If you are a gym enthusiast, then you have probably heard about lift straps. Lifting straps have been used worldwide to help bodybuilders lift heavier weights than they would have usually been able to do without them. This is because the primary purpose of a lifting strap is to allow the lifter to focus on only pulling the weight up rather than griping it.
Despite debate on whether lifting straps are ethical or not. We will tell you one thing; lifting straps do help! Think about an ordinary weightlifting workout session. There are the jerks, cleans, snatches, etc. Over time, the grip becomes tired, increasing the risk of injuring yourself during a workout session. If you want to continue with your training session, you will need to have lifting straps.
Best Lifting Straps at a Glance
The GymReaper tops the list for the best lifting straps in terms of affordability, comfort, and ease of use by both beginners and expert bodybuilders.
Versatile, durable, and super-strong. It Is also has a proven track record of winning gold.
Made with genuine leather. It is easy to set up and distributes the weight over the hand rather than concentrate it on the wrists.
GymReapers Lifting Wrist Straps – Best Overall
What we like
- Come in multiple colors.
- Suitable for beginners, intermediates, and experts
- It has a lifetime warranty
- Comfortable to use
What we don’t like
- Less durable than nylon straps
There is a reason why the Gymreapers lifting wrist straps top the list. This wrists strap is designed with neoprene padding to prevent wrist pain. The design makes it one of the best wrist straps in the market. So why do we say this? Unlike other wrist straps in the market that will dig into your skin when the load bar increases, the neoprene padding will create a cushion that will protect your skin from bruising or tearing.
In addition, unlike other lifting straps in the market, the Gymreaper lifting wrist strap comes in a wide range of colors such as black, red, and gray. The company also has pink figure 8 lifting straps for female bodybuilders, which we believe is thoughtful of them.
We also like that this wrist strap is made using double-cross-stitched patterns to increase the strap’s durability. As a result of the design, you can use this strap for powerlifting, strength training, and bodybuilding without the fear of it tearing. With proper maintenance and use, you can be assured that the straps will last for many years.
If you are not convinced that figure 8 lifting straps are good for you, would you believe us if we told you that record-breaking world athletes endorse it? Some of the world record athletes that support this strap include IFBB Pro athletes and powerlifters.
Trainers around the world also use the belt to eliminate grip fatigue. The manufacturer of figure 8 lifting straps trusts their products so much that they offer a lifetime replacement guarantee.
The only problem we noticed with this strap is the cotton material. Though it is thick and well stitched, nylon materials tend to be more durable than cotton.
Serious Still Fitness – Best for Experienced Bodybuilders
What we like
- Great for heavy deadlifts
- Suitable for use in thick bars
What we don’t like
- Not very flexible
If you are looking for a Serious steel fitness figure, you need to get the best Olympic lifting straps in the market. And for this, we have chosen the Serious Still Fitness figure lifting strap. They are around 1.5 -1.75 inches wide and are suitable for Axle strapping and deadlift strapping. If you are looking for durable lifting straps, you can consider this strap because it is made from durable and heavy webbed cotton.
Though cotton straps are not as durable as nylon, they can last for many years if well maintained. One way to ensure that they last for many years is to avoid putting them in a dryer and ensure that it is properly secured around the bar to avoid unnecessary friction. These Olympic lifting straps are suitable for pull-ups, dumbbell rows, curls, shrugs, and deadlifts. This is because of its durable stitching and heavy-duty design.
Unlike other belts in the market, the Serious Steel fitness figure 8 Strap is designed for use by experienced weightlifters. We also like the fact that people with thick wrists can use the straps. This is because they have a length of about 9.25″ and an opening of about 5.5.” The width is around 1.5″.
In a nutshell, if you are looking for the best lifting straps you can trust, then trust the Serious Steel Fitness figure 8 Strap.
IronMind Strong Enough Lifting Strap – Best for Professionals
What we like
- It is a well-recognized brand
- Best for heavy deadlifts
- Durable due to heavy-duty stitching
What we don’t like
- Uncomfortable to use because it does not absorb sweat
As the name suggests, the Iron Mind strong nylon straps are known worldwide because of their strength and reliability. Some of the strongest men globally, such as Hafthor Bjornsson, the strongest man in 2015, have used these straps. The IronMind boasts durable lifting straps because it is double stitched to provide an extra layer of security.
During our review, we realized that the IronMind great lifting straps don’t absorb sweat as well as we had hoped for. It also does not have any padding, making it a bit uncomfortable to use, especially if you are a beginner.
The Ironmind lifting weights strap comes in 5 different styles. The first is the Short & Sweet style. Short & sweet is around 18″ and does not have any loop. It is 1- 1/2″ wide, suitable for Olympic weight lifters. The second style is known as the Sew-Easy style, and it has a closed loop of around 21-1/4″ and is 1- 1/2,” wide. This style is suitable for use by weightlifters of all types.
