The Best Lifting Straps for Weightlifting Grip Strength in 2024

Best Weight Lifting Straps – Introduction

What are the best lifting straps for deadlifts and weightlifting in 2024?

As you get stronger, you can lift more weight.

However, often you may feel like you could have pulled more weight or done a few more reps, but you couldn’t keep hold of the bar.

This experience is often the case in exercises such as deadlifts, where grip strength plays a tremendous role.

As you progress to heavier lifts, you have a more challenging time holding the barbell in your hands and keeping it from rolling out.  

However, you don’t always need raw power to make your grip better.

The first thing you can do is to change the way you grip the barbell.

For example, switching from an overhand grip to a mixed grip or hook grip could solve the problem instantly.

However, sometimes even that doesn’t help.

In that case, the best option is to use a lifting strap.  

Types of lifting straps

Lifting straps are usually made of cotton, nylon, or leather and come in different styles and types.

The three main strap types are a closed loop, a lasso type, and a figure-eight. 

The closed-loop straps are the most suitable for lifts that require a quick release of the barbell.

These are often explosive lifts, such as Olympic weightlifting.

Figure-eight straps are bulky and designed for heavy lifting.

They offer a secure grip and are suitable for lifts that don’t require quick release.

For example, they are the best choice for max-out deadlifts.

Lasso straps are the golden mean between the figure-eight and closed-loop type.

They are the most common and versatile type.

They are great for casual lifting and can also help you break personal records (PRs) and go heavy.

Which one to choose depends on your personal preference and the style of weightlifting you plan to do.

Seven Best Lifting Straps

#1. Cobra Grips PRO Weight Lifting Gloves 

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Cobra Grips PRO is a combination of a lifting glove and a wrist wrap.

It will help you get a tighter grip while protecting your hands and giving you comfort. 

These weightlifting gloves come with extra padding to protect your palms and help you achieve a better grip.

They provide wrist support to help you tackle heavy weights better while keeping your hands safe and comfortable.

Also, they allow you to quickly drop the weight at any time, making them an excellent choice for exercises such as Olympic lifts and snatches. 

Key features:

• Wrist support
• Neoprene padding for extra comfort
• Specific design
• Two sizes, PRO and FIT

Pros:

• Ergonomic design and comfort
• Wrist support

Cons: 

• Price
• The design might not work for everyone

Rating: 4 / 5

Cobra Grips PRO Weightlifting Gloves are great for Olympic lifts and general weightlifting.

Not necessarily designed for better grip strength for maximum deadlifts

#2. Serious Steel Fitness Figure 8 Deadlift Straps

The design of the Serious Steel Fitness Figure 8 Deadlift Straps is for advanced lifters.

These straps are for exercisers who like to lift heavy, for example, competitive powerlifters, strongmen, and everyone else who takes their strength training seriously.

Durable fabric and double stitching guarantee that these straps can withhold even the heaviest loads.

How much the manufacturer believes in its durability is proven by the fact that it comes with a 1-year warranty. 

Key Features:

• Firm material made for durability and to withstand heavier loads
• Great for max deadlifts and other heavy lifts
• Extra stitching for maximum durability
• Various sizes for the perfect fit
• 1-year warranty

Pros:

• Durability and firm material 
• An excellent option for PRs and max deadlifts
• 1-year warranty

Cons:

• Not suitable for lifts that require the quick release of the bar

Rating: 4 / 5

Serious Steel Fitness Figure 8 Deadlift Straps are great for heavy deadlifts and other heavy pulling exercises.

They are excellent for powerlifters and strongmen but not designed for general lifting and recreational lifters

#3. Harbinger Cotton Padded Lifting Straps with NeoTek Cushioning

The Harbinger Cotton Padded Lifting Strap is a lasso-type strap made of cotton.

Cotton straps can often be problematic because they might feel rough under the skin, which is not the case with this Lifting Strap.

Due to NeoTec technology, its construction is durable and comfortable.

