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From protecting your hands to lifting heavier weights, the answer to finding the perfect lifting straps is to only randomly pick a pair and get back to your workout, right? 

Fallacious.

Straps are far more complicated than they seem. From weight capability to paint and material, each of the five different styles has its own best use cases. We’re here to enable you to resolve which of them will suit you best.

How We Selected the Best Lifting Straps

The Breaking Muscle team encompasses a roster of powerlifters, Olympic weightlifters, CrossFitters, strength and conditioning coaches, and authorized personal trainers. Across the board, we’ve tested over a dozen lifting straps from various brands and evaluated their durability, grippiness, and the way connected we felt to the bar when lifting. Down below, you’ll find our top decisions to enable you to work out which straps are the perfect fit for you and your training style.

Our Top Picks for the Best Lifting Straps

Best Lifting Straps Overall: Iron Bull Strength Unleash Lifting Straps

Pros

• Heavy-duty nylon construction
• Adjustable to any wrist size
• Soft neoprene padding for wrists
• Three colours available: black, green, and red

Cons

• Less comfortable and absorbent than cotton
• Using traditional straps takes practice

The Iron Bull Strength Unleash Lifting Straps are our top pick overall. They’re comprised of high-quality nylon, a durable and resilient material that doesn’t stretch or tear easily. This implies they’ll withstand heavy loads and intense workouts. And in contrast to cotton or leather straps, nylon straps don’t are inclined to fray or rot over time. These straps will last you for years of lifting without losing their shape or strength.

Because of their traditional “lasso” design, you may tighten or loosen them as you want, depending on the thickness of your wrists and the diameter of the bar. This ensures a secure and comfy grip on the bar, stopping any slippage or movement. 

The Unleash Lifting Straps have soft and thick neoprene padding that cushions your wrists and prevents any abrasion or irritation. Neoprene is an artificial rubber, the identical material in just about all the perfect knee sleeves, that’s flexible and supportive. It provides a smooth and soft surface on your wrists, reducing a few of the pressure while distributing the burden more evenly. 

Unfortunately, the Unleash straps are less comfortable than cotton straps, especially in hot and humid conditions. They’re comprised of nylon, an artificial material that doesn’t breathe well, which traps heat and moisture. Additionally they have poor absorption, which could cause a layer of sweat to accumulate in your wrists and affect the location of your straps and luxury. Sweat could cause bacteria and odor to accumulate in your straps, which might be unpleasant and unhygienic. You’ll need to clean your nylon straps frequently to maintain them clean and fresh.

These straps are traditional (lasso) lifting straps, so that you loop them around your wrists after which wrap them across the bar several times to create a good and secure connection. Nonetheless, this process requires some skill and practice. At first, it is going to be awkward and time-consuming, but after some time, it’s best to get the hang of it. 

RELATED: Weight Lifting Straps: What They Are, When and Why to Use Them

Best Figure 8 Lifting Straps: DMOOSE Figure 8 Lifting Straps

Pros

• Easy-on and easy-off the bar
• Comfortable cotton material
• Three sizes available: S, M, and L
• Five colours available: black, red-black, navy blue, green, American (red-blue)

Cons

• No padding for wrists
• Using Figure 8’s can feel unnatural
• Require correct size to operate appropriately

The fundamental advantage of Figure 8 straps is that they’re easy to make use of. Simply loop one end around your wrist, bring your hand near the bar, and feed your hand through the opposite loop. Bring your hands inwards to grab the bar for the straps to turn out to be tight, making a secure grip that won’t slip or loosen during lifts. To remove them, just reverse the method and slide them off your wrists — no must fumble with long straps again!

The DMOOSE Figure 8 Lifting Straps are fabricated from high-quality cotton that’s soft and sturdy. Cotton is breathable and doesn’t irritate your skin or cause excessive sweating, so that you’ll have a greater grip whether you’re lifting a barbell, kettlebell, or axle bar. 

They’re also machine-washable, so you may keep them clean and fresh. The DMOOSE Figure 8 Lifting Straps offer three sizes (small, medium, or large) to fit your wrist and hand size. The dimensions chart on their website is evident and can enable you to find the fitting fit.

