If youโve been lifting weights for a while, you mightโve noticed the limitations on grip strength and how they affect the maximum weight you can lift in various pulling exercises, such as deadlifts.
The problem here is simple: our bodies are developed to allow us to pull more weight than our grip can handle, and our grip strength is usually the last thing to develop.
Luckily, thereโs a solution that can safely protect your strength gains and allow you to lift more weight: lifting straps. Whether youโre looking for the best wrist straps for deadlifts or you want basic gym lifting straps, keep reading.
The best lifting straps are the Warm Body Cold Mind Lasso Lifting Straps. In addition to being made with thick cotton, theyโre double-stitched and reinforced with leather to enhance their longevity. Theyโre also lined with neoprene for added comfort and donโt dig into the skin as much as other brands do.
Table of Contents
Best Lifting Straps for Powerlifting, Weightlifting, and Other Workouts
Finding the best lifting straps for your needs might be challenging, especially with all the good products on the market. You need to consider whether youโre searching for the best deadlift straps or using weight-lifting wrist straps for other exercises.
Thatโs why Iโll provide a brief rundown of the best lifting straps for various needs and maximum wrist support, so you can pick your ideal fit!
The 13 best lifting straps are:
- Warm Body Cold Mind Lasso Lifting Straps – Best Overall Lifting Straps
- Gymreapers Lifting Straps – Best Lifting Straps for Powerlifting
- Iron Mind Strong Enough – Most Durable Lifting Straps
- Serious Steel Fitness Figure 8 Straps – Best Lifting Straps for Deadlifts
- Harbinger Lifting Straps – Best Lifting Straps for Bodybuilding
- ihuan Lifting Straps – Best Lifting Straps for Small Hands
- Rip Toned Lifting Straps – Best Lifting Straps for Strongman
- Serious Steel Fitness Lifting Straps – Best Lifting Straps for Olympic Weightlifting
- Bear KompleX 2 Hole Leather Hand Grips – Best for CrossFit
- Grip Power Pads Steel Hook Lifting Straps – Best Lifting Straps with Hooks
- Grizzly Fitness Lifting Straps – Best Leather Lifting Straps
- SKDK Lifting Wrist Straps – Best Budget Lifting Straps
- Iron Bull Classic Lifting Wraps – Great Value Lifting Straps
Read on for the quick specs on the whole list and then the detailed reviews.
Product | Material | Length | Features | Price | Rating |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Warm Body Cold Mind Lasso Lifting Straps | Cotton, leather, and neoprene | 22โ | Double stitched cotton and soft neoprene padding | $$ | 4.5/5 |
Gymreapers Lifting Straps | Cotton and neoprene | 18โ | Thick cotton, reinforced using a double-cross-stitched pattern | $$ | 4.5/5 |
Iron Mind Strong Enough | Nylon | 21โ | Double stitched loops | $$$ | 4/5 |
Serious Steel Fitness Figure 8 Straps | Cotton | 23โ, 27.5โ, 31.5โ | Double stitched loops and thick padding | $$ | 4.5/5 |
Harbinger Lifting Straps | Cotton and neoprene | 21.5โ | NeoTek cushioning | $$ | 4/5 |
ihuan Lifting Straps | Polypropylene and neoprene | 21โ | Double cross-stitching | $ | 4/5 |
Rip Toned Lifting Straps | Cotton and neoprene | 23.5โ | Heavy-webbed cotton for extra durability | $$ | 4/5 |
Serious Steel Fitness Lifting Straps | Cotton and neoprene | 9.25โ | Reinforced stitching | $$$ | 4/5 |
Bear KompleX 2 Hole Leather Hand Grips | Leather | - | Flexible material, no break in period required | $$$ | 4.5/5 |
Grip Power Pads Steel Hook Lifting Straps | Neoprene and Rubber | 17.5โ (for the wrist strap) | Non-slip coating, neoprene padding | $$ - $$$ | 4/5 |
Grizzly Fitness Lifting Straps | Leather | 20.5โ | Double stitched loop and 2-year warranty | $ | 4.5/5 |
SKDK Lifting Wrist Straps | Cotton and neoprene | 12โ | Non-slip silicone, extra padding for comfort | $$ | 4/5 |
Iron Bull Classic Lifting Wraps | Cotton | 20" | Neoprene | $ | 4.5 |
1. Warm Body Cold Mind Lasso Lifting Straps – Best Overall Lifting Straps
Specifications
- Materials: Cotton, leather, neoprene
- Length: 22โ
- Features: Double-stitched cotton and soft neoprene padding
Pros
- Neoprene padding reduces discomfort on the skin
- Thick cotton that doesnโt stretch after repeated use
- Double-stitched and reinforced with leather for extra durability
- Donโt dig into your skin even when doing heavy lifts
Cons
- May not be the best for Strongman athletes or other individuals who can lift more than ~770lbs
The Warm Body Cold Mind Lasso Lifting Straps were designed by Oleksiy Torokhtiy, a former Olympian who competed in weightlifting at the 2008 and 2012 Olympic Games.
