9 Best Wrist Wraps for Powerlifting in 2024
If your wrist moves while you are pressing, whether that be a bench press or overhead press then you are risking injury and also suffering from a power leak. To put it bluntly, you could be lifting more! But don’t panic, the best wrist wraps for powerlifting can fix your wobbly wrist, giving you more power and also reducing the chances of a nasty injury.
Our team of experts led by professional decade-long athletes, has tested and rated 22 wrist wraps from different brands and ranked each based on quality, design, comfort, stitching, reliability, and support. After more than 200 hours invested into this research, we’ve managed to create this list of the 9 best wrist wraps for powerlifting.
Top 9 Best Wrist Wraps For Powerlifting Reviewed
- WBCM Wrist Wraps – Top Pick For Non-Competitive
- Gymreapers Wrist Wraps – Non-Competitive Runner-Up
- Titan Signature Series Gold Wrist Wraps – Top Pick For Competitive
- Inzer Iron Z Wrist Wraps – Competitive Runner-Up
- Iron Bull Classic Wrist Wraps
- Rogue Wrist Wraps
- Nordic Lifting Wrist Wraps
- Bear Grips Wrist Wraps
- Stoic Wrist Wraps
Product | Total | Quality | Design | Comfort | Stitching | Reliability | Support |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
WBCM | 58 | 9.5 | 9.5 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 9 |
Gymreapers | 57 | 9.5 | 9.5 | 9.5 | 9.5 | 10 | 9 |
Titan Signature | 56.5 | 9.5 | 9 | 8 | 10 | 10 | 10 |
Inzer Iron Z | 54 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 9.5 | 9.5 |
Iron Bull | 53 | 9 | 8.5 | 8.5 | 8.5 | 9.5 | 9 |
ROGUE | 52.5 | 8.5 | 9 | 9 | 8.5 | 9 | 8.5 |
Nordic Lifting | 52 | 8.5 | 8.5 | 9 | 8.5 | 9 | 8.5 |
Bear Grips | 51.5 | 8.5 | 8 | 9 | 8.5 | 8.5 | 9 |
Stoic | 51.5 | 8.5 | 8 | 8 | 8.5 | 8.5 | 10 |
1. WBCM Wrist Wraps – Top Pick For Non-Competitive
If you want a very well-made, quality product then get these WBCM wraps and know they are the best powerlifting wrist wraps available. They have all the features you could ask for in a pair of powerlifting wrist wraps and are incredibly well made to boot, meaning they will last you a long time, no matter how often you use them!
- Length: 12” or 18”
- Width: 3.15”
- Color: Black & Red
- Closure Type: Hook and Loop
- Material: Polyester, Cotton and Elastic
Quality
These are really high-quality wraps, they will stand up to the toughest workouts and last you a long time.
Design
One of the great features of these wraps and what makes them our top pick is the fact that they provide a lot of support while also making them comfortable when in use. This makes them perfect for the non-competitive lifter who needs a good mix between comfort and support.
Comfort
The comfort of these wraps really is a stand-out feature, the material has enough stretch to be comfortable but enough rigidity to provide ample support.
They are comfortable enough that you don’t need to take them off in-between sets, which can be a real problem with stiffer wraps.
Stitching
Another great thing about these wraps is the high-quality stitching, these things are made to last and the stitching will stand up to the toughest of workouts.
Reliability
You need your wrist wraps to be strong and reliable, they need to be strong enough to support your wrists and you don’t want them falling apart after a few workouts. These wrist wraps will do just that, they are incredibly reliable and will work well for workout after workout.
Support
The WBCM wraps provide a good mix between support and comfort, which is why they are perfect for non-competitive lifters. They provide a lot of support but are still flexible enough to be comfortable. These are the best wrist wraps for benching at your gym day to day while not in competition.
The WBCM Elastic Velcro Wrist Wraps are a unique stretchable and durable wrist wrap designed to accommodate the casual fitness enthusiast.
