If you’re a seasoned off-roading vet, a couple of bumps on the road are nothing you can’t handle. However, some trails are rougher than others, especially if you’re driving on rocky terrain. Besides, you need to think about the folks that are sitting on the right side or in the back. They might not be as experienced, and, to keep their balance, they’ll need something to hold on to.
Choose Your Option!
It’s actually quite common for the fans of extreme driving to injure themselves. The good news is – with the best Jeep Grab Handles, you’ll be able to avoid unwanted accidents. For added security, safety, and comfort, these things are pretty much invaluable. After weeks of extensive research and many hours of hands-on testing with a good friend of mine, I made the following list. Let’s take a look!
Best Grab Handles for Jeep Wrangler JK (Updated November, 2024)
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Best Grab Handles for Jeep Wrangler TJ (Updated November, 2024)
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Best Roll Bar Grab Handles for Jeep (Updated November, 2024)
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Best Cold Air Intake for Jeep Gladiator Review
1. Rough Country Front and Rear Grab Handles for Jeep Jk
If you’re familiar with the market of third-party Jeep accessories/gear, then you probably know about Rough Country. This manufacturer is one of the obvious leaders when it comes to Jeep upgrades, and these grab handles are a perfect example of that. It’s important to note that RC is selling the front and the rear sets separately – keep that in mind. But, while the front won’t fit in the back, and vice versa, they’re mostly identical.
With both sets, you’ll get a “killer” combination of high-strength steel for the main body and rubber for the grip. Plus, Rough Country backs its products with a lifetime replacement warranty (also known as the satisfaction guarantee). That means you will not have to worry about the handles arriving damaged or going bad while installed in your Jeep.
The installation process is pretty simple, too. There won’t be any drilling or trimming involved – everything can be done with a couple of basic tools from the garage. But, you’ll need to be careful not to drop the stock bolts when removing them. Plus, the entire process can take up to four hours, which is a lot.
Are you looking for a can’t-go-wrong-with set of grab handles from a famed brand? Then Rough Country might have exactly what you’re looking for. Easy installation, high-quality materials, and a user-oriented lifetime warranty are all a part of the deal. The installation isn’t particularly fast, but that’s a rather minor con.
2. Smittybilt Jeep JK Grab Handles
The biggest selling point of this next grab handle kit is the impressive max load limit (400 pounds). The premium-grade construction and material quality are also good enough reasons to consider it. Aluminum is known as one of the best materials for Jeep upgrades, and the Smittybilt engineers made these handles incredibly sturdy and reliable. Now, just like in the case with the previous set, the front and the rear handles are available separately.
And if you’re driving a two-door Jeep, you won’t even need the rear kit. Regardless of your choice, the package will include all the necessary installation hardware (crafted from top-notch stainless steel). Furthermore, you’ll get a five-year finish warranty. The handles take very little space in the interior, by the way, which can’t be said about most rivaling products.
Sadly, the price-tag is well above average and might not be up your alley when you’re on a tight budget. But, if you’re ready to pay for market-leading quality, this won’t be a waste of your money.
Jeep drivers with enough money in their wallets will probably find Smittybilt’s offer to be worth their attention. Despite the expensive price-tag, the superb material and build quality, along with the impressive max load limit and the generous package make it a reasonable investment.
3. Hooke Road Jeep TJ Front Grab Handle Bars
As a reasonably-priced set of front grab handles for your Jeep, Hooke may very well be the best option on the market. Thanks to the flexible and adjustable design, they are very easy to install and “fine-tune” to your liking. Secondly, you won’t experience any back-and-forth sway with them, no matter the pressure/load. There’s nothing worse than a set of handles that “jiggle” on a bumpy trail.
Another important note: the Hooke grab handles are a 100% US-made product: they were designed and crafted in the States. Moreover, they went through dozens of tests before arriving on the market. On the downside – you might have to do some drilling/cutting during the installation if you own a 2004-2006 TJ. The factory bolts will be a good fit, though – there won’t be a need in getting an extra pack.
