LIFTING HOOKS OR WRIST STRAPS? WHICH ONE DO YOU NEED?
When it comes to serious weight training, grip strength can often be the difference between hitting a new personal record or cutting a set short. That’s where lifting hooks and wrist straps come in. Two essential tools designed to help you lift heavier, safer, and with better control.
At Set Lifting, we design both with precision, giving you the edge no matter your training style.
What Are Wrist Straps?
Wrist straps are made from durable materials like heavy duty cotton, polyester, nylon, or leather, and wrap around your wrists and the barbell or dumbbell. Their main purpose is to reinforce your grip so your forearms don’t fatigue before your target muscles do.
Benefits of Wrist Straps:
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Improve grip strength during heavy pulls (deadlifts, rows, lat pulldowns).
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Reduce forearm fatigue and prevent grip failure.
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Maintain proper form and muscle engagement.
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Lightweight, versatile, and easy to carry in your gym bag.
Best For: Intermediate to advanced lifters who want a natural bar feel but extra grip support during heavy lifting sessions.
What Are Lifting Hooks?
Lifting hooks go one step further. Instead of wrapping fabric around the bar, they use a solid metal hook attached to a padded wrist strap to secure your grip completely. This takes almost all pressure off your hands and forearms, letting you focus purely on your lift.
Benefits of Lifting Hooks:
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Provide full grip assistance, perfect when grip fatigue limits performance.
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Allow you to lift heavier with less strain on fingers and wrists.
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Offer consistent hold, even for beginners or those with grip challenges.
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Ideal for high-intensity sessions or heavy pulling movements.
Best For: Lifters looking for maximum support, especially in exercises like deadlifts, shrugs, and heavy rows.
Choosing What’s Right for You
| Feature | Wrist Straps | Lifting Hooks |
|---|---|---|
| Grip Assistance | Moderate | Maximum |
| Bar Feel | Natural | Minimal |
| Comfort | High | Very High |
| Best For | Experienced lifters | Heavy lifters or grip-limited athletes |
| Common Use | Deadlifts, pull-ups, rows | Deadlifts, shrugs, heavy pulls |
If you value control and versatility, wrist straps may be your go-to.
If you need ultimate grip security to go beyond your limits, lifting hooks will give you the confidence to lift without compromise.
Weight Limit
Another key difference between the two is the weight limit each accessory can handle.
Lifting straps have no fixed weight limit, they can essentially support any amount of weight you’re capable of lifting, as long as they’re made from durable materials like heavy duty cotton, nylon, or leather. Their strength depends on stitching quality and proper use rather than a manufacturer-imposed restriction.
Lifting hooks, on the other hand, do have weight limits, typically ranging from 300 to 500 LBS depending on design and materials. These limits define how much weight and how many exercises the hooks can safely support.
While it’s technically possible to go beyond these limits, doing so increases the risk of equipment failure or bar slippage, especially if the barbell rotates. Exceeding the rated load can compromise durability and lead to unexpected drops posing a serious injury risk.
Set Lifting - Designed for Strength
Both our Set Lifting Wrist Straps and Set Lifting Lifting Hooks are built for durability, comfort, and performance. Whether you’re chasing strength, endurance, or perfect form, our gear helps you train with confidence and consistency.