Types of Lifting Straps: Lasso, Figure 8, and Olympic Straps

Lifting straps are a simple training accessory, but choosing the right type can make a noticeable difference during heavy pulling exercises. Whether you are doing deadlifts, rows, shrugs, Olympic lifts, or other strength-training movements, the right lifting strap can help improve your grip connection with the bar.

The three common types are Lasso lifting straps, Figure 8 lifting straps, and Olympic lifting straps. Each design has a different wrapping method, level of security, and ideal use.

If you are a gym athlete, strength coach, fitness brand, or retailer looking for custom lifting straps, understanding these differences can help you choose the right product.

What Are Lifting Straps?

Lifting straps are training accessories designed to connect your hands more securely to a barbell or other weight-training equipment. They are commonly used when grip strength becomes the limiting factor during heavy pulling exercises.

A lifting strap usually consists of a long piece of webbing or fabric that wraps around the wrist and bar. Depending on the design, it may use a loop, adjustable tail, or figure-8 construction.

Common lifting strap materials include:

• Cotton
• Nylon
• Polyester
• Leather
• Cotton-polyester blends
• Neoprene-padded wrist sections

The best material depends on the intended use, durability requirements, comfort, and the type of lifting being performed.

1. Lasso Lifting Straps

Lasso lifting straps are one of the most versatile and widely used lifting strap designs. They normally feature an adjustable loop around the wrist, with the remaining strap wrapped around the bar.

The length can usually be adjusted to suit different wrist sizes and lifting preferences.

How Do Lasso Straps Work?

The strap is placed around the wrist and then wrapped around the bar. The lifter tightens the strap by rotating the bar or pulling the loose end.

This creates a secure connection between the hand and the bar.

Advantages of Lasso Lifting Straps

Lasso straps are popular because they offer a good balance between comfort, adjustability, and grip support.

Some key benefits include:

• Adjustable wrist fit
• Suitable for different hand sizes
• Good for deadlifts and rows
• Easy to customize
• Available in cotton, nylon, and other materials
• Suitable for general strength training
• Easy to manufacture with custom branding

Because they are adjustable, lasso lifting straps for weightlifting are often chosen by athletes who perform different types of pulling exercises.

Best Uses for Lasso Straps

Lasso straps can be useful for:

• Deadlifts
• Barbell rows
• Dumbbell rows
• Shrugs
• Rack pulls
• Lat pulldowns
• Heavy back training

For general gym training, lasso straps are a practical option because they can be adjusted and used across many exercises.

2. Figure 8 Lifting Straps

Figure 8 lifting straps have a different construction. Instead of wrapping the strap around the bar in the same way as a traditional lasso strap, the athlete passes the wrist through the loops in a figure-8 configuration.

This design creates a very secure connection between the athlete's wrist and the bar.

How Do Figure 8 Straps Work?

A figure 8 strap normally has two connected loops. One loop goes around the wrist, the strap crosses over, and the second loop goes around the bar.

Once positioned correctly, the strap provides a strong connection to the bar.

Advantages of Figure 8 Straps

Figure 8 straps are particularly popular for heavy pulling movements where maximum connection to the bar is important.

Benefits can include:

• Secure bar connection
• Strong support during heavy deadlifts
• Consistent positioning
• Reduced need to repeatedly wrap the strap
• Suitable for heavy strength training
• Popular among powerlifters and strongman athletes

However, figure 8 straps are less versatile than adjustable lasso straps because they are designed primarily around a specific wrist and bar connection.

When Should You Use Figure 8 Straps?

They are commonly used for:

• Heavy deadlifts
• Strongman training
• Heavy shrugs
• Rack pulls
• High-load pulling movements

If your main goal is heavy deadlift training with lifting straps, figure 8 straps may be worth considering.

3. Olympic Lifting Straps

Olympic lifting straps are designed for Olympic weightlifting movements and other dynamic exercises where the athlete may need to release the bar quickly.

They are generally shorter than many traditional lasso straps and are designed to provide a temporary connection between the hand and bar rather than locking the athlete permanently to the bar.

What Makes Olympic Straps Different?

The main difference is the release. Olympic lifting requires movements such as the snatch and clean, where the athlete may need to let go of the bar quickly.

For this reason, Olympic straps are generally designed to allow the athlete to release the bar more easily than a figure 8 design.

Common Uses for Olympic Straps

Olympic lifting straps may be used for:

• Snatch
• Clean pulls
• Snatch pulls
• High pulls
• Explosive barbell exercises
• Olympic weightlifting training

For athletes involved in Olympic weightlifting, strap length, material, width, and construction can all affect how the strap feels during training.

Lasso vs Figure 8 vs Olympic Lifting Straps

The best lifting strap depends on the type of training you do.

This comparison is not about one strap being universally better than another. Each design serves a different training purpose.

How to Choose the Right Lifting Straps

Before buying lifting straps, consider how you train.

