When I set out to test some of the best lifting straps on the market, I thought this would be a fairly straight-forward procedure. After all, they’re just straps, right? Usually lengths of padded material, with one end designed to be wrapped around your wrist, the other around the handle of a barbell, dumbbell or machine. The idea behind them is that they’ll allow you to lift heavier weights because you won’t be limited by a potential lack of grip strength. While the idea with the JerkFit Death Grips is the same, the design and application is a little different.

JerkFit Death Grips design and build quality

This is a different type of strap because of the way it’s applied. JerkFit Death Grips could almost be considered more of a lifting glove than a strap. You secure the wrist wrap as you would a glove, and the strap itself provides extra protection for the palm. It wraps around the object you intend to hold just once.

There are other grips on the market that use this method, but these grips in particular are simple to use and feel strong enough to last for years’ worth of workouts to come. The tongue is short, and it won’t wrap around as many times as your traditional lifting strap would, but this is by design. 

These are also different because of the material. They are made of PVC with neoprene padding. You’ll know you’re holding something, but there won’t be any discomfort from the pressure of the weight or resistance. These would be one of the best lifting straps for lifters who use machines in training or want to maintain a solid hold of cable attachments. Of course, they can work for barbells too, or even heavy dumbbells. I found that the skull on the strap really caught my eye and helped get me in the zone. 

The largest size is designed for those with wrists over 8in (20.3cm) in diameter, but an extra-large option would have be nice for the bigger lifters out there. There’s a lack of support for the thumb, but that’s a minor inconvenience because you’ll still have a solid hold of whatever you’re using. 

How it compares

When comparing the JerkFit Death Grips to our two top-rated lifting straps – the DMoose and No Conformity straps – there are some notable differences. Firstly our two top grips come in just one size – 24in / 61cm for the DMoose and 20in / 50.8cm for the NoCo. The Death Grips give you small, medium and large options.

However, there’s a lack of color options, with just the black PVC and neoprene gloves available. (I have to say the eye-catching skull design more than makes up for that though.) However, the DMoose has nine different designs, so might appeal more to those who like to rock a more individual look in the gym.

Of course, price will play a big part in your decision making. While the Death Grips are just a little more than the NoCo straps, they are almost four times the price of my favorite, the DMoose straps. That being said, they are a more robust design which I’ve no doubt will last longer.

User experience

In terms of user experience, though, both types work flawlessly. In fact the Death Grips are probably quicker to apply than traditional straps. That thick wad of neoprene padding is one of the comfiest I’ve tested too, and offers one of the most secure-feeling holds.

Overall they feel really well suited to resistance machines and this is probably where I’d use them most. But I found them a no-nonsense strap that just got the job done with barbells and dumbbells too.

How we test the best lifting straps

Our tester Roger Lockridge is an experienced product reviewer of all manner of fitness kit. He tested these lifting straps over at least a month at various weights and through a range of exercises at high rep ranges. Roger assessed each pair in terms of grip, comfort and durability. He then provided an overall score, taking availability, value and ranges of colours, sizes and other options into account.

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The post JerkFit Death Grips review: my go-to grip for machine work appeared first on Men's Fitness.

The best lifting straps can be a highly effective accessory for strength training. Lifting straps are wrapped around the wrist, with the other end wrapped around a barbell, handle of a dumbbell or a machine handle. They allow you to train larger muscle groups with heavier weights because you won’t be limited by a potential lack of grip strength. They won’t take up much space in your gym bag, either.

If you want to work on your grip strength and train muscles effectively, use your natural grip for warm-up sets. Save the straps for the heaviest weight that you feel may require straps for support. Straps should only be used when your grip is hampering your ability to progress in a certain lift – usually barbell exercises like deadlifts, Romanian deadlifts and bent-over rows.

A good lifting strap will be comfortable, durable and simple to use. The six straps on this list meet all those criteria. If you try any of these straps for yourself, you can be confident they’ll serve your training needs for a long time to come.

 These are the best lifting straps

The DMoose lifting straps emerged as our top choice, thanks to their plush padding and solid breathability. We also found their extra length to be particularly useful in the battle for more grip.

1. DMoose Lifting Straps

At 24in / 61cm, DMoose makes some of the longest straps around. They have a plush 4mm of padding too, for when you need that extra comfort on big lifts. Made from breathable cotton, they won’t get slick when you sweat, either. For those that like to make a statement, these straps come in nine color variations – including our favorite, the stars and stripes.

• Read our full DMoose Lifting Straps review

2. No Conformity Lifting Straps

With extra nylon reinforcements around the stress points, you can be sure these straps from No Conformity – or NoCo – won’t give out on you. Reinforced edges mean they won’t fray any time soon either. If comfort is your priority, they have you covered there too, with suede wrist padding that feels soft against the skin.

• Read our full No Conformity Lifting Straps review

3. Schiek 1000 LLS Leather Lifting Straps

Schiek’s 1000 LLS are one of just a few lifting straps made of real leather. It’s a touch of luxury that translates into dependable strength and comfort in the gym. It doesn’t make these straps particularly pricey, ether, but it does make them easy to clean. Dependable customer service means you’re guaranteed a replacement should a strap eventually break.

• Read our full Schiek 1000 LLS Leather Lifting Straps review

4. Gymreapers Lifting Straps

Gymreaper’s padded lifting straps feel much more premium than their low price suggests. Neoprene padding means they can be used for any handle, regardless of knurling. There are nine different color schemes available, and although they are shorter than most, they can still be secured to any handle with ease. A lifetime guarantee is an added bonus.

• Read our full Gymreapers Lifting Straps review

5. JerkFit Death Grips

The JerkFit Death Grips are more of a lifting glove than a lifting strap, but they do the job just as well. They’re made from PVC with neoprene padding, giving you decent grip and comfort in equal measure. They come in three sizes, too, so are suitable for lifters with wrists as large as 8in / 20cm.

• Read our full JerkFit Death Grips review

6. Rogue Ohio Straps

These straps are a redesign of Rogue Fitness’s Ohio straps and are an improvement on a classic. Made from 100% cotton, the straps are breathable enough to avoid getting slippery during sweaty sessions. Their webbed design is comfortable enough to negate the need for padding too. There’s also a nylon version if you prefer.

• Read our full Rogue Ohio Lifting Straps review

What are lifting straps made of?

Lifting straps are usually made of cotton, nylon or leather, and they’re applied on pulling movements such as the deadlift, bent-over rows, pull-ups and even shrugs.

Some lifters also used them for biceps curls – though we’d recommend saving them for your heaviest lifts. Most lifting straps are 12in-18in / 30.5cm-45.7cm long, and some have padding on the wrist portion for extra comfort.

Follow instructions on how to wash or care for the straps so they last you as long as possible. Many straps require hand washing, so you can clean them gently without damaging them.

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• How to use lifting straps
• Resistance bands vs weights
• Best dumbbell exercises

The post We enhanced our strength training routines with the best lifting straps appeared first on Men's Fitness.