Figure 8 Lifting Straps Vs Normal Straps: Key Differences

When it comes to powerlifting, having the right straps can mean the difference between success and failure. Figure 8 lifting straps vs normal straps each have their advantages and disadvantages. Straps are a critical tool for your training session — In a nutshell, they are your first line of defense to avoid injuries and build muscle. In this article, we’re going to give you the inside scoop on two of the most commonly used straps in the sport, figure 6 straps, and normal straps. What they are, how they work, and why you need them.

Are Figure 8 wrist straps better? 

Figure 8 wrist straps are a type of training accessory – either made from nylon, leather, or canvas – that have a loop on one end to place around the wrist and two loops on the other end to place around the barbell. This type of strap is usually used by weightlifters and powerlifters — particularly for pulling exercises that target key muscle groups and the back. They are incredibly helpful when it comes to heavy lifts, squat deadlifts, and bench presses with an out-of-this-world maximum weight

The Figure 8 strap is an effective way to increase stability while lifting weights. This is because it reduces the likelihood of injury by providing support for your wrists, which is especially important for those who are new to weightlifting or have existing injuries.

The figure 8 lifting strap is designed to be worn with the loops in front of the body. The straps go over the shoulders and around the waist, with a loop at each end. The loops are then held by both hands. When doing a lift, for example, you wrap the loops of one strap around your fingers and hold it while wrapping the other loop around your other hand and holding it with your thumb. The figure 8 lifting strap is used to lift weights when you are unable to use both hands or have limited mobility in one arm.

It’s important to note that straps – either Figure 8 or Normal straps – are often confused with wrist wraps. Initiates have a bad habit of bundling them up in the same sack. The truth is that at their core they are two utterly different training tools, each with its design, each with its usefulness, and each with its magic. Wrist wraps go around the wrists, but don’t have extra straps that allow you to wrap around the bar or the dumbbell. They are normally made out of neoprene to provide compression to the wrists for exercises that involve pushing, exercises like pec decks, and bench presses. 

Figure 8 wrist straps Vs Normal straps 

The Figure 8s are a new type of strap that is designed to help you avoid the pain and discomfort of having your hand slip out of normal straps. The Figure 8 design is a lot more secure than the traditional straps that are made out of fabric. They provide a really secure grip by fasting your wrist to the bar — so, even if you relax your hold you’ll still be tethered onto the bar via the straps. 

The Figure 8 wrist straps have been on the market for about 10 years and have proven to be more comfortable and reliable than other types of straps. They are designed to stay in place which means they are perfect for people who have smaller wrists or who sweat a lot.

Advantages of Figure 8 straps

Straps in general, regardless of their “figure” give weightlifters the boosts they need to go the extra mile. If you’re a true aficionado of the sport, sooner or later you’ll eventually rely on lifting straps to really tackle heavier loads. 

Amongst their benefits we can find: 

• Provide extra wrist support which reduces the chance of injury.
• Reduces grip fatigue.
• Makes strength training both harder as well as easier. Helps bodybuilders and Olympic athletes push their limits.
• Reach muscle fatigue faster and more efficiently. 

The difference between Figure 8 wrist wraps and normal straps

Normal straps, also called Olympic weightlifting straps or close-loop straps, have been on the market since time immemorial. They are a go-to fixture in most gyms — providing some grip support and allowing athletes to ditch the bar in a jiffy. 

Let’s look at some of the differences between normal straps and figure 8 straps. 

Shape

Normal straps come in a teardrop shape. Figure 8s, like the name suggests, are, well, shaped like a figure 8. 

Stability

Figure 8 straps have the advantage of giving athletes maximum gib stability. This is, as opposed to normal straps, they allow you to be attached to the bar via their material. This makes them a great option for training sessions involving heavy deadlifts or shrugs. 

Release

Figure 8s, unlike their cousins, tether you to the bar — they don’t have a quick-reals option. Since you’re cemented to the bar by its design they are normally not suggested for power movements or when weight dumping is needed. 

Use

Normal straps are recommended for Olympic lifts. This is because they don’t involve the lowering part of the lift — the bar is simply ditched once the lifting has been completed. They are of great advantage for this type of lifting, hence one of their names, Olympic Straps. On the other hand, Figure 8s are normally recommended for heavy deadlifts and shrugs. 

Figure 8 lifting straps Vs Normal straps: Which is the best option for you?

The Figure 8 wrist strap is a great option for those who are looking for a more supportive, comfortable, and less restrictive option. The Figure 8 design provides support and stability to the wrists with the addition of two loops that go around the wrist. Normal straps are also an option for those who want to reduce strain on their wrists. The downside is that they are not as supportive or comfortable as the Figure 8 wrist straps. They can also restrict movement in certain ways and can be more difficult to put on than the Figure 8 wrist strap.