The DMOOSE Figure 8 Lifting Straps don’t have any padding or cushioning on your wrists. This implies they could dig into your skin and cause discomfort or bruising, especially in the event you lift heavy weights or use them for high-rep sets. I’ve even seen some elite-level lifters find yourself with small skin tears because they’re deadlifting massive weights. If you have got sensitive wrists or prefer more comfort, you might need to search for straps with wrist padding, just like the Element 26’s.

Remember how they’re easy to make use of? Well, that’s after you learn how you can use them. Most beginners find figure 8 straps awkward to make use of at first as a result of incorrect use. Even when used properly, they’ll still feel unnatural because the load is held outside your hands as an alternative of in keeping with them. Because of this, you might need a while to get used to them, especially in the event you’re accustomed to traditional straps. 

Finally, figure 8 straps aren’t a one-size-fits-all. They require the right size to operate appropriately, so that you won’t get the optimal grip and support from the straps in the event you select a size that is just too big or too small. Make certain to measure your wrist and hand size fastidiously and follow the dimensions chart on their website before buying.

Best Lifting Straps for Deadlifts: Jerkfit Death Grips

Pros

• Fast to use and take away
• Offers a robust grip
• Durable PVC rubber material
• Three sizes available: S, M, and L

Cons

• Thickness can take getting used to
• Higher risk of loose threads
• Costlier

Our Breaking Muscle product tester found the Jerkfit Death Grips fast and simple to make use of. Unlike other straps that require you to wrap them across the bar multiple times, the Death Grips attach to your wrist with a velcro strap, and then you definitely wrap the rubber flap across the bar — trapping the bar between the grips and your palms. When used on deadlifts, they avoid the trouble of twiddling with an extended strap during your setup. Additionally they save time, especially when used for deadlifts in timed workouts like those seen in CrossFit.

Once they tried them in a workout, our team member was impressed by the grip. They felt connected to the bar during their deadlifts and pulled heavy weights that they might have felt slipping without them. When used on pull-ups and dumbbell exercises, they found the grips held up well without slipping. That is as a result of their unique PVC rubber construction and neoprene padding. During your entire test, their comfort surprised our product tester, they usually loved how intuitive they were to make use of.

One in every of the drawbacks of the Jerkfit Death Grips is that they’ll take a while to get used to, especially in the event you’re not aware of using lifting straps. The Death Grips are a little bit bulky due to the neoprene pad, so that they can initially feel awkward. In comparison with traditional lifting straps, the pad size is larger with more stitching, leading to the next risk of loose threads than other straps. Chances are you’ll must trim or burn off any loose threads that you just notice in your straps to forestall them from getting worse.

The opposite downside of the Jerkfit Death Grips is the fee. On the time of writing, the Death Grips cost $39.95 per pair. This price is greater than double that of other quality straps in this text, just like the DMOOSE budget-friendly straps. While the Death Grips offer a whole lot of value and quality for his or her price, they is probably not reasonably priced or value it for everybody.

RELATED: Best CrossFit Shoes for Flat Feet, Wide Feet, and More (2023)

Best Lifting Straps With Hooks: DMOOSE Weightlifting Hooks

Pros

• Extremely easy and quick to make use of
• Hooks fit barbells, pull-up bars, cable machines and more
• Wide and deep hooks for secure lifting
• Thick padding for wrist comfort
• Six colours available: black, red, blue, green, pink, grey
• About $30

Cons

• 600-pound weight limit
• Thick wrist padding might cause sweating
• Fixed hook won’t fit all hand sizes

Unlike other lifting straps that require you to wrap them across the bar multiple times, these hooks are nearly effortless to use. Put them in your wrists, tighten the velcro strap, hook them onto the bar, and voilà! 

Straps this easy to make use of saves you time and avoids the trouble of resetting your straps, especially when switching between different exercises or weights. For ease and speed, I find hooks are higher than every other strap type while not interfering much along with your grip or wrist mobility.

These hooks are versatile and might be used for various kinds of implements. They’re suitable for barbell lifts akin to deadlifts, shrugs, or rows, in addition to using them on pull-up bars. They play nice with cable machine attachments, and one customer even mentioned they use them on their rowing machine handles to combat grip fatigue. 

