Table of Contents
Quick Picks: Top Lifting Straps
| Best For | Product | Why We Love It |
|---|---|---|
| Best Overall | Warm Body Cold Mind | Pro-designed, durable cotton, perfect padding. |
| Most Trusted Brand | Rogue Lifting Straps | Huge variety (leather, nylon, cotton) and legendary build quality. |
| Best Value | Gymreapers | Lifetime warranty & great color options. |
| Best for Deadlifts | Element 26 Figure 8 | Incredible security and comfort for max lifts. |
If you’ve been lifting weights for a while, you might’ve 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, there’s a solution that can safely protect your strength gains and allow you to lift more weight: lifting straps. Whether you’re 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, they’re double-stitched and reinforced with leather to enhance their longevity. They’re also lined with neoprene for added comfort and don’t dig into the skin as much as other brands do.
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 you’re searching for the best deadlift straps or using weight-lifting wrist straps for other exercises.
That’s why I’ll provide a brief rundown of the best lifting straps for various needs and maximum wrist support, so you can pick your ideal fit!
The 15 best lifting straps are:
- Warm Body Cold Mind Lasso Lifting Straps – Best Overall Lifting Straps
- Gymreapers Lifting Straps – Best Value & Warranty
- Iron Mind Strong Enough – Most Durable Lifting Straps
- Element 26 Padded Figure 8 – Best Comfort for Deadlifts
- Serious Steel Fitness Figure 8 Straps – Best Canvas 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
- Versa Gripps Pro – Best Premium Alternative
- 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.
1. Best Overall: Warm Body Cold Mind Lasso Lifting Straps
Specifications
- Materials: Cotton, leather, neoprene
- Length: 22”
- Features: Double-stitched cotton and soft neoprene padding
Pros
- Neoprene padding reduces discomfort on the skin
- Thick cotton that doesn’t stretch after repeated use
- Double-stitched and reinforced with leather for extra durability
- Don’t dig into your skin even when doing heavy sets
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. I’ve been using them primarily for deadlifts and bent-over rows, and I’ve been pleased with their performance.
My favorite feature on these straps is the neoprene padding. I’ve used other straps in the past that have padding, but it was itchy and dug into my skin.
The neoprene padding isn’t very thick, but it is comfortable and non-irritating, even when I’m 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 I’ve 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 I’m not gentle on these straps when I store them — they usually get thrown into a storage bin with a bunch of other things thrown on top of them. Despite this, there’s no sign of damage, thinning, or stretching of the material. I’m confident they’d hold up to being tossed in a gym bag with a powerlifting belt, shoes, knee sleeves, and other gear as well.
I’d 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. Best Value: Gymreapers Lifting Straps
Specifications
- Length: 18”
- Materials: Cotton and neoprene
- Features: Thick cotton, reinforced using a double-cross-stitched pattern
Pros
- Lifetime Replacement Guarantee
- 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 seams’ durability. Because of this, the straps’ stitching won’t tear when you're going for a new personal best.
A major standout feature is the Lifetime Replacement Guarantee. Gymreapers stands behind their product so confidently that if they ever rip or tear, they will send you a new pair free of charge.
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. It’s less durable than other lifting straps made with nylon. However, the cotton is thick and double-stitched for added durability.
3. Most Durable: Iron Mind Strong Enough
Specifications
- Materials: Nylon
- Length: 21”
- 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
- Doesn’t 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. They’re 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 shouldn’t worry about these straps’ maximum weight capacity. They’re also a great option if you’re looking for a strap with no padding. However, I prefer straps with padding because they’re more comfortable.
The only other drawback to these straps is that they don’t absorb sweat well.
4. Best Comfort for Deadlifts: Element 26 Padded Figure 8 Straps
Specifications
- Materials: Heavy Duty Cotton / Neoprene
- Style: Figure 8
- Features: Full neoprene wrist cushioning
Pros
- Most comfortable figure 8 strap on the market
- Prevents the “digging” sensation common with standard figure 8s
- Lifetime Warranty
Cons
- Sizing can be tricky (measure your wrist carefully!)
If you love the security of a figure 8 strap for heavy deadlifts but hate how the coarse canvas digs into your skin, the Element 26 Padded Figure 8s are your solution. Standard figure 8 straps are great for locking you into the bar, but they can leave nasty red marks or bruises on your wrists.
Element 26 solved this by sewing high-quality neoprene padding directly into the loop areas that contact your wrist. This allows you to pull massive weight without the distraction of wrist pain.
Like Gymreapers, they also offer a lifetime warranty, making them a fantastic investment for serious powerlifters.
5. Best Canvas Straps for Deadlifts: Serious Steel Fitness Figure 8 Straps
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 you’re 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. That’s why it offers a one-year warranty, so you don’t have to worry about the quality of the lifting strap.
6. Best for Bodybuilding: Harbinger Lifting Straps
Specifications
- Materials: Cotton and neoprene
- Length: 21.5”
- 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 you’re 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.
7. Best for Small Hands: ihuan Lifting Straps
| Material | Polypropylene and neoprene |
| Length | 21” |
| Features | Double cross-stitching |
Specifications
- Materials: Polypropylene and neoprene
- Length: 21”
- 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 version’s 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 don’t 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.
8. Best for Strongman: Rip Toned Lifting Straps
| Material | Cotton and neoprene |
| Length | 30” |
| Features | Heavy-webbed cotton for extra durability |
Specifications
- Materials: Cotton and neoprene
- Length: 23.5”
- 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. It’s made of durable and heavy webbed cotton. It’s 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.
