13 Best Wrist Wraps for Powerlifting: Top Picks in 2024 | PowerliftingTechnique.com (2024)

Throughout my lifting career, there has been no better piece of powerlifting equipment for keeping my wrists healthy and strong than wrist wraps.

This is especially the case when performing heavy movements like bench presses, overhead presses, and squats.

If you have difficulty keeping your wrist neutral or experience wrist discomfort, wrist wraps should be your next equipment purchase.

In this article, I'll present the best wrist wraps for powerlifting. I’ll also explain the features of each and why they are suitable picks.

In a hurry? You can out my favorite wrist wraps: the Inzer True Grippers. These wraps are the best in terms of performance and durability, which is rare because the majority of commercial wrist wraps are made pretty cheap. The Inzer True Grippers also last the longest, so you won’t have to replace them after 6 months (a common experience for powerlifters who use their wrist wraps often).

Why Should You Trust Us and How Do We Test and Review Products?

Our team comprises experienced powerlifting coaches who have competed themselves and worked with athletes at the highest levels. We also enjoy lifting for personal goals and enjoyment.

We have tested and reviewed a range of the best wrist wraps for powerlifting to determine the most suitable ones for you. Our extensive testing and years of combined experience enable our team to provide accurate and in-depth reviews you can trust.

We have tested the following heavy-duty wrist wraps to check their quality and durability. We have also looked closely at the finer details, such as identifying those with a thumb loop, reinforced stitching, and any additional feature we think is worth mentioning.

The 13 Best Wrist Wraps for Powerlifting

In each of the following reviews, I’ll evaluate every piece of the wrist wrap.

How much support does each pair give? Does the Velcro fray after a while? And most importantly, can you use them in powerlifting competitions if you’re a competitive lifter? Let’s find out the answers!

The best wrist wraps for powerlifting are:

1. Inzer Gripper Wrist Wraps – Best Overall

Rating: 4.5/5

Pros

• Excellent gripping through the exposed rubber
• Durable velcro
• Superior durability

Cons

• A bit expensive

Inzer produces some of the best powerlifting gear on the market.

While Inzer produces several different models of wrist wraps, the Inzer True Grippers Wrist Wraps redefine the whole mechanics of how wrist wraps are made.

On the insides, Inzer placed two bands of exposed rubber. When you tie the Gripper wraps around your wrist, the rubber will decrease the chances of fabric slippage under heavy weights. And since the rubber runs through the whole length of the wraps, the gripping effect will multiply with each turn you add.

To match this exceptional strength, Inzer used durable velcro that rarely frays. I’ve owned these wraps for 5 years now and have benched over 600 lbs in them, and they’re as good as new. They should last several years of continuous powerlifting before any significant changes appear.

To be frank, you can’t expect wrist wraps to last forever. But these wrist wraps have lasted me the longest, and I wear them during every workout.

Inzer produces three lengths of these wraps: 12”, 20”, and 36”. For most people, 20” would be just right. Since the elastic fibers of the Gripper are stiffer than on other wrist wraps, the 36-inch wraps might feel excessively tight. Read more about the differences between 20” and 36” wrist wraps here.

The only downside is the price. They’re not that expensive, but they’re pricier than average. Then again, this is understandable when you consider their unmatched performance and durability.

2. Warm Body Cold Mind Wrist Wraps – Best Budget Wrist Wraps

Rating: 4/5

Pros

• Good combination of flexibility and rigidity
• Comfortable fabric
• Reasonable price

Cons

• Only available in 12in or 18in
• Fabric frays easily if the velcro gets caught on it
• Not IPF-approved

The Warm Body Cold Mind Wrist Wraps aren’t IPF/USAPL- or USAPF-approved, which is one of the only reasons why they’re not my top choice for wrist wraps. But they were created by Oleksiy Torokhtiy, a world-champion weightlifter who competed in the 2008 and 2012 Olympics. He knows what it takes to create a product that’s meant for serious training.

The wraps are available in 12” or 18”, so advanced powerlifters likely wouldn’t get adequate support from them. Either option is sufficient for non-competitive powerlifters, though I’d only recommend the 12” wraps for lifters with tiny wrists. I have both sizes, but I prefer the 18” ones for the extra support they provide.

These wrist wraps offer an ideal blend of stiffness and flexibility. This allows you to get the fit you want while still allowing your wrists to stay stable during heavy lifts. The thumb loop is sturdy and easy to slip off once the wraps are secured.