The straps are made from thick cotton and are double-stitched for extra durability, and the ends are reinforced with genuine leather to prevent fraying. Iโve been using them primarily for deadlifts and bent-over rows, and Iโve been pleased with their performance.
My favorite feature on these straps is the neoprene padding. Iโve used other straps in the past that have padding, but it was itchy and dug into my skin.
The neoprene padding isnโt very thick, but it is comfortable and non-irritating, even when Iโm sweating a lot. Despite the lack of padding, these straps dig into my skin less than other brands.
The neoprene padding is also long enough to cover almost my entire wrist. Other straps Iโve used before only cover the top of my wrist (though this will be highly individual, depending on the size of your wrists).
I train at home, but Iโm not gentle on these straps when I store them โ they usually get thrown into a storage bin with a bunch of other things thrown on top of them. Despite this, thereโs no sign of damage, thinning, or stretching of the material. Iโm confident theyโd hold up to being tossed in a gym bag with a powerlifting belt, shoes, knee sleeves, and other gear as well.
Iโd recommend these wrist wraps for intermediate powerlifters and advanced gym-goers, as they have a strength rating of 350kg (~770 lbs). However, Strongman athletes or anyone else who can lift more than that should consider straps with a higher strength rating.
2. Gymreapers Lifting Straps – Best Lifting Straps For Powerlifting
Specifications
- Length: 18โ
- Materials: Cotton and neoprene
- Features: Thick cotton, reinforced using a double-cross-stitched pattern
Pros
- Extra wrist padding
- Greatest color range
- Very affordable
Cons
- Less durable than nylon straps
Check to see whether the lifting straps are cheaper on Amazon or direct from Gymreapers. If there are no price differences, I recommend ordering direct from Gymreapers to get better customer service.
The Gymreapers straps feature a neoprene-padded design, which makes them extremely comfortable to wear when performing isolation exercises like rows and lat pulldowns.
This padding also becomes useful when performing exercises like heavy deadlifts. This is because as the load on the bar goes up, lifting straps can dig into your skin more. The neoprene wrist pad creates a significant cushion between the strap and your skin, helping you avoid bruises and torn skin.
These straps are also reinforced using a double-cross-stitched pattern, improving the seamsโ durability. Because of this, the strapsโ stitching wonโt tear when you're going for a new personal best. Some reviews even state that they've lasted years of heavy use.
Additionally, Gymreapers lifting straps are available in various colors. Compared to most brands (who tend only to offer 1-2 colors), Gymreapers have 9 different colors to choose from. For style-conscious lifters, it doesn't get better than these.
The only downside to these straps is the cotton material. Itโs less durable than other lifting straps made with nylon. However, the cotton is thick and double-stitched for added durability.
3. Iron Mind Strong Enough – Most Durable Lifting Straps
Specifications
- Materials: Nylon
- Length: 21โ
- Featured: Double-stitched loops
Pros
- Supreme level of durability and longevity
- Highly versatile and used for a variety of lifting sports
- Easy to use and clean
Cons
- Doesnโt absorb sweat
- Not as comfortable compared with Warm Body Cold Mind or Gymreapers
The Strong Enough lifting straps from Iron Mind were my favorite before I tested the Warm Body Cold Mind straps. Theyโre made of high-quality nylon, which is known for its excellent durability. The loops are double-stitched for an additional layer of security. This allows the powerlifting strap to last for years without needing to be replaced.
