Lifting Gear - Anyone Tried

Hi all, I have previously bought and used these Hypertrophy PowerLifter Pro Lifting Hooks to maximise my training progress and deadlift. Ive been really please with the product, and I noticed that they have this new E-Z Dipping Belt out. Does anyone know what the heck this is, how it is different from a regular dipping belt, and if it is actually any good at all?

What you mean is you have been using some overpriced training straps or "hooks" (WTF?) to lie to yourself that you are actually stronger than you are.

Drop the straps, use chalk and get stronger.

As for the dipping belt, just looks like a highly overpriced gimmick to me. £50 for a dipping belt? No thanks! Does your gym not have one?

Formely 'Badboy007'

Straps and anything like that are a complete pain in the ar*e, I find they actually slow me down rather than let me lift properly.

FYI, my dipping belt cost me £15, and it puts up with any weight i put on it.

http://www.myprotein.co.uk/products/accessories/dipping-belt/

Plus... if those hooks failed..... all I can see is injury.

straps are no way a waste of time, ok maybe the hooks are a bit poo, i just use straps when i go beyond my grip. Why should i limit what my back, which is a big unit of muscles, can lift, to what my grip, through the much smaller forearms can do. The weight at which i have to use the straps goes up all the time

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but this is the power and strength section mate.. therefore imo, most would advocate not to use lifting straps/ hooks etc..
that belt looks well overpriced..

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That belt is a rip off. Looks like a normal (crap) padded belt with some hooks from B&Q on it.

If you want stronger grip for deadlift, dont use straps, just hold heavy stuff and deadlift without them.

my proteins dipping belt is very good though.

I dont use straps, just chalk, and i arent that strong but my back will give out before my grip will. It used to be my grip before my back before i used chalk.

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Deadlift - 200 x 1 
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straps are no way a waste of time, ok maybe the hooks are a bit poo, i just use straps when i go beyond my grip. Why should i limit what my back, which is a big unit of muscles, can lift, to what my grip, through the much smaller forearms can do. The weight at which i have to use the straps goes up all the time

why limit your grip by not allowing time to strengthen it too?

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2x Grip Champ ('06/'08) and now European Grip champion for '08!
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Wraps with or without has benefits - personally i go without but all down to preference. I want a 500lb grip to go with a 500lb deadlift and i think grip is as critical as the pull.  But if you want help wraps is probably the way to go ...

I think there's a case to be made for both uses, yes ideally chalk or gel is the way forward, but lifting straps and the like can have uses. Check out some of the real strength guys, it's knowing when to use the tools effectively IMO. Not relying on them.

I have seen those dip belts in the States though, they are rated to a much higher grade than some of the **** ones I've bought over here (cough, cough, maximuscle...) and I guess the hooks are for using dumbells on them. Personally I'd stick with chains and plates but I can see the use depending on what gym you end up in.

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i'm not saying not to strengthen grip. Along with straps, i also use chalk, but there is a point at which my grip cannot keep up with my back. At this point i use straps, how can that be wrong, I would have to have stopped at a certain weight because my grip, even with chalk is not sufficient. My grip strength is improving all the time. I'm not advocating the sole use of straps, just as an aid.I also train grip on its own with my heavy grips

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Grippers train crushing power only. Just one aspect of grip. They do that job well but it's support grip training that will let you hang onto a bar. My back (at least upper back) is as strong as many (300+lbs pulldowns, 80kg dumbbells rows) and I NEVER use straps. Train the grip, if only once a week, to the point where it keeps up with your back.

http://www.wheyconsortium.co.uk

2x Grip Champ ('06/'08) and now European Grip champion for '08!
My Grip book - click here and buy one

I use straps for certain lifts; power shrugs, dumbbell rows and sometimes rack pulls. I have never failed a deadlift due to grip.

If you need straps do deadlift effectivly then do so. BUT also train your grip so it eventually catches up!

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I never train grip directly, never use straps, grip has never ever failed me. I put that down to deadlifts and accessory exercises like rows, pullups etc etc.

If grip is failing, use chalk

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