The wrist wraps are also comfortable — or at least as comfortable as wrist wraps can be. The material doesn’t bother my skin, which is important to me. Even though you’re supposed to take your wrist wraps off after each set, knowing that my skin won’t feel irritated when I do have them on makes it easier for me to concentrate on my lifts.

I did notice the tiniest bit of slipping for my heavy bench press sets, but it wasn’t so bad that it totally distracted me from completing the set.

The only other drawback of these wrist wraps is that the material frays easily if the velcro accidentally gets caught on it. This makes me question their durability. However, they are reasonably priced and should fit most lifters’ budgets. If these wrist wraps become unusable after several months, you won’t have to break the bank to replace them.

3. Gymreapers Wrist Wraps – Best for Light Support

Rating: 4.5/5

Pros

• Quality nylon material
• Large colour selection
• Affordable

Cons

• Less support than 24″ or 36″ wrist wrap
• Not approved for IPF level competition

***Check whether wrist wraps are cheaper on Amazon or direct from Gymreapers. If there are no price differences, I recommend ordering direct from Gymreapers to get better customer service.

The Gymreapers 18″ wrist wraps are the best value wrap for recreational lifters. They're built from high-quality nylon and elastic materials that provide a great stretch and comfortable feel. They also feature a thick, robust loop on each wrap to help them stay secured around your thumb throughout every set.

These wraps are true to size, where the actual wrap material is 18″ long. Since this measurement doesn't include the velcro portion, you can use the full 18″ length to get a solid level of tightness. The 18″ length is geared more towards recreational lifters because it will provide reasonable support without taking forever to wrap your wrists.

As an added perk, these Gymreapers wraps are available in multiple colors. You'll rarely ever confuse your wraps for someone else's at the gym.

That said, these are not the straps for you if you're a competitive powerlifter. They aren't IPF-approved, so you won't be able to use them in a powerlifting meet.

Additionally, the shorter length naturally results in less wrist support for lifting weights. As such, these are not the best wrist straps for benching. Those benching over 400 lbs should consider a longer, more resilient wrist wrap. In fact, I'd recommend that competitive powerlifters opt for 24″ or 36″ wrist wraps to maximize their wrist stability during the bench press.

That said, the Gymreapers wrist wraps offer fantastic value for recreational lifters looking to buy an affordable set of wraps while benching less than 400 pounds.

4. Stoic Wrist Wraps Weightlifting – Best for Lifting Light Weights

Rating: 3.5/5

Pros

• Affordable
• They provide good support
• Durable thumb loops

Cons

• Questionable velcro pads that might not last for more than a year
• The 36-inch wraps can feel too stiff for most people

If you’re a professional powerlifter, getting the best gear on the market should guarantee better numbers. On the other hand, recreational lifters may not necessarily need the best wrist straps and can suffice with more affordable products. If this applies to you, consider getting these wraps from Stoic.

These wraps provide surprisingly good support. Opting for the 24” wraps should secure your wrists well enough for heavy loads. I only wish they were stretchier. With their current stiffness, you have to pull really hard to achieve the tightest wrap. That said, most people might find the 36” wraps unnecessarily tight.

Durability-wise, Stoic tends to disappoint its users. The velcro of these wraps started fraying to a large extent in less than a year. They eventually snapped off while I was lifting, which could’ve caused injuries if I didn’t react promptly. But since they’re primarily intended for occasional lifting, they can last longer. However, once they start deteriorating, dispose of them immediately!

To be fair, I’ve encountered many users who had no problems on that matter. It appears that Stoic has been working on improving these wraps lately.

It’s important to note that you might receive wraps saying “EVOLUTIONIZE” instead of “STOIC”. Don’t worry, these aren’t knock-offs. Both are subsidiaries owned by Lift Unlimited.

5. Inzer W40 True Black Wrist Wraps – Most Supportive Wrist Wraps

Pros

• Gives the highest legal stiffness
• Wide and long velcro for better adjustability
• Attractive all-black construction

Cons

• The thumb loops could’ve been a bit wider.

Lifters’ preferences for wrist wrap tightness vary considerably. Personally, I like the wraps to have some wiggle room so I can engage my wrists. Some lifters want their wraps to cast their wrists without allowing for any movement. If this is what you’re after, you should try the W40 wraps from Inzer.

