Wrist Wraps vs Wrist Straps: Comparison, Pros & Cons

Wrist wraps vs wrist straps is a strange debate within the lifting communities, as both accessories are designed to help with different aspects of your training. In this article, we will discuss when to use wrist wraps and straps, what they do and how both can be useful, depending on your training program.

What Are Wrist Wraps?

Wrist wraps are typically used by weightlifters, Olympic weightlifters, and Strongmen who frequently train with heavy weight.

Their main function is to support and stabilize the wrist joints so that the chance of injuries is reduced. Using wrist wraps for weightlifting can be very helpful as they are an accessory that stabilizes the wrist and forearm and helps the hand remain stable, even when lifting a lot of weight.

When and Why Do You Need Wrist Wraps?

The main function of wrist wraps is to stabilize the wrist and help prevent possible injuries when lifting heavy weights. Knowing this, we can safely conclude that wrist wraps should be worn only on heavy lifting days when you’re performing pressing exercises such as snatch, jerk, overhead or bench press.

A good tip is to use wrist wraps only when you’re going above 80% of your one-rep max or when you’re going through a whole session that requires you to lift close to your maximum constantly.

Pros and Cons of Wrist Wraps for Lifting

Now that you have your answer to the question “what do wrist wraps do?” and what they are, let’s check out the pros and cons of using them in training.

What are Wrist Straps?

Wrist straps are lifting accessories looped around the wrist and then wrapped around the bar with the sole purpose of creating a “hook-like” grip for the lifter. The main idea of weightlifting wrist straps is to lower the grip strength requirements or simply improve the grip strength endurance.

Typically, they are used by athletes who have been training for a long time and can now lift more weight than their grip allows. That’s where wrist straps come in handy, as they allow lifters to continue working on their strength, even when their grip fails them.

When and Why Do You Need Wrist Straps?

Most weightlifters use wrist straps whenever they want to train heavy, typically close to their maximum. Often, in such situations, grip strength can become an issue, as experienced lifters can lift heavier weights than their grip allows them to.

In gyms, you will rarely see someone doing a heavy deadlift without using straps, and there’s a good reason for that – wrist straps eliminate the demand for grip strength and help lock the wrist to the bar. In addition, they eliminate the possibility of grip failure and enable lifters to do more reps. 

When and Why Do You Need Wrist Straps?

You already know what wrist straps are and why you often see people in gyms using them, so now you might be wondering what the pros and cons of including this accessory in your training program are. Let’s see.

Top Rated Lifting Straps and Wrist Wraps

Now you might be wondering which pair you should buy and which ones are the best in the business. That’s why, in the next paragraph, we will present you with two high-quality, top-rated options for both wrist wraps and wrist straps so that you know what to buy if you decide to.

Recommended Lifitng Straps

Warm Body Cold Mind Straps

• Type: lasso
• Size options: One size
• Length: 22”
• Width: 1.6”
• Thickness: 0.24’’
• Material: Cotton, Neoprene
• Padding (yes/no): Yes (soft neoprene)
• Weight capacity: 770 lbs
• Color: Black, red

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When it comes to wrist straps, you want a comfortable, durable pair that can absorb your sweat during those long and strenuous lifting sessions.

Well, we’ve tested out many pairs and have concluded that the ones from Warm Body Cold Mind are the best option when comparing both quality and price. These straps are made from cotton, which makes them quite sturdy and long-lasting.

Recommended Lifitng Wraps

Warm Body Cold Mind Premium Velcro Wrist Wraps

• Length: 12”/18”
• Width: 3”
• Material: Elastic, Cotton
• Closure type: Elastic strap with heavy duty Velcro Fastener and cross stitches
• Thumb loop (yes/no): Yes
• Color: Black/red

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These wrist wraps from Warm Body Cold Mind are one of a kind. Like the straps, we’ve also put these wraps through a test and can confidently say that they’re perfect for those of you who do heavy lifting frequently and want to have more stability and support in the wrist.

These wraps are made from velcro and so are incredibly strong and durable. This pair is a must-have for any athlete and is suitable for both training and competition days. Thanks to the quality materials they’re made of, one pair of these straps is likely to last you years.

FAQ

Can You Use Wrist Straps as Wrist Wraps?

No. These two accessories are made from different materials; they have completely distinct builds and serve their own purpose.

Do Wrist Wraps Help Wrist Pain?

Wrist wraps are not made to provide pain relief and should not be used for that purpose in case of any underlying (or not) injury.

Their whole idea is to give you additional support and stabilization so that you can prevent injuries from happening in the first place. If you’re dealing with wrist pain, you should contact your physician, so that the injury can get diagnosed and treated properly. Think of them as a support not a substitute.

Do Wrist Wraps Help Bench?

Many lifters believe they should wear wrist wraps for deadlift, bench, or overhead press as a way to increase results. However, that assumption is mostly false. Wrist wraps don’t make you stronger. Their purpose is to give additional support to the joint and prevent injuries and in some cases extra support and stability actually allow you to lift heavier weights – the strength tho needs to be there already.

Conclusion

Wrist straps and wrist wraps are two separate weightlifting accessories that serve two completely different purposes.

One (wrist wraps) helps prevent injuries and gives additional stabilization to the wrist joint, while the other (wrist straps) enables you to lift more weight if your grip strength is weaker than your overall strength and weightlifting ability. Straps are mainly used for pulling exercises and wraps should be mainly used on your push day.

With that said, let us ask you: Have you used any of these accessories, and do you believe they’ve helped you during your training sessions?

Also read:

• Best Figure 8 Lifting Straps
• Lifting Hooks vs Straps
• Lifting Grips vs Straps
• Leather vs Nylon vs Cotton Lifting Straps
• Figure 8 Straps Vs Normal Straps
• Straps For Pull Ups
• Put On Deadlift Straps
• Best Deadlift Straps

References:

1. Advice From A Certified Hand Therapist: Exercising With(Out) Wrist Pain // American Society for Surgery of the Hand:
   https://www.assh.org/handcare/blog/advice-from-a-certified-hand-therapist-exercising-without-wrist-pain/
2. Protect Your Wrists From Injury // Health and Safety Unit of UC Santa Cruz
   https://ehs.ucsc.edu/programs/ergo/wrist.html
3. All photos are made by our Torokhtiy Media Team