Elbow Wraps for Strongman: Log, Axle and Overhead Event Tips

Strongman pressing is unlike anything else in the gym. Instead of a smooth barbell, you clean and press a thick log, a fat axle or a circus dumbbell, often for max weight or as many reps as possible in 60 seconds. The elbows work hard in every one of those events. That is why elbow wraps for strongman are a frequent topic among athletes getting ready for a show. Here is how wraps fit in.

What Elbow Wraps Do

Elbow wraps are long elastic strips wound tightly around the elbow. Like knee wraps, they stretch as the joint bends and store elastic tension. Many athletes feel this as a firm, springy lock that helps them out of the bottom of a press. Wraps also make the elbow feel very tight and stable. Read will elbow wraps make you bench more for the bench press side of the story.

Strongman Events Where Wraps Appear

• Log press: the most common event where athletes consider wraps, particularly for max attempts.
• Axle press: a thick bar pressed from the shoulders.
• Max overhead events: single heavy attempts where every bit of stability counts.
• Training overloads: heavy partials, push presses or pin presses.

Where Sleeves Usually Make More Sense

• Rep events: wraps can make the clean portion of a log or axle awkward when you need to clean repeatedly.
• Medleys and carries: sleeves move better.
• Stone loading: you need full arm flexibility to wrap around the stone.
• General training volume: sleeves are quicker and more comfortable.

Read elbow wraps vs elbow sleeves for bench press for a closer comparison of the two.

Clean vs Press Considerations

In log and axle, you usually clean the implement to your shoulders before pressing. Tight elbow wraps can make the clean harder because your arms need to bend fully as the log rolls up. Some athletes wrap only moderately for this reason, or choose events where a "continental" clean is easier with wraps. Practice in training to find what works.

Rules First

Strongman gear rules vary by federation and by show. Some allow elbow wraps, some allow only sleeves and some restrict both on certain events. Always check the athlete packet and ask the promoter. Train in the gear you plan to use.

How to Wrap for Overhead Events

1. Start just below the elbow with your arm slightly bent.
2. Wrap in a spiral or diagonal pattern, overlapping by about half.
3. Pull tension evenly with each pass.
4. Finish above the elbow and tuck the end.
5. Bend your arm and do a few empty presses to check the feel.

For more detail, read how to wrap elbow wraps.

Wrap Length

Strongman athletes often have big arms, so length matters. Longer wraps give enough material for a firm wrap on larger elbows. The Bay Gear Co. elbow wraps are 60" long. Read how long should elbow wraps be and how to choose the best elbow wraps.

Picking Your Wraps

Our elbow wraps come in several colors, including Black, Caution, Coyote Brown, OD Green and Tactical Hawaiian. See them all in the elbow wraps collection. For a complete wrap kit, the knee wraps and elbow wraps set includes 78" by 3.25" knee wraps.

Sleeves for Volume

For most of your pressing volume, 7mm elbow sleeves at $49.99 a pair are more practical. Read 7mm elbow sleeves.

The Rest of the Strongman Kit

• 18" wrist wraps at $28.99, essential for log and axle.
• A lever belt, 10mm thick and 4.25" wide, sizes XS through 3XL. Read strongman belt.
• Lifting straps, 24" for $19.99, for deadlift events where allowed.
• Wraps for squats and yoke: read knee wraps for strongman.
• Combo deals: see the elbow wraps, wrist wraps and wrist straps bundle.

Sample Log Press Session

1. Log clean and press: work up to a heavy single, wraps on for the top attempt.
2. Log press for reps: 3 sets of 5, sleeves on.
3. Push press: 3 x 5 with a barbell. See how to overhead press.
4. Close-grip bench: 3 x 8.
5. Triceps pushdowns: 3 x 12.

For broader programming, read strongman training.

Practicing With Wraps Before a Show

Never debut elbow wraps on competition day. Spend several training sessions pressing the log or axle in wraps at moderate weights so you learn how the clean feels, how fast you can get into position and how much tension suits you. Ask a training partner to time how long it takes to wrap both arms, because shows often run on a tight schedule. Once wrapping feels routine, work up to heavier attempts. That preparation means your only job on the day is to press.

Shipping and Returns

Our Bay Gear Co. store policy covers Elbow Wraps for Strongman: free shipping on orders over $49 and a 30-day return policy.

FAQ

Do strongman athletes use elbow wraps?

Some do for max log and axle attempts, where rules allow.

Are elbow wraps good for log press?

Many athletes like them for heavy singles, though tight wraps can make the clean harder.

How long are Bay Gear Co. elbow wraps?

They are 60" long.

Sleeves or wraps for strongman?

Sleeves for volume and rep events; wraps for heavy singles where allowed.