We also have a Strong-Enough style designed for use by experienced weightlifters. The fourth style is known as the Blue Twos style, and it is ideal for weightlifters who have bigger wrists and prefer to use thicker bars. This is because the Blue Twos has a 23 -1/4″ loop at one end and is 1-3/4,” wide.
The last style manufactured under the Ironmind brand is the Black and Fourth style. This strap is ideal for use in heavy lifts and by people with extra-large thick wrists. Also, if you are planning to lift 2″ wide bars, then the Black and Fourth style is best for you.
Harbinger Cotton Padded Weight Lifting Straps – Best for Both Beginners and Experts
What we like
- Offers excellent value for money
- Made from heavy-duty cotton
- Made from NeoTek technology
- Long-lasting due to its heavy stitching design
What we don’t like
- The merrow ends tend to dig into the skin
If you are looking for the best padded cotton lifting straps, try the Harbinger Padded Cotton Lifting Straps. It is one of the few lasso lifting straps that do not feel rough under the skin despite being made of cotton.
The Harbinger Padded Cotton Lifting Strap is made using Neotech technology that uses Neotech pads to cushion the wrists during deadlifts, snatches, and rows. As a result, lasso straps reduce the chances of you suffering from fatigue despite you lifting more weight.
The Harbinger Padded Cotton Lifting Strap comes in a wide range of colors: black, pink, merlot, and Camo. These cotton lifting straps are affordable, with prices starting from $9.99. This lasso strap has an extended length of around 21.5 inches, providing a stable wrap around the bar.
The harbinger cotton-padded lifting straps were created with a width of approximately 1.5 inches to increase the grip strength.
We also like the fact that this strap, unlike other lifting straps, was built to last because of its heavy-duty stitching. In addition, it has merrow end tabs that prevent fraying. However, it is essential to note that this can also be a source of discomfort because the solidified ends can be a bit sharp and dig into the skin while exercising.
The Harbinger cotton-padded lifting straps have come a long way since they were introduced in the market in 1988. Initially, they made a name for themselves due to their innovative wrist stabilizing glove that increased grip strength. Over time, the brand began to make high-quality belts and other strength lifting accessories.
Stoic Olympic Lifting Leather Straps – Best Leather
What we like
- Made from high quality and original leather
- It can last for many years
- Easy to use and get off
What we don’t like
- Not suitable for use by beginners
If you are looking for a leather lifting strap that you can trust for all your lifting needs, you can try out the Stoic Olympic Lifting Straps. The Stoic Olympic is one of the few lifting wrists straps that use genuine leather. We like that the design makes it easy to set up, saving you valuable time that you could otherwise have lost in the gym.
When using the Stoic Olympic leather lifting straps, we realized that it forces you to increase your grip capacity because of its short length. This is not entirely a bad thing, especially if you want to exercise your wrists. The main problem with Olympic leather lifting straps is that they are not suitable for carrying excessive heavy lifts.
The leather straps used are less slippery than nylon straps, and they also last longer than cotton straps. We like the fact that the leather used is 3MM thick and original. This means that you can count on this strap to last for a very long time. Another aspect of this strong enough lifting strap that we liked was that it does not cinch or tighten around the wrist as other belts do.
This is because it distributes the weight over the hand rather than concentrating it on the wrists, which can cause fatigue and unnecessary injuries.
Cobra Figure 8 Deadlift Straps – Best for Powerlifters and Enthusiasts
What we like
- Powerlifting straps for heavy loads
- Comfortable to use because they are padded
- Have reinforced seams for safety
What we don’t like
- Not suitable for exercises that require a quick release of the barbells
If you are looking for figure 8 lifting straps ideal for heavy lifting and max deadlifts, you can consider the Cobra Grips Figure 8 Strap. One main feature suitable for heavy lifting is the reinforced stitching feature that adds durability and comfort. The manufacturer has so much faith in these fitness figure 8 straps that they offer a 1-year warranty.
These straps come in three sizes ranging from 60cm, 70cm, and 80cm. As a result, if you have a wrist circumference “of 6.75″, you can purchase the 60cm strap. If your wrist has a circumference ” of 7″, then the 70cm lifting strap will be good for you. The 80 cm strap was designed for weight lifters who use axle bars.
We like the fact that the fitness figure 8 straps were explicitly built for heavy lifters. Other weightlifting straps out there claim they can accommodate heavy lifts only for them to stretch and tear. To prevent tearing, extra stitching was used to reinforce the seams. Also, unlike other steel fitness figure 8 straps in the market, these are specifically tested and proven to lift to 1000+ lbs!
The Cobra Figure 8 Strap is a brand you can trust. They are comfortable to use because they are made from high-quality materials such as neoprene padding and cotton. The neoprene wrist padding enables the user to have a secure grip which increases safety.
At the same time, the padded cotton lifting straps improve comfort. When using the Cobra Figure 8 strap, ensure it is properly secured around the bar to avoid injuries.
