Raw Vs Equipped Powerlifting: Which Is Best for You?

Raw vs equipped powerlifting is a long-standing debate within the strength training community. Some lifters prefer the simplicity of raw lifting, while others find that the added support of equipment can help them to lift heavier weights and achieve their goals more quickly. So, which approach is more effective?

What is the Difference Between Raw and Equipped Powerlifting?

Raw powerlifting and equipped powerlifting are two different types of sports with different rules and regulations. In raw powerlifting, competitors are not allowed to use any type of supportive equipment, such as a weightlifting belt, knee sleeves, or wrist wraps. Equipped powerlifting, on the other hand, does allow the use of supportive equipment.

Ultimately, the decision of whether to pursue raw or equipped powerlifting depends on the individual lifter’s goals and preferences. Some lifters prefer the simplicity of raw lifting, while others find that the added support of equipment can help them to lift heavier weights and achieve their goals more quickly. So, which approach is more effective? Let’s take look!

What is raw powerlifting?

The term “raw” refers to lifting without the use of supportive equipment such as a weightlifting belt, knee sleeves, or wrist wraps. Raw lifters rely on their own strength and power to move the weight, without any added assistance.

What equipment is allowed in raw powerlifting?

Raw powerlifting competitions typically allow the use of a weightlifting belt, knee sleeves, and wrist wraps. However, some federations do not allow the use of any supportive equipment whatsoever.

What is equipped powerlifting?

Equipped powerlifting, on the other hand, makes use of supportive equipment to help the lifter lift heavier weights. This might include a weightlifting belt to support the lower back, knee sleeves for joint stability, or wrist wraps to stabilize the wrists. Also includes the use of powerlifting squat/deadlift suit and/ or a powerlifting bench press shirt.

What equipment is allowed in equipped powerlifting?

Equipped powerlifting competitions typically allow the use of a weightlifting belt, knee sleeves, and wrist wraps. In addition, lifters may also use supportive suits and shirts made from materials such as polyester and denim. This type of equipment can provide a significant advantage in terms of strength and power. It also helps prevent injuries by stabilizing the joints and muscles.

Raw Vs Equipped Powerlifting: The Pros and Cons

Each type of powerlifting has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. There are benefits and drawbacks to both raw and equipped powerlifting. Let’s take a closer look at each approach to see which is more effective.

Benefits of raw powerlifting

Raw powerlifting has several benefits that make it an attractive option for many lifters.

Raw lifting is more simple and more straightforward than equipped lifting. This can be helpful for beginners who are just learning the basics of the sport.

Raw lifting allows lifters to develop their own strength and power without relying on equipment. This can lead to greater gains in strength and power over time.

Raw lifting can help lifters to build mental toughness and confidence, as they are not relying on equipment to help them lift the weight.

Raw powerlifting is more natural and does not require the use of supportive equipment.

Raw powerlifting places less strain on the body since there is no added weight from the equipment.

Raw powerlifting can be cheaper than equipped powerlifting since you do not need to purchase supportive equipment.

Benefits of equipped powerlifting

Equipped powerlifting also has several benefits that make it an attractive option for many lifters.

Equipped lifting is much more technical than raw lifting due to the compression of the shirts and suits. There is less room for error.

Equipped lifting can help to reduce the risk of injury by providing support to the joints and muscles.

Equipped lifting can help lifters to build mental toughness and confidence, as they are still relying on their own strength and power to move the weight.

Equipped powerlifting typically results in higher overall weights being lifted, since the lifter has the benefit of additional support from equipment.

Drawbacks of raw powerlifting

Raw powerlifting does have some drawbacks that should be considered before choosing this approach.

Raw lifting can lead to slower progress in terms of strength and power gains. This is because the lifter is not able to use supportive equipment to help them lift heavier weights.

Raw powerlifting typically results in lower overall weights being lifted, since the lifter does not have the benefit of additional support from equipment.

Raw powerlifting can be more dangerous since the lifter does not have the added support of equipment to protect them from injuries.

Drawbacks of equipped powerlifting

Equipped powerlifting also has some drawbacks that should be considered before choosing this approach.

What Is the Difference Between Raw And Equipped Powerlifting

Equipped lifting can be more complex and challenging to learn than raw lifting. This is because the lifter must learn how to use the supportive equipment properly in order to avoid injury.

Equipped powerlifting requires the use of supportive equipment, which can be expensive.

Equipped powerlifting can place more strain on the body since there is additional weight from the equipment.

Equipped powerlifting is less natural and does not allow the lifter to rely on their own strength and power.

In Summary

The main difference between raw and equipped powerlifting is the level of support that each provides. Raw powerlifting is more simplistic and does not provide the same level of support that equipped powerlifting does. This can be beneficial for lifters who want to focus on technique and form, as they will not have the added support of equipment to rely on. However, this also means that raw lifters are at a disadvantage when it comes to lifting heavier weights.

Equipped powerlifting, on the other hand, provides more support to lifters through the use of equipment. This can be beneficial for lifters who want to lift heavier weights and achieve their goals more quickly. However, it is important to note that equipped powerlifting can also be more dangerous than raw powerlifting, as the added support of equipment can mask poor technique and form.