Best Elbow Compression Sleeve Review: Options for Injuries, Safety, Powerlifting & More!
Elbow compression sleeves aren’t just for tennis elbows.
Not anymore...
Although they are a great way to protect an injured elbow and speed up the healing process, they can also be used to help prevent injuries during powerlifting and weight lifting.
I know that a simple elbow injury can be detrimental to my workout schedule and keep me out of the gym for weeks.
So:
If you want to stay on track with your workout or push your weight lifting limits, take a look at the best elbow compression sleeves around at the moment.
Take a closer look at Rogue's Rehband and see why it's our personal favorite!
The 5 Best Elbow Compression Sleeves Reviewed
1. Rogue Rehband RX 5MM Elbow Sleeve
Our Verdict: Best Overall
As the name suggests the Rogue Rehband RX elbow sleeve is 5mm thick delivering impressive support and protection without feeling uncomfortable or too hot.
The Neoprene/SBR material blend provides compression while still being flexible enough to allow for a full range of movement. It also produces enough heat to reduce swelling and muscle soreness without overheating the body.
Anatomically contoured, this compression sleeve fits perfectly to the bend of your elbow and doesn’t ride up or slip down, no matter what exercise you’re doing. Even if you don’t have an elbow joint injury, this elbow sleeve works to decrease the risk of injury during high-intensity training like powerlifting.
If you are battling with tendinitis or general joint pain, this elbow brace is also professionally designed to help you combat the pain and keep powering through every workout.
Sold individually, you can purchase one sleeve if you are having trouble with a particular injury or buy two to help prevent injuries incurring.
The unisex design is also favorable among men and women and it comes in a range of sizes from XS-XXL so will fit most customers comfortably. You can also get it in a simple black or camo design.
Some customers have found that going a size down provides better compression. It is also super easy to slip on and is the overall best elbow compression sleeve across reviews.
Pros:
Cons:
This is the best overall elbow compression sleeve because of the professional quality material and contoured design. You can use it for multiple exercises and there is a size to fit every customer.
2. Rogue Rehband UD Tennis Elbow Sleeve
Our Verdict: Best for Tennis Elbow
The Rogue Rehband UD Tennis Elbow Sleeve is another high-quality option from Rogue which is designed specifically for tennis elbow and similar injuries.
What makes Rogue elbow sleeves so great is the blend of 70% SBR and 30% neoprene material with a 100% polyimide cover and lining. The quality material guarantees durability and long-lasting compression. It works to relieve pain from existing injuries as well as reducing the risk of reoccurring injuries.
For tennis players, this is the best compression sleeve for tennis elbow because it effectively helps to reduce pain from injuries and speed up recovery so you can get back on the court as soon as possible and ensure that you don’t get repeat injuries.
All of Rogue Fitness’s elbow sleeves come in a range of sizes to cover all customers comfortably and give you the option of a tighter fit. If the size you get isn’t quite tight enough you can adjust it with the simple hook-and-loop closure and Velcro straps.
The adjustable function makes this compression sleeve much easier to put on and alter to your preferred level of compression.
As well as a great rehabilitation sleeve, this elbow brace is great for office workers who have to deal with discomfort from using a computer all day.
Even if you are not looking for a compression sleeve for sport, this product could help you in other aspects of everyday life if you regularly experience painful and swollen joints.
Pros:
Cons:
This is the best compression sleeve for tennis elbow as it is professionally designed to rehabilitate joint injuries and reduce pain and inflammation.
3. Nordic Lifting Elbow Sleeves
Our Verdict: Best for Weightlifting
Nordic is a recognized premium weightlifting brand that is offering some of the best elbow sleeves for lifting. The tight compression sleeve fits perfectly without cutting off circulation and doesn’t slip during a hard-core workout.
These elbow sleeves promise to take your performance to the next level. Made from 5mm neoprene with reinforced stitching, they can support both men and women thanks to the flexible stretchy fabric which doesn’t rip.
Infused with both latex and spandex, Nordic use only the best material for elbow compressions. There are a few different sizes on offer from small to X-large.
The compression is designed to promote muscle recovery in case you are already struggling with a previous injury, such as tennis elbow, and it also works to prevent injury during weightlifting.