Inzer fabricates these wraps with the densest yarn they have. They also incorporate the highest number of rubber strands that can fit the respective width. Simply put, you can’t find any stiffer wraps that are legal for competitions.

Surely, that dense construction requires well-made velcro that won’t snap off under maximum tightness. Thankfully, this is how the W40 was built. Inzer increased the width and length of the velcro straps to provide the ultimate adjustability.

If you want to ramp up the support, even more, go for the 36” wraps. You’ll appreciate the extra level of tightness you can add with every turn you make.

Unlike most other stiff wraps, the W40 maintains a satisfactory level of comfort. The superficial fabric that covers the elastic fibers feels soft over the skin. The thick edges prevent the wraps from pinching too much on your blood vessels.

The only thing I would change about these wraps is the size of the thumb loops. They could be wider to allow for easier tightening. But this can’t be considered a major flaw, to be fair.

6. Titan Signature Series Gold Wrist Wraps – Best for Extra Length

Rating: 4/5

Pros

• Exceptional strength
• Comfortable outer fabric
• Attractive design

Cons

• Not suitable for beginners
• The outer fabric might fray after a year of regular use

As you’ll see later on, the International Powerlifting Federation (IPF) doesn’t allow wraps longer than 39”. Since the velcro straps are measured within that length, 36-inch wraps are the longest “legal” option you can find on the market.

Technically speaking, nearly all brands offer that length. But the Signature wraps from Titan are my go-to option. These wraps were initially released back in the ’90s. After receiving tons of positive feedback, Titan released them again after tweaking some minor issues.

According to Titan, these wraps are by far their most powerful wristwear. They even provide more support than Titan THP, one of their best-selling wraps. Better yet, the smooth outer fabric of the Signature wraps doesn’t chafe your hands under the maximum tightness. That way, you can wear them on for longer, more intense workouts.

I can’t say how much I love the color scheme of these wraps. Titan kept the same design that was released in the ‘90s. The yellow, red, and black stripes add a touch of unique authenticity.

However, the outer fabric is flimsy. After around a year of regular use, you might start seeing some frayings here and there, especially around the velcro pads. Luckily, this never extends to the actual elastic construction.

These wraps aren’t made for beginners. Generally speaking, I don’t recommend 36” wraps unless you’re trying to lift 400+ lbs and have wide wrists and arms.

7. Warm Body Cold Mind Premium Powerlifting Wrist Wraps – Best Cotton Wraps

Rating: 3.5/5

Pros

• Superior comfort
• Excellent durability
• Can be used for workouts other than powerlifting

Cons

• Not approved for competitions
• There’s no sizing variety
• The securing strap isn’t that efficient

If you’re still exploring the world of powerlifting, competition-approved wraps might not be the best weight-lifting wrist wraps for you. Their exceptional performance comes at the expense of comfort. Alternatively, you can try 100% cotton wraps like these from Warm Body Cold Mind.

Cotton doesn’t provide the stretchiness that wrist wraps should have. That’s why these wraps don’t depend on velcro straps for support.

Instead, there’s a flexible strap at the end of each wrap. After you wrap the main cotton fabric, you wrap this elastic band over it to achieve the required tightness. Afterward, this strap can be fixed in place by tucking it into another strap stitched to the main part of the wrap.

This system is a lot more time-consuming than velcro. It’s also harder to control, with higher chances of accidental unlocking while you’re lifting. Then again, these issues can be overlooked if comfort is crucial for you.

Because these wraps are intended for beginners, they come in only one size that’s supposed to fit all needs. With a length of 26” and a width of 3”, they can feel too long for some people, especially those with skinny arms.

These wraps aren’t approved for IPF competitions. You’ll need to upgrade to a professional option once you acquire enough skills to compete. They’re better as a wrist brace for lifting lighter weights or for those with no interest in competing.

8. Rogue Fitness Wrist Wraps – Most Versatile Wrist Wraps

Rating: 3.5/5

Pros

• Versatile
• Well-balanced construction
• Excellent moisture wicking

Cons

• Not approved for competitions
• Questionable, inconsistent durability

If you’re looking for wraps that can be used for things other than powerlifting, consider these ones from Rogue. The best thing about them is their balanced construction. Rogue made them with 40% elastic fibers, 50% cotton, and 10% polyester.

The medium percentage of elastic fibers is excellent for providing support without blocking your circulation. This enables you to use these wraps for consecutive exercises, as in a CrossFit workout. Those workouts will likely leave you sweating like hell, and that’s where the Rogue wraps come in handy.

