

I got my clench handles yesterday. I really like them. Clench does have a video showing all the ways to use them which I looked at before getting them. It will answer a lot of questions on how to properly place the bands. One great thing about these handles is you can double-wrap bands to take up more slack and gain more tension. Their how-to video is here. kzbin.info/www/bejne/eHPFlaKIgt1knrM

[@GamerBody]

Yeah I went through a bunch of the videos, but I still don't like the design or implementation vs just the J Hook handle setup. However, if you can use them effectively and they work in your workouts, keep going with them :)

[@mikeg9364]

I enjoyed your video about the Innstar bar a lot and your setup to replicate the X3 bar. I have the X3 bar and the XBar and I prefer X3 for squats, calf raises and deadlifts with the flat bar, and upper body exercises with the XBar (feels better with the curl bar and wider grip). I’d be curious to see you do a review on the XBar as well. Thanks for sharing.

[@deanhenry4668]

Can you do video on doing a goblet squat with the Clench handles?

[@GamerBody]

For this, I would just do squats with the handles down at your sides. The goblet squat position with handles is awkward.

[@brettarrowsmith2691]

Yeah, I’ve seen those but didn’t interest me enough for a purchase. Thanks for the review. It confirmed what I thought of them 🤔. As mentioned before, I’ve been using the TRX Bandits for this “solution”. I’m extremely impressed with them. Still waiting on your review of those 😉🤷‍♂️?

[@GamerBody]

Do you mean the TRX straps or resistance bands? Or is there a TRX bandits resistance bands/handle?

[@brettarrowsmith2691]

The Bandit grips made from TRX that you can put your bands through…

[@GamerBody]

Yeah TRX are also straps you can put up so just making sure it was handled vs those straps.

[@stuffstuffstuffyay]

Did you find a perfect handle for these flat type of bandss? I am looking for a travel set, I already have the clench black band .

[@GamerBody]

My favorites are the ACBEE J hook handles, or the Yes4All J hook handles. I personally use the ACBEE as of right now, but if you want knurling and/or rotating handles, Yes4All is great.

[@Vlfkfnejisjejrjtjrie]

I use my FatGrips with bands and they work great!

[@GamerBody]

I tried it, and was not a fan at all. Was there a specific FatGrips you bought for it? Whatever I choose was terrible to setup and use. Here is the review I made: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pqPEhHmHrLugr7s

[@jamestonbellajo]

Awesome review! Do you prefer these or the loop ones you reviewed a bit after? I ended up getting the band handles from Rogue Fitness. I just found out about these a few days after my Rogue ones arrived. Would be awesome if you got those too and did a three way comparison! I think these are more ergonomic overall compared to Rogue and cheaper of course. But Rogue’s likely feels better and they’re easy and great to use on a single band unlike what you showed with these.

[@GamerBody]

I like the J hooks WAY more. I think the ones I have are a little too long, but still far better experience. I'll have to take a look into the Rogue Fitness ones.

[@jamestonbellajo]

@@GamerBody good to know! I just watched your video about equipment going into 2023. It reminded me about this video! I have yet to try the j-hook handles but plan to. I actually got some resistance band handles called Intense Grips which I really like. I still use the Rogue ones as they’re better for some exercises, mostly pull but the Intense Grips are better for mostly push exercises.

[@Brockthedog315]

If the grips were round they would be pretty much perfect. That’s my only complaint after using them.

[@GamerBody]

I don't like how the bands work with the handles, but if they work in your setup that is awesome. I do agree on wanting a round (or at least smoother) handle.

[@snoo333]

thanks for the review.

[@skalpel303]

Hey, I was wondering if there are handles you prefer over this for loop resistance bands.

[@GamerBody]

As of right now I do not have any. I use my resistance bands bar setup and if I do hold the bands I use gloves as of right now. I am looking into fat grips and similar products.

[@sinocelt]

@@GamerBody Nah, Fat Gripz won't do the job. This guy said so, and he knows his stuff: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pqPEhHmHrLugr7s

[@EasyLiving8]

Sir, have You tried the KX10 band handle?

