Why is hookgrip easier/better than straps?

[Mark Rippetoe]

I’ve noticed that the heavier the weight the hook grip will get stronger. I chalk the whole thumb.

What is the weight?

[Fatfacts25]

I’m an average lifter so keep that in mind. I’ve hooked 570.

[Mark Rippetoe]

That's pretty good for a hooked deadlift.

[Fatfacts25]

I’m here to tell ya hook grip is the correct grip to teach. Less torque on the arms. The heavier the weight the better for hook grip. Chalk helps a lot. Both sides of the thumb.

[Mark Rippetoe]

We do. Come to a seminar.

[dpinsen]

Why would this be necessary, Dave?

To avoid the thumb pain of the hook grip

That makes sense.



It seems like that would make the deadlift less secure with no additional benefit.

How so, if the cylinder were knurled?

[Mark Rippetoe]

To avoid the thumb pain of the hook grip

Ah. Got it.

[AndrewLewis]

How so, if the cylinder were knurled?

I'd have to try it out to see how it feels, but it seems like a similar concept to wearing lifting gloves. The more contact surfaces you introduces into the system, the more chance for slipping. I think it would probably hold against the bar and skin fine, but the inner sleeve to thumb contact is what I'd be worried about.

Again, I haven't used them, but that's my thinking.

[Fulcrum]

Have you experimented with any thumb protection equipment for the hook grip? I saw a few thumb sleeves online, but it seems like a steel cylinder covering your thumbnail would make more sense. Haven't seen one of those yet.

Yeah, its called a thimble? And yes, that would be stupid.
The more your delicate thumb parts crush and flatten out, the more surface area there is to grip the bar's knurl.

And you are are getting "protection" and "grip enhancement" confused.
People tape thumbs for different reasons.
Some it is for protection, you will tear callouses (maybe).
(olympic lifters might be using hook grip for several different exercise per day, several days a week).
Some of it, yes, is for grip.

Those premade thumb sleeves are mostly marketed more for Crossfitters....doing high rep WODs (light weights).
Tape is better.
Tape might help with grip if your gym has a chalk ban.
If you are travelling a lot, it might be a good idea to have a roll of tape in your bag, and know how to use it.
Tape can also help with a torn callous in other places on your hand, and has other uses.

I never done it myself, but I've heard of people filing small grooves into their thumbnails,
or simply scuffing up their thumbnails for more friction.
And even growing their thumbnails out a bit more than normal.

[Joe Jaloszynski]

I have noticed something similar, hooked deadlift sets feel better and faster, partly because I feel I set me back better. I wonder if there is a proprioceptive response to HAVING to hold on to the bar with the hook versus just being along for the ride with the straps. Being able to have the lats, arm muscles, and back muscles contract harder because you are gripping the bar.