9. Best for Olympic Weightlifting: Serious Steel Fitness Lifting Straps
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 you’ll 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, it’s under 10 inches long. It won’t give you as much grip support as other straps. However, it’s great if you don’t want to develop strap reliance before competitions.
10. Best Premium Alternative: Versa Gripps Pro
Specifications
- Materials: Proprietary Non-Slip Material
- Style: Lifting Grip (not a traditional strap)
- Made in the USA
Pros
- Much faster to set up than lasso straps (great for bodybuilding)
- Doubles as palm protection
- Extremely high build quality
Cons
- More expensive than standard cotton straps
While not a traditional “strap,” Versa Gripps are the gold standard for bodybuilders and people who hate fumbling with long lasso straps. They act as a hybrid between a lifting strap, a hook, and a glove.
You can set them up on the bar in less than a second, making them perfect for fast-paced workouts or dumbbell exercises where wrapping a long strap is awkward. The proprietary material is incredibly sticky and durable.
11. Best for CrossFit: Bear KompleX 2 Hole Leather Hand Grips
Pros
- Ideal for protecting the hands
- Durable leather
- Available in multiple sizes and colors to suit various tastes
Cons
- Doesn’t help you maximize your reps
Technically, this one isn’t a lifting strap. However, it's the best lifting strap alternative if you’re 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. They’re 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 won’t bite or dig into your skin during your workout.
12. Best with Hooks: Grip Power Pads Steel Hook Lifting Straps
Specifications
- Neoprene and rubber
- Length: 17.5” (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
- Doesn’t give a natural grip feeling
Another good alternative to lifting straps is lifting hooks. I’ve written a full article regarding the best weightlifting hooks if that’s what you’re 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!
13. Best Leather Straps: Grizzly Fitness Lifting Straps
Specifications
- Materials: Leather
- Length: 20.5”
- 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 that’s 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!
14. Best Budget: SKDK Lifting Wrist Straps
Specifications
- Materials: Cotton and neoprene
- Length: 12”
- 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 you’ll have to replace them frequently. But if you’re on a tight budget, you don’t 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.
15. Featured: Iron Bull Classic Lifting Straps
Specifications
- Materials: Cotton
- Length: 20”
- 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, we’ve 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 you’re 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 won’t weigh you down or take up much space in your gym bag. They’re 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. They’re ideal if you want little external help with your lifting grip.
They’re 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 it’s 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 you’re 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. They’re usually a single loop of durable fabric that’s stitched into an “8” 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 “carrying” 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 strap’s 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. They’re also the most affordable ones, so they’re 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 “heavy-duty,” and nylon powerlifting straps are no exception.
That’s why they’re 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 doesn’t do well with sweat and isn’t the most comfortable fabric.
Moreover, nylon straps come at a relatively premium price that’ll cost more than cotton or leather straps. However, unlike the other two, you won’t have to replace your nylon straps often. In fact, I’ve had my nylon straps for over a decade now and haven’t needed to replace them.
Leather
Leather straps are usually the most aesthetically pleasing type of fabric. They’re usually noticeably smooth on the skin and comfortable to use. That’s why leather straps are popular among athletes who love to lift in style.
They’re fairly durable and don’t stretch with time like cotton. The problem here is that they always require time to break in the leather. Additionally, they shouldn’t be worn all the time because they don’t 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.
It’s 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 straps’ design is that they’re 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 you’d 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
To get the full benefits of using lifting straps, athletes need to use them properly. Each type of lifting strap has a unique way of using it. Ideally, you’d start by finding the right type of lifting strap for your needs. Also, you should avoid wearing them for the wrong exercise. Here's a video showing how to use them.
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 you’re lifting competitively in a sport that doesn’t allow straps.
- Form the Loop: To wear a single-loop or lasso strap, thread the loose end of the strap through the small loop at the other end. This forms an opening large enough for your hand.
- Secure on Wrist: Put your hand through the opening. The strap should lie flat against your wrist, with the tail aligned with your thumb.
- Wrap the Bar: Place your hand on the bar. Wrap the “tail” of the strap underneath the bar and around it 2-3 times.
- Tighten and Lift: Rotate the bar toward you (like a motorcycle throttle) to tighten the strap. It should feel secure but not cut off circulation. You are now ready to lift.
Should You Wear Lifting Straps All The Time?
Lifting straps are great at doing what they’re supposed to do. In fact, they’re so effective that beginners can easily develop an over-reliance on them.
In other words, you’ll gain more power on your lats and back in general, but your grip can become weaker and more unstable over time.
That’s why I recommend that you always do exercises to strengthen your grip if you’re going to wear the lifting straps frequently. These exercises include:
- Fist pushups
- Harder squeeze on barbells
- Hang from pull up bar
Some powerlifters 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 It’s Time)
If you’re confused about whether lifting straps is a worthy investment, here are the top reasons why you’ll need to get one.
- You’ve been training for a long time and can lift heavier weights, but your grip isn’t 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, they’re 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 isn’t 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 can’t 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 you’re having a grip-limiting issue such as a mild hand injury. It’s 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. They’re also safer because there’s 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 won’t weaken your grip. However, if you’re looking to improve your grip strength, it’s 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 — 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 you’re 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 aren’t the cheapest, but they will LAST for decades. That’s why I recommend Warm Body Cold Mind Lasso Lifting Straps as the best lifting straps.
However, if you’re on a budget, you can still get excellent gains by opting for heavy-duty cotton lifting straps, such as SKDK Lifting Wrist Straps.
