man, killing the ever-elusive 2PR performance!
How/when do you decide to use straps for DL?
I pulled heavier than normal for me last night 375x3 and used double overhand hook grip but had thought about using straps but figured I’d give it a go without and didn’t have any problems.
I assume I’ll get to a point somewhere were even hook grip will fail at higher weight/reps but what’s a good rule of thumb to know when to switch to straps versus working grip strength?
For me I try to not use them until I have to.
240 felt close to the limit for strapless (I pull mixed, not hook), If I was going for 250 Id have tried without straps.
Really its when Im going for a Full PR or pulling more than 3 reps, and grip will hold me back, that Ill use straps.
How long did it take you to get used to pulling hook? Ive never given it a fair shot really, a couple of half hearted attempts but always found it painful and not really any more secure.
Gotcha, thanks.
So really I’ll just have to figure out where that weight/reps range is for me to need to use straps. Somewhere north of 400 pounds I would imagine.
I have tried mixed grip and it really irritates my elbows.
Well, I started using it with my DLs when I started back training November of this year.
It didn’t take me any time at all really - maybe 1 session
I am lifting rather light weights compared to a lot of folks on these boards though.
I thought 375 last night might be a decent test with the hook and it held up fine for 3 reps and no pain.
I’ve seen many complain about pain in their thumbs but I either am not lifting enough to get pain, have a high tolerance for pain, don’t have nerve endings in my thumbs, or everyone complaining of pain are just whiny pussies. Not sure which of those 4 it is 
There’s a fine line between hook grip and no problem and excruciating pain. I’m working on it as well.
When your grip limits your deadlift performance then it’s time to use straps. Until then keep it macho!
Glad its not just me being a giant pussy then! Ha Im definitely on the excruciating pain at 40% of 1rm.
Though that doesn’t, I suppose, necessarily rule out me actually just being a giant pussy…
Your 1RM is 270kg or 594 pounds right?
I don’t know if my grip would hold 584 right now but 40% of that is 237 and I don’t get pain at that weight.
I’m leaning toward big pussy!
Then again, you out-lift me by a metric fuck-ton so I am not sure
maybe I’m doing this shit wrong…
I’ll take a video of my grip and see if maybe I’m not hooking enough or doing it different to not cause pain.
When I first implemented the hook I watch a couple videos (it’s not rocket surgery) but I could be messing it up I suppose.
Dude… the is “Hook Grip Limitless?” thread is linked here.
Hook grip properly and don’t be a pussy and you can hold onto more than you could ever hope to deadlift.
Hook is better for sumo because it doesn’t cause windmilling and there’s no supinated hand to catch on your quads or get in the way so you can keep the bar close.
If you’re picking to the weight and it doesn’t hurt then you’re doing it right. Don’t mess with it.
And @Pinkylifting, @BOTSLAYER did a tutorial on hook grip somewhere in the forums. Maybe he can remind me where.
Yes sir…
If it doesnt hurt and your grip isnt breaking you are doing it right.
Hook grip is the new rage but most who teach it are just looking for youtube clicks and dont really know the finer points for PLing.
Thanks for the video - looks like what I’m doing
I also tape my thumbs with sports tape to help from chewing up my thumbs and to give me better traction on my thumb with my fingers
Maybe I’ll stop taping and just chalk that connection between thumb and fingers
FWIW since I switched to hook grip I can be confident that grip will not be of any concern for 1RMs. 2 reps and My thumbs stop working and fall off though.
Good or bad, permanent thumb damage neurological or musculoskeletal, when you see this all you want to do is hook grip
Nice light session
Seated Row
39x10
45x10
52x10
59x10
66x10
72x10
79x10
45* Decline Sit-up
7 sets x 15 reps
Preacher Curl
18 x 10
22 x 10
27 x 10
31 x 10
37 x 10
41 x 10
45 / 31 / 22 x 10 / 8 / 8 drop set.
Felt like an proper bodybuilder again today. Drop sets and everything.
Still way better than chronic back pain from uneven pulling 
Mixed hook grip
Okay okay colour me converted. Training hook as of tomorrow!
All aboard the grip gain train
Cheat Grip. Cheat Deadlift. Cheater Squared.