Equipment

Competition Equipment Standards

Powerlifting has strict equipment regulations. Understanding federation rules is essential.

Federations:

• •IPF (International Powerlifting Federation): Strictest rules, approved equipment list
• •USAPL, CPU, BP (IPF affiliates): Follow IPF rules
• •USPA, RPS, APF: Less restrictive, more equipment options
• •Raw vs Equipped: Different divisions with different gear allowances

Essential Equipment

Powerlifting Belt

The most impactful piece of equipment. Increases intra-abdominal pressure and squat/deadlift performance.

Specifications:

• •10mm vs 13mm thickness: 10mm for mobility, 13mm for maximum rigidity
• •4" uniform width (not tapered)
• •Single prong, double prong, or lever closure
• •IPF-approved for competition: SBD, Inzer, Titan, Wahlander

Evidence: Properly used belts increase 1RM by 5-15% on squat and deadlift (Zink et al., 2001).

Squat Shoes (Weightlifting Shoes)

Elevated heel improves squat depth and upright torso position.

Features:

• •0.5-1" heel elevation (higher for quad-dominant squatters)
• •Rigid, non-compressible sole
• •Secure strap or lacing system
• •IPF-approved models: Romaleos, Adipower, Reebok Legacy Lifter

Alternative: Flat shoes (Converse, wrestling shoes) for low-bar squatters with good mobility.

Knee Sleeves

Warmth, proprioceptive feedback, and slight rebound assistance.

Specifications:

• •7mm neoprene standard for powerlifting
• •Tight fit (sizing down 1-2 sizes common)
• •IPF-approved: SBD, Rehband, Titan, A7
• •Studies show 2-5% squat improvement (Lake & Carden, 2021)

Deadlift Footwear

Minimal sole thickness maximizes leverage.

• •Deadlift slippers: Zero drop, minimal cushion
• •Wrestling shoes: Flat, grippy sole
• •Barefoot (where permitted)

Training Accessories

Wrist Wraps

Support for heavy bench pressing.

Lengths:

• •12-18": Light support, more mobility
• •24": Standard powerlifting length
• •36": Maximum support (IPF allows up to 1m)

Stiffness: Stiffer wraps for heavier weights, more flexible for training variety.

Chalk

Essential for grip on all three lifts.

• •Block chalk: Competition standard
• •Liquid chalk: Gym-friendly alternative

Singlet

Required for competition.

Purchase: Only buy IPF-approved if competing in IPF federation.

Knee Wraps (Equipped Division)

For wrapped divisions, can add 50-100+ lbs to squat.

Learning Curve: Requires practice to wrap properly and squat with wraps.

Bars and Equipment

Competition Specification Bars

Squat Bar: 29mm diameter, aggressive knurl, stiff shaft

• •Rogue Ohio Squat Bar, Texas Squat Bar

Bench Bar: 29mm diameter, center knurl, moderate flex

• •Rogue Ohio Power Bar, Texas Power Bar

Deadlift Bar: 27mm diameter, aggressive knurl, whippy shaft

• •Texas Deadlift Bar, Rogue Ohio Deadlift Bar

All-Purpose Power Bar: If only one bar, get a quality power bar

• •IPF-approved: Eleiko, Rogue, Ivanko

Calibrated Plates

Competition plates are calibrated to exact weight. Essential for accurate training loads.

Brands: Eleiko, Rogue, Ivanko, Uesaka

Budget Tiers

Minimal Budget - $200-400

Essential competition gear:

• •Leather powerlifting belt ($80-150): Inzer Forever 10mm, Pioneer Cut
• •Knee sleeves ($50-90): SBD, Rehband
• •Wrist wraps ($25-40): Inzer Iron Wraps, SBD
• •Chalk ($10-15)
• •Squat shoes or flat shoes ($60-120)

Moderate Budget - $600-1200

Complete training and competition kit:

• •Premium belt ($100-200): SBD, Inzer Forever 13mm
• •Two pairs knee sleeves ($100-180): Training and competition
• •Multiple wrist wraps lengths ($50-80)
• •Weightlifting shoes ($150-200): Nike Romaleos, Adidas Adipower
• •Deadlift slippers ($30-50)
• •Competition singlet ($50-100)
• •Knee cap sleeves for bench ($30-50)

Comprehensive Budget - $2000+

Including home gym equipment:

• •All personal gear from moderate budget ($600-1000)
• •Power bar competition spec ($300-600): Rogue Ohio Power Bar
• •Calibrated or competition plates ($1000-2000)
• •Combo rack or competition bench/squat stands ($500-1500)
• •Specialty bars: SSB, cambered bar ($200-400 each)
• •Reverse hyper or GHD ($500-1000)

Training Accessories

For Weak Points

Squat:

• •Safety squat bar (SSB): Builds upper back and quads
• •Cambered bar: Teaches staying tight in the hole
• •Box squat setup: Builds explosive power

Bench:

• •Slingshot: Overload training
• •Boards or bench blocks: Lockout strength
• •Football/Swiss bar: Shoulder-friendly pressing

Deadlift:

• •Deficit blocks: Improves off-floor speed
• •Block pulls: Lockout strength
• •Bands/chains: Accommodating resistance

Recovery Equipment

Priority Items

• •Foam roller and lacrosse balls
• •Resistance bands for warm-ups and recovery
• •Massage gun or percussive therapy

Nice to Have

• •Inversion table (back decompression)
• •Compression boots
• •Hot/cold therapy

Sources

1. 1.Zink AJ, et al. (2001). "The effects of a weight belt on trunk and leg muscle activity and joint kinematics during the squat exercise." Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research.
2. 2.Lake JP & Carden PJC (2021). "Effects of wearing knee wraps on leg extension kinematics." Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research.
3. 3.Sato K & Heise GD (2012). "Influence of weight lifting belt on trunk muscle activity during the squat and deadlift." International Journal of Sports Medicine.