RELATED: Best Rowing Machines for Beginners, Small Spaces, Seniors, and More

I’m pleasantly surprised by their construction. The actual hooks of the Weightlifting Hooks are comprised of reinforced stainless-steel with a non-slip rubberized coating. This implies they should not have any problem handling weights as much as the listed capability. 

They’re 3.3 inches wide and have a deep curve that ensures a stable and secure grip on the bar. Unlike narrow or shallow hooks, the DMOOSEs will prevent the bar from tipping or slipping out of your hands, which could cause injuries or, on the very least, compromise your form.

These hooks have a maximum weight capability of 600 kilos, which is perhaps a limitation for some advanced lifters who need to lift heavier weights. If you happen to exceed this limit, you risk damaging the hooks or injuring yourself — consider the perfect lifting straps for powerlifting from Iron Bull Strength as an alternative.

The Weightlifting Hooks might cause your wrists to sweat greater than usual, especially in hot or humid conditions. The thick neoprene padding is extra-wide to cover your wrist area and the lower a part of your palm, but this leads to a big non-breathable area of skin. Further, the velcro strap should be cinched extra tight to avoid getting pulled off from heavy weights resting within the hooks. While it’s unlikely that either of those will cause a structural issue with the hooks, the excessive sweat could make them uncomfortable or unhygienic unless you wash them often.

Unfortunately, the hooks are fixed in place and don’t have any adjustment options. Which means they could only fit average hand sizes appropriately. For those with extra small or large hands, the hooks is perhaps too near your fingertips or wrists, respectively. In turn, this may negatively affect your grip strength or comfort level.

Best Lifting Straps for Small Wrists: Element 26 Weightlifting Straps

Pros

• Lasso-style is great for small wrists
• 23-inch length for secure lifting
• Comfortable neoprene padding for wrists
• Left and right side indicators

Cons

• Left and right indicators are technically redundant
• Cotton is weaker than nylon
• Straps only are available in black

The defining feature of the Element 26 Weightlifting Straps is the standard lasso style, meaning they’ve a closed loop at one end where the free end feeds into them. This strap style is great for small wrists since it permits you to adjust the dimensions until the strap matches your preference. You may as well easily switch between different exercises without re-adjusting them. Overall, lasso-style straps are safer and stable than other straps, akin to Olympic lifting or hooks.

One other pro of the Element 26 Weightlifting Straps is that they’re 23 inches long. This length is right for lifting straps for a few reasons. First, it makes it easier to wrap the straps with a single hand, especially your non-dominant side. Second, the 23-inch length is compatible with a wider range of barbells; axle bars have a noticeably larger diameter than Olympic barbells, so the longer material gives you get more wraps across the bar for a safer grip — this is useful for those with smaller wrists and hands that will otherwise struggle with thicker bars.

The Element 26 Weightlifting Straps have comfortable neoprene padding contained in the loop around your wrist. Neoprene is a soft and versatile material that gives cushioning and support on your wrist, reducing the pressure that could cause discomfort and pain to your wrists during heavy lifting.

One in every of the cons of the Element 26 Weightlifting Straps is that they’ve left and right indicators on the loop around your wrist. These indicators are imagined to enable you to placed on the straps appropriately, but they’re actually redundant and unnecessary. Lasso-style straps have a closed loop on one end, and whether the free end is fed through the left or right side determines which hand they belong on. Since there is no such thing as a difference between the left and right straps, apart from the indicator, this feature is largely only a gimmick that adds little value to the straps.

One other con of the Element 26 Weightlifting Straps is that they’re fabricated from cotton, which is weaker than nylon. Nylon is an artificial material with higher tensile strength and sturdiness than cotton, so it could actually withstand more weight and stress without breaking or tearing. Cotton straps, however, can fray or snap after prolonged use or exposure to moisture. Cotton straps are also more vulnerable to shrinking or stretching after washing or drying, affecting their fit and performance.

Finally, the Element 26s only are available in black. Black is the usual color for lifting straps, but it could actually even be dull. Some lifters may prefer colourful or vibrant options to match their personality or style. Black straps can be tougher to discover in a crowded gym or locker room because all of them look similar. More color decisions would make the product more appealing and attractive to a broader range of consumers.

