Lifting Grips vs Straps: Which One Should You Choose?

Strength training is as much about technique and endurance as it is about grip strength. If you’ve ever struggled to hold onto the bar during heavy deadlifts, pull-ups, or rows, you know how frustrating it can be when your grip gives out before your muscles do. The right lifting accessory can significantly improve your performance by helping you maintain better control, reduce fatigue, and lift confidently.

That’s where lifting grips and lifting straps come into play. While both serve the purpose of improving grip, they work in different ways. Some lifters swear by lifting grips for their quick usability and wrist support, while others prefer lifting straps for maximising grip security and eliminating fatigue. But which one is best for you?

In this guide, we’ll break down how each works, their key benefits, and when to use them, so you can make the right choice for your training goals.

What Are Lifting Grips?

Lifting grips are ergonomically designed grip aids that help you maintain a secure hold on the bar without completely taking over your grip function. They typically feature a wrist strap and a palm pad made of rubber, leather, or neoprene, which wraps around the bar to create a stronger, non-slip connection. 

Unlike traditional straps, lifting grips allow for quick release, making them ideal for fast-paced workouts and circuit training.

Key Benefits of Lifting Grips:

• Enhanced Grip Strength – The grip material prevents the bar from slipping, helping you lift heavier without exhausting your forearm muscles too quickly.
• Wrist Stability – The adjustable wrist strap provides added support, reducing strain and lowering the risk of wrist injuries.
• Quick and Efficient – Unlike lifting straps, which require wrapping around the bar multiple times, lifting grips can be secured and released almost instantly, making them great for dynamic workouts.
• Versatile Usage – Suitable for various exercises, including pull-ups, rows, deadlifts, lat pull downs, and even kettlebell swings.

Lifting grips strike a balance between support and control, allowing you to engage your grip strength while still benefiting from extra assistance. If you prefer a more natural feel with added security, grips might be the right choice for you.

What Are Lifting Straps?

Lifting straps are long, durable bands that wrap around your wrists and the barbell, fully locking your grip in place. Unlike lifting grips, which allow for some level of grip activation, lifting straps take the entire weight off your hands, letting you focus on muscle engagement rather than grip endurance.

They are particularly useful for lifters who find their grip strength failing before their target muscles, preventing them from completing their reps. Lifting straps allow you to train beyond grip fatigue, ensuring that your grip isn’t the weakest link in your workout.

Key Benefits of Lifting Straps:

✔ Stronger Grip Support – Straps effectively eliminate grip fatigue, allowing you to lift heavier weights without worrying about losing your hold.
✔ Great for Powerlifting & Bodybuilding – Lifters aiming for maximum strength gain benefit from using straps on grip-intensive movements like heavy deadlifts, rows, shrugs, and snatch pulls.
✔ Helps Overcome Grip Fatigue – Grip strength can wear out quickly when training at high intensity. Straps allow you to focus on muscle contractions rather than grip endurance.
✔ Better Control on Heavy Reps – Straps ensure a firm and stable grip on the bar, reducing the risk of failed reps due to grip failure.

Lifting straps are best for lifters pushing for maximum loads, where grip strength shouldn’t be the limiting factor. If your main goal is to lift heavier without interruption, straps may be the better option.

Lifting Grips vs Straps: Key Differences

While both lifting grips and straps assist your grip, they function differently and are best suited for different types of training.

Choosing between lifting grips and straps depends on how much grip control and wrist stability you want in your training.

When to Use Lifting Grips vs Straps

Still not sure which one fits your workout style? Here’s a simple breakdown to help you decide.

Use Lifting Grips If:

✅ You want grip assistance without completely relying on support.
✅ You engage in a mix of functional training and bodybuilding.
✅ You prefer a quick-release mechanism for fast transitions between exercises.
✅ You want additional wrist support while maintaining some grip activation.

Use Lifting Straps If:

✅ You’re lifting heavier weights and don’t want grip fatigue limiting your reps.
✅ You focus on powerlifting or bodybuilding, where grip strength shouldn’t hold you back.
✅ You struggle to maintain your grip on exercises like deadlifts, rows, and Olympic lifts.
✅ You want to isolate specific muscle groups without worrying about grip failure.

Which One Should You Choose?

Ultimately, the best choice depends on your individual training goals.

If you want a balance between grip support and wrist stability, lifting grips are the most versatile choice. They help you strengthen your grip while still providing assistance when needed.

If your focus is lifting heavy and pushing past grip fatigue, lifting straps are the superior option. They allow you to focus on form and muscle engagement rather than grip endurance.

Pro Tip: Many lifters use both grips and straps, depending on the exercise. For example, grips for pull-ups and straps for heavy deadlifts. Experimenting with both can help you determine which works best for your needs.

Elevate Your Training with the Right Gear

Both lifting grips and lifting straps can elevate your training, enhance grip endurance, and prevent grip fatigue, but choosing the right one depends on your lifting style.

If you’re looking for gear that’s durable, high-quality, and built for serious lifters, contact us to check out the right gear for you. Investing in the right equipment ensures you train smarter, lift heavier, and reach your full potential in every session.

Now that you know the differences, which one will you be using for your next workout?