11 Best Figure 8 Lifting Straps in 2024

1. WARM BODY COLD MIND Figure 8 Lifting Straps – Best Overall
2. Gymreapers Figure 8 Lifting Straps – Runner-Up
3. RDX Weight Lifting Figure 8 Strap
4. W8TRAIN Padded Figure 8 Straps
5. IRON APE Heavy-Duty Figure 8 Straps
6. Iron Bull Strength Heavy Duty Lifting Straps
7. Serious Steel Fitness Figure 8 Straps
8. COBRA GRIPS Deadlift Straps Figure 8
9. CERBERUS Elite Figure 8 Lifting Straps
10. LoGest Deadlift Straps Figure 8
11. MOOCY Figure 8 Straps

• Size: S, M, L
• Material: cotton, elastane
• Color: black, crimson, yellow, white, camo, chess

WBCM Figure 8 Lifting Straps turned out to be the most outstanding option among other models. Let us tell you the distinctive features that make these straps our top pick gear. First, they’re designed by a professional sportsman and a winner of the World and European Championships in weightlifting Oleksiy Torokhtiy. So, we support that it is already a weighty argument that proves the exceptional quality of these straps.

Second, the manufacturers took care of the customers’ preferences and created two types of heavy-duty straps: cotton straps and elastane straps with thick neoprene cushioning around the wrist.

It wraps around and fits perfectly, with enough room to move a hand, at the same time it’s tight enough to keep weights securely on hand. The strap design is simple, yet the garment is compact and durable which makes it easier to hit personal records without distracting on some inconveniences.

What’s about the quality, WBCM straps are wide enough, so they don't cut into your hands. They’re reinforced with extra stitching for greater strength and safety during lifting exercises, i.e., deadlifts, shrugs, rows, pull-ups, or dumbbell squats.

They are truly heavy-duty, padded where they touch your wrists, with precise stitching, and are of thick and sturdy fabric. These figure 8 wrist straps will become irreplaceable gear for gym workouts that serve perfectly and can prevent occasional weight drops.

Thus, this is a prime-quality figure 8 lifting straps that are perfect for fitness, weightlifting, and powerlifting training.

• Size: Small/Medium/Large
• Material: Cotton
• Color: black

Gymreapers figure 8 wrist straps are our Runner-up model that is the second-best beneficial gear for weight training devotees. 

These straps are thick and reliable so can easily endure hundreds of heavy deadlifts. The stitching quality is also great with no sticking threads or fraying – everything looks safe and neat.

The design is rather simple, nothing special, minimalists would love it.

However, as these figure 8 wrist straps are more suitable for professional athletes, amateurs may find them slightly harsh on the skin. But it is all for the sake of the strongest grip.

All in all, if you are fond of heavy lifts, Gymreapers might be the best figure 8 straps for your workouts. Still, if you are an intermediate athlete and just need some additional grip support for your working sets, find some lighter options below.

• Size: Small/Medium/Large
• Material: Cotton, Neoprene
• Color: blue, red

These straps are the best option for amateurs who value comfort and high quality. The neoprene padding (thicker than other brands offer) makes them the most comfortable on the skin. Of course, professionals aren’t likely to seek this feature in their lifting straps, but I would definitely use them for regular heavy workouts.

Moreover, if you seek straps that will comfort your wrist after some injury and let you lift weights without any pain, the padding will come in handy.

The material slightly differs from other products. It is not that thick but at the same time really dense and firm. I think it will last fairly long, staying good-looking and neat for those who always want everything to be in order.

As to the drawbacks, the package is really plain and doesn’t correspond to what you will find inside.

• Size: Medium/Intermediate/Large/Extra Large
• Material: Cotton
• Color: black-and-orange

• Size: 10”/12”/14”
• Material: Cotton
• Color: black/red

• Size: 10”/12”/14”
• Material: Cotton
• Color: black with red strips/black with white strips/blue/green/red

• Size: Small/Medium/Large/Extra Large
• Material: Cotton
• Color: black-and-red

CERBERUS figure-8 lifting straps are almost the same as the SSF product. They have similar hard material that work well for professional lifters.

Also, these guys really care about safety. The overlap and stitching are really high-quality. If you want to get maximum confidence and security in your deadlifts, have a look at this option.

However, the price is not that affordable, and it actually puts CERBERUS that low. The features are not so unique to pay such a sum, since you can find something more pleasant for your wallet among other options on my list.

• Size: Small/Medium/Large
• Material: Neoprene
• Color: black-and-yellow

• Size: Small/Medium
• Material: Cotton
• Color: black-and-white

You can often spot brutal lifters fastening their wrists with figure-8 straps to the bar and then working with unbelievable weights. Why do they need those pieces of material?

Figure-8 lifting straps are a great way to boost your grip strength and reliability. Of course, our forearms are weaker than leg or back muscles, so they can’t really handle those huge weights. Still, if you fasten your wrists to the bar with any kind of lifting straps, you will feel much more confidence and courage to hit new records.