For General Gym Training

If you perform a mixture of exercises, lasso lifting straps are a practical choice because they are adjustable and versatile.

For Heavy Deadlifting

If your priority is maximum connection during heavy deadlifts, figure 8 lifting straps can provide a very secure setup.

For Olympic Weightlifting

For snatches, pulls, and other Olympic-style movements, Olympic lifting straps are designed with release and movement in mind.

For Beginners

Beginners often prefer adjustable lasso straps because they are relatively straightforward to use and can be adapted to different exercises.

What Material Is Best for Lifting Straps?

There is no single material that is best for every athlete.

Cotton Lifting Straps

Cotton is popular because it provides a comfortable feel and good friction against the bar.

Cotton lifting straps are commonly used for general gym training and can be an economical option for fitness brands.

Nylon Lifting Straps

Nylon webbing is known for its strength and durability. It can be a suitable choice for athletes who regularly train with heavy loads.

Polyester Lifting Straps

Polyester webbing can provide a combination of durability, dimensional stability, and resistance to stretching.

Leather Lifting Straps

Leather lifting straps offer a different feel and are often positioned as a premium training accessory.

The choice between cotton, nylon, polyester, and leather depends on the intended application, target price, branding requirements, and customer preferences.

What Should You Look for in High-Quality Lifting Straps?

When buying or sourcing lifting straps, look beyond the appearance.

Important features include:

• Strong webbing
• Reliable stitching
• Comfortable wrist construction
• Consistent strap width
• Durable edges
• Secure attachment points
• Suitable strap length
• Quality hook-and-loop materials where applicable
• Consistent sizing
• High-quality branding
• Durable packaging

For commercial products, manufacturers should also pay attention to production consistency because small differences in stitching, dimensions, or materials can affect the final product.

Custom Lifting Straps for Fitness Brands

Fitness brands that want to develop their own training accessories can work with a custom lifting strap manufacturer to create products according to their specifications.

Custom options may include:

• Custom strap length
• Custom strap width
• Cotton or synthetic webbing
• Custom colors
• Woven logos
• Printed logos
• Rubber labels
• Embroidered branding
• Custom wrist padding
• Custom packaging
• Retail-ready packaging
• Private-label manufacturing

For brands searching for private label lifting straps, working directly with a manufacturer can make it easier to control materials, branding, packaging, and product specifications.

Custom Lifting Straps: What Information Does a Manufacturer Need?

If you are requesting a quotation for custom lifting straps, it helps to provide as much information as possible.

A manufacturer may need:

1. Strap type — lasso, figure 8, or Olympic
2. Strap length
3. Strap width
4. Material preference
5. Material thickness
6. Wrist padding requirements
7. Color
8. Logo artwork
9. Branding method
10. Packaging requirements
11. Quantity
12. Shipping destination

If you have an existing product, photographs or physical samples can also help a manufacturer understand the construction and finishing requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are lasso straps good for deadlifts?

Yes. Lasso straps are commonly used for deadlifts because they can provide additional grip support while remaining adjustable.

Are figure 8 straps better for heavy deadlifts?

Figure 8 straps provide a very secure connection to the bar and are commonly used for heavy pulling movements. Whether they are suitable depends on the athlete's training style and preference.

What are Olympic lifting straps used for?

Olympic lifting straps are commonly used for movements such as snatches, clean pulls, and other Olympic weightlifting exercises where a controlled release is important.

What is the difference between lasso and figure 8 lifting straps?

Lasso straps use an adjustable loop and wrapping system, while figure 8 straps create a more fixed connection between the wrist and bar.

What are lifting straps made of?

Lifting straps can be made from cotton, nylon, polyester, leather, or blended materials. The material affects the feel, durability, flexibility, and price.

Can lifting straps be customized?

Yes. Custom lifting straps can be produced with different materials, colors, dimensions, logos, labels, and packaging depending on the manufacturer's capabilities.

Can I order private-label lifting straps?

Yes. Many manufacturers offer private-label lifting straps for fitness brands, gyms, retailers, and distributors. MOQ, customization options, and pricing depend on the product specifications and order quantity.

Final Thoughts

Lasso, figure 8, and Olympic lifting straps are designed for different training needs.

Lasso straps are versatile and suitable for general strength training. Figure 8 straps provide a highly secure connection and are commonly associated with heavy pulling movements. Olympic straps are designed for Olympic-style lifting where controlled release is important.

If you are choosing straps for personal training, start with the type of lifting you do most often. If you are developing a product for your fitness brand, consider the material, construction, branding, packaging, target customer, and intended use before finalizing the design.

For businesses looking for custom lifting straps, private-label lifting straps, or wholesale lifting straps, working with an experienced manufacturer can help turn your specifications into a production-ready product. Reedot Sports manufactures and supplies custom lifting straps for fitness brands, gyms, retailers, and distributors, with options for different strap styles, materials, colors, branding, and packaging.