These straps were also used when Ken Brown broke the world record silver dollar deadlift with a 1,125 lb lift.
In other words, you shouldnโt worry about these strapsโ maximum weight capacity. Theyโre also a great option if youโre looking for a strap with no padding. However, I prefer straps with padding because theyโre more comfortable.
The only other drawback to these straps is that they donโt absorb sweat well.
4. Serious Steel Fitness Figure 8 Straps – Best Lifting Straps For Deadlifts
Pros
- Comes with a one-year warranty
- Has double stitching for extra reinforcement around the loops
- Available in three different sizes
Cons
- A bit pricey
Serious Steel Fitness is one of the best figure 8 straps in the powerlifting tools industry. If youโre looking for ultra-durable figure 8 straps that are made of highly durable canvas fabric, this one should be on your go-to list.
The figure 8 strap also comes with double stitching along the length of the loops. This gives it extra reinforcement that allows it to handle the toughest weights. This makes it ideal for maxing out on deadlifts.
The straps are also relatively thicker with minimal padding to provide your hands with comfort while pulling the heavy weights off the ground.
Serious Steel Fitness trust in the quality of the figure 8 deadlift strap. Thatโs why it offers a one-year warranty, so you donโt have to worry about the quality of the lifting strap.
5. Harbinger Lifting Straps – Best Lifting Straps For Bodybuilding
Specifications
- Materials: Cotton and neoprene
- Length: 21.5โ
- Features: NeoTek cushioning
Pros
- Available in multiple colors and finishes
- Comes with neoprene cushioning for comfort on heavier lifts
- Great value for its price
Cons
- The edges might dig into the skin if youโre not wearing gloves.
This lifting strap from Harbinger is great for bodybuilders who are looking for versatility, durability, and good design as well as comfort.
In addition to classic black, the lifting straps are available in various colors and finishes to match your bodybuilding outfit and gear. These designs include pink and wine red, as well as other printed finishes.
The extended length and width of the lifting strap allow for more grip surface, which reduces the grip fatigue significantly.
Moreover, the lifting straps come with a NeoTek cushioning, which uses a neoprene sheet to add comfortable padding without bulking the strap.
The only problem I have with this great value lifting strap is that one of its edges are burnt to prevent fraying. However, this solidified part can be a bit sharp and dig into the skin.
6. ihuan Lifting Straps – Best Lifting Straps For Small Hands
Material | Length |
---|---|
Material | Polypropylene and neoprene |
Length | 21โ |
Features | Double cross-stitching |
Specifications
- Materials: Polypropylene and neoprene
- Length: 21โ
- Features: Double cross-stitching
Pros
- Ideal straps for lifters with small hands
- Comes with an easy return policy
- Comfortable grip with neoprene lining
Cons
- Some users complained about the new versionโs durability
If you have small hands, finding the best lifting straps might be tough. However, finding the right size is critical for maxing out your reps. In that case, consider these straps from ihuan.
The loops on these single-looped straps run small, helping lifters with smaller wrists to have a snug fit for better gripping strength.
However, the strap ends donโt run short. You can wrap these 21-inch straps around your bar for extra support to help you easily lift max weights.
These straps also come with comfortable padding that makes a huge difference while pulling heavy weights on a deadlift.
The grip area also has a 6.5 mm neoprene wrist padding to provide extra cushioning.
7. Rip Toned Lifting Straps – Best Lifting Straps For Strongman
Material | Length |
---|---|
Material | Cotton and neoprene |
Length | 30โ |
Features | Heavy-webbed cotton for extra durability |
Specifications
- Materials: Cotton and neoprene
- Length: 23.5โ
- Features: Heavy webbed cotton for extra durability
Pros
- Excellent for Strongman training
- Extra-long for addition wrapping around the bar
- One of the most durable cotton lifting straps out there
Cons
- Takes a long time to break in and become softer on hands
These straps from Rip Toned Lifting have an adjustable loop to fit your grip for maximum support while lifting weights. This makes it one of the best lifting straps for Strongman training, particularly when doing axle bar deadlifts.
