Lifting Straps vs Wrist Wraps: What’s the Difference?
If you’ve been in the gym long enough, you’ve probably heard people throw around “straps” and “wraps” like they’re the same thing. Spoiler: they’re not. In fact, lifting straps and wrist wraps serve two completely different purposes.
If you want to train smarter, protect your wrists, and lift heavier, you need to know the difference. Let’s break it down.
What Are Lifting Straps?
Lifting straps are long pieces of durable material (usually cotton or nylon) that loop around your wrist and the barbell. Their job is simple: improve your grip so your hands don’t give out before your muscles do.
Our Battle Bunker Weightlifting Straps are:
-
18 inches long — quick to wrap, no excess bulk
-
1.5 inches wide — durable and secure
-
Built with heavy-duty cotton and reinforced stitching
-
Padded with 3mm neoprene for wrist comfort
-
Designed with a non-slip texture so you never lose the bar
👉 Best for heavy pulling exercises: deadlifts, rows, shrugs, rack pulls.
What Are Wrist Wraps?
Wrist wraps are thick, supportive bands that wrap tightly around your wrist joint. Unlike lifting straps, they don’t attach to the bar — their main purpose is stability and joint support during pressing movements.
Our Battle Wraps (Wrist Wraps) are:
-
18 inches long x 3 inches wide
-
Made with 70% polyester / 30% elastic for a snug, adjustable fit
-
Built for pressing strength — bench, overhead press, push presses
-
Reinforced stitching for durability under max loads
👉 Best for pushing lifts: bench press, overhead press, push jerks, dips.
Lifting Straps vs Wrist Wraps: Side-by-Side
| Feature | Lifting Straps | Wrist Wraps |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Improves grip strength | Stabilizes wrist joint |
| Best For | Pulling lifts (deadlifts, rows) | Pushing lifts (bench, overhead press) |
| Design | Strap loops around bar & wrist | Wraps tightly around wrist only |
| Prevents | Grip failure | Wrist hyperextension |
| Material | Cotton, reinforced stitching | Elastic blend, reinforced stitching |
Common Mistakes
-
❌ Using wrist wraps for deadlifts → Won’t help your grip.
-
❌ Using lifting straps on bench press → Wrong tool, no wrist support.
-
❌ Thinking they’re interchangeable → They’re built for different purposes.
Do You Need Both?
If you’re serious about strength training, the answer is yes.
-
Use lifting straps when grip limits your pulling lifts.
-
Use wrist wraps when you want wrist stability under heavy pressing.
👉 Together, they cover nearly every heavy lift in the gym.
FAQs
Q: Are lifting straps and wrist wraps the same?
A: No — straps help you grip the bar, wraps protect your wrist joint.
Q: Do beginners need both?
A: Not immediately. Start with lifting straps for pulls. Add wrist wraps as you get stronger on pressing lifts.
Q: Which should I buy first?
A: If grip holds you back → lifting straps. If wrist pain or instability limits pressing → wrist wraps.
Final Word
Don’t confuse lifting straps with wrist wraps — they’re two different tools for two different problems. Straps keep you locked to the bar, wraps keep your wrists safe and stable.
👉 Grab your pair of Battle Bunker Weightlifting Straps for pulling power, and don’t forget the Battle Wraps for pressing strength. Train smarter, lift heavier, and protect your body with the right gear.
