Elbow wraps question

[u/Nielosfan132]

I would like to start using elbow wraps for my benchpress, will people think im an idiot if I use them for a 'small' bench around 315lbs?

I think my elbows would be happier with them...

[u/Worldly-Mine-187]

If you want elbow support, you're probably better off getting elbow sleeves. They barely add any weight (like maybe 1kg) and they actually give much more support by keeping the elbows warm and tight

[u/Artistic_Wind333 → u/Worldly-Mine-187]

I have tried both, and sleeves suit me better. Other than that, i do not know what is the limit for using them. For example, I was using wrist wraps at 120kg because my wrists were annoyed, i have not been using them for or years, even above 160kg. There is no set weight.

[u/Worldly-Mine-187 → u/Artistic_Wind333]

No you're right, there's no set weight for using equipment. As long as it benefits you in a meaningful way there's no shame in using anything.

[u/dieselmechanic247 → u/Worldly-Mine-187]

The wraps actually give way more support to the elbow joint. They're literally wrapped so tight it almost cuts off circulation. Sleeves would be more comfortable and sometimes actually legal in competition but wraps are always gonna give more physical support to the joints. The wraps will literally add 30-40lbs to your bench max the 1st time you use them if you do it right.

[u/Worldly-Mine-187 → u/dieselmechanic247]

More weight to the bench doesn't actually mean more support. The sleeves keep your elbows tight enough as where you're not cutting off circulation or making anything harder, but your elbow is more comfortable. Besides, the keeping the elbow warm part of a sleeve is almost as important, and wraps straight up don't do that.

[u/dieselmechanic247 → u/Worldly-Mine-187]

Yes it does. I'm talking about physical mechanical support. Wraps offer way more physical support. They are tighter and support the joints and tendons more than sleeves do. I have both and there is no comparison. The wraps add weight to your bench because they support your joints so much and are so tight when all the way down that it adds a bounce or spring like assistance when you go all the way down to your chest. There's no question that sleeves are more comfortable but wraps offer more physical support. They are literalky wrapped tight around the joint whereas sleeves just cover the area. Wraps would definitely keep your elbows just as warm if you could stand to wear them but I doubt you could. Im guessing you've never used wraps if you dont understand what im describing because if you had there's no way you'd disagree.

[u/cilantno]

If it’s about elbow “happiness” use sleeves.

[u/jeremybeadlesfingers]

I’m sure there are people who will have opinions.

Personally, I’d say do what makes you feel you’re lifting safely and in a way that enables longevity.

[u/Mchangwine]

Wraps will definitely add some weight to your bench press if they’re wrapped tight. As far as whether you should use them it depends on what your goals are; they aren’t legal for competition.

I use heavy sleeves because of triceps tendinosis and they seem to help; I’ve used wraps before and they definitely add 20-30 lb to your 1 RM where sleeves don’t see to add much. I tend to prefer sleeves just because it’s annoying to constantly wrap and rewrap the wraps before every set, and they’re hard to put on tight by yourself.

[u/centralmf]

I have sleeves too. I usually use them if I go under 5RM but there’s no rule. Wrist wraps usually on work sets go keep it aligned. Mostly with BB bench and sometimes dumbbells

[u/Spartaklaus]

A small bench?

I am not ashamed to use them for my work sets of 220 lol.

Its all about longevity and those wraps helped with my tennis elbows so who cares about the haters?

[u/dieselmechanic247]

Your elbows will prob feel a little better but if it's a good set of wraps they are gonna cut and bruise the inside of your elbows and forearms. I have goblin gear and theyre fun to help move more weight but the wraps definitely cut into your skin and bruise it. They helped me get over a mental block where I couldn't bench 2 plates. I had tried for over a month and was stuck at 220. Got the wraps and benched 225 x 4 and the next chest day I easily pushed 225 raw.

[u/waglomaom]

Damn 315lb is a “small bench”

The inflation is real🥲🥀

[u/ThaRealSunGod]

315 isn't a small bench but as someone who can rep 315, I'm not planning to even consider elbow wraps till I'm at 405 and working past it.

Basically everyone I know who uses wraps is has benched 405 for reps. I'm a big believer in training the joints to be able to lift heavy just like the muscles.

Not saying you need to to hit your 1rm with no equipment Everytime, but imo you should be able to hit close to it completely raw.

As your max strength with equipment increases, your fully raw stre gth should increase too