The strap is 23.5 inches long, longer than most options on the market. Itโs made of durable and heavy webbed cotton. Itโs also thicker and heavier than other straps, giving it excellent grip support.
However, it has a long break-in period compared to other cotton lifting straps on the market.
8. Serious Steel Fitness Lifting Straps – Best Lifting Straps For Olympic Weightlifting
Pros
- Ideal for Olympic weightlifting training
- Easy to use
- Soft webbing for added comfort
Cons
- Not recommended if you want the maximum assistance while lifting
If you train specific Olympic movements, such as snatches and snatch pulls, you need a specialized single-loop strap that can support you without encouraging a strong reliance on the lifting strap. These Olympic lifting straps will give you minimal assistance when doing pulls, reducing the likelihood that youโll become dependent on them.
The strap is 1.5 to 1.75 inches thick, making it one of the most durable lifting straps available, especially when coupled with heavy stitching along the edges.
These excellent weight-lifting straps are made of soft webbed cotton. They take less time to break in.
Although this product is one of the best straps for weight lifting, itโs under 10 inches long. It wonโt give you as much grip support as other straps. However, itโs great if you donโt want to develop strap reliance before competitions.
9. Bear KompleX 2 Hole Leather Hand Grips – Best For CrossFit
Pros
- Ideal for protecting the hands
- Durable leather
- Available in multiple sizes and colors to suit various tastes
Cons
- Doesnโt help you maximize your reps
Technically, this one isnโt a lifting strap. However, it's the best lifting strap alternative if youโre doing fast-paced training, such as CrossFit.
This Bear KompleX product is one of the best lifting grips on the market. The grips go over the palm of the hand. Theyโre mainly used to prevent calluses during gymnastics movements like pull-ups, bar muscle-ups, and toes to bar.
The hand grips are made of durable and smooth genuine leather. They wonโt bite or dig into your skin during your workout.
10. Grip Power Pads Steel Hook Lifting Straps – Best Lifting Strap With Hook
Specifications
- Neoprene and rubber
- Length: 17.5โ (for the wrist strap)
- Features: Non-slip coating, neoprene padding
Pros
- Easier to use than most lifting straps
- Available in multiple sizes and styles
- Considerably durable
Cons
- Doesnโt give a natural grip feeling
Another good alternative to lifting straps is lifting hooks. Iโve written a full article regarding the best weightlifting hooks if thatโs what youโre looking for.
The main difference between hooks and straps is that hooks are usually secured to the hands with durable velcro and have a metal hook you use to hold the bar.
While they both provide a secure grip and can improve the capacities of your lifts, hooks are better at stabilizing your wrists while lifting.
On the other hand, hooks have much more limited weight capacity and durability limitations than weightlifting straps. However, many lifters have used these Grip Power Pads hooks to lift up to 600 lbs!
11. Grizzly Fitness Lifting Straps – Best Leather Lifting Strap
Specifications
- Materials: Leather
- Length: 20.5โ
- Features: Double-stitched loop, two-year warranty
Pros
- Elegant look
- Smooth and comfortable with cotton padding
- Comes with a 2-year warranty
Cons
- Takes time to break in
Many lifting athletes prefer leather lifting straps because of their hardiness and ability to withstand heavy use while feeling smooth on the skin. They also look elegant for those who care about the aesthetics of their lifting gear.
If thatโs your case, you should consider the Grizzly Fitness leather lifting straps. The genuine demure cowhide leather maintains the shape of the strap for a decent time.
In addition, the straps come with double heavy-duty stitching throughout the loop and the strap length for added security. All that makes it ideal for maximizing your lifts.
Like all leather weightlifting straps, the Grizzly Fitness straps require a break-in period to soften. However, it takes less time than many products on the market.
Moreover, the lifting strap comes with a two-year warranty and an excellent return policy for a worry-free purchase!
12. SKDK Lifting Wrist Straps – Best Budget Lifting Straps
Specifications
- Materials: Cotton and neoprene
- Length: 12โ
- Non-slip silicone, extra padding for comfort
Pros
- Ideal for buyers on a budget
- Cotton padding for extra comfort
- Decently long straps for easy wrapping
Cons
- Lacks double stitching, so durability is questionable
Low-quality straps will break down quickly, so youโll have to replace them frequently. But if youโre on a tight budget, you donโt have to sacrifice quality.
