4 Top Best Wrist Straps for Lacrosse Players
Don't let a tired grip cost you your top set. The four lifting straps we trust, and how to use them without skipping forearm work.
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Don't let a hard week of grip training stop you from hitting every lift in your plan. Wrist straps let you "tie" the barbell to your wrist and use friction, not grip strength, to keep the weight in your hands.
A lacrosse player's grip takes a beating: checks, faceoffs, ground balls and hundreds of shots a week. Every off-season program I've run, from upstate New York to Virginia Beach, has the guys doing heavy pulls, and straps keep a fried grip from cutting a deadlift session short. (More off-season work in our lacrosse training drills.)
Exercises that benefit from wrist straps
Hex bar deadlifts, heavy shrugs, and heavy pulling movements are just a few exercises wrist straps make easier. Compound lifts are great because they work many muscles at once, but grip strength is often the limiting factor for newer lifters.
Don't use wrist straps as a crutch! Ego lifters love straps on every set of deadlifts, but that leads to imbalances and missed chances to build your forearms. Use straps only on a top set, or when your forearms are already exhausted from earlier exercises. Straps are so powerful that many powerlifters have two max deadlifts: a raw max and a strapped max.
Best forearm training exercises
Your forearms matter on the field too, for checking, stick protection and shot power. I regularly do reverse curls, wrist curls, and bar hangs. For lacrosse-specific forearm work, a weighted trainer like the Power Shaft (below) is hard to beat.
Wrist straps vs. wrist wraps
A wrist strap ties to your forearm and is typically used for heavy pulling. You do NOT want a heavy pull loading your wrist joint, so slide the strap up your arm a bit before tightening.
A wrist wrap, on the other hand, is a structural support that stiffens the wrist joint. Wraps go directly over the wrist and are mainly used for heavy pressing, but they help with any exercise that needs a stable wrist. (We also have a guide to the top wrist wraps for lacrosse players.)
How to use lifting straps
See it live YouTube
Our top picks
- Best overall: SKDK Lifting Wrist Straps (9.5/10)
- Most durable: Gymreapers Wrist Straps (9/10)
- Best for firm grip: Rip Toned Weightlifting Straps (8/10)
- Best for stability: ihuan Wrist Straps (8/10)
Compare all 4
| # | Wrist strap | Material | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | SKDK Lifting Straps | Padded cotton | 9.5/10 | Read |
| 02 | Gymreapers Lifting Straps | Heavy-duty cotton | 9/10 | Read |
| 03 | Rip Toned Black Max Performance | Padded cotton | 8/10 | Read |
| 04 | ihuan Lifting Straps | Nylon | 8/10 | Read |
The best wrist straps for lacrosse players
1. Best Overall: SKDK Lifting Wrist Straps Top pick
Padded cotton straps with silicone anti-skid grip for the slickest bars.
Key features:
- Durable cotton with neoprene padding
- 24 inches long for plenty of wraps
- Anti-skid surface for a secure grip
- Cushioned wrist support
The SKDK lifting straps stood out as the best wrist straps we tested. They're built to be versatile and handle even the most slippery bars, so your grip doesn't limit your potential. The anti-skid pads create a new contact surface for maximum friction.
At an affordable price, they stand out with cushioned wrist support, making them a great choice for lifters who need help with grip.
- Major grip help
- Comfortable padding reduces wrist strain
- Long straps for different lifting techniques
- Silicone anti-skid
- More colors than most competitors
- May take practice to use well
- Silicone anti-skid could wear out with heavy use
Who it's for: Players lifting heavy in the off-season who want comfort and grip in one strap.
2. Most Durable: Gymreapers Wrist Straps
The longest-lasting straps we could get our hands on.
Key features:
- Heavy-duty cotton
- Extra length (24 inches) for versatile wrapping
- Reinforced stitching for heavy loads
- Non-slip design
The Gymreapers Lifting Straps are the perfect wrist straps for any hardcore lifter. Whether you're pulling heavy deadlifts, nailing shrugs, or powering through rows, these straps make sure your grip isn't what holds you back.
