Powerlifting Equipment List: 20 Items (with Pictures)

Powerlifting equipment list with all 20 items: flat-soled shoes, singlet, lifting belt, knee sleeves or wraps, wrist wraps, chalk and a water bottle.

A powerlifter owns seven things, and six of them are worn on the body for the three lifts. Five more belong to the coach, from the training log to the bars and plates used in practice, and eight describe the gym itself, from the platform and the squat rack to the deadlift jack and the judged competition area. The table below lists all twenty with the job each one does and who is expected to supply it.

20items in total

7carried by the athlete

13supplied by coach and gym

Quick answers

What equipment do you need to start powerlifting?: Flat soled shoes, a lifting belt and chalk cover the first year. The barbell, the plates, the rack and the bench belong to the gym, so a beginner buys almost nothing.
What is the most important piece of powerlifting equipment?: The belt. It builds the intra abdominal pressure that braces the spine under a heavy squat and deadlift, and it is the one item almost every lifter puts on before the working sets.
What do you have to wear at a powerlifting meet?: A singlet, plus a shirt under it for bench, long socks for deadlift and approved knee sleeves or wraps. Federations publish an approved list, and kit outside it is turned away at equipment check.
Are knee sleeves or knee wraps better?: Sleeves are 7 mm neoprene that keep the joint warm and are worn in every session. Wraps are stiff canvas that add pounds to the squat and belong to a separate competition class, so most lifters train in sleeves.

Powerlifting Equipment at a Glance

Seven items belong to the athlete, five to the coach, and eight are part of the gym. Everything a beginner has to buy sits in the first block, and none of it is expensive next to the bar and the plates it is used with.

Item	What it does	Who supplies it
Weightlifting shoessolid flat sole	A hard sole that does not compress, so force goes into the floor	Athlete
Singletcompetition requirement	Tight fit lets the judges read hip depth and lockout	Athlete
Weightlifting belt	Something to brace against, builds pressure around the trunk	Athlete
Knee sleeves or wraps	Warmth and support out of the hole in the squat	Athlete
Wrist wraps	Hold the wrist straight under a loaded bench press	Athlete
Chalkfor grip	Dries the palms so the deadlift bar does not roll out	Athlete
Water bottle	Long sessions with heavy singles between rest periods	Athlete
Training programs and logs	Every set and weight written down, the basis of progression	Coach
First aid kit	Torn hands, bar scrapes and the occasional strain	Coach
Lifting platforms for training	A dedicated surface for dropping deadlifts in practice	Coach
Bars and weights for training	A calibrated bar and plates the lifter can trust in the gym	Coach
Team apparel	Club shirts for travel and warm-up at a meet	Coach
Lifting platforms	The competition surface all three lifts are performed on	Facility
Squat racks	Hold the bar at height and catch a failed squat	Facility
Bench press benches	A stable bench of legal height and width for the press	Facility
Weightsplates and barbells	Calibrated plates and competition bars for the meet	Facility
Deadlift jacks	Lift the loaded bar so plates can be changed between attempts	Facility
Chalk bowls	Keep the chalk in one place instead of over the whole gym	Facility
Warm-up area	Racks and bars behind the stage for the next flight	Facility
Competition area with judges seating	Three judges with a clear line to the lifter and the lights	Facility

Powerlifting Equipment for Athletes

#1 Weightlifting Shoes

Specifically designed for stability, weightlifting shoes have a solid, flat sole that ensures a strong footing for heavy lifts. Their structure allows for efficient force transfer, crucial during squats and deadlifts, making them a fundamental piece of an athlete's kit.

adidas Powerlift 5

15 mm heel lift

adidas Unisex-Adult Powerlift 5 Weightlifting, Black/Black/Carbon, 7

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Heel lift15 mm, the classic squat height
Uppertextile and synthetic, breathable and light
Closurelaces plus a wide hook and loop strap over the instep
Outsolerubber, high traction on a wooden platform
Fitunisex sizing, made in part with recycled materials

The point of a lifting shoe is a sole that does not squash under 400 pounds, and the raised heel buys ankle range so the chest stays up out of the hole. The Powerlift is the shoe most lifters start on before they ever consider a stiffer competition model.

#2 Singlet

A singlet is a mandatory uniform piece for competition, designed to be tightly fitted. It ensures that judges can clearly see the lifter's body movement to accurately assess the lifts. The fabric contributes to unhindered mobility and supports performance.

Titan Triumph Powerlifting Singlet

IPF legal

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ApprovalIPF legal, accepted at equipment check
Cuthigh cut front and side panels for squat depth
Strapswide cut so they stay on the shoulders
Legsspandex leg bands that do not ride up
FabricComprexx, made in the USA

A meet singlet is a rules item before it is clothing, since the judges have to see the hip crease and the knee lockout. The high side cut is what keeps the fabric out of the way at depth, and the leg bands stop the mid squat adjustment that costs a lift.

#3 Weightlifting Belt

The weightlifting belt is essential for supporting the athlete's lower back and core during heavy lifts. It also helps to create intra-abdominal pressure which can protect against injury and potentially aid in lifting heavier weights safely.

Gymreapers 10MM Lever Belt

10 mm, lever buckle

Gymreapers 10MM Lever Weightlifting Belt Leather Adjustable Heavy Duty Buckle Belt, IPF Approved for Powerlifting, Weightlifting, and Strength Training

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Thickness10 mm, the competition standard
Width4 inches, even all the way around
Leatherbovine, single ply with reinforced stitching
BuckleCamac steel lever, one pull on and off
ApprovalIPF, IPL, USPA and USAPL

A lever belt goes to the same tension every single set, which is what makes it the belt for heavy singles rather than a prong belt you fight with between attempts. Ten millimeters is stiff for the first weeks and then never moves again.

#4 Knee Sleeves or Wraps

Knee sleeves and wraps are used to provide knee joints with compression, warmth, and stability. Protecting the knees is critical during squats and leg presses, potentially preventing injuries and allowing lifters to handle heavy loads more comfortably.

Gymreapers 7MM Knee Sleeves

IPF approved, pair

Gymreapers Knee Sleeves (1 Pair) with Gym Bag - IPF Approved - Support Compression Brace for Squats, Fitness, Weightlifting, Cross Training, Powerlifting - 7MM Neoprene Sleeves - For Men & Women (Black/Black, Medium)

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Thickness7 mm neoprene, the legal maximum
ApprovalIPF approved for competition
Contentsone pair plus a carry bag
Supportcompression through the joint with warmth on the tendons
Usesquats, front squats and everyday leg work

Seven millimeters is where a sleeve stops being a warm wrap and starts giving something back at the bottom of the squat. Buy them tight enough that pulling them on is a two handed job, because a loose sleeve does nothing.

#5 Wrist Wraps

Wrist wraps provide additional support to the wrists, which can be under considerable strain during heavy lifting. Enhanced wrist stability can decrease the risk of injuries and allow athletes to maintain proper wrist alignment under the weight.

Gymreapers 18 Inch Wrist Wraps

Competition grade

Gymreapers Weightlifting Wrist Wraps (IPF Approved) 18" Professional Quality Wrist Support with Heavy Duty Thumb Loop - Best Wrap for Powerlifting Competition, Strength Training, Bodybuilding(Red,18")

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Length18 inches, enough for three to four passes
ApprovalIPF approved for competition
Stiffnessheavy duty weave, holds the joint rather than padding it
Fasteningthumb loop with a wide hook and loop closure
Contentsone pair

Under a heavy bench the wrist wants to fold back and take the bar path with it, and a stiff wrap simply will not let it. Put them on for the working sets and take them off between, since wrapped wrists on warm-ups teach nothing.

#6 Chalk

Chalk is utilized to improve grip by absorbing moisture and reducing slippage on the lifter’s hands. Its use is particularly beneficial during deadlifts and bench presses where a secure grip is instrumental for performance and safety.

Rage Fitness Gym Chalk

1 lb, eight blocks

Rage Fitness Fitness Gym Chalk, Pure Magnesium Carbonate - 1 LB Block

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Materialpure magnesium carbonate, no fillers
Contents1 lb total as eight 2 oz blocks
Formsolid block, crushes to loose chalk
Usedeadlifts, rows, pull-ups and any bar that rolls
Storageblocks stay dry in a sealed tub

Chalk is the cheapest addition to a deadlift there is, since a sweaty palm gives out long before the back does. Blocks last far longer than a bottle of liquid chalk and a single pound is most of a training year.

#7 Water Bottle

Hydration is key in powerlifting, as in any sport, to maintain strength and endurance. A water bottle allows athletes to conveniently hydrate, regulate body temperature, and ensure they are performing at their best throughout their training or competition.

Equipment for Coaches and Teams

#1 Training Programs and Logs

Training programs and logs are crucial in structuring athletes' development and tracking progress. They provide a detailed plan for strength and condition, ensuring consistent advancement and goal attainment. Coaches can evaluate and adjust regimens for optimal performance gains.

#2 First Aid Kit

A first aid kit is essential for immediate medical response during training and competitions. Stocked with supplies for treating minor injuries, it ensures athlete safety and may prevent more serious complications, promoting a safe lifting environment.

#3 Lifting Platforms for Training

Lifting platforms are foundational for safe and effective powerlifting training. They provide a stable surface to handle heavy weights and reduce noise and vibration, thereby protecting equipment and flooring. A quality platform is integral for serious powerlifting preparation.

#4 Bars and Weights for Training

Bars and weights are the bread and butter of powerlifting equipment. High-quality bars provide the right whip and grip for different lifts, while calibrated weights ensure accurate loading for training consistency and competition preparation.

HANDBODE 7 FT Olympic Barbell

20 kg, 1000 lb rated

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Length7 feet, 20 kg bar weight
Shaft28 mm with dual IWF and IPF knurl marks
Sleeves16.3 inches, fits standard 2 inch plates
Capacity1000 lb static load
Finishhard chrome with an E-coat against rust

Dual knurl marks matter more than they sound, because the powerlifting ring is where the hands go for bench and the weightlifting ring is not. A 28 mm shaft with a 1000 lb rating covers every squat and pull a training hall will put through it.

#5 Team Apparel

Team apparel, including uniforms and other branded gear, fosters a sense of unity and team identity. It can boost morale and team spirit, making it an important aspect of both the psychological and physical readiness of athletes for competition.

Equipment for Facilities

#1 Lifting Platforms

Lifting platforms provide a secure and stable area for athletes to perform heavy lifts. The solid foundation is crucial for powerlifting, as it supports optimal force generation and safety, reducing the risk of injury from equipment shifting or inconsistent footing.

#2 Squat Racks

Squat racks are integral for performing one of the core lifts in powerlifting: the squat. They enable athletes to safely load and unload heavy barbells and provide adjustable safety mechanisms to catch the weight if a lifter fails a rep, which is critical for preventing injuries.

KQZZIV Power Cage

1200 lbs capacity

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Capacity1200 lbs
Frame2 by 2 inch steel uprights
Adjustment14 hole levels at 3.5 inch spacing
Safety30 inch safety arms catch a failed rep
Footprint45.6 by 44.3 inches

A full cage is the piece that lets somebody train heavy alone, since the safety arms do the job a spotter would. Measure the footprint against the room before ordering, because a cage that fits the wall but not the bar path is useless.

#3 Bench Press Benches

Bench press benches are specifically designed for athletes to perform the bench press, a foundational powerlifting movement. They ensure proper body alignment and support, offering a sturdy surface that helps lifters to maximize their pressing power and safely attempt maximal lifts.

Finer Form Essential Flat Bench

1000 lb capacity

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Capacity1000 lb including the lifter
Frame4 way steel construction, no wobble under a press
Padding2 inches, firm enough to keep the shoulders set
Extrasdumbbell rails under the bench
Useflat pressing, rows and step work

A competition press needs a bench that does not flex when the shoulder blades are pinned, and thick soft padding works against that. Flat and firm at a 1000 lb rating is the right buy over an adjustable bench with half the capacity.

#4 Weights (plates, barbells)

Weights, including plates and barbells, are the essential tools of the powerlifting sport. High-quality, calibrated weights allow for accurate measurement of strength and performance, while the variety in weight ensures all levels of lifters can progress and challenge their personal bests.

#5 Deadlift Jacks

Deadlift jacks are vital for loading and unloading heavy weights from the barbell during deadlift setups. They protect athletes' backs by minimizing the need to lift the loaded barbell simply to add or remove weights, ensuring safety and saving energy for the lift itself.

RitFit Deadlift Jack

660 lb, no-slip handle

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Capacity660 lb loaded bar
Size16.93 by 7.87 by 4.13 inches
Handlenon-slip grip for one handed lifting
Basewide stance with PVC protection for the floor
Useplate changes between attempts and drop sets

Between attempts somebody has to get the loaded bar off the floor, and doing it by hand is how backs get tweaked outside the platform. One jack and a second person changes plates faster than four people rolling the bar.

#6 Chalk Bowls

Chalk bowls provide athletes with easy access to chalk, which is used to improve grip strength by absorbing moisture. A firm grip is essential in powerlifting, particularly when handling heavy barbells, and chalk is a simple yet crucial element in enhancing performance and safety.

#7 Warm-up Area

A warm-up area allows athletes to prepare their muscles and joints for the rigorous demands of powerlifting. Proper warm-up routines reduce the risk of injury and elevate an athlete's performance by increasing blood flow and flexibility prior to attempting heavy lifts.

#8 Competition Area with Judges' Seating

A designated competition area with judges' seating is vital for organized and fair powerlifting meets. This setup enables judges to have a clear view of the athletes' lifts, to ensure that all competition rules are followed, and to accurately assess performance for a valid lift.

Discover the champions who utilize this equipment by checking out the best powerlifting athletes of all time.

FAQ

What is the equipment you need to start Powerlifting?

A barbell, weight plates, a power rack, a bench, and proper footwear are the equipment you need to start Powerlifting. These items are fundamental for training in the three main lifts.

What is the most important equipment in Powerlifting?

The barbell is the most important equipment in Powerlifting, as it is essential for performing the core lifts: squat, bench press, and deadlift.

What is a recommended list of Powerlifting equipment for beginners?

Here's a recommended list of Powerlifting equipment for beginners: a barbell, a set of weight plates, squat stands or a power rack, a flat bench, and weightlifting shoes or flat-soled sneakers. These basic tools will help build a solid foundation in the sport.