QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

Last Update 12/17/2021

Thanks for your interest in Optimo. Below you'll find the answers to commonly asked questions, if you don't find what you're looking for please reach out at admin(at)getoptimo.com

Q. What are the Optimo Grips?
A. Optimo Grips are the new worldwide training phenomenon designed to help gym enthusiasts reach their goal faster by eliminating painful digging or rolling bars in their hands and improving grip strength.

Q. Do these really work?
A. The design is inspired by modern ergonomic bicycle grips. These are quite amazing which is why Optimo Grips are now used by world-class athletes, military forces personnel, CrossFit, champion bodybuilders, and champion armwrestlers.

Q. How exactly do these work?
A. Optimo Grips will instantly convert barbells, dumbbells, dip bars, and exercise machines into thicker and more ergonomic bars.

Q. What’s the difference between fat grips and these?
A. Fat grips are used to make the diameter of the bar bigger to train your grip/forearm. Optimo Grips 1.6" have an ergonomic shape to fit better in the hand and on your palm (kind of like bicycle ergonomic handles) so that the bar or dumbbell doesn't rotate or dig into your hand on pushing movements.

Q. What's the difference between the Optimo Grips 1.6" (Original) and the new Optimo Thick Grips 2.25"?
A. The new Optimo Thick Grips will widen a bar by 1.2" (30mm) in diameter for grip strength and features an improved surface with knurled contact points. The original Optimo Grips are much thinner, will widen a bar by only 0.5" (13mm) and do not have knurling. Their primary function is to prevent painful digging or rolling bars in your hands and some grip strengthening.

Q. Do the Original Optimo Grips 1.6" workout your grip as well?
A. Yes, to a certain degree. That's not their main function, but they do help take the pressure off the joints and strengthen your grip.

Q. Can Optimo Grips help with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)?
We have received feedback from many people that Optimo Grips have indeed helped, check out our website reviews for many examples.

Q. Will these fit on standard and Olympic bars?
A. The term "standard" and "Olympic" are sort of vague in reference to bars. Some gyms have about 50-75 bars and while the plate loading ends are relatively standard, the gripping sections vary on many. Optimo Grips works well with men's bars between 1.1" (28mm) and 1.25" (32mm).

Q. Will these grip on any type of dumbbells?
A. They are designed to fit between 1.1" (28mm) to 1.25" (32mm) diameter straight grip dumbbells with 4.75" (12cm) length handle. These will fit a little loose on a 1" (25mm) dumbbell.

Q. The sweat on my hands is causing my grip to slip. Is there a way to prevent this or will my grip get stronger?
A. Yes, your grip will get stronger but we highly recommend using chalk for best performance.

Q. Do these work on someone with small hands?
A. Yes, the Optimo Grips 1.6" will work with small hands from 6.5" in length and up.

Q. Do they slide from the bar?
A. No, these grips will not slide on a bar between 1.1" (28mm) to 1.25" (32mm) diameter.

Q. Will these wrap all the way around the bar or does it leave a gap?
A. It depends on the bar. The Optimo Grips are designed to fit around as many dumbbells and barbells as possible. Because the size of bars varies greatly, some bars will have a seam and some will not. The same goes for any other equipment the grips are applied. A seam actually widens the grips a little and enhances their effect. From a safety standpoint, as long as the seam is facing away from the load-bearing side, a slight gap won't matter.

Q. How much give (compression) do these have?
A. There is a little give but they are not squishy. You really have to squeeze to get them to compress a bit, but that's the whole idea of greater surface area to squeeze the heck out of to recruit more fibers.

Q. What do the grips come with?
A. The grips come with a black drawstring bag and instructions.

Q. How many do you get per purchase?
A. You will receive 2 Optimo Grips, 1 right and 1 left per purchase.

Q. Are these pairs of grips identical or left and right-handed?
A. They are unique for each hand labeled L and R.

Q. What is the inside diameter of the grip?
A. 1.1" / 28mm. 

Q. What is the outside diameter of the grip?
A. 1.6" / 41mm

Q. How much thickness do these add to a bar?
A. 0.5" / 13mm

Q. What is the length of the grip?
A. 4.75" / 12cm

Q. Will these fit on any type of dumbbell handle?
A. No, some urethane dumbbells have contoured handles designed to keep your hand in the center. This will not work with the grips. The handle must have knurling for a secure grip and be straight at minimum 4.75" in length with no center padding or bulge in the middle.