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2. Gymreapers Wrist Wraps – Non-Competitive Runner-Up
These gymreapers wrist wraps are a great choice and are our runner ups, they are great for powerlifting and also come in a huge range of designs if you like your wraps to match your personality.
- Length: 18”
- Material: Polyester, Cotton and Elastic
- Color: Black, Camo, Military Green, Navy, Pink, Red, Red and White or White and Black
- Closure Type: Hook and Loop
- Width: 3”
Quality
These wraps are made from top quality nylon and have elastic woven in to increase their flexibility and comfort. These really are premium wraps and they will last you a long time.
Design
Available in 18”, not including the velcro fastener, and with heavy-duty thumb straps, these wraps have it all, and they also come in a wide range of color designs so you are sure to find one that works for you.
Comfort
These wraps are really comfortable and strike a good balance between providing support and still being comfortable even in prolonged use. The fabric is nice and soft and doesn't rub against your skin while the elastic element holds the wrap firm and provides a lot of support.
Stitching
Even after a lot of use these wraps will still look as good as new, that is thanks to the high-quality materials and expert stitching they feature.
Reliability
High-quality hook and loop fasteners are used on these wraps which will last and last and not let you down after only a few sessions, which is something that can happen with cheaper wrist wraps. Overall these wraps are really reliable and will be in your gym bag for a long time to come.
Support
Like the WBCM wraps, these provide a lot of support while also being comfortable. They are not the stiffest wraps out there but that means that they are much more comfortable than cast-style wraps.
These gymreapers wrist wraps are a great choice and are our runner ups, they are great for powerlifting and also come in a huge range of designs if you like your wraps to match your personality.
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3. Titan Signature Series Gold Wrist Wraps – Top Pick For Competitive
The Titan signature series is our top pick for competitive powerlifting. They are really stiff and give your wrist a great cast and better yet they are IPF approved so you can use them in competition with confidence.
- Length: 12”, 18”, 24”, 30”, 36”
- Width: 3”
- Color: Black yellow and red
- Closure Type: Hook and Loop
- Material: Polyester, Cotton and Elastic
Quality
These are the most durable wraps that titan has ever made, these things are tough and are made to stand up to the heaviest of lifts.
Design
Made for competitive lifting, everything about the design of these wrist wraps is intended to help you lift more weight than ever before.
Comfort
These wraps are not comfortable, but that is the entire point. They will lock your wrist in place like you are wearing a cast, allowing you to eliminate any power loss from wrist movement.
Stitching
The stitching on these wraps is really high quality, they are made to last and also stand up to the extreme stresses that come with lifting a lot of heavy weights!
Reliability
The titan signature gold wraps have been around for a long time, they are definitely a name you can rely on. These wraps themselves have been approved by the International Powerlifting Federation since the 90s!
Support
These wraps have been designed from the ground up to provide support for the biggest benches in the world. They are definitely not for beginners and are made for competition lifters or those searching out huge PRs.
They are really stiff and give your wrist a great cast and better yet they are IPF approved so you can use them in competition with confidence.
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4. Inzer Iron Z Wrist Wraps – Competitive Runner-Up
The Inzer Iron Z is a great wrist wrap for competitive powerlifting but lacks the IPF approval that the Titans have which is why they slot into second place for competition powerlifting on our list.
- Length: 20”
- Width: 3”
- Color: Black and Red
- Closure Type: Hook and Loop
- Material: Polyester, Cotton and Elastic
Quality
Made from a high-quality nylon and elastic blend the material on these wrist wraps is really high quality. That quality also extends to the hook and loop fasteners which are again made from premium materials.
Design
The Inzer wraps feature an innovative thumb loop design where the loop stretches the entire width of the wrap, this allows the wraps to be interchangeable - no more right or left-handed wraps.
