Not sure whether or not you should use lifting straps? Need to compare and contrast brands so you can find the right one for your lifting needs?
It may seem like a no brainer choice to those of you who are familiar with the different strap brands while others may be new to weight lifting and need a little extra background info before they make their choice.
Just refer to our info and suggestions below so you can find the best lifting straps for your needs.
What Are They? Why Use Them?
From the serious bodybuilder to the occasional gym lifter, lifting straps are a handy toll that help them grasp on to heavy weights in a more secure way.
They’re usually made of leather, canvas (cotton) or nylon and in lifting, they’re wrapped around the wrist in order to prevent the weight from slipping. Loop one end of the strap around your wrist and the other end around the weight you’ll be lifting and voilà! Ready to use.
As far as the materials go, here are the differences:
- Leather Straps. While leather is more expensive, it is higher in quality and usually more comfortable than.
- Nylon or Cotton. These are cheaper than (but not always as comfortable as) leather.
Look for a pair that has neoprene lining that will prevent it from digging into your wrist.
Types of Straps
Most often, people prefer the loop strap, but you’ll also find Olympic and hook straps, too.
- Loop. Just as the name suggests, this is a simple loop with a long tail. You can adjust the strap to different lengths, however the extra material can sometimes be an issue (get in the way) if you need to drop the weight if you experience a failed lift (so your hand risks getting pulled down with the weight since the extra material can sometimes get caught).
- Olympic. This is also a loop, but it is closed rather than having a tail flapping around. They’re pretty easy to attach to a bar and easier to drop if you fail your lift, but you aren’t able to adjust the tightness.
- Hook. For those of you who don’t like the idea of wrapping your wrists to the bar, you might dry a hook strap that will fit most standard-sized bars.
The bottom of the hook rests in your palm and the strap fits around your wrist. While they can be useful for those of you who still want to lift weights but you don’t have a strong grip, remember that the majority of the weight does rest on your wrists.
This is better for lifting lighter weights and for those of you who need just a little extra control so you won’t drop the weight.
Top 6 Lifting Straps Chart
| Picture | Name | Strap Type | Price | Rating (1-5) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 1. Lifting Wrist Straps by Rip Toned (Pair) | Loop | $ | 4.8 |
 | 2. Wrist Wraps + Lifting Straps Bundle (2 Pairs) | Loop | $$ | 4.7 |
 | 3. Harbinger 213 21 1/2-Inch Classic Cotton Padded Lifting Straps | Loop | $ | 4.6 |
 | 4. Schiek Sports Power Lifting Straps (1000-DLS) | Loop | $$$ | 4.6 |
 | 5. IronMind Sew-Easy Lifting Straps (pair) | Olympic | $ | 4.3 |
 | 6. Power Weight Lifting Hooks - Best Weightlifting Strap Hooks for Gym | Hook | $$$$ | 3.8 |
Top 3 Best Lifting Straps Reviews
1. Rip Toned RT-liftingstraps
Rip Toned makes some of the best lifting straps out there.
They’re made of a thick cotton webbing and lined with a neoprene padding to offer you a more comfortable fit as you use them.
They prevent slippage, are machine washable, the stitching is top-notch to prevent fraying and you can use them with anything from barbells and bumper plates to kettlebells and lifting platforms.
These are the quality ones that many who lift wish they would have bought right from the get-go.
Great for both men and women!
2. Nordic Lifting Wrist Wraps + Lifting Straps
These are also heavy-duty cotton loop straps, and if for some reason color is a big factor in your decision, you’ll be happy to know that these come in six other colors!
These have neoprene padding, as well, and you can use them from CrossFit to powerlifting, along with rows, pull-ups, chin ups shrugs and so on. They come with both lifting straps and wrist straps that can help you disperse the weight more evenly.
Some find that they’re best for beginners who might need a bit of extra support, but plenty of experienced lifters also find them to be of good quality.
3. Harbinger 213 21 1/2-Inch Classic
Another type of cotton loop strap is this one from Harbinger. They’re padded like the other ones, but the design and construction quality have them priced at a more entry-level pair. Great if you don’t want to spend much and plan to upgrade later.
These are great for many lifters, but they do require a bit of break in time. Some find that they cut into the wrist while others (who wear them differently) don’t experience any discomfort.
Give them a try before you buy to see how they work for you!
