5 Best Long Resistance Bands in 2024
Reviewed by: Oleksiy Torokhtiy (21 years of Oly Lifting experience)
With so many different brands available to buy, choosing the best long resistance bands can be hard. Resistance bands are versatile workout accessories that provide the user with a full-body workout with or without a home gym set-up.
They can be used to perform a wide variety of compound and accessory exercises, added to workouts to make exercises harder or easier, or used alongside machines and free weights. They are inexpensive, easy to carry around, and don’t require any maintenance.
In a hurry?
In a hurry and can’t keep reading? How about you check out the LEEKEY Resistance Band Set.
LEEKEY takes the lead with their commitment to eco-friendly, durable resistance bands made from natural rubber, providing tear-resistant, stretchable options for versatile workouts, and excelling in dynamic, functional fitness movements.
For these reasons, resistance bands make a great addition to any gym bag. With different resistance options, sizes, and band types available, I’ve reviewed my top 5 resistance band picks and presented them below to help you pick the right pair for you.
Top 5 Long Resistance Bands Reviewed
- LEEKEY Resistance Band Set — Top Pick
- WODFitters Pull-Up Assistance Bands — Runner Up
- Eleiko Resistance Band Set — Premium Pick
- Draper’s Strength Heavy Duty Resistance Stretch Loop Bands
- WeLuvFit Workout Bands Resistance
I’ve reviewed my top 5 long resistance bands, looking at resistance, reliability, versatility, and price/ quality. In the table below, I’ve ranked the bands accordingly:
Product | Total | Resistance | Reliability | Versatility | Price/ Quality |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
LEEKEY | 39.5 | 9.5 | 10 | 10 | 10 |
WODFitters | 39 | 9.5 | 10 | 10 | 9.5 |
Eleiko | 39 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 9 |
Draper’s Strength | 38.5 | 9.5 | 10 | 10 | 9 |
WeLuvFit | 38 | 9 | 10 | 9.5 | 9.5 |
1. LEEKEY Resistance Band Set
- Tension: 8-15 lbs, 15-35 lbs, 25-65 lbs, 35-85 lbs, 50-125 lbs
- Length: 81.9″
- Width: 0.4-1.7″
- Material: Natural Rubber
- Color Palette: Green, Blue, Orange, Red, Purple
LEEKEY is committed to providing excellent quality fitness products so you can enjoy a happier, healthier lifestyle. By manufacturing durable, environmentally friendly equipment and accessories, their products are designed to last.
Made from Natural rubber, LEEKEY aims to provide environmentally friendly resistance bands designed to last. The natural rubber band material is tear-resistant, durable, and able to repeatedly stretch without losing strength. They get my top pick spot for the best long resistance bands in 2022.
Offering resistance from 8-125 lbs, the LEEKEY resistance bands are great for warming up, stretching, and functional resistance movements. If you want to use them for powerlifting, combine the bands to provide extra resistance.
Measuring 81.9″ long, the LEEKEY bands are much longer than the other bands I’ve reviewed, which makes them a good option when performing dynamic movements where the bands need to be attached to equipment.
The bands are available in 4 and 5-band sets and come in either bright colors or a range of greens. Each set includes a convenient carry bag and workout guide.
Overall, the extra long resistance bands from LEEKEY are fantastic for dynamic, functional fitness movements that use a bigger range of motion.
Offering resistance from 8-125 lbs, the LEEKEY resistance bands are great for warming up, stretching, and functional resistance movements.
Positives:
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2. WODFitters Pull-Up Assistance Bands
- Tension: 10-35 lbs, 30-60 lbs, 40-80 lbs, 50-125 lbs, 65-175 lbs
- Length: 41"
- Width: 0.5-2.5"
- Material: Natural Rubber
- Color Palette: Orange, Red, Black, Purple, Green, Blue, Grey
Founded by a fitness trainer, WODFitters believe in the power of functional fitness. By supplying high-quality gear at excellent prices, WODFitters aims to help athletes achieve a wide range of goals, from general health to serious competition.
They produce a broad range of apparel, shoes, and equipment for cross-training and functional fitness that’s been designed and tested by a wide range of professionals.
For those looking for a high-quality, durable set of rubber resistance bands that won’t snap over time, the 4-band and 5-band sets from WODFitters offer excellent options, coming in a close runner-up spot. Single bands can also be purchased according to your workout preferences.