The whopping 50% cotton absorbs most of the moisture before it finds its way to your palms. Then, the 10% polyester wicks this moisture to the surface so it can dry quickly. Better yet, these wraps have a smooth texture that doesn’t annoyingly rub over your skin.

While a lot of equipment made by Rogue is approved for competition, the Rogue Fitness Wrist Wraps are not. The IPF is pretty rigorous about the brands it allows. It’s worth noting that Rogue already has approved belts and knee wraps or sleeves. I guess it’s just a matter of time before these wraps get added to the list of approved gear.

Some customers were disappointed after these wraps started fraying after a couple of months. Some even said that the thumb loops snapped off completely before the first year.

However, other users praised the durability. They said the wraps stayed as good as new after 2 years of regular use.

These wraps come in three sizes: 12″, 18″, and 24″. The 12” wraps should guarantee the most versatile potential as they won’t cast your hand like the longer versions.

9. Schiek Sports Model 1100-WS Wrist Supports – Best Wrist Bands

Rating: 3.5/5

Pros

• Superior stability
• Can be easily adjusted
• Attractive designs

Cons

• Not approved for competitions
• Questionable durability

Recently, some brands have been developing an alternative wrist support design to make the process easier and more efficient. And when we talk about state-of-the-art innovations, Schiek surely comes on top of the list.

In their 1100-WS model, they implemented a design that resembles velcro weightlifting belts. Instead of the continuous elastic fabric, this model features a neoprene padding that secures with a secondary strap sitting atop.

With a thickness of 0.25” and a width of 2.5”, the neoprene padding gives good support under medium weights. The securing strap locks on itself after passing through a sturdy metal buckle. You can easily achieve maximum tightness by pulling the free strap end through that buckle.

Aesthetically, Schiek designs couldn’t be any more stylish. The internal neoprene band is always colored black. But the outer strap comes in different attractive colors like red, blue, pink, and yellow.

Such designs are forbidden in most, if not all, powerlifting competitions. Still, they can be convenient for your personal training.

Durability isn’t Schiek’s strong suit. These wrist bands might break down after 3-4 months.

If you're interested in Schiek wrist wraps, I wrote a separate review where I tested 2 different models of the Schiek Wrist Wraps (click to check full review).

10. Rip Toned Wrist Wraps – Best for Powerlifters Who Compete in the USPA

Rating: 4.5/5

Pros

• Available in several colors and designs
• High-quality stitching for extra durability
• Lifetime guarantee

Cons

• Expensive shipping charges for those outside the US when bought directly from Rip Toned

The Rip Toned Wrist Straps are suitable for powerlifting, weightlifting, CrossFit, and MMA. They are known for their high level of durability. They’re also approved for the USPA, making them a must-have for powerlifters who compete in that federation.

This product is made using heavy-duty materials and has thumb loops to keep the wrist wraps in place as you put them on. The material helps ensure maximum wrist protection during heavy lifts. There is also a lifetime guarantee on the Rip Toned wrist wraps.

If you order a set of wrist wraps from Rip Toned and live outside the US, expect to pay at least $20 shipping fees with a 2-3 week delivery time.

11. Bear Grips Wrist Wraps – Best for Extra Wrist Protection

Rating: 4.5/5

Pros

• Available in standard and extra strength
• Built-in elastic protectors for the wrists
• Available in 12 and 18”

Cons

• May not be ideal for those with larger hands

The Bear Grips Wrist Wraps are available in standard or extra strong options. They have built-in elastic protectors that keep your wrist joints in place during heavy lifts without compromising your form. This helps prevent injuries and alleviate pain during recovery from injuries.

With quad stitching and thumb loops, these wrist wraps are designed for multiple forms of exercise, including powerlifting, weightlifting, CrossFit, and home-based resistance training workouts.

Because the straps are only available in a length of up to 18”, they may not be suitable for those with larger hands who require wraps with a length of 21”+.

12. Villian Wrist Wraps by TuffWrap – Best for Extra Wrist Protection

Rating: 4.3/5

Pros

• Innovative NO THUMB LOOP design eliminates wrestling with thumb loops
• Unique “Belt Loop Tightening System” provides reliable support
• Moisture-wicking cotton/poly elastic blend ensures a dry workout

Cons

• Requires correct wrapping technique for optimal support.
• May need frequent washing due to sweat absorption.

