Author: Tanya Shaiko (6 years of Oly Lifting & Training experience)
Reviewed by: Oleksiy Torokhtiy (Olympian with 21 years of Oly Lifting experience)
If you feel that your grip keeps your away from your dream weights, a pair of the best weight lifting hooks may turn out to be a real blessing. Whether a bar slips off your hands halfway through the deadlift or your sore forearms take all the load during pull-ups, this tool can take care of all this mess.
I have tested 5 popular workout hooks and now I know the winner! Find out how it was, what I liked, and what turned out to be a disappointment. Let’s get down to business!
In a hurry?
In a hurry?
In a hurry and can’t keep reading? How about you check out the RIMSports Weight Lifting Hooks.
Starting our list of the best lifting hooks is RIMSports Weight Lifting Hooks. They don’t rub and feel pretty soft because of neoprene padding. So if you are a female athlete, have a look at them.
If you feel that your grip keeps your away from your dream weights, a pair of the best weight lifting hooks may turn out to be a real blessing. Whether a bar slips off your hands halfway through the deadlift or your sore forearms take all the load during pull-ups, this tool can take care of all this mess.
I have tested 5 popular workout hooks and now I know the winner! Find out how it was, what I liked, and what turned out to be a disappointment. Let’s get down to business!
Top 5 Best Weight Lifting Hooks Reviewed
In order to choose the winner, I compared all the products by the main qualities: package, design, comfort, reliability, and price-quality ratio. Have a look at the table to find out all the results and then scroll down right to the best part!
1. RIMSports Weight Lifting Hooks – Best Overall
- Material: nylon, neoprene, steel, rubber
- Size: one size
- Color: black
- Closure type: hook & loop
RIMSports becomes the best lifting hooks on my list. For a very reasonable price, they leave no questions in terms of quality and effectiveness.
This option started with a positive impression and didn’t leave this track to the very end. First of all, I liked the package at once. The hooks are sold in a textile bag which you can use to store and carry them around afterward.
Next, I liked the overall look. The hooks look quite standard but fancy – nothing too much. Yet, if you are into bright accessories, you may find this option too boring with only black color available.
The hooks turned out to be very comfortable as well. They are not too wide and fit my wrist well. Also, they don’t rub and feel pretty soft because of neoprene padding. So if you are a female athlete, have a look at them.
As for the stitching quality, I didn’t notice any serious flaws. Obviously, I haven’t tested the hooks for months but they handle heavy weights easily now and, I guess, will behave well in the future, too.
Another benefit is definitely the price. They are the most affordable option on my list but still offer first-class quality. All these make the RIMSport lifting hooks a very reasonable purchase.
Positives:
Comfortable fit
Good stitching
Great value for money
Best package
Fancy look
Could be better:
Only one color available
2. Iron Bull Strength Weight Lifting Steel Hooks – Runner-Up
- Material: nylon, neoprene, steel, rubber
- Size: one size
- Color: black, red
- Closure type: hook & loop
Iron Bull lifting hook straps almost got to the very top. The only issue about them is the price. For me, it’s better to get the same value and save some cash by choosing the winner.
Nevertheless, Iron Bull offers a great product. The first thing that I liked is the design. The hooks look so cool on the wrists – professional and tasteful. Red neoprene and fancy logo make them stand out among other options. I also like how they fit my wrists without being too bulky.
The stitching quality is first-class – everything is built neatly and reliably. Yet, some athletes say that the buckle may show some scratches after a few months. Generally, it doesn’t influence the workability but spoils the overall look a bit.
And the biggest drawback is the price. Yes, the Iron Bull lifting hooks are great in all terms but, for me, they are slightly overpriced.
Positives:
Perfect fit
Great design
Sturdy hook
Quality stitching
Strong velcro
Could be better:
High price
- Material: nylon, neoprene, steel, rubber
- Size: one size
- Color: black, blue, red
- Closure type: hook & loop
DMoose lifting hooks are another popular option on the market. Generally, they work well for amateurs and moderate weights.
First of all, the package is great and they even put some presents inside – a keychain and a catalog. A small but pleasant surprise!
There are three basic color options available. The paint looks bright and catchy so choose one if you want to stand out in the gym.
As for comfort, the hooks will fit large wrists well. For me, they are slightly too wide and bulky, and they offer only one size, just like most other brands.
The stitching quality looks good. Still, some athletes who have been using the hooks for quite a while, complain that extreme weights can make them tear after some time.
All in all, the DMoose lifting hooks work well for moderate loads and might be a great choice for a present.
