What is thedifference?
Lifting straps are the most versatile choice for almost every pulling exercise. Lifting grips (grip pads) are quicker to put on and take off, but give less hold. Figure-8 straps give the most hold on maximal lifts, but make it hard to let go of the bar quickly.
The threeside by side.
| Feature | Lifting straps | Grips / figure-8 |
|---|---|---|
| Hold | Strong | Grips: medium · Figure-8: very strong |
| Quick release | Yes, you let go of the strap | Grips: yes · Figure-8: no |
| Putting on | A few seconds | Grips: fastest · Figure-8: fast |
| Best for | Deadlift, rows, pulldowns, shrugs | Grips: machines and high reps · Figure-8: heavy deadlifts and shrugs |
| Less suited for | - | Figure-8: Olympic lifts and exercises where you need to let go quickly |
When to chooselifting straps?
Lifting straps are a loop of fabric you wrap around your wrist and the bar. They work on almost every pulling exercise, from deadlifts to lat pulldowns. Because you simply let go of the end, you can also get off the bar safely if a rep goes wrong.
For most people in the gym this is the best all-round choice. Read how to use lifting straps.
When to chooselifting grips?
Lifting grips are rubber or leather pads with a wrist strap. You lay the pad over the bar and close your hand around it. They go on and off quickly, which makes them handy on machines and for high-rep sets.
The downside: they give less hold than straps. On really heavy deadlifts or shrugs the bar slips through more easily.
When to choosefigure-8 straps?
Figure-8 straps are shaped like an eight. One loop goes around your wrist, the other around the bar and back around the same wrist. That almost locks the bar to your hand.
That's ideal for heavy deadlifts, rack pulls and shrugs. But because you can't release the bar quickly, they're not suitable for Olympic lifts or exercises where you may need to bail.
Not sure? Start with straps
Lifting straps cover most of your training. Grips or figure-8 straps are mainly an addition if you have a specific goal.
One pair forall your pulls.
Premium Lifting Straps
€19.95 per pair
- Safe to release
- Foam zones for comfort
- Silicone grip on the bar
- For deadlifts, rows and pulldowns
Questions aboutstraps and grips.
Which is better: lifting straps or lifting grips?
Are figure-8 straps dangerous?
Are straps allowed in powerlifting?
What is the difference between lifting straps and wrist wraps?
Comparison
Lifting straps vs wrist wraps
Which one do you need?
Guide
How to use lifting straps
Step by step.
Grip
Improve your deadlift grip
5 tips and 3 exercises.