Suicide grip & Figure 8 straps

Guys, just wanted to share some info which maybe useful to many lifters and that I've figured out through some experimentation today.

Lots of people know about advantages of suicide/thumbless grip on bench press - mainly less strain on shoulders and better ability to involve pecs. However, many lifters are (rightfully) hesitant to use this grip as it can literally kill you.

Today, I was doing some incline presses (which are even more dangerous than flat if suicide grip is used) and decided to try my figure 8 straps that I normally use for deadlifting/block pulling. Voila! I could use suicide grip with no issues and safety concerns. Those of you who've used figure 8 straps probably know that you basically cannot lose your grip on them (provided they are tightly strapped), unlike with normal lasso type straps

Here is one solution to use suicide grip without its dangers. One word of caution - you need to know how to use figure 8's by strapping your wrist tightly (usually by bringing it "under angle"). So, don't use figure 8's that are oversized for you or strapped too loosely.

If the bar starts to slide forward those wraps wont stop it from dropping on you.

I recommend using a spotter if you're using suicide grip, straps or not.

Suicide grip is very safe if you know what you're doing, but recommending this kind of thing shows you don't really.

[QUOTE=DCSpartan;1595535951]If the bar starts to slide forward those wraps wont stop it from dropping on you.[/QUOTE]

You have no idea about figure 8 straps, do you? Properly worn figure 8 straps will not let the bar to even start sliding in the first place. Try it, see how it works and report back.

[QUOTE=BenMcLeodNZ;1595550301]Suicide grip is very safe if you know what you're doing, but recommending this kind of thing shows you don't really.[/QUOTE]

Saying suicide grip is "very safe" shows you've got no idea ****.

[QUOTE=fairOne777;1595572791]You have no idea about figure 8 straps, do you? Properly worn figure 8 straps will not let the bar to even start sliding in the first place. Try it, see how it works and report back.[/QUOTE]

Likely depends on how much you're benching. Might want to do it in a rack if you don't have a spotter (or even if you do), and work on your wrist/grip strength in general.

You can train safely with suicide grip, but **** happens.

[youtube]4k5QHshqnVw[/youtube]

[QUOTE=air2fakie;1595575621]Likely depends on how much you're benching. Might want to do it in a rack if you don't have a spotter (or even if you do), and work on your wrist/grip strength in general.

You can train safely with suicide grip, but **** happens.

[youtube]4k5QHshqnVw[/youtube][/QUOTE]

Watched the first few accidents (sorry, not watching all 10 mins) and none were wearing figure 8s.

[QUOTE=fairOne777;1595576761]Watched the first few accidents (sorry, not watching all 10 mins) and none were wearing figure 8s.[/QUOTE]

None were wearing weighted vests either, maybe that's also a solution to you not being able to hold onto the bar thumbless in a non-freak accident scenario.

[QUOTE=air2fakie;1595578961]None were wearing weighted vests either, maybe that's also a solution to you not being able to hold onto the bar thumbless in a non-freak accident scenario.[/QUOTE]
No, weighted vest is not a solution to make suicide grip on benching safe. Figure 8 straps are.

Anyway, I wrote in the OP about this solution. It works and does provide the necessary level of added safety when using thumbless grip while benching. Those who want to use it, will experiment and either will bench safely with that grip reaping the benefits (very likely) or will die dropping the bar on their chest (extremely unlikely). This is for those open to new ideas and not stuck in denialist ***gotry. I am out of this thread, use the idea I posted or not use it, your choice guys. Not continuing with arguing with ****s wasting my time. ****s will argue endlessly while those who see a value will benefit from my advice.

[QUOTE=fairOne777;1595579671]Those who want to use it, will experiment and either will bench safely with that grip reaping the benefits (very likely) or will die dropping the bar on their chest (extremely unlikely). This is for those open to new ideas and not stuck in denialist ***gotry. I am out of this thread, use the idea I posted or not use it, your choice guys. Not continuing with arguing with ****s wasting my time. ****s will argue endlessly while those who see a value will benefit from my advice.[/QUOTE]

Didn't realize suggesting a spotter or benching in a rack was arguing and had no benefits. But now I'm convinced, figure 8 straps are the one and only solution and takes away any risks. Thanks!

[QUOTE=fairOne777;1595572831]Saying suicide grip is "very safe" shows you've got no idea ****.[/QUOTE]

"Very safe if you know what you're doing". You don't.

[QUOTE=air2fakie;1595575621]Likely depends on how much you're benching. Might want to do it in a rack if you don't have a spotter (or even if you do), and work on your wrist/grip strength in general.

You can train safely with suicide grip, but **** happens.
[/QUOTE]

Most of those are with thumb grips, and the drops are from improper wrist alignment.

[QUOTE=fairOne777;1595572791]You have no idea about figure 8 straps, do you? Properly worn figure 8 straps will not let the bar to even start sliding in the first place. Try it, see how it works and report back.[/QUOTE]

Not if your wrists arent properly set or you get some forward roll to the bar. Lmao at your internet tough talk, its enjoyable.

[QUOTE=BenMcLeodNZ;1595605581]Most of those are with thumb grips, and the drops are from improper wrist alignment.[/QUOTE]

Agreed, I'm not against it for experienced ppl, but there's still a risk IMO. I do think most ppl should have their thumb involved though. And I've cringed the few times I've seen suicide grip on decline BP over the years.

[QUOTE=air2fakie;1595610361]Agreed, I'm not against it for experienced ppl, but there's still a risk IMO. I do think most ppl should have their thumb involved though. And I've cringed the few times I've seen suicide grip on decline BP over the years.[/QUOTE]

Yeah, I see it pretty commonly in articles for beginners. Pretty much everyone who does it is a pleb, but there are the odd people who do them because of hand injuries. I do them on decline myself sometimes, but that's with spotter bars of course.