Daniel Flefil
July 28, 2021 · 6 min read
Gornation makes three parallettes models: Active, Pro, and Max. Each is priced differently and aimed at a different stage of training. Gornation is a German calisthenics equipment brand with a strong following among street workout athletes and coaches across Europe, known for quality materials and products built for real training loads. In this review, I tested all three models straight out of the box, looking at build quality, handle material, grip performance, and how each one holds up under actual training. By the end, you will know which model fits your level and whether the price difference between them is worth it.
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Gornation Active Parallettes
The Active is the only model that comes pre-assembled. No tools, no instructions to read. You take it out and you are ready to go.
The design has a tightening system built in. Handles loosen with heavy use on any wooden parallette, and Gornation includes a dedicated tool to re-secure them mid-session. Other brands ignore this problem. Gornation addressed it directly.
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 24 cm L x 16 cm W x 10 cm H |
| Handle length | 15 cm |
| Handle diameter | 40 mm |
| Weight (pair) | 2.2 kg |
| Max load | 500 kg |
| Material | Beech wood + powder-coated steel |
| Price | 69.90 EUR |
Size-wise, these are compact. They fit in a standard gym bag without taking over the whole thing. If you train in different locations or you want something that does not dominate your living room, the Active is the practical pick.
Who it is for: Beginners learning the fundamentals. Push-up variations, L-sit progressions, basic holds. The 10 cm height gives you enough clearance to work while you build the strength to progress. Pre-assembled means one less barrier to starting.
Key Takeaway
The Active is the easiest entry point into quality parallettes. Compact, pre-assembled, and built for athletes who are still learning the basics.
Gornation Pro Parallettes
The Pro requires assembly. You attach wooden handles to the steel frame using the included hardware. It took me around five minutes from box to ready. Nothing technical.
Once it is together, the wood quality stands out. The beech grain, the finish, the weight in your hands. This does not feel like budget equipment. The handles are 38 cm long, roughly 2.5x the Active, which I prefer. More surface area means more hand placement options when you are holding complex positions.
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 50 cm L x 25 cm W x 10 cm H |
| Handle length | 38 cm |
| Handle diameter | 40 mm |
| Weight (pair) | 3.2 kg |
| Max load | 500 kg |
| Material | Beech wood + powder-coated steel |
| Price | 99.90 EUR |
Who it is for: Intermediate to advanced athletes working real skills. Handstand push-ups, straddle planche, L-sit to handstand transitions. The Pro is the sweet spot for most serious calisthenics athletes.
Gornation Max Parallettes
The Max is the largest of the three. Same beech wood and steel construction as the Pro, significantly larger footprint. Carrying straps come in the box.
After handling all three back to back, the Max surprised me. The sheer size makes it feel genuinely premium. The 30 cm height, triple the other two models, opens up exercises you simply cannot do on the Active or Pro.
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 50 cm L x 35 cm W x 30 cm H |
| Handle length | 38 cm |
| Handle diameter | 40 mm |
| Weight (pair) | 5.6 kg |
| Max load | 500 kg |
| Material | Beech wood + powder-coated steel |
| Price | 119.90 EUR |
Who it is for: Advanced athletes with a dedicated home gym setup who want the best possible platform for skill work. The height makes it genuinely useful for exercises the other models cannot accommodate. Not the first buy for most people.
The Grip Issue Nobody Talks About
Every Gornation box includes grip tape. That is not standard for parallettes. There is a reason they include it.
The bare beech wood is slippery. I noticed it straight away on push-ups. Not dangerous, but not confidence-inspiring either, especially for skill work where grip security matters.
Liquid chalk improved the grip significantly. For skill work like handstand push-ups or planche progressions, chalk is still the most reliable option.
But the included tape impressed me more than I expected. With tape applied, the grip was excellent. Wrap it once, leave it on. For home training where chalk dust is an issue, it is a clean and practical solution.
I also tested removal. No residue left on the wood. Clean peel. So if you try it and prefer bare wood with chalk instead, you are not stuck with sticky handles.
Which Gornation Parallettes Should You Buy?
The answer depends on where you are in your training.
Just getting into calisthenics: get the Active. Pre-assembled, portable, the right height for learning the basics. No friction between you and starting.
Past the basics and working real skills: get the Pro. Better size, premium wood, the right platform for the work you are actually doing. This is what most serious calisthenics athletes should be on.
Have a dedicated space and training at an advanced level: get the Max. Best product in the range. The extra height and width genuinely opens up exercises you cannot do on the other two models. Just make sure you have room for it.
Use code FLEFIL10 for 10% off at Gornation.
Pricing Overview of the Gornation Parallettes
Here is a pricing breakdown of all three Gornation parallette models reviewed in this article.
| Product | Price |
|---|---|
| Gornation Active Parallettes | 69.90 EUR |
| Gornation Pro Parallettes | 99.90 EUR |
| Gornation Max Parallettes | 119.90 EUR |
Gornation Parallettes
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Frequently Asked Questions About the Gornation Parallettes
Are Gornation parallettes worth the price?
Yes, the Pro and Max especially. The beech wood construction, the 500 kg load rating, and the included accessories (tape, tightening tool, carrying straps) are not found on cheaper alternatives. These are built to last.
Which Gornation parallette is best for beginners?
The Active. Pre-assembled, compact, 10 cm height for learning fundamentals. The tightening tool means you can maintain it yourself as handles loosen over time.
Do you need chalk with Gornation parallettes?
The included grip tape handles most training. For advanced skill work, handstand push-ups, planche progressions, liquid chalk gives more security. Both options work. It comes down to personal preference and whether you mind chalk dust.
How long does it take to assemble the Pro and Max?
Around five minutes with the included tools. No technical experience needed.
What is the height difference between the three models?
Active is 10 cm tall, Pro is 10 cm tall, Max is 30 cm tall. The Max is the only model with significantly more height for exercises requiring greater range of motion.
Can you use Gornation parallettes outdoors?
Yes. The Pro and Max come with carrying straps. The Active is the most portable and fits in a standard gym bag.
Daniel Flefil
Calisthenics coach with 11 years of experience, co-founder of Calixpert, and organizer of Beast of the Barz, one of the world's largest calisthenics competitions. Based in Stockholm. I write about training, equipment, and everything that goes into building a serious calisthenics practice.
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