Comfort
These wraps provide comfort while also being really strong and providing a lot of support. This support is more important than ever in competition wraps where you will be lifting a lot of weight and pushing your wrists to their limit.
Stitching
The stitching on these wraps is really high quality and well made, just like the rest of the wrap. You don't need to worry about the stitches splitting and falling apart anytime soon!
Reliability
The Inzer Iron Z wraps have a reputation for lasting and lasting with many people holding onto the same pair of wraps for many years, a true sign of reliability and quality.
Support
When you are lifting competitively you value support over comfort, and these wraps definitely provide a lot of support which makes them great for competitive lifting.
The Inzer Iron Z is a great wrist wrap for competitive powerlifting but lacks the IPF approval that the Titans have which is why they slot into second place for competition powerlifting on our list.
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5. Iron Bull Classic Wrist Wraps
If you want a wrap that is comfortable to use while still offering good support then the iron bull classic could be a good choice for you. These wraps strike a great balance between being comfortable enough to wear for extended periods of time while still offering good support.
- Length: 18”
- Width: 3”
- Color: Black, Black and White, Black and Green, Black and Blue, Arctic Camo, Black and Red or Black and Grey
- Closure Type: Hook and Loop
- Material: Polyester, Cotton and Elastic
Quality
Iron Bull makes high-quality products at a good price and these wraps definitely fit with that. They are made from premium materials and a lot of time and effort has been put into making them as long-lasting as possible.
Design
These wraps come in a wide range of designs including all black and also grey camo options. If you are after a certain style of wrap then Iron Bull does offer a wide range of designs unlike a lot of other manufacturers.
Comfort
The classic wrist wrap strikes a fine balance between comfort and support, offering both in abundance. It offers enough support to protect your wrists while also being comfortable enough for extended training sessions.
Stitching
Double zig-zag stitching on the velcro helps to maximize its life and make sure it doesn't tear from the elastic. This is one of the common areas where wrist wraps fail and Iron Bull has paid particular attention to the design here to try and prevent that.
Reliability
A wrap that lasts a long time is what everyone wants, no one wants to be buying a new pair every month, and these wraps will definitely last a long time such is the quality of the materials and construction of the wraps.
Support
While not being the highest supporting wraps in this list these wraps still pack a punch. They will protect your wrists and also allow you to press more than ever before.
If you want a wrap that is comfortable to use while still offering good support then the iron bull classic could be a good choice for you.
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6. Rogue Wrist Wraps
Rogue are a massive name in exercise equipment and make some great wraps, if you like to always stick to a big brand name then these Rogue wrist wraps could be a great choice for you.
- Length: 12”, 18” or 24”
- Width: 3”
- Color: Black and Red, Red and White, Grey and Black, Blue and White or Green and Black
- Closure Type: Hook and Loop
- Material: 40% Elastic, 10% Polyester, 50% Cotton
Quality
Rogue are known for making high-quality products and these wrist wraps do not disappoint. They are made from high-quality materials and designed to last.
Design
The Rogue wraps are 3” wide and use a hook and loop fastener, they also feature an alternating double band of colors through the middle and are available in a range of colorful designs.
Comfort
These wraps are really comfortable and are perfect for lifters who need support but don't want the full brace effect of really stiff wraps.
Stitching
This is very important on any wrist wraps and Rogue has paid extra attention to the stitching on theirs. It is high quality and uses a really strong thread to ensure the stitching lasts as long as possible.
Reliability
These wraps will last you a long time and prove really reliable and this is backed by a 90-day warranty on the hook and loop closure!
Support
While not providing as much support as the dedicated powerlifting wraps mentioned earlier in this article these wraps will still provide ample support for all but the heaviest of exercises.
Rogue are a massive name in exercise equipment and make some great wraps, if you like to always stick to a big brand name then these Rogue wrist wraps could be a great choice for you.
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7. Nordic Lifting Wrist Wraps
If value is top of your shopping list then the Nordic lifting wrist wraps are a perfect choice, they are great value on their own but better yet you also get a free pair of wrist straps included in the price!
