The world of strength sports is split into two main categories: equipped and raw powerlifting. This distinction is the reason you might see a 1,400-pound bench press in one video and an 800-pound record in another. Far from one being 'fake,' they are simply different divisions with different rules and equipment.
In this article, exercise scientist Dr. Mike Israetel breaks down the key differences, using some of the heaviest lifts in history to explain what you're really watching and why both deserve respect.
This article breaks down the key differences using some of the heaviest lifts ever recorded, so you can understand what you're seeing and appreciate the incredible, yet distinct, displays of strength.
TL;DR: Key Takeaways
- Equipped vs. Raw: Equipped lifting uses supportive gear like squat suits and bench shirts that can add hundreds of pounds to a lift. Raw lifting uses minimal equipment and is a purer test of a person's muscular strength.
- Different Sports, Different Rules: Lifts that look similar, like a strongman deadlift and a powerlifting deadlift, are often governed by different rules regarding equipment (e.g., lifting straps).
- Judging Matters: The legitimacy of a lift, especially squat depth, depends on the standards of the judging federation. A "good lift" in one federation might not pass in another.
- Competition is Key: The most respected lifts are performed in formal, sanctioned competitions. Lifts done outside of this context are often viewed with skepticism.
Case Study: The Bench Press (Equipped vs. Raw)
Nowhere is the difference between lifting styles more obvious than the bench press. On one hand, you have lifts like Jimmy Kolb's 1,400-pound equipped bench press. On the other, you have Julius Maddox's raw press of nearly 800 pounds. Both are world records, so what gives?
The difference is the bench press shirt. This isn't just a tight piece of clothing; it's a piece of equipment made from ultra-strong, hard-to-stretch fabric. As the lifter lowers the bar, the shirt stretches immensely, storing elastic energy. At the bottom of the lift, the lifter actually has to fight the shirt's tension to touch the bar to their chest. That stored energy then helps them powerfully drive the weight back up.
In contrast, a raw lift like Maddox's is done with no supportive equipment—just pure muscle. Dr. Israetel calls this type of lift "as legit as it gets" because it's a true measure of a person's pressing strength without external assistance.
Case Study: The Squat (Depth & Judging)
The squat reveals another crucial variable in strength sports: judging standards. In equipped lifting, multi-ply squat suits and incredibly tight knee wraps provide so much support that athletes like Nathan Baptist can squat over 1,300 pounds. However, as Dr. Israetel points out, these lifts are often done to questionable depth, looking more like a half-squat by stricter standards. Whether it's a good lift is entirely up to the judges in that specific federation.
Then you have Ray Williams' raw squat of over 1,000 pounds, performed with only knee sleeves for minimal support. This lift is famous not just for the massive weight, but for the convincing depth—plunging far below parallel, leaving no doubt about its legitimacy. It’s a stunning example of what Dr. Israetel calls "maximum human strength" under the strictest of conditions.
Case Study: The Deadlift (Straps, Strongman & Scrutiny)
The deadlift introduces yet another wrinkle: the rules of different sports. Hafthor Bjornsson's 505 kg (1,113 lb) deadlift is the heaviest of all time, performed under strongman rules. This allows for a deadlift suit and, critically, lifting straps. Straps connect the lifter's hands to the bar, removing grip strength as a limiting factor and allowing them to test their true pulling power.
In contrast, raw powerlifting deadlifts do not allow straps. This makes the lift a test of both pulling strength and grip. This distinction is why it’s important to understand the rules before comparing lifts across different sports.
Finally, Dr. Israetel highlights the importance of formal competition by reviewing a supposed 1,000-pound deadlift from 1999. He calls it into question, noting that the sticking point looks unnatural and the lifter never competed in a formal event to prove his strength—a reminder that amazing lifts need official validation to be truly believed.
Final Thoughts: Respect the Strength, Understand the Context
As Dr. Israetel concludes, every lifter featured—whether equipped or raw—is unbelievably strong and deserves immense respect for their dedication and courage. Stepping under a bar that could crush a normal person takes a unique kind of mindset.
For those of us on our own fitness journeys, the key is to understand the context. Don't compare a raw lift to an equipped one. Instead, appreciate each for what it is: a demonstration of human potential pushed to its absolute limit under a specific set of rules. Powerlifting is an amazing sport, and understanding its nuances makes it that much more inspiring.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between equipped and raw powerlifting?
Equipped powerlifting allows supportive gear like very tight squat suits, bench press shirts, and knee wraps, which store elastic energy and help the lifter move more weight. Raw powerlifting allows for minimal gear (typically just a belt and knee sleeves) and is considered a purer test of an individual's muscular strength.
Is equipped lifting "cheating"?
No, equipped lifting is not cheating. It is a different category of the sport with its own set of rules, much like there are different classes in auto racing. An equipped lift is judged by the rules of its federation, making it a legitimate lift within that context.
Why are strongman deadlifts heavier than powerlifting deadlifts?
Strongman deadlift rules often allow for the use of lifting straps, which secure the lifter's hands to the barbell. This eliminates grip strength as a potential limiting factor, allowing athletes to pull weight that their back and legs can handle but their hands might not be able to hold. Most powerlifting federations do not allow straps.
How can you tell if a world record lift is legitimate?
The most reliable way to verify a lift is to ensure it was performed in a formal, sanctioned competition with official judges. Judges are responsible for enforcing the rules, such as ensuring proper squat depth or a pause on the chest for the bench press. Lifts performed outside of a competitive setting ("gym lifts") are generally considered unofficial.
