Well, I don't know until I try it. I don't think I'm lifting heavy enough that I need straps yet and I don't want to use reverse grip as I have enough shoulder imbalances as it is. No chalk. Was trying to avoid gloves as long as possible. I'll be bike racing again before I go much bigger.
Fuck the hook grip - that shit is painful. Just get straps or reverse grip if you need to lift more than you can hold