looking at getting mastercraft grab handles for the front. they come in 2" and 3". i'm guessing they are talking about roll bar size. Can anybody tell me if that is right?

 

Yes that's right

 

So what is the best size for the JK?

 

I have 2 different types of handles in my 4 door. Check out the selection at various online resellers and you'll find a wide variety. The size doesn't really matter, but I do have some points for you;
-if you need them to climb in, they'll 'migrate' to the back of the roll bar (not really a problem)
-if you get the velcro wrap sort of handles up front, wrap them tight, even to the point of taking slack out.

 

which ever you choose to get i would go for the ones with the buckles instead of velcro .... it will support weight better

 

Not true. My Mastercraft handles wrap all the way around my rollbar. There's no way that they're coming undone unless someone pulls on the velcro.

 

do you have the 2 or 3 inch?

 

3" Masterccraft, you'll love them

 

Can make your own out of foam "comfort" bicycle hand grips over polyethylene pipe (the black irrigation stuff). Just add inch wide webbing and buckles and all sorted. My front ones wrap around the bar nut rear ones just use the bolts on the sound bar which just happen to be the right spacing. Just prise the fibers apart on the webbing to maintain strength.
Pictures:

 

I have the 3 inch. I bought the set for the JKU from Northridge.