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The 5 Best Lifting Straps To Help Your Grip (2023)

 Written by 

Julien Raby

 Last updated on 


Are you tired of getting a weak grip when lifting heavy loads? Do you struggle to maintain your grip when doing pull-ups or deadlifts? If so, you’re definitely not alone – this is a common issue for many gym-goers.

Fortunately, a great solution exists – wearing a pair of straps to ease the strain on your hands. They wrap around the bar and your wrists, allowing you to focus on doing reps without worrying about maintaining your grip. But which models qualify on the best lifting straps list?

Someone using the best lifting straps at the gym
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In A Hurry? Here’s Our Best Picks

Gymreapers Lifting Wrist Straps for Weightlifting, Bodybuilding,...
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WARM BODY COLD MIND Lasso Lifting Wrist Straps for Cross Training - Rated...
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DMoose Fitness Lifting Straps - 4mm Neoprene Padded Wrist Straps for...
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Weight Lifting Metal Hooks Heavy Duty PRO Lifting Wrist Straps Deadlift...
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IronMind Strong-Enough Lifting Straps (Pair) - Blue Nylon Wrist Wraps for...
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Product's nameBest Overall
Gymreapers Lifting Wrist Straps for Weightlifting,...
Great Alternative
WARM BODY COLD MIND Lasso Lifting Wrist Straps for Cross...
Most Affordable Price
DMoose Fitness Lifting Straps - 4mm Neoprene Padded Wrist...
Best Hook Model
Weight Lifting Metal Hooks Heavy Duty PRO Lifting Wrist...
Highest Level of Durability
IronMind Strong-Enough Lifting Straps (Pair) - Blue Nylon...
Final ThoughtGenerally speaking, lasso lifting straps are the most reliable and comfortable picks for weightlifting, regardless of your training intensity.Another contender in the lasso strap category, the Warm Body Cold Mind pair is one of the thickest, most robust and most comfortable options for weightlifters.This is a nice budget option that offers many of the features of its more expensive counterparts.The Grip Power Pad Rod Hooks might not be as versatile or durable as the other models, but they do their job exceptionally well.The nylon base is the main culprit for this pair's classification as the most durable lifting straps, with extremely robust yet non-abrasive material combined with an ultra-padded wrist wrap that feels great on the skin.
MaterialsCotton and NeopreneCotton and NeopreneCotton and NeopreneNylon, Neoprene and RubberNylon
Strap TypeLassoLassoLassoHookLasso
Size18″ x 1.5″22″ x 1.6″24″ x 1.5″17.5″ x 2.75″21.25″ x 1.5″
WarrantyLifetime30-day money back guaranteeLifetime30-day money back guaranteeLifetime
Price$$$$$$
Learn moreSee at AmazonSee at AmazonSee at AmazonSee at AmazonSee at Amazon

Why You Should Trust Us

At Boxlife, we’re no strangers to gym gear and we have extensive experience when it comes to testing different products. With several experienced athletes and weightlifting equipment experts on our team, we know exactly what to look for in a product. We’ve tried out numerous products related to lifting heavy weights and have accumulated plenty of knowledge on the subject.

Moreover, we’re religiously dedicated to finding products that offer great value for money and follow the latest safety standards. The latter is particularly important when you’re dealing with massive weights that can easily cause injury if not handled properly.

Who Is This Guide For?

It can be useful for anyone looking to gain an advantage when it comes to heavy lifting. It doesn’t matter if you’ve already had a few lifting sessions under your belt or you’re a total beginner – these accessories can contribute to an overall better experience, both in terms of safety and performance.

If you’re more inclined towards a casual fitness regimen with less training intensity, then you might not need such an accessory. You can get away with regular gym gloves for most exercises and still get good results. When it comes to heavier loads, though, gloves alone won’t cut it and you’re likely to experience grip fatigue more quickly.

A man powerlifting using the best lifting straps
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How We Picked the Best Products

Aside from our own personal view of the products, we had to delve deep into unbiased user reviews and comments on social platforms like Reddit and Quora. This is where much of the discussion and unfiltered opinion takes place, which is invaluable when it comes to separating the good from the bad.