Positives:
Great package
Reasonable price
Colored hooks available
Good fit for large wrists
Could be better:
May be harsh on the skin
Not reliable enough for extreme weights
- Material: nylon, neoprene, steel, rubber
- Size: one size
- Color: black, blue, green, pink, red
- Closure type: hook & loop
RDX lifting hooks are another great option for amateur athletes on a tight budget. They will be a good choice for moderate weights, especially if your wrists are above average.
The first impression was not the best because of the plain package. It doesn’t influence the effectiveness of the product but it really falls behind other options on my list. Yet, you are most likely to forget about this flaw once you unwrap the hooks and throw out the package.
Then, I noticed a minimalistic look. The hooks are neat and have only a tasteful logo on the strap. Also, you can choose another hook color to reflect your personality even in the gym.
As for the stitching, so far it looks okay. I don’t recommend using them if you are all into heavy lifting, though. Some athletes complain that the hooks don’t handle extreme weights well.
All in all, the RDX hooks are great for intermediate lifters with huge wrists and a passion for bright gear.
Positives:
Affordable price
Different colors available
Good stitching
Good for large wrists
Could be better:
Plain package
May be harsh on the skin
- Material: nylon, neoprene, steel, rubber
- Size: men/women
- Color: brown/blue/black/grey/red/lime/yellow
- Closure type: hook & loop
Grip Power Pads finish the last on my list. Nevertheless, they have a couple of valuable features for some athletes.
First of all, the package is just the middle ground. The overall quality is great but, for me, they need to renew the design to make it a perfect option for a present.
Then, I noticed the first significant drawback of the hooks – a strong chemical smell that takes you aback at once. The reason is that the Grip Power Pads include too many rubber details. It is an aesthetic issue as well. Of course, there are athletes who like elaborate designs but it is too much for me. Minimalists are likely to skip this option.
Nevertheless, the Grip Power Pads have 2 significant benefits. The first one is the women size. The brand really cares about the tiniest wrists and wants to give them an equally comfortable fit.
The other benefit is a reversed option. Such an innovation stands out among other products pretty well. The point is that it gives a firmer grip on the bar. Yet, the hook may dig into your palm and turn out to be annoying. Choose it only if you need the most secure grip and can handle some discomfort for the sake of it.
All in all, the Grip Power Pads weight lifting gloves with hooks are an average option in terms of quality but offer some interesting benefits instead.
Positives:
Reversed option for the firmest grip
Women size available
Several colors available
Could be better:
Stitching flaws
Strong chemical smell
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How Have I Chosen the Best Weight Lifting Hooks?
Now, I will tell you about all the evaluated qualities step by step.
1. Package
RIMSports and DMoose caught my eye at once. RIMSports is packed in a textile bag that you can continue using. I love to store and carry gear around this way! Also, DMoose has a couple of gifts – a keychain and a catalog.
RDX gets the lowest score for a plain plastic wrap, and Grip Power Pads may get to the top if they improve the overall design.
2. Design
All options are pretty similar to each other. Yet, Iron Bull is my favorite in terms of design – red neoprene really makes it stand out. DMoose and RDX have a standard, yet, fancy design. And Grip Power Pads, for me, is too much in terms of details.
3. Smell
Lifting hooks often have some chemical smell. If you are sensitive to odors, RDX and RIMSports are the best options. But keep your nose away from Grip Power Pads!
4. Comfort
All lifting hooks are fairly comfortable on the wrist due to neoprene padding. Still, my tiny wrist especially liked Iron Bull and RIMSports since they are narrower and fit better.
5. Reliability
The stitching quality determines the reliability and durability of a lifting hook. Generally, all products were equal in these terms, except Grip Power Pads. They have some sticking threads and look as if they were used before.
6. Price-Quality
RIMSports offers the best value for money – their lifting hooks are well-built, comfortable, and fancy. Iron Bull is also in the lead with first-class quality and look, however, I don’t see much sense to overpay.
3 Benefits of Using Weight Lifting Hooks
Weight lifting wrist hooks can often be a game-changing tool in your workouts. Here are the main benefits that they bring.
✅ Grip Strength and Security
First, of all, wrist hooks for weightlifting are meant to strengthen your grip. That is exactly what their name says – they literally hook a barbell and don’t let it slip off your palms.
For example, athletes start using this tool once they feel that their legs and back are ready to deadlift a bigger weight but their forearms and palms can’t cope with that.
✅ Wrist Support
Apart from keeping a bar firmly in the hands, lifting hooks also cover and fix your wrists, keeping the joints safe. Depending on how tight you fasten a strap, they provide different compression.
First, it protects you from injuries. Second, it gives a sense of security and relief in case any discomfort bugs your wrists. If you had some joint issues but want to get back to strength exercises to the fullest, lifting hooks might become a sight for sore eyes.