This is the best elbow compression sleeve for weightlifting and it can be used for a range of other high-intensity exercises including cross training and powerlifting, offering professional support at a reasonable price.
What’s more, it comes with a 1-year manufacturer’s warranty.
The only problem we’ve found from some customers is that it is a little short compared to other elbow sleeves so it might not provide as much support for the upper arm. The good thing is it won’t get in the way on bicep extensions.
As well as using high-quality material, this elbow brace is lightweight and breathable so you won’t get too hot during your workout. The warmth generated from the sleeve is just enough to ease muscle soreness without being uncomfortable. This is great for managing inflammation and arthritis.
Pros:
Cons:
This is the best overall elbow compression sleeve across reviews because of its professional quality, reasonable price and snug, comfortable fit.
4. Kunto Fitness Elbow Brace Compression Sleeve
Our Verdict: Most Affordable
Kunto Fitness Elbow Brace Compression Sleeve is the best compression sleeve for anyone shopping on a budget and is designed to handle tennis elbow and other injuries including golf elbow, arthritis, tendinitis, inflammation and general joint pain.
Designed to be used during a range of exercises including tennis, basketball and baseball as well as CrossFit, weightlifting and powerlifting, this elbow sleeve allows you to maintain a full range of movement while protecting your elbow joint.
The compression actually works to increase blood flow which is great for managing inflammatory conditions and previous injuries.
The tight-fitting breathable fabric is also non-slip so you can keep using it without the irritation of having to readjust the sleeve. The even pressure across the elbow joint is enabled with 4-way stretch technology that applies the right amount of pressure without impeding motion.
Although great for a range of cardiovascular exercises and sports, this might not be the best elbow sleeve for weightlifting as its not quite sturdy enough to tackle weight related injuries.
The fabric is also breathable without feeling itchy, which is a problem some budget elbow sleeves have. Finally, Kunto offers a money back guarantee if you are not satisfied and for such a low price there’s no reason why not to give this compression sleeve a go.
Pros:
Cons:
This is a great choice for anyone suffering with tennis elbow or looking to take up more sports without spending too much money. However, if weightlifting is your thing there are better elbow braces out there for you.
5. Copper Compression Recovery Elbow Sleeve
Our Verdict: Best for Arthritis
Another very affordable option which is still decent quality is this Copper Compression Recovery Elbow Sleeve. Copper has been found to reduce inflammation and aid conditions such as arthritis.
This elbow sleeve claims to have a higher quantity of copper than other similar products making it the best elbow compression sleeve for arthritis.
This longer elbow sleeve is one of the best elbow sleeves for lifting as it protects the elbows, forearms and upper arms effectively.
Although copper might not sound comfortable, the synthetic material used is very agreeable and maintains your range of motion. It can be worn regularly for long periods of time without losing its shape and even withstand washing.
There are a range of sizes on offer from small to XXL but some customers have had problems finding the perfect fit when using the size guide.
Another problem with longer sleeves is the amount of compression on your bicep when weightlifting which some people find uncomfortable. The good thing is the fabric is thinner so you won’t feel like you’re overheating.
Designed to aid recovery, this is also one of the best compression sleeves for tennis elbow and other join injuries because the compression increases blood flow and treat swollen joints.
The moderate amount of support is comfortable throughout the day as well as during your workout.
Pros:
Cons:
You can wear this elbow sleeve all day to help rehabilitate tennis elbow and manage conditions like arthritis. The longer sleeve provides support for the forearm and bicep.
Why Should I Use An Elbow Compression Sleeve?
A lot of people are skeptical about the effectiveness of an elbow compression sleeve, especially for conditions like tennis elbow. But whether you have a previous joint injury or not, there are a lot of benefits associated with using an elbow sleeve.
Recovery From Injuries
A good elbow brace can help injuries to heal faster by treating inflammation and allowing you to manage the pain.
Although you need to give your injury time to heal properly, with your doctor’s advice you could get back to weightlifting faster with the support of an elbow compression sleeve instead of putting off training because of nagging joint pain.
Prevent Future Injuries
Elbow sleeves also prevent injuries by protecting the skin and preventing muscle soreness.