We’ve also taken into account in-depth reviews by consumers on major e-commerce sites like Amazon, Rogue Fitness and Titan, and have gathered all the key points from there. We made sure to look at what people liked and disliked about each product, and we carefully considered all the possible pitfalls and pearls they ran into while using them.

How We Compared Each Product

Once we had gathered all the relevant information, it was time to compare the key factors that come into play when dealing with heavier weights and the appropriate type of strap. We put all of the contenders through a rigorous testing process and graded them according to these aspects:

  • Build Quality – When you’re dealing with heavy weights, your lifting straps have to be resilient enough to bear the load – no exceptions. We looked for quality construction and heavy-duty stitching, as well as materials that are durable enough to stand the test of time. No one wants to buy something that won’t cut it in the long run.
  • Effective Grip – This was based on the degree to which a particular strap holds its grip on the bar and your wrists. We had to make sure that there was no slipping or sliding during workouts. The way the strap wraps around the bar has to be secure and tight without limiting your mobility. The models have to be firm yet flexible, with several adjustable points for customizations.
  • Comfort – We also considered how comfortable the product is to wear and how much it contributes to fatigue prevention. Even the most basic pair of lifting straps needs to be comfortable and not overly tight, with sufficient foam padding and a proper width. Anything that’s too wide or too thin won’t be suitable for longer training sessions.
  • Ease of Use – Most heavy lifters don’t want to deal with an intricate system of lacing and tying their straps – they want something that’s quick and straightforward. Rarely will they have the luxury or will to take their time to set up, regardless of the number of high-rep sets they have to do. Having something that’s easy to don and doff is a must if you’re looking for convenience.
  • Overall Cost – We looked at the cost of each product relative to its features and quality, as well as any extra bonuses they might offer. A good value-for-money ratio is essential when it comes to investing in this type of accessory. They’re not always cheap, so you want to make sure your purchase is worth it.

The Products

With sufficient data in the back pocket, we were able to narrow down our choices for best lifting straps with these four products. Some of them excel in certain aspects, while others perform better in a few categories – so read carefully and see which one suits your fitness goals the most.

Gymreapers Lifting Straps – Best Overall

Getting things rolling is a pair of weightlifting straps that manages to hit the sweet spot between comfort and functionality. The Gymreapers brand has received rave reviews from users all around the world, with many praising the design quality and extra padding that creates an adequate level of cushioning between the bar and your wrist. There’s very little room for slippage, and the straps come with two neoprene pads that absorb sweat and stay put.

Pros

  • Fantastic neoprene padding around the wrist to minimize frictional force and abrasions
  • Reinforced double stitching throughout the straps for extra durability
  • Perfectly-balanced weight and length for optimal grip and maneuverability
  • Great value for a fairly reasonable price

Cons

  • The neoprene patch can be less durable than its nylon counterpart
  • Some users report fraying of the edges after heavy use

Key Specs

MaterialCotton and Neoprene
Types of StrapsLasso
Length and Width18″ x 1.5″
Size RangeOne Size Fits All
Color OptionsVarious

Why It’s Great

Generally speaking, lasso lifting straps are the most reliable and comfortable picks for weightlifting, regardless of your training intensity. The cotton webbing guard and neoprene padding around are incredibly soft but slightly thinner than most of its competitors, so it won’t rub your wrists raw during longer sets. It’s not at all uncommon to face some serious irritation from aggressive straps, but this model is gentle in all the right places.

Plus, the heavy-duty cross stitching pattern leaves little to no room for slippage, so you can confidently hold onto heavier lifts without feeling like the straps are going to break any time soon. And even though some users have experienced fraying on the ends, they can easily be replaced at any time because the Gymreapers lifting straps come with a lifetime guarantee for a replacement for any reason.

The thumb loop is another interesting addition, branching out of the side of the flap design in a convenient and ergonomic shape. You’d think this feature could get in the way of the grip, but it surprisingly doesn’t – it actually adds more stability to the entire system. Combined with the velcro strap, they provide maximum grip advantage in a non-intrusive way, with minimal disturbance and optimal support.

Warm Body Cold Mind Lifting Straps – Great Alternative

Designed by the great mind of the iconic Olympic weightlifter Oleksiy Torokhtiy, the Warm Body Cold Mind lifting grips come with a host of unique features in terms of length, thickness, and construction. Given the first-hand experience of the creator, this product is widely appreciated for its ability to provide a balanced level of convenience and stability during even the most intense workouts.

