hooks or straps.........

I prefer to stick to forearms. When THEY break then you know you're using too much weight. If you're going to use anything use straps. You don't want something to hold the weight for you. All you need is a slight assist.

never used the "hooks" and have always used straps. they work fine for me, if its not broke don't fix it!

i personally like straps. i have tried hooks but just didn't like them, couldn't get them "just right" like i can with the straps.

Hooks Hurt my wrist and hand I prefer straps and I wear wrist support wraps to stop them digging in to my wrists and peeling the skin off I can not train with out them My grip gives out before my Back, and traps or whichever excercise that require them. Dead Lifts, Shrugs etc

im not saying i need any because i got weak forearms. in fact ive never used any. but i want to up real heavy on shrugs, and my grip gives out on 365, while my traps dont. anyways, i aprreciate the info. im gonna try straps.

I'v got both & the straps are a god-sent in my opinion. one of my hooks broke on me and they aren't very comfortable on the fingers. If you get the straps on just rite you dont even need your thumbs when going heavy.But like others have said above, only use them when u really need them.I only use them for dumbell rows, shrugs, & calf raises.Your gonna love the straps bro.Post back & let us know how u liked them. 😉 heyherc

I prefer to stick to forearms. When THEY break then you know you're using too much weight. What kind of silly ass statement is this? I would be willing to bet you have no back or trapz to speak of. dex

I would only use straps. I only use one, on the weaker hand on my last work sets. Build that grip without crutches! Static holds in the power rack, farmer walks, et cetera. Oh, and about straps braking....Ive had the same strap for about 4 years and its as good as ever....made out of cowhide/leather, cheap too.

I dissagree on a few points. I think forearm strength is very important specially if your a power lifter and enter events!. I have very small hands and cant wrap my hand around a standard bench bar entirley and my grip breaks easily at around 315 dead lift or so or a heavy row. Problem is my back is not being work to its full potential due to my grip giving out. I think you will find that many pros use them as aid, to help them move heavy weight and to work the muscle to its fullest. I would recommend working on forearms strength exercises and dont depend on the wraps or hooks. Just my .02 cents Later

I've used straps for years and never had a problem. I have never heard of straps breaking before. Maybe you're relying too much on the straps to do the work.

Your grip will always give out before your back does. If you want to work out your back intensely, do it a favor and use some straps. If have broken a strap, you either have old rotten straps or you are an animal. Try a pair of those Power Gripps. They are easier to use than regular straps. Just my opinion guys.