Gritin Resistance Bands Set of 5: A Hands-On Look at This Budget Loop Band Kit
The Gritin resistance bands set of 5 shows up constantly in “best cheap resistance bands” searches, and in 2026 it’s still one of the most-purchased loop band kits on Amazon for a simple reason: five tension levels, a carry bag, and a price that lets you try resistance training without committing to a full home gym setup. We pulled a set out of the drawer where it’s lived for training sessions over the past several months, alongside a handful of competing kits, to see whether it’s actually worth the download-and-buy impulse or just another bag of rubber loops.
How the Gritin set stacks up against other resistance band kits we've tried
Gritin Resistance Bands Set of 5
The color-coded latex loops snap into a small drawstring bag that actually fits in a gym duffel, and the light and medium bands held up fine through months of glute and shoulder work.
- Very affordable for five tension levels
- Compact travel bag included
- Color coding makes tension selection quick
- Heaviest band feels less durable long-term
- No door anchor or handles included
Fit Simplify Resistance Loop Bands
These loops feel noticeably thicker than most budget sets and came with a laminated exercise guide we actually kept taped to our wall.
- Sturdier latex than most competitors
- Useful included exercise guide
- Wide tension range
- Slightly pricier than Gritin
- Bands have a rubbery smell out of the bag
WHATAFIT Resistance Bands Set
Unlike the Gritin loops, this is a tube-and-handle system with a door anchor, which made it easier for a first-timer in our test group to learn rows and presses.
- Handles and door anchor included
- Good for total-body routines
- Clear tension labeling
- Bulkier to store than loop bands
- Tube connectors can pinch skin if not careful
Undersun Fitness Resistance Bands
These fabric-covered bands don't roll or pinch the way latex loops can, and they held tension noticeably longer through squat and hip-thrust cycles in our testing.
- Fabric build won't roll during sets
- No latex smell or snapping risk
- Feels closer to commercial-gym quality
- Costs more than latex loop sets
- Only comes in three or four tensions typically
ProsourceFit Flat Resistance Bands
These flat bands roll up smaller than the Gritin loops and slide into a laptop bag pocket, though we found them slightly less forgiving on ankle work.
- Flattest, most packable option here
- Good for physical-therapy style stretches
- Budget-friendly
- Less ideal for lower-body loop exercises
- Handles sold separately on some versions
How we chose
We looked at loop band sets and comparable tube-and-handle kits that are genuinely stocked and reviewed at scale on US Amazon, then ran them through the same basic circuit: banded squats, glute bridges, lateral walks, shoulder rotations, and seated rows anchored to a door. We paid attention to snap-back consistency, whether the latex rolled up the leg during movement, how the bag held up to gym-bag abuse, and whether the included tension labeling matched what we actually felt under load.
What the Gritin set gets right
The five loops — extra light through extra heavy — are color-coded and thin enough to layer if you want a custom resistance level between bands. For lateral band walks and glute activation work before squats or deadlifts, the lighter two bands performed exactly as expected, and the drawstring bag is small enough to toss in a gym bag or suitcase without a second thought. If your main goal is warming up hips and shoulders before a lifting session, or you’re doing rehab-style banded work at home, this set does the job at a price that’s hard to complain about.
Where it falls short
The heaviest band in the set is the weak link. Under repeated max-tension pulls — think heavy banded pull-aparts or assisted pull-up work — it showed more stretch fatigue over a few months than the fabric-covered Undersun bands did. There’s also no door anchor, ankle straps, or handles included, so if you want to do banded rows or tricep pushdowns anchored to a door, you’ll need to buy accessories separately or step up to a kit like WHATAFIT that bundles them in.
Loop bands vs. tube bands: which fits your goals
Loop bands like Gritin’s are best for lower-body activation, mobility work, and layering tension for pull-up assistance. Tube bands with handles, like the WHATAFIT set, are more versatile for upper-body pressing and pulling movements because the handles let you grip at a fixed point instead of looping around a limb. If you’re building a routine around both, some buyers keep a light loop set for warm-ups and a tube set for the main strength work — which is roughly how our test group ended up using them.
Durability: what to actually expect
Latex resistance bands are a consumable, not a lifetime purchase. Expect 6-12 months of regular use from a budget loop set like Gritin’s before the heaviest bands start losing snap or showing surface cracking, especially if you store them anywhere with direct sun exposure or extreme heat, like a car trunk. Fabric-covered bands cost more up front but resist this kind of wear noticeably longer, which is why they show up as our top overall pick despite the higher price.
| Set | Style | Tension levels | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gritin Resistance Bands Set of 5 | Latex loop | 5 | Budget warm-ups and glute work |
| Fit Simplify Resistance Loop Bands | Latex loop | 5 | Slightly more durable all-rounder |
| WHATAFIT Resistance Bands Set | Tube + handles | 5 | Beginners wanting upper-body variety |
| Undersun Fitness Resistance Bands | Fabric loop | 3-4 | Serious lower-body training |
| ProsourceFit Flat Resistance Bands | Flat latex | 5 | Travel and mobility work |
Who should actually buy the Gritin set
If you want a genuinely cheap way to add resistance to bodyweight training, warm up before squats and deadlifts, or throw a set in a suitcase for hotel-room workouts, the Gritin set of 5 does everything it promises without pretending to be gym-quality equipment. If you’re planning to train heavy bands regularly for pull-up assistance or want something that pairs with a power rack setup for banded squats, you’ll get more mileage out of a fabric-covered set or a kit with anchors and handles included.
Related guides
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- Best kettlebells to pair with band work
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- Recovery tools worth adding to your routine
- More buying guides
- How we test fitness gear
- About TalkGyms
Ready to try the Gritin resistance bands set?
Check current pricing and availability on Amazon.
Frequently asked questions
Are the Gritin resistance bands good for beginners?
Yes, the lighter two bands are gentle enough for beginners to build form on squats, bridges, and lateral walks before progressing to heavier tension.
How long do latex loop bands typically last?
Expect roughly 6-12 months of regular use before the heaviest bands in a budget set start losing elasticity, especially with frequent max-tension pulling.
Do the Gritin bands come with a door anchor?
No, the set of 5 is loop-only with no door anchor, handles, or ankle straps included, so those need to be purchased separately if needed.
Can I use resistance bands instead of dumbbells?
Bands are a solid complement to dumbbells for activation and mobility work, but they don’t fully replace free weights for progressive overload on major lifts.
What’s the difference between loop bands and tube bands?
Loop bands are continuous circles best for lower-body and activation work, while tube bands have handles and are more versatile for upper-body pressing and pulling exercises.
Is a fabric band better than a latex band?
Fabric bands generally resist rolling, pinching, and wear better than latex, making them a better long-term investment despite a higher upfront cost.
How do I store resistance bands to make them last longer?
Keep them out of direct sunlight and extreme heat, and store them loosely rather than tightly folded to reduce material fatigue over time.
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