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One issue that has a huge impact on your lifting capabilities is the failure of your grip. In fact, a weak grip can limit how much you can lift, no matter how strong the rest of your body is. This problem is more obvious if you have smaller hands.
The best way to solve this issue is by training your grip to be stronger. However, there are various solutions that can immediately boost your grip strength, such as lifting straps and lifting hooks.
I’ve already discussed the best lifting straps in a separate article, so here’s everything you should know about weight lifting hooks.
I usually recommend lifting straps over hooks, but some prefer gloves with hooks for weight lifting. If that’s you, get the Grip Power Pads Lifting Hooks to secure your grip efficiently. Because they’re adjustable, they’re suitable for all hand sizes. They’re also durable, which is a problem with other hooks.
Read on, if you want to find out more about weight-lifting hooks before making your investment!
Best Weight Lifting Hooks Available on the Market
Unlike other simple lifting accessories, finding reliable lifting hooks isn’t an easy process. The problem is, many products out there lack the quality needed to secure your grip and improve it.
For that reason, I’ve scoured the market looking for the best options that are worth consideration.
The Top 7 best weightlifting hooks are:
| Product | Best For | Material | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grip Power Pads Lifting Hooks | Best Single Hook | Neoprene, rubber, polyvinyl chloride | Buy Now |
| Armageddon Sports Lifting Hooks | Best Premium | Neoprene | Buy Now |
| Harbinger Lifting Hooks | Best Double Hook | Neoprene | Buy Now |
| Iron Bull Strength Lifting Hooks | Best Warranty | Rubber | Buy Now |
| D-Moose Fitness Lifting Hooks | Best for the Environment | Neoprene, polyvinyl chloride, metal, nylon | Buy Now |
| RIMSports Weight Lifting Hooks | Best Budget Pick | Neoprene | Buy Now |
| Lifting Lab Lifting Hooks | Best for Women | Neoprene, velcro, steel | Buy Now |
Let’s have a look at these hooks in greater detail and see what they’re all about!
1. Grip Power Pads Lifting Hooks – Best Single Hook to Secure Your Grip
Pros
- Available in multiple colors and sizes
- High overall weight limit
- Padded with neoprene for extra comfort
Cons
- They don’t fold in pockets
Specs
| Size | Men: Large Women: Small, medium |
| Material | Neoprene, Rubber, Polyvinyl Chloride |
| Closure Type | Hook and Loop |
Kicking off the list with one of the best all-round lifting hooks to secure your grip. This one comes with a single hook to improve the power of your grip and secure your hands while lifting.
While the velcro strap makes it highly adjustable to the size of the hands, the lifting hook is also available in both women’s and men’s sizes.
The Grip Power Pads lifting hooks are available in a wide array of colors, such as red, blue, and lime green, so you can match your gear.
The point of contact between your hands and the hooks is padded with neoprene to eliminate any discomfort while lifting heavier weights.
You can also wrap the durable velcro wrist straps around your wrists tightly to benefit from the grip-supporting properties of the hooks.
According to the manufacturer, these hooks are rated to pull up to 600 pounds, so you don’t have to worry about the overall weight limit of the hooks.
2. Armageddon Sports Lifting Hooks – Best Premium Option
Pros
- Comes with a lifetime guarantee
- Heavily coated steel hooks to prevent any sores or blisters on the hand
- The fabric is highly breathable to overcome sweating
Cons
- A bit pricey when compared to other options
Specs
| Size | ‎One size, adjustable |
| Material | Neoprene |
| Closure Type | ‎Hook and loop |
Another premium lifting hook that does an excellent job for exercises like shrugs and deadlifts. The highly durable hooks are characterized by their relatively thicker protective coating.
This coating prevents slipping and eliminates sores and blisters while doing heavy-duty lifting exercises.
The hooks are durable enough to handle heavy bars all the way up to 600 pounds, making them a great option for serious lifters.
The fabric straps and velcro tape will also ensure stability, while the padding will guarantee the comfort of the unit.
The best part about the Armageddon Sports lifting hooks is that they come with a lifetime guarantee.
Read more: How To Maximize Your Deadlift Grip
3. Harbinger Lifting Hooks – Best Double Hook
Pros
- Ideal for carrying extra-heavy loads
- The hooks fit on most types of bars
- Comfortable neoprene padding on the wrist
Cons
- The coating on the prongs will wear with time, but that’s to be expected with most hooks
Specs
| Size | One size, adjustable |
| Material | ‎Neoprene |
| Closure Type | Hook and loop |
If you’re planning to lift 400 lbs or more, you should consider double-prong lifting hooks. They are much better at handling the higher weight limits without costing you a significant sum of money.