Cobra Grips PRO Weight Lifting Gloves – Best for Both Women and Men Bodybuilders
What we like
- An all-round lifting strap
- Comfortable to use
- Offers value for money
What we don’t like
- A bit pricey when compared to ordinary nylon lifting straps
The Cobra Grips Pro glove is a hybrid lifting accessory. It was designed to ensure comfort and increased grip strength. It is manufactured in a Pro black rubber color and is made from Neoprene. We like that this neoprene wrist pad has a valid patent, and it is pretty much the only item you need in your gym bag while in the weight room. From our reviews, most women found the Cobra Grip FIT model comfortable to wear and use.
We like that this neoprene padding strap does not apply pressure on your wrists because the weight rests on your hand. Unlike ordinary lifting straps, the Cobra Grip is more flexible and thicker. When exercising, you will feel more stable, and this effect is a result of an extra 3-inch Velcro strap added to the glove.
It is important to note that the Cobra Grip Pro is one of the safest lifting straps in the market today. This is because it has an ergonomically engineered no-slip design and has extra padding to protect your palms. As a result, it improves your lifting grip.
Also, it is much easier to let go of the bar when compared to other straps and hooks in the market. For the Cobra Grip Pro, all you have to do is open your hand and let go. The Cobra Grip Pro can be considered an all-around lifting strap. This is because it can be used for many types of exercises such as deadlifts, chin-ups, and shrugs.
In a nutshell, they are one of the few all-around and most durable lifting straps in the market.
Rip Toned Lifting Straps – Best for Sweaty Hands
What we like
- Ideal for use by people with sweaty hands
- Durable padded cotton
- Fit well inside a gym bag
What we don’t like
- Some products easily fray and tear
Rip-toned lifting straps come in a wide range of colors ranging from black, blue, green, pink, pink, and yellow. It brands itself as being a no sweat strap. It has an adjustable loop for easy fit and to maximize grip. The Rip-toned strap is ideal for use by bodybuilders who are affected by blisters because of its flexibility and nonslip cotton material.
We also like that this strap material uses neoprene soft tech padding that defends your wrists from blisters and bruises. It has a strap length of about 23.5, meaning you can have an extra wrap around the bar for increased support. The Rip Toned Strap has reinforced stitching, and hence you can rest assured that it will last for many years if well maintained.
The Strap boasts of being backed by weightlifting world champions such as Kevin Weiss, and this means that you can rest assured you are buying a quality strap. It is important to note that the strap material will protect you from injuries because of its no-fail grip design. This is irrespective of whether your hands are sweaty or not.
Conclusion
Before you consider lifting more weight, you must first learn how to lift straps properly. Lifting straps properly is the only sure way to avoid wrist injuries. In some Instances, bodybuilders fail to properly secure their straps around the bar, causing an accident.
In addition, it is important to know about the different types of straps available so that you can find lifting straps that meet your individual needs.
How do you choose a Lifting Strap?
When shopping for wrist straps, you will find hundreds of products on the market. If you are not an expert, you can easily be confused about which to buy and which not to buy. So what should you look out for when buying lifting straps?
The Material
straps’ straps’ best materials are leather, nylon, and cotton. The type of material you choose will have a great impact on how you exercise. Some materials are sweat-resistant, while others are more durable. When looking for a wrist strap, it is your work to ensure you buy one that meets your individual need.
Leather
If you are looking for aesthetically appealing straps, then you should consider leather straps. Two main advantages of using these straps are that they are comfortable and durable than most cotton straps. One main disadvantage of leather straps is that they should not be worn by people who sweat a lot because they do not absorb sweat.
If you are looking to lift weights in style or buy price-efficient straps, then consider leather.
Nylon
The best lift straps in the market are associated with nylon materials. This is because they can lift heavy objects without tearing or stretching. One main problem associated with nylon straps is that they are poor absorbers of moisture. Also, unlike leather and cotton lifting straps, nylon commands a premium price in the market.
Cotton
The most common fabric used in making lifting straps is cotton. Cotton is preferred because it offers firm grip support and is also very comfortable around the skin. Though cotton straps have a good grip, they lose their efficiency over time. If you have a sweating problem, you should consider sweating straps because they are good moisture absorbers.
Design and Length
Another factor that you need to consider is the design and length of the strap. Your needs and ultimate goals should guide the length of the strap you choose. When considering the design of the lifting strap, ensure it has an ergonomic design and a snug fit. Another factor is the type of padding used. Padding is important because it makes the strap comfortable to use.
3 Main Benefit of Lifting Straps
You can Lift Heavier Lifts
Weight lifting straps work by connecting your hands/wrists to the weight. One main advantage of this is that the weight lifter will only need to concentrate on lifting rather than griping. As a result, if you are training to gain strength, you will do more reps than you would without lifting straps.
Lifting Straps Reduce the Risk of Injury
As mentioned above, the straps secure your wrists, meaning you can lift heavier weights without compromising your stability. The trick is to use the lifting straps correctly.
They Reduce Grip Fatigue
Lifting straps reduce fatigue because they securely hold the weight in place, meaning you will focus more on lifting it rather than gripping it.