When you’re pulling multiple reps with some serious weight, your grip needs all the support it can get to make sure you don’t drop the bar. This is both a safety risk and a big nuisance, which is why the WBCM straps are so meticulously designed – with a particular emphasis on the wrist area.

Pros

  • Thick and high-quality cotton that doesn’t stretch out or slip after use
  • Double stitching and reinforced leather patches for enhanced durability
  • Extra long straps to accommodate wider grip variations
  • Secures wrists without putting a strain on the joints and ligaments

Cons

  • The longer straps may be slightly bulky and affect wrist position
  • Users of traditional straps may find the wrapping style somewhat awkward

Key Specs

MaterialCotton and Neoprene
Types of StrapsLasso
Length and Width22″ x 1.6″
Size RangeOne Size Fits All
Color OptionsVarious

Why It’s Great

Another contender in the lasso strap category, the Warm Body Cold Mind pair is one of the thickest, most robust and most comfortable options for weightlifters. The heavy-duty cross stitching on the cotton webbing is dense enough to prevent any slippage or wearing out through prolonged use, and the leather ends are designed to bear the stress of heavier lifts without breaking.

The neoprene wrist padding has a solid length, covering most of the joint area and providing a snug fit that won’t dig into your skin or cause any joint discomfort. Plus, the extra-long flap straps give you plenty of room to adjust your grip strength and width, with a total of eight wraps per hand for maximum control.

There’s a distinct advantage to using the Warm Body Cold Mind lifting straps, as Oleksiy Torokhtiy has put his Olympic lifts experience into practice and designed them with a wrap-style approach that doesn’t feel stiff or restrictive. Even though they have a distinctly thicker profile than most brands, the straps don’t cause any issues with wrist positioning – which makes them perfect for those heavy deadlifts.

DMoose Lifting Straps – Most Affordable Price

When it comes to affordable lifting straps, DMoose hits the nail on the head with its cotton and neoprene blend. This is essentially the brand’s ultimate support system and secure grip aid, with minimal irritations and maximum muscle concentration to power through heavy lifts.

Even if you’re on a tight budget, you don’t need to compromise on quality or comfort – DMoose provides a great balance of both. With innovative features and a surprisingly compact design, you’re guaranteed an unparalleled lifting experience every single time.

Pros

  • Affordable price tag for solid materials and construction
  • Extra loop for wrist protection and additional length to secure grip
  • Thick neoprene padding with robust cotton webbing
  • Excellent for powerlifting, bodybuilding, and general weightlifting

Cons

  • The 24-inch wrist straps might be too long for people with smaller hands
  • Durability issues are a bit of a concern in long-term use

Key Specs

MaterialCotton and Neoprene
Types of StrapsLasso
Length and Width24″ x 1.5″
Size RangeOne Size Fits All
Color OptionsVarious

Why It’s Great

This is a nice budget option that offers many of the features of its more expensive counterparts. The middle-of-the-road design with solid padding for comfort and extra length for grip training is a great combination. It gives you the ability to really focus on your lifts while still providing the support you need.

There’s a significant decrease in wrist fatigue during long workouts due to the extra loop, as well as the thick neoprene reinforcement in the main contact points to avoid any abrasions.

The single-loop strap is quite long, with an ample 24-inch wrist protector that may be cumbersome if not adjusted correctly. But, if you have larger hands and appreciate some length for a secure grip, then this pair will definitely be up your alley. It’s also a solid choice for beginners looking to get familiar with the design and build their grip strength in a light and budget-friendly manner.

Plus, the sleek and contemporary design combined with the solid materials and construction makes for a terrific introductory option to straps, at an affordable price. It has either a striped or a starred pattern, so you can choose the style that best suits your taste. And on top of that, the lifetime replacement guarantee ensures that you will be able to enjoy your DMoose lifting straps for a long time.

Grip Power Pads Pro – Best Hook Model

With a slightly different design than the rest of the bunch, the Grip Power Pads Pro consists of a hook-like palm rest that’s attached to a velcro strap, allowing you to quickly and easily adjust the tension of the pads.

