Comparison of 3 types of paralllettes, metal, wood and hybrid

Wood, Metal or Hybrid Parallettes: Which Are Best for Calisthenics in 2025?

, by Wilddynamics Team, 8 min reading time

Discover the differences between wooden, metal, and hybrid parallettes. From grip comfort and portability to stability and load capacity, find out which type is best for your calisthenics training in 2025.

If you’ve been diving into the world of calisthenics, there’s one piece of equipment you’ve probably considered: parallettes. These simple bars unlock a wide range of exercises, from push-ups and L-sit to handstands and planche progressions. But here’s the million-dollar question: should you go for wooden parallettes, heavy-duty metal ones, or a new-school hybrid design?

In this blog, we’ll break down the differences, compare features like stability, grip comfort, portability, and price, and help you decide which parallettes are perfect for your training goals in 2025. Spoiler alert: there’s a clear winner, but it depends on your needs.


Why Parallettes Matter in Calisthenics

Before diving into the comparison, let’s quickly touch on why parallettes are a must-have tool for athletes of all levels:

  • Reduce wrist strain → The neutral grip on wooden handles keeps your wrists in a safer, more natural position during push-ups, L-sits, and planche work.
  • Improve range of motion → Deeper push-ups build more strength and mobility.
  • Versatility → From beginner core drills to elite handstand press-ups, parallettes scale with your progress.
  • Portability → Train at home, in the park, or on the go.

Simply put, parallettes are like the Swiss Army knife of calisthenics gear. If you’re starting your training setup from scratch, you may also love our Calisthenics Starter Pack, which includes jumprope, parallettes, and wrist wraps for a complete training toolkit.  


Wooden Parallettes: Lightweight but Limited

Weight: ~0.9 kg
Load capacity: ~150 kg
Best for: Beginners, travel, light bodyweight training

✅ Pros

  • Ultra-portable → less than 1 kg means you can throw them in your backpack.
  • Natural wooden grip → warm, sweat-friendly, and comfortable for long holds.
  • Budget-friendly → usually the cheapest option.

❌ Cons

  • Low stability → light weight = they can wobble or slide, especially on hard surfaces.
  • Lower load capacity → not ideal for weighted push ups, handstand push-ups, or planche training.
  • Basic design → nothing unique, often mass-produced.

Verdict

Wooden parallettes are a solid entry-level option for casual or travel workouts. But if you’re serious about skills like planche or weighted calisthenics, you’ll hit their limits quickly.


Metal Parallettes: Heavy-Duty but Heavy

Weight: 6+ kg
Load capacity: 300 kg
Best for: Gyms, heavy athletes, maximal stability

✅ Pros

  • Maximum stability → they stay glued to the ground, no wobbling.
  • High load capacity → perfect for weighted calisthenics.
  • Durability → steel lasts forever.

❌ Cons

  • Weight → over 6 kg makes them a pain to carry around.
  • Grip discomfort → cold, slippery metal can be tough on hands.
  • Bulky design → not portable, not travel-friendly.
  • Pricey → high-quality models can get expensive.

Verdict

Metal parallettes are beasts of stability, but they sacrifice portability and comfort. Best if you train in a fixed home gym and don’t mind their bulk.


Hybrid Parallettes: The Best of Both Worlds

Weight: ~1.3 kg
Load capacity: 250 kg
Best for: All-round athletes, home & park training, travel-friendly progressions

✅ Pros

  • Balanced design → light enough to carry, heavy enough to stay stable.
  • Patented unique design → blends wood (for grip comfort) and steel (for stability).
  • High load capacity → suitable for weighted training.
  • Grip comfort → warm wooden handle reduces wrist fatigue.
  • Portable → fits in a backpack.

❌ Cons

  • Mid-range price → more expensive than wooden parallettes, but cheaper than premium metal ones.

Verdict

Hybrid parallettes tick almost every box: stability, grip comfort, portability, and load capacity. They’re the most versatile choice for beginners and advanced athletes alike.


Side-by-Side Comparison

Comparison of Parallettes: Metal, Wood, and Hybrid

Which Parallettes Should You Choose?

  • Choose Wooden Parallettes if… you’re on a tight budget, just starting out, or want ultra-light travel gear.
  • Choose Metal Parallettes if… you want maximum stability for heavy weighted training in a fixed gym.
  • Choose Hybrid Parallettes if… you want the best balance of stability, comfort, portability, and durability.

Exercises You Can Unlock with Parallettes

No matter which type you choose, parallettes open the door to an incredible range of movements. Here are just a few:

  • Beginner level → incline push-ups, knee tucks, L-sit progressions
  • Intermediate level → handstand holds, one arm push-ups and tuck planche
  • Advanced level → handstand push-ups, planche, weighted push-ups

👉 Pro tip: hybrids are especially useful for handstands (stable + comfortable grip) and planche training (stable but portable enough to use outdoors). If you love training while traveling, check out our Best Travel Equipment for Calisthenics blog to see more portable tools that pair perfectly with parallettes.


Common Questions About Parallettes

Are wooden parallettes good for handstands?

Yes, but they’re less stable. If you’re practicing balance-heavy moves, hybrids or metal are safer.

Can I travel with metal parallettes?

Technically yes, but carrying 6+ kg in your luggage isn’t fun. Hybrids are the sweet spot for portability.

Do parallettes help wrist pain?

Absolutely. By providing a neutral grip, especially on wooden handles, parallettes keep your wrists in a more natural position and reduce strain compared to floor exercises.


Final Thoughts: Go Hybrid in 2025

Parallettes are one of the smartest investments you can make for calisthenics. Wooden models are light and cheap but limited. Metal versions are ultra-stable but bulky and uncomfortable. Hybrid parallettes combine the best of both worlds: wooden comfort with metal stability, in a lightweight, portable design.

If you want gear that grows with you, whether you’re working on your first push-ups, chasing a handstand, or adding weights to your push ups, hybrid parallettes are the clear winner in 2025.


🦊 Ready to Upgrade Your Training?

Check out the Wild Dynamics Hybrid Parallettes, designed in Europe, athlete-tested, and built to unleash your inner wild.

  • Portable (1.3 kg)
  • 250 kg load capacity
  • Unique patented design
  • Perfect grip & comfort

👉 Explore our full Calisthenics Collection for more equipment to level up your training.


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Wilddynamics Team
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