Versa Gripps® Classic Wrist Straps for Weightlifting, Medium/Large, Blue

Why it's worth it

A self-supporting grip that goes around your wrist but never loops under the bar, so you can drop the weight instantly. If grip fatigue is what ends your back sets before your back does, this is the fix.

You can let go whenever you want. Traditional lifting straps loop under the bar, which is exactly what makes them scary — if a heavy row goes wrong, you're tied to it. These wrap your wrist and pin the bar against a textured pad instead. Release is instant. That safety margin is the single best argument for spending more here.

Your grip stops being the limit on pulling work. Rows, lat pulldowns, shrugs and rack pulls all end early when your forearms give out first. Take grip fatigue out of the equation and you can actually work the muscle you're targeting to the point you intended. Lifters who switch usually notice it on their second or third pulling session.

From our review of 10 workout gloves and lifting grips, by Eleanor Vance, Health & Beauty Editor

What we like

• +You can let go whenever you want
• +Your grip stops being the limit on pulling work
• +They replace two things you'd otherwise carry
• +Fit is by wrist measurement, not hand size

What to know

• –There's a real learning curve
• –They're the most expensive thing here, and overkill for most people