Products are chosen independently by our editors. Purchases made through our links may earn us a commission.

Best Gymnastic Balance Beams

Updated
By
An expert product reviewer with over a decade of experience dissecting the latest gadgets and gear across various industries.
Updated

Main Features

  • High-performance training beam
  • Non-slip surface coating
  • Adjustable height settings
  • Durable, heavy-duty core
  • Easy setup and storage

Product Overview

The Professional Grade Beam is designed for high-performance training and competition. With its strong construction and high-quality materials, this balance beam provides a reliable platform for gymnasts at any level.

Its surface is coated with a non-slip material that ensures safety during complex routines. The beam is also easy to set up and store, making it a convenient option for both home and gym use. Whether you're practicing at home or preparing for a competition, this balance beam offers the stability and support you need to perfect your skills.

The beam's construction includes a heavy-duty core that prevents warping and bending, ensuring long-term durability. It also features adjustable height settings, allowing you to customize the beam to your training needs.

The padding is firm yet comfortable, providing the right balance between support and cushioning. The non-slip surface ensures that gymnasts can perform confidently without worrying about slipping. This beam is an excellent investment for those looking to elevate their training to the next level.

PROS
  • Durable and sturdy
  • Adjustable height
  • Non-slip surface
  • Easy to set up
CONS
  • Higher price point
  • Heavier than some other models

Product Specifications

  • Material High-density foam
  • Length 8 feet
  • Width 4 inches
  • Height Adjustable from 7 to 24 inches
  • Weight 25 pounds
Best Price / Quality
Z-Athletic FB-9

Main Features

  • Foldable for easy storage
  • Soft suede cover
  • Lightweight and portable
  • Suitable for beginners
  • Sturdy foam construction

Product Overview

The Folding Practice Beam is an excellent choice for beginners and those who wish to practice at home. Its foldable design allows for easy storage and transportation, making it perfect for small spaces.

The beam is constructed with high-quality foam and covered with a soft suede material, providing a comfortable and safe surface for practice. Despite its lightweight design, the beam is sturdy enough to support various gymnastic exercises.

This beam is perfect for young gymnasts who are just starting and need a reliable and safe platform to practice their routines.The folding mechanism of the beam is simple and secure, ensuring that it stays in place during use and can be quickly folded away when not needed.

The soft suede cover mimics the feel of competition beams, helping gymnasts get accustomed to the texture and grip. The beam is low to the ground, which reduces the risk of injury while practicing new skills.

Overall, this beam is a practical and affordable option for those looking to improve their balance and coordination in the comfort of their own home.

PROS
  • Portable and easy to store
  • Comfortable suede surface
  • Affordable
  • Perfect for beginners
CONS
  • Not suitable for advanced skills
  • Lower height may not mimic competition beams

Product Specifications

  • Material High-density foam
  • Length 9 feet
  • Width 4 inches
  • Height 6 inches
  • Weight 10 pounds

Main Features

  • Adjustable height settings
  • Sturdy wooden core
  • Durable suede cover
  • Steel legs for stability
  • Non-slip base

Product Overview

The Adjustable Height Beam is a versatile piece of gymnastic equipment designed to grow with the gymnast. With multiple height settings, this beam can be adjusted to fit the skill level of the user, making it an excellent choice for households with gymnasts of varying abilities.

The beam is constructed with a sturdy wooden core and covered with a durable suede material, providing a realistic feel similar to competition beams. The adjustable legs are made of steel, ensuring stability and safety during use.

This beam is perfect for practicing a wide range of gymnastics skills, from basic balance exercises to more advanced routines.The height adjustment mechanism is user-friendly, allowing for quick and easy changes between different settings.

This feature makes the beam suitable for both young beginners and more experienced gymnasts. The non-slip base ensures that the beam stays securely in place during use, providing a safe environment for practice.

The beam's surface is firm yet cushioned, offering the right balance of comfort and support. This product is an excellent investment for gymnasts who want a beam that can adapt to their evolving needs.

PROS
  • Adjustable height
  • Durable construction
  • Realistic competition feel
  • Stable and secure
CONS
  • Heavier than non-adjustable beams
  • Higher cost

Product Specifications

  • Material Wood and suede
  • Length 8 feet
  • Width 4 inches
  • Height Adjustable from 12 to 24 inches
  • Weight 30 pounds

Main Features

  • Weather-resistant materials
  • Non-slip surface
  • Lightweight and portable
  • Suitable for indoor and outdoor use
  • Sturdy construction

Product Overview

The Indoor Outdoor Beam is a versatile and durable option for gymnasts who want to practice both indoors and outdoors. Made with weather-resistant materials, this beam can withstand various environmental conditions, making it perfect for backyard practice sessions.

The beam features a sturdy construction with a non-slip surface that ensures safety during use. Its lightweight design allows for easy transportation and setup, making it convenient for use anywhere. This beam is ideal for gymnasts who want the flexibility to practice in different environments without compromising on quality or safety.

The weather-resistant materials used in the construction of this beam ensure that it remains in excellent condition even after prolonged exposure to the elements. The non-slip surface provides a secure grip, reducing the risk of slips and falls.