Best Lifting Straps on Amazon: Harbinger Padded Cotton Lifting Straps

Pros

• 4.7/5 rating from over 27,000 customers 
• Excellent price & perks for Amazon members
• Comfortable and soft material

Cons

• Loose threads upon receiving
• Straps might be a little bit stiff
• Higher risk of tearing on aggressive bars

The Harbinger Padded Cotton Lifting Straps have a 4.7 out of 5 rating from over 27,000 customers on Amazon, they usually’re also rated #2 within the “Exercise Straps” category. Which means tens of 1000’s of individuals have tried and loved these straps, so you may trust their quality and performance. But let’s not ignore their price. On the time of publishing, they cost only $9.97 — a steal in comparison with other lifting straps in the marketplace. Plus, in the event you’re an Amazon Prime member, you may enjoy free shipping and a wonderful return policy. 

They impressed our Breaking Muscle team member with their softness and luxury. Being comprised of cotton, the straps felt soft within the hands and offered extra wrist cushioning with their “Neotek” padding (essentially just neoprene). Our tester also noticed that the padding helps absorb sweat and moisture, so your hands will stay drier during your workouts, and it’ll be easier to maintain a greater grip.

Unfortunately, when our product tester opened the bag, they were surprised that the Harbingers had some loose threads and burs. The straps performed with none issues for just a few weeks during barbell workouts, but these imperfections made our tester a bit concerned about how the straps would do after a yr.

Based on just a few customers, the straps can sometimes feel stiff when first using them, making it harder to wrap them across the bar and tighten them around your wrist. Nonetheless, we didn’t find this to be the case. If you happen to run into this issue, the issue will subside because the straps are used because they’ll turn out to be more flexible and pliable.

Lastly, some users reported that the straps broke with heavy weights, which was extremely rare. This is perhaps as a result of a mixture of the straps being 100% cotton and getting used on barbells with aggressive knurling. Cotton is a weaker material than nylon, so these straps are more vulnerable to fraying or snapping over time — especially in the event that they’re utilized in humid conditions. While the chance of those straps breaking is amazingly low, and our product tester (who lifted 315 kilos with them) didn’t experience any issues, consider more robust nylon straps in the event you’ll be lifting serious weights.

Best Leather Lifting Straps: Rogue Treated Leather Straps

Pros

• Made within the USA
• Extra-strong stitching
• Classic feel and look
• Top-tier Rogue Fitness quality

Cons

• Less comfortable initially
• Leather can stain
• Slippier than cotton or nylon

The Rogue Treated Leather Straps are our top leather alternative since it’s hard to beat the standard and craftsmanship of products made within the USA. These straps are crafted from 100% real premium belly leather, known for its balance of sentimental pliability and reliable durability. With the local manufacturing, product material, and brand, you may trust that these straps will last an extended time and perform well in any lifting situation.

One of the crucial critical features of any lifting strap is the stitching. If the stitching is weak or poorly done, the strap can tear or unravel quickly. Double-stitching was a step above and a wonderful approach to increase the longevity of sewn products, but Rogue has used box-stitching on these straps, a method that reinforces the seams and minimizes fraying. The stitching can also be done with heavy-duty nylon thread, which adds to the strength and sturdiness of the straps.

When it comes to material, leather is an all-time classic. One in every of our product testers at Breaking Muscle has similar lifting straps comprised of real leather. They’re just a few years old and are much loved. They’ve found that the texture of leather is second to none, and as you employ them, they’ll mold to the form of your hands and wrists — providing you with a really bespoke pair of straps. The leather also has a natural texture and color that offers these straps a timeless and chic appearance.

All leather products take a while to interrupt in, and these straps are not any exception. Whenever you first receive them, they could feel stiff and rough in your skin — that is normal. You may roll them up and unroll them just a few times to assist the break-in process, but we’ve found they take a few weeks of standard use to melt for optimum comfort on the back of your hands. Remember, good things take time!

One downside of leather is that it could actually absorb sweat, dirt, and other lovely substances over time. This could cause the leather to vary color or develop marks which may look unappealing. Our staff member noticed some stains on theirs but appreciated the added character to the leather. If you happen to care concerning the aesthetics of your straps, consider cleansing and treating them frequently or avoiding them altogether and going for a nylon strap as an alternative.