The prongs are also covered with a special coating that prevents slipping and enhances your grip on the bar.
The wrist is secured with durable and thick velcro tape for extra wrist stability. You can easily adjust the wristband according to your hands’ size using the velcro tape and the positioning system.
These weightlifting hooks are also lined with neoprene, which acts like a cushioning pad for extra comfort. Unfortunately, the prongs of the hook aren’t covered with neoprene as well.
4. Iron Bull Strength Lifting Hooks – Best Warranty
Pros
- Nylon reinforcement for velcro durability
- Comfortably padded wrist and hook for comfort and slip resistance
- Foldable hook to save space
Cons
- The edges of the hooks aren’t beveled enough, which might decrease gripping capability beyond the 400+lbs range.
Specs
| Size | One size |
| Material | ‎Rubber |
| Closure Type | ‎Hook and loop |
Iron Bull is a reputable brand that makes excellent quality lifting accessories. These lifting hooks are wide enough to work with most bars and dumbbells efficiently.
The hooks are covered with a rubberized coating that gives comfort and prevents the bar from slipping.
Also, the velcro fastener is reinforced with nylon to provide it with enough durability to last for years.
The wrist is padded with an 8 mm layer of neoprene to cushion your wrist while supporting it for a comfortable grip.
They come with a 100% satisfaction guarantee, so if you’re unhappy with your purchase, you can contact the company for a refund.
5. D-Moose Fitness Lifting Hooks – Best for the Environment
Pros
- Available in various colors
- Smooth hooks with a protective coating
- Durable steel ring for added security
Cons
- A bit heavier than other options, and I personally don’t like the feeling of a weighted wrist when lifting.
Specs
| Size | One size, adjustable |
| Material | ‎Neoprene, polyvinyl chloride, metal, nylon |
| Closure Type | ‎Hook and loop |
DMoose Fitness lifting hooks are great if you’re looking for good value and durability for your money. Because they’re non-toxic, lead-free, and PVC-free, they’re also good for the environment, an important feature for those who prefer to purchase more eco-friendly products.
These weight lifting hooks come with a durable velcro fastener to ensure security while wearing them. They are highly adjustable thanks to their hook and loop adjustment system.
In addition to that, the rings on the lifting hooks are made of steel, which adds a bit of heaviness. However, the steel remarkably boosts the durability and longevity of the lifting hook.
The strap on the hook is made of nylon, which is one of the most durable fabrics that can resist wear and tear for years.
The hooks are wide enough to fit most bars and have a protective coating that makes them smooth and prevents slipping.
6. RIMSports Weight Lifting Hooks – Best Budget Pick
Pros
- Ideal for buyers on a budget
- Comes with a lifetime warranty
- Powder-coated steel for unrivaled durability
Cons
- The straps wear out quickly
Specs
| Size | ‎One size, adjustable |
| Material | ‎Neoprene |
| Closure Type | Hook and loop |
While lifting hooks are generally inexpensive, they can be problematic if you’re on a budget. Cheaping out on a lifting hook is generally a bad idea because you’ll need to replace it frequently.
However, the RIMSports Weight Lifting Hooks solve the problem by offering decent quality without poking a hole in your wallet.
The adjustable wrist wraps make it a lot easier to secure a tight fit around your wrist. The lifting wrist straps are fairly durable, although some users complained about their long-term durability.
They also come with a neoprene padding of about 5 mm. This is less than other options on the list, but it’s good enough if you prefer less padding.
7. Lifting Lab Lifting Hooks – Best Hooks for Women
Pros
- The fabric wicks the sweat efficiently
- Able to lift heavier weights than most items on the market
- Easily washed and folded when not in use
Cons
- They run quite small for bigger wrists
Specs
| Size | ‎One size, adjustable |
| Material | ‎Neoprene, velcro, steel |
| Closure Type | ‎Hook and loop |
Last but not least, if you want a lifting hook that you can use to pull hundreds of pounds of weight without bulking up your pocket, consider these double-pronged lifting hooks from the Lifting Lab.
The prongs are covered with a secure layer that prevents the bar from slipping. Another anti-slipping feature is that the prongs are curved up quite high to ensure security.
