When it comes to weightlifting, you need to take good care of your elbows if you want to avoid pain. Some weightlifters opt to move these weights by their hands alone. While other weightlifters opt to wear the right kind of weightlifting gloves.
Weightlifting gloves can help keep your hands from ripping. If you’re like me and have ripped your hands several times, you know the advantages of wearing weightlifting gloves.
However, there are not so many weights gloves options out there. Most of the time, people will have to settle for one pair or two. We think that’s a bit disappointing.
So, to save you some time, we decided to do a deep dive and open up a list of the best elbow compression sleeves for weightlifters. Check out our list below.
We also included a comprehensive buying guide. We hope by the end of this article, you know how to choose the best elbow compression sleeves for weightlifters. Without any further ado, let’s dive into these elbow compression sleeves.
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| Venom Elbow Brace Compression Sleeve | Best Overall |  |
| Copper Compression Recovery Elbow Sleeve | Budget Pick |  |
| Nordic Lifting Elbow Sleeves | Upgrade Pick |  |
1. Venom Elbow Brace Compression Sleeve
Pros:
- Extra thick neoprene providing support and comfort.
- Have a breathable air flow to reduce sweat and heat.
- Lightweight design and can be machine washed.
- Special extra durable thread to make it more comfortable.
- Professional-quality piece of equipment.
Cons:
- Only Large and Small sizes available.
- Recommended for more intense workouts.
- Can be a bit pricey.
These are probably the best elbow compression sleeves for weightlifting. It can support and alleviate pain from tennis elbow, golf elbow, cycling elbow, and other elbow joint inflammatory issues.
The Venoms Sports Elbow Brace offers great support for those who suffer from repetitive stress injuries to your elbow. The support it offer comes from the compression support of the neoprene and the Duraprene fabric.
These sleeves are also very breathable, which is pretty essential for such an item. It's also great that these sleeves are also machine washable.
2. Mava Sports Bamboo Elbow Compression Sleeves
Pros:
- Affordable and great quality.
- Can be machine washed in warm water, but should be line dried.
- Don’t lose elasticity.
- Comfortable fit.
- Helps warm the muscles up when training in a cool environment.
- Comes in 7 different sizes, great for both men and women.
- Money back guarantee.
Cons:
- If you’re a large individual, they may not fit.
- Won’t offer much if you’re swimming in a lake or ocean with lots of sand.
- They don’t provide a ton of support or compression if you have cysts on your elbows.
- If you scratch the logo there is a possibility of it feeling like it is getting a hole.
If you have pain between the elbow joints and in the elbow itself, they are sometimes not the result of the elbow itself but the muscles around it, especially the bicep tendon.
Wearing compression sleeves can help reduce the swelling and inflammation in your butt and biceps muscle which will alleviate some of your pain.
You can wear these sleeves all day if you work on a desk and are having pain, or just during the day if you're trying to stretch out.
3. Kunto Fitness Elbow Brace Compression Support Sleeve
Pros:
- Air-X Technology.
- Provides comfort and effective relief from the pain of tennis elbow.
- 3 adjustable straps.
- Color: Blue/Grey
- Material: Polyethylene.
- Size: One size fits all.
Cons:
- The color is not like the picture.
- The fabric is not very good.
This elbow sleeve is designed for both men and women. It is made from high quality material. It is also machine washable. This elbow sleeve is very worth it because it allows you to get more sleep, play sports, listen to live music, work or take part in your favorite outdoor activities. It will also give you great support and prevent you from dislocating your elbow.
4. Copper Compression Recovery Elbow Sleeve
Pros:
- Made from high-density, cotton-blend spandex and brushed copper-infused neoprene.
- Velcro fastening makes this durable but versatile compression elbow sleeve a breeze to put on.
- High-density cotton-blend spandex guarantees a comfortable fit that is soft against your skin.
- Can be worn on either arm for greater range of motion.
- Excellent fit and very comfortable to use while working out.
- It has been clinically tested and given the FDA and CE approval for it’s health benefits.
- The material is breathable, but also thick enough to keep your muscles warm as you exercise.
Cons:
- May be a little too warm to wear in extremely hot or humid conditions.
Bottom line: This copper compression arm sleeve by Copper Compression is great for anyone who works out, golfs, or suffers from tennis or golf elbow, bursitis, or arthritis. It will help keep your muscles warm and relaxed and reduce swelling. The mixture of tech-grade copper, neoprene, and spandex will keep your elbow joint mobile, flexible, and supported during any physical activity.
5. Uflex Elbow Compression Sleeve
Pros:
- Compact and lightweight.
- Highly effective for tennis elbow, elbow pain, and bursitis relief.
- Provides firm compression to activate blood circulation to the elbow joints.
- Helps fight swelling, tendon pain, and accelerate healing.