Q. Can this fit a standard Olympic bar 29mm?
A. Yes, Olympic bars normally range from 28mm (1.1") to 32mm (1.25"). This is the ideal size for the Optimo Grips.

Q. Will these work on dip bars?
A. Yes.

Q. Can this fit a standard bar?
A. Not 100%, a standard bar is typically 25mm (1″ exactly), with this size the grips will fit loosely.

Q. Can this fit women’s bars?
A. Not 100%, a women's bar is typically 25mm (1" exactly), the grips will fit loosely.

Q. Will these fit the angled E-Z bars?
A. Yes to an extent, some e-z bars have very drastic curves with narrow grips that these do not work on, but for most regular e-z bars, these should work.

Q. Will these fit on the Bowflex dumbbells?
A. No, if the dumbbells have center padding or curved shape, these will not fit. Must be straight grip and at least 1.1" (28mm) diameter.

Q. Will these fit on the PowerBlock dumbbells?
A. Yes, it will if the handle is the size of an Olympic bar. First, remove the handle, switch to “open” and slide the Optimo Grip onto the handle. It’s a tight fit but it works.

Q. Will these fit on the IronMaster dumbbells?
A. Yes.

Q. Do these work on resistance bands?
A. Yes.

Q. Will these fit rubber hex dumbbells?
A. Yes, must be at least 1.1" (28mm) diameter straight grip handle.

Q. Will these fit on cast iron dumbbells?
A. Yes, must be at least 1.1" (28mm) diameter straight grip handle.

Q. Will these fit pro-style dumbbells?
A. Yes, must be at least 1.1" (28mm) diameter straight grip handle.

Q. Will these grip cable machine attachments for the gym?
A. Yes, must be at least 1.1" (28mm) diameter straight grip handle.

Q. Do these work on kettlebells?
A. No.

Q. Can I use this for pull-ups and pull-downs?
A. No, the shape of these grips make them great for pushing movements, where the wide part rests on your palm (think bench press, shoulder press, even curls) but is definitely not ideal on pulling movements.

Q. Can these be used for both pulling and pushing movements?
A. No, these should only be used for pushing movements (including curls).

Q. Can I use this for cleans and snatches?
A. No.

Q. Can I use this for deadlifts and rows?
A. No.

Q. Can these be used for shrugs and squats?
A. No.

Q. Can I use this as an armwrestling training accessory?
A. Yes, the shape of the grip allows you to cup the handle with greater force.

Q. Will you be releasing different sizes and colors in the future?
A. Yes, we are working on it.

Q. Are the Optimo Grips washable?
A. Yes.

Q. How will Optimo Grips help with hygiene?
Many gyms are used by hundreds or thousands of people and the equipment is rarely, if ever, hygienically cleaned. Optimo Grips will help you to avoid the unseen hygiene nightmare which may be lurking in your gym especially during COVID times.

Q. Do you have a guarantee/warranty?
Yes, we offer a Standard 1 Year Warranty. The product needs to be free from defects in workmanship and materials, under ordinary use and conditions, for a period of one (1) year for the original invoice date. Shipping and handling fees are to be paid for by the customer.

WARRANTY LIMITATIONS
This warranty does not include:
- Any condition resulting from other than ordinary wear or any use for which the product was not intended
- Any condition resulting from incorrect or inadequate maintenance or care
- Damage resulting from misuse, abuse, negligence, accidents or shipping damage
- Dissatisfaction due to buyer’s remorse
- Normal wear and tear
- Damages incurred during transportation
- Damages incurred during assembly or maintenance
- Any used, previously displayed items