Best Ab Straps
Due to how simple they are it must mean that the process of buying one is just as easy, right? Not so fast as even though nothing is going to be overly complex and convoluted, there are many factors and features that you will need to assess and analyze.
Thankfully, we are here to walk you through all of them and to walk you through the buying process, as a whole. But, first, scroll down to check out some of the best ab straps that are currently offered on the market. There are definitely some keepers out there.
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Durability
Not only do you need to worry about longevity but you also need to worry about your safety.
With any product that is designed to physically hold your weight and suspend you in mid-air, it needs to be made with durability in mind. This is not only for longevity purposes but also for your safety. And, even though you will only be suspended a few feet with ab straps, one bad fall could affect the rest of your life forever. Even though this is a bit overly dramatic, you get the point. Now, for the sake of ab straps, it is not just one area that needs to be durable. Everything from the main body to the grips to the attachments needs to be made with quality in mind. And, this is why you will see most models implement rip-resistant nylon fabric.
Nylon itself has several advantages and fantastic properties (such as its lightweight nature, superb strength, abrasion resistance, and easy maintenance). Coupled with rip-resistant craftsmanship, this makes for a highly durable core. As for something like the carabiners (which are typically used for attachments), you will want to stick with stainless steel. Additionally, you can also assess the maximum load capacity of any given option on the market. This will inform you if the straps you are looking at are rated to safely hold and support you.
Comfort
Do you really want to buy a pair of straps that are uncomfortable?
Really, who wants to use gym equipment that is uncomfortable? Exercising can take a great deal of motivation, to begin with, and dreading having to use that one particular piece of equipment due to its uncomfortable nature is never ideal. So, to avoid this issue, you will want to opt for comfortable equipment (and ab straps are no different). The thing about this type of product, though, is your arms will literally be resting inside of them. As such, you will know right away if the particular straps you have are uncomfortable or not. But, what exactly (as a consumer) can you look out for. Well, for starts, how about padding?
Indeed, with optimally designed models, they will have enough padding implemented to protect your elbows and arms. Now, some designs out there will have little to no padding while others will be equipped with edge-to-edge padding that is thick in nature. Additionally, you may want to look for models with sweat-resistant cores. There is nothing worse than heat buildup and because you are inevitably going to be sweating, moisture-wicking cores can help to combat that. Also, do not forget about the size. Some users will prefer wider straps as they can offer enhanced comfort. At the same time, though, these same models can have a tendency of digging into armpits.
Stability
Yeah, let's just say that you want to buy an option that is stable.
There are a couple of ways of looking at this next section. Firstly, you can look at the stability of a model in regard to how safe you feel on it. This was touched on earlier and, indeed, enhanced stability will be achieved with straps that sport larger load capacities and high-quality materials and components. But, we do not want to reiterate any of that information for you. So, let’s just skip ahead to the second manner in which you can assess this section.
This is alluding to the design of the handles. Now, for the most part, ab straps do not really have full-fledged handles and, instead, are typically designed with specific areas for your hands to latch onto. It is these areas that need to be assessed. First off, they need to be large enough for your hands as the last thing you want to do is grasp onto the metal carabiners. Additionally, and this goes back to what was touched on earlier, sweat- resistant fabric can improve the grip you are able to achieve as your hands are going to be sweating.
Compatibility
Here, you need to assess the attachment system as this will ensure its compatibility.
At first glance, you may be confused about what is exactly meant by compatibility in this case. After all, what exactly do you need to worry about if you are buying a new pair of ab straps? It really all comes down to the attachment system that the particular option you are looking into employs. For the most part, nearly all options will implement carabiners in some shape or form.
These are without a doubt the most common method of attachment and it makes sense due to the versatility of carabiners.
However, what also needs to be pointed out is the fact that there are a few different methods in which models can incorporate carabiners. On one hand, some models will be designed with pieces of fabric that connect together via a carabiner. So, these types will see you wrap the fabric over the bar you are using and connect it to the carabiner.
