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Home » Equipment

Powerlifting Gear & Equipment Reviews

Gear reviews and recommendations for lifters looking to take their performance to the next level. Only the best products are featured here!

Find the best knee sleeves, shoes, and more. List of approved equipment by fed.

Rubberbanditz Resistance Bands Review [6 Types]

By Kyle Risley
Last updated May 10, 2022


As an affiliate of various sites, including Amazon Associates, I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases via links in this post at no extra cost to you. See Full Disclosure

Resistance bands just might be one of the most versatile training tools available. Everyone from hardcore powerlifters to gymnasts and bodyweight training enthusiasts can benefit from their versatility.

That’s why I was super excited when Rubberbanditz offered to send me some of their products to try out and review for Lift Vault.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Equipment




The 5 Best Deadlift Bars

By Kyle Risley
Last updated December 14, 2022


As an affiliate of various sites, including Amazon Associates, I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases via links in this post at no extra cost to you. See Full Disclosure

Deadlifting can be one of the most rewarding experiences in lifting. That is, if you can get the safest, highest quality equipment. There’s so much to consider when shopping for your deadlift bar with so many options on the market.

Here are the best deadlift bars available today, along with a buying guide, to help you choose the right bar for you. 

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Equipment




Best Face Masks for Exercising at the Gym

By Kyle Risley
Last updated June 22, 2020


As an affiliate of various sites, including Amazon Associates, I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases via links in this post at no extra cost to you. See Full Disclosure

Gyms are beginning to reopen around the world, but frequently with restrictions and safety precautions. Some of the most common safety measures are social distancing, capacity limits, and requesting that members wear face masks. This is especially true of indoor gyms, which are more conducive to the spread of COVID-19 when compared to outdoor gym spaces. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Equipment




Titan Signature Gold Wrist Wraps Review

By Kyle Risley
Last updated March 31, 2020


As an affiliate of various sites, including Amazon Associates, I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases via links in this post at no extra cost to you. See Full Disclosure

The Signature Gold wrist wraps by Titan have been my preferred choice of powerlifting wrist wrap for the last several years. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Equipment




Iron Rebel Coupon & Promo Code (10% Discount)

By Kyle Risley
Last updated January 20, 2020


As an affiliate of various sites, including Amazon Associates, I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases via links in this post at no extra cost to you. See Full Disclosure

Iron Rebel Promo Code

If you’re looking to save on lifting gear at Iron Rebel, Lift Vault has you covered. Copy the discount code LIFTVAULT10 below and enter it at check out to save 10% on your order. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Equipment




Strength Shop Inferno Knee Sleeves Review

Leave a Comment By Kyle Risley
Last updated August 12, 2021


As an affiliate of various sites, including Amazon Associates, I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases via links in this post at no extra cost to you. See Full Disclosure

This is a collection of reviews for Strength Shop’s 7mm Inferno Knee Sleeves. They’ve been getting a lot of attention, as even though they’re in the $50 price range, they are getting comparisons to well respected knee sleeves like SBD and Titan’s Yellow Jackets.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Equipment
Tagged With: IPF Approved Knee Sleeves, USAPL Approved Knee Sleeves, USPA Approved Knee Sleeves



Which Mark Bell Sling Shot Should You Buy? [Buying Guide]

By Kyle Risley
Last updated December 19, 2019


As an affiliate of various sites, including Amazon Associates, I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases via links in this post at no extra cost to you. See Full Disclosure

Mark Bell’s Sling Shot has become synonymous with a big bench press and has quickly become one of the most interesting – and fun – pieces of gym equipment available.

Due to their overwhelming popularity, several variations were made. This can make it tricky to know which Sling Shot you should buy. Fear not: it’s not nearly as tricky as it looks. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Equipment




IPF & USAPL Approved List of Equipment & Gear (Updated for 2023)

By Kyle Risley
Last updated January 8, 2023


As an affiliate of various sites, including Amazon Associates, I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases via links in this post at no extra cost to you. See Full Disclosure

IPF and USAPL approved list of gear, updated for 2023 to 2026.

I am not affiliated with the IPF or USAPL in any way. This page is based on my best understanding of their published equipment rules.

ipf approved gear

Understanding what equipment is approved for use is an essential part of any powerlifting competition. If a piece of gear is not approved for use in a given powerlifting federation, an athlete will not be permitted to use it on the platform.