The padding around the wrist will ensure the lifting feels comfortable, even at heavier weights. 

The Harbinger Lifting Strap is the most affordable strap on this list; however, it has an excellent price-to-value ratio.

It is the best option to purchase if you’re starting to get more seriously into lifting and you are looking for a quality weightlifting strap. 

Key Features:

• NeoTek padding for extra wrist comfort
• Extended length allows a stronger wrap on the bar

Pros:

• Price
• Great value for the price
• Extra padding for comfort
• Suitable for most people and recreational lifters

Cons: 

• Not intended for more advanced lifting

Rating: 3.5 / 5

If you’re a recreational lifter looking for your first lifting strap, Harbinger Lifting Straps get a 5 / 5 rating due to their price and value. However, it won’t satisfy the needs of more advanced lifters.

#4. IronMind Strong-Enough Lifting Straps

IronMind Strong-Enough Lifting Straps are lasso straps made of strong nylon material.

Nylon straps can feel a little rougher than regular cotton straps, which can be problematic for some lifters with more sensitive skin.

However, built to last, these straps can hold even the heaviest loads.

There is double stitching at the end of the straps, which makes them more durable.

So these straps aren’t going to rip so easily.

The fact that IronMind Straps were the official straps for the World’s Strongest Man contest in 2010 says plenty for itself. 

If you’re looking for heavy-duty straps for heavy lifting, these lifting straps come at a great price.

However, if you’re a recreational lifter, you might find traditional cotton straps more suitable and for a better price.

Key Features:

• Intended for heavy lifting and heavy weights
• Official lifting strap of the World’s Strongest Man contest 2010
• Made of high-quality nylon material
• Designed to be comfortable and durable

Pros: 

• Extra durable 
• Great for powerlifting, strongmen, and any other heavy lifting
• Light and flexible
• Price 

Cons: 

• They might feel a little rougher on the skin to some lifters

Rating: 5 / 5

IronMind Strong-Enough Lifting Straps will satisfy the needs of the most competitive lifters such as strongmen and powerlifters.

#5. Cobra Grips Figure 8 Deadlift Straps

While designed for heavy lifting and max deadlifts, Cobra Grips Figure 8 Deadlift Straps also have reinforced stitching for extra comfort, security, and durability.

So you can be sure they will withhold even the heaviest loads.

The manufacturer believes in the sturdiness of these deadlift straps so much that they come with a 1-year warranty. 

Key Features:

• Designed for heavy lifting
• Extra stitching for extra durability
• Various sizes
• 1-year warranty

Pros: 

• A great option for competitive powerlifters, deadlifters, and strongman competitors
• 1-year warranty
• Reinforced seam for safety and comfort

Cons:

• Not suitable for lifts that require the quick release of the bar

Rating: 4 / 5

Cobra Grips Figure 8 Deadlift Straps are great for heavy deadlifts and other heavy pulling exercises.

An excellent choice for powerlifters and strongmen, but not designed for general lifting.

#6. Dark Iron Fitness Weightlifting Wrist Straps

What differentiates Dark Iron Fitness Wrist Straps from other straps is their material.

The most common material for straps is cotton or nylon. 

On the other hand, Dark Iron Fitness Lifting Straps are high-quality leather that will provide comfort and durability.

The reinforced stitching will ensure these straps last for a long time and never rip, tear or fall apart.

Due to their high-quality leather material, these straps don’t cause chafing or discomfort, which can often be the case with cotton or nylon straps.

Dark Iron Leather Straps are lightweight and soft to the touch, which will provide comfort even during your heaviest lifts.

Also, the leather fits tightly around your wrist for maximum lifting capacity.

Key features: 

• High-quality leather material
• Reinforced stitching for extra durability
• Comfortable and soft to the touch 
• Grips tightly around the wrist

Pros:

• Price
• High-quality material
• Comfortable and durable
• It fits tightly around your wrist

Cons:

• None

Rating: 5 / 5

High-quality material will provide you with enough comfort and durability even for the heaviest lifts.

