Wrist Straps vs Wrist Wraps | Grip vs Wrist Support Guide

Wrist Straps vs Wrist Wraps: Grip Assistance vs Wrist Support

 

Although the names sound similar, lifting straps and wrist wraps are designed for completely different purposes.

Lifting straps are used during pulling exercises to help maintain your hold on the bar, while wrist wraps are worn around the wrists during pressing exercises.

Understanding the difference makes it much easier to choose the right equipment for your training.

 

What Are Lifting Straps?

Lifting straps wrap around your wrist and the barbell or handle.

They are commonly used for:

• Deadlifts

• Romanian deadlifts

• Barbell rows

• Dumbbell rows

• Pull-ups

• Lat pulldowns

• Shrugs

• Strongman pulling events

Their purpose is to assist your grip during pulling movements.

 

What Are Wrist Wraps?

Wrist wraps wrap only around the wrist.

They are commonly worn during:

• Bench press

• Overhead press

• Push press

• Log press

• Front squats

• Heavy pressing exercises

Their purpose is to provide wrist support during pressing movements.

They do not attach to the bar or improve grip.

 

Wrist Straps vs Wrist Wraps

Feature	Lifting Straps	Wrist Wraps
Main purpose	Grip assistance	Wrist support
Wrap around the bar	Yes	No
Common lifts	Deadlifts, rows, shrugs	Bench press, overhead press
Used for pulling	Yes	Sometimes, but not for grip
Used for pressing	Rarely	Yes

Although some people refer to lifting straps as "wrist straps", they are different products.

 

 

When Should You Choose Lifting Straps?

Lifting straps are generally the better choice if your training includes:

• Heavy deadlifts

• Romanian deadlifts

• Rows

• Pull-ups

• Lat pulldowns

• Shrugs

• High-volume back training

• Strongman pulling events

They are designed to help maintain your hold on the bar during pulling exercises.

 

When Should You Choose Wrist Wraps?

Wrist wraps are commonly used for:

• Bench press

• Incline bench press

• Overhead press

• Push press

• Log press

• Heavy dumbbell pressing

• Front squats

They are intended to support the wrist during these movements.

 

Do You Need Both?

Many strength athletes own both products because they serve different purposes.

For example, a training session might include:

• Wrist wraps for bench press.

• Lifting straps for rows or Romanian deadlifts.

Having both allows each product to be used for the exercises it was designed for.

 

Harris Lifting Strap Options

The Harris lifting strap range includes several styles.

Standard Lifting Straps

The 2 Ply Heavy Duty Lifting Straps – 70cm and Lifting Straps Orange are versatile options suitable for:

• Deadlifts

• Romanian deadlifts

• Rows

• Pulldowns

• Shrugs

• General gym training

 

Figure 8 Lifting Straps

The Figure 8 Lifting Straps and 2 Ply Figure 8 Heavy Duty Straps are designed for more specialised pulling, including:

• Strongman deadlifts

• Axle deadlifts

• Heavy barbell pulling

• Deadlift for repetitions

 

 

Harris Wrist Wraps

The True Elite Wrist Wraps are designed for wrist support during pressing exercises.

They are suitable for:

• Bench press

• Overhead press

• Push press

• Other heavy pressing movements

They are not intended to replace lifting straps during pulling exercises.

 

Common Buying Mistakes

Many first-time buyers accidentally purchase the wrong product.

Common mistakes include:

• Buying wrist wraps when grip assistance is needed

• Buying lifting straps for bench press

• Assuming all "wrist straps" perform the same function

• Choosing figure 8 straps for general gym use without understanding their specialised design

Choosing equipment based on the exercises you perform is usually the simplest approach.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Are wrist straps and wrist wraps the same?

No. Lifting straps help with grip during pulling exercises, while wrist wraps provide wrist support during pressing movements.

Which is better for deadlifts?

Lifting straps are designed for deadlifts.

Which is better for bench press?

Wrist wraps are commonly used for bench press.

Can I use wrist wraps instead of lifting straps?

No. Wrist wraps do not attach you to the bar and do not perform the same function as lifting straps.

Do I need both?

Many powerlifters, strongman athletes and general strength trainees own both because they are used for different exercises.

 

Final Thoughts

Lifting straps and wrist wraps solve different training problems.

If grip is limiting your deadlifts, rows or other pulling exercises, lifting straps are generally the appropriate choice.

If you want wrist support during bench press or overhead pressing, wrist wraps are designed for that purpose.

Choosing the correct product depends on the exercises you perform most often, rather than the similarity in their names.