Reviews Gym Equipment Resistance Bands

5 Best Heavy Resistance Bands In 2024

Reviewed by: Oleksiy Torokhtiy (21 years of Oly Lifting experience)

The best heavy resistance bands are made of latex material because it is more durable and snap-Resistance. These heavy duty resistance bands also cover a wide range of resistance that allows for everything from rehab and warm-up work to actual band exercises and assistance movements.

Strong resistance bands come in different price points, but often a set of resistance bands is more consumer-friendly than buying single bands. 

Resistance Bands

Top 5 Heavy Resistance Bands Reviewed

  1. Rogue Monster Bands – Top Pick
  2. Draper’s Stretch Loop Bands– Runner-Up
  3. Eleiko Resistance Band – Premium Pick
  4. Power Guidance Resistance Bands – Best Budget Pick 
  5. WSAKOUE Resistance Band Set – Best Combo
ProductTotalResistanceReliabilityVersatilityPrice/
Quality
Rogue39.51010109.5
Draper391010109
Eleiko37.599109.5
Power Guidance35.58.5999
WSAKOUE358.58.599
TOP PICK

1. Rogue Monster Bands

Rogue Monster Bands
  • Tension: 15 to 200 pounds
  • Length: 41″
  • Width: 0.25″ to 4″
  • Material: Natural Latex Rubber
  • Color Palette: 8 coded colors

When it comes to resistance, you’ll be hard-pressed to find bands better than the Rogue Monster Bands. These bands come in a color palette of orange all the way to silver with the orange being as light as 15 pounds and the silver bands being as heavy as 200 pounds of resistance.

This makes the Rogue bands some of the best heavy duty resistance bands on the market.

The bands are very reliable as well. They are made of natural latex rubber, one of the best materials for resistance bands. The latex rubber is highly durable and comes with enough snap resistance to give you a challenging workout.

As for versatility, depending on which band you pick you can perform speed and athletic training actual resistance training to rehab exercises.

You can purchase these bands separately, but they can be more expensive as single units. Or you can take one of Rogue’s package deals where you get a variety of bands for a lesser price.

39.5 EXPERT SCORE

These bands come in a color palette of orange all the way to silver with the orange being as light as 15 pounds and the silver bands being as heavy as 200 pounds of resistance.


Resistance:0
Reliability:0
Versatility:0
Value for Money:0

Positives:

  • Resistance options include as light as 15 pounds to as heavy as 200
  • Offer a package deal with several different colored bands
  • Made of high-quality latex rubber

Could be better:

  • Individual bands are on the expensive end
RUNNER-UP

2. Draper’s Stretch Loop Bands

Draper Bands
  • Tension: 2 to 200 pounds
  • Length: 41"
  • Width: 2" to 4"
  • Material: Natural Rubber
  • Color Palette: 7 coded colors

The Draper stretch bands have some of the best resistance on the market as not only do they go extra heavy, reaching resistance of 200 pounds, but can be as light as 2 pounds.

So, if you’re shopping around for versatility, these bands can be a great option as the 2-pound resistance is excellent for warming up joints and smaller muscle groups, but you can still get a tough workout with some of their heavier options.

A slight drawback of the bands is their rubber material. Normally latex is considered to be the better option as some find rubber to be sticky and can pinch or pull at their hair when using rubber bands.

The bands do come with a 90-day money-back guarantee, so you can try the bands out for 3 months and see how you like them and if they don’t meet your standards, you can always return them.

39 EXPERT SCORE

Normally latex is considered to be the better option as some find rubber to be sticky and can pinch or pull at their hair when using rubber bands.


