Where to buy?
Description
The Kensui DUO Rings are engineered to bridge the gap between Olympic gymnastics standards and modern functional fitness requirements. By integrating two distinct grip thicknesses into a single piece of hardware, they eliminate the need for multiple sets of rings and streamline the transition between different movement patterns.
DUO Rings Product Specifications & Features
Core Design: Dual-Thickness Hybrid
The standout feature of the DUO Rings is the variable diameter. Each ring is precision-machined to offer two specific grip sizes:
- 28mm (FIG Standard): The international standard for competitive gymnastics. This thinner diameter is optimized for pulling movements (pull-ups, rows, front levers) and is generally preferred by athletes with smaller hands or those looking to minimize elbow strain during high-volume pulling.
- 32mm (Cross-Training Standard): The standard often found in CrossFit and functional fitness circles. The thicker surface area is designed for pushing movements (dips, muscle-ups, push-ups) and provides a more comfortable platform for the "false grip."
To switch between sizes, the athlete simply rotates the ring 180 degrees.
Technical Details
- Material: Premium Birch Wood. Unlike plastic or metal, birch provides a natural, porous surface that absorbs sweat and holds chalk effectively for a superior grip.
- Weight Capacity: Rated for over 1,000 lbs (tested up to 1,200 lbs), ensuring safety for weighted calisthenics.
- Straps: High-strength, 14-foot (4.8m) nylon straps. The straps are 3/4" wide, designed for maximum portability and a reduced footprint in gym bags.
- Adjustment System: Features a heavy-duty cam buckle and numbered markings along the length of the strap, allowing for precise, symmetrical leveling in seconds.
- Weight: The entire set weighs approximately 900 grams (1.9 lbs).
My Review of the Kensui DUO Rings
I’ve been using standard 32mm wooden rings in my home gym for about three years. While they did the job, I always felt like I was compromising. The 32mm grip is great for dips because it doesn't dig into the palms, but my pull-ups always felt "clunky," and I noticed more elbow tendonitis when I really pushed the volume on pulling.
When I swapped to the Kensui DUO Rings, the first thing I noticed was how much sense the hybrid design makes. Most people think a few millimeters won't matter, but in practice, it’s a massive difference to be able to switch between the two thicknesses for various exercises.
My wife and I share the home gym and for her small hands the 28mm thickness just makes more sense. We can use the same gymnastics rings without compromise. This is another win for me.
DUO Rings Grip Experience
The transition from the 32mm side to the 28mm side is seamless. During a typical workout, I’ll start with muscle-ups on the 32mm side to save my palms, then immediately flip them over to 28mm for weighted pull-ups and rows. The 28mm side feels much more "locked in" for my grip, and that nagging ache in my elbows has actually started to subside because I’m not over-gripping to compensate for a thick handle.
The birch wood quality is solid. It’s not that overly-varnished "yellow" wood you see on cheap Amazon rings; it’s raw enough to take chalk well but smooth enough that I didn't have to sand down any rough edges out of the box.
DUO Rings Straps and Portability
I travel quite a bit for work and usually try to find a park with a pull-up bar. The straps on the DUO Rings are thinner (3/4") than the standard 1.5" straps you get with Rogue or Titan. Initially, I was worried about them digging into my shoulders during dips, but the nylon is high-quality enough that it hasn't been an issue. The trade-off is that they roll up much smaller. I can fit the rings and the straps into my carry-on without taking up half the suitcase.
The numbered markings are probably the most underrated feature for any straps. There is nothing more annoying than spending five minutes trying to eyeball whether your rings are level. With these, I just match the numbers on the buckles and I’m ready to go.
Visual Observations
If you are someone who only does light assistance work, you might not "need" the dual thickness. Also, because the ring diameter changes halfway through, the aesthetic is a bit different than a perfect circle. Obviously, it has a slight "stepped" look where the 28mm meets the 32mm. It doesn't affect the performance, but it's worth noting.
Final Thoughts
For $49, these are a steal. You're basically getting two sets of rings for the price of one. If you’re serious about calisthenics or just want a more ergonomic experience for your joints, the DUO Rings are the most logical upgrade on the market. They’ve replaced my standard set permanently.