Ready to get your hands a bit dirty during the installation? If the answer is yes, then pay extra attention to Hooke’s grab handles. They are made in America, eliminate sway on the road, and, overall, are quite flexible and customizable.
4. GPCA GP-Grip PRO Roll Bar Handles for Jeep
With GPCA, Jeep owners get to choose between dozens of different sizes and color combinations. Plus, the company offers 4+2 packs. During my review, I was impressed by the foldable design that allows bending the handles so that they’re not blocking the view. As for the material, aero-grade aluminum is at the heart of GPCA’s set. So, you can expect extra durability, reliability, and longevity.
There’s also a nice bonus: a pouch/outer pocket. It can be used to store credit cards, keys, and even flashlights or something bigger. Some owners claim it’s a bit too narrow and hard to reach. Others are disappointed by the pouch’s material quality and anti-tearing protection. I didn’t experience any of that while I was testing these handles, but you should still keep this in mind.
The foldable design, impressive material quality, and trendy looks turn the GCPA handles into one of the best offers for the Jeep JK. And while the included pouch is average at best in terms of quality, it can actually be pretty useful. The list of available sizes/colors/packs is quite big, too.
5. OxGord Roll Bar Grab Handle for Jeep
Folks that want to install a new set of grab handles and enjoy the off-road, but don’t have a big budget, should pay extra attention to OxGord. This company offers a decent set of universal handles (can fit both the front and the rear factory mounting holes). They boast high-quality weather-resistant nylon, along with sturdy Velcro loops and hooks for easy (and quick) installation.
I have to also mention, however, that the handles are made from cheap plastic that won’t last for a very long time. With it, you’ll get some durability and safety issues. The straps aren’t at all reliable and can come undone or even tear at any time. That may lead to some unwanted consequences, especially if you’re trying to get in or out of the Jeep. Nevertheless, this is still a very good deal as an affordable set.
Are you a bit limited by the budget? If so, OxGord’s grab handles will, most likely, interest you. They feature weather-resistant nylon and won’t be a problem to install. And while the handles can’t boast market-leading material quality, and the straps aren’t exactly reliable, for a price this low, you won’t get anything better.
6. Rugged Ridge Roll Bar Handle Set for Jeep
Just like Rough Country, Rugged Ridge is an obvious leader and a respected brand among Jeep fans. With it, you’ll get molded handles with a strong grip. They’re incredibly comfortable and will fit your hands perfectly, keeping them “cozy” for a long ride. The manufacturer backs these handles with a five-year limited warranty, which is even more reason to put them on your list of must-haves.
Right now, they are available in four different colors (black is my personal favorite). The biggest downside has to do with the durability, like with the previous set by OxGord. Again, the price-tag is well below average, and for that, you’ll get so-so material quality (ABS plastic). Expect these handles to wear out in 3-4 years or sooner, depending on how often you’ll be using them.
If you’re searching for a rough, tough, durable set of aftermarket roll bar grab handles, you won’t get it with Rugged Ridge. Instead, you’ll find a highly affordable deal with a five-year warranty, molded, sure-grip handles, and several colors to choose from. The lifespan won’t be very impressive, though.
7. Savadicar Jeep Roll Bar Grab Handles
The last set of grab handles for today comes from Savadicar. This brand might not be as big as some of the other names on the list, but it does deserve our attention. First of all, these roll bar handles feature premium paracord (polyethylene fiber) that provides a strong grip. Secondly, the company used the so-called “Oxford cloth” to make the handles wear-resistant.
Add a set of reliable pull buckles and nylon straps, and you’ll get a bargain. The handles do sag down a bit over time, though, and that makes them look old and unreliable. But that’s well-compensated by the 30-day refund policy and the one-year warranty. In addition, the price is more than affordable, and there are six different colors for you to pick from.
High-quality materials and a generous refund/warranty – that’s what the Savadicar grab handles are all about. Plus, they are made from the Oxford cloth and paracord, with high-adhesive nylon straps and plastic buckles adding to the overall appeal. Expect them to sag a bit in a year or so (that’s the biggest downside).
