May be time for some straps........VersaGrips decent?

[DubfromGA]

Been having some soreness in a new spot all week. Twisting movements of my wrist set it off.

Noticed today that a bruise /inflamed discoloration was emerging across the area.








I felt it after db shrugs and upright db rows. I sometimes loose grip strength before my reps are done. I'm thinking I've reached the point where straps may help. Newbie lifter-old guy stuff for sure.

I've seen the VersaGrip type in magazines but not in person. I could use advice on which model to get and size. My wrists are 8".

Advice appreciated.

[GnomusMaximus]

Not a Dr. but discoloration usually means something needs to heal for a bit. As for wraps/straps, Other people like the Versa Grips but I think the best wraps are from Inzer or Titan and the best straps are from ironmind or APT. The ironminds are a bit stronger, but the APT's are more comfy.

[flat6nut]

Versa gripps are well worth the money. I would not do back without them. Get the pro series in large. My wrists are 7 1/2, I wear large. They take a bit to get used to, but kickass after they break in.

[litljay]

Love my Versa Grips too.

[Guff]

I've used my original pair of Versa's for years now...I love them.

[BillReilly]

Been having some soreness in a new spot all week. Twisting movements of my wrist set it off.

Noticed today that a bruise /inflamed discoloration was emerging across the area.



I felt it after db shrugs and upright db rows. I sometimes loose grip strength before my reps are done. I'm thinking I've reached the point where straps may help. Newbie lifter-old guy stuff for sure.

I've seen the VersaGrip type in magazines but not in person. I could use advice on which model to get and size. My wrists are 8".

Advice appreciated.

That looks more like an injury. I'd give it a break and see if it heals. Otherwise, get it checked out. Bruising happens for a reason. One of my fishing buddies slipped on the bank and caught hiself with one hand in an awkward manner. He felt something pull, but did not think much it. Then the bruising started and the soreness got worse and worse. Long story short they had to chop off his arm. OK, OK, I'm kidding, but he did pop a tendon and wound up needing surgery.

As to grips/wraps/gloves, I never got why some here don't approve them. I wrap both wrists because it limits the pain in them the next day. I do the same with knees. Maybe I'm just a girly man.

[silverlightning]

my $5 valero straps weren't cutting it yesterday. my grip wasn't great despite the calouses on my hands. time for some versa grips.

[OutOfStep]

Been having some soreness in a new spot all week. Twisting movements of my wrist set it off.

Noticed today that a bruise /inflamed discoloration was emerging across the area.








I felt it after db shrugs and upright db rows. I sometimes loose grip strength before my reps are done. I'm thinking I've reached the point where straps may help. Newbie lifter-old guy stuff for sure.

I've seen the VersaGrip type in magazines but not in person. I could use advice on which model to get and size. My wrists are 8".

Advice appreciated.

I've never used them myself. I just use regular straps from Ironmind.com. There used to be a guy who was a regular poster on here who was a huge fan of them and turned a few others on to them. He has since gone completely crazy, but I'd imagine Versagrips are still a solid product.

[cactusflower]

I have Versa Grips and they are ah-mah-zzzing!!!! Better than anything else I have used!

[bigtallox]

my grip wasn't great despite the calouses on my hands. time for some versa grips.

Calouses hurt grip strength ( and it sucks when you tear them off when gripping something ), shave them off ( and forget the versa grips IMHO ).

[sok454]

With the VersaGripps the part on the palm of the glve does that wrap around the bar w/ deadlifting? Is that what is providing the support and additional hold when deadlifting?

[Bo_Flecks]

With the VersaGripps the part on the palm of the glve does that wrap around the bar w/ deadlifting? Is that what is providing the support and additional hold when deadlifting?

I always recommend the Versa Gripp Pro series because the palm flap is longer which comes in very handy making them easier to wrap on the bar with a single hand. Since the VGs do not come with instructions, they can be a bit confusing for someone who has never used them before. Here is a tutorial on how to make them work properly:

When I start, I put the flap under the bar and bend it so that it arcs up a little.


After the flap is under the bar, I put my hands on top of the bar, and with my fingers grab the flap and pull it back over the bar and under my palm. From there, I can twist it as tight as I want.


I showed a guy at work how you can hang on a pull-up bar without even grasping it with your fingers (he went and ordered a set) .

[TheIronMaster]

No grips here either. I like keeping my forearms strong.

[DerAlta]

Calouses hurt grip strength ( and it sucks when you tear them off when gripping something ), shave them off ( and forget the versa grips IMHO ).

Now that's really interesting. And I was proud of the callouses I have been building up. Looks like I'll have to break out the emory board.

I use regular straps, and apply dry hands. Haven't had any grip issues with that. I use the straps after my grip is spent, and when I get into the heavier weights.

