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Speed and agility training can be great for running faster. What are some of the best speed bands that can benefit your speed training?
Speed bands are a type of speed and agility training equipment that comes down to two bands around your thighs or ankles with elastic cords connecting the two.
By wearing these your legs encounter more resistance when they move. Training with these speed bands strapped on can lead to better running performance when you run without them.
One thing to keep in mind is that speed bands are not the type of fitness equipment you can use for the rest of your life. At least every once in a while, with some brands faster than others, you will need to replace the last set with new speed bands.
Best speed band picks
- Kbands Speed Band Sets
- XCELER8 Speed Bands Set
- Kinetic Bands Speed Agility Training Set
- HYVAWO Ankle Strap Speed Bands
- Elite Supplies Speed Band Set
- Kinetic Bands Speed Bands Set
- Scandinavian Sports Speed Bands Set
- Instant Speed Training Bands
Keep in mind that it is not possible to create a ranking that is ideal for every individual. Sometimes picks lower on the list can be better for certain individuals, situations, and personal preferences. Additionally, brand prices and quality change over time.
How we selected our top picks
Our fitness experts spent a lot of time looking at and comparing all the different important factors of speed bands. Some of the things that were taken into consideration when making our selection include:
- Resistance levels, straps, additional items, price, etc.
- User reviews
- Anecdotal reviews from fitness experts
- Price
- Brand trustability
If a pick seems interesting click it to see the online prices.
8 Best speed bands reviewed in depth
Besides looking at the top picks, it can also be helpful to go over each of the speed band sets and speed training sets more in depth. This way you can find the best speed bands for your personal situation and training goals.
1. Kbands Speed Band Sets
Kbands are one of the most popular brands when it comes to speed bands. They have many different sets to choose from. These go from sets with 2 different speed band resistances to sets with 9 different colors.
In the biggest set, the resistances go from 10 lbs at the weakest speed bands to 110 lbs at the strongest.
Pros
- Plenty of different set choices for different training levels and goals
- Comes in a handy carry bag
- Comes with digital speed training guides
Cons
- The speed bands did not last long for a few users
2. XCELER8 Speed Bands Set
XCELER8 may not have the same number of different choices but it does have a big set with ankle straps, thigh straps, and speed bands with 5 different resistance levels. At the time of writing at a relatively low price.
A nice addition is that you get two pairs of straps. One for your thighs and one for your ankles. This allows you to do different types of training in a comfortable way.
Pros
- 5 resistance levels: 25 lb, 40 lb, 60 lb, 90 lb, and 120 lb
- At the time of writing budget-friendly choice
- Separate straps for thighs and ankles
- Comes in a handy carry bag
- Comes with digital speed training guides
Cons
- The speed bands did not last long for a few users
3. Kinetic Bands Speed Agility Training Set
The previous options were separate speed bands set but this Kinetic Bands Speed Agility Training Set is a collection of a few pieces of equipment that can benefit your speed and agility training.
Besides speed bands with 4 resistance levels you also get a speed cord with the required accessories and agility cones. These extra things come at a small price increase but overall the kit is generally cheaper than getting each of the options separately.
Pros
- Complete set with extra agility cones, bungee cord, waist band, leg straps, anchor strap, and assistant hand strap
- 4 speed band resistance levels
- Comes in a handy carry bag
Cons
- Slightly pricier than only speed bands
- A few users are not happy with the quality
4. HYVAWO Ankle Strap Speed Bands
This HYVAWO set is a bit different from most of the speed bands. First of all, the focus of these bands is connecting your ankles. The bands are relatively long compared to the options on this list and the straps are relatively small.
Besides that, the elastic band is made to last longer than the other options on the list with its soft sponge padding.
These speed bands can definitely be used for a wide variety of exercises that can benefit your running speed itself. However, the HYVAWO set will likely not be the best for actually running with speed bands on.
Pros
- Comes with two 35 lb speed bands that can be used together or separately
- Budget-friendly
- Comes in a handy carry bag
- Made to last longer
Cons
- Meant for ankle use only
- Not the highest number of resistance levels
5. Elite Supplies Speed Band Set
The Elite Supplies Set offers you 4 different resistance levels at a relatively low price at the time of writing. Besides that, this set comes with the standard carry bad and leg straps.
This is not the most extensive set but it can do the job at a competitive price.
Pros
- 4 speed band resistance levels: 10 lb, 15 lb, 20 lb, and 30 lb
- Comes in a handy carry bag
- Budget-friendly
Cons
- No extra training guides
6. Kinetic Bands Speed Bands Set
The previous Elite Supplies Set offered the basics at a low price. This Kinetic Bands Speed Bands Set offers a few more choices, an extra stretch band, and digital training guides on top of that.
While slightly higher than the previous option, at the time of writing this is definitely one of the more budget-friendly speed band sets available.
Pros
- 4 or 5 speed band resistance levels depending on the set
- Different sets for age and experience levels: youth athletes (ages 12 and under), all athletes (ages 13 and over), and advanced athletes
- Budget-friendly
- Comes in a handy carry bag
- Comes with digital speed training guides
- Comes with a stretching strap
Cons
- A few users are not happy with the quality
7. Scandinavian Sports Speed Bands Set
The Scandinavian Sports Speed Bands set is not the most extensive with 3 levels of resistance and no different choices in the resistance range. However, if these speed bands are at the right resistance for your preference they could be a sturdy choice.
Compared to certain other options the number of complaints about bad quality and the number of bad reviews is relatively low. This could be because of a lower amount of buyers but also potentially due to higher quality or a bit of both.
Pros
- Comes with an exercise folder
- Low number of quality complains compared to other options
- Comes in a handy carry bag
Cons
- Not the highest number of resistance levels
8. Instant Speed Training Bands
At the time of writing the Instant Speed Training Bands sets have relatively high prices for what they are compared to the other options available.
The extra partner speed belt, bonus exercise folder, and different options are nice but not enough for most people to consider these speed band sets.
Pros
- Different sets to choose from including one for youth athletes
- Some sets come with an extra partner speed belt
- Comes in a handy carry bag
- Bonus folder with exercises
Cons
- Pricier compared to other options
- Not the highest number of resistance levels
- A few users are not happy with the quality
FAQ
Do speed bands really work?
Speed bands are mainly used for things like improving sprinting speed and agility. Speed bands really work in the sense that they can help certain individuals improve leg muscle strength and power. In turn, this can lead to faster running. Like any fitness product, there are upsides and downsides.
One thing to keep in mind is that the resistance from speed bands is not always enough for every individual to see a lot of progress. There are also other pieces of fitness equipment that can help with leg muscle strengthening in a similar way.
How do you use speed bands?
To use speed bands you strap on two bands with resistance bands attached. Either to your thighs or ankles. After that, you can do exercises like high knees, sprinting, donkey kicks, side shuffle, leg abductions, leg adductions, etc.