The Iron Bull Strength Unleash Elbow Sleeves are one of the many products on the market that powerlifters and bodybuilders can use to provide extra support and stability during heavy lifts, alongside wrist wraps and weightlifting belts. They compress the elbow joints to reduce excessive movement and provide protection from the high force and pressure of the resistance being used.
I have used these elbow sleeves for several weeks to gain a well-rounded perspective of their quality, effectiveness, and functionality. I have compared them with multiple similar products to provide you with a full Iron Bull Strength Elbow Sleeves review and enable you to decide whether they’re a good choice for you.
Table of Contents
Iron Bull Strength Unleash Elbow Sleeves: Overview
Overall Rating 4.5/5
Specifications
- Material – Cotton and elastic
- Length – 24 inches
- Width – 3 inches
- Loop – Multifunction
- Closure – Hook and loop
- Certifications – IPF, USAPL, USPA, and IPL
Pros
The pros of the Iron Bull Strength Unleash Elbow Sleeves include:
- Durable and high-quality materials
- Adjustable hook and loop closure with Velcro
- Soft material and comfortable to wear
- Certified for use in powerlifting meets by IPF, USAPL, USAP, and IPL
- Available in three colors
- Unique and eye-catching branding
- Great packaging
Cons
There are a few cons to the Iron Bull Strength Unleash Elbow Sleeves, including:
- Branding is large and might not be to everybody’s taste
- Relatively expensive
- Only available in one length
- Velcro could wear away and become less effective after extensive use
- Some users complained of the sleeves having a smell when first opened
The Iron Bull Strength Unleash Elbow Sleeves is a reliable product suitable for most lifters, regardless of training style or preferences. Although relatively expensive compared to similar options, they are worth your money if you’re searching for a pair of long-lasting, durable, and trustworthy elbow sleeves to use during your workouts.
I found the soft cotton and elastic blend of materials comfortable and not too abrasive on my skin, even when I used them for heavier lifts. The level 3 compression is strong enough to provide extra support and stability for my elbows without being too tight.
I found the Iron Bull elbow sleeves to be strong and should be used by those with at least some resistance training experience.
The hook and loop closure makes them easy to put on and remove, so you won’t need to worry about wasting time between your working sets and losing the ‘pump.’
They’re available in three colors (black, red, and mil-spec green), and they have the unique Iron Bull Strength branding with the words ‘Unleash the Beast’ written across the sleeves.
The Iron Bull Strength Elbow Sleeves are 24 inches long but can be tightened according to your needs. These elbow sleeves are certified by the USPA, IPF, USAPL, and IPL for powerlifting meets.
Knee wraps can also boost your lifts by 10-15%, and the Iron Bull Strength Knee Wraps are great for powerlifters. Read our full review to see if they're right for you.
How the Iron Bull Strength Unleash Elbow Sleeves Work
The Iron Bull Strength Elbow Sleeves compress the elbow joints to provide enhanced stability and support during heavy lifting. They increase blood flow and activation of the muscles surrounding and supporting the elbows to improve your exercise performance, reduce elbow pain in the bench press and overhead press, and reduce the risk of elbow injuries.
These elbow sleeves have a hook and loop closure with a strong Velcro stop to secure the sleeves. This type of closure and fastening mechanism provides versatility as it lets you choose a sleeve diameter that works for you.
Read more: The Best Knee Sleeves for Powerlifting
Pricing of the Iron Bull Strength Unleash Elbow Sleeves
The price of the Iron Bull Strength Unleash Elbow Sleeves is currently around $40. There are definitely cheaper options out there, but plenty of elbow sleeves are more expensive than those from Iron Bull Strength.
I’d say that they’re worth the money, and the price is decent for the quality of the sleeves. Even with extensive use, you probably wouldn’t need to replace these for several years.
Want more support for your lifts? Check out these other Iron Bull Strength products:
- Standard, Pro, or Premium Knee Sleeves
- Leather Lifting Belt
- 10mm or 13mm Lever Belts
- Unleash Lifting Straps
Who Are the Iron Bull Strength Unleash Elbow Sleeves Best For?
Elbow sleeves are suitable for a wide range of sports and activities. In particular, powerlifters can benefit from wearing elbow sleeves during the bench press and even during squats if they find that elbow instability is a limiting factor. The Iron Bull sleeves will compress the joints and prevent the tendons from overworking, protecting the elbows and ensuring safe and effective lifting.
