Wood, Metal or Hybrid Parallettes: Which Are Best for Calisthenics in 2025?
, by Wild Dynamics Team, 6 min reading time
Why Parallettes Matter in Calisthenics
Whether you train indoors or outdoors, parallettes help bridge the gap between comfort and performance. The raised handles protect your wrists, while the neutral grip allows a natural angle for push and hold movements. With the right set, you can:
- Train deeper push-ups for better strength and mobility.
- Work on handstands, L-sits, planche progressions and other static holds.
- Practice safely on any surface with solid stability.
- Enjoy a portable setup you can bring anywhere.
If you’re starting from scratch, check out our Calisthenics Starter Set which combines parallettes, wrist wraps, and a jump rope in one ready to train kit.
Wooden Parallettes: Natural Feel, Lightweight Design
Weight: ~0.9 kg | Load Capacity: up to 150 kg | Best for: Beginners, light travel workouts
Pros
- Extremely portable, easy to pack and carry anywhere.
- Natural wooden feel that is warm, sweat resistant, and comfortable on long holds.
- Budget friendly and widely available.
- Limited stability due to very low weight.
- Lower load capacity, not ideal for heavy or dynamic calisthenics.
- Basic designs, often mass produced with minimal innovation.
Verdict: Wooden parallettes are great for travel and warm up work, but they lack the stability serious athletes need for advanced skills or weighted progressions.
Metal Parallettes: Maximum Stability, Minimum Comfort
Weight: 6+ kg | Load Capacity: 300 kg | Best for: Fixed home gyms, heavy athletes, or weighted training
Pros
- Rock solid base that will not move under load.
- Ideal for weighted calisthenics or street lifting routines.
- Long lasting material, steel lasts for decades.
- Very heavy, carrying them outdoors is impractical.
- Cold, slippery surface without grip texture.
- Bulky design makes them hard to store or travel with.
- Often the most expensive option.
Verdict: Perfect if you want permanent stability at home or in a gym, but not ideal for mobile athletes or outdoor sessions.
Hybrid Parallettes: The Sweet Spot of 2025
Weight: ~1.3 kg | Load Capacity: up to 250 kg | Best for: All round athletes, home and park training, travel
Pros
- Balanced design, light enough to carry, heavy enough to stay put.
- Patented mix of wood and steel for grip and stability.
- Comfortable handle reduces wrist fatigue during long sessions.
- Durable and portable, fits easily in a backpack.
- Mid range price compared to wood and metal models.
Verdict: The best overall choice for most athletes. Hybrid parallettes offer a balance of comfort, weight, and performance. Built for both beginners and pros, they handle everything from L-sits to planche work with ease.
Side by Side Comparison
- Wood: Best for beginners or travel, limited durability.
- Metal: Great for heavy training, not portable.
- Hybrid: Combines both worlds, portable, stable, and comfortable.
For a broader buying overview that covers a full setup, see Top 5 Calisthenics Equipment.
Exercises You Can Unlock
No matter which set you pick, parallettes open up a wide range of movements for every level:
- Beginner: incline push-ups, knee tucks, L-sit progressions.
- Intermediate: handstand holds, one arm push-ups, tuck planche.
- Advanced: handstand push-ups, full planche, weighted push-ups.
Pro tip: Hybrids are great for handstand training and planche progressions. Pair them with Resistance Bands or Wrist Wraps for more controlled progressions. For skill ideas, check 15 Parallette Exercises.
FAQ: Parallettes for Calisthenics
Are wooden parallettes good for handstands?
Yes, but they are less stable. For safer balance practice, hybrid or metal is better.
Can I travel with metal parallettes?
Technically yes, but carrying 6+ kg is not practical. Hybrids are the travel friendly option.
Do parallettes help with wrist pain?
Definitely. Wooden handles keep your wrists in a natural position, which reduces strain compared to floor exercises.
Which material lasts longer?
Metal lasts the longest, but hybrids offer the best balance of durability and usability.
Final Thoughts: Go Hybrid in 2025
Wooden parallettes are affordable and great for travel but have limits. Metal ones deliver high stability but sacrifice comfort and portability. Hybrid parallettes combine the best of both worlds, a warm wooden grip with steel strength and stability. They are a smart choice for athletes who want versatility, comfort, and performance in one piece of gear.
✅ Portable 1.3 kg • 250 kg load capacity • Patented design • Grip and comfort
Explore the Wild Dynamics Hybrid Parallettes and take your training to the next level.