Resistance:0
Reliability:0
Versatility:0
Value for Money:0

Positives:

  • The resistance range covers all options from 2 pounds to 200 pounds
  • Comes with a 90-day money-back guarantee
  • Comes with band ties that you can slip on the bands after you've rolled them up

Could be better:

  • Rubber material can cause discomfort
PREMIUM PICK

3. Eleiko Resistance Band

Eleiko Bands
  • Tension: Extra light to heavy
  • Length: 41"
  • Width: Varies
  • Material: Rubber
  • Color Palette: 6 coded Olympic colors

The Eleiko resistance bands come color coded in an Olympic palette where the lightest is green and the heaviest is black. These bands come with a resistance level from 1 to 7, where the lightest being about 33 pounds of resistance. This is great for working out, however, it isn’t ideal for rehab or warm-up exercises.

These bands are very reliable and versatile as you can use them to perform mobility and rehab work, along with assisting your bench press, squat, pull-up, and deadlift workout routines.

But, the bands are made of rubber rather than latex, which calls into the longevity of the product as the constant use and stretching tends to wear out rubber resistance bands quicker than latex ones. However, Eleiko ensures the rubber material is highly durable.

37.5 EXPERT SCORE

These bands come with a resistance level from 1 to 7, where the lightest being about 33 pounds of resistance.


Resistance:0
Reliability:0
Versatility:0
Value for Money:0

Positives:

  • A single set covers extra light to heavy resistance
  • The rubber material is more durable than other rubber products
  • Extra heavy options available for more strength work

Could be better:

  • Might not be suitable for rehab or warm-up work because the lightest option is 33 pounds
  • Might be some longevity concerns
BEST BUDGET PICK

4. Power Guidance Resistance Bands

Power Guidance Bands
  • Tension: 10 to 175 pounds
  • Length: 41"
  • Width: 0.5" to 2.5"
  • Material: Natural rubber
  • Color Palette: 4 coded colors

The Power Guidance makes great heavy duty exercise bands with a wide range of resistance. They cover a range from 10 pounds to 175 pounds. This allows for a versatile workout, however, because there are 5 coloured band options, each band covers a wider range of resistance.

For example, a red band covers resistance between 10 to 35 pounds. So, you might need multiple of the same band to actually achieve the right resistance you desire.

However, the price point of the bands is relatively cheap, which is why it is our budget pick. Part of the reason is that the bands are made of natural rubber rather than a higher grade of rubber or latex material.

But the bands come with a lifetime warranty if damaged during your workout sessions. So, you can replace the damaged bands anytime you like.

35.5 EXPERT SCORE

The Power Guidance makes great heavy duty exercise bands with a wide range of resistance.


Resistance:0
Reliability:0
Versatility:0
Value for Money:0

Positives:

  • A lifetime warranty
  • Cheaper price point for budget shopping
  • A set comes with a storage bag for easier portability

Could be better:

  • Might require a doubling up of bands to achieve the proper resistance
  • Natural rubber material is not as durable as latex material or high-quality rubber
BEST COMBO

5. WSAKOUE Resistance Band Set

Nutrition Gold Standard Chocolate Mint
  • Tension: 15 to 135 pounds
  • Length: 41"
  • Width: 0.5" to 1.7"
  • Material: Natural Rubber
  • Color Palette: 4 coded colors

The WASAKOUE bands have a resistance level that is suitable for most lifters as it ranges from 15 to 135 pounds. However, this range is disturbed over just 4 bands. The black is the lightest, then green, blue, and red is the heaviest one they offer. So, once again, you might need to double up on each band to get the right resistance level.

However, you can still perform various exercises from rehab and warm-up work to actual band exercises or accessory movements. The bands are also sold as a set of four, which is why this is our best band combo as you get a wide range that covers most of your needs.

35 EXPERT SCORE

The WASAKOUE bands have a resistance level that is suitable for most lifters as it ranges from 15 to 135 pounds.


Resistance:0
Reliability:0
Versatility:0
Value for Money:0

Positives:

  • The set of 4 covers most of your needs
  • Versatile enough to be used in various manners
  • Elasticity of the bands is long-lasting

Could be better:

  • Multiple bands might be needed to achieve the correct resistance
  • Have a chemical smell to them at first

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What Are the Benefits of Using Heavy Resistance Bands?