Their standout feature is their tough construction: these are the longest-lasting wrist straps we could get our hands on.
- Superior grip support for heavy lifts
- Durable construction for intense workouts
- Versatile across exercises and grip styles
- Can be stiff until broken in
Who it's for: Players who lift year-round and want one pair that lasts.
3. Best for Firm Grip: Rip Toned Weightlifting Straps
Padded straps with anti-skid pads that hold up under heavy pulls.
Key features:
- High-quality, heavy-duty cotton
- Neoprene padding for wrist comfort
- 23.5 inches long
- Reinforced stitching
Let's talk about Rip Toned Weightlifting Straps. Their standout model is the black Max Performance, which includes anti-skid padding. Ideal for deadlifts and barbell rows, they're designed to beat grip issues so you can focus on form and muscle engagement. The wrist padding spreads the extra weight evenly.
We found the Rip Toned logo on the anti-skid pads ugly, but the straps still performed under heavy loads. We wouldn't recommend the other Rip Toned models, since they don't have wrist pads and come in cheaper-looking designs, so stick with the black Max.
- Strong grip help
- Comfortable neoprene padding
- Long enough for a variety of exercises
- Takes time to learn
- Cotton may fray with heavy use
- Some colors look cheap
Who it's for: Lifters who want padded straps and don't care about looks.
4. Best for Stability: ihuan Wrist Straps for Weight Lifting
Nylon straps that perform like the others at a fraction of the price.
Key features:
- High-grade nylon for durability
- Adjustable for a snug fit
- 18.5 inches long
- Black design with many color options
Next up are the ihuan Wrist Straps for Weight Lifting. We rated them last on our list, but they performed about as well as the others at a fraction of the cost. If you don't mind the logo, they're a great pick for the money.
- Sturdy nylon wrist support
- Easy to adjust for comfort and stability
- Clean design that goes with any gym gear
- Some break-in time for comfort
- Not the best for extremely heavy lifting
Who it's for: Younger players starting a lifting program on a budget.
Grip for the field: training gear at Battle Lax
None of these lifting straps are sold at Battle Lax, but grip and wrist strength matter on the field, not just in the weight room. Here's the lacrosse gear we'd pair with your lifting:
Power Shaft Lacrosse Trainer
A weighted training shaft that builds the wrists and forearms behind your shot.
Straps help you pull heavy; the Power Shaft builds the lacrosse-specific wrist and forearm strength you need for shot speed and for holding onto your stick through checks.
StringKing Lacrosse Tape
Fresh grip on your stick for $4.99.
Grip on the field starts with your tape job. A fresh wrap at the top hand and butt end makes every catch, check and shot more secure. (Here's how to tape a lacrosse stick.)
Warrior Lacrosse Wrist Guards
Wrist protection for on-field play.
If it's wrist protection on the field you're after, Warrior's lacrosse wrist guards cover the gap between your glove and arm pad. They've been selling out, so check stock.
Complement your gear
To round out your gym bag, consider adding these:
- Protein bars: to hit your daily protein goals. See our best protein bars.
- Water bottles: for staying hydrated on the go. See our best water bottles for lacrosse players.
- Lifting chalk: to keep that 215 lb bench press in your hands. See our chalk guide for lacrosse players and lifters.
With these in your gym bag, you're on your way to a safer, more efficient, and more enjoyable workout. The right equipment can make a real difference in your training. Keep pushing your limits!
People also ask
What's the difference between wrist straps and wrist wraps?
Wrist straps tie your hand to the bar for heavy pulling, like deadlifts and shrugs. Wrist wraps wrap around the wrist joint to stiffen it, mainly for heavy pressing.
Should lacrosse players use lifting straps?
Use them on top sets of heavy pulls or when your forearms are already fried, but not on every set. Lacrosse players need grip and forearm strength for checking and shooting, so train it too.
How long should lifting straps be?
Most lifting straps are around 18 to 24 inches. Longer straps give you more wraps around the bar for a more secure hold.