The affordable lifting straps from SKDK solve this problem by offering satisfying durability without costing you an arm and a leg!
The lifting strap is made of padded cotton to improve the comfort level without being too bulky for the hands.
Also, the strap end is long enough to be wrapped around the bar multiple times for extra security while lifting.
13. Iron Bull Classic Lifting Straps – Featured Lifting Straps
Specifications
- Materials: Cotton
- Length: 20โ
- Width: 1.5″
- Style: Lasso
- Features: Double-stitched cotton and soft neoprene padding
- Wrist Support: 5mm Neoprene
Pros
- Reasonable price
- Durable cotton material
- Thick padded wrist cuff
- Comfortable to wear
- Highly adjustable
- Affordable
Cons
- Advanced athletes would want a more premium model
- Not as breathable as some straps
The Iron Bull Strength Lifting Straps are a high-quality pair of lifting straps that are designed to help you lift heavier weights. They are made from a durable cotton material that is both comfortable and supportive. The straps also feature a thick padded wrist cuff that helps to protect your wrists from injury.
I have been using the Iron Bull Strength Lifting Straps for a few months now, and I have been very impressed with them. They have helped me to lift significantly more weight on my deadlifts and other compound exercises. The straps are also very comfortable to wear, even when I am lifting heavy weights.
One of the things that I like most about the Iron Bull Strength Lifting Straps is that they are very adjustable. The straps have a Velcro closure allowing you to customize the fit to your needs. This is important, as a poorly-fitting pair of lifting straps can be uncomfortable and even dangerous.
Overall, I am very happy with the Iron Bull Strength Lifting Straps. They are a high-quality pair of lifting straps that are both comfortable and supportive. I would highly recommend them to anyone who is looking for a way to lift heavier weights.
Why Should You Trust Us, and How Do We Test and Review Lifting Straps?
We are a team of experienced powerlifting coaches who have competed and worked with athletes at the highest levels. We also love powerlifting and weightlifting for personal goals and enjoyment.
We have tested a selection of the best lifting straps for weightlifting or powerlifting to determine their quality and durability. We have compared each product to weigh its pros and cons and offer our expert opinions so you can find the perfect powerlifting straps or the best deadlifting straps for your needs.
Combining our extensive testing process and years of experience in the gym, weโve provided credible, in-depth reviews you can trust.
Benefits of Wearing Lifting Straps
There are various benefits of wearing lifting straps while lifting heavy weights.
Your grip strength is weaker than your upper back, lats, traps, or hamstrings. When youโre doing a pulling movement or posterior chain exercise with maximal or near-maximal weights, your grip will give out earlier than the rest of your muscles.
This can leave a lot of gains on the table. Wearing lifting straps or lifting hooks will help you lift heavier for most pulling exercises, especially during high-rep sets. It also supports your wrist enough for you to do a few more reps than usual.
Lifting straps also enable you to get a secure grip on the bar. This can reduce the chances of serious injuries and slipping accidents.
The best part about having lifting straps is that they wonโt weigh you down or take up much space in your gym bag. Theyโre also reasonably priced, and a single pair of durable straps will last years.
When you use lifting straps, you should also train your grip at the same time. I recommend using hand grippers/strengthening devices. Check out my article on how to use hand strengtheners.
Main Types of Straps
Not all lifting straps are the same. The main types of straps are single loop, lasso strap, and figure 8.
Single Loop
Single loops are the baseline and arguably the most popular form of lifting straps. Theyโre ideal if you want little external help with your lifting grip.
Theyโre usually a single-loop fabric that you put your wrist inside with a thicker tail on one end that you wrap around the bar. You adjust the wrapping until itโs tight enough for your hands.
If you let go of the weight in a single loop strap, the bar will fall to the ground, and the straps will spiral off, which shows the minimum level of lifting assistance it provides.
Single loops usually have a pre-set loop size that you have to choose carefully.
Lasso
Lasso is a technical improvement of the same concept followed by a single loop lifting strap. As the name suggests, you tighten the strap loop around your hands like a lasso to provide a snug fit.