✅ Muscle Isolation
The biggest benefit for those who are pushing themselves to build an impressive body is muscle isolation. Lifting hooks take all the load away from your wrists, allowing you to fully concentrate on the exercise and direct all the forces to your target muscles.
Tips From the Champ
Olympic Weightlifting Champion
What to Look for in Weight Lifting Hooks?
If you want to choose the most workable lifting hooks, pay attention to several important features.
1. Size
Most brands offer one size that fits all: the biggest men and the tiniest women. Still, it doesn’t always work in practice. If you have some unusual wrist size, check out brands that have a few sizes available to choose the best fit.
2. Stitching
In order to choose a safe and durable product, always pay attention to the stitching quality. Ideally, lifting hooks shouldn’t have any sticking threads or other flaws so that they don’t fall apart after a few heavy sessions.
3. Width
Similarly to sizing, the width determines how well hooks fit your wrist. Choose a narrower option if your hands are tiny but go for a wide one if you have hulk-like palms.
How to Use Weight Lifting Hooks?
Put the strap into the buckle of the lifting hook. Place your hand inside so that the hook itself looks up and rests in your palm. Tighten up the strap to reach a desirable compression and fasten it to the velcro. Put the bar in the hook and grab everything with your palm. Now, start the exercise!
Lifting Hooks vs Straps
Both lifting hooks and straps have the same purpose – dealing with grip issues. However, they are different in terms of construction and workability for different exercises.
First of all, weight lifting hook grips are more suitable for amateurs who are fond of heavy deadlifts or want to isolate their target muscles. They are easier and quicker to put on whereas lifting straps need some time and practice.
Second, lifting hooks exclude your wrists completely. If you want just a bit of grip help, you better use straps instead. And don’t overlook your forearm training anyway!
Third, straps are more versatile. You can use hooks only for deadlifts, pull-ups, pull-downs, lunges, etc. whereas straps work even for more dynamic exercises, such as snatches and cleans.
FAQ
Can you use weight lifting hooks for pull-ups?
Yes, lifting hooks work great for pull-ups.
Are lifting hooks better than straps?
Lifting hooks exclude your forearms, thus, give more grip strength and security but they don’t work for dynamic exercises, such as snatches, cleans, or Olympic pulls. Thus, the choice depends on your sport and needs.
Conclusion
All in all, go for the RIMSports if you need a pair of reliable lifting hooks for a reasonable price. Also, have a look at Iron Bull if you like fancy first-class gear and are ready to spend some extra cash for it. And don’t forget to check out all other options – there is something interesting for everyone.
Share your experience with weight lifting hooks below! And if you need a hand, don’t hesitate to reach out for me there, too!
Also read:
References:
- Lifting Straps vs Lifting Hooks: Differences, Pros, Cons // PowerliftingTechnique.com: https://powerliftingtechnique.com/lifting-straps-vs-lifting-hooks/
- All Photos made by Torokhtiy Media Team.
Why Trust Us?
- Author
- Reviewer
Girl Power, Blog Contributor
Experience: 6 years
Best Results: Snatch - 61 kg,
C&J - 78 kg
I'm Tanya, and I love lifting weights. 6 years ago, I picked up Olympic weightlifting and fitness. Weightlifting is a unique sport because it's just you against the bar. There are no teammates to help you out; it's all on you.
I'm also passionate about helping other women achieve their fitness goals. That's why I started my blog and write some products reviews. I want to show other women that they can do anything they set their mind to!
If you have any questions/suggestions/any other inquiry, you can reach out to us via email - reviews@torokhtiy.com
Experience: 21 years
Best Results: Snatch – 200 kg,
C&J - 240 kg
My name is Oleksiy Torokhtiy. I am a professional athlete with 20 years of experience in Olympic weightlifting. I have won multiple European, and World titles and have taken part in two Olympic Games (Beijing 2008, London 2012).
After finishing my career, I have committed myself to coach, and as of 2022, I’ve hosted 200+ weightlifting seminars all over the globe. I’m the founder of an international sportswear and accessories brand, Warm Body Cold Mind (my motto), author, and creator of a series of training programs and eBooks.
If you have any questions/suggestions/any other inquiry, you can reach out to us via email - reviews@torokhtiy.com
This article was written by our qualified author and proofread by an expert with proven experience. When writing the article we've used our expertise and data from authoritative, scientific, and evidence-based sources. The list of references is provided at the end of the article.
Our team of authors and experts includes professional athletes (Olympians, winners of European and World titles), PhDs in Sports Science, certified coaches, sports nutritionists, CSCSs, physiotherapists, and others. Read more about the team here, and more about how we test here.