Wood Vs Plastic Gym Rings

Some people suggest going for a specific material, while others are entirely unsure of what to do. But, many people opt for plastic rings, but many also know that this makes them second-guess their decision. 

So, to help make the decision easier, we have taken a look at both options and reviewed the pros & cons of each so you can make an informed decision on which type of gym ring is for you. 

Let’s first learn about wooden rings. 

Wooden rings

These gym rings are made from wood or other hardwood materials. It is important to note that some wood rings will be made from plywood, which is merely a layered combination of wood compressed together.

It means that the layers are the same size and density, which will help prevent slipping and slipping.

Grip 

Wooden rings have a considerably superior feel and texture to plastic and metal rings. In addition, a tremendous gripping ability makes it easier to lift heavyweights.

Another excellent reason for this gripping ability is that the wood absorbs sweat, which means the wood will have a greater tendency to remain slippery rather than need to be greased.

Durability 

Plastic rings can begin to crack and flex due to their pressure over time. The fact that wooden rings are more durable than plastic rings is a huge plus point because they will stand more stress and pressure while maintaining an entirely smooth feeling.

Wear & Tear 

How long a gym ring lasts depends on how often you use it and what types of exercises you do. Luckily, wooden rings are known to last longer than plastic ones, which can become damaged due to friction placed upon them. 

The fact that wooden rings have minimal friction means that they will hold up better in the long term, meaning they will not need replacing or repairing as often.

Pros

• Olympic gymnasts use it.
• Extremely affordable
• Best in terms of performance

Cons

• When kept outside, they are not as robust as plastic rings.

Plastic rings

Plastic rings are the more popular option when it comes to gym rings. They are available in various colours, which means that you can buy coloured rings to match your other equipment. 

The plastic ring will usually have some texture on the outside, although it is not as textured as the wooden ring. 

Plastic will be a lot cheaper than wood, and you may even be able to find plastic rings that come at a discounted price if you buy in bulk. 

The most significant advantage of plastic rings is their longevity. The rings will be fine if you leave them outside in the rain, snow, or sun. They will also not be as prone to shrink or expand since they are made from plastic.

Grip 

While the plastic rings have an excellent gripping ability, they will not be as good as wooden rings in this area.

The texture of a plastic ring is smoother than that of a wooden ring, which turns some people off. 

Another thing to note is that plastic rings can be very slippery when wet. It means that your hands may slide on the smooth surface when you have been sweating a lot. 

Durability 

Plastic rings can last much longer than wooden rings. It is because you only need to wash it often, whereas a wooden ring will need to be replaced every time you use it. 

Unfortunately, this means that if you tend to hold your hands on your garden hose or the hand dryer, you may leave marks on the surface of your wooden gym bench, and it will start to wear extremely quickly. Plastic rings do not have this problem. 

Wear & Tear 

Plastic rings will be fine if they are watered, but they will not need to be greased frequently. They are also still very soft and smooth, so they are not likely to leave marks on surfaces. It makes them ideal for commercial gym equipment that people use frequently. 

Pros

• Cheapest option
• Highly durable 
• You can tie knots in them
• A wide variety of colours & styles are available
• Unique look to them. Easy to clean up when needed. 

Cons 

• Slippery when exposed to water or sweat. 
• Because the grip is inferior to that of wooden rings, your performance suffers as a result.
• It can become quite slippery when wet and necessitates using a lot of chalk.

Wood vs plastic gym rings: Which one is better?

It depends on what you’re looking for. For instance, plastic rings are probably the best choice if you are looking for a gym that you can keep outside and will still be usable after a few days without being exposed to water. After all, they can go in the rain and get damaged by exposure to water. 

On the other hand, if you like the wood feeling of the wooden rings but want them to be waterproof, then plastic rings are probably the best choice. 

The fact that you can keep plastic rings outside without fear of them becoming unusable is a big plus.

The main difference between wooden and plastic gym rings is their texture. The texture of the wooden ones will allow you to grip onto them much better, but they also may require greasing now and again.

Wooden rings are also extremely good at absorbing sweat, making them great for use in public gyms that get a lot of traffic. 

On the other hand, plastic rings will not be affected by the atmosphere, but they are not absorbing sweat. The texture of wooden rings also means that you can use them for different exercises than plastic ones. 

For instance, if you are using a front lever with a wooden ring, it is much more likely that you will have a better grip than when you are using a plastic ring.

Conclusion:

It can be quite a challenge choosing between wooden and plastic gym rings, especially when you are unsure which one to go for. Both options have their pros and cons.

However, there is one clear winner. There will be many more reasons to use a wooden ring over a plastic ring if you weigh up the benefits of the two materials against each other. 

Wooden rings are much more durable, and you will have to clean them less frequently. They are also better at absorbing sweat, making them more comfortable to use.

Wooden rings also provide a much better grip and are more effective for specific exercises, such as the front lever.