Please Scroll Down to See Forums Below I went to a