There are things you can't control: which workout is programmed, how many reps there are, whether muscle-ups are included. But one thing you can control: your equipment.
We analyzed all CrossFit Open workouts from the last 10 years – from 16.1 to 25.3. Every movement. Every repetition. From this, we deduced what athlete gear you really need to be prepared.
No guesswork. Just data and the right products.
What's next? 10 years of Open Movements at a glance
Before you buy equipment, you should know what it's for. Here are the most common movements of the last decade:
What does that mean for you? Double-unders are guaranteed. Thrusters almost as much. Rig movements (pull-ups, muscle-ups, toes-to-bar) are practically a given every year. And heavy barbell work (deadlifts, cleans, snatches) is standard.
Your equipment must be specifically designed for this.
The equipment you need
1. Speed Rope
Why: Double-unders have been the most common movement in Open history—they occur every single year. Your jump rope is non-negotiable. It has to fit, be fast, and work reliably. Using someone else's rope will cost you reps.
What matters: Ball bearings for smooth rotation. Thin steel cable (2-3 mm) for speed. Adjustable length. Handles that fit well in the hand. The rope should reach chin/ear level when you are standing in the middle.
| VRT Elite Speed Rope | Easily adjustable jump rope | Deluxe Jump Rope | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | CHF 59.00 | CHF 39.00 | CHF 22.00 |
| Cable | 2mm steel cable | Steel cable with aluminum clamping system | 3mm coated steel cable |
| handles | Premium, optimized for speed | Aluminium with integrated clamping | Conical, 15.5cm, hard plastic |
| adjustment | Tools required (Toolkit CHF 5.00) | Tool-free clamping system | Adjusting screws + wire cutters |
| Weight | Ultralight | Light | 300g |
| Replacement cable | Yes, 7 colors (CHF 5.00) | Yes | Yes, 3 colors (CHF 5.00) |
| For whom | Advanced users & competitors. Thinnest cable = maximum speed. | Versatile athletes. Quick adjustment without tools. | Beginners and budget-conscious users. Tried and tested, solid, a good starting point. |
| Open recommendation | ★★★ Top Pick | ★★☆ Solid choice | ★☆☆ Good start |
Our tip: VRT Elite Speed Rope
The VRT Elite Speed Rope is the clear number one choice for the Open. The 2mm cable spins faster than anything else in our range, and with the colored replacement cables, you always have a backup. If you're serious about double-unders, this is the rope for you.
CHF 59.00
2. Gymnastics Grips
Why: Chest-to-bar pull-ups, bar muscle-ups, and toes-to-bar each appeared in 7–8 out of 10 Open years. High volume on the bar is practically guaranteed. Without grips, you risk skin tears (rips) that will stop you mid-workout.
What matters: A material that adheres to the bar yet allows freedom of movement. Integrated wrist protection for dynamic movements. And: They have to fit perfectly right away – at the Open, you don't have time to waste.
Important: Grips were explicitly not allowed in Workout 25.3 (Wall Walks). So train without them.
| CHEATER GRIPS® | Carbon Grips 3 Holes | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | CHF 65.00 | CHF 45.00 |
| material | Sticky rubber compound with textile reinforcement | Carbon-look material |
| Fingerholes | Fingerless (no holes) | 3 holes (index/middle/ring finger) |
| Wrist guard | Integrated neoprene support | Standard wristband |
| Special feature | Sticks to the bar without chalk . Competition approved (CrossFit Games). | Classic 3-hole design with "dowel effect" for secure lock-in. |
| Break-In | Minimal – fits after 1 session | Short registration time required |
| Colors | Black, Bright Lavender, Lime Green | Black |
| Sizes | M, L | S, M, L |
| For whom | Maximum grip with minimal effort. No chalk needed = faster transitions. | Classic fingerhole feel with dowel effect. Wider coverage. |
| Open recommendation | ★★★ Highly recommended | ★★☆ Proven alternative |
Our tip: CHEATER GRIPS®
The CHEATER GRIPS® are our flagship product – and for good reason. The sticky rubber compound adheres to the bar without the need for constant re-chalking. This saves you precious seconds during 60+ pull-ups in an open workout. And the integrated wrist protection is invaluable during tilting butterfly movements.
CHF 65.00
3. Thumb Tape
Why? Cleans were common in 7 out of 10 years, snatches in 5 out of 10, and deadlifts in 7 out of 10. The hook grip is standard for all these movements – and it's not comfortable for the thumbs without tape. Especially during high-rep barbell cycling.