I picked up some knock-off wraps (Wrist and Knee) from liftinglarge.com on their black friday deal. I used the wrist wraps last night and they made a big difference. I'm squatting on Sunday, and will be trying out the knee wraps then.

As for the bruise, that looks like it could be more than just a grip issue.

[flat6nut]

Releasing is also easy...just let go. My wife gets a little frustrated with them, but she just got hers. They become 2nd nature to you by the time they break in.

If your bodybuilding I think some type of strap is a must have for working back. Until a person understands how to activate the targeted muscles they wont get the most from the pull. Almost like starting the pull from the armpit.

[flat6nut]

I always find this statement funny. In bodybuilding for the most part the goal is to isolate the body part you are working to improve There are many moves that work your grip strength and forearms....back day is not one of them if sculpting the back is your goal. No way, no how are you going to work your back as good without using some type of strap.


Dont mind me....I am just a noob.

No grips here either. I like keeping my forearms strong.

[sok454]

Thanks man for the excellent demonstration. I think I found myself a stocking stuffer!

I always recommend the Versa Gripp Pro series because the palm flap is longer which comes in very handy making them easier to wrap on the bar with a single hand. Since the VGs do not come with instructions, they can be a bit confusing for someone who has never used them before. Here is a tutorial on how to make them work properly:

When I start, I put the flap under the bar and bend it so that it arcs up a little.


After the flap is under the bar, I put my hands on top of the bar, and with my fingers grab the flap and pull it back over the bar and under my palm. From there, I can twist it as tight as I want.


I showed a guy at work how you can hang on a pull-up bar without even grasping it with your fingers (he went and ordered a set) .

[Chris_R]

I do recommend the Versa Grips, but spend the extra money and get the Pro ones. The flap is a little longer and it helps.

[Getsum]

I use the Harbringer straps but I'd like to get a pair of the Versa Grips eventually, they just seem really fast and easy to use.

[GnomusMaximus]

Now that's really interesting. And I was proud of the callouses I have been building up. Looks like I'll have to break out the emory board.

.

Here's why you should sand down the callouses and this one is really pretty minor.

[bigtallox]

There are many moves that work your grip strength and forearms....back day is not one of them if sculpting the back is your goal.

Well, we're definitely in disagreement there. This has been argued here over and over, and I'm sure it'll come up again. I have strong feelings about it, just as others do. I guess we just have to agree to disagree.

No way, no how are you going to work your back as good without using some type of strap.

Ah, by doing deads, cleans, rows, farmers ( even stones ),.... They all work your grip and back. But to to each their own.

I do use straps, but lately only when going for a max or in a comp. Other than that, no straps, especially lately.

[Iceman1800]

I'm getting some versa grips for Christmas and I use straps when I deadlift. I also have deadlifted over 600# in competition and have done farmers holds with 305# per hand for over 30 seconds.

[Smelly bull]

Straps or not all depends on your goals....BB, yeah, straps are a good idea. Powerlifting, nuh, straps aren't such a good idea (not allowed in meets).

While I lean much more towards powerlifting, I will break out straps when doing heavy deads or rows. This helps me focus on the movement itself. Might have to try versa straps....

[Getsum]

I use my straps for higher rep deadz, rack pulls, shrugs, SDL & RDL.

I don't use them for singles when deadlifting.

[flat6nut]

I would agree with you BTO...But I specifically used the word bodybuilding. Otherwise you would be correct.

Well, we're definitely in disagreement there. This has been argued here over and over, and I'm sure it'll come up again. I have strong feelings about it, just as others do. I guess we just have to agree to disagree.




Ah, by doing deads, cleans, rows, farmers ( even stones ),.... They all work your grip and back. But to to each their own.

I do use straps, but lately only when going for a max or in a comp. Other than that, no straps, especially lately.

[bigtallox]

I would agree with you BTO...But I specifically used the word bodybuilding. Otherwise you would be correct.

Yeah, and I don't see much distinction between bodybuilding and strongman, especially at the level people are at on this forum. The fundamentals are the similar. My pro strongman training buddy was also a bodybuilder and could just as easily be now too.

Good luck.

[MecGen]

I wrap both wrists because it limits the pain in them the next day.

Hey, what are you using to wrap them up with? I use hockey tape, it works well for support but I am going thru three roles a week...
Thanx in advance

[Brackneyc]

I use some 3.99 straps from Dunhams sports. Cheap for sure, but all I have needed to this point.

[mrmrbill]

I use some 3.99 straps from Dunhams sports. Cheap for sure, but all I have needed to this point.

yea, I'm using some cheapie Harbingers now and they get the job done. The Versa's, however, look like a smart step up now. Wasn't aware before.

[Brackneyc]

yea, I'm using some cheapie Harbingers now and they get the job done. The Versa's, however, look like a smart step up now. Wasn't aware before.

If I ever start pulling any real weight, I might move up.