However, other designs will literally require you to attach the carabiner to the bar. The real difference is with the latter method, you will need to find out if the included carabiner will fit onto the bar of your choosing. Meanwhile, this will not be an issue with the first method.
Accessories
Also take into consideration any included warranties that come with your product.
The meat of this guide has come and gone, quite frankly, as this section right here is not really mandatory for you. With that being said, it is something extra that you may want to keep in mind. For the record, this section is all about two factors and the first is if any physical accessories are included with your purchase.
Typically, most sellers will just include their ab straps and that is it. But, every now and then you will see sellers include instructional exercise guides and stuff of that nature.
However, the second chunk of this section may be the more important of the two. And, even though it is technically not an accessory, it seemed appropriate to be discussed here. Of course, this is alluding to warranties. As you noticed throughout this list, there are several sellers out there who will not only include a warranty with your purchase but a substantial one at that. From time to time, you will see models backed with lifetime warranties in which you will be covered from damage for the lifetime of the product. Of course, it all depends on the seller so just keep an eye out for this sort of thing.
OUR TOP PICKS FOR THE BEST AB STRAPS
1. RDX AB STRAPS
Even though these are not adjustable, they are easily one of the most impressive designs on the market right now. The placement on this list should hint at that, after all.
Read moreDurability
These can support up to 120 kilograms (which works out to roughly 264 pounds). Overall, they really are built well with Cordura fabric, steel buttons, and nylon webbing.
Comfort
Thanks to the dense layer of EVA padding that has been implemented into each strap, the comfort here is sufficient. The Maya Hide Leather also does not hurt things.
Stability
For those of you who really want adjustable straps, you will be disappointed here. After all, these can’t be adjusted. Yet, they do offer optimal stability.
Compatibility
What is really nice about this option is it is flexible in its installation. Even if you do not want to use them on a pull-up bar, they can be installed outdoors and onto other systems (you can get creative).
Accessories
It is noted that RDX is 100 percent committed to delivering complete customer satisfaction. So, if you are, in any way, dissatisfied with these straps then you should get ahold of RDX.
Overall
Even the best are not flawless and this option is no different. Still, from top to bottom, you will be hard-pressed to find a superior pair of ab straps on the market.
2. PERFECT FITNESS AB STRAPS
If you have been in the market for any type of workout equipment, chances are you have stumbled across the brand Perfect Fitness. As is seen here, this company also makes some killer straps.
Read moreDurability
Thanks to the rip-resistant, nylon fabric and the steel carabiners, these can safely and securely support up to 300 pounds of weight (which is a pretty high rating).
Comfort
Even though these are advertised with thick foam padding, the padding is not the thickest. It is certainly better than nothing but do not expect wonders out of the elbow padding.
Stability
The handles can actually fall a bit so you need to be careful of accidentally pinching your hands when using these. However, the fabric itself does improve your stabilization as a whole.
Compatibility
As with most options on the market, these are equipped with quick-connect carabiners. With these, you can install the straps onto any object that will adequately hold and support them.
Accessories
It is worth noting that included with your purchase is an online workout document that can be downloaded for your convenience. If you wanted a physical copy, you could always print it off.
Overall
It is no surprise to see a Perfect Fitness model land so high on this list. They really know how to design high-quality workout equipment and it really shows here.
3. BODY-SOLID BLASTER SLINGS
These slings are known for their well-built and comfortable cores. And, while they are not flawless in their design, it is hard to argue that they are not compelling overall.
Read moreDurability
Now, the carabiners can hold up to 10,000 pounds but that does not mean that these slings can (that is just the rating for the carabiners). But, overall, these slings are built well overall.
Comfort
There is enough padding equipped in each sling that you should have little to no issues when it comes to comfort. Also, for the record, these are 8.5 inches wide.