Olympic weightlifters may prefer to wear elbow sleeves in overhead pressing movements, as might general bodybuilders or gym goers. The Iron Bull Strength Elbow Sleeves would also be a good choice for tennis players and basketball players for extra elbow support and to reduce the risk of repetitive strain injuries and tendonitis.
Check out the Iron Bull Strength Wrist Wraps for more support on your larger lifts.
Best Alternatives to the Iron Bull Strength Unleash Elbow Sleeves
If you're not keen on the Iron Bull Strength Unleash Elbow Sleeves, there is a wide range of alternatives available nowadays from multiple brands. Here are some of the best alternatives to consider when you're looking for a great pair of elbow sleeves.
1. Stoic Elbow Sleeves for Powerlifting
- Size – XS (24 – 26 cm)
- Material – Neoprene
- Color – Black
The Stoic Elbow Sleeves are one of the best options for powerlifting. Although relatively costly, they are high-quality and durable. They have a similar appearance and construction to the Iron Bull Strength Unleash Elbow Sleeves but are slightly longer, providing coverage and support for those with larger arms.
The neoprene is soft and thick, so I do not doubt these sleeves will last long, even if you train daily. They look good and perform exactly how I’d like them, so I highly recommend them if you want to try something different from the Iron Bull Strength sleeves.
2. Gymreapers Elbow Sleeves
- Size – S to XXL
- Material – Neoprene
- Colors – Black and white, black and red, black and military green
The Gymreapers Elbow Sleeves are available in a wide range of sizes, so you shouldn’t struggle to find a pair of sleeves that fit you comfortably while still providing the support you need for your lifts.
Unlike the Iron Bull Strength Unleash compression sleeves, the sleeves from Gymreapers do not have stitching along the sides. Instead, the stitching runs across the center of the sleeve and fits snuggly into the elbow crease (provided you choose the right size). It feels sturdy and strong, so you can rest assured (or lift assured) knowing that the sleeves won’t fall apart.
I like the color options, and I think everybody can find a color they like. The sleeves were comfortable to wear, although I noticed a strong smell when I first wore them (this disappeared after a few times wearing them).
3. Nordic Elbow Compression Sleeve
- Size – S to XXL
- Material – Neoprene
- Colors – Black
The Nordic Elbow Compression Sleeves are another great alternative to the Iron Bull Strength Unleash Elbow Sleeves. They’re reasonably priced, have aesthetically pleasing and strong stitching, and are durable.
These sleeves are available in a wide range of sizes (small to extra extra large), although it would be nice also to see an extra small available for smaller lifters. I enjoyed using them and found them suitable for my lifts, but they weren’t the most comfortable option, and I think one of the other choices might be best if you enjoy maximal load lifting, as they don’t feel quite as sturdy or compressive as other sleeves I’ve tried.
FAQ
Are elbow compression sleeves worth it?
Elbow compression sleeves can be a helpful tool for reducing pain and improving performance in people who participate in activities that put stress on the elbow, such as weightlifting, tennis, and golf. Most advanced powerlifters use elbow compression sleeves. However, some people find them uncomfortable or don't like how they restrict their movement.
How effective are elbow sleeves?
There is some scientific evidence to support the use of elbow sleeves. One study found that elbow sleeves can help reduce blood lactate levels and blood pooling, contributing to pain and swelling. Another study found that elbow sleeves can help to improve grip strength and performance in weightlifting exercises. But other studies did not find evidence to support using elbow sleeves.
Final Thoughts
The Iron Bull Strength Unleash Elbow Sleeves are some of the best on the market. They’re produced using high-quality materials built to last, and they will provide a high level of support and stability for your elbow joints during heavy lifts.
As someone who loves the bench press, I really felt this product revived my urge to bench press even more weight. With the amount of compression and support provided, I felt more spring and recruitment of my elbows to provide a stronger and more powerful press for each rep during my working set!
The stitching looks clean and runs along the side of the sleeves, and this, combined with the soft neoprene construction, makes the Iron Bull Strength compression sleeves comfortable to wear. They’re easy to put and have an adjustable hook and look mechanism with a Velcro closure. Despite being on the pricier end of the scale, I think the Iron Bull Strength Elbow Sleeves are worth it.
About The Author
Athina is a Biochemistry and Genetics graduate, and a qualified personal trainer with a passion for women’s health and fitness. She is passionate about helping women to learn more about the importance of the menstrual cycle and how to balance their hormones. She is the host and producer of Fertility and Freedom podcast, which covers all things women’s health and hormones.