The beam is also designed to be low to the ground, minimizing the risk of injury while practicing new skills. Its lightweight design makes it easy to carry and set up, allowing gymnasts to practice wherever they choose.

This beam is a great choice for those looking for a durable and flexible option for their gymnastics training.

PROS
  • Durable and weather-resistant
  • Non-slip surface
  • Portable
  • Can be used indoors and outdoors
CONS
  • Lower height may not mimic competition beams
  • Not suitable for advanced skills

Product Specifications

  • Material Weather-resistant foam
  • Length 8 feet
  • Width 4 inches
  • Height 4 inches
  • Weight 12 pounds

Main Features

  • Compact design
  • Soft suede cover
  • Lightweight and portable
  • High-quality construction
  • Easy to store

Product Overview

The Compact Home Beam is specifically designed for gymnasts who have limited space but still want to practice at home. Its compact design allows it to fit comfortably in small rooms, making it an excellent choice for apartments or houses with limited space.

Despite its smaller size, the beam is constructed with high-quality materials that provide a stable and safe platform for practice. The beam is covered with a soft yet durable suede material that mimics the feel of competition beams, helping gymnasts get used to the texture and grip.

This beam is perfect for practicing basic routines and improving balance and coordination.The beam's compact size makes it easy to store when not in use, and its lightweight design allows for easy transportation.

The soft suede cover provides a comfortable surface for practice, while the sturdy construction ensures that the beam remains stable during use. This beam is ideal for young gymnasts who need a reliable and safe platform to practice their skills at home.

Its affordable price makes it a great option for families looking for a quality product without breaking the bank.

PROS
  • Compact and easy to store
  • Affordable
  • Comfortable surface
  • Ideal for small spaces
CONS
  • Not suitable for advanced skills
  • Lower height may not mimic competition beams

Product Specifications

  • Material High-density foam
  • Length 6 feet
  • Width 4 inches
  • Height 4 inches
  • Weight 8 pounds

Finding the Best Gymnastics Balance Beams: An Extensive Guide

Selecting the perfect gymnastics balance beam can be a daunting task, especially given the multitude of options available on the market. This guide will walk you through the essential factors to consider to make an informed decision, ensuring you choose a beam that meets your needs and enhances your training experience.

Understanding Your Needs

Before diving into specific features, it's crucial to assess your requirements. Are you a beginner, intermediate, or advanced gymnast? Will the beam be used for home practice, in a gym, or at a competitive level? Answering these questions will help narrow down your options significantly.

Material and Construction

The material of the balance beam plays a significant role in its durability, feel, and performance. Most beams are made of wood, foam, or a combination of both, with a suede or leather-like covering.

  • Wooden Beams: These are typically more durable and provide a more realistic feel similar to competition beams. They are often preferred by advanced gymnasts and for professional training.
  • Foam Beams: Foam beams are softer and safer, making them ideal for beginners and young children. They are less intimidating and reduce the risk of injury during practice.

Height and Adjustability

Balance beams come in different heights, from floor beams to elevated beams. Floor beams are great for beginners and home practice since they offer safety and ease of use. Elevated beams, on the other hand, are closer to what you would experience in a competition setting and are suitable for more advanced gymnasts.

Some balance beams offer adjustable heights, providing flexibility and the ability to progress as your skills improve. This feature is particularly useful for gymnasts who plan to use the beam over several years.

Length and Width

The standard length of a competition balance beam is 16 feet, but shorter beams are available for home use or smaller spaces. When choosing the length, consider the space you have available and your training goals.

The width of a competition beam is 4 inches, and it’s essential to practice on a beam with the same width to develop the necessary skills and confidence for competitions. However, wider beams are available for younger gymnasts to help them build balance and skills more comfortably.

Stability and Safety

Ensure that the balance beam you choose is stable and secure. A wobbly or unstable beam can lead to injuries and hinder your training progress. Look for beams with non-slip bases and sturdy construction. Some beams come with additional stabilizing features, such as rubber footings or a broader base, to enhance safety.

Portability and Storage

If space is a concern or if you need to frequently move the beam, consider its portability. Some beams are designed to be foldable or come with carrying handles, making them easier to store and transport. This feature is particularly useful for home use or for gymnasts who travel frequently for training.

Brand Reputation and Reviews

Researching brands and reading customer reviews can provide valuable insights into the quality and performance of different balance beams. Established brands with a good reputation are more likely to offer reliable products backed by warranties and customer support. Pay attention to reviews that mention durability, ease of use, and overall satisfaction.

Budget Considerations

Balance beams come in a wide range of prices, from affordable options for beginners to high-end beams for serious athletes. Determine your budget beforehand and try to find a balance between quality and cost. While it may be tempting to go for the cheapest option, investing in a higher-quality beam can provide better performance, longevity, and safety.

Conclusion

Finding the best gymnastics balance beam involves careful consideration of your individual needs and preferences. By focusing on material and construction, height and adjustability, length and width, stability and safety, portability and storage, brand reputation, and budget, you can make a well-informed decision. Remember, the right balance beam can significantly impact your training experience and help you reach your gymnastics goals. Take your time to research and choose wisely, ensuring that your investment supports your journey in the sport.