The Complete Guide to Lifting Straps (Australia)

The Complete Guide to Lifting Straps (Australia)

 

How to Choose the Best Lifting Straps for Deadlifts, Rows & Strength Training

As your lifts get heavier, your grip is often the first thing to fail.

Whether you're deadlifting, performing heavy rows, shrugs or strongman events, your back and legs may still have plenty left—but your hands simply can't hold on.

That's where lifting straps come in.

Lifting straps are one of the most effective training accessories available, allowing you to focus on the muscles you're trying to train instead of worrying about grip fatigue.

At Harris Stability Systems, we've developed a range of lifting straps for everyone from beginner gym members to elite Australian powerlifters and strongman athletes. This guide explains how lifting straps work, when to use them and which Harris straps are best for your training.

What Are Lifting Straps?

Lifting straps are strong fabric loops that wrap around your wrists and the barbell, creating a secure connection between your hands and the bar.

By reducing the demand on your grip, lifting straps allow you to continue training heavy pulling movements even after your grip begins to fatigue.

 

Lifting straps are commonly used during:

• Deadlifts

• Romanian Deadlifts

• Barbell Rows

• Dumbbell Rows

• Shrugs

• Rack Pulls

• Strongman Events

• Heavy Pulling Exercises

They allow your grip to stop being the limiting factor so your larger muscle groups can continue working.

 

Why Use Lifting Straps?

Grip strength is important—but sometimes it shouldn't be the limiting factor.

If your back, glutes or hamstrings are capable of lifting more weight than your hands can hold, straps allow you to continue training those muscles effectively.

Many athletes use lifting straps to:

• Perform additional repetitions.

• Train with heavier weights.

• Reduce grip fatigue during high-volume sessions.

• Focus on back development.

• Improve deadlift training volume.

Many experienced powerlifters still train their grip separately while using straps strategically during assistance work.

 

When Should You Use Lifting Straps?

Lifting straps are most useful during heavy pulling exercises.

They're commonly used for:

• Heavy deadlifts

• Back training

• Shrugs

• Rack pulls

• High-volume pulling sessions

• Strongman training

Most coaches recommend performing at least some of your pulling work without straps to continue developing grip strength.

 

Are Lifting Straps Cheating?

This is one of the most common questions we hear.

The answer is no.

Lifting straps don't make your muscles stronger—they simply reduce grip fatigue.

If your goal is to build your back, hamstrings or traps, straps allow those muscles to continue working after your grip has reached its limit.

Like any training tool, they're most effective when used appropriately within a structured program.

 

Which Harris Lifting Strap Is Right For You?

Different straps suit different styles of training.

 

Figure 8 Lifting Straps

Figure 8 Lifting Straps are one of the most secure strap designs available.

Once fitted correctly, they lock the bar firmly into your hands, making them extremely popular among powerlifters and strongman competitors.

Best for:

• Heavy Deadlifts

• Strongman

• Maximum Grip Security

• Heavy Rack Pulls

 

2 Ply Figure 8 Heavy Duty Straps

For athletes chasing maximum durability and support, the 2 Ply Figure 8 Heavy Duty Straps provide additional strength for the heaviest training sessions.

Their reinforced construction makes them ideal for experienced strength athletes regularly lifting maximal loads.

Best for:

• Advanced Powerlifting

• Strongman

• Maximum Load Training

 

2 Ply Heavy Duty Lifting Straps – 70cm

The 2 Ply Heavy Duty Lifting Straps – 70cm provide a traditional strap design with additional durability.

The longer length allows greater flexibility when wrapping the bar while maintaining excellent grip security.

Best for:

• Deadlifts

• Rows

• Bodybuilding

• General Strength Training

 

 

Harris Lifting Straps

The classic Harris Lifting Straps are an excellent all-round option suitable for most lifters.

Available in multiple colours, they're ideal for athletes looking for a reliable everyday lifting strap.

Best for:

• Beginners

• General Gym Training

• Bodybuilding

• Strength Training

 

Figure 8 vs Traditional Lifting Straps

Both styles improve grip, but they serve slightly different purposes.

 

Choose Figure 8 Lifting Straps if you:

• Deadlift heavy regularly.

• Compete in Strongman.

• Want maximum grip security.

• Prefer fast setup.

 

Choose Traditional Lifting Straps if you:

• Perform a variety of pulling exercises.

• Want greater versatility.

• Train bodybuilding movements.

• Prefer adjustable wrapping.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Do lifting straps help deadlifts?

Yes. Lifting straps reduce grip fatigue, allowing you to continue training your posterior chain even after your hands begin to tire.

Should beginners use lifting straps?

Yes—but not for every set. Developing natural grip strength remains important, so many beginners use straps only during heavier working sets.

Can you use lifting straps for rows?

Absolutely. Many bodybuilders and strength athletes use straps during rows to focus more on back development and less on grip fatigue.

Are Figure 8 straps better?

Figure 8 straps generally provide greater security during heavy deadlifts and strongman events. Traditional straps offer greater versatility across a wider range of exercises.

Can I compete with lifting straps?

Most powerlifting federations do not allow lifting straps during competition lifts. However, they're widely used during training to increase workload and improve strength. Always check your federation's equipment rules before competing.

How long do lifting straps last?

Quality lifting straps can provide years of reliable use when cared for correctly. Inspect them regularly and replace them if signs of excessive wear appear.

 

Caring for Your Lifting Straps

To maximise the life of your lifting straps:

• Hand wash when required.

• Air dry completely.

• Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight.

• Inspect stitching regularly.

• Replace if excessive wear or damage is visible.

 

Final Thoughts

Lifting straps are one of the simplest ways to improve your pulling workouts without allowing grip fatigue to limit your progress.

Whether you're building a bigger deadlift, improving your back training or preparing for strongman competition, the right pair of straps allows you to focus on the muscles that matter most.

From Figure 8 Lifting Straps through to 2 Ply Heavy Duty Straps, Harris Stability Systems offers lifting straps trusted by Australian strength athletes at every level.