Lastly, leather might be slippier than cotton or nylon. This could affect your grip on the bar, especially in case your hands are sweaty or oily. Just place the rough side of the leather straps against the bar. This texture will dig higher into the knurling and provides more friction for the perfect grip possible.

Best Olympic Lifting Straps: Gymreapers Olympic Lifting Straps

Pros

• Tear-drop design for Olympic weightlifting
• Reinforced triple-stitching
• Lifetime substitute guarantee
• 4 colours available

Cons

• No padding for wrists
• Less secure than traditional straps

The fundamental good thing about the Gymreapers Olympic Lifting Straps is that they’re specifically designed in a tear-drop shape for Olympic weightlifting. They’re shorter than traditional straps, so that they wrap across the bar less. This implies they assist along with your grip, but when it is advisable to bail a snatch or clean and jerk, they’ll release in time to securely separate yourself from the bar. This could prevent devastating injuries from longer straps that wouldn’t detach from the bar in time.

One other good thing about these straps is their reinforced stitching. The seams of most straps are only double-stitched, leading to a weaker area that might begin to unravel over time. Nonetheless, these Olympic lifting straps from Gymreapers are triple-stitched — making loose threads extremely unlikely to ever occur. This implies you may get a secure grip across the bar, with the peace of mind that your straps will endure over time.

Among the best things about these straps is that they arrive with a lifetime substitute guarantee. In case your straps ever break or wear out, Gymreapers claims you may get a recent pair without spending a dime. It is a rare and generous offer that shows how confident the corporate is in its product quality and customer satisfaction. With these Olympic Weightlifting Straps, you may rest assured that you just’re getting a reliable and long-lasting training tool to enable you to achieve your Oly lifting goals.

Nonetheless, these straps even have some drawbacks, akin to a scarcity of padding on the wrist area, making them less comfortable. Because of this, you would possibly experience chafing or bruising in your wrists until you get used to them. If you happen to prefer more cushioning and luxury, consider searching for padded straps as an alternative, just like the Iron Bull Strength Unleash Lifting Straps.

One other downside of those straps is that they’re less secure than traditional straps. In fact, that is intentional because they’re made for Oly lifting — nevertheless it’s still value noting. Since they’re shorter, they’ll come undone more easily than traditional lasso straps. This is completed on purpose to permit for quick release in case of emergency, nevertheless it also means that you just might lose your grip in the event you’re not careful.

Best Budget Lifting Straps: DMOOSE Lifting Straps

Pros

• Budget-friendly price
• Matches all wrist sizes
• Comfortable to make use of
• Nine colours available (Black, American, Black Silicon, Emerald Green, Military Green, Red-Black, Magenta Pink, Red Silicon, Navy Blue)

Cons

• Grippy silicone texture isn’t for everybody
• Double-cross stitching only
• No weight capability listed

The standout feature of the DMOOSE Lifting Straps is the value. On the time of writing, these retail for $15 after being marked down from $17 — not quite as low cost because the Harbinger Padded Cotton Lifting Straps, but close.

Among the best features of those straps is that they fit all wrist sizes. The straps have a closed-loop design, so you may tighten them like a lasso around your wrists. This permits you to adjust the fit in accordance with your wrist size and luxury level. You don’t need to worry concerning the straps permanently being too loose or tight, as you may easily adjust them to your liking.

These straps are also incredibly comfortable, featuring a 4mm padding on the within for cushion and to forestall chafing. The cotton material can also be soft and breathable, which keeps your hands cool and dry. At 24 inches long and 1.5 inches wide, they provide you adequate length and width to wrap across the bar securely.

Nonetheless, these straps aren’t perfect—one in every of their fundamental cons is the grippy silicone texture. When a Breaking Muscle team member used an almost equivalent pair of those straps from one other brand, they found it hard to tighten and loosen the straps as a result of the sticky nature of the silicone texture. Our product tester also disliked the sensation of the raised texture of their hands once they gripped the bar with the straps on. It is a matter of non-public preference, though, and a few people may very well prefer the silicone bumps.

