The TRX Bandit is an easy-to-grip resistance band system with up to four resistance strengths – which I’ve found perfect for keeping in my gym bag.
Men’s Fitness verdict
These user-friendly bands are portable, lightweight, and versatile. Plus, the comfortable handles can be oriented any which way, making it easy to switch up your grip between exercises.- Portable and lightweight
- Comfortable to use
- Not suitable for heavy strength training
- Pricier than four individual bands
If you’re a complete beginner looking for some of the best resistance bands, the TRX Bandit offers a portable, lightweight, and user-friendly system, that’s easy to get to grips with. Here’s how it performed in my tests.
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We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best. Our team of reviewers includes experienced product testers, PTs, nutritionists and fitness writers – as well as the core MF team – who know exactly what sets the best products apart from the rest. The TRX Bandit was tested by experienced PT and product tester Basil Kronfli. Find out more about how we test.
TRX Bandit features
The TRX Bandit system is incredibly simple, but I also found it to be very effective and user-friendly. It consists of two light bands and two medium bands, as well as two handles and a quick-start guide – ideal if you’re unsure on how to use resistance bands.
Up to two bands can slide into each handle at a time, creating an easy-to-grip resistance band system with up to four resistance strengths. Tension ranges from 5lbs (one light band) to 60lbs (two heavy bands). I also found that the Bandit handles work with heavier TRX bands too.
TRX has applied a light lubricant to the bands, which are made of natural latex. When I used them for the first time, they felt a touch greasy, but the lubrication did minimise friction between bands and handles to reduce wear. Don’t worry about durability, though, as each set ships with a six-year guarantee, just like the RIP Trainer.
TRX Bandit performance
While it won’t be for anyone looking to put on serious mass, the Bandit can still help most people get a tough, muscle-building workout in higher rep ranges. As with traditional bands, increase tension to up resistance. So if the bands are looped around your feet, widen your stance and you can take the strain from a five to an eight in seconds.
While you might struggle to add meaningful resistance to squats or deadlifts, I’d say you can load up your single-leg lunges, and if the resistance is too low, add a tougher orange or yellow TRX band, which can be bought for roughly £20 each.
In my opinion, what makes the Bandit more versatile than larger, pricier options like the Gorilla Bow Travel is the fact its handles can be oriented any which way. So whether you want to switch to a neutral grip for a hammer curl or supinate for a bicep curl – or transition from one to the other – it’s just a case of twisting your wrist.
| Resistance | 5lb (2.3kg) to 60lb (27.2kg) |
| Colors | Black and yellow |
| Number of bands | 5 |
| Features | Six-year guarantee; compatible with other TRX bands |
How we test the best resistance bands
Our expert tester Basil Kronfli is an experienced PT and understands what makes a good set of resistance bands. He tested each product through its entire resistance range (including any optional extra bands) and across a wide range of banded exercises. Basil also used all available accessories such as door anchors, leg straps or carabiners for an extended period. He tested and marked each resistance band for its versatility, for the quality of the bands and the handles and for its overall weight range.