Lasso straps have a long tail that works similarly to the thick end of the single-loop straps. You also wrap it around the bar before lifting the weight.
A lasso strap gives you an extra adjustability option, as youโre able to tighten the loop according to your liking.
Figure 8
The self-explanatory name makes it much easier to explain the figure 8 straps. Theyโre usually a single loop of durable fabric thatโs stitched into an โ8โ figure, creating two equal loops.
You put your hand through one of the loops while wrapping the other from under the bar where the stitching is underneath the bar and โcarryingโ it.
You then loop this second loop around your hands, creating a durable catch to the bar. This makes them a great choice when you need deadlift straps.
What to Look for in Wrist Straps for Powerlifting?
Material
Ideally, most lifting straps are made of cotton, nylon, and leather. Your lifting strapโs material has a powerful impact on durability, support, sweat resistance, and overall comfort while lifting a heavy barbell.
Cotton
Cotton is the most commonly used fabric while making lifting straps. These straps are known for being the most comfortable to use while lifting, all the while providing a decent level of grip support. Theyโre also the most affordable ones, so theyโre the best for powerlifters on a budget.
The main problem with cotton straps is that they can easily stretch over time, reducing their grip support.
Cotton is also one of the best fabrics to deal with moisture. These straps usually absorb sweat well, adding to their overall level of comfort.
Nylon
For decades, nylon fabric has been a synonym for โheavy-duty,โ and nylon powerlifting straps are no exception.
Thatโs why theyโre the most common Olympic lifting straps and are used by Strongman athletes, Olympic weightlifters, and powerlifters around the world.
With their superb durability and resistance to stretching, they can tackle the heaviest of weights and maximize grip support.
The main drawbacks of nylon are that it doesnโt do well with sweat and isnโt the most comfortable fabric.
Moreover, nylon straps come at a relatively premium price thatโll cost more than cotton or leather straps. However, unlike the other two, you wonโt have to replace your nylon straps often. In fact, Iโve had my nylon straps for over a decade now and havenโt needed to replace them.
Leather
Leather straps are usually the most aesthetically pleasing type of fabric. Theyโre also noticeably smooth on the skin and comfortable to use. Thatโs why leather straps are popular among athletes who love to lift in style.
Theyโre fairly durable and donโt stretch with time like cotton. The problem here is that they always require time to break in the leather. Additionally, they shouldnโt be worn all the time because they donโt absorb sweat.
Putting the factor of maintenance and frequent replacement in mind, leather straps are the least price-efficient type.
Length
Straps are usually available in various lengths, such as short, medium, and long.
Itโs critical that you use a lifting strap that fits your hand perfectly to maximize the benefits of using them.
This will also help you avoid any dangling or extra fabric getting in your way, especially when pulling hundreds of pounds.
Design
Your powerlifting straps must have an efficient design so they can do their job easily.
As you know, there are multiple types of straps. However, the most crucial part of the strapsโ design is that theyโre ergonomic with a snug fit to do their job efficiently.
Padding
Padding is essential to provide an extra layer of protection, security, and comfort. Some lifting straps come with light to medium padding, which is usually neoprene.
If youโd prefer to have workout gloves over workout straps, check out my reviews of the best women's workout gloves.
How to Use Lifting Straps Properly
Each type of lifting strap has a unique way of using it. Ideally, youโd start by finding the right type of lifting strap for your needs. Also, you should avoid wearing them for the wrong exercise.
Lastly, remember to train your grip strength outside of lifting, as deadlifting straps might make you ignore the need to strengthen your grip. This is more critical if youโre lifting competitively in a sport that doesnโt allow straps.
To wear a single-loop strap, you first need to thread the ends of the strap through a small loop to form an opening large enough for your grip to pass through.
After that, you only need to put your hands through the opening and wrap the rest of the strap around the bar. (This step is consistent for all types of straps.)
Should You Wear Lifting Straps All The Time?
Lifting straps are great at doing what theyโre supposed to do. In fact, theyโre so effective that you can easily develop an over-reliance on them.
In other words, youโll gain more power on your lats and back in general, but your grip can become weaker and more unstable over time.