[@GamerBody]

I have not but they look interesting. I may try them for the channel :)

[@miklamx]

I've had these and don't like them. The setup which also means the additional resistance is not smooth and too hard. Set them up, start for a few repetitions, then have to stop and adjust. That part alone is deal killer.

[@GamerBody]

Yeah, I wasn't much of a fan either. Sticking with the J handles I have instead.

[@josephroa4475]

I own these and they are just collecting dust. They feel way too awkward and half the time the band comes off in the middle of the movement.

[@GamerBody]

Yeah, for the exercises I tend to do, it wasn't very enjoyable.

[@RaelonWhite]

I'll buy it

[@ToddDolce]

Same here Joseph. Mine are just collecting dust. They are way too awkward to use, put too much tension on the wrists and a time trap just trying to make them work. I prefer using a bar for just about everyrhing anyway. I lift heavy.

[@RaelonWhite]

@@ToddDolce wanna sell them?

[@ToddDolce]

@@RaelonWhite sure....but not quite sure its worth the packing and shipping. How much?

[@HX79]

I love the Clench bands and band handles. There is a slight learning curve to the handles, but they are versatile and succeed in greatly reducing hand discomfort and skin rubbing. They also make it super easy to reduce the length of the bands around the handle, which makes it easier to increase tension. I highly recommend the Clench bands and band handles. 👍💪💪

[@GamerBody]

I'm glad you like them! I don't for my setup, but if they work for you that is great!

[@jimmysegovia2688]

no, it's not you partner!!!! I had to do the same thing instructions were not very clear.

[@michaelwillis7741]

If you said they were great, $30 would’nt kill me but they look kinda crummy anyway.

[@GamerBody]

Yeah I'm not a fan. The company actually saw my video and their reaching out but I haven't sent anything back yet.

[@ikennaosimiri50]

❤ First let me state that I am not affiliated with Clench Fitness. I have a professional tube system and I am adding this flat band system to my workout room. Most of the pro grade flat ban systems thatI have reviewed utilize wall mount hangers that allow them to utilize the band's effectively. So it doesn't matter which band system you use, without the appropriate accessories to mount them, you will not be able to utilize them fully. A fair review is not provided and is a disservice to the product and company. CI

[@GamerBody]

This is a perfectly fine review. As someone who purchased the product myself to use instead of the J-hook handles, it failed in every way. Wall mounting, while an option, is also a bad way to do most exercises, even with bands. You lose stability forcing muscles to stabilize you, which takes away from the target muscle as you must reduce tension to compensate for that balance. As a consumer, the Clench Fitness Handles are overpriced, doesn't work well for basic exercises, requires multiple bands for many of those, and is just a headache. Handles like the ACBEE and Yes4All are easier to use, cheaper, metal (not a plastic), and are far more intuitive.

[@kr639]

Sent mine back.

[@GamerBody]

Yeah I have mine laying around but don't use them. I'm using the J hooks by A BEE right now and already way better.

[@kr639]

@@GamerBody I’m using those rubber barbell grips. They come in handy for some exercises.

[@GamerBody]

@@kr639 Like the Fat Gripz?

[@kr639]

@@GamerBody yes an Amazon version

[@GamerBody]

@@kr639 I was not a fan of the Fat Gripz at all. Took a long time to setup. Not sure if the Amazon version is better, but I hope you can use them better than the Fat Gripz.

[@ajgjr9962]

Just watch the clench videos. They explain it all 🤦🏻

[@GamerBody]

And, they still don't work well at all for some exercises unless you have 2 bands. Use a bar or j hook handles instead as it is way better.

[@puvendranpillay8802]

Looks like an offensive glyph

[@GamerBody]

Haha I can see that.

[@paulywogggcatchef7798]

Way too much talking!

[@michaelderenne9838]

Lol again no offense but you are crazy picky. I would hate to be trying to please you as a company lol

[@GamerBody]

Haha yup it is not easy to please me. However, I am pretty happy with the J hooks I got. Only slight improvements needed (shorter J and handles that rotate) but other than that, they are the best. Here is a review I did on them: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bYrckJSLZ76UfJI