When it comes to heavy deadlifts, strongman events and pulling movements, your grip can often become the limiting factor. That’s where Figure 8 lifting straps come in.
Designed to create a secure connection between your hands, straps and the bar, Figure 8 straps are a popular choice for lifters who want additional grip support during heavy pulls.
But not all Figure 8 lifting straps are made exactly the same.
In this guide, we compare Iron Bull Strength Figure 8 Lifting Straps with our GEN 2 Axle Figure 8 Straps so you can decide which option is right for your lifting needs.
What Are Figure 8 Lifting Straps?
Figure 8 lifting straps are designed differently from traditional lifting straps.
Instead of wrapping the strap around the bar and then around your wrist, a Figure 8 strap creates two loops. Your hand passes through the loops, creating a secure connection between your wrist and the bar.
This design makes Figure 8 straps particularly popular for:
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Heavy deadlifts
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Strongman training
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Axle deadlifts
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Static holds
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Heavy pulls
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Farmers carries and other grip-intensive movements
Because the strap remains connected to the bar through the Figure 8 configuration, they can provide a very secure connection when you're handling heavy weights.
Do know how to use them? That's ok -check out our tutorial
Iron Bull Strength Figure 8 Lifting Straps
Iron Bull Strength offers Figure 8 lifting straps in several lengths, including 10", 12" and 14" options.
Their listed Figure 8 straps feature:
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1.5" width
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¼" thick cotton construction
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Double-stitched construction
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10", 12" and 14" length options
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A listed capacity of 1,000+ lbs
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Current Canadian price of approximately $40 CAD
The different length options can be useful for lifters who prefer to customize their strap fit.
Resolute Strength Wear GEN 2 Axle Figure 8 Straps
Our GEN 2 Axle Figure 8 Straps were designed with a specific purpose in mind: providing strongman and serious strength athletes with a secure Figure 8 strap option that works particularly well with axle bars and larger-diameter bars.
The GEN 2 design features:
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12" strap length
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Larger loops designed for axle deadlifts
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Cushioned wrist padding
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Figure 8 construction
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Strong, durable construction
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One pair per package
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$30 CAD regular price
The larger loops are an important part of the design.
An axle bar is significantly thicker than a standard Olympic bar, so a strap that works well on a standard bar may not provide the same experience when you're using a larger-diameter axle.
That's why we designed our GEN 2 straps specifically with axle work in mind.
Shop our original GEN 2 Axle Figure 8 Lifting Straps from Resolute Strength Wear.
Iron Bull vs. Resolute: Figure 8 Strap Comparison
Product specifications and pricing can change. Check the individual product pages for the most current information.
Why Axle Bars Change the Equation
If you've ever tried to use standard lifting straps on an axle bar, you'll know that the larger diameter can make a difference.
An axle bar has a much larger circumference than a standard bar. That means there is less room for your hands and straps to wrap around the bar.
For strongman athletes, having equipment designed around the demands of an axle can make a significant difference in usability.
Our GEN 2 Axle Figure 8 Straps were developed with this in mind.
Rather than simply taking a traditional Figure 8 strap and calling it an axle strap, we focused on creating larger loops specifically suited to axle deadlifts, while adding cushioned wrist padding for comfort.
Why Use Figure 8 Straps?
One of the biggest advantages of Figure 8 straps is their secure connection to the bar.
Unlike some traditional lifting straps, Figure 8 straps don't rely on repeatedly wrapping the strap around the bar.
The Figure 8 design creates a loop around your wrist and bar, giving you a very secure connection.
This is one reason Figure 8 straps are so popular among strongman athletes and lifters performing extremely heavy deadlifts.
They can also be useful for lifters who find that their grip gives out before the muscles they're trying to train have reached their desired level of effort.
Are Figure 8 Straps Good for Strongman?
Yes. Figure 8 straps are particularly popular in strongman.
Strongman training often involves unusual implements and thicker bars that can place considerable demands on your grip.
Axle deadlifts are an excellent example.
The larger diameter of an axle bar can make gripping the bar more challenging, which is why having a Figure 8 strap designed specifically for axle work can be useful.
Our GEN 2 Axle Figure 8 Straps are made with strongman athletes in mind.
Figure 8 Lifting Straps in Canada
If you're shopping for Figure 8 lifting straps in Canada, price isn't the only thing worth considering.
Buying from a Canadian company can also mean supporting a family-run business within the Canadian strength community.
At Resolute Strength Wear, we started our company because we wanted strength equipment that worked for more people and more body types.
Our philosophy is simple:
Anyone Can Lift.
We're not interested in creating equipment for only one type of athlete.
Whether you're a competitive powerlifter, strongman competitor, recreational lifter or someone just getting started with strength training, you deserve equipment that fits and works for you.
Why Resolute Strength Wear?
We're a Canadian family-run strength equipment company, and that influences the way we do business.
We believe:
Family matters.
Strength comes in every size.
Everyone deserves equipment that fits.
And most importantly:
Anyone Can Lift.
We don't believe strength has a particular look.
That's why we're continually working to offer lifting equipment and supports designed with different bodies, athletes and lifting styles in mind.