This guide covers all approved powerlifting gear for the IPF and USAPL.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Equipment, Meet Prep, Resources




Review: Nordic Knee Sleeves vs. Rehband Knee Sleeves

By Kyle Risley
Last updated June 30, 2020


As an affiliate of various sites, including Amazon Associates, I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases via links in this post at no extra cost to you. See Full Disclosure

Rehband Knee Sleeves have long been a popular choice amongst lifters and often used as a benchmark against which other knee sleeves are compared (see: Rehband Knee Sleeves vs. SBD Knee Sleeves).

Nordic Lifting Knee Sleeves have been gaining in popularity though, especially as a more budget conscious option.

Today we’ll be comparing: [Read more…]

Filed Under: Equipment
Tagged With: IPF Approved Knee Sleeves, USAPL Approved Knee Sleeves, USPA Approved Knee Sleeves



Best Chalk and Liquid Chalk for Powerlifting & Weightlifting

By Kyle Risley
Last updated October 18, 2018


As an affiliate of various sites, including Amazon Associates, I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases via links in this post at no extra cost to you. See Full Disclosure

To perform as well as possible on maximum effort attempts, using chalk is crucial for lifts like the bench, squat, deadlift, snatch, and clean & jerk. Simply put: to be your best, you need some chalk. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Equipment




SBD Knee Sleeves vs. Rehband Knee Sleeves

By Kyle Risley
Last updated June 30, 2020


As an affiliate of various sites, including Amazon Associates, I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases via links in this post at no extra cost to you. See Full Disclosure

Knee sleeves serve many important functions: they help prevent injury and they help add a few pounds onto the squat. What’s not to like?

Two of the most popular knee sleeves for lifting, especially powerlifting, are the SBD knee sleeves and Rehband knee sleeves.

Both are IPF approved, made of high quality neoprene, and stitched to last for years.

So which is better? Let’s take a look. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Equipment
Tagged With: IPF Approved Knee Sleeves, USAPL Approved Knee Sleeves, USPA Approved Knee Sleeves



REVIEW: SBD Lever Belt vs. Inzer Lever Belt

By Kyle Risley
Last updated February 27, 2020


As an affiliate of various sites, including Amazon Associates, I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases via links in this post at no extra cost to you. See Full Disclosure

Released in 2016, the Lever Belt by SBD quickly became a popular choice for powerlifters based upon the reputation of SBD to release some of the world’s finest lifting products. It also continued the reputation of SBD making some of the most expensive lifting products available.

The SBD Lever Belt is most often compared to the Inzer Forever Lever Belt, another phenomenal piece of lifting equipment that stands apart from the pack at a lower price point.

So is the SBD Lever Belt worth it? Or should you save (quite a few) dollars and go with the Inzer Forever Lever Belt?

Summary:

Both are high quality belts that will drastically improve your ability to keep a tight, braced core during heavy lifts. While the SBD lever belt may be the highest quality belt available, it is likely not “twice as good for twice the price” as the Inzer lever belt – they’re really both fantastic.

If you want the best of the best, with the SBD Lever Belt.

If you want a superb belt at half the cost, go with the Inzer Forever Lever.

SBD Lever Belt: Pros and Cons

Pros

  • One-of-a-kind hybrid lever/prong locking mechanism provides an airtight fit
  • Incredibly well-designed and built to last forever

Cons

  • Only comes in 13mm, no 10mm option exists at this time
  • At $228, it is the most expensive belt on the market
  • Like other stiff lever belts, the lever lock mechanism can take several sessions to break in and function properly

The SBD Lever Belt is available from Anderson Powerlifting.

KigerStrength Review

SBD Belt Review

Inzer Lever Belt: Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Easily achieve a very tight fit with lever
  • Can be loosened quickly
  • Belt stays in place, does not slide against body
  • Available in 10mm and 13mm thickness
  • Guaranteed for life

Cons

  • Can be a bit difficult to get completely off after popping the lever, which is easy
  • Due to its stiffness, it can take several sessions before the belt begins to break in and conform to the body of the user
    • This also applies to the lever lock mechanism

Brandon Campbell Diamond Review

Inzer Lever Belt Review

Both the 10mm and 13mm Inzer Lever Belts are available from Amazon.

Filed Under: Equipment




Does Amazon Sell SBD Knee Sleeves?

By Kyle Risley
Last updated June 30, 2020


As an affiliate of various sites, including Amazon Associates, I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases via links in this post at no extra cost to you. See Full Disclosure

Unfortunately, SBD knee sleeves are not sold on Amazon.

The best alternative to SBD knee sleeves that are available on Amazon are probably the Stoic Knee Sleeves.

SBD Knee Sleeves are considered by many to be the best knee sleeves available (checkout SBD vs. Rehband knee sleeves and SBD vs. the STrong knee sleeves).