Even if you haven’t previously had trouble with tennis elbow or other joint conditions, serious powerlifting can cause anyone to feel pain.
An elbow brace can prevent future injuries from stopping your training by giving you that extra support.
If you are into crossfit training, I strongly recommend that other than elbow sleeves, you also wear a good pair of crossfit gloves to minimize pain and soreness on your hands.
Blood Circulation
Finally, they can help ensure general comfort during your workout by regulating body temperature and circulating your blood to reduce swelling. Healthy blood circulation means that your muscles will also effectively get nutrients that keeps your body moving during a workout.
And since we just talked about "blood circulation", let's watch this short video below, and learn 2 ways of putting on elbow sleeves and keep blood circulating properly.
What To Look For In An Elbow Compression Sleeve
We’ve analysed the best elbow compression sleeves for everything from tennis elbow to heavy powerlifting and they all have some common characteristics you will want to look out for when purchasing an elbow sleeve.
Fabric
The quality of material used for these sleeves is very important as you want to make sure it is both durable and comfortable.
If you are performing cardiovascular activities and sports you will want a material that is breathable so you don’t get overheated and irritated by your sleeve.
Conversely, if you are powerlifting, you will want a thick material that doesn’t get stretched out, maintaining a good level of compression. Some people prefer a shorter sleeve which doesn’t get in the way of bicep extensions.
You will also want a material that can maintain compression without limiting your range of movement. The elbow compression sleeves in this review are made from sturdy and durable material like neoprene which is also one of the best materials for flexibility.
Compression
Depending on the material, compression can differ. If you are rehabilitating from an injury you will want as much compression as possible to avoid further damage.
Some of the sizing guides aren’t always accurate enough to provide the best compression so it sometimes works better to go a size down from what you would normally use to ensure extra tension. If you are unsure on sizing, try an adjustable elbow sleeve.
The thickness of the sleeve will also affect compression. For cardio exercises, you might want a breathable thin material but this won’t provide as much compression as a thick elbow brace.
Grip
The easiest way to tell a high-quality elbow compression sleeve from a lower quality one is by the grip. Poorly constructed sleeves are much more likely to slip up or down when you are working out meaning you lose focus on your workout. If you are into powerlifting this can be particularly dangerous.
The best elbow sleeves for lifting stay in place with a comfortable grip and decent compression. If you find that your sleeve isn’t quite tight enough, try a size down or adjust the straps.
Which Is The Right Elbow Sleeve For Me?
All of the elbow compression sleeves in this review are high-quality. The right one for you depends on what you are looking to gain from your elbow sleeve.
Best Compression Sleeve for Tennis Elbow
Designed specifically for rehabilitating tennis elbow and other injuries, the Rogue Rehband UD Tennis Elbow Sleeve has got to be the best compression sleeve for tennis elbow. It effectively reduces pain and helps to speed up recovery by reducing swelling and increasing blood circulation to the joints.
Best Elbow Sleeve for Weightlifting
For heavy weightlifting you will want a thick and sturdy elbow sleeve that doesn’t limit your range of motion especially at the bicep. The Nordic Lifting Elbow Sleeves is the best elbow sleeve for weightlifting because of the thick 5mm neoprene material and reinforced stitching which doesn’t impede your range of movement.
Best Budget Elbow Sleeve
If you aren’t looking to spend a lot of money but still want one of the best elbow compression sleeves around, try the Kunto Fitness Elbow Brace Compression Sleeve. The tight-fitting non-slip material feels anything but cheap and it works pretty well to manage inflammation and reduce risk of injury.
Conclusion
As you can see, all the elbow compression sleeves in this review have a lot to offer. But the best overall elbow sleeve has to be the Rogue Rehband RX 5MM Elbow Sleeve.
This is a professional quality sleeve with thick yet breathable material.
It can take on the extra pressure of heavy weightlifting and powerlifting as well as keep you cool and your elbow protected during cardiovascular workouts.
No matter what you need an elbow sleeve for, there is one for every condition in this review. If you need to get back to your sport after an injury or just want a little support when weightlifting, an elbow compression sleeve can make a big difference.
So, give one these high-quality sleeves a go and see what you think.
Last Updated on July 14, 2020