✅ Improve Flexibility and Mobility

Resistance bands can be a great tool to develop better flexibility and mobility and improve upon your limitation.

For example, if you have tight hamstrings, you can use a resistance band to pull your leg, adding further tension to your hamstring and giving you a greater stretch. Over time, movements like that can help improve the flexibility of that muscle.

There are also many stretches and mobility drills which work best with a partner who gently pushes you further than your current point so that you improve your range of motion. But, not everyone has a partner they work out with, so a resistance band can be used to push the boundaries of your range of motion.

✅ Great Warm-Up Tool

One of the best ways to prevent an injury is to warm up properly. Resistance bands are a great tool for this because they have enough resistance to them that the specific muscle or area has to work when you go through your warm-up drills. And it’s not just muscles, but joints such as the elbow joint can be warmed up through a resistance band, as well.

✅ Exercise Versatility

You can get a great pump from the resistance band alone. Especially for specific muscle groups such as the biceps, triceps, the different heads of the shoulders, and so on. Resistance bands come in various resistance, which can challenge you depending on your set and rep scheme.

On top of that, you can add resistance bands to your typical workouts like bench presses or deadlifts, to help either progress your overall strength in those workouts or to target a specific area of the workout such as the lock-out portion of a bench press.

Resistance Bands Workout

Who Are Heavy Resistance Bands For?

1. For Recovery and Rehab

One of the best uses of resistance bands is to help build up a muscle or tendon that has been injured. The load of a resistance band isn’t severe enough to damage your muscles or tendons but is enough to have those areas work and rebuild strength.

Also, it is easier to control the resistance band than kettlebells or dumbbells, so you can slow the tempo down to ensure your muscle or tendon is getting the proper work.

Tips From the Champ

Resistance bands are a great option for those new to lifting. The resistance is enough to stimulate muscle growth and strength gains, but at the same time, there is less risk of injury as you learn the proper form and technique of different exercises. The bands are also easy to do at home, so you can build up some strength and understanding before tackling weights.

Oleksiy Torokhtiy
Oleksiy Torokhtiy

Olympic Weightlifting Champion

2. To Increase Exercise Variety

As mentioned before, resistance bands can open up a variety of exercises. From athletic and speed workouts to even muscle-building ones. For example, after an arm workout, you can end the session by doing a burnout set with a resistance band. Or you can use a resistance band to add another layer of difficulty to your deadlift or squat workout.

What to Look For In Heavy Resistance Bands

1. Tension

Resistance bands come in various degrees of tension. Some are as straightforward as light, medium, and heavy resistance. While other bands offer more specific ranges like 20,30,40,50 pound resistance depending on the band you pick.

2. Length

In general, a band is 41 inches in length which is suitable for most people. A good rule of thumb is to use a band whose length is equal to the limbs you’re using. So, a longer band might work better for your legs compared to your arms. It is also good to avoid using a shorter band for workouts that require a large degree of stretching because it can break the band.

3. Width

The width of the band will be largely determined by the lightness or heaviness of the band you pick. Width plays a big factor in how much tension a band holds, so if you’re looking for heavier bands, you should get one with a larger width.

4. Material

The most common material for resistance bands is latex or synthetic rubber. Latex tends to be more durable and has snap-Resistance, which allows for tension and a better workout.

Although rubber is also a good option, it can be stickier than latex, so you might find the band pulling or pinching your hair or skin discomfort while using the band.

5. Color Palette

The color palette of resistance bands is pretty straightforward. A yellow band is the lightest and easiest to use. Red is slightly tougher than yellow but is still classified as light.

A green band is when the resistance transitions to medium difficulty. A blue band is considered heavy difficulty, while a black band is the hardest of them all and is seen as extra heavy resistance.

How To Use Heavy Resistance Bands?