Stability
As one reviewer pointed out, these do appear much longer in the photos. The reality is these are much shorter than they appear, so make a note of that.
Compatibility
These need to be installed onto any platform that can accept carabiners. You can get creative with the platforms you choose but chin-up bars are a popular choice.
Accessories
One of the best warranties is included with your purchase here. This is backed by the manufacturer’s lifetime warranty (which includes all the individual components).
Overall
This is a bit pricier of an option but as you can see from the quality, the price is mostly justified because of it. Plus, you really can’t beat the warranty that backs this up.
4. ARMAGEDDON SPORTS AB SLINGS
Very few consumers have had any negative remarks for this option and anytime you find a product like that, you know it is worth looking into (at the very least).
Read moreDurability
One thing is for sure, not too many people out there are going to fault these because of their construction. After all, they sport high-quality nylon and can support up to 400 pounds.
Comfort
Even though the ergonomic design of each strap is nice and all, not enough padding was implemented. As such, for longer sessions, your arms will be feeling it (and not in a good way).
Stability
It seems that these do not struggle in this area but the “handles” are also not incredibly comfortable, either.
Compatibility
Thanks to the size of the included carabiners, you can install these on a wide range of different platforms and objects. There really is no limit as long as you have an imagination.
Accessories
The 100 percent lifetime guarantee that is promised is utterly fantastic. To give you the gist of it, if this break then the company will replace them for you.
Overall
To say this is a low-risk, high reward purchase is an understatement. Even if the ab straps end up breaking on you, you can always get them replaced without any hassles.
5. DMOOSE FITNESS STRAPS
One of the most popular choices on this list is before you. And, above all else, several consumers have pointed out how short they are (so keep that factor in mind).
Read moreDurability
Thanks to the rip-resistant nylon and tear-resistant finish, these are not likely to break down in a couple of months (let’s just say that).
Comfort
As is noted, this option is equipped with edge-to-edge padding on the extra-wide straps. Both of these factors lead to enhanced comfort overall.
Stability
When performing exercises with these ab straps, your stabilization should never be in question thanks to the padded elbow sleeves and the high-quality fabric.
Compatibility
The steel carabiners these are equipped with are not the issue. Instead, several previous buyers have heavily criticized the straps for being way too short.
Accessories
You just can’t beat this kind of guarantee. As is specified in the description, this option is backed by a lifetime guarantee which states that you will receive a full replacement or refund for life (if problems persist).
Overall
Deciding if you want to consider this option really all comes down to your willingness to deal with its short nature. If this is not an issue for you, go for it.
6. ULTIMATE BODY PRESS STRAPS
Now, these straps are very unique in the fact that they can be secured to platforms via their Velcro closures. This will either be something you like or do not, quite frankly.
Read moreDurability
Being made with commercial-grade components, you can take comfort in knowing that these are not cheaply designed.
Comfort
For enhanced comfort, there is foam padding that has been integrated into the lower sections of each strap. Overall, however, these are not the most comfortable straps out there.
Stability
Due to the quick-adjust buckles and the indexed straps, you can actually tailor the resistance to your liking. In addition to the above-average stability, this is a welcome sight.
Compatibility
As mentioned, you will either love or hate the Velcro here. On the plus side, it allows for more versatile installation. Yet, on the flipside, making adjustments is annoying if the bar you are dealing with is not open-ended.
Accessories
What is really nice is a comprehensive exercising guide is included with your purchase. It comes with over 20 movements and 3 different sample workouts.
Overall
Let’s just say this, due to the nature of this option, you may want to avoid using it with bars that do not have open ends. Otherwise, this is yet another great choice.
7. P FITNESS STRAPS
You may consider this the best option on this list that nobody has ever heard of. In the world of consumer products, sometimes you find gems and that is exactly what this option is right here.
Read moreDurability
Let’s just say that these are not going to break down from wear and tear after a few uses. They are made of heavy-duty material so this is not going to be a concern.
