About this guide
Tacky is the pine-resin grip aid strongman competitors apply to their forearms before lapping an atlas stone — it lets you lift heavier stones for more reps while reducing the grip strain that causes forearm and bicep tendinitis. The right grade depends heavily on temperature: too soft in the heat and it won’t stick, too hard in the cold and it won’t spread. These are real, currently sold tacky products, several offered in weather-specific grades.
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The picks, in detail
Rehband Strongman Tacky Grip Resin
A premium, competition-grade resin formula built for maximum stick on atlas and natural stones, sold in a 500g size.
- Long-lasting sticky resin formula
- Competition-grade grip wax
- 17.6oz (500g) size
- Strong, long-lasting stick for max-effort lifts
- Well-known brand in competitive strongman
- Premium pricing versus smaller-brand tacky
Cerberus Strength Atlas Tacky Grade I (Light Blend)
A lighter formula that's easy to apply and remove, positioned as a good training tacky for most weather conditions.
- Light blend formula
- Easy on/off application
- 150ml or 250ml sizes
- Easiest of the Cerberus grades to work with day-to-day
- Good for frequent training sessions
- Less stick than Grade II or III for max-effort or hot-weather lifting
Cerberus Strength Atlas Tacky Grade II (Standard Blend)
A stronger-stick, still-pliable formula for cooler weather where Grade I doesn't grip enough but Grade III would be too aggressive.
- Standard blend formula
- Stays pliable in cool weather
- 150ml or 250ml sizes
- Strong stick without hardening up in cold conditions
- Middle-ground grade for variable training temps
- Not the strongest option for the heaviest competition stones
Cerberus Strength Atlas Tacky Grade III (Extreme Blend)
The strongest-stick Cerberus grade, formulated for the heaviest stones and competition use, especially in hot weather.
- Extreme blend formula
- Strongest stick in the Cerberus range
- Hot-weather formulated
- Maximum grip for competition and max-effort lifts
- Holds up in hot weather where lighter grades soften too much
- Harder to remove after use than the lighter grades
Nordic Training Gear Strongman Tacky
A pine-blend tacky sold in three temperature-specific formulas, letting lifters match the product precisely to their training conditions.
- Pine-based resin blend
- Three temperature-range formulas (6-12°C, 13-20°C, 20°C+)
- Sold in multiple sizes
- Most granular temperature-matched formula selection
- European brand popular in strongman circles
- Temperature bands require picking the right variant for your climate
Elite Tacky by Dave Ostlund
A US-made pine-resin tacky formulated by elite stone lifter Dave Ostlund, offered in weather-specific and a dedicated training blend.
- Pine resin, made in the USA
- Hot/regular/cool/training weather formulas
- 4oz or 16oz jar sizes
- Formulated by a recognized elite stone-lifting competitor
- Dedicated lower-stick training blend saves the stronger grades for competition
- Smaller 4oz jar depletes quickly with regular training use
What each one costs
Typical price, cheapest first. Tap a name to jump to that pick and its buy link.
Compare any three
| Rehband Strongman Tacky Grip Resin | Cerberus Strength Atlas Tacky Grade I (Light Blend) | Cerberus Strength Atlas Tacky Grade II (Standard Blend) | |
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| Price | $30-$40 | $20-$30 | $20-$30 |
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Buying tips
- Match the grade to the temperature you’ll actually be lifting in — a Grade III/hot-weather tacky turns rock-hard and unusable in a cold garage gym.
- Apply tacky to bare forearm skin, not sleeves — it’s designed to bond skin to the stone’s surface, and fabric defeats the point.
- Keep a rag with a mild solvent or baby oil nearby for cleanup; tacky is deliberately hard to remove with soap and water alone.
- Buy the smaller size first if you’re new to a brand — grades vary enough between manufacturers that it’s worth confirming the stick level suits your stones before committing to a large jar.
As an Amazon Associate and eBay Partner, toptenpick.com earns from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability are subject to change.