They can be purchased through the vendors below.

If you prefer to order through Amazon, check out our Top 5 Knee Sleeves, most of which are available through Amazon.

Here is a list of vendors that sell SBD knee sleeves: [Read more…]

Filed Under: Equipment




REVIEW: SBD Knee Sleeves vs. STrong Knee Sleeves

By Kyle Risley
Last updated June 30, 2020


As an affiliate of various sites, including Amazon Associates, I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases via links in this post at no extra cost to you. See Full Disclosure

In the world of lifting, the SBD knee sleeve was the undisputed champion for maximum support in the squat.

In 2016, Mark Bell’s  STrong Knee Sleeve became IPF Approved, setting them up to battle with SBD for the title of “Best Knee Sleeves” in the industry.

You can purchase STrong knee sleeves from Amazon and SBD knee sleeves from Starting Strongman.

So which is better?

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Equipment
Tagged With: IPF Approved Knee Sleeves, USAPL Approved Knee Sleeves, USPA Approved Knee Sleeves



Best Wrist Wraps for Lifting

By Kyle Risley
Last updated February 4, 2020


As an affiliate of various sites, including Amazon Associates, I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases via links in this post at no extra cost to you. See Full Disclosure

Wrist wraps have long been used by bodybuilders, olympic lifters, and powerlifters to add extra support to the – you guessed it – wrist joint.

While mostly commonly used for pressing movements like the bench press or military press, wrist wraps also aid in supporting the bar for the back and front squat.

Make sure you check your federation’s rules for equipment before purchasing – although generally most wrist wrap lengths are acceptable (list of approved equipment by federation).

Here are some of the most popular wrist wraps for lifting, all of which are IPF and USAPL approved. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Equipment




Best Nose Tork and Ammonia Caps for Lifting

By Kyle Risley
Last updated October 18, 2018


As an affiliate of various sites, including Amazon Associates, I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases via links in this post at no extra cost to you. See Full Disclosure

Ammonia smelling salts, aka “nose tork,” triggers the flight or fight mode in your brain, which in turn releases adrenaline and gets you amped before a heavy lift.

Lifters most commonly use nose tork before heavy top sets and 3rd attempts in powerlifting meets, though they can be regularly used in training. Aside from irritating the nose and lungs, they do not pose any significant health risks in small doses.

If you’re looking for where to buy the best nose tork so you can crush some PRs, look no further. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Equipment




12 Best Powerlifting Books for Novice + Advanced Lifters

By Kyle Risley
Last updated June 29, 2020


As an affiliate of various sites, including Amazon Associates, I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases via links in this post at no extra cost to you. See Full Disclosure

Looking for solid, well-reviewed powerlifting books to help you get stronger?

Whether you’re a novice, intermediate, or advanced lifter, there is always something to learn about programming, periodization, technique, or accessory movements to help you reach your goals.

This should serve as en excellent resource for folks just starting out and also more experienced lifters that are trying to switch things up in order to break through a plateau.

Below are some of the best books available for getting stronger!

Want to read on Amazon Kindle? Start your unlimited 30 day free trial today!

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Equipment, Resources




Approved Powerlifting and Weighlifting Equipment by Federation

By Kyle Risley
Last updated February 13, 2017


As an affiliate of various sites, including Amazon Associates, I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases via links in this post at no extra cost to you. See Full Disclosure

For your reference, here are the most accurate lists of approved equipment by federation to ensure you’re buying gear you can actually use on the platform!

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Equipment




The 6 Best Knee Sleeves

By Kyle Risley
Last updated June 27, 2021


As an affiliate of various sites, including Amazon Associates, I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases via links in this post at no extra cost to you. See Full Disclosure

For non-equipped or raw lifters, the knee sleeve is one of the most important pieces of equipment available to allow powerlifters to move more weight and support the knees in the squat.

Below you’ll find the best knee for a variety of use cases. Choose the one that makes sense for your needs!

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Equipment
Tagged With: IPF Approved Knee Sleeves, USAPL Approved Knee Sleeves, USPA Approved Knee Sleeves



5 Best Shoes for Squats (All Foot Types)

By Kyle Risley
Last updated November 9, 2021


As an affiliate of various sites, including Amazon Associates, I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases via links in this post at no extra cost to you. See Full Disclosure

Squat shoes are an essential piece of lifting equipment for any athlete that cares about maximizing performance in the squat, snatch, or clean & jerk. Its benefits in maximizing mobility and stability are well documented, both in scientific studies and on the platform.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Equipment




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