Bench Shirts, Squat Suits, Erector Shirts: what?

386 · 02-16-2006, 10:16 PM

I know this is definitely sort of common knowledge, but I'm not in the know and I'm very curious. I searched for the lame, too.

At a lot of powerlifting competitions things like a squat suit, bench shirt, erector shirt and crap like that is mandatory. What is up with all the "clothes" of competiton powerlifting? What is it for? Does it really help you lift more? I know; I read some advertisements.

CarnalSalvation · 02-16-2006, 10:36 PM

It isn't mandatory, I compete in the APF (a double ply equipment, non tested fed) and I don't wear that shit, nor do I use steroids. All that's mandatory in most feds is a singlet.

Squat suits and bench shirts can add from 20-300+lbs to a lift.

It's a bunch of cheap bullshit. Anybody who says otherwise is either a gearwhore, or a gearwhore nutswinger.

Mark Limbaga · 02-17-2006, 12:23 AM

Raw totals are still the best. There are a lot of guys who compete but become totally dependent on their gear.

CarnalSalvation · 02-17-2006, 12:33 AM

The only use of gear I can respect, is simple, singly ply poly gear used for injury prevention, especially squat briefs and bench shirts. That REALLY was the initial goal, it just got out of control fast.

Double ply, canvas, denim and freaky new poly blend equipment is just junk. It's a farce. An embarassment to everything powerlifting should be.

chia · 02-17-2006, 01:12 AM

You can't just put on a bench shirt and get 200 lbs off of it; the gear requires it's own technique to maximize it's potential. When you start training in equipment all the time to develop your equipment technique you sacrifice what's most important (or at least for most of us), and that is personal strength development, not a race for the highest numbers.

Rychlak will not state his best raw bench press. It is no where close to Mendelson's record.

CarnalSalvation · 02-17-2006, 03:06 AM

I train in a gym full of powerlifters who use equipment dude, I know how it works.

CarnalSalvation · 02-17-2006, 03:07 AM

My coach has won APF Nat's for fucks sake.

graedy · 02-17-2006, 04:36 AM

Lynn, your female coach? What were the numbers?

Alon · 02-17-2006, 07:35 AM

What do the briefs do?

Espo · 02-17-2006, 09:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CarnalSalvation

The only use of gear I can respect, is simple, singly ply poly gear used for injury prevention, especially squat briefs and bench shirts. That REALLY was the initial goal, it just got out of control fast.

Double ply, canvas, denim and freaky new poly blend equipment is just junk. It's a farce. An embarassment to everything powerlifting should be.

I am not a competitive powerlifter, so I probably am not at liberty to speak on the subject, but I will say that I couldn't agree more with this post.