To hook or not to hook

[BALDYLOX]

Whats up Bros.
I have a problem, I can deadlift more weight than i can hold on to, even with straps. How many bros use hooks and if not
what would you do. keep in mind i have been lifting for 20 yrs.
and grip strenghth is for shit once i hit about 400 lbs.
Thanks,
Baldy

 

[flexmaster]

do you use chalk at all? it suprises me that even with straps you cannot hold onto 400lbs...

 

[BALDYLOX]

No i don't use chalk. I can hold onto 400lbs. with straps but feel it slipping at the end. For that reason can not get high reps over 400 because after about the 4th rep i can feel the bar comming out of my hands.
Baldy

 

[db006]

sounds like your not wrapping right.

 

[Iron Gator]

I agree. It actually sounds like you might be wrapping incorrectly. If wrapped correctly, in theory you shouldn't have to exert much grip strength at all, just keep pressure on the end of the wrap to keep it from coming loose. In reality you grab onto the bar because if you didn't the bands would cut into your wrists too much.

Good Luck

 

[BALDYLOX]

I wrap the straps reverse of my grip, if this wrong please explain the correct way.
Baldy

 

[Tills]

Are your straps in good shape? Are you wrapping them tightly? I agree with everyone else here, if you're wrapping correctly with good straps, your grip shouldn't even come into play...

 

[bigdan]

i like leather straps they seem to hold better
never used the hooks

 

[draven]

hooks IMO suck

They slide sometimes and really weaken your grip as it takes all strength away from it...good for leg raises from pull up bar but thats it....leather straps are the way , great feel and dont rub your skin off like heavier cloth straps do.

 

[BiggerStronger]

I don't know bro...I've never had any grip issues when using straps. The straps were so tight they would make my wrists bleed from the weights sometimes.

 

[MikeS]

Like bigDan, I love the leather straps. Get the heavy-duty ones from APT.
The leather ones in the stores will break at about 6 plates.
Man I have no grip, it sucks. But the straps cover. You have to get them tight as shit. My wrists bleed alot too on heaviest sets. Its cool when that happens.

 

[terryd5150]

Hooks are ok.

I like hooks for things like shrugs when you have a high rep count with fairly heavy weight but for all out effort like heavy deads I think the hooks suck, they start to slide down your wrists and kind of disable any grip you might be able to get with your own hands. For something like that you'll be better off with a good set of leather straps.

 

[Cman34677]

straps? hooks??

what happened to good old fashioned hard work???

increase your grip strength bro... then you can dead as much as you want w/o anything...

and you'll be sporting a massive set of veiny FA's everywhere you go

CMan

 

[db006]

straps? hooks??

what happened to good old fashioned hard work???

increase your grip strength bro... then you can dead as much as you want w/o anything...

and you'll be sporting a massive set of veiny FA's everywhere you go

CMan

i wouldnt want to sacrifice heavy reps for grip strength, so id have to disagree. but dont neglect your forearm / grip strength, add some work to your arm day.

 

[xcelbeyond]

what happened to good old fashioned hard work???

increase your grip strength bro... then you can dead as much as you want w/o anything...

IMHO, you are sacrificing pushing your body "past the limits" it can do by limiting yourself to your grip strength. There's PLENTY of "specific" exercises that can be done to strengthen forearms and grip strength. To hold yourself back due to placing limits such as grip strength makes no sense to me.

If you can squat more using a belt, does that mean you should not wear the belt? - just suck it up and strengthen that lower back (I actually don't use a belt and haven't for years, but would NEVER suggest to anyone that they should not wear a belt).

 

[BALDYLOX]

Bros thanks for all the comments and advice,I think i will
invest in a pair of heavy duty leather straps.
I have had a pair of leather but they were kind of weak.
thanks again.


Baldy

 

[BALDNAZI]

CHALK

Get yourself some chalk and you will notice a difference immediately.I can deadlift 585 for reps without straps.My hands tend to sweat when I workout and the chalk helps big time.In fact I like to use alittle chalk on other lifts as well.Sweaty hands will fuck up your lifts everytime.

You didnt mention if you use an alternating grip on the deads.If not,definetly do sne hand facing you,the other facing away.Will add to your lifts for sure.

Speaking of straps breaking,it happened to me the other day on shrugs.I had just 6plates/side on and after 2 reps,the left side goes SNAP!Good thing I was in the power cage so the weight hit the safety bars on the way down.I could just imagine the damage I could have done to my bicep or shoulder if the weight fell all the way to the floor with my right hand still attached.

Work on grip strength,strongman style.Grab the 150's and walk around the gym with them.Get some heavy duty grippers and use them in the car,sitting on the toilet,wherever."Captains of crush "grippers they are called.Nothing like a big set of forearms and the gripping power they provide....

 

[LEX]

WOW is my mind in the gutter I thought this post was totally about something else. Maybe cause i live in Vegas

 

[ag-guys]

Whats up Bros.
I have a problem, I can deadlift more weight than i can hold on to, even with straps. How many bros use hooks and if not
what would you do. keep in mind i have been lifting for 20 yrs.
and grip strenghth is for shit once i hit about 400 lbs.
Thanks,
Baldy

I would use straps + chalk; hooks, not sure?

I've done 365s for reps with straps no problem.


AG
www.ag-guys.com