Comfort
In addition to being designed with cushions that sport ample padding, these slings are also extra-wide to better relieve the stress on your arms.
Stability
One of the benefits of the cushioning is it has been designed to be sweat-resistant (which will enhance your grip overall). Also, as a note, these are not adjustable.
Compatibility
Due to the fact that these come packaged with carabiners, they can be installed onto virtually any platform you can think of (such as multi-gyms and pull-up bars).
Accessories
This option is pretty straight forward as it does not come with any important accessories to note of.
Overall
After today, you will never overlook this option again, right? Sure, it is not perfect but when you go down the list of all the best ab straps on the market, none of them will be.
8. PELLOR HANGING STRAPS
If you have taken the time to look at the previous products then you will probably not be enthralled by anything here. However, that does not insinuate that this option is poor design by any stretch of the imagination.
Read moreDurability
Be careful with this option as it is only rated to handle up to 100 kilograms (which works out to around 220 pounds). Now, the material is rip-resistant nylon, for the record.
Comfort
Not only have these been designed with extra girth (width-wise) but they have also been equipped with thick padding (though it is nothing overly extravagant).
Stability
Though the handles are long and designed of sweat-resistant nylon, one user noted that they had issues gripping the top portion of these straps.
Compatibility
As with others on this list, these are compatible with several different platforms such as multi-gym systems, pull-up bars, and chin-up bars.
Accessories
No additional accessories are included with your purchase but the good news is the seller notifies their consumer-base that anyone can contact them if issues arise (which could be seen as some sort of warranty).
Overall
You should be beginning to get the gist of what most ab straps on the market are like. This option does not reinvent the wheel but that is not the point as it is effective as is.
9. HIPIWE GYM STRAPS
At the end of the day, these are as well-built as any other option on the market. With that said, they struggle in some other areas which lessen their value just a little bit.
Read moreDurability
We are not blowing smoke when we say that these are expertly built. After all, they are designed with rip-resistant nylon fabric and can support up to 396 pounds.
Comfort
Each strap has been optimized with a sufficient amount of padding and has also been designed with optimal widths.
Stability
Overall, these are quite long and somewhat awkward to utilize. Of course, the long handles coupled with the sweat-resistant fabric do make for a solid combination of stability.
Compatibility
All in all, the carabiners could have been larger. Due to this, you may find that these will not attach to certain platforms that you may have.
Accessories
Two different colors are available and though there are not too many accessories to speak of, this is a nice addition to have.
Overall
To best describe this option, it is brilliantly built with slight execution issues. That pretty much says it all right there ladies and gentlemen.
10. IRON GYM AB STRAPS
The packaging of this model is a bit confusing but it is noted that the actual Iron Gym needs to be purchased separately. Still, you get the well-designed ab straps from Iron Gym.
Read moreDurability
What makes these unique, right from the get-go, is that they are made of polyester and not nylon. While polyester is not quite as strong as nylon, these can support up to 300 pounds.
Comfort
The padding that is implemented here enhances the comfort overall. However, there have been a few users who have noted that these can create slight bruise marks after extended usage.
Stability
The stability of these straps has been criticized by a few previous users. In spite of this, these are fully adjustable (which is a really nice and compelling feature).
Compatibility
As noted, the Iron Gym needs to be bought separately. You can either buy this or the Iron Gym Xtreme Total Upper Body Workout Bars (as the straps are optimized to work for either of these two systems).
Accessories
This is one of the few cases where additional accessories would have really been nice. Even though you can get creative, these are not exactly optimized to work by themselves.
Overall
It seemed like we were bashing this option but do not be fooled as it is truly a high-quality choice. You should just couple your purchase with the Iron Gym.
Sources
- 10 Best Ab Straps for 2019, Review ,
- Top 10 Fitness Ab Straps in 2019, Review ,
- 10 Best Ab Straps Tested and Fully Reviewed, Review ,