What Equipment is Allowed at a Raw Meet?

Morning all,

I am not planning to do any meets at present but just wondered what equipment can be used and still be classed as RAW powerlifting?

I thought it would be nothing but some places state belt & wraps is ok (Thou why is this classed as RAW?)

If someone can just point me to the right place I will happily read up myself.

Thanks in advance.

Depends on the federation.
Find which fed holds meets near you (or has equipment that you desire to use) download the rule book and have fun.

Here is a quick breakdown of which federations have a raw component
http://www.powerliftingwatch.com/compare-federations

I cant remember what fed it is…but there is a RAW fed which allows the use of the inzer squat suit! I nearly died when I read it!

It depends on the organization. All allow a belt, some allow wrist wraps, some allow knee sleeves (but not knee wraps), and some allow knee wraps as well. You just have to check the rules for the organization you plan on lifting in. The reason for all the differences is that there is no universal definition of “raw”. It’s a relatively recent thing for those who don’t want and/or like supportive suits and shirts.

So what is the most restrictive I guess should be my question.

So all allow a belt but only some wrist wraps?? Seems odd to me. Not saying your wrong just I thought you would have got a better carry over with a belt than wraps…?

I currently train with nothing (no wraps, belt, straps etc). Just wondering if using say a belt for my work sets would give me ‘more bang for my buck’ than not using one as I could add more weight. However I didn’t know how much classed as still lifting raw.

On a side note I saw a guy at the gym last night squatting 200kg in knee wraps and a 4" belt loving himself. Only problem was he was doing 1/4 depth squats…

The belt is about added stability, not really lifting more weight. I can squat the same weight with or without a belt, roughly, but the ease of putting it up is what changes.

[quote]-sie- wrote:
So what is the most restrictive I guess should be my question.

So all allow a belt but only some wrist wraps?? Seems odd to me. Not saying your wrong just I thought you would have got a better carry over with a belt than wraps…?

I currently train with nothing (no wraps, belt, straps etc). Just wondering if using say a belt for my work sets would give me ‘more bang for my buck’ than not using one as I could add more weight. However I didn’t know how much classed as still lifting raw.

On a side note I saw a guy at the gym last night squatting 200kg in knee wraps and a 4" belt loving himself. Only problem was he was doing 1/4 depth squats…

[/quote]

Belts are considered raw in every federation I am aware of. The only people who don’t consider belts raw are internet tough guys. Except Stallion, he squats without a belt and he is a badass, but he is an exception.

Get a good belt, use it, the first time you squat in a real power belt your life will be changed and you will wonder why you ever wasted your time.

Belt and wristwraps are probably wanted for the health aspect, not the performance aspect.

[quote]animus wrote:
The belt is about added stability, not really lifting more weight. I can squat the same weight with or without a belt, roughly, but the ease of putting it up is what changes.[/quote]

Sorry but this is crap. A belt adds weight to your lifts plain and simple. It won’t add hundreds of pounds in the way a suit can, nor will it change your form but it certainly allows for more weight to be lifted. The whole saftely thing is a crock as well in my oppinion, one need look no farther than pat mendes or KK to see that heavy weights can be squatted and deadlifted safely without a belt.

I don’t have an issue with it, and I compete with a belt myself but I never understood why wraps are demonized by half of the “RAW!!!” community but belts get a free pass

Thanks everyone for your replies.

As you can tell I am a bit clueless so can someone point me to a good idea for a belt? In the UK.

Am I right in thinking it should be 3" or less, power lifting belts are the same width all the way around? Buckle rather than velcro?

Having never used one I don’t know what works and doesn’t so would appreciate your input.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Power-Leather-Weight-Lifting-Belt-Body-Building-Gym-L-/320408794640?pt=UK_Sporting_Goods_Exercise_Fitness_Fitness_Accessories_ET&hash=item4a99da3610

Astar, I was planning on using the belt for the last heavy reps most of the sets will be done without a belt.

Some feds don’t allow velcro fastened belts. I have a lever belt that I got from Inzer that I think is awsome. Elitefts has some belts they sale too.

[quote]Astar wrote:
one need look no farther than pat mendes or KK to see that heavy weights can be squatted and deadlifted safely without a belt.
[/quote]

Using an exception to prove a rule is never really a good idea. KK and Mendes are genetic freaks of nature than can do things normal humans can’t. That’s why we watch them. That said, unless you’re an equal genetic freak, you probably should rely on what the mere mortals are doing instead.

According to Kontantin, you can deadlift with a rounded back with no risk, but I’d rather stick with what the majority is able to do.

[quote]T3hPwnisher wrote:

Using an exception to prove a rule is never really a good idea. KK and Mendes are genetic freaks of nature than can do things normal humans can’t. That’s why we watch them. That said, unless you’re an equal genetic freak, you probably should rely on what the mere mortals are doing instead.

According to Kontantin, you can deadlift with a rounded back with no risk, but I’d rather stick with what the majority is able to do.
[/quote]

I see where you’re comming from, my purpose in mentioning KK and mendes was because they were well known, didn’t use a belt and lifted some ridiculous weight. However a regular person can squat and deadlift safely without using a belt, you’re just going to sacrifice some weight on the bar.

I’m not a genetic phenom, I’m not on drugs and my back was fine after this lift:

Someone mentioned a lever belt from Inzer. They are awesome! i think it’s called the forever lever.

How is the belt I linked above?

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Power-Leather-Weight-Lifting-Belt-Body-Building-Gym-L-/320408794640?pt=UK_Sporting_Goods_Exercise_Fitness_Fitness_Accessories_ET&hash=item4a99da3610

I will have a look for a UK stockist of the Inzer belt if I find a few more quid.

What is the recommended width of the belt?

Which are allowed say for example in the IPF? As this states 10cm which is 3.93700787 inches. I know it is being picky I was just wondering if they were?

From the USAPL Lifter’s Handbook:

2.5.1 Dimensions:

Width of belt maximum 10 cm. Thickness of belt maximum 13 mm along the main length. Inside width of buckle maximum 11 cm. Outside width of buckle maximum 13 cm. Tongue loop maximum width 5 cm. Distance between end of belt and far end of tongue loop maximum 25 cm. USAPL is affiliated with IPF.

The belt you linked to is two pronged. I prefer a lever belt, and most people I know prefer either a lever or a single prong. Nothing wrong with a double prong, but they can be a pain in the ass to get in and out of. I prefer a 13 mm belt, but they take some time to break in. 10 mm is a little more flexible. If you can afford an Inzer Lever, it is guaranteed to last forever, if anything goes wrong or it wears out you can send it in for a new one for the cost of shipping. I would suggest not skimping on the belt if you are going to be a power lifter.

UK Inzer stockist anyone??

Pullum do the titan equivalent
Andy bolton sells inzer stuff, but the belt is not listed. Just email him
andyboltonstrength.net/index.php?option=com_ rokquickcart&view=rokquickcart&Itemid=60

I used google to help me find all this stuff out

I did do a quick google search but didnt find much and thought guys here might be more knowledgeable.

Thanks for the comments and I have emailed Andy.

Ã?£105 for the 10mm one at Bpsports and pullem!!! Geez…

Edit: Andy doesn’t sell the belts

Why can’t you order direct from the Inzer cite? Are there some sort of import restrictions? Is shipping cost prohibitive? Call or e-mail Inzer, I have dealt with them before and they were very helpful. They should be able to tell you where to buy there product.

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Well,

I just called Inzer for the fuck of it and its about $116 (US) to get a belt shipped to London. That sounds like alot to me, but there it is.