As a 198 lb powerlifter focused on increasing my squat, bench press and deadlift 1 rep maxes, having top quality supportive gear I can trust has been critical to both boosting performance and preventing injury. Like most strength athletes, I‘m always researching the latest innovative products and companies catering to my unique training needs.
Over the past several years, GymReapers has become my go-to for belts, knee sleeves, wrist wraps and specialty accessories that I rely on to hit bigger lifts in competition. Their entire product line stands out for being thoughtfully designed by founders who live iron sport training day in and day out.
In this comprehensive review, I‘ll analyze the key GymReapers gear I use based on extensive first-hand testing across 5 powerlifting meets. You‘ll also get the inside scoop on their founder‘s vision, shipping policies, what customers say and how their service teams have come through for me. Time to see if this brand is right for you too!
Why I First Gave GymReapers a Shot
I distinctly remember finding GymReapers while googling "strongman knee wraps" and falling down an Instagram rabbit hole soon after. Their feed captured the hardcore training culture I was immersed in – killer lifts being chased in the pursuit of excellence, not vanity. This inspired community rallied around GymReapers gear engineered to unlock their potential.
And with famous powerlifting faces like world record holder Jesse Norris rocking their wrist wraps between attempts, they had credibility with strength athletes I respected.
After reading some initial reviews, I decided to give their lifting belt and knee sleeves a test run during my pressing and squatting training blocks leading up to my next meet.
The workshop quality and durable fabrics were obvious even unboxing the items. When I broke them in under heavy loads, they performed even better – supporting my joints and core without compromising flexibility. My knees stayed healthy squatting frequently with increasing poundages thanks to the compressive sleeves.
Within 5 months of using GymReapers gear 2-3 times a week, I totaled a 30 lb PR and brought home a new squat max to celebrate. Needless to say, I was sold on incorporating more of their products into my powerlifting journey.
Over the next 2 years and across 4 more record setting meets, I became a bonafide GymReapers loyalist. I‘ll break down my thoughts on my go-to gear from them for domination in the gym and on the platform.
GymReapers Lifting Belt & Knee Sleeves To Build A Powerhouse Squat
As a passionate powerlifter focused on building an epic squat above all else, having a sturdy belt to reinforce my core and keep my knees healthy through extreme depths has been critical. This is where GymReapers checking both boxes has enabled me to reach personal records consistently meet after meet.
GymReapers 10mm Lever Belt
The GymReapers 10mm Lever Belt fast became my favorite for squatting once I started pushing towards a 500 lb 1RM. It provides unrelenting rigidity against my core thanks to the thick premium leather construction. This allows me to brace harder into my abs to stay tight coming out of the hole with hundreds of pounds threatening to fold me over.
I also love the lever closure system compared to standard prong belts. It makes finding my perfect tightness simple by sliding the mechanism along its gaps between attempts. No fiddling with prongs poking my stomach. The suede lining inside prevents any pinching or discomfort even fully cinched wearing it for hours on end.
After smashing goals wearing it through 4 competitions now, I can‘t recommend the GymReapers 10mm Lever Belt enough to fellow squat fanatics. The craftsmanship is incredible – broken in to mold flawlessly to my shape after months of frequent overload training. For $120, it‘s easily my most valuable GymReapers purchase to date.
GymReapers 7mm Knee Sleeves
As I worked on perfecting hitting depth with ever-increasing squat loads, my knees started experiencing some ache even with careful mobility work. Cue GymReapers to the rescue providing their 7mm Knee Sleeves for some joint TLC.
These beauties use a premium neoprene blend that compression wraps your knees to stimulate blood flow and provide gentle warmth. The snug fit around my joints feels incredible supporting my tendons squatting deep with 300+ lbs grinding me down. I recover faster between heavy days thanks to their tissue relief too.
Multiple vibrant colors to showcase your style – I opted for the black and green pairing which gets lots of compliments at competitions. Costing $50, GymReapers sleeves outperform the overpriced Rehbands I used to wear for less.
