Do I need multi-grip handles, or is a straight bar enough?

For pure pull-up and chin-up training, a straight bar is sufficient and is what most experienced lifters in calisthenics subreddits recommend. Multi-grip designs are useful if you want neutral/parallel grips for shoulder comfort, hammer-grip chin-ups, or wide-grip work. The trade-off reviewers note is that multi-grip bars are bulkier, sometimes wobble more, and can crowd taller users at certain grip positions.