Elevate your bodybuilding and powerlifting training and competition with great wrist wraps for the best lift support.
You may see people in the gym all the time wearing wrist wraps. You definitely see powerlifters and strongmen wearing them for wrist support during big lifts, especially those heavy compound pressing movements like overhead presses or bench presses. But you may be wondering why, and questioning exactly what these items are for.
Much like a pair of deadlift socks or knee sleeves, wrist wraps are just one of those fitness aids that can really work for your overall benefit when it comes to lifting big and seeing progression. Unlike wrist straps, which help you grip the barbells or dumbbells during your lifts, wraps will support your wrists during your lifts. Looking into a proper pair for your bodybuilding strength and fitness goals should be at the top of your priority list.
As we push ourselves to the max and really do our best to boost all aspects of athletic performance, it is important for us to have proper protection in order to keep ourselves injury free and working hard every single day. A pair of wraps can do just that as we seek nothing but the best for ourselves, our form, and overall physical and mental health as we take our training as high as it can go with these power grips.
We have personally tested and put together a list of the Best Wrist Wraps for 2024 to give you the best chance at lifting big while also staying safe. With the right protection, you won’t sacrifice your bodybuilding gains or valuable time in the gym.
Best Wrist Wraps For 2024
- Best Wrist Wraps Overall: Iron Bull Strength Unleash Wrist Wraps
- Best For Powerlifting: Iron Bull Strength Unleash Wrist Wraps
- Best For Weightlifting: Gymreapers Wrist Wraps
- Best For Beginners: Gymreapers Wrist Wraps
- Best For Durability: SBD Wrist Wraps
- Best For Versatility: SBD Wrist Wraps
Best Wrist Wraps Overall
A great pair of wrist wraps overall will work to give you the best in terms of support and durability. With great material and a design tested for those big lifts, all your gains can happen in a safe and effective way with these bodybuilding power grips.
Iron Bull Strength Unleash Wrist Wraps
These premium wraps feature level 3 compression cotton/elastic material and provide a stiff, solid, and strong feel.
Iron Bull Unleash Wrist Wraps boast level 3 compression, with a mix of cotton and elastic material to provide the utmost comfort. Although they are comfortable, the Iron Bull Wrist Wraps still provide a stiff, solid, and strong feel, so you can really feel the support these wraps provide. They are 24 inches in length, so these wraps provide unparalleled support to the wrist joint to withstand even the most intense workouts. They offer the utmost coverage and adjustability to suit a wide range of wrist sizes, so even if you don’t train your forearms as much as you should, these wraps will not be loose on you. You can adjust and secure them to your desired tightness, ensuring optimal support and safety while training.
Pros
- Comfortable
- Reputable brand
- Durable and designed for powerlifters while also being competition approved
Cons
- 24 inches long can be a bit long
Price: $35.00
Check out our individual review for Iron Bull Strength Unleash Wrist Wraps!
Best For Powerlifting
For those powerlifters who need to focus on only increasing weight, a pair of wraps can greatly benefit you in a number of ways. When it comes to lifting big with those big three powerlifts, having the best support will eliminate vulnerability and allow you to thrive when it comes to those gains and results.
Iron Bull Strength Unleash Wrist Wraps
These premium wraps feature level 3 compression cotton/elastic material and provide a stiff, solid, and strong feel.
Iron Bull Unleash Wrist Wraps make the list again, as they feature that level 3 compression, with a mix of cotton and elastic material to provide the utmost comfort. Iron Bull Wrist Wraps still provide a stiff, solid, and strong feel, so you can really feel the support these wraps provide, which is crucial for powerlifting. They are 24 inches in length, so these wraps provide unparalleled support to the wrist joint to withstand even the most intense powerlifting workouts. They offer the utmost coverage and adjustability to suit a wide range of wrist sizes, so even if you don’t train your forearms as much as you should, these wraps will not be loose on you. You can adjust and secure them to your desired tightness, ensuring optimal support and safety while training.
Pros
- Comfortable
- Reputable brand
- Durable and designed for powerlifters while also being competition approved
Cons
- 24 inches long can be a bit long
Price: $35.00
Check out our individual review for Iron Bull Strength Unleash Wrist Wraps!
Best For Weightlifting
For those involved in weightlifting, which differs from powerlifting, a quality pair of wrist wraps will greatly affect how you perform each exercise with these power grips. With so many exercises and each having their own unique challenge, your weightlifting needs can be covered with a great pair of wraps.