What matters: Elastic (not stiff!), self-adhesive, removable without residue, does not tear when sweating.
| Super Stretchy Tape | Performance Kinesio Tape | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | CHF 7.00 | CHF 10.00 |
| mass | 6.9m x 3.8cm | 5m x 5cm |
| material | Highly elastic fabric, skin-friendly adhesive | 97% Cotton/Nylon + 3% Spandex |
| Special feature | Tearable by hand, no peeling during training, leaves no residue | CE/FDA certified, holds up under sweat and showering, 160–180% elasticity |
| Primary use | Hook Grip – Thumb protection for Olympic lifts & barbell cycling | Therapeutic – muscle/joint support, swelling |
| Colors | Black, White, Blue, Red, Pink | Black (currently in stock) |
| For whom | Every athlete who does barbell movements. This thumb tape. | Athletes with shoulder, knee, or elbow problems. Supportive. |
| Open recommendation | ★★★ Must-Have | ★★☆ Supplement for complaints |
In short: For Hook Grip, you want the Super Stretchy Tape . 6.9 meters is enough for several workouts, it won't come loose when you sweat, and you tear it by hand – no fumbling with scissors.
4. Wrist Wraps
Why? Thrusters appeared in 9 out of 10 Open years. Add to that snatches, cleans, overhead squats, and handstand push-ups. All of these put stress on the wrists. Wrist wraps stabilize the joint and prevent unwanted hyperextension under load.
What matters: Enough strength for stability, enough elasticity for freedom of movement. Thumb loop for easy on and off. Velcro closure that holds.
| Wrist Wraps 2.0 | Solid Color Wrist Wraps | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | CHF 22.00 | CHF 19.00 |
| length | 45cm | standard |
| Thumb loop | Yes | Yes |
| Closure | Double Velcro fastener (2 surfaces) | Simple Velcro fastener |
| material | Robust, tensile-resistant, slightly elastic | Elastic fabric |
| Colors | Red, White (Black sold out) | Black |
| Reviews | ★★★★★ (5 Reviews) | – |
| For whom | Maximum stability. Double Velcro closure provides a rock-solid hold. | Uncomplicated, good value for money. |
| Open recommendation | ★★★ Top Pick | ★★☆ Budget Pick |
5. Knee Sleeves
Why: Thrusters (9/10), cleans (7/10), wall balls (5/10), deadlifts (7/10), lunges, squats – almost every Open workout had a squat component. Knee sleeves keep the joint warm, compressed, and protected.
What matters: 5mm neoprene is the sweet spot for CrossFit – enough support without restricting movement. A secure, non-slip fit is crucial: nothing is more annoying than sleeves that slip down with every squat.
| Sticky Knee Sleeves 5mm | Neoprene Knee Sleeves 5mm | Stiff Powerlifting Knee Sleeves | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | CHF 50.00 (pair) | CHF 48.00 (pair) | CHF 79.00 (pair) |
| thickness | 5mm | 5mm | Extra stiff (7mm+) |
| Inner material | Silicone coating (anti-slip!) | Standard neoprene | Standard neoprene |
| Fit | 25cm length, full patella coverage | 3D contoured | Maximum compression |
| competition | Compliant (5mm) | IPF/IWF approved | Powerlifting competitions |
| guarantee | 2 years | – | – |
| Sizes | XS–XL | XS–XL | S–XL |
| Care | Washing machine 30°C | Hand wash recommended | Hand wash recommended |
| For whom | CrossFit athletes. Silicone = no slipping during high-rep squats. | Versatile athletes and competitors. IPF/IWF approved. | Powerlifter. Maximum stiffness. Rather overkill for the Open. |
| Open recommendation | ★★★ Top Pick | ★★☆ Solid Alternative | ★☆☆ Too stiff for WODs |
Our tip: Sticky Knee Sleeves 5mm
The Sticky Knee Sleeves with silicone inner lining were developed for exactly this situation: high reps, dynamic movements, sweat – and yet everything stays in place. The 2-year warranty gives you added peace of mind.
CHF 50.00 (pair)
6. Lifting Belt
Why: Deadlifts (7/10), heavy cleans (7/10), snatches (5/10), and occasional 1RM tests. With heavy loads, a belt helps to generate more intra-abdominal pressure and protect the spine.
Important: Only useful with heavy loads (>75–80% 1RM). Do not wear during gymnastics, burpees, or wall ball exercises. For the Open, you need a belt that you can quickly put on and take off.
| Multisport Lifting Belt | Weightlifting belt | Leather Powerlifting Belt | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | CHF 50.00 | CHF 25.00 |
CHF 59.00 |
| material | Neopren | Fabric with leather components | 9.5mm leather |
| Width | 10cm | standard | 10cm (IWF-compliant) |
| Closure | Metal loop + Velcro (double safety feature) | Quick-adjust belt | Buckle |
| Weight | Light | Light | 1.2–1.4 kg |
| Sizes | XS–2XL | Only L available | XS–XL |
| Reviews | – | ★★★★★ (2 Reviews) | – |
| For whom | CrossFit athletes. Quick on, quick off, adapts. | Occasional lift. Budget option. | Powerlifters & competitive athletes. IWF standard. |
| Open recommendation | ★★★ Top Pick | ★★☆ Budget Pick | ★☆☆ More like powerlifting |
7. Chalk
Why? Every pull-up, every toes-to-bar, every deadlift, every clean – your grip is crucial. Sweaty hands are the enemy. Chalk absorbs moisture and gives you a dry, secure grip. And paradoxically, dry skin is less likely to tear than wet skin.
| Liquid Chalk (200ml) | Magnesium block | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | CHF 16.00 | CHF 18.00 |
| form | Creamy, dries on the hand | Solid chalk blocks (~8 pieces) |
| Shelf life per application | Longer – forms a layer | Shorter – needs to be refilled more often |
| Dust | Minimal | More dust |
| Reviews | – | ★★★★★ (5 Reviews) |
| For whom | Gyms with chalk restrictions. Faster application in WODs. | Purists. Classic, proven, tactile feedback. |
| Open recommendation | ★★★ More practical in WOD | ★★☆ Classic |
Tip: It's best to have both with you. Liquid chalk as a base layer, and block chalk to add more as needed.
12. Recovery Tools
Why: The Open runs for three weeks. You need to recover quickly between workouts. Mobility tools release tension, maintain flexibility, and prevent injuries.
| Acupoint Massage Stick | Massage Stick 2.0 | Foam Roller | Lacrosse ball | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | CHF 29.00 | CHF 24.00 | CHF 19.00 | CHF 5.90 |
| type | Ergonomic trigger point stick | Roller with 9 angled elements | Classic fascia roller | Hard rubber ball (6cm) |
| Weight | Compact | 500g | 600g (46cm x 15cm) | Light |
| Mission | Targeted trigger points | thighs, calves, arms | Back, legs – large areas | Shoulder, sole of foot – pinpoint accuracy |
| portability | Fits in any bag | Fits in any bag | Somewhat bulky | It fits anywhere |
| For whom | Targeted deep work | Quick all-round massage | Large muscle groups | Everyone. Unbeatable value for money. |
For the Open, we recommend the following combination: Lacrosse ball (CHF 5.90) for targeted work + foam roller (CHF 19.00) for larger areas. Together CHF 24.90 – and you're all set for recovery.
13. Gym Bag / Backpack
Why? Speed rope, grips, tape, chalk, wraps, sleeves, belt, recovery tools – that's a lot of gear. You need a bag that keeps everything organized and easily accessible. Especially at Friday Night Lights, you don't want to be rummaging through a chaotic mess of equipment.
| Hybrid GYM Pack Pro | Gym Backpack | Max carrier bag | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | CHF 96.00 | CHF 89.00 | CHF 49.00 |
| volume | 53 liters | Large (25+ compartments) | standard |
| material | Water-repellent | 900D Oxford | 1050D Ballistic Nylon |
| shoe compartment | Yes, separated | Yes | No |
| Wearing options | 3-in-1: Backpack, Tote, Shoulder Bag | Backpack | Tote Bag |
| Special feature | MOLLE system, large patch area, water-repellent | 25+ compartments for maximum organization. 8 colors. | Ballistic nylon = virtually indestructible. 4 colors. |
| For whom | All-in-one. Cycling, competition, everyday life. | The organized one. One subject for everything. | The minimalist. Robust, compact. |
| Open recommendation | ★★★ Premium Choice | ★★☆ Organization King | ★★☆ Budget & Compact |
Ready?
You don't control the workouts. But whether you compete with the right equipment – that's up to you.
Tag us in your Open story: @crossequip | #crossequip
Good luck at the Open 2026!
Your cross equip team