- Length: 14”
- Width: 3”
- Color: Black and Red, Black and Blue, Black and Orange, Black and Pink, Black and Purple, Black and Yellow, Camo Green or Camo Grey
- Closure Type: Hook and Loop
- Material: Polyester, Cotton and Elastic
Quality
These wraps are made from high quality and more importantly, durable materials that are designed to stand the test of time.
Design
The wraps feature two really large color bands down the middle of a black wrap, they also have a thumb loop on each wrap and a large industrial strength velcro fastening.
Comfort
All wrist wraps must tread a fine line between being comfortable and being supportive, these wraps do this really well and offer high levels of both comfort and support.
Stitching
The Nordic Lifting wrist wraps feature reinforced stitching that can handle very weight-intensive exercises and come out intact.
Reliability
If you have ever used Nordic Lifting gear before then you will know they are always really strong and reliable. So you can expect these wraps to stand up to work out after work out and still work just like new.
Support
These wrist wraps provide a lot of support but are more suitable to use in regular workouts rather than in competition.
If value is top of your shopping list then the Nordic lifting wrist wraps are a perfect choice, they are great value on their own but better yet you also get a free pair of wrist straps included in the price.
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8. Bear Grips Wrist Wraps
These ultra strong bear grip wrist wraps are a great choice for all powerlifters, they are super strong and offer great support and also come in a wide range of designs.
- Length: 12” or 18”
- Width: 3”
- Material: Cotton, Polyester & Elastic
- Color: Black, Black and Green, Green and Black, Bright Green, Pink and Black, White and Black or USA Flag
- Closure Type: Hook and Loop
Quality
A sturdy thumb loop, extra strong hook and loop fastener and reinforced stitching all add up to provide exceptional quality, these are really well-made wrist wraps.
Design
These wraps are available in a range of designs and one ever-popular design is the USA flag design, this red white and blue design is sure to stand out and attract attention in the gym.
Comfort
These straps are comfortable enough, but they are designed to be more supportive than comfortable. These are for the serious lifter who wants to lift more weight rather than added comfort.
Stitching
One great feature of these wrist straps is the quad stitching, this means every single stitch on these wraps is incredibly well supported and built to last.
Reliability
Designed on feedback from users these wrist wraps have been through numerous design changes to make them as reliable as possible. They are made from the highest quality materials and extra attention is paid to factors, like the reinforced stitching, that promote longer life of the wraps.
Support
The four-stripe Bear Grips are the strongest supporting straps that they offer. These straps are designed to offer more support than comfort and are for people wanting to lift a lot of weight. If you are serious about lifting heavy weights then these could be a good choice for you.
These ultra strong bear grip wrist wraps are a great choice for all powerlifters, they are super strong and offer great support and also come in a wide range of designs.
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9. Stoic Wrist Wraps
These Stoic wrist wraps just ooze quality and are a great product, and better yet they are IPF approved so if you lift competitively then they are definitely one to consider.
- Length: 18”
- Width: 3”
- Color: Black
- Closure Type: Hook and Loop
- Material: Cotton, Polyester & Elastic
Quality
The wrist wraps from Stoic are great quality and are the perfect wrist wraps for bench press and more besides.
Design
The wraps are only available in an all-black, stealth design. They do come in three different lengths though, these are 18”, 24”, and finally 36”. So no matter what level of support you require you will find one that works well for you.
Comfort
A good blend of stretchiness while providing maximum support allows these wraps to still be comfortable even while offering huge amounts of support.
Stitching
Excellent stitching and high-quality thread means these wraps will stand up to even the toughest workout, they are a real quality product.
Reliability
Everything about these wraps has been made to be really reliable, the best quality materials are used throughout their construction to make sure they never let you down.
These are such reliable and high-quality wrist wraps that they are approved for competition by the IPF.