Gymreapers Wrist Wraps
Gymreapers Wrist Wraps offer incredible support for all your big lifts. The heavy-duty thumb loop allows for a secure fit and easy adjusting for all your needs.
Gymreapers Wrist Wraps offer great support for any lifts, especially those Olympic lifts. Made from high-grade nylon, these wraps are tested to perform under the toughest conditions and are guaranteed to be durable to continued longevity. With enhanced stitching, you’ll never worry about durability issues and the heavy duty thumb loop ensures a secure fit and quick removal. Being USPA approved is a huge plus for all your training and competition needs.
Pros
- High-grade nylon material ensures durability for weightlifting
- Enhanced stitching promotes better longevity
- USPA approved is great for training and competition
Cons
- Fit may not be great for some as the material is quite sturdy
Price: $19.99
Best For Beginners
Beginners may be wondering which pair of wrist wraps to buy and with so many on the market, it can be tough to decide. You want a pair that will work for you and be comfortable enough for free movement, yet sturdy enough to protect against injury whether for bodybuilding, powerlifting, or weightlifting.
Gymreapers Wrist Wraps
Gymreapers Wrist Wraps offer incredible support for all your big lifts. The heavy-duty thumb loop allows for a secure fit and easy adjusting for all your needs.
Gymreapers Wrist Wraps make the list again as they offer great support for any lift at a very affordable price, making them the perfect wraps for beginners. Gymreapers is a trusted brand, and they make their wrist wraps from high-grade nylon and they are tested to perform under the toughest conditions and guaranteed to be durable to continued longevity. So even though they may be your first pair of wraps, they will last you a lifetime! With enhanced stitching, you’ll never worry about durability issues and the heavy duty thumb loop ensures a secure fit and quick removal after your lift is complete. Not to mention, Gymreapers wraps are USPA approved, so if you are entering your first powerlifting meet and it is USPA sanctioned, you can use these wraps!
Pros
- High-grade nylon material ensures durability out of these power grips
- Enhanced stitching promotes better longevity
- USPA approved is great for training and competition
Cons
- Fit may not be great for some as the material is quite sturdy
Price: $19.99
Best For Durability
You want your wraps to be durable and that comes down to quality power grips. A poorly made pair will fall apart and cost you time and money that you just don’t need so look into the best material and those reputable brands for the most durable products.
SBD Wrist Wraps
SBD Wrist Wraps are specifically designed for wrist support and pressing movements. The heavy duty thumb loop and industrial fastening ensure longevity and a good fit.
SBD makes the list once again, as they have crafted great wrist wraps for consumers that are perfect for training and competition, but are also more than likely going to last you for years and years. SBD wraps are flexible, designed for easy self wrapping and the stiff wraps are designed for optimal support to maximize work effort.
SBD gives you two options for the wraps, flexible which are designed for self wrapping, and stiff, which are designed for the utmost support. Equipped with a heavy-duty thumb loop and manufactured alongside a main wide elastic that can surely take the repeated abuse from training; these are designed for powerlifters and strongmen with an industrial fastener ensures longevity and security. Approved for USAPL, IPF, and USPA, these wraps are great for all of your needs.
Pros
- Two options allow for a flexible or a more stiff wrist wrap
- Durable and designed for powerlifters while also being competition approved
Cons
- Premium option with price
- Only available directly from their website.
Price: $42.50
Check out our individual review for SBD Wrist Wraps!
Best For Versatility
A versatile pair of wrist wraps will help with all those needs when it comes to a variety of exercises. You want to have many options when using wraps and those that offer versatility will only enhance your gains by not restricting you during those bodybuilding or powerlifting workouts.
SBD Wrist Wraps
SBD Wrist Wraps are specifically designed for wrist support and pressing movements. The heavy duty thumb loop and industrial fastening ensure longevity and a good fit.
SBD makes the list once again, as they have crafted great wrist wraps for consumers that are perfect for training and competition, but are also more than likely going to last you for years and years. SBD wraps are flexible, designed for easy self wrapping and the stiff wraps are designed for optimal support to maximize work effort.
