Figure 8 Straps vs Standard Lifting Straps: Which Is Best for Deadlifts?
Figure 8 Straps vs Standard Lifting Straps: Which Should You Choose?
Choosing the Right Lifting Straps for Your Training
Lifting straps are one of the simplest ways to improve grip during heavy pulling exercises, but not every strap is designed for the same purpose.
Two of the most popular options are Figure 8 Straps and standard lifting straps. While both reduce grip fatigue and allow you to focus on your back, hamstrings and posterior chain, they feel very different under heavy loads.
The best choice depends on how you train, what exercises you perform most often and how much security you want between your hands and the bar.
At Harris Stability Systems, we offer both Figure 8 Straps and traditional lifting straps, allowing strength athletes to choose the right tool for their training style.
What Are Figure 8 Straps?
Figure 8 straps loop around both your wrist and the barbell, creating an extremely secure connection.
Because the strap locks your hands to the bar, they require very little adjustment once fitted and provide outstanding grip security.
Figure 8 straps are commonly used by:
• Powerlifters.
• Strongman athletes.
• Heavy deadlifters.
• Grip-limited lifters.
• Athletes performing maximal pulls.
Their main advantage is simple—once you're connected to the bar, it's extremely difficult for your grip to fail before your muscles do.
What Are Standard Lifting Straps?
Standard lifting straps wrap around the bar manually, allowing you to control how tightly they're secured.
This makes them more versatile across a wider range of exercises.
Standard straps are commonly used for:
• Deadlifts.
• Barbell rows.
• Dumbbell rows.
• Romanian deadlifts.
• Shrugs.
• Lat pulldowns.
• Machine rowing exercises.
Because they're quick to remove between sets, many lifters use them as their everyday training strap.
Figure 8 Straps vs Standard Lifting Straps
Both styles improve grip, but they excel in different situations.
|
Maximum grip security |
Greater versatility |
|
Extremely fast setup |
Adjustable tightness |
|
Best for heavy deadlifts |
Suitable for many pulling exercises |
|
Popular with strongman |
Popular across all strength sports |
|
Designed for maximal pulling |
Ideal for everyday training |
Neither option is objectively better—the right choice depends on your training goals.
Which Strap Is Best for Deadlifts?
If your primary focus is lifting the heaviest weight possible, Figure 8 Straps are difficult to beat.
Their locked-in design provides outstanding security during maximal deadlifts, making them a favourite among strongman competitors and heavy pull specialists.
If you perform a variety of pulling exercises throughout the week, standard lifting straps offer greater flexibility and can be used across almost every back training session.
Which Athletes Should Choose Figure 8 Straps?
Figure 8 straps are ideal for:
• Heavy deadlift specialists.
• Strongman competitors.
• Grip-limited lifters.
• Max effort training.
• Heavy rack pulls.
If your training revolves around moving the biggest weights possible, Figure 8 straps are an excellent addition to your gym bag.
Which Athletes Should Choose Standard Lifting Straps?
Standard lifting straps are better suited to athletes who want one strap for multiple exercises.
They're an excellent choice for:
• Powerlifters.
• Bodybuilders.
• Strength athletes.
• General gym training.
• Pulling accessory work.
Their versatility makes them the most popular lifting strap for everyday use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Figure 8 Straps stronger than regular lifting straps?
Both are extremely durable. Figure 8 straps simply provide a more secure connection because of their looped design.
Can Figure 8 Straps be used for rows?
They can, but most lifters prefer standard straps for rowing exercises because they're quicker to remove and adjust between sets.
Do lifting straps weaken grip strength?
No. Most athletes continue to perform some grip training without straps while using straps only during heavier working sets.
Which straps are best for beginners?
Standard lifting straps are generally recommended because they're more versatile and suitable for a wider variety of exercises.
Are Figure 8 Straps allowed in powerlifting competitions?
No. Lifting straps are not permitted during competition deadlifts in powerlifting, but they're commonly used during training.
Why Choose Harris Lifting Straps?
Harris Stability Systems manufactures lifting straps designed for serious strength athletes.
Whether you choose Figure 8 Straps for maximum deadlift security or standard lifting straps for versatile everyday training, you'll benefit from durable construction and equipment built to withstand years of heavy lifting.
Final Thoughts
The best lifting strap isn't necessarily the one with the strongest grip—it's the one that suits the way you train.
If your priority is maximum security during heavy deadlifts, Figure 8 Straps are hard to beat.
If you want one pair of straps that can handle rows, deadlifts, shrugs and accessory work throughout the week, standard lifting straps remain the most versatile choice.
Choosing the right strap means you'll spend less time thinking about your grip and more time focusing on building strength.
