Attention butter fingers, hook grippers, and the like…
I’d like you to meet a couple of fancy leather strips, I think you guys might hit it off.
Seriously, you’re missing out if you haven’t tried this style of straps yet.
Maybe you’re still using those typical long straps that have to be endlessly wrapped around the bar.
I know, even after you’ve fussed with them for a few minutes they still feel awkward and uneven. You’re losing your adrenaline so you begin the pull anyway.
Or maybe you’re using some kind of wrist-support-strap combo device and it fell apart or you want something more minimalist.
Whatever the case, you owe it to yourself to try something that just plain works.
I despised almost every strap that I tried, and I’ve tried many.
So I set out to make a strap… for myself.
Prototype after prototype…sucked. I tested all different materials, shapes, lengths.
Eventually we created a prototype that wasn’t bad, eventually turning it into something that I actually kind of liked. Over time I tweaked it into something I loved.
Here’s why…
Within your first or second session and a little practice, these straps take seconds to grip the bar.
The leather is thick enough to be strong, but thin enough so gripping the bar with the straps feels the same as gripping the bar without.
This way I can more easily switch back and forth between my normal grip (hook) and using straps without the acclimation period.
Leather also feels and grips better than other materials.
Lastly, the weight distribution over the hand feels more natural without the tightening and cinching around the wrist joint.
If you’re anything like me, picky or dissatisfied with wrist straps you’ve used in the past, I’d recommend giving them a try.
- FASTER SETUP – With practice, these lifting straps only take seconds to set up. Just feed the hanging end around the bar, give it a twist to tighten, and you’re ready to go. Need to bail from the bar in a hurry? Just release your grip as normal and you’re unattached.
- SUPPLEMENTS GRIP, DOESN’T DO THE WORK FOR YOU – Helps build better grip strength versus wraps/hooks that could be considered “overly supportive”. Due to the shorter length, a firm grip must be applied to the barbell to create the friction necessary, similar to a hook grip. Don’t expect to hold onto very heavy weights without effort using these straps!
- LEATHER GRIP – Lasts longer than cotton, less slippery than nylon. We thought long and hard when choosing the material of the wrap and decided on a 3MM thick, tough leather. This material breaks in and softens over time, grips well, and is stronger than the cotton materials used in other wraps.
- WEIGHT DISTRIBUTION – Distributes weight over the hand rather than tightening around the wrist. Doesn’t cinch and tighten around the wrists. Right and left specific lifting straps allows even bar wrapping.
CAUTION: Lifting weights with or without the the use of equipment can result in injury. Injuries including, but not limited to, strains, broken bones, bruises, numbness, loss of circulation, and soft tissue injuries. To avoid injury, lift weight within your physical means, and use correct technique while lifting. Product may cause severe injury. Always thoroughly inspect your lifting straps for signs of wear, including small tears, abrasions, or cracks before use. Jewelry, fingernails, and other sharp objects including barbell or pull up bar knurling may cause small tears and abrasions.
In most cases, no. These straps are a middle ground between traditional straps and no straps. They work best when your forearms are not fully fatigued.
Traditional straps are generally more supportive if you are taxing your grip under heavy fatigue.
These straps are the shorter variety. Perfect for a single wrap around the common olympic specification barbell without extra material.
If you’re using a thicker barbell you will need a longer strap to wrap around the larger bar.
If you’re looking for a minimalist solution to get through a training session, this style strap is ideal. These straps are great for those who dislike the idea of relying too much on straps. If your workouts commonly consist of significant grip fatigue, you may find the added help of a traditional strap beneficial.
These work just the same as other straps but with less extra material and a fixed loop.
Put your hand through the open loop with your palm facing the underside of the strap. When gripping the bar with a double overhand grip (recommended) the leather end is fed under the barbell and then wrapped around the bar tightly.
The friction between your fingers and the strap helps keep the bar from rolling out of your grip.
USFirst pair of straps
Having never ever used lifting straps, these were my first pair and I chose them because they are leather and minimal in bulk. I think overall they do help with grip when doing higher reps. For me they work well with the lower weight that I've been doing. The backside of the leather will probably scuff up but I'm looking forward to breaking these in and seeing how long they last. Main gripe is the back of the leather is a little itchy.
USNice leather straps
Clean straps. Like to use these on occasion. Different feel to long straps. Great quality.
USGreat Straps
I use it on so much things. Comes in handy on weighted pull ups and when I’m dealing with overuse. I just can’t look at any other strap the same way after using these.
USGreat grip aids
These are my favorite wraps to use since they aid the grip instead of replacing it, and they’re so easy to put on. It’s good to use your natural grip if possible, but if you want to get rid of it as a limiting factor on an especially heavy or repetitive set, these will do the trick very nicely.
USNice Lifting Straps
I've been using these straps regularly for 6 months. They've broken in nicely and show no signs of damage. I like how fast and easy it is to set up and release the bar. Because of this, I've even been able to use them to assist with toes-to-bar when my grip fails. They help take a little pressure off my wrist joint during heavy pulling exercises, and give me all the grip I need. The price is right with good functionality and great durability.