***Use the code POWERLIFTING to get 10% off!

The Villain Sidekick Wrist Wraps have introduced a novel “Belt Loop” system, an innovation that has, in many respects, rendered traditional thumb loops more obsolete. This design enhancement streamlines the wrapping process and ensures a snug fit, which is crucial for effective wrist support.

As a personal trainer, the Villain Sidekick Wraps stand out, particularly in their capacity to manage moisture — a feature that underscores comfort during prolonged workout sessions. Furthermore, these wraps offer a distinct advantage by eliminating the common issue of wrist irritation.

However, like any professional-grade equipment, there is a learning curve. Ensuring correct wrapping is vital to harness the product's full benefits. And while they handle sweat well, a periodic wash is advisable to maintain their integrity.

13. Iron Bull Classic Wrist Wraps – Great Value

Pros

• Comfortable
• Adjustable
• Durable
• Affordable

Cons

• Premium models will better suit advanced lifters

The Iron Bull Strength Classic Wrist Wraps are a good quality pair of wrist wraps that are designed to provide support and stability during weightlifting. They are made from a cotton/elastic blend that is both comfortable and supportive. The wraps also feature a thumb loop that helps to keep them in place.

I've been using them for a few months now and am happy with them. I especially like the heavy-grade velcro, which gives a great fit. They're a good quality pair of wrist wraps that are both comfortable and supportive.

I've been able to lift more weight on my bench press and overhead press without feeling any pain in my wrists. The wraps are also very adjustable so that you can customize the fit to your individual needs.

Overall, they're a great option for anyone who is looking for a way to lift heavier weights without putting too much stress on their wrists.

Benefits of Wearing Wrist Wraps

Wrist wraps are famous for a reason. Whether you’re powerlifting or practicing another lifting sport, most wrist wraps provide several benefits.

They’re Essential for Joint Stability

Wrist wraps are primarily intended to provide wrist support and prevent working your wrists beyond their limits. They have a thumb loop or hook-and-loop closure that keeps your wrist stable during heavy lifting.

If you pick wraps with enough stiffness, they’ll keep your wrists straight, leading to better weight distribution. In other words, wrist wraps are your first line of defense against injuries.

They Can Speed Up Recovery

If you’ve recently suffered a muscle-based wrist injury, wearing lifting straps with a strong thumb loop and reinforced stitching might help you return to lifting faster. They’ll keep your joint in a neutral position, taking stress off your sprained muscles.

However, I strongly advise against using high-quality lifting wrist wraps, such as Rip Toned Wrist Wraps or Bear Grips Wrist Wraps, over injured wrists without consulting your doctor. In some cases, they might aggravate the problem rather than help in recovery.

They Delay Fatigue

As you might already know, muscle fatigue occurs in a tiered manner. Smaller muscles will exhaust well before larger muscles.

Your goal is to delay the weariness of your small muscles so that you can push the larger ones to their true limits. That’s what lifting wrist wraps do. They allow you to stack up those extra reps you weren’t able to reach before.

They Induce a Gripping Reflex

Fingers splay through the contraction of your forearm muscles. When wrist wraps compress these muscles, they force them into a relaxed position. In other words, wrist wraps curl your fingers into the gripping position. As you lift, lifting straps with a thumb loop will make you feel more secure through this effect.

They Ramp Up Your Muscle Stiffness

Research has proven that proprioception activates more neurons, which in turn causes the muscles to stiffen up.

When you use tight wrist wraps, you literally fire up every proprioceptor in your wrist. If you’re lucky, this can lead to enhanced contraction throughout the whole arm.

Looking for workout gloves? Check out my reviews of the best gloves with wrist support.

What Makes Wrist Wraps Approved for Competition?

Powerlifting gear needs to satisfy certain technical rules to be allowed in professional competitions. Although these rules might vary between organizations, they rarely steer away from the International Powerlifting Federation (IPF) regulations. Here are the rules as stated in their technical rule book.