- Fabric is odor resistant and will not cause any skin irritation.
- Easy to clean without any soap.
- Maximum compression protection and support to the elbow joint and tendon.
- Bands on both ends allow for convenient wrapping and in use adjustments.
- Added strap and magnet for a secure fit even if it is slightly too long for your arm.
- Perfect for both men and women.
Cons:
- Small size only fits 3 to 4.5 inches radius.
- While the brace is perfect for treatment of elbow injuries, it might not be suitable for daily wear.
- Not easily adjustable.
This is one of the best weight lifting elbow compression sleeves which is in trend these days.Designed for people who love working out at gyms and training outside, this makes a great addition to your workout gear.
This one-size-fits-most brace is ideal for those looking to relieve the pain associated with tennis elbow, elbow stiffness, and overuse strains.
6. Nordic Lifting Elbow Sleeves
Wrist support enables maximum elbow/forearm safety and comfort.
Great compression strength and has very good thickness which forms a great fit for your arm.
Fast absorption of sweating during your intense workout sessions to keep you from getting dehydrated.
7. Zensah Compression Tennis Elbow Sleeve
Pros:
- Four-way stretch construction for a lot of flexibility.
- The Neoprene is not too warm for summer training
- Can wash and machine dry the sleeve
- Adjustable strap for a better fit
- Washable and made of 76% nylon, 17% spandex, 7% lycra.
- EVA padding helps alleviate pain by providing support
- Four-way stretch construction for a lot of flexibility.
- A comfortable fit with the non-binding Neoprene.
- Can wash and machine dry the sleeve
- Lightweight and easy to carry, very easy to be packed
Cons:
- Narrow sleeve, only can fit small arms, recommend size S for 150mm to 165mm
- Some say it’s too small for big arms
- The neoprene is not too warm for summer training
Velcro Strap, Zensah Compression Sleeve, Neoprene Sleeve.
8. Premium Elbow Compression Sleeve
Pros:
- Has been washed numerous times, and the color has stayed the same.
- Have recommended these to several of my friends.
- Has helped my Carpal Tunnel Syndrome by providing support and warmth.
Cons:
- Fits tightly so be careful putting it on and taking it off.
- The tag is sewn on to the wrong side.
Wearing compression sleeves to training is a common practice for professional and amateur athletes. This is a popular product used by weightlifters, football players, baseball players, basketball players, volleyball players, tennis players, badminton players and others.
Elbow compression sleeves absorb sweat and reduce friction caused by rubbing and chafing. They keep your elbow joints warm and allow you to move freely with no restrictions. This product is a premium elbow compression sleeve that accommodates a variety of hobbies and activities. They are great for everyday use and will provide you with comfort throughout your activities and training.
It is made from a high-performance fabric that wicks moisture to keep your arms dry. They provide support, reduce pain and inflammation, and help you to maintain your focus on your goal. Grab a pair of this compression sleeve for your elbow so you can play all day and train all night with no restrictions.
9. Bear Elbow Sleeve 5mm High Strength Neoprene
Pros:
- Features a comfortable 5mm neoprene construction that protects your elbows and reduces the impact of cleans, jerks, and snatches.
The 1-year guarantee says it all. If for whatever reason you do not like the product, you can get a full refund.
It also comes with a free training guide that includes a bunch of exercise tutorials as well as essential information about injury prevention.
The sleeves are a little bit long and they will probably be a bit tight around your elbows. This is not a deal breaker, especially considering their purpose is to protect your elbow joints and secure your shoulders well.
10. BLITZU Elbow Compression Sleeve
Pros:
- Very comfortable & better than most elbow sleeves.
- Good length for the forearm with the right amount of compression.
- Great price.
Cons:
- Rubs on the wrist.
- Not for extremely large people.
Elbow sleeves are essential for a lot of athletes, including weightlifters. They provide support without the added bulk of elbow pads, and they allow you to stay cooler during your lifts. Elbow sleeves also make it easier to perform exercises such as pushups, which require your arms to be locked at an almost complete extension.
The problem with some sports sleeves is that they’re so tight they they’re uncomfortable to wear. But the Blitzu compression sleeves are reasonably tight without being too constrictive.
They also feature CoolVent fabric, which draws moisture away from the skin. I prefer to use these for warmup/workout gear when I’m able to keep my sleeves on throughout the entire workout.
11. Flexxline Triceps Support
Pros:
- Secure Velcro
- Breathable material
- Very soft and comfortable
- Great for CrossFit and Powerlifting
- Great compression support
- Elbow massage cups to relieve tension and pain
- Great price for the product
- Great customer service
This elbow compression sleeve from Flexxline is the best elbow compression sleeve for weightlifting and cross-training because it is made of a form-fitting neoprene material that’s breathable and heated for muscle relief and tendon support. It has flexible support in the elbow area that fits securely with a Velcro closure.
