Powerlifting Gear & Equipment Reviews

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…]

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…]

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…]

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…]

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

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

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

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…]

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…]

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…]

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…]

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…]