This is an example of how to use a heavy resistance band for your arm workout:

  1. Stand shoulder width apart with the band looped under your feet. Tip: The width of the band determines the amount of tension you will be working with. So, if you close your feet, you will have less tension and if you stand with your feet further apart, you will have more tension.
  2. Grip the band and stand up straight. You should already feel some tension as the band will naturally want to snap back down.
  3. Curl your arms up in a controlled manner and bring them back down at a slow tempo. If the tempo is correct you should feel your bicep contracting and getting a good workout. Again, if it’s too easy, take a wider stance and if it’s too hard, narrow your stance.These principles can be applied to different resistance band workouts for other muscle groups.

FAQ

Are Thick Resistance Bands Better?

A thicker band generally means more resistance, so these types of bands are better for larger muscle groups like the back or legs which can handle more resistance than smaller muscle groups like the biceps or triceps.

Which Color Resistance Band Is The Strongest?

It really depends on the company, but generally, the strongest resistance band tends to be black. However, there are companies where the black is the lightest. 

What Is The Difference Between Resistance Band And TheraBand?

The main difference between the two is their application. A resistance band is designed to provide a muscle-building or strengthening workout. While TheraBand’s primary purpose is to aid dynamic stretching.

Conclusion

The heaviest resistance bands require high-quality materials like latex to ensure longevity. These resistance bands should also be versatile enough to increase the variety of your workout and even help with such things as warm-up and dynamic stretching. The resistance bands which fit this description the best are the Rogue Monster Bands.

What’s your favorite way to incorporate resistance bands into your workout? Do you use the bands for warming up, if so, how? Have you found resistance bands to help you break any exercise plateau?

Let’s discuss all of this and any other questions you might have in the comment section below!

Also Read:

References:

  1. Using Superbands for Strength Gains // Verywellfit:
    https://www.verywellfit.com/superbands-using-resistance-bands-for-strength-gains-4158169
  2. Bodybuilding.com's Highest Rated Resistance Band Workouts // Bodybuilding: https://www.bodybuilding.com/content/best-resistance-band-workouts.html

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With over 20 years in Olympic Weightlifting, our team does its best to provide the audience with ultimate support and meet the needs and requirements of advanced athletes and professional lifters, as well as people who strive to open new opportunities and develop their physical capabilities with us.

All products we select are primarily approved and tested by the Olympic Weightlifting Champion Oleksii Torokhtiy. Under his guidance, we provide honest and reasonable assessments of the products we review by checking their characteristics, packaging, design, comfort and durability features, and general product rating. We select products from only high-quality and trusted sports brands, thus vouching for their quality.

The product testing process is described in more detail here

Ihor Shymechko

Author: Ihor Shymechko
Pro Olympic Weightlifter, Coach

Experience: 26 years
Best Results: Snatch – 208 kg,
C&J – 240 kg

Ihor has been a professional weightlifter since 1996, boasting over two decades of competition experience. His notable achievements include clinching the European Championship in 2009 and securing a silver medal in the 105kg division at the Senior World Championships in 2011. Ihor represented his country in the 2008, 2012, and 2016 Summer Olympics. After retiring from competitive weightlifting, he transitioned to coaching, leveraging his vast experience to guide athletes who now compete on both national and international stages.

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Oleksiy Torokhtiy

Reviewed by: Oleksiy Torokhtiy
Olympic Weightlifting Champion

Experience: 21 years
Best ResultsSnatch – 200 kg,
C&J – 240 kg

Oleksiy Torokhtiy is a professional athlete boasting 20 years of experience in Olympic weightlifting. With multiple European and World titles under his belt, he has showcased his prowess in two Olympic Games (Beijing 2008 and London 2012). Upon concluding his illustrious career, Oleksiy dedicated himself to coaching. By 2022, he had conducted over 200 weightlifting seminars worldwide. He is the visionary behind an international sportswear and accessories brand known for its motto, “Warm Body Cold Mind.” Additionally, he is an esteemed author and the creator of a series of training programs and eBooks.

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