Dark Iron Fitness Weightlifting Leather Suede Lifting Straps are suitable both for recreational lifters and seasoned lifters.

#7. Gymreapers Lifting Wrist Straps

Gymreapers Lifting Wrist Straps are excellent for back dominant pulling workouts, such as:

• Deadlifts
• Powerlifting
• Weightlifting
• Bodybuilding
• CrossFit

Gymreapers are lasso-type straps that will suit most people’s needs.

Also, they look great and come with high-quality neoprene padding that will provide wrist comfort.

These lifting straps come at a very affordable price and have a longer strap design.

However, they are not intended for more severe lifting since they don’t come with extra stitching.

Nevertheless, they will serve most recreational lifters’ needs. 

Key features:

• Neoprene padding for maximum comfort
• Lifetime warranty and 100 % money return guarantee

Pros:

• Price
• Neoprene padding
• Lifetime guarantee

Cons:

• Not intended for more advanced lifters

Rating: 3.5 / 5

Gymreapers Lifting Wrist Straps are great for recreational lifters

FAQ

Are lifting straps worth it?

Unmistakably, your grip being the weak link in your lifts can slow down your progress in the gym.

With the help of lifting straps, you can improve your grip strength, take your training to another level, progress faster, and target muscles better.

Should you deadlift with straps?

Deadlift straps shouldn’t be a substitute for a weak grip. 

If you need to strengthen your grip, you should work on it first.

For example, many grip exercises can help you improve grip strength, such as IronMind Captains of Crush Hand Grippers.

Keep in mind, though, that one of the many benefits of deadlifting is developing a more powerful grip.

If you’re a deadlift beginner, start with a lighter weight, about 50 percent of your one-rep max, and use a progressive overload program described in Deadlift Everyday To Get Stronger Faster (Without Hurting Yourself).

At what point should you deadlift with straps?

A general rule of thumb for recreational lifters is not to use straps until you can deadlift 150-200% of your body weight.

That is a considerable amount of weight.

You will likely have enough grip strength for that amount of weight with a double overhand grip – or use a mixed grip instead.

For example, below is a photo of 75-year-old Vladimir Tsatsoulline, Pavel Tsatsouline’s father, deadlifting 407 pounds at a bodyweight of 193 pounds, without a weightlifting belt, and without lifting straps.

So, you do not need to use deadlift straps.

However, if you already have proper grip strength but still struggle to hold the bar, lifting straps are a valuable tool to help you in your training.

If you plan to compete, keep in mind that powerlifting competitions do not permit lifting straps.

Do not confuse wrist wraps with wrist straps because wraps are allowed in a meet.

Are lifting straps cheating?

No. If you lack proper strength in your muscles, straps won’t help you much.

Straps are a helpful tool only when the limiting factor is your grip, not your overall strength level.

Best Lifting Straps for Deadlifts and Weightlifting

Which strap you should choose depends on your budget, lifting experience, and the style of lifts you are planning to do.

If you do explosive lifts or overhead lifts that require you to drop the bar quickly, closed-loop straps should be your choice.

If you’re a recreational lifter, lasso-type straps are an excellent place to start.

They will provide you with enough durability and are suitable for most lifts.

You can find them relatively inexpensive too.

For strongmen or powerlifters, figure-eight straps are the way to go.

They will take your deadlifts and other heavy lifts to another level.

It would be best if you looked for a durable strap that will hold even the heaviest loads.

Investing extra money for a good and long-lasting strap is not wasted money if you’re a competitive lifter. 

Final Verdict

The best straps for:

• Recreational deadlifters –Harbinger Cotton Padded Lifting Straps
• Deadlifting for fitness or powerlifting – Serious Steel Fitness Figure 8 Deadlift Straps
• Olympic lifts – Cobra Grips PRO Weightlifting Gloves
• Strongman –IronMind Strong-Enough Lifting Straps
• Overall best lifting straps –Dark Iron Fitness Weightlifting Leather Suede Lifting Straps

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