Buyer’s Guide
Grab handles aren’t the most intriguing aftermarket purchase for your Jeep – far from that. However, if you want to keep your passengers safe and make it easier to get in and out of the vehicle, a good set will be a reasonable investment. In this Buyer’s Guide, I’ll tell you how to distinguish a worthy grab handle kit from a less desirable one. You’ll learn about the most important factors that should always be taken into consideration. Here they are.
Pricing
How do you know whether the grab handles that you like are overpriced or not? How do you figure out the average price for a decent set? It’s not that hard, to be honest. Go ahead and check out a bunch of aftermarket offers – that will give you a rough estimate. Also, pay extra attention to the pros and cons in my reviews (I always mention affordable and steep prices).
For +/- 20 US dollars, you’ll get a decent set. Most likely, it’s gonna be a set of two (either for the front or the back). Don’t expect these handles to be crafted from metal: plastic or nylon is the more common material for this cost. The next price-range is 50-60 dollars or more. For that kind of money, Jeep drivers will get wear- and weather-resistance, aluminum or steel as the main material, and premium-grade nylon for the grip.
Ease of Installation/Fitment
The good news is – most aftermarket grab handles fit the stock mounting holes in your Jeep. That basically means installation will be a piece of cake. On top of that, the packages usually include the necessary bolts for installation. An instruction manual can also be a part of the deal. Unfortunately, in some cases, you’ll have to add (drill) new holes for the handles to fit.
A little bit of bending and trimming may also be involved. So, make a habit of ALWAYS checking whether a third-party set is compatible with your Jeep or not. Even if it is officially supported, it won’t always be an easy OE fit, as I just mentioned. On a side note, I try go for grab handles that can be folded and “tucked away” not to block the view. An ergonomic design, in turn, will keep your hands comfy for a long time.
Material Quality/Handle Type
Ideally, the new handles should be lightweight, sturdy, aerodynamic, and long-lasting. The experts claim aluminum is the best choice, and I can’t argue with that. Stainless steel is also a good option – it’s gonna be a more reliable purchase than ABS plastic, that’s for sure. Right now, the market is dominated by three types of grab handles. Take a quick look:
Plastic handles – these are the cheapest option. If you’re on a low budget, plastic handles can definitely be considered. However, if you’re looking for something that’s going to last, you better start looking elsewhere. Plastic is known to brittle and even break before long.
Metal handles – aluminum is lightweight, flexible, and protected against corrosion. Steel is a bit cheaper and also a bit sturdier, but it’s not as impressive as aluminum. Overall, metallic handles are the most recommended choice, as they’re durable and make jumping in and out of a vehicle easy and safe. One more thing: they mostly feature rubber grips.
Paracord handles – this is a premium-grade material (polyethylene fiber) that boasts a strong grip. In my experience, paracord is the golden middle between plastic and metal. Plus, it’s quite versatile and usually very easy to install, thanks to the hook-and-loop system that doesn’t involve any drilling or cutting. In most cases, paracord is complemented by nylon and Velcro.
Resistance to Wear and Weather
Why would you need protection against the weather in a Jeep? Well, you are planning on opening the windows and maybe even getting rid of the roof, right? Well, that’s when rain, dust, and, most importantly, UV rays will start “attacking” your brand-new handles. As for wear-resistance, that means the handles will serve you longer.
Build Quality/Vibration
When talking about the build quality, I mostly mean how durable and reliable the handles are. Protection against rattle and vibration is also very important. When driving with the top down, some handles are known to make frustrating noises. That’s why it’s always a good idea to get a set that doesn’t vibrate on every bump or with each blow of the wind.
Conclusion
And that is pretty much everything there is to talk about the best grab handles for Jeep. While they might not be the most important addition to your four-wheeled friend, you’ll instantly see the appeal after the first rodeo on a bumpy and rocky trail. The average price on a good-quality set is more than reasonable, and the installation won’t be a problem if you know how to use some basic tools from the garage.
I’m confident that the best features, pros, cons, and expert recommendations that I shared today will help you make the right choice. The Buyer’s Guide can also come in handy. One last thing: don’t be shy to ask me for guidance in the comments section. I’ll do my best to get back at you and help out as soon as I can!
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