The WODFitters long exercise bands are perfect for both men and women performing functional fitness exercises including pull-ups, dips, and muscle-ups. They can be easily attached to gym equipment and used to provide an extra challenge when powerlifting.
Made from natural rubber and featuring an anti-snap design, the resistance bands from WODFitters have been extensively tested to ensure the best quality end product.
The bands come in 5 different tensile strengths, ranging from 10 to 175 lbs, offering a great range of resistance levels. They can also be easily combined to provide heavier resistance if needed. They measure 41" long, range from 0.74-1.75" wide, and come in a wide range of bright colors.
Overall, the WODFitters bands are an excellent option for fitness athletes and gym enthusiasts looking for durable sets of rubber resistance bands that can be purchased individually or as part of a set.
The WODFitters long exercise bands are perfect for both men and women performing functional fitness exercises including pull-ups, dips, and muscle-ups.
Positives:
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3. Eleiko Resistance Band
- Tension: 18-55 lbs, 26-92 lbs, 40-132 lbs, 48-154 lbs, 66-194 lbs, 88-207 lbs, 99-218 lbs
- Length: 41"
- Material: Durable Rubber
- Color Palette: Green, Yellow, Blue, Red, Grey, Silver, Black
Founded in 1957, Eleiko provides premium gym equipment and accessories for beginners to advanced lifters.
With the company owner frustrated by the lack of durable gym equipment, he founded Eleiko. Eleiko aims to continuously improve lifting performance and provide innovative products that can be used safely.
When purchasing from Eleiko, you're getting a premium product from a well-known brand whose equipment and accessories have been proven at the highest level of competition.
Their long workout bands are no different, available in 7 different resistance levels or as a set of 4 bands that range from 18-218 lbs, making them the best powerlifting option out of my top 5 choices.
Made from durable rubber, each band has been carefully designed to stand up to repeated use, from general strength and conditioning to banded powerlifting movements. Each band measures 41" in length and is available in 7 different colors, with the Eleiko brand in white in the middle.
Overall, the Eleiko resistance bands are a solid premium band option. Whilst they cost a little more, you're paying for bands manufactured by a well-known company whose products are heavily featured at the highest level of competition.
When purchasing from Eleiko, you're getting a premium product from a well-known brand whose equipment and accessories have been proven at the highest level of competition.
Positives:
Could be better:
4. Draper’s Strength Heavy Duty Resistance Stretch Loop Bands
- Tension: 2-15 lbs, 5-35 lbs, 10-50lbs, 25-80 lbs, 50-120 lbs, 60-150 lbs, 70-175 lbs
- Length: 41"
- Width: 0.25-3.25"
- Material: Natural Rubber
- Color Palette: Yellow, Red, Black, Purple, Green, Blue, Orange
Draper’s Strength was founded with a simple aim — to provide functional fitness equipment to customers at a decent price point.
By designing resistance bands that can be easily stored away, Draper’s Strength wants to provide cost-effective workout accessories that will get you in the best shape of your life.
In my number 4 spot are the resistance bands from Draper’s Strength. Constructed from high-quality rubber, the bands have been continuously dipped in latex to ensure they are durable and maintain their elasticity after repeated heavy use. They are available as individual bands or 3,4, and 5-band sets with a convenient carry bag and handle attachments.
Offering 2-175 lbs of resistance, the Draper’s Strength set provides a big range of band resistance that makes them ideal for strength training, powerlifting, functional movements, and rehabilitation exercises.
They measure 41" long and go from 0.25-3.25" wide depending on the resistance. Available in 7 bright colors, each band comes with handy rubber straps that keep the bands together, making them easy to store away or put in your gym bag.
Overall, Draper’s Strength resistance bands are a great option, providing 7 different durable resistance bands that come with handy storage straps.
Draper’s Strength was founded with a simple aim — to provide functional fitness equipment to customers at a decent price point.
Positives:
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5. WeLuvFit Workout Bands Resistance
- Tension: 5-20 lbs, 15-35 lbs, 25-50lbs, 35-65 lbs
- Length: 42"
- Width: 0.59-1.77"
- Material: Polyester
- Color Palette: Various Grays, Black
WeLuvFit manufactures and sells a wide range of fitness equipment, including resistance bands, pilates bars, and home accessories.
The brand aims to provide gym equipment that can strengthen your body and mind, leading to a better life. WeLuvFit wants you to be able to choose workout gear with ease without the uncertainty of what to use.