IPF Technical Rules for Wrist Wraps

• Wrist wraps should be made from a 1-ply elastic fabric.
• They could be covered with cotton, polyester, or both.
• Wrist wraps can’t be longer than 1 m (39”) or wider than 8 cm (3”).
• Velcro and thumb loops will be measured within these dimensions.
• When wrapped, they shouldn’t cover more than 12 cm (4.75”) of your wrists.
• When your arm is relaxed downward, the wraps shouldn’t extend beyond 10 cm above and 2 cm below the center of the wrist joint.
• You can wear 12-cm-wide medical bandages and sweatbands as alternatives.
• You can’t combine wrist wraps and sweatbands together.
• You can use thumb loops to facilitate tightening the belt. But you have to tuck them under the wraps before lifting.
• Muslim female lifters must shorten their undershirt sleeves so that they don’t come in contact with the wrist wraps.

The Brands Approved by the IPF

Logically, if a certain pair of wrist wraps satisfies the previous rules, you can legally use it on the lifting platform. However, things aren’t that straightforward.

IPF has a list of approved brands that it updates every now and then. The gear you’ll use have to be clearly stated in their most recent list. Otherwise, you’ll be at risk of getting disqualified.

Unlike the technical rules, federations vary considerably in their approved brands. The USPA, for instance, has a much wider list of allowed gear. But to keep this article simple, I’ll only refer to the IPF list since it organizes most of the large competitions.

If you're interested in clothing, check out my list of the top 20 powerlifting clothing brands.

SBD

• SBD Wrist Wraps

A7

• A7 Flex Wrist Wraps
• A7 Stiff Wrist Wraps

Lift.net (Stoic)

• Stoic Wrist Wraps

Titan

• Titan Signature Gold Wrist Wraps
• Titan Titanium Wrist Wraps
• Titan Wrist Wraps THP
• Titan Wrist Wraps MAX RPM

Inzer

• Inzer W40 True Black Wrist Wraps
• Inzer W50 Gripper Wrist Wraps
• Inzer W70 Black Beauty Wrist Wraps
• Inzer Iron Wrist Wraps Z
• Inzer Atomic Wrist Wraps

Iron Tanks

• Ironclad Wrist Wraps

Metal

• Metal Mystical Camo Wrist Wraps
• Metal Black Wrist Wraps (Stiff)
• Metal Silver Wrist Wraps (x2 Stiff)
• Metal Camo Hard Wrist Wraps (x2.5 Stiff)
• Metal Orange Wrist Wraps (x3 Stiff)
• Metal Black and Red Wrist Wraps (x4 Stiff)
• Metal Triple Black Line Wrist Wraps

ONI (Bukiya)

• ONI Wrist Wraps
• GLFIT Wrist Wraps

Strength Shop

• Strength Shop Zeus Stiff Wrist Wraps
• Strength Shop Thor Super Stiff Wrist Wraps

Super Training

• Sling Shot Wrist Wraps
• Gangsta Wrist Wraps
• STrong Wrist Wraps
• STretchy Wrist Wraps
• Power Wrist Wraps
• Gangsta Wrist Wraps

What to Look for in the Best Wrist Wraps for Powerlifting?

Choosing the best wrist wraps is fairly simple. Still, there are some factors you should consider to make sure you’re buying the best wrist straps for lifting, such as if you require a large thumb loop or prefer reinforced stitching.

Material

Wristbands for working out are made of two materials: elastic fibers and padding fabric. Brands compete by increasing and decreasing their percentages to fit different needs. For example, heavy-duty wrist wraps may have slightly different materials than most other wrist wraps and feature reinforced stitching to provide extra wrist support.

You should always opt for lifting straps made of high-quality materials. They should have high durability if you want the best bang for your buck. Unfortunately, there’s no way to tell which is durable and which isn’t except through customer reviews.

In this matter, there’s nothing better than Inzer Gripper Wrist Wraps. I’ve been using them for 5 years and counting without any noticeable changes. They have wide elastic thumb loops and are made out of patented Gripper material, unlike most other wrist wraps.

Stiffness

Some wraps are naturally stiffer than others. This is directly related to the number of elastic fibers they incorporate.

Generally, the stiffer the wraps, the more weight you can lift. Stiff wraps will also be more uncomfortable and strangulating. That’s why I don’t recommend them for beginners.

Length

When it comes to the length of the best wrist wraps for lifting heavy weights, you need to consider whether you have larger or smaller wrists and the length of your arms.

You can find wraps with a length between 12” and 36”. The longer the wraps, the more turns you’ll have to make to secure it. Longer wraps would always be stiffer than their shorter counterparts.

As a rule of thumb, long wraps should be reserved for people who have extra-wide arms and wrists. Furthermore, they shouldn’t be used except to provide wrist support for extra-heavy reps.

