[UnlimitedSteel]

Discuss any equipment topics in here. To start off this thread, I will give some info on different types of equipment.

Belt(approx 70$ for standard belt): This powerlifting wear applies pressure to the core and creates a stable environment in which to perform the Big Three. Belts support you during your lifts and help keep you safe. They also help to create intra-abdominal pressure, thus creating the stability. But don't train in a belt all year round, as this takes away the force from the abdominals and are actually weakened. Wear the belt at meets, and certain occassions.

Chalk(approx 5-10$): This powerlifting item helps during all lifts basically. It helps with the grip in the deadlift and bench, and can help prevent the slipping of the bar on the squat. You simply apply chalk all over your hands for the bench and deadlift, and you apply the chalk on the trapezius, neck, and shoulders for the squat. Magnesium carbonate chalk is a popular form of this chalk.

Squat/Deadlift Suits(approx $40-150): This powerlifting wear is very effective for both safety and adding pounds to your squat,deadlift, and total. They work because since they are so tight, once you stretch the suit, such as the descent of the squat and the beginning of the deadlift, they create a "spring" of some sort. This helps create bar speed, momentum, and blast through the whole lift. Also, they create a stable environment for the joints so they are injury preventing. Usually, these suits take up to 5 minutes to get on. They are also uncomfortable and tight. But they work!Some examples of Squat/Deadlift suits are: Z-Suit, Marathon Suit, Inzer,Champion,Other......

Bench Shirt(approx $40-150): This powerlifting wear is effective for adding pounds to your bench and total. Again, they work because they are so tight, that once you stretch the shirt, like in the bottom position of the bench press, it creates a spring and helps you to create bar speed, momentum, and blast to the lockout, where many successive powerlifters train, knowing the bench shirt starts to help a bit less. Think of a rubber band. What happens when you stretch it? It creates a spring and fires away when you let go of the rubber band. Same concept in the bench shirt.(And squat/deadlift suits). Training the lockout is critical when using a shirt, because the shirt is mostly effective at the bottom and middle position of the lift. Start with the lowest level of a bench shirt, such as a single polyester. Soem examples of bench shirts are:Extra High Performance Heavy Duty Blast Shirt(EHPHD),High Performance Heavy Duty Blast Shirt (HPHD),Other....

Knee wraps(approx $20): This powerlifting wear helps create pressure and tightness in the knees, and creates a stable environment. Knee Wraps also help to prevent injuries in the knees, which is critical when performing the Squat. They may create a little spring, but nothing major. Can add up to 15 kilos or 20-30 pounds if wrapped correctly and tight enough....

Wrist Wraps(approx $20) : This powerlifting wear helps to support your grip so you have better control and grip on the barbell. This is NOT to be confused with wrist STRAPS, which are straps that wrap around the wrist and barbell so you are actually "glued" to the barbell.


You can attain the powerlifting equipment at www.monstermuscle.com www.titansupport.com

I think I pretty much nailed everything. If I missed anything, please add it in!

[powerman2000]

You forgot shoes. I wore a different shoe for each of the three lifts. I don't/can't compete anymore, but I need to find some squating shoes again because I like to switch up my squats by going with my feet completely flat on the ground and sometimes to shift the focus around on my quads I will squat with 5 lb plates under my heals. I think I'd prefer some squat shoes that already have the raised heal. I used to compete in 'Puma' squating shoes and when I bought my first pair back in the 80s they were $100.00

[ravadongon]

I got some questions for you guys:

with the wrist wraps, what exercises should I wear them for?

Also should I wear wrist and knee wraps at all training sessions where they are suitable, or should I only wear them when lifting heavy (i.e. maxing out)??

[UnlimitedSteel]

Originally Posted by ravadongon

I got some questions for you guys:

with the wrist wraps, what exercises should I wear them for?

Also should I wear wrist and knee wraps at all training sessions where they are suitable, or should I only wear them when lifting heavy (i.e. maxing out)??

Wrist wraps work best when worn for the bench press and deadlift, in my opinion. But I'm pretty sure you could wear them for any exercise, really.