Support
These wrist wraps are built for support and hitting PRs, they have been designed from the ground up to provide the maximum levels of support to help you lift more than ever before.
These Stoic wrist wraps just ooze quality and are a great product, and better yet they are IPF approved so if you lift competitively then they are definitely one to consider.
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What Are The Benefits of Using Wrist Wraps For Powerlifting?
✅ “Cast” Your Wrist
The main reason to wear a wrist wrap while powerlifting is that they in effect put your wrist in a cast and force it to stay straight.
This prevents your wrist from moving under heavy weights and losing power. As soon as your wrist starts to move from an upright position your whole pressing movement becomes sub-optimal and you won't be able to lift as much as you should be able to.
Keeping your wrist straight without the use of a wrap is easier said than done, especially when trying to lift really heavy weights. This is why so many people use wrist wraps for that extra support.
They can be just as useful for beginners as they are for advanced powerlifters. Getting your wrist in the ideal fixed position will help you bench better no matter your experience level and is an easy way to help improve your training regime.
✅ Prevent Wrist Injury
This is a big reason that a lot of people use wrist wraps, they simply reduce the chances of you sustaining a bad wrist injury. It is simple really, if your wrist is well supported and can't bend or move under strain then there is much less chance of you injuring it. The last thing you want is your wrist buckling under a really heavy weight as that could cause serious damage.
✅ Prevent Pain In Your Wrists
Lots of lifters will notice sharp pains in their wrists when they attempt a really heavy bench press, even without actually causing injury.
This pain can be very off-putting if not harmful, but when you are going for a new PR on the bench then you don't want anything affecting your focus. If you put some of the best wrist support for powerlifting on then this niggling pain will go away and you will be able to focus fully on pressing that barbell.
When Do You Need Wrist Wraps For Powerlifting?
You need wrist wraps on pressing exercises like bench press and the overhead press. Essentially any exercise where the ideal position for your wrist is locked straight then a wrist wrap will help you out.
You don't need wrist wraps for exercises like deadlifts where you are pulling, instead, you want a wrist strap when deadlifting.
Wrist wraps will help any lifter and even beginners should try them, you are less likely to need them if you only ever do light workouts, they are more favored by powerlifters who love lifting heavy weights.
What To Look For In Powerlifting Wrist Wraps
If you want the best wrist wraps for powerlifting then you want lots of support, this is the main job of the wrap and is what you should value over most other things.
1. Size
Longer wrist wraps allow you to wrap them around your wrist more times, this makes them stiffer and adds more support but at the cost of comfort.
The more times you wrap the fabric around your wrists the less you will be able to move your wrists. An 18” wrist wrap is a good middle ground and will work well for all lifters. The smaller 12” wraps are good for people with smaller wrists or people who want some support but still want a little flexibility in their wrists.
Linger lengths like the 36” sizes offered by some companies are overkill in my opinion and just mean you spend a lot of time putting your wraps on and taking them off in between sets.
2. Material
Almost all wrist wraps are made from nylon, cotton, and elastic blend. They differ though in the amounts of each material used, this means that some will be more flexible than others.
Flexible wrist wraps will have more elastic in them. These will be the more comfortable wraps but they will not offer as much support as the stiffer wraps that feature less elastic and more nylon in them.
3. Certification
Some of the wraps on our list feature official certification from the International Powerlifting Federation or IPF for short. This means that these wraps are officially recognized and can be used in official meets.
The official rules from the IPF state that wrist wraps should not be longer than 1 meter in length (39 inches) and 8cm (3.15 inches) in width.
Loops are allowed to help you secure the wrap but they cannot be attached to your thumb during your lift attempt.
You cannot wear a wristband and a wrist sweatband in combination.
The positioning of the wrist wrap is also governed by the rules, it cannot extend 10cm (3.93 inches) above the center of your wrist joint or 2cm (0.79 inches) below the center of the joint. The entire coverage area of the wrist wraps shall also not exceed 12cm (4.7 inches) in total.