Having a bar slipping out of your palms while lifting your 1RM can be painful both psychologically and physically. If you are fond of heavy deadlifts or other pulling exercises, always mind safety precautions.

Figure-8 lifting straps give you a more secure grip since they have no loose ends and literally lock your wrists to the bar. Even if you let the bar out, these straps will still hold it fastened to your hands. Always remember this.

If you have recently had any wrist or forearm injuries but are eager to go back to deadlifts, try using figure-8 straps. They took the tension away from your hands so there is little chance that you will feel pain or discomfort. 

In this case, don’t choose tough professional figure-8 straps. Have a look at medium or light options, a neoprene padding might comfort your weak spots even more.

If you often feel stiffness in your forearms instead of target muscles, figure-8 lifting straps might help you out. They allow to concentrate fully on the exercise and shift the tension to desirable areas more specifically. They come in handy while doing almost any pulling or holding exercises with the bar or dumbbells, such as deadlifts, pull-downs, farmer’s walks, etc.

You might think to yourself that all lifting straps are the same and that there is no difference in which ones you use as long as you’re using them. That is not entirely true, though.

Unlike regular straps, figure-8 lifting straps are particularly useful for enhancing grip strength due to their unique design. They loop twice around the wrist and the barbell, which makes for a more secure link between your hand and the weight that you’re trying to lift. 

Therefore, because of this enhanced grip security, figure 8 straps are amazing to be used in weightlifting and powerlifting (or any exercise where you’re trying to lift heavier weights). Because of the extra security factor, figure 8 straps might also be appealing to beginners — and while that is true, regular straps will be good enough.

Here are a few exercises where you'd benefit from opting to choose a figure 8 strap above others:

Deadlifts can be very taxing on your grip because you usually lift heavier than what you'd lift in different exercises. By letting the figure eight straps do their part in helping you secure a solid grip, you, the lifter, can focus solely on your lifting.

By focusing on the lifting technique instead of having part of your focus consumed by maintaining grip, you can better target your trapezoids and upper back muscles during heavy-weight shrugs.

Both barbell rows and single-arm dumbbell rows can benefit from figure-8 lifting straps. In these exercises, it is common for your grip to give out before your muscles do (especially if you’re lifting heavy). So having straps to secure your grip can maximize your gains.

Similar to deadlifts, in a rack pull, the lifter is required to lift heavy weights from a partial deadlift position. The weight-lifting straps allow you to lift heavy weights without the worry of the bar slipping from your hands.

In the farmer’s walk, the athlete is required to carry heavy weight over a distance. You can imagine that having a secure and stable grip can be beneficial in such an exercise.

Doing pull-ups or chin-ups might not be the most common exercise for using straps – it is still common enough. Some athletes will use lifting straps to help fatigue the muscles entirely before their grip gives out.

There are many figure-8 straps on the market today. They all have different benefits and are more suitable for various goals. Read about the main points to keep in mind while searching for the best option for you.

Generally, there are 3 basic sizes: S, M, and L. They usually correspond to the wrist size: 10”, 12”, and 14”. 

If you are a girl, consider the smallest size available. If you are a lucky owner of huge wrists and palms, search for a bigger one. Some brands even offer an extra large option.

Also, analyze the equipment that you use. If you are a strongman athlete and work with thick bars, don’t fail to choose the right size.

Figure-8 straps are usually made of cotton that is quite comfortable on the skin. However, some brands also add neoprene padding.

In this case, lifting straps become softer and more beneficial for beginners or intermediate athletes. Still, you are not likely to meet a professional athlete deadlifting with padded figure-8 lifting straps.

I would say that there are strong, medium, and light figure-8 straps. If you are an advanced athlete who often lifts extreme weights, stick to the first type. They will be more resistant, safe, and durable. If you are an intermediate or novice athlete, consider something in the middle or start with a light option.

In case, you just need additional support and security due to an injury, also choose medium or light straps, especially with neoprene padding.

Figure-8 straps are rather easy to use, compared with normal straps. To fasten your wrist to the bar, just put your hand in one loop and wrap the other one underneath the bar. 

Then, put your hand in the second loop over the bar either. Grab the bar inside the straps, don’t cover them with your fingers. You can do that for two hands in turns or at the same time. Now, you are ready to hit the weight.

Figure-8 straps are more suitable for professional athletes, especially powerlifters and strongmen. If you are a passionate lover of heavy deadlifts, this accessory will also be beneficial for you.

Such straps give more grip security than normal straps since they have no loose ends. While using them, you have literally no chance of a slipping bar. They work similarly to a lock.

Secondly, figure-8 straps allow you to feel the bar better. You fasten it to your wrists but there is no layer of material between your palms and the bar. It also means more grip mobility – you can move your hand over the bar easily to regulate the grip width or whatever.

At last, figure-8 straps are quicker and easier to use. All you need to do is wrap them around the bar and put your hands in two loops. In this case, you don’t have to sweat over the bar learning how to wrap them properly as you do with normal straps.