Together, the GymReapers 10mm Lever Belt combined with their 7mm Knee Sleeves have let me squat injury and issue free well over 500 lbs in training. My core stays braced and knees feeling fresh thanks to their thoughtful design. Crucial gear for fellow squat maestros!
Wrist & Elbow Protection to Prevent Pressing Plateaus
GymReapers also offers excellent wrist and elbow accessories that have enhanced my bench press and strict overhead pressing. These small but mighty products provide joint support in often neglected areas.
GymReapers 12" Wrist Wraps
As my bench numbers started creeping up over 315 lbs, my wrists were taking a beating balancing and controlling such heavy loads on the descent. They‘d get tender for days after a tough training block.
I grabbed GymReapers 12" Wrist Wraps on a friend‘s recommendation for relieving this discomfort. Their sturdy cotton/nylon blend is gently supportive thanks to light elastic compression spanning your entire wrist. The thumb loop and velcro closure keeps them from ever sliding around too.
These let my wrists fully recover between killer pressing days moving serious weight. Using them boosted my bench volume rapidly thanks to healthier, happier joints that felt indestructible wrapped tight. And at $18 these wraps are budget friendly for newbie or pro strength trainees alike.
GymReapers 7mm Elbow Sleeves
Taking a cue from their popular knee sleeves, I also started wearing GymReapers tailored Elbow Sleeves to keep my joints warm for heavier overhead training.
The 15" sleeves feature premium neoprene that lightly hugs around your elbow joint for constant comfort. They wick sweat while locking in heat to stimulate blood flow and tissue relief like a portable masseuse. The snug fit across my arm makes strict pressing feel rock solid.
For $38 you can snag the Elbow Sleeves in slick color pairings like the black & gray I own. Another GymReapers win securing my pressing potential as weights grow while preventing pesky overuse damage. Highly recommended recovery tool between big lift attempts.
Specialty Gear to Enhance Training Variety
While their belts, knee and elbow accessories covered my power "Big 3" needs, I also use a mix of specialty GymReapers items across various phases to amplify specific training. Their ab roller, resistant bands, lifting straps and more all deliver versatility.
Top Picks
Here‘s a quick rundown of my other go-to GymReapers products that help diversify programming:
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Ab Roller – Killer core activation moving heavier stacks of plates
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Resistance Bands – Extra tension for accessory lift burnouts or mobility flows
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Lifting Straps – Ensure grip never fails on demanding deadlift volume days
And while I don‘t own them yet personally, their Sling Shot style bench press aid and hip circles for mastering depth receive glowing reviews from the powerlifting community.
GymReapers even offers a "Sample Pack" with a belt, wraps and accessory for $50. This lets new lifters experiment with supportive gear without huge upfront investments.
Who Are The Founders Behind GymReapers?
As I researched GymReapers further after great early experiences, their origin story of being built by dedicated iron athletes for their community resonated with my powerlifting journey.
Roc Pilon launched GymReapers in 2014 after being unsatisfied by existing workout gear as he pushed towards competitive power numbers. This passion fuels the brand‘s mission creating innovative, effective products today.
As a brand, GymReapers stands out not just for high performance workout items, but an emphasis on listening to their loyal customers. Whether perfecting existing top sellers or testing new concepts, they take feedback seriously to foster mutual success.
This shows through my positive ownership experiencing chatting in-depth with their team to plan my ideal accessory setup for peaking towards recent 1RM attempts. They customize guidance catered specifically your goals, serious about seeing you succeed.
Shipping, Returns & Discounts Breakdown
Beyond fashioning top tier training gear, GymReapers sets themselves apart offering thoughtful shipping, return and discount policies that make purchasing and exchanges a breeze. Here‘s a quick look at my experience around:
Shipping
- Fast free USA shipping over $150
- Arrives within 2-5 days usually
- Pay extra for expedited 1-2 day delivery
Returns
- Full refunds allowed within 30 days of purchase
- Easy self-service RMA submission & prepaid label
Discounts
- 10% military & teacher discounts
- Earn more % off via rewards program
I love that returns are allowed up to 30 days after you receive an order. Their customer service makes processing this smooth by emailing you a prepaid shipping label quickly after submission. No restocking fees either!