The metal hook has a non-slip coating that does its job well, and the pads provide additional grip security on barbells or pull-up bars even if your hands are sweaty. As a result, they’re a fantastic alternative to traditional weightlifting straps and an excellent choice for bodybuilding routines.

Pros

  • Straightforward and quick strap-in process
  • Extra stitching along the seams for enhanced durability
  • Robust and grippy metal hook that keeps the straps in place
  • Available in various sizes to suit different lifting techniques and palm sizes

Cons

  • No additional padding on the hooks, so it feels a bit unnatural and uncomfortable
  • Not suitable for heavy lifting due to the lack of hand and wrist support

Key Specs

MaterialNylon, Neoprene and Rubber
Types of StrapsHook
Length and Width17.5″ x 2.75″
Size RangeOne Size Fits All
Color OptionsVarious

Why It’s Great

The Grip Power Pad Rod Hooks might not be as versatile or durable as the other models, but they do their job exceptionally well. The metal section is super stable, keeping your wrists securely in place. This can inherently boost the capacity of your lifts since your hands won’t move around as much and you preserve critical energy. Even when you’re doing dumbbell training and need to adjust your grip regularly, the hook-strap combo makes it really easy.

Moreover, the size options give you plenty of freedom to find the perfect fit for your hands. They range from 60 to 80 cm, which can make a huge difference in terms of comfort and grip, especially if you have larger palms. The straps are made from the same heavy-duty cross-stitching as the other models, so you can expect the same levels of functionality and operation.

From a practical standpoint, they’re extremely simple in terms of use and adjustments, with no need to tie and untie additional flaps around your palm or wrists. This can be a great benefit when you’re in a rush, as all you need to do is make two loops around your wrist and you’re good to go. Just be mindful of the positioning of the hook when doing heavy lifts, as it could get uncomfortable if the metal edges start digging into your skin.

IronMind Lifting Straps – Highest Level of Durability

Navigating our way to the nylon straps tier, IronMind is practically a household name in the fitness industry, and its weightlifting straps deservedly carry its reputation. Given their build and construction, they’re slightly stiffer and more compact than their cotton counterparts, but this is also what makes them so durable and wear-resistant.

Even though they require a break-in period for maximum flex and comfort, you can expect them to last an exceptionally long time when properly taken care of. This can be done by hand-washing them after every workout and allowing them to air dry – but that’s a small price to pay for the longevity of this model.

Pros

  • Heavily-padded and contoured wrist wraps for a snug fit and optimal protection
  • Soft but strong nylon webbing that’s highly resilient and doesn’t stretch out
  • Extra-wide straps for greater flexibility and grip customization
  • Fantastic versatility, great for powerlifting and general weight training

Cons

  • The sweat-absorbing properties could be better
  • There’s only one color available

Key Specs

MaterialNylon
Types of StrapsLasso
Length and Width21.25″ x 1.5″
Size RangeOne Size Fits All
Color OptionsRoyal Blue

Why It’s Great

The nylon base is the main culprit for this pair’s classification as the most durable lifting straps, with extremely robust yet non-abrasive material combined with an ultra-padded wrist wrap that feels great on the skin. The sheer craftsmanship and attention to detail that goes into making these powerlifting straps are evident in their extra stitching features and outstanding edge binding.

Moreover, they offer tremendous grip flexibility with wide straps that can be adjusted to your exact needs and preferences. But given the material’s inherent coarse texture, IronMind’s straps aren’t the best for high-intensity workouts with a lot of sweat involved. They’re not great at absorbing moisture, which could result in some moisture build-up. However, this small flaw doesn’t take away from the overall quality of these ultra-durable lifting straps.

But despite the slightly rigid and firm feel, IronMind’s straps aren’t particularly irritating or uncomfortable. On the contrary, they provide great security and flexibility for a variety of workouts, from light-circuit training to heavy powerlifting. They’re also relatively simple to put on and take off, so you won’t be struggling with them in the middle of a workout.

The Buying Guide

With a multitude of secure lifting straps claiming to offer superior performance, it’s easy to get lost in the selection process. But the key to solving the puzzle lies in understanding the basics and being selective about the features that are essential to you.