Washing and cleaning the lifting hook is easy, as you can simply detach the prongs and wash the wrist part.
The durable fabric used in making the lifting hooks is designed to dissipate the weight and pressure evenly on the wrist for better stability. It’s also a highly breathable fabric that wicks sweat nicely.
Why Trust PowerliftingTechnique
We are a team of experienced powerlifting coaches and athletes who have competed in various competitions and worked with other powerlifters at the highest levels. We also love powerlifting for personal goals and enjoyment.
We have tested a selection of weight lifting hooks to determine which ones are the best. We have looked at their quality and durability to properly compare each product, identify their pros and cons, and offer our expert opinions. Combining our extensive testing process and years of experience in the gym, we can provide credible, in-depth reviews you can trust.
Benefits of Wearing Lifting Hooks
Lifting and posterior chain movements depend heavily on your body’s ability to pull, which utilizes the power of muscle groups such as the lats, traps, and hamstrings.
While reaching your maximal or near-maximal weight, you might notice that your grip starts to give out midway.
This will cause you to lose valuable lifting capacity due to your grip limitations. That’s where lifting straps and lifting hooks come in!
Secure a Stronger Grip
Both lifting wrist straps and lifting hooks will help you secure a stronger grip while pulling maximal weights, which allows you to successfully do a few more reps than your average.
If you’re doing high-rep exercises, the fatigue might catch up with your grip and weaken it. By using a lifting hook, you’ll fully eliminate this load fatigue on your hands.
However, while they provide a little wrist support and stabilization, you shouldn’t use them if that’s all you need them for.
Instead, opt for wrist wraps, which are much better at supporting your wrist without affecting your grip strength.
Cheap and Practical
Another great thing about hooks is that they’re much easier to put on and require much less time to use properly when compared to straps.
They are also affordable and can be a great value for their price. Some models are also foldable, so they won’t take up much space in your powerlifting gym bag.
Main Types of Hooks: Single vs Double Hook
While shopping for weight lifting gloves with hooks, you’ll realize that they’re available in both single and double varieties. So what’s the difference between them, and which one should you choose?
A single weight lifting hook is a curved metal sheet that fits your hand size. It’s usually made of metal and covered with a padded layer for smoothness and comfort.
Usually, single hooks have a lower average weight limit of around 300 pounds. If you’re a beginner, a single lifting hook, such as Grip Power Pads Lifting Hooks, would be a good one to start with.
On the other hand, a double weight lifting hook has two J-shaped hooks that are securely connected to the wristband.
Ideally, double-prong lifting hooks can handle much higher weight limits. However, they’re less comfortable for the hand, as they lack neoprene padding. That’s why you should only go for them if you plan to lift weights above 400 lbs.
What To Look For In Lifting Hooks For Powerlifting?
Lifting hooks are small but highly effective lifting tools for weightlifting athletes. However, to make sure it does its job properly, you need to consider certain things.
Let’s have a brief overview of these points, so you can pick the ideal one for you.
Material
As you know, the material used in any weightlifting accessory needs to be durable enough to handle all the stress while staying comfortable to use. To achieve this in a lifting hook, most hooks use thick metal while designing the hooks.
As for the wrist wraps, the good ones are made of heavily woven fabric and sturdy velcro tapes for longevity.
Design
The fact that most lifting hooks have a similar design is a double-edged weapon. On one side, this eliminates confusion about which design is ideal for you. On the other hand, it’s also a chance for the flimsy and badly-crafted products to blend in.
Luckily, all the products above are of good construction quality (especially the closure type) and would last you for a long time if you use them properly.
The majority of the designs are either single-fabricated units or double-prong ones. If you’re looking for comfort, you should buy a single-unit lifting hook. But, if you’re putting weight capacity as a priority, consider the double-pronged hooks.
Padding
The problem with lifting hooks is that they’re quite hard on the hand with comfortable padding, especially the metal part.
To overcome the rigidity of the fabric and the metal hooks, some manufacturers line them with smooth paddings, such as neoprene, for cushioning.
The critical part here is to make sure that the cushioning is thick enough to maintain a comfortable grip but also not too thick that it becomes bulky for the hand.
Adjustability
Since a lot of the options on the market come with a single size, it’s crucial that you’re able to fit the wrapping fabric around your wrist to distribute the weight and pressure evenly.
The best weight lifting hooks on the market will have a hook and loop fasteners that you can use to configure the tightness of the strap around your wrist.