One other downside of those straps is that they only have double-crossed stitching, which is weaker than box stitching. Box-stitching is a safer method of sewing that creates a square-shaped pattern on the strap with an “x” through the box. This makes the strap more immune to tearing and fraying. The DMOOSE Lifting Straps have double-crossed stitching, which is healthier than single stitching but still not as sturdy as box stitching.

Sadly, these straps don’t have a weight capability listed on their website or product page. This implies you don’t understand how much weight these straps can safely handle. It will be helpful if the corporate provided details on how much weight these straps can support. Can they hold 200 kilos, 500 kilos, or 1,000 kilos? This could give customers more transparency when considering these straps and ensure they aren’t asking the world from budget-friendly lifting straps.

Best Lifting Straps for Powerlifting: Iron Bull Strength Premium Lifting Straps

Pros

• Extra-strong nylon material 
• Powerlifting-tailored design
• No padding
• Reputable brand

Cons

• Less comfortable on wrists
• No weight capability listed
• Doesn’t absorb sweat well

If you happen to’re searching for a pair of lifting straps that may handle the heaviest weights and probably the most demanding workouts, consider the Iron Bull Strength Premium Lifting Straps. 

These straps are fabricated from extra-strong nylon material, which is right for powerlifting because nylon is one of the robust materials for lifting straps, beating out cotton any day. Robust, heavy-duty nylon improves grip strength on every pulling movement and might be used on barbells, dumbbells, kettlebells, or any cable machine. 

Iron Bull Strength claims these are “Level 4” strength, but I couldn’t discover a scale or explanation of what this actually means on their website. In contrast, their Figure 8 straps, that are also a Level 4 strength, have a 1,000+ pound capability.

Iron Bull Strength is well-known within the powerlifting and strength training communities for reputable products, so I doubt these straps will fail with regular use. Nonetheless, I used to be surprised to see that as their premium lifting straps, they shouldn’t have a weight capability listed. This makes it hard to match them with other brands or models and likewise raises some questions on their durability and safety.

The design of those straps is well-suited for powerlifting. They’ve a two-inch width, so those elite powerlifting records you’ll be lifting with them can be dispersed higher across your hands — leading to less bruising and skin tears. I used to be delighted they’ve double-stitching to make sure the likelihood of loose threads is as little as possible, a must for straps that can be pushed to the limit.

One thing that sets these straps apart is that they’ve zero padding. This is completed intentionally to ensure a maximum grip and authentic feel during your most intense lifts. 

Some lifters prefer this type of straps, believing that padding reduces the contact between the hand and the bar and thus compromises the grip. Nonetheless, this also means these straps are less comfortable on the wrists and can take some getting used to. If you have got sensitive skin or are vulnerable to bruising, consider searching for an alternative choice.

Unlike cotton, nylon doesn’t absorb sweat as well, which might make the straps slippery and uncomfortable after an extended session. This can even affect the hygiene and odor of the straps, as sweat can accumulate and cause bacteria growth. To forestall this, wash your straps frequently and allow them to air dry completely before using them again.

Different Varieties of Lifting Straps

There are numerous sorts of lifting straps available in the marketplace, each with its benefits and drawbacks. Listed here are a few of the commonest ones:

Traditional/Lasso Straps

These are the best and most generally used kinds of lifting straps. Consisting of an extended piece of material with a closed loop, the free end is fed through the loop, around your wrist, after which wraps across the bar several times. This makes them easy to make use of and adjust, they usually provide a secure grip on any bar because they act like a lasso. Nonetheless, they can be difficult to release quickly, which might be problematic if it is advisable to bail out of a lift or switch between exercises.

Olympic Lifting Straps

These are just like traditional straps, but they’ve a shorter length and a closed tear-drop shape. They’re designed for Olympic weightlifting, where it is advisable to quickly release the bar after completing a snatch or a clean and jerk. Also they are suitable for explosive movements like high pulls or power cleans. 

Figure 8’s

These straps form a figure-eight shape. They’re straightforward to placed on and take off, they usually provide a really tight grip on the bar — a lot so that you would be able to let go completely they usually should stay on. They’re ideal for heavy deadlifts or shrugs, where you don’t must worry about dropping the bar or changing your grip. Nonetheless, they’re often misused by beginners so that they can take some practice to make use of appropriately.