Intended Use

Even if you get a pair of premium lifting straps, they won’t do you much good if they don’t match your fitness plan. For the occasional weightlifter, a more lightweight and affordable option might suffice, whereas for those looking to progress in powerlifting or bodybuilding, a more heavy-duty design tailored to the specific task will be necessary.

You can always switch from one type of strap to another, depending on what you’re aiming to achieve, but it’s always a good idea to consider the intended use from the get-go. Even if your fitness goals change over time, your strap selection should remain rock-solid.

A powerlifter preparing the best lifting straps around his hands
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Length

Generally speaking, going for something in the 18″-22″ range should provide you with plenty of flexibility and room for adjustment. Shorter straps are better suited for smaller hands and for grip-intensive lifts that require more precision, whereas longer models come in handy for those with wider palms, as they offer more contact surface area.

Either way, the lifting straps need to wrap around your wrist without being too tight or too loose, as well as cover the bar’s knurls completely. Anything that deviates from that range could end up hindering or even hurting your performance. Not to mention, the excess material could snag on other gear or get in your way when you’re trying to switch up grip widths.

To determine the ideal size for you, measure the circumference of your wrists, and then double the resulting figure. This should provide you with an accurate indication of what length to look out for. Have a look at the manufacturer’s size guide as well, just to check that you’re on the right track. Even if they claim to have a one-size-fits-all policy, there can be slight variations in terms of the actual fit.

Material and Durability

There’s no doubt that the material plays a significant role in the longevity and performance of your flap straps. Cotton padding is often the most comfortable option, but its durability is nothing to write home about. It tends to stretch out after a few uses and fray at the ends when subjected to some of the heaviest loads.

In contrast, nylon and softer leather straps are much sturdier, featuring robust webbing with superior tensile strength. They’re normally more expensive, but the trade-off is worth it if you value long-term performance and solid grip over everything else.

In any case, the way that a certain pair is built and stitched will determine its strength and how well it stands up to wear and tear. Any loose threads or stitched seams may be ground for suspicion, serving as indicators of long-term durability concerns. Moreover, the frequency of use and training intensity may impact how long a certain model lasts.

Warranty

There are various policies that brands use to cover their lifting straps, but the most appealing one is a lifetime warranty that covers all the defects and rips. If you’re investing in a more expensive pair of straps, it’s worth taking advantage of a warranty that guarantees product replacement.

If that’s not available, you should opt for a product that has at least a 1-year warranty on it, as it will protect you from any manufacturing or material-related issues that may arise during the first few months of ownership. It’s not a foolproof guarantee, but it can definitely ease your mind about potential mishaps and make up for financial losses.

A man working out about to deadlift with the best lifting straps
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Budget

If you’re on a tight budget, shopping for affordable training tools can be quite daunting, especially if you’re looking for quality stuff. Fortunately, there are plenty of comfortable straps that don’t cost an arm and a leg. But as you’d expect, certain compromises have to be made in some areas to make up for such a low price tag.

For instance, these models usually don’t come equipped with an extra layer of protection compared to their more expensive counterparts and may lack the same level of durability. Still, if you don’t plan to use your lifting straps that often and you need an entry-level option that can do most of the basics, you can’t go wrong with an affordable option.

FAQ

Are straps good for lifting?

Yes, lifting straps can be incredibly beneficial for improving your weight training sessions by serving as grip assistance and preventing fatigue. They allow you to focus on your form and technique and really push yourself without the fear of losing your grip or suffering from hand cramps. They’re also handy for protecting your wrists and forearms from strain, as well as minimizing the risk of injury.

What’s the difference between lifting straps and wrist wraps?

Lifting straps are primarily designed to improve grip strength, whereas wrist wraps provide support for the joint and help with injury prevention. The former are usually made from webbing, cotton, or leather and feature a loop that wraps around your wrists, while the latter are typically crafted out of elastic material and provide compression for the joint. While some people use them interchangeably, they serve two distinct purposes and should be used accordingly.

Do straps make you deadlift more?

In short, yes. By providing additional grip assistance, lifting straps can help you get more reps in and push yourself further than before. They’re especially useful for exercises such as deadlifts, where your grip can quickly become the limiting factor. Not only do they help improve performance, but they also reduce the risk of injury by maintaining proper form throughout the movement.

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