I would definately not wear knee and wrist wraps unless you are going very(!) heavy, or maxing out. Don't become dependent on the equipment.

Powerman- When I get the chance I will add in information about shoes. Perhaps you can add to the thread your knowledge of shoes for lifting? I know olympic lifting shoes are different than "powerlifting shoes", which a lot of guys just wear chucks for. I didn't know there were specific shoes though, like those Puma squatting shoes.

[Testosterone]

Originally Posted by powerman2000

You forgot shoes. I wore a different shoe for each of the three lifts. I don't/can't compete anymore, but I need to find some squating shoes again because I like to switch up my squats by going with my feet completely flat on the ground and sometimes to shift the focus around on my quads I will squat with 5 lb plates under my heals. I think I'd prefer some squat shoes that already have the raised heal. I used to compete in 'Puma' squating shoes and when I bought my first pair back in the 80s they were $100.00

I see loads of guys using converses for squats...to keep their feet levelled on the ground. Personally, I lost my converses a long time ago lol so I just use sneakers that have a higher heal on the back. I have to try out converses and see if the difference is that big really.

[EliteBSU]

http://www.dynamic-eleiko.com/products/shoesFR.html

I got olympic weightlifting shoes when i was a junior in highschool for oly. competitions

still have mine, still use them. so 6 years of use.

mine look like the Adistar II. but older and not so shiny

[powerman2000]

Originally Posted by EliteBSU

http://www.dynamic-eleiko.com/products/shoesFR.html

I got olympic weightlifting shoes when i was a junior in highschool for oly. competitions

still have mine, still use them. so 6 years of use.

mine look like the Adistar II. but older and not so shiny

Oly lifting shoes are a lot like the squat shoes that PLers use. I'd say they are interchangeable.

[DJSTARER]

slip-ons are essential if you have a suit which fits properly. If you don't need slip-ons, your suit is too loose.

[romanaz]

I lift in converse kiros right now. When they wear out I'm getting chucks. My oly friend wants me to get his kinda shoe, but the heel is raised to far imo.

Knee wraps are good for squat/deadlift, but don't get dependent on them. wrist wraps for squat/bench but as well, don't get dependent on them.

why would u wrap ur wrists for deadliftS?

[davtown]

Originally Posted by DJSTARER

slip-ons are essential if you have a suit which fits properly. If you don't need slip-ons, your suit is too loose.

What are slip-ons?

[bigDman]

they are like underarmour that you put on your legs so that the suit comes up easier

[Vario]

I wear otomix pro trainer shoes, they are similar to wrestling shoes. Great stability and flat on the bottom.

[Vario]

Whats an erector shirt for? I understand its for deadlifts. Hows it help?

[Jason Pegg]

I wear a Metal ACE Pro Squatter, Predator briefs, INzer/Metal wraps, A KK Double Denim, and a Metal Pro Deadlifter.

Jason

[romanaz]

Originally Posted by Vario

Whats an erector shirt for? I understand its for deadlifts. Hows it help?

i thought erectors were for squats to help keep you upright

[Jason Pegg]

Originally Posted by romanaz

i thought erectors were for squats to help keep you upright

Erector shirts are junk. Save your money.

Jason

[Vario]

I had a few questions about gear for this season, so I figured Id run it through this thread.

Right now I have a old beat Zsuit, a inzer forever belt, and some titan wraps.
I'm thinking about getting a titan centurion squat suit. I have a medium wide stance, just wider then shoulders. I am also thinking about getting a EPHD blast shirt, this would be the first time I've ever used a bench shirt. My best raw is 230 I think (dont remember) with a medium wide grip and fairly flat back.

My measurements are:
Thigh circumference: 24" (these shrank because I havent squatted in over two weeks from injury)
Quads above knee: 21"
Arm: 14"
Arm with Bicep Flexed 15.5"
Waist: 33"
Chest: 43"
Shoulders: 50"

I will either qualify 165 or 181 (gain 6 lbs or lose 10).


Any advice? Mainly wondering if Inzer's bench shirt sizing (chest+9, shoulders+2) is accurate.