Hooks

Attached to a wrist strap, these metal hooks grab onto the bar to take pressure off your grip and help you focus entirely in your working muscles. They’re great for individuals with weak or injured hands or wrists, or who need to lift very heavy weights without ever taxing their grip strength. Nonetheless, they can be costlier, bulky, and unsafe in the event that they break or slip off the bar.

Grips

These are rubber or silicone pads that stick with your palms and create friction with the bar. They’re just like gloves, but they only cover your palm. Grips are perfect for individuals who don’t like the sensation of straps or hooks or who intend to make their setup fast. Nonetheless, they can even wear and lose their stickiness quickly in comparison with other kinds of straps.

What Are the Advantages of Using Lifting Straps?

Lifting straps can enable you to in several ways if you’re understanding. Listed here are a few of the fundamental advantages:

Reduced Grip Fatigue

One of the crucial significant limitations when lifting heavy weights is your grip strength. Your hands and forearms can tire before your goal muscles do, stopping you from completing more reps or adding more weight. Lifting straps can enable you to overcome this by taking a few of the load off your hands and transferring it to your arms and shoulders.

RELATED: The Best Shoulder Workouts for More Muscle, For Strength, For Beginners, and More

Ability to Hold More Weight

One other good thing about lifting straps is that they help you hold more weight than you often could along with your bare hands. This could enable you to break through plateaus and challenge yourself with heavier loads. Lifting more weight can even stimulate muscle growth and strength gains since your grip not limits you.

Protection Against Rips and Tears

Lifting heavy weights can damage your skin, especially if you have got rough, dry, or heavily calloused hands. Lifting straps can protect your hands from getting ripped or torn by making a barrier between your skin and the bar. This can even prevent infections and reduce pain and inflammation.

When Should You Use Lifting Straps?

Lifting straps could be a useful tool for enhancing your training, but they shouldn’t be used on a regular basis or for each exercise. Listed here are some guidelines on when to make use of them:

• Use them sparingly: Lifting straps shouldn’t replace your baseline grip strength. It’s best to still train your grip frequently using the warm-up sets of your exercises. Avoid using straps for each set or every workout, and only use them when you really want them, like if you’re going for a private record, doing high-rep sets, or working on weak points.
• Use them strategically: Lifting straps shouldn’t be used for each exercise. Use them just for exercises that involve pulling movements, akin to deadlifts, rows, pull-ups, etc. You shouldn’t use them for exercises that involve pushing movements, akin to the bench press, the overhead press, or dips — that’s what wrist wraps are for. 
• Use them appropriately: Lifting straps needs to be used properly to avoid injury and maximize performance. Make sure the straps are tight enough to secure your grip, but not so tight that they cut off your blood circulation or cause numbness. It’s best to also be certain that the straps are wrapped across the bar in the fitting direction in order that they don’t unravel or slip off throughout the lift. It’s best to also practice releasing the straps quickly and safely in an emergency.

What to Look For in Lifting Straps

Materials

Lifting straps might be fabricated from different materials, akin to nylon, cotton, or leather. Each material has pros and cons regarding durability, comfort, grip, and price. Nylon straps are frequently probably the most durable and reasonably priced, but they can be slippery and harsh in your skin. Cotton straps are generally probably the most comfortable and breathable, but they can be less durable and more vulnerable to stretching. Leather straps are traditionally probably the most classic, but they can be costlier and harder to scrub.

Type

As we mentioned before, there are various kinds of lifting straps, akin to traditional, Olympic, figure 8’s, hooks, and grips. Each type has its benefits and drawbacks when it comes to ease of use, security, versatility, and luxury. It’s best to select the sort that suits your goals, preferences, and experience level. 

For instance, in the event you’re a beginner or an intermediate lifter who wants to enhance your grip strength and technique, it is advisable to start with hooks or grips. If you happen to’re a complicated or a competitive lifter who desires to lift as much weight as possible and give attention to your other muscles, it is advisable to try Olympic lifting straps or traditional straps.

