lifting grips vs straps

Lifting Grips vs. Straps: Which One Will Help You Smash Your Deadlift PR?

At some point, we have all experienced this as regulars at the gym. That weight is on the bar, and you are locked in and ready to pull or row. Your whole body is ready, but all you need to do is hold on. But your grip, the one thing connecting you to the weight, feels like it’s about to give out.  Your back and legs feel fresh and strong, and your fingers want to scream out that they need a break, compelling you to put the weight down long before your muscles or even your mind has had a chance to turn to jelly. It really is an annoying sensation, and it is something lifters have been struggling with since the dawn of time. Fortunately, the solution is easy, and with it comes a debate of its own, lifting grips vs. straps. It's the classic showdown of form and function, and choosing the right one can make all the difference to your progress.

The Contenders: A Quick Rundown

Now, before getting to the action, we shall first take a brief look at our two combatants. On one corner, there is the timeworn classic: lifting straps. They are merely lengths of hard-wearing material, usually cotton or nylon, that you loop around a bar and the wrist. They are direct and are a long-time staple in gyms. On the other corner of the contest, there is the more modern opponent, the lifting grips. They have a couple of variations, including rubberized or leather pads all the way up to the full hand covering with a hook or a more hardy structure. They are made to offer a fast and convenient method to attach a secure connection to the bar. So, who wins in the battle of lifting grips vs. straps?

The Main Event: Grips vs. Straps

This is where things get interesting. We’re not here to just tell you what they are; we’re here to help you figure out which one is the right piece of gear for your specific needs. Each equipment has its advantages and disadvantages, and the actual trick is to determine which one can serve you best in terms of your style of training. Ok, so here is the fine print of the lifting grips vs. straps argument.

Round 1: The Raw Power Showdown (Grip Strength & Support)

When it comes to pure, unadulterated grip support for a maximal lift, many veteran powerlifters and bodybuilders will lean toward traditional lifting straps. With a strap, when it is perfectly applied to a bar, you get a stationary, rigid linkage which effectively leaves your grip strength out of the loop. It is a lifeline between your wrist and the weight, so you can concentrate on working the muscles you are attempting to work: your back, your hamstrings, and your glutes. For a heavy deadlift where your grip is the only thing giving out, a good set of straps can be a real game-changer. 

Conversely, most lifting handles represent a rather impressive degree of assistance as well. The special construction of various weight-lifting grips that have a secure pad or hook can offer a stable platform. One can rest and grip the bar normally, usually without the need to wrap anything in most cases. This makes them ideal as a consecutive series of high-rep lifts. 

Round 2: The Speed & Setup Battle (Ease of Use)

This is where the lifting grips come into their own very best. For a bodybuilder or regular gym enthusiast, doing a series of sets on back day, the speed of setup is a huge factor. Using traditional styles of lift straps, you will be forced to loop, twist, and wrap around the bar with each set. It doesn't take that long, but every time you waste it, it would be nice to have it back as you progress with your supersets or drop sets, etc.

Lifting grips are the clear winner here. Most hand grips for lifting can be applied in a matter of seconds. All you need to do is just readjust the wrist strap, clip the pad or hook on the bar, and you are ready. The mere ability to switch between exercises so quickly with a good pair of gym grips is a great credit to their favor.

Round 3: The Gym-Floor Swiss Army Knife (Versatility)

Versatility is one of the important metrics in regard to lifting grips vs. straps. The use of lifting straps is quite versatile since it is basically a piece of material. They can be employed with the barbell during deadlifts, dumbbells during the rows, pull-up bar during extra pull-ups, and cable machine during pull-downs. They can be wrapped in various approaches in order to achieve that complete feel of every workout. 

The versatility of the lifting grips may, however, vary with respect to the design. This hooked styling grip is perfect on some exercises, such as deadlifts or shrugs, but could prove less effective on some others, like pull-ups or some dumbbell exercises, where you may need to hold the bar more naturally. A padded grip is more general-purpose and has versatility in its use in exercises. It's significant to look at the specific type of grip you're considering. The choice in this round of the lifting grips vs. straps debate depends on the type of workouts you're planning on doing.

The Verdict: Who Wins and for What?

So, who is the winner in the war of lifting grips vs. straps? The answer is. It depends. There is no single winner. The best option is the one that suits your particular style of training and goals.

Both are ultimately fantastic aids for allowing you to get more from your training, and they both enable you to push your muscles without concern for your hands. The only way to determine which one suits you is to give them a try. You may even discover that you prefer to have both available, utilizing straps for your max-effort work and grips for your high-volume.

Your Next Step Towards a Stronger Pull

Now that you understand the distinction between these two critical pieces of gym equipment, it is time to get your hands on the right one. A stronger pull begins with a more secure connection to the bar.

At RYPT Fit, we offer world-class fitness and gym gear for lifters everywhere. Whether you're a powerlifter in need of a rock-solid strap or a bodybuilder seeking a fast-action grip, we've got you covered. We only carry tools that we trust to assist you in shattering personal records and training safely.

Ready to stop worrying about your grip and start focusing on your lift? 

Explore our collection at the RYPT Fit website today to find the perfect gear for your next workout!

 

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