It is one of the best elbow compression sleeves on the market because it is 4-way stretch compression and wicks sweat away so it is breathable and comfortable. It also relieves muscle tension and tightness and improves your circulation too.
This elbow compression sleeve is the best elbow compression sleeve for sport because it provides support and compression for your warmth and comfort. It is made of quality material and it will last for a long time.
12. Tommie Copper Compression Elbow Sleeve
Pros:
- Keeps your elbow protected from friction and excess sweat
- Can be worn on its own or under another sleeve.
- Comfortable cotton stretch fabric with two different half-sleeves for two different kinds of compression.
- Can wear all day and night
- Arms stay dry and odor free
- Long-lasting
- Great way to keep elbows from getting super sore and fatiguing.
Cons:
- Some complaint that it bunches up when bending the arm.
This sleeves prevent the elbow skin from chafing and distribute pressure evenly. It comes in two different compression levels although some people use it as a warmth sleeve. It is effective for all upper body workout such as WODs, heavy lifting and pull ups.
You can easily wear this sleeve all day and night because of its breathable cotton blend. It also has anti microbial technology that helps to prevent odor and keeps arms dry. The fabric is lycra fabric and it is nylon/spandex cuff.
More importantly, it can hold the swelling of bursitis and tendinitis because of its compression design and fit. It is so comfortable that you may forget you are wearing it. It is perfect for those who workout or just work a lot.
13. Copper United Compression Elbow Sleeve
Pros:
- Stops pain
- Lightweight
- Good value for a copper compression product
Cons:
- Size runs short
- Sleeve tends to fall down while doing CrossFit
Large.
This copper infused compression elbow sleeve provides support and compression as well as warmth for joint healthcare. It is made from a soft and breathable material to prevent heat retention, chafing or irritation that can result in long-term use.
It is perfect for both men and women and can be worn during workouts, work, golf and tennis games. It can also be used to help comfort patellar tendonitis, runner’s knee and shin splints.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Are compression sleeves good for weightlifting?
Weightlifting is one of the most beneficial forms of exercise available, but it can have a downside. If you work out and lift heavy weights, you will build upper body muscle. For most people, that is a good thing. However, they need to be aware that while the muscles will become more pronounced, the skin over the muscle will also become tighter.
This can put pressure on your tendons and that can cause pain in your elbows. A good way to prevent that from becoming a problem is to purchase and wear elbow compression sleeves.
What is the best elbow compression sleeve?
There are hundreds of different elbow compression sleeves on the market, but they can all be broken down into a few different categories depending on which type of tightness you want.
Best elbow sleeves for pain relief are compression sleeves, which are designed to keep your elbow warm and alleviate pain while you are training.
Best elbow sleeves for weightlifting and workouts are supportive sleeves, which are designed to provide much more support than just a basic compression sleeve.
Best elbow sleeves for athletics are compression sleeves typically designed for Rugby or Wrestling. These are the sleeves you look for if you are looking for a sleeve to provide constant support and compression during your activities and matches.
Do compression sleeves help with tendonitis?
Yes. Compression sleeves are designed to provide support and stability for weak or injured areas of the body. The way that sleeves work is that they increase blood flow from the blood vessels near the skin, encouraging healing.
Since blood flow near the injured area brings with it oxygen and nutrients that the cells need in order to heal, and compression sleeves increase the occurrence of this happening, it’s not a surprise that owners of elbow sleeves report faster and more complete healing than those who aren’t wearing them.
Do compression sleeves help tennis elbow?
Compression sleeves are fantastic for reducing the elbow pain associated with stress at your tendons. If you are struggling with elbow pain, a sleeve can help to reduce pain, reduce swelling, and help keep the tendons from further degeneration.
Throughout the day, your hands, fingers, and arms are under a lot of stress. Whether you are at work, typing or driving, or you are fighting in martial arts or boxing, the areas around your elbows are often strained far more than any other part of your body.
Compression sleeves allows you to relieve this stress relatively easily. When you can reduce the stress on your tendons, you can also reduce pain and begin to get the elbow muscles recovering.
Conclusion
There are many elbow compression sleeves on the market, but only a select few are able to meet our expectations and standards.
We realize that everyone has different opinions and our goal is to find you the best elbow compression sleeves.
Finding the best elbow compression sleeves for you will depend on a variety of factors, such as what type of workout you are doing, what materials the sleeves are made of, and even the color of the sleeves.
Our Recommendation
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| Venom Elbow Brace Compression Sleeve | Best Overall | |
| Copper Compression Recovery Elbow Sleeve | Budget Pick | |
| Nordic Lifting Elbow Sleeves | Upgrade Pick | |