SBD Wrist Wraps

Wrist wraps hold the wrist in a neutral position under load. On the bench press that means the bar sits over the forearm instead of folding the wrist back, and on the squat it takes the strain off wrists that are holding a low-bar position. They are not lifting straps: straps tie your hand to the bar for pulling, wraps support the joint for pressing and holding.

Stiff or flexible

This is the main choice and it comes down to what you lift. Stiff wraps have a firmer elastic that locks the wrist almost rigid; they are the bench press and competition wrap, and the right choice for heavy pressing where you want no movement at all. Flexible wraps use a softer elastic that supports the joint while still allowing some wrist extension. They suit squats, overhead pressing, Olympic lifting and general training, and they are more comfortable to leave on between sets. If you only buy one pair and you bench heavy, buy stiff. If you squat and press and want one pair for everything, buy flexible.

Length

Wraps come in 40cm, 60cm and 100cm. The 40cm is the short wrap: one and a half turns around the wrist, quick on and off, enough support for most training and the length many powerlifters prefer for squats. The 60cm is the middle ground. The 100cm is the competition bench wrap: three or more turns, maximum support, and the maximum length permitted in IPF competition. Longer is not better if you do not need it; a 100cm wrap wound loosely does less than a 40cm wrap wound properly.

How to wrap

Hook the thumb loop, start with the wrap crossing the wrist joint itself rather than sitting above it on the forearm, and wind with tension so each turn overlaps the last by about half. The wrap should sit partly on the hand and partly on the forearm so it bridges the joint. Finish with the fastening on the top of the wrist. Take the thumb loop off before you lift; in IPF competition the loop must be off the thumb when the bar is taken.

The range

SBD wraps are made to the maximum approved width of 8cm, come in left and right designs so both wrists are supported equally, and use a heavy-duty thumb loop and industrial hook-and-loop fastening that lasts years. The classic black and red wrap is the default in both stiff and flexible. The Nova, Resolve, Serenity, Aspire and Forge ranges are the same wrap in limited colourways; when a colourway and length is on this page, it is in stock now and will not return once sold through. All are IPF approved and made in the UK.

Care

Wraps rarely need washing but when they do, hand wash in warm water, close the fastening first so it does not catch the elastic, and air dry. A wrap that has lost its stretch after years of use should be retired; a stretched-out wrap gives less support than none because you tighten it past the point it can hold.

Common questions

Are wrist wraps allowed in powerlifting competition? Yes, for squat and bench press in the IPF and its affiliates, up to 100cm long and 8cm wide with a thumb loop. SBD wraps are on the IPF approved list.

Should beginners use wrist wraps? Not for every set. Build wrist strength with lighter work and use wraps for your heaviest pressing sets. Most lifters start needing them when their bench passes bodyweight.

Wrist wraps or lifting straps? Wraps for bench, squat and overhead work. Straps for deadlifts, rows and pulls where grip gives out before the back does. We stock both.

How tight should they be? Tight enough that the wrist cannot fold back, not so tight that your hand goes numb between sets. Wind them just before the set and loosen straight after.

Every pair ships from our Sydney warehouse, and you can try lengths and stiffness in store before you choose.