Lifting Hooks vs Lifting Straps
The main difference between lifting straps vs lifting hooks lies in their design and how they work. For instance, lifting straps come in various types but they all work by being wrapped around the bar to help you secure the grip.
On the other hand, lifting hooks are, as the name suggests, curved metal hooks that are secured to your wrist via a velcro tape.
These metal hooks go underneath the barbell to either help you with the grip or shift the loading from your hands altogether.
In addition to the shape and mechanism of working, you always need to hold on the bar while lifting with a lifting strap.
On the flip side, you can simply take off your hands completely off the barbell, removing all the tension from your hands and even forearms.
Of course, this isn’t necessarily a good thing, especially if you’re lifting competitively where you aren’t allowed to use lifting hooks.
While using straps, you can also lift a ton of weight without worrying about the strap blowing, as most lifting straps are able to handle over 500 lbs of weight.
However, lifting hooks are essentially limited to the maximum weight that the hook can hold, which is usually around 300 lbs.
That’s why it’s always important to pick a lifting hook that matches your strength level and the amount of weight you usually carry.
Hooks also have a bulkier design when compared to lifting straps. This makes them non-ideal for a lifter with smaller hands, as they might not be able to have any contact with their bar, which develops over-reliance.
How To Use Lifting Hooks Properly
The best part about lifting hooks is that they’re easily worn and taken off. Here’ how to do it:
- Unfold the velcro closure, and get your wrist through with the D-rings to the outside of the wrist.
- Rest your hand on the metal hook.
- Put on the other hook before securing the first one.
- Adjust the loop of the velcro to have a snug fit around the wrist.
- Attach the velcro tape to fasten the closure on both hands
Always make sure to release the hook after you place the bar on the ground to avoid injuries.
Exercises To Wear Lifting Hooks
It’s worth noting that you can use hooks for lifting for a variety of exercises. However, not all exercises apply to a hook.
For example, you should never use these workout hooks to do any downward pull movements, such as hanging on a bar or pull-ups.
This downward pull can cause intense pressure on your wrists and create a lot of problems or accidents.
However, here are some exercises where using lifting hooks can actually help you perform better:
- Deadlifts
- Shrugs
- Rows
Personally, I believe that hooks work best for deadlifts over any other exercise. You can even do dumbbell exercises with a hook in your hand. But that depends mainly on the size of the dumbbell and the hook itself.
If you’re not interested in lifting hooks, read our other articles to learn more about the best deadlift workout gloves and the best pull-up gloves. Choose the one that suits your goals the best!
Should You Wear Lifting Hooks All The Time?
While wearing lifting straps all the time isn’t recommended but can be done, wearing a lifting hook all the time is no go.
As you already know, not all experiences can be done while wearing a lifting hook. It’s also a bulky accessory that you just can’t ignore.
Moreover, lifting hooks can take 100% of the grip demands, which creates overreliance in no time, especially when you get stronger and your gripping power becomes too far behind.
In order to improve your hand and grip strength, check out my reviews of the best grip strengtheners.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Use Weight Lifting Hooks For Pull-Ups?
Although you can use lifting hooks for pull-ups, they are not ideal. They may help you hold on to the bar for longer, leading to more muscle fatigue and growth. However, they will also restrict your ability to adjust your grip or safely release from the bar, and they put excessive pressure on the wrists.
Are Lifting Hooks Allowed In Powerlifting?
No, lifting hooks are not allowed in powerlifting meets. They create an opportunity for cheating since they can help you lift heavier loads. However, you can use them in training.
Are Weight Lifting Hooks Any Good?
Weight lifting hooks are excellent options if you’re mainly looking for a tool that can help you with the weak grip problems or if you have small hands.
However, you shouldn’t rely on them solely or use them as wrist supports, as wrist wraps are more reliable in doing that job.
Are Lifting Hooks Better Than Straps?
I generally recommend lifting straps, such as Iron Mind Strong Enough, over lifting hooks, because hooks are usually limited by a maximum weight. Also, they aren’t used for all exercise, which can cause injuries and accidents.
Final Thoughts
There you have it. A complete guide with everything you need to know about weight lifting hooks.
Most weight lifting hooks are available in two styles. I recommend the Grip Power Pads Lifting Hooks as the best single lifting hook. These hooks feel the most comfortable to the wrist no matter how heavy you lift.
However, if you’re planning to haul a ton of weight, you should use a Harbinger double-prong lifting hook. These ones are less comfortable but they can manage heavier weights without hassle.