Length

Lifting straps can even vary, from 4 inches to 25 inches. The strap length affects how again and again you may wrap it across the bar and the way much slack you have got left. An extended strap will help you wrap it more times and create a tighter grip, but it is going to also take more effort and time to placed on and take off. A shorter strap will help you wrap it fewer times and create a looser grip, but it is going to even be faster and easier to make use of. 

The best length for you depends upon your hand size, wrist size, bar diameter, and private preference. A superb rule of thumb is to decide on a strap that’s about 24 inches long. This offers you enough length to wrap it around most bars at the very least twice and still have some slack left. If the strap is just too long for you, you may all the time cut it barely and burn the ends to forestall fraying.

Padding

Some lifting straps have padding on the wrist area to supply extra comfort and cushioning. The padding might be fabricated from different materials, nevertheless it’s almost all the time neoprene. Padding can assist prevent chafing, bruising, or digging into your skin when lifting heavy weights. 

Nonetheless, padding can even add bulkiness and weight to the strap, affecting your wrist mobility and grip feel. Some people prefer to haven’t any padding in any respect for a more natural and direct contact with the bar. The alternative of padding is generally a matter of non-public preference and luxury level.

Final Thoughts

Lifting straps are an awesome accessory for anyone who wants to enhance their strength and performance within the gym. They will enable you to lift more weight, reduce grip fatigue, protect your hands from injury, and overcome plateaus. 

Nonetheless, they shouldn’t be abused or relied on an excessive amount of. Train your grip strength frequently and use straps only when needed and appropriate. It’s best to also select the fitting strap type on your goals and preferences.

Best Lifting Straps: Side-by-Side Comparison

Best Lifting Straps Overall

Description:

• Material: Nylon
• Style: Traditional
• Length: 24 inches
• Padding: 5mm neoprene

Best Figure 8 Lifting Straps

Description:

• Material: Cotton
• Style: Figure 8
• Length: Length isn’t listed, but they’re 6 to 7.5 inches wide
• Padding: None

Best Lifting Straps for Deadlifts

Description:

• Material: PVC rubber
• Style: Grips
• Length: Not listed
• Padding: Neoprene

Best Lifting Straps With Hooks

Description:

• Material: Rubber-coated stainless-steel hooks, nylon strap
• Style: Hooks
• Length: 3.7 inches
• Padding: 8mm neoprene

Best Lifting Straps for Small Wrists

Description:

• Material: Cotton
• Style: Traditional
• Length: 23 inches
• Padding: 5mm neoprene

Best Lifting Straps on Amazon

Description:

• Material: Cotton
• Style: Traditional
• Length: 21.5 inches
• Padding: “Neotek” (neoprene)

Best Leather Lifting Straps

Description:

• Material: Leather
• Style: Traditional
• Length: 24 inches
• Padding: None

Best Olympic Lifting Straps

Description:

• Material: Cotton
• Style: Olympic lifting
• Length: 8.5 inches
• Padding: None

Best Budget Lifting Straps

Description:

• Material: Cotton
• Style: Traditional
• Length: 24 inches
• Padding: 4mm neoprene

Best Lifting Straps for Powerlifting

Description:

• Material: Nylon
• Style: Traditional
• Length: 25 inches
• Padding: None

FAQs

What brand of lifting straps is the perfect?

The most effective brand of lifting straps is the Iron Bull Strength Unleash Lifting Straps. They’re traditional lifting straps, so that they can adjust to any wrist size. These straps are also built from heavy-duty nylon to withstand tearing even at heavy weights while being comfortable in your wrists with their soft neoprene padding.

What kind of lifting straps should I get?

The kind of lifting straps you get depends upon what you intend to make use of them for, but most will do well with a pair of traditional lifting straps. There are five differing types (traditional straps, figure 8’s, Olympic lifting straps, hooks, and grips), each with strengths, weaknesses, and best use cases.

What are the perfect powerlifting deadlift straps?

The most effective powerlifting deadlift straps are the Iron Bull Strength Premium Lifting Straps. The Premiums are comprised of ultra-durable nylon to withstand tearing on heavy weights. They’re two inches wide to assist disperse the load and minimize the chance of bruising or skin tears and haven’t any padding for that raw lifting experience.