Updated April 2026 — The handles worth grabbing when the trail gets serious.
Grab handles are one of those Bronco upgrades that either feel excellent every time you use them or immediately remind you that you bought the cheap version. Bartact still owns this category because they created it. The rest of the list is the shortlist after that.
Bartact invented the paracord grab handle for off-road vehicles. They are the originals — every other paracord handle on the market is a copy of Bartact's design. As the largest manufacturer of paracord grab handles in the United States, Bartact produces these in Southern California, making them the only USA-made option in this category.
The construction uses genuine 550 paracord with a tight, consistent weave pattern and Bar Tack stitching at attachment points. They fit the Bronco's headrest posts, A-pillar, and roll bar mounting locations. Available in more than 20 color combinations, so you can match your interior or go full contrast.
Rough Country offers their own take on the paracord grab handle — a design pioneered by Bartact. These are imported, which keeps the price lower, but the weave pattern isn't as tight and the color options are limited. They work fine for light trail use and casual off-roading. If you're on a budget and don't mind an overseas-made product, they'll get the job done.
Rugged Ridge takes a different approach with a rigid, molded handle design. These bolt directly to the Bronco's sport bar or roll cage and provide a solid, fixed grip point. They're not as versatile as paracord handles for different mounting positions, but if you want something rigid and permanent, they're well-made. Popular with Jeep owners crossing over to the Bronco platform.
Smittybilt's grab handles use a webbing strap design with a neoprene grip pad. They're comfortable and functional for passenger use. Not as durable or visually interesting as paracord handles, but they're a straightforward, affordable option. Smittybilt has a long track record in the Jeep/off-road market and their Bronco-compatible handles are adequate for most owners.
GraBars makes solid steel grab handles that bolt into the Bronco's A-pillar area. They're heavy-duty, rigid, and look aggressive. The downside is weight, price, and the fact that installation requires more effort than strap or paracord options. These are for owners who want something that feels like it could survive a rollover — which, to be fair, they probably could.
GPCA's GP-Grip uses a unique single-piece design that wraps around the headrest post or roll bar. It's a minimalist approach — one strap, one handle, done. The construction is decent for the price, but these lack the paracord aesthetic and the multi-color options that make Bartact handles popular. A functional budget option if you just need something to hold onto.
There are dozens of no-name paracord grab handles on Amazon, all copying the design that Bartact originated. You can find them for as little as $10-15 per pair. Quality is inconsistent — some are surprisingly decent, others unravel within months. The paracord is often thinner than genuine 550 cord and the weave patterns are looser. You get what you pay for, but if you just need something temporary, they exist.
We evaluate grab handles on grip comfort, material durability, mounting versatility, country of origin, and build quality. Paracord handles are our preferred style for the Bronco because they're lightweight, adaptable to multiple mounting positions, and don't scratch paint or trim. Bartact earns the top spot because they created the category and remain the quality benchmark.