Check out my article comparing the 20-inch vs 36-inch wrist wrap.

Thumb Loops

Thumb loops are a must in supportive wrist bands. The thumb loops make tightening the wraps much easier. Pick a pair of heavy-duty wrist straps with sturdy, wide loops for maximum wrist support.

Closure Type

Wraps approved for competitions tighten through velcro straps to provide maximum support and prevent wrist injury. Some brands, like Warm Body Cold Mind, depend on secondary elastic bands stitched to the main part of the wrap. I prefer velcro because it’s faster and more convenient to adjust.

How to Use Wrist Wraps Properly

I know what you’re probably thinking. Wrist wraps for lifting are fairly simple. You just tie them in the required tightness, and you’re good to go.

And you’re right! It’s really that simple. But some things can make the process easier and more beneficial. I’ve actually written a full article on this, so make sure to check it out.

Start With Your Wrists Bent Forward

Before you tie your wrist wraps, bend your hand slightly forward. This way, the wraps will create a larger tension behind your wrists.

If done right, you should find it impossible for your wrists to drop backward during the lift. This will decrease the likelihood of injuries and pain.

Don’t Wrap It Too Low or Too High

If you’re planning to compete, stick to the placement mandated by the IPF. It requires the wraps to stop after extending 2 cm into your palm. On the other side, they should cover 10 cm, starting from the center of the wrist joint.

Aside from the technical rules, this position guarantees the best results. Going further from your palms will leave your wrists exposed. Going too close will weaken your grip.

What is the Difference Between a Wrist Wrap and Wrist Strap?

Although very similar, wrist wraps and wrist straps are unique pieces of gym equipment. The main difference between wrist wraps and straps is their function.

Wrist wraps help to stabilize your wrist joints while you’re lifting, whereas wrist straps are used to increase your grip. The former wrap around the wrist to support the joint under heavy loads. The latter loop around the wrist to form a hook around the barbell or dumbbell.

Should You Wear Wrist Wraps While Deadlifting?

Most people don’t. But I think it can improve your deadlifting mechanics to a great extent.

As I said earlier, tight and stiff wrist wraps will provide maximum support by forcing your fingers to curl into the gripping position. To get the most out of them, wrap them while squeezing your hand into a fist. This should help you if you struggle to hold onto the bar.

How Often Should You Wear Wrist Wraps?

I always like to save wraps for times when I need wrist support for lifting heavy weights. They’re also important in lifts where the weight can push your wrists backward, like military presses.

At What Stage of Your Lifting Should You Consider Wrist Wraps?

I’d recommend getting a pair after about a year of strength training. You shouldn’t dwell too much about the right time since wraps are pretty cheap. Get a pair and start gradually incorporating it into your heavy sets.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it Worth Using Wrist Wraps?

Wrist wraps are a great option for extra support during your heavy lifts. They can prevent wrist injuries and may be helpful during the recovery process when you’re getting back into the gym after a wrist injury.

Are Flexible or Stiff Wrist Wraps Better?

Generally, stiff wrist wraps are better for people looking for extra wrist support during lifts that place a weight over the wrists. However, flexible straps offer more freedom and versatility by allowing you to adjust the tightness.

Should I Get 12 or 18 Inch Wrist Wraps?

Most lifters use 18-20 inch wrist wraps. However, if you have smaller wrists, 12” wraps may be best. For those with larger wrists, 20” wrist wraps may be more appropriate.

Should I Wear Wrist Wraps All the Time?

No, you shouldn’t wear your wrist wraps all the time or during your whole workout. You should wear them during heavy lifts where the weights are placed over the wrists, but only if you feel that you need extra support and stabilization.

The Verdict

After my elaborate search, I can easily say that Inzer Gripper wrist wraps are the best wrist wraps for powerlifting. The exposed rubber bands on the internal surface give the ultimate support for extra heavy loads.

If you’re looking for something even stiffer, consider the Inzer W40 True Black Wrist Wraps. These ones incorporate the highest competition-approved amount of rubber strands.

Remember, wrist wraps shouldn’t be used for your whole workouts. Keep them for heavy sets only.

About The Author

Athina is a Biochemistry and Genetics graduate, and a qualified personal trainer with a passion for women’s health and fitness. She is passionate about helping women to learn more about the importance of the menstrual cycle and how to balance their hormones. She is the host and producer of Fertility and Freedom podcast, which covers all things women’s health and hormones.