Let’s cut through the chalk dust: weightlifting straps aren’t for everyone. But if you’re here, you’ve already wondered: “Could these finally be the tool that lets me outlift my grip?” Maybe. Maybe not. Let’s dissect the Gymreapers Figure 8 Lifting Straps like a seasoned powerlifter analyzing a missed lift—no fluff, just iron-clad facts.
The Figure 8 Design: Built for One Job
These aren’t your grandpa’s leather straps. Gymreapers’ design wraps your wrist and barbell in a cotton-and-webbing vise, locking you to the bar like a forklift clutch. “The figure 8 eliminates grip slippage—period,” says Eugene Thong, CSCS. “But if you’re still building foundational grip strength? They’ll become a crutch.”
Key Features:
- 26mm Reinforced Cotton Webbing: Thick enough to handle 800lb deadlifts, thin enough to avoid wrist bulk.
- Neoprene-Padded Loop: No fraying, no bloodflow chokehold. Just secure comfort.
- Sewn Edge Design: Prevents the unraveling that kills cheaper straps after 6 months.
Who These Straps Aren’t For:
- Grip Training Purists: If you’re doing farmer’s walks or rock climbing, put your money elsewhere.
- Olympic Lifters Needing Quick Bailouts: The figure 8’s secure lock means you can’t ditch the bar mid-clean.
- Casual Gym-Goers: These are for lifters chasing 1% gains, not Instagram curls.
Who Should Buy Them:
- Powerlifters stuck at a deadlift plateau.
- Strongman Athletes tackling axle bars or thick grips.
- Bodybuilders prioritizing back growth over grip burnout.
Charles Damiano, B.S. Clinical Nutrition, puts it bluntly: “Your back can handle more than your hands. These let your muscles—not your grip—decide the workout’s end.”
The Science of Secure Lifting
Your grip fails when:
- Sweat turns the bar into a slip ‘n slide.
- Bar Thickness overpowers your hand’s leverage (hello, axle cleans).
- Volume exhausts forearm endurance before your lats.
The figure 8’s 360-degree wrap redistributes force away from your fingers. You’re not “cheating”—you’re engineering efficiency.
Why These Made the Cut
Gymreapers stand out for:
| Feature | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Dual-Layer Webbing | No fraying, even after 6 months of 5x5s. |
| Neoprene Padding | Zero wrist bite during heavy shrugs. |
| Quick-Adjust Loop | 8-second setup. No fumbling mid-workout. |
The Cons You Can’t Ignore
- Not for Dynamic Lifts: Snatches? Stick to traditional loops.
- Overkill for Dumbbells: The figure 8 shines on barbells, not curls.
- Learning Curve: First-time users often wrap too loose/tight.
“Should I Buy These?” A No-BS Checklist
✅ You’re stuck at a deadlift PR
✅ Your grip fails before your legs/back
✅ You train 3x/week+ with heavy compound lifts
If you checked these, stop letting your hands hijack your gains.
Final Rep: The Gymreapers Figure 8 isn’t a magic grip—it’s a tool for lifters ready to prioritize strength over ego. They won’t make you stronger. They’ll let your existing strength finally speak.
“Straps aren’t weak. Using them wrong is.” – Eugene Thong, CSCS
YOUR NEXT STEPS: