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IPF & USAPL Approved List of Equipment & Gear (Updated for 2020)

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IPF and USAPL approved list of gear, updated for 2020.

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.

Related: USPA Approved Equipment for 2020

IPF vs USAPL Equipment Rules

The USAPL mirrors the IPF with regards to approved equipment: only equipment permitted by the IPF may be used in a sanctioned USAPL powerlifting meet.

IPF approved = USAPL approved

usapl approved gear

Equipment is often disallowed for two main reasons:

  1. The equipment does not follow the specifications laid out in the equipment rules for a federation. An example would be knee sleeves that exceed maximum thickness or wrist wraps that exceed maximum length.
  2. The equipment is not from an approved manufacturer.

So even if a piece of equipment honors the specifications of a federation’s equipment rules, it can still not be permitted for use in competition if it is not manufactured by an IPF approved brand.

Approved List of Powerlifting Gear for IPF and USAPL Competition (Classic/Raw)

This list of IPF and USAPL approved powerlifting equipment is valid from January 1, 2019 to December 31, 2022. This list applies to both men and women, all divisions and weight classes.

I tried to provide international options where available, but let me know if I missed a particular international vendor.

IPF & USAPL Approved Belts

The following belts are approved by the IPF and USAPL and can be used in equipped and classic (i.e. “raw classic”) competition, including with knee wraps.

Recommended Belts:

The cheapest IPF approved belts are manufactured by Lifting Large and Strength Shop, usually available for about $50. These are solid belts from respected companies.

For those willing to spend a little more, the Inzer Forever Belts are excellent. 10mm is around $100 and 13mm is around $110, available with either a lever or a pronged buckle.

On the upper end of the spectrum, Rogue makes terrific belts. I used to own their (unapproved) Ohio Lifting Belt before selling it to a gym buddy. Their 13mm Powerlifting Belt (single prong) and 13mm Lever Belt are highly regarded and IPF/USAPL approved.

Full List of Approved Belts:

  • SBD
  • Eleiko
  • Rogue 
    • Rogue 3″ Lifting Belt
    • Rogue 13mm Lever Belt
    • Rogue 13mm Powerlifting Belt
  • A7
  • Unbroken Designs
    • Rhino Power Belt 10mm (Single Prong)
  • Lift.net (Stoic)
    • Stoic Single Prong Belt 10mm
    • Stoic Lever Belt 13mm
  • Titan
    • Titan Lever Belts
    • Titan Quick Release Belts
    • Titan Belts (Single Prong)
    • Titan Belts (Double Prong)
  • Inzer
    • Inzer Belt with Prongs 10mm
    • Inzer Belt with Prongs 13mm
    • Inzer Lever Belt 10mm
    • Inzer Lever Belt 13mm
    • Inzer PR Belt (Power Raget)
    • Inzer IAD Belt
  • Iron Tanks
    • Iron Tanks Lever Belt 10mm
    • Iron Tanks Lever Belt 13mm
    • Iron Tanks Single Prong Belt 10mm
    • Iron Tanks Single Prong Belt 13mm
    • Additional IPF approved belts of various styles can be viewed at Iron Tanks
      • “Legacy” model is available on Amazon, while “Hellraiser” model appears to only be available on the Iron Tanks site.
  • Lifting Large
    • Lever Belts
      • Lifting Large Lever Belt 10mm (Economy)
      • Lifting Large Lever Belt 13mm (Polished Leather)
    • Pronged Belts
      • Lifting Large Double Prong Belts (Economy)
      • Lifting Large Double Prong Belts (Competition)
      • Lifting Large Single Prong Belts 10mm (Economy)
      • Lifting Large Single Prong Belts (Competition)
      • Lifting Large Single Prong Belts 13mm (Polished Leather)
    • A variety of other IPF approved belts are available at Lifting Large, including some with cosmetic blemishes that are sold at a discount.
  • Metal Belts
    • Single Prong Belt
      • $110 from Metal
      • Sometimes on sale for $66!
  • ONI
  • Strength Shop
    • Strength Shop Lever Belts 2″
    • Strength Shop Lever Belts 2.5″
    • Strength Shop Lever Belts 3″
    • Strength Shop Lever Belts 4″
      • 10mm available for $79.99 from Strength Shop
        • Many colors available
      • 13mm available for $84.99 from Strength Shop
        • Many colors available
    • Strength Shop Single Prong Buckle Belts 3″
    • Strength Shop Single Prong Buckle Belts 4″
    • Strength Shop Double Prong Buckle Belts 4″
    • Strength Shop also has online stores for UK, CA, IE, DE, and CH athletes.
  • Super Training
    • Super Training Strong Belt 10mm/13mm
    • Super Training Lever Belt
    • Sometimes Super Training equipment is discounted at Lifting Large
  • Wahlanders
  • Beast Genetics

IPF & USAPL Approved Wrist Wraps

The following wrist wraps are approved by the IPF and USAPL for use in competition.