What Do GymReapers Customers Think Overall?
As a long time GymReapers user, I agree with the 1000s of positive reviews and sky high ratings earned across credible sites:
- Trustpilot – 4.8 stars (91 reviews)
- Yelp – 5 stars (7 reviews)
- Google – 4.8 stars (268 reviews)
The overwhelmingly positive reception focuses heavily on the game changing performance provided by their powerlifting accessories for hitting bigger lifts. I experienced this firsthand crushing squat goals thanks to the bite of their 10mm belt across my torso paired with compressive sleeve security embracing my knees.
Folks also praise GymReapers ability to take customer feedback and fine tune existing offerings like their original 12" wrist wraps into superior second generation versions. Rather than resting on innovation laurels, their founder Roc constantly pushes product teams towards bigger breakthroughs.
And when the occasional defective item slips through QA, the service team acts swiftly to make it right to customers. I received prompt replacements the few times I faced damage from everyday wear & tear. Their excellence resolving hiccups before I can even ask shows a commitment to keeping loyal fans happy.
My Verdict After Years As A GymReapers User
Thanks for taking this comprehensive journey analyzing GymReapers elite lifting gear that has helped me set powerlifting personal records repeatedly over multiple meets. I hope detailing my firsthand usage offers helpful insights around their belts, sleeves, wraps and more in action!
To recap, my verdict is GymReapers provides phenomenal workout gear engineered specifically for strength athletes serious about performing their best. Their product designers innovate thoughtfully based on real world demands faced by iron warriors in the trenches everyday.
I can‘t recommend them enough for powerlifters, Olympic lifters, CrossFit devotees and commercial gym grinders wanting supportive equipment guaranteed to amplify training. Let the knowledgeable GymReapers team help you smash PRs and reach untapped potential!
Frequently Asked GymReapers Questions
Still have some lingering questions before pulling the trigger on GymReapers gear? Here‘s answers to the most common I get asked:
Do They Offer Payment Plans?
Yes, GymReapers provides financing options via Klarna and Afterpay that break up purchases into 4 manageable interest-free payments over 6 weeks. Great for splurging on a custom belt & accessory kit.
When Does GymReapers Have Big Sales?
Keep an eye out for sitewide discounts of 25% or more during the holidays in July & November/December. I stocked up on backup wrist wraps for 50% off on Black Friday! They also run private promos for previous buyers year round.
Can I Resell Unused Gear?
GymReapers is cool with owners reselling unused items that are still in good shape. Just avoid trying to pass off counterfeit products falsely under their brand which hurts everyone. Most powerlifting gear retains value well on the secondary market through sites likes Craigslist or OfferUp if you prefer shipping items.
What Else Should I Buy With Gear?
GymReapers recommends pairing their lifting accessories with conditioning tools like foam rollers, lacrosse balls, massage guns and resistance bands for comprehensive active recovery and injury prevention. Don‘t forget protein powder too for rebuilding muscle after brutal sessions!
Do They Sponsor Athletes?
Yes, GymReapers proudly sponsors a range of elite powerlifters, CrossFit champs and bodybuilders around the world. If you have a big social following and compete actively, you can apply to join their exclusive team unlocking free gear in exchange for promotion. Reach out if you think you have what it takes!
Closing Thoughts
Thanks so much for taking this iron journey with me today gang. I hope detailing my firsthand experiences with GymReapers gear gives you the insights needed to level up your training too. They offer such top quality belts, knee sleeves and specialty accessories perfectly calibrated for athletes chasing big personal records.
Have some final questions? Feel free to hit me up at the email below! I‘m always happy to chat more about powerlifting or recommend which GymReapers equipment is best fit for your body and budget. This community is all about achieving peak potential together.