How To Use Wrist Wraps For Powerlifting
Most wraps come with a thumb loop and left and right-handed wraps. Make sure you have the correct handed wraps and then simply insert your thumb through the loop and then go across your palm and around your wrist. You always want to start by wrapping your nondominant hand first, so if you are right-handed then wrap your left hand first. If you don't do this then you will struggle to put your second wrap on correctly!
Once you have started wrapping your wrist you simply keep going until you get to the velcro fastener which you pull tight and stick down, then you are done.
Depending on the stiffness of the wraps you have chosen you may want to take them off and put them back on in between every set. A really stiff wrap that properly casts your wrist will be very uncomfortable to have on when you are not under the barbell.
If you are doing a competition lift covered by the IPF then you will have to remove thumb loops from around your thumbs before lifting. It is still useful to use the thumb loops first to help you fasten the wraps before then removing them.
FAQ
Can you use wrist wraps in powerlifting?
Yes, you can use wrist wraps when powerlifting, in fact, they are strongly advised. You can use them in competition but they are governed by some rules which I have mentioned above.
Even when not in a competition you should use wrist wraps no matter what level of powerlifter you are. Even beginners can benefit greatly from a good pair of wrist wraps.
Are flexible or stiff wrist wraps better?
This depends on what you want out of your wrist wraps. If you want the best possible bench press wrist wraps then you want really stiff wraps. These will cast your wrist more and aid you in when lifting heavy weights.
If you want a wrap you can just use to add a little support and help when you are just working out at the gym then you probably want a more flexible wrap.
The really stiff wraps are uncomfortable and most people take them off in between sets, if you are just at the gym then this may be a bit too much of a chore for you.
Are wrist wraps good for deadlifts?
No, wrist wraps are for pressing rather than pulling. They are mainly used for bench presses and overhead presses. For deadlifting, you want wrist straps rather than wrist wraps.
With wrist straps you wrap them around your wrist and then the bar to help your grip when deadlifting. So if you want bench press wrist wraps then buy the WBCM wraps I recommended earlier but if you want aid with your deadlift then you want wrist straps and not wrist wraps.
What weight should I start using wrist wraps?
You can use them at any weight and you should start using them as soon as possible. This is because there is no downside to using them. They will help protect you from injury and also help you fit more weight, so what's not to like?
What length of wrist wraps should I get for powerlifting?
This depends on your wrist size and also the level of comfort you require. Longer wraps go around your wrist more times so are stiffer but provide more support. 18” wraps are good middle ground and the perfect size for most people.
Conclusion
The WBCM wrist wraps are the best wrist wraps for powerlifting, they strike a great middle ground between support and comfort and will work well for any powerlifter. If you have any questions about wrist wraps or want more help choosing the best wrist wraps for bench press then let us know in the comments below.
Also read:
- Best Weightlifting Wrist Wraps
- Wrist Pain From Lifting
- Wrist Support For Push Ups
- Bench Press Wrist Pain
- Bench Press Wrist Position
- Front Squat Wrist Pain
References:
- IPF Technical Rules // Powerlifting:
https://www.powerlifting.sport/fileadmin/ipf/data/rules/technical-rules/english/IPF_Technical_Rules_Book_2021docx.pdf
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Author: Ihor Shymechko
Pro Olympic Weightlifter, Coach
Best Results: Snatch – 208 kg,
C&J – 240 kg
Ihor has been a professional weightlifter since 1996, boasting over two decades of competition experience. His notable achievements include clinching the European Championship in 2009 and securing a silver medal in the 105kg division at the Senior World Championships in 2011. Ihor represented his country in the 2008, 2012, and 2016 Summer Olympics. After retiring from competitive weightlifting, he transitioned to coaching, leveraging his vast experience to guide athletes who now compete on both national and international stages.
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