The fabric polyester resistance bands from WeLuvFit offer gym users a great alternative band option if they prefer a different band material or have certain skin allergies.
At first glance, the bands look and feel great. Made of skin-friendly material with an anti-slip rubber layer, they feature reinforced stitching to prevent rolling up and snapping issues.
The band options go from X-Light - Heavy, ranging from 5-65 lbs of resistance. Whilst this is less than most rubber band options, it still provides a decent range of resistance levels. They are also suitable to be used together, providing up to 170 lbs of heavy-duty resistance.
Measuring 42" long and from 0.59-1.77" wide depending on the resistance level, the bands come in a mixture of light grays and a black color for the top resistance.
Overall, the WeLuvFit resistance bands are well designed and provide an alternative option to the common rubber material used in most resistance bands.
Overall, the WeLuvFit resistance bands are well designed and provide an alternative option to the common rubber material used in most resistance bands.
Positives:
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What Are the Benefits of Using Long Resistance Bands?
Using long resistance bands provides a host of benefits for athletes and fitness enthusiasts of all levels. Here are the main benefits:
✅ Versatility
Perhaps one of the biggest benefits of using resistance bands is their versatility. They can be used for a variety of compound and accessory gym movements that include pushing, pulling, and pressing. They are great for warming up, stretching, dynamic movements, and powerlifting exercises depending on the resistance used.
They can be placed against the body or attached to gym equipment to provide a full-body workout at different resistance levels. They can also be used to make an exercise easier or harder depending on how you position them.
✅ Portability
Another key benefit of resistance bands is their portability. Due to their material, they can be wrapped up and stored in a small bag or suitcase without taking up much space at all.
As they are made of latex and other lightweight materials, resistance bands weigh little compared to most gym equipment. This makes them a great option for working out on the go or when traveling a lot.
✅ Price
One of the biggest factors stopping people from buying their favorite gym equipment is the price. Whilst there are lots of affordable equipment options available, resistance bands come at a fraction of the cost and provide multiple usage options.
✅ Safety
Resistance bands do have their dangers when using them, but compared with heavy weights and gym machines, they are much safer to use.
With the increased safety, resistance bands are well suited for people recovering from injury or looking to do some rehabilitation exercises whilst injured.
When Do You Need Long Resistance Bands?
Extra long resistance bands provide an external stimulus for your muscles to work against.
As they are longer than normal resistance bands, they are ideal for functional fitness movements, stretching, and warming up, where you need to move dynamically using a wider range of motion.
This includes fitness exercises such as pull-ups, dips, and squats and exercises where the bands need to be attached to gym equipment. Long resistance bands can also be combined to provide a bigger resistance level for powerlifting movements that include pushing, pulling, and pressing.
What to Look for in Long Resistance Bands?
1. Tension
Just like other gym equipment, the difficulty can be adapted to your ability level. With the band tension determining the amount of resistance provided, different bands will be more suitable depending on certain factors.
If you're a stronger athlete who’s looking to perform compound band movements, you’ll likely need the highest resistance level. If you're a smaller athlete or looking to perform more specific accessory exercises, lower resistance bands may be more suitable.
2. Length
The length refers to how long the band is which in turn affects how far the band can stretch. When choosing a band, think about the movements you’ll be performing and factor in your height and movement pattern to decide the best band length for you.
Tips From the Champ
When selecting long resistance bands, tailor the tension to your strength level, opting for higher resistance for compound movements and lower resistance for specific accessory exercises. Consider factors such as length, width, material, and color palette, ensuring the band aligns with your body's movements, form, allergies, and personal style preferences.
Olympic Weightlifting Champion
3. Width
Width is the measurement between both sides of the band and usually varies depending on the brand, band tension, and resistance.
With band width, consider different gym movements and whether or not a thicker band will get in the way when using the correct form. For most bands, width isn’t a main factor to consider due to the materials used.
4. Material
When considering which resistance band to purchase, the material can be an important factor. With the majority of resistance bands made from latex, you’ll likely need a different band material if you have an allergy.
Latex-free bands are widely available and provide a great option for those who have an allergy or prefer a different material.
5. Color Palette
Most people don’t like to admit it, but everyone loves to wear certain gym clothes and gear due to the visual appeal and color coordination between the products.
With resistance bands, most brands manufacture them in a wide range of bright colors, giving you lots of choices when looking to match your gym outfit.
Alongside this, you may just have a favorite color that you like and want to use.
How to Use Long Resistance Bands?