SBD gives you two options for the wraps, flexible which are designed for self wrapping, and stiff, which are designed for the utmost support. Equipped with a heavy-duty thumb loop and manufactured alongside a main wide elastic that can surely take the repeated abuse from training; these are designed for powerlifters and strongmen with an industrial fastener ensures longevity and security. Approved for USAPL, IPF, and USPA, these wraps are great for all of your needs.
Pros
- Two options allow for a flexible or a more stiff wrist wrap
- Durable and designed for powerlifters while also being competition approved
Cons
- Premium option with price
- Only available directly from their website.
Price: $42.50
Check out our individual review for SBD Wrist Wraps!
Benefits Of Wrist Wraps
The benefits of wrist wraps may be enough to convince you to buy a pair, or at least give them a try. While our bodies are amazing specimens, it doesn’t hurt to give them an extra boost in our quest for big bodybuilding or powerlifting gains.
- Stabilize the wrists: For heavy lifts, stabilizing your wrists is key in helping to prevent hyperextending while promoting solid form and grip on the bar. By doing this, you only add to your foundational strength to properly execute any big lift (1).
- Support high volume and intensity: Relieve pain in your wrists so you don’t have to worry about injury while also promoting the longevity of your workout.
- Enhance grip: Provide for a better grip to be more comfortable while lifting more weights to enhance overall growth (2).
- Promote healthy recovery: After an injury, wraps can offer that extra level of support to take away any injury or swelling and relieve any pressure to allow you to lift while still giving your wrists time to strengthen and heal.
Pros & Cons Of Wrist Wraps
The pros of wearing wrist wraps is that you better support your wrists, especially if you are prone to wrist pain during big lifts. Feeling stable and supported, while also using proper form, can greatly benefit you as you look to lift massive weight and see huge gains (3,4). By offering proper wrist alignment, those days of you feeling unwanted wrist pain are a thing of the past.
However, it is possible to abuse wrist wraps by becoming too dependent on them. As you lift weight, your wrists and other muscles alongside it will start to strengthen. But with wrist wraps, you take that out of the equation and as those larger muscles get stronger, those smaller ones don’t need to since wrist wraps help do that for them. By not strengthening these muscles you start to hurt yourself in the long run once those wrist wraps come off.
How We Choose
When it comes to choosing the best wraps, we look at the brands because you deserve only the best to be representing you. The reputation and quality of their products gives us insight into how great their wraps will be. We then look at the quality of the product and the level of comfort while lifting because your wraps should be comfortable and not totally restrict you. Finally, we look at price because we know that fitness equipment can get expensive but it is possible to find great products while still being at an affordable price.
FAQ Section
What are the best wrist wraps?
Iron Bull Strength Unleash Wrist Wraps. SBD brings these great wrist wraps to consumers that are perfect for training, repetitions, and competition use. The flexible wraps are designed for easy self wrapping and the stiff wraps are designed for optimal support to maximize work effort. With two options to choose from, SBD covers all of your wrist wrap needs for your desired goals.
Do I really need them?
Using wrist wraps is all about personal preference so no, you don’t need to use them. But for those looking to lift big and see gains, wraps can ensure protection and offer stability as you seek to lift that big weight.
What should I look for in a pair of wraps?
You should look for quality material as this will ensure durability and longevity. Also, look into the level of comfort for this will affect how you lift. You want a versatile pair to work for you, not against you.
Wrap Up
Wrist wraps are great aids to use for any workout, but in particular those big lifts. Able to support and stabilize your wrists, these workout aids are perfect for those looking to enhance their overall growth and performance while staying safe doing so. Worn by professionals and elite athletes, these can be game changers for whatever your workout may be. Check out a good pair of wraps and see what they can do for you when it comes to elevating your overall performance.
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References
- Weiss, A. K.; Tsai, H. H.; Puffer J. C. (2002). “Bilateral Wrist Pain-Weightlifter”. (source)
- Lee, Julia-Ann; Sechachalam, Sreedharan (2016). “The Effect of Wrist Position on Grip Endurance and Grip Strength”. (source)
- Lee, Ju-Hyun; Kim, Tae-Ho; Lim, Kyu-Bong (2018). “Effects of eccentric control exercise for wrist extensor and shoulder stabilization exercise on the pain and functions of tennis elbow”. (source)
- Judge, W. L.; Burke, M. J.; Patrick, J. T.; Guidry, D. T.; et al. (2017). “Effects of wrist wraps on throwing distance in highly skilled shot put athletes”. (source)