If you want your lifting straps to last you the maximum amount of time possible, then it is a good idea to take care of them. Of course, I’m talking about maintenance and cleaning. Here are seven tips that will help you maintain them easier:

If you want your lifting straps to last you the maximum amount of time possible, then it is a good idea to take care of them. Of course, I’m talking about maintenance and cleaning. Here are seven tips that will help you maintain them easier:

Even though you’ll easily find yourself in a situation where it’s desirable to twist or stretch the straps, which is to be expected, avoid any unnecessary stretching of the straps. So when you’re not using the straps, ensure to release the tension. Any overstretching may lead to weakening of the material, tears, and other damage.

Beyond just hygiene and cleaning, there’s also maintenance. The best thing you can do with the straps you use often is to inspect them thoroughly. Ideally, before each use, but more often is also a good idea. You’re looking for tears, fraying, or any type of weak spots that weren’t there before. This is to ensure safety during lifts. You don’t want the straps suddenly breaking/tearing in the middle of a heavy lift and potentially causing damage. Hence, if you see any damage, it might be best to replace them.

While the straps are not being used, it is best to store them properly in a cool and dry place. After use, the lifting straps will surely be damp from sweat, so avoid leaving the straps in your gym bag, as gym bags are often made from materials that prevent them from being breathable. Having damp straps in such conditions can cause the straps to become a breeding ground for dangerous bacteria and mold. If you notice your straps omitting a nasty odor, to keep things safe, have them washed.

Most good-quality weightlifting straps are made from cotton. To avoid them getting agitated and damaged, it is best to completely avoid machine washing. Instead, use lukewarm, or warm water and a mild detergent. And rinse them thoroughly once finished. This will help them keep their integral structure, retain their stitching and prevent it from becoming a bacteria-infested harbor.

Try avoiding very high or very low pH-value chemicals, as they can weaken the fibers and lead to straps deteriorating. Using mild soaps is your best bet.

Having the straps continuously soaked for a prolonged time can weaken the fibers as well. This is why it’s best to keep the straps soaked in fluids just enough so that you can clean them from sweat, dirt, or stains that you’re trying to remove. As a general guideline, leaving them soaked for 15-30 minutes should do the trick without compromising the straps.

The heat in a dryer can severely impact the straps negatively. Instead, you should lay them flat, or hang them to air dry. This can take anywhere from a few hours to a full day – depending on the material, humidity in the area, wind, and the air temperature. Be cautious, however, as leaving them in direct sunlight can cause the artificial dyes in the straps to get damaged and fade.

You can use figure-8 straps for pull-ups to handle more reps and focus more on your back muscles. They are quick and easy to fasten to the bar.

Figure-8 lifting straps are especially good for heavy deadlifts. They give you a safe and firm grip to lift the maximum weight.

Yes, figure-8 straps can be too big. Always pay attention to your wrist girth in order to choose the proper size.

Always choose the proper size to fit your wrist tightly. If you still need a more firm grip, try twisting one part of the strap to make a loop smaller. It should be the first loop that you put your hand into.

All in all, Warm Body Cold Mind turned out to offer the best figure-8 lifting straps on market. They are really high-quality work to take your grip to another level. On top of that, the package is really impressive.

Gymreapers became the runner-up and the best option for professionals who seek maximum comfort and strong grip quality.

Have you ever tried lifting with figure-8 straps? I’m waiting for your impression in the comment section!

Also read:

• How to Use Wrist Wraps
• Wrist Wraps vs Wrist Straps
• How to Use Lifting Straps
• Leather vs Nylon vs Cotton Lifting Straps
• What Do Wrist Wraps Do
• Lifting Hooks vs Straps
• Lifting Grips vs Straps
• Wrist Wraps vs Wrist Straps
• Figure 8 Straps Vs Normal Straps
• Straps For Pull Ups
• Best Lifting Straps

References:

1. Daniel Bubnis, "8 Benefits of Deadlifts You Probably Never Knew About" Healthline,
   https://www.healthline.com/health/fitness/deadlift-benefits (13, 2023)
2. Katherine Malone, "Weights & Forearm Pain" Livestrong,
   https://www.livestrong.com/article/365275-weights-forearm-pain/ (Jun 5, 2019)
3. Gretchen Reynolds, "What grip strength can tell you about how well you’re aging" WashingtonPost, https://www.washingtonpost.com/wellness/2023/01/18/grip-strength-muscles-aging/ (January 18, 2023)
4. Ricardo Berton, "The effects of lifting straps in maximum strength, number of repetitions and muscle activation during lat pull-down" ResearchGate, https://www.researchgate.net/publication/333796074 (June 2019)
5. Ivan Jukic, "Ergogenic effects of lifting straps on movement velocity, grip strength, perceived exertion and grip security during the deadlift exercise" NCBI, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33306977/ (2021 Feb 1)
6. Photos made by Torokhtiy Media Team