Recommended Wrist Wraps:

I personally use Titan Signature Gold Wrist Wraps and have been very happy with them. I got about 2 good years of training out of them before they lost enough stiffness that I bought a new pair. Amazon has them for $34 for the 24in/60cm length, which is a pretty great value.

If you’d prefer something a little more flexible try the Titan THP Wrist Wraps ($24 for 24in/60cm) or Titan Titanium Wrist Wraps ($23 for 24in/60cm).

If you’d like more detail, Lifting Large wrote a great Titan Wrist Wrap Comparison Guide.

Another good “less stiff/more flex” option are the Super Training Gangsta Wraps, which can be “cranked” quite tightly around the wrist while feeling less stiff than the Titan Signature Gold wraps. They’re around $50 on Amazon with free shipping.

Full List:

  • SBD
    • SBD Wrist Wraps
    • SBD Wrist Wraps 2019
    • SBD Stiff Wrist Wraps 2019
    • Links to View All
  • Eleiko Wrist Wraps
  • A7
    • A7 55 Flex Wrist Wraps (55mm to 99mm)
    • A7 55 Medium Wrist Wraps (55mm to 99mm)
    • A7 55 Stiff Wrist Wraps (55mm to 99mm)
    • A7 gear is also available from CA, UK, NO, PO, TW, Oceania, JP
  • Lift.net (Stoic)
    • Stoic Wrist Wraps
  • Titan
    • Signature Gold Wrist Wraps
    • Titanium Wrist Wraps
    • Red Devil Wrist Wraps
    • Wrist Wraps T.H.P. (with yellow stripes or lettering)
    • Sometimes Titan products are on sale at Lifting Large, but shipping is only free on orders over $60, whereas Amazon often has free shipping.
    • Titan Wrist Wrap Comparison by Lifting Large
  • Inzer
    • W30 Wrist Wraps (Red Line)
    • W40 Wrist Wraps (True Black)
    • W50 Wrist Wraps (Gripper)
    • W60 Wrist Wraps
    • W70 Wrist Wraps (Black Beauty)
    • W80 Wrist Wraps (4x4)
    • Iron Wrist Wraps Z
    • Atomic Wrist Wraps
  • Iron Tanks
    • Bolster Wrist Wraps (Heavy)
    • Ironclad Wrist Wraps (Super Heavy)
    • Brutal Wrist Wraps (2x Super Heavy)
    • Juggernaut Wrist Wraps (3x Super Heavy)
  • Metal
    • Mystical Camo Wrist Wraps
    • Black Wrist Wraps (Stiff)
      • $33.60 to $44.10 from Metal
    • Silver Wrist Wraps (Stiff x2)
      • $25.90 -- $42.70 from Metal
    • Camo Hard Wrist Wraps (Stiff x2.5)
      • $39.20-$42.70 from Metal
    • Orange Wrist Wraps (Stiff x3)
      • $39.20 to $45.50 from Metal
    • Black and Red Wrist Wraps (Stiff x4)
    • Triple Black Line Wrist Wraps
      • $29.40 to $46.20 from Metal
  • ONI
  • Strength Shop
  • Super Training / Sling Shot
    • STretchy Wrist Wraps (Level 1 Stiff)
    • Multi Purpose Wrist Wraps
    • Power Wrist Wraps (Level 2 Stiff)
    • Sling Shot Wrist Wraps (Level 2 Stiff)
    • Gangsta Wrist Wraps (Level 3 Stiff)
    • STrong Wrist Wraps (Level 4 Stiff)
    • Sometimes Super Training gear is discounted at Lifting Large

IPF & USAPL Approved Shoes and Socks

Any shoes and socks are approved by the IPF and USAPL for use in competition as long as they meet the technical rules. All manufacturers are permitted.

I personally use Under Armour knee high socks and Adipower weightlifting shoes.

I’ve used the same pair of Adipowers for 5 years without any issues and they offer me great support in the squat. I also love benching with the raised heel.

Shoe Technical Rules

  1. The “underside” of the shoe (i.e. the heel and sole) cannot exceed 5cm.
  2. The underside must be flat.
  3. Inner soles cannot be thicker than 1cm.
  4. Socks with a rubber outside sole lining are not permitted.
    1. This rules appears in the “shoe” section in the IPF rules, so I assume it means these types of socks cannot be worn inside shoes.

Sock Technical Rules

  1. Any color is allowed.
  2. Approved logos are allowed.
  3. Socks cannot touch knee sleeves or knee wraps.
  4. Socks must cover the shin when performing the deadlift.
    1. This is not necessary during the squat or bench press.

IPF & USAPL Approved Knee Sleeves

The following knee sleeves are approved by the IPF and USAPL for use in competition.

Recommended Knee Sleeves:

Best Value Knee Sleeves

If you want to spend a little less cash for IPF approved knee sleeves, a great value pick are the Stoic Knee Sleeves ($64.99 on Amazon Prime). These were also created to compete directly with SBD and appear to be fairly close in terms of quality, fit, and durability.

Alan Thrall actually compares SBD knee sleeves, STrong sleeves, and Stoic knee sleeves below if you’d like more detail.

Stoic Knee Sleeves - Untamed Review

Overall Best Knee Sleeves

If cost is not a concern you should go with the SBD Knee Sleeves or the Super Training STrong Knee Sleeves.

The standard 7mm SBD Knee Sleeves are the most popular knee sleeve for a reason. They give a great pop out of the hole in the squat and are made to last.

The Super Training STrong Knee Sleeves are the new kids on the block and they’re giving SBD a run for their money.

STrong Sleeves were seemingly made to compete with SBD for the title of “best IPF approved knee sleeve” and they came out with an excellent product. You can see a more detailed comparison here (Review: SBD vs. STrong Knee Sleeves) but some reviews suggest the STrong Sleeves a little stiffer/more supportive than SBD. Plus, STrong Sleeves are on Amazon Prime, which can be an advantage to some. Ultimately, they’re both great knee sleeves.

Full List:

  • SBD
  • Eleiko
    • Eleiko Knee Sleeves 5mm
    • Eleiko Knee Sleeves 7mm
  • Rogue
    • Rogue 7mm Knee Sleeves
  • A7
    • A7 Cone Knee Sleeves (Black, Americana)
    • A7 gear is also available from CA, UK, NO, PO, TW, Oceania, JP
  • Unbroken Designs
    • See all knee sleeves from Unbroken Designs
    • IPF Approved Designs
      • Dia de los Muertos Knee Sleeves
      • Stars and Stripes Knee Sleeves
      • Night Swim Knee Sleeves
      • Swirls for Girls Knee Sleeves
      • Block Party Knee Sleeves
      • Lioness Squared Knee Sleeves
      • Purple Ombre Knee Sleeves
      • Sea Lilies Knee Sleeves
      • Paradise Pink Knee Sleeves
      • White Snake Knee Sleeves
      • Silver Tron Knee Sleeves
      • Tropical Explosion Knee Sleeves
      • Ahoy Knee Sleeves
      • Paradise City Knee Sleeves
      • 2018 Apalooza Tie Dye Knee Sleeves
      • 2018 Apalooza Flag Knee Sleeves
      • Lioness Knee Sleeves
  • Lift.net (Stoic)
  • Rehband
    • 2 Panel Design -- Rehband Blue Line Knee Sleeves 7mm #7084
    • V-Shape Design -- Rehband Original Knee Sleeves 7mm #7051
    • 4 Panel Design -- Rehband Knee Sleeves RX 7mm -- All Sleeves starting #1054
    • 2 Panel Design with reinforced seams -- Rehband RX Knee Sleeves MAX 7mm -- All sleeves starting #1055
  • Titan
    • Titan Knee Sleeves
    • Titan Knee Sleeves Yellow Jacket
  • Inzer
    • Inzer Knee Sleeves
    • IAD Knee Sleeves
  • Iron Tanks
    • Iron Tanks Iron Knee Sleeves 7mm (all models)
  • Metal
    • Metal Knee Sleeve 6mm
    • Metal Knee Sleeve 7mm
      • $59.50 from Metal
      • $64.99 from Rogue
        • Sometimes on sale for $49.90
  • Oni Ltd. (Bukiya)
  • Strength Shop
  • Super Training

IPF & USAPL Approved Singlets

These singlets are all approved by the IPF and USAPL for use in competition.

Recommended Singlets:

The cheapest IPF and USAPL approved singlets that will get the job done are from Inzer and Lifting Large, both $40 USD + shipping on Amazon.

In my opinion, a singlet shouldn’t be made any more complicated than it needs to be and either of the above should get the job done.

Full List:

Approved List of Powerlifting Gear for IPF and USAPL Competition (Equipped)

IPF & USAPL Approved Knee Wraps

The following knee wraps are approved by the IPF and USAPL for use in equipped powerlifting competition.

NOTE: IPF rules require that knee wraps must not exceed 2 meters in length. Any knee wrap that exceeds 2 meters in length is not permitted for use in IPF/USAPL competition.

