Figure 8 Straps: What They Are and How to Use Them

Most lifting straps are built around friction. Wrap them tight enough and they hold. Pull heavy enough and they slip.

Figure 8 straps work differently. They do not rely on friction. They rely on geometry.

How They Work

One loop around your wrist. One loop around the bar. The figure-of-eight shape creates a closed, mechanical connection between you and the barbell. The harder you pull, the tighter it locks.

There is no wrapping technique to perfect. No risk of the strap unravelling at 90% of your max. You set it up, you pull, it holds.

How to Set Them Up

1. Thread one loop over your wrist, sitting just above the wrist bone.
2. Pass the second loop around the bar.
3. Rotate the strap so both loops are taut — wrist loop against your arm, bar loop locked around the bar.
4. Close your hand over the top of both the bar and the strap.
5. Pull. The load tightens the connection further.

Practice this with lighter weight before your first heavy session. The motion takes two or three sessions to feel automatic. After that, you will not think about it.

Who They Are For

Figure 8 straps are not for everyone. They are not designed for varied exercises, quick release between sets, or moderate weights where standard straps work fine.

They are designed for one thing: maximum load on a barbell pull. Powerlifters going for PR deadlifts. Strongman athletes on heavy carries and loading events. Any lifter who has been at 95% of their max and felt a standard strap shift.

If that is not your training, standard lifting straps or lifting hooks are more practical for everyday use.

If it is — Prime Ape Figure 8 Straps are built with double-sided wrist padding and reinforced stitching for exactly those moments.

Use code PRIME10 for 10% off. Ships from Perth.