Equipped Powerlifting: An Introduction to the World of Shirts, Suits, and Wraps

When most people think of powerlifting today, they picture "raw" lifting—competing with just a belt, knee sleeves, and wrist wraps. But there is another, older, and fascinating side to the sport: equipped powerlifting. This is the realm of supportive squat suits, bench shirts, and knee wraps that allow lifters to move truly mind-boggling weights, often hundreds of pounds more than their raw counterparts. This guide will serve as your introduction to the world of equipped lifting.

What is Equipped Powerlifting?

Equipped powerlifting involves the use of highly specialized, supportive single-ply or multi-ply polyester suits. This gear is incredibly stiff and acts like a set of high-tension springs. When the lifter descends in a squat or bench press, the material stretches and stores enormous elastic energy, which is then released during the ascent, helping to propel the bar upwards.

The primary pieces of equipment are:

• Squat Suit: An extremely tight, one-piece suit that provides immense support to the hips and legs.
• Bench Shirt: A heavily reinforced shirt, often made of multiple layers of polyester or denim, that resists the bar's descent and provides a powerful "rebound" off the chest.
• Knee Wraps: Long, elastic wraps that are wrapped tightly around the knees, storing and releasing energy at the bottom of the squat.
• Deadlift Suit: Similar to a squat suit but designed specifically for the mechanics of the deadlift.

Raw vs. Equipped: Key Differences

Why Do People Lift Equipped?

1. The Ultimate Challenge: Lifting equipped is a skill in and of itself. Mastering the gear and learning to handle weights far beyond your raw strength is a unique and difficult challenge.
2. Pushing the Limits: It allows lifters to explore the absolute upper limits of human strength. The all-time world records in equipped lifting are staggering.
3. Longevity and Support: For some lifters, the supportive nature of the gear can help manage aches and pains, potentially allowing them to train heavy for longer.
4. Tradition: As detailed in our History of Powerlifting guide, equipped lifting was the standard in the sport for decades before the recent rise of raw lifting.

The Technique: It's a Different Sport

You cannot simply put on a squat suit and lift like you do raw. The technique is fundamentally different.

• Squatting in a Suit: A squat suit wants to keep your hips extended. To get to depth, you must fight the suit on the way down. Lifters typically have to take a much wider stance and aggressively push their knees out to hit proper depth. The suit then provides a powerful rebound out of the bottom.
• Benching in a Shirt: This is arguably the most difficult skill to learn. A bench shirt is so tight that it can be difficult to even touch the bar to your chest. The lifter must learn the perfect groove to "ride the shirt" down, touch, and then press. The bar path is often very different from a raw bench press. Famed coach Dave Tate of EliteFTS has written extensively on this complex process.

Getting Started in Equipped Lifting

If you're interested in trying equipped lifting, the barrier to entry is high, but not impossible.

1. Find a Mentor or Crew: This is non-negotiable. You cannot learn to use equipped gear safely or effectively on your own. You need experienced handlers to help you get the gear on, spot you, and teach you the technique.
2. Start with Single-Ply: Single-ply gear is more forgiving and has a lower learning curve than multi-ply. Many federations, like the IPF, only allow single-ply equipped lifting.
3. Be Patient: It can take months or even years to get comfortable in the gear and start seeing significant carryover to your lifts.

Equipped powerlifting is a challenging and exciting discipline that represents the pinnacle of absolute strength in the sport. It requires a different skillset, a unique technique, and a dedicated team to master. While the popularity of raw lifting has soared, equipped lifting continues to thrive among lifters who are passionate about pushing the boundaries of what's possible and engaging in the ultimate battle between lifter, barbell, and gear.

Have you ever considered trying equipped lifting? Share your thoughts or questions in the comments!