Thatโs why I recommend that you always do exercises to strengthen your grip if youโre going to wear the lifting straps frequently. These exercises include:
- Fist pushups
- Harder squeeze on barbells
- Hang from pull up bar
Some lifters use lifting straps to perform front squats. Check out my other article, where I explain this exercise variation.
Should You Buy Lifting Straps? (Top Reasons To Know When Itโs Time)
If youโre confused about whether lifting straps is a worthy investment, here are the top reasons why youโll need to get one.
- Youโve been training for a long time and can lift heavier weights, but your grip isnโt as powerful as your lifting capabilities.
- You have a problem maintaining a tight grip around the bar (for example, due to a mild injury).
- You want to add an extra layer of protection without hindering your weightlifting capacity.
Wondering what the differences are between chalk and straps? We explain the pros and cons, and which you should use based on the exercise and your goals. Check out: Chalk vs Straps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Figure 8 Straps Better?
Figure 8 straps are generally the best type of straps when it comes to security. However, they essentially connect your wrist to the bar. If you want to drop the bar from the top of the lift, theyโre not the right ones for you.
Are Lifting Straps Cheating?
Because they can extend your grip capacity and help you lift more weight, some people consider lifting straps cheating. However, straps allow you to maximize your pulling gains when used in moderation. That said, if you only ever use straps, you might be preventing other muscle groups from getting stronger.
What Is the Point of Lifting Straps?
If your grip isnโt strong enough to support the weight you want to lift, you have to train with lighter loads. The barbell or dumbbells might also slip out of your hands if your grip is weak. Lifting straps help you pull more weight so your grip is no longer the limiting factor in how much you can lift.
When Should You Use Lifting Straps?
Ideally, you should only use lifting straps once your grip strength canโt keep up with the strength of your other muscle groups. You can also use lifting straps when performing high-rep sets of 8 or more reps so you can hold the barbell for longer.
Is It Bad To Use Lifting Straps?
When used in moderation, lifting straps are not bad. However, wearing them for all of your workouts can result in you developing an over-reliance on them. It can also widen the strength gap between your grip and other muscle groups.
How Much Do Straps Help Deadlifts?
Many lifters claim they can deadlift 20-30% more weight with straps than without. However, to avoid over-reliance on them, use them as a last resort or if youโre having a grip-limiting issue such as a mild hand injury. Itโs also good to do grip-strengthening exercises outside of your normal workouts.
Should I Use Lifting Straps or Lifting Hooks?
Lifting straps are generally a better option when you want more comfort, maximum support, and a stronger grip for heavier lifts. Theyโre also safer because thereโs less likelihood of the barbell slipping out of the straps if it rotates during your lifts.
Do Lifting Straps Weaken Your Grip?
When used properly, lifting straps wonโt weaken your grip. However, if youโre looking to improve your grip strength, itโs a good idea to use your lifting straps sparingly.
Which Type of Lifting Straps Is Best?
When you need Olympic lifting straps, closed-loop lifting straps are best because they offer maximum wrist support and release the bar quickly when you drop it after your lift. For powerlifting, figure 8 lifting straps are best because they offer a more secure grip for heavy deadlifts.
Lifting Straps Hurt My Wrist โ Am I Doing Something Wrong?
If your wrists hurt while using lifting straps, they may be too loose. This causes them to lack the support you need, shifting excess load and force onto your wrist joints.
Do Lifting Straps Help With Calluses?
Lifting straps can protect your hands from calluses by relieving tension and pressure from your hands and reducing friction on your palms.
Which Lifting Straps Are Best for Deadlifts?
Figure 8 lifting straps or lasso straps are the best for deadlifts because they provide maximum support and grip strength when youโre pulling heavy weights.
Final Thoughts
Your grip strength might be the only limiting factor that prevents you from lifting serious weights and maximizing your gains.
Using lifting straps in moderation will help you achieve more than your bare hands can do on their own.
People will usually cheap out while choosing lifting straps, only to replace them in a few months as they start to wear out.
Durable nylon lifting straps arenโt the cheapest, but they will LAST for decades. Thatโs why I recommend Warm Body Cold Mind Lasso Lifting Straps as the best lifting straps.
However, if youโre on a budget, you can still get excellent gains by opting for heavy-duty cotton lifting straps, such as SKDK Lifting Wrist Straps.