Recommended Knee Wraps:

There is much more personal preference with knee wraps than knee sleeves, as there is more variation in stiffness and overall feel with knee wraps. Still, there are some generally popular knee sleeves that many lifters see benefit from.

Titan THP Knee Wraps (stiff) and Titan Signature Gold Knee Wraps (very stiff) are widely considered to be high quality wraps from a respected brand. For a less stiff option to “ease” into using knee wraps, Inzer Z Knee Wraps are a good choice.

Full List:

  • SBD
  • Eleiko
  • Titan
    • Signature Gold Knee Wraps
    • THP Knee Wraps
    • Max RPM Knee Wraps
    • Titanium Knee Wraps
    • Red Devil Knee Wraps
    • Tip: Check Lifting Large for discounts on Titan knee wraps.
  • Inzer
    • Iron Knee Wraps Z
    • W30 Knee Wraps (Red Line)
    • W40 Knee Wraps (True Black)
    • W50 Knee Wraps (Gripper)
    • W60 Knee Wraps
    • W70 Knee Wraps (Black Beauty)
    • W80 Knee Wraps (4x4)
    • Atomic Knee Wraps
  • Super Training

IPF & USAPL Approved Squat Suits

The following squat suits are approved by the IPF and USAPL for use in equipped competition.

Full List:

IPF & USAPL Approved Bench Shirts

The following shirts are approved by the IPF and USAPL for use in equipped competition.

Note: Only single ply bench shirts can be worn in IPF/USAPL competitions.

Full List:

  • Titan
    • Each shirt has a sizing guide on its product page on Lifting Large.
    • Titan Fury Bench Shirt
    • Titan Fury NXG+ SHP Bench Shirt
    • Titan F6 Tornado Bench Shirt
    • Titan Katana Bench Shirt
    • Titan Super Katana Bench Shirt
    • Titan Super Katana Low Cut Bench Shirt
    • Titan Super Katana Low Cut Collar Shirt
    • Titan Vortex Shirt
    • Note:
      • “A/S” means angled sleeve and “S/S” means straight sleeve for bench shirts.
  •  Inzer
    • Inzer Bench Press Shirt Sizing Guide
    • Heavy Duty Blast Shirt
    • High Performance Heavy Duty Blast Shirt
    • Extra High Performance Heavy Duty Blast Shirt (EHPHD)
    • Blast Shirt
    • The Wrath Bench Shirt
    • The Rage Bench Shirt
    • The Rage X Bench Shirt
    • XB Bench Shirt
    • Phenom Bench Shirt
    • Bolt Bench Shirt
    • CB Bench Shirt

IPF & USAPL Approved Erector Shirts

The following erector shirts can be worn in IPF and USAPL competition.

  • Inzer
    • Erector Shirt
    • Heavy Duty Erector Shirt

IPF & USAPL Approved Deadlift Suits

The following deadlift suits can be worn in IPF and USAPL competition.

Full List:

  • Titan
  •  Inzer
    • MAX DL Deadlift Suit
    • Fusion Deadlift Suit
    • XDL Deadlift Suit

IPF & USAPL Approved Logos

Only these logos can be displayed on equipment worn in IPF and USAPL powerlifting competitions.

The logo of any approved manufacturer is permitted for display in competition. In addition to those logos, the following are also permitted:

  • MAXREP
  • German Powerlifting Distr.
  • Kappi
  • Progressive Rehab
  • RTS
  • Athletic Alliance Sport
  • Barbell Medicine
  • Quest Nutrition
  • LVD Fitness
  • LFT Performance Nutrition and Apparel, Inc.
  • CardiraMD
  • TOR Equipment
  • APLYFT
  • Dedicated Sports
  • Prevail Lifestyle
  • IntelligentStrength

Please let me know if any corrections should be made. Thanks!

Frequently Asked Questions about IPF & USAPL Approved Equipment

Is there a difference between IPF approved and USAPL approved equipment?

No. The USAPL uses the same approved equipment as the IPF. If a piece of equipment is IPF approved, that means it is USAPL approved.

What are the best IPF & USAPL approved belts?

Popular IPF approved belts include:

What are the best IPF & USAPL approved knee sleeves?

Some of the most popular brands for IPF approved knee sleeves are Stoic, SuperTraining, and SBD.
Stoic knee sleeves cost around $65 and are probably the best bang for you buck knee sleeve on the market today.
SuperTraining knee sleeves and SBD are also top quality sleeves and are frequently seen on the legs of record breaking squatters. These cost between $82 and $90 for a pair.

What are the best IPF & USAPL approved wrist wraps?

I personally am a big fan of the Titan Signature Gold wrist wraps. Titan also makes a slightly less stiff wrap known as Titanium wrist wraps.

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