When using long resistance bands, make sure to follow the correct procedures to ensure there are no unnecessary injuries:
1. Correct Set-up
Before using the bands, make sure they are securely positioned against the relevant body part or correctly fastened to the gym apparatus. Ensure the bands are evenly distributed between both sides of the body and you have a stable foot position.
2. Band Movement
When using the bands, avoid any quick jerking movements. Make sure to maintain a constant, fluid tempo to reduce the chances of the bands slipping or breaking.
The resistance bands also shouldn’t be stretched to more than 2.5 x their original length.
3. Inspect Before Using
Before using the bands, check both the band and the handles for cuts, scratches, cracks, and punctures. If you notice any differences, immediately stop using the band and don’t try to repair it.
4. Don’t Release Under Tension
Releasing a band when under tension can cause it to snap back suddenly, increasing the risk of injury. Only release the band once all the slack has been taken out.
FAQ
Are Long Resistance Bands Better?
If you're wanting to perform dynamic, functional movements using a bigger range of motion, long resistance bands are a better option.
However, this doesn’t make them better than shorter bands. It just means they are better suited for different uses.
What Is the Difference Between Loop Bands and Resistance Bands?
Loop bands provide a more even resistance throughout the whole movement whilst resistance bands give a more concentrated resistance at the top of the movement.
Conclusion
Long resistance bands provide a convenient, low-cost exercise option. They can be easily adapted to work a wide range of full-body and accessory movements and used for warming up and rehabilitation exercises.
The LEEKEY Resistance Band Set get my top pick, scoring the highest for resistance, reliability, versatility, and price. Consider the main factors I've discussed above before choosing a suitable band option and make sure to follow the step-by-step guide to use them safely.
Do you like long resistance bands? What do you use them for? Post any questions down below and I’ll answer them!
Also Read:
- Best Pull Up Assist Bands
- Resistance Tubes Vs Bands
- Shoulder Band Stretches
- Squats With Resistance Bands
- Resistance Band Tricep Workout
- Resistance Band Chest Exercises
- Best Resistance Band Handles
- Benefits of Using Resistance Bands
References:
- How To Use Resistance Bands To Increase Strength, Power, And 1-RMs // BarBend:
https://barbend.com/resistance-bands-increase-power/ - 9 Reasons to Use ResistanceBands for Working Out // Prosourcefit: https://www.prosourcefit.com/blogs/news/9-reasons-to-use-resistance-bands-for-working-out
- 7 Resistance Band Stretches for a Full-Body Routine // Verywell Fit: https://www.verywellfit.com/total-body-stretch-with-resistance-bands-1231152
- Full-Body Resistance Band Warm-Up Routine // Men's Fitness:
https://mensfitness.co.uk/workouts/try-this-full-body-resistance-band-warm-up/ - All About Resistance Bands // Let's Bands:
https://letsbands.com/en/blog/all-about-resistance-bands/
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All products we select are primarily approved and tested by the Olympic Weightlifting Champion Oleksii Torokhtiy. Under his guidance, we provide honest and reasonable assessments of the products we review by checking their characteristics, packaging, design, comfort and durability features, and general product rating. We select products from only high-quality and trusted sports brands, thus vouching for their quality.
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Author: Ihor Shymechko
Pro Olympic Weightlifter, Coach
Best Results: Snatch – 208 kg,
C&J – 240 kg
Ihor has been a professional weightlifter since 1996, boasting over two decades of competition experience. His notable achievements include clinching the European Championship in 2009 and securing a silver medal in the 105kg division at the Senior World Championships in 2011. Ihor represented his country in the 2008, 2012, and 2016 Summer Olympics. After retiring from competitive weightlifting, he transitioned to coaching, leveraging his vast experience to guide athletes who now compete on both national and international stages.
Reviewed by: Oleksiy Torokhtiy
Olympic Weightlifting Champion
Best Results: Snatch – 200 kg,
C&J – 240 kg
Oleksiy Torokhtiy is a professional athlete boasting 20 years of experience in Olympic weightlifting. With multiple European and World titles under his belt, he has showcased his prowess in two Olympic Games (Beijing 2008 and London 2012). Upon concluding his illustrious career, Oleksiy dedicated himself to coaching. By 2022, he had conducted over 200 weightlifting seminars worldwide. He is the visionary behind an international sportswear and accessories brand known for its motto, “Warm Body Cold Mind.” Additionally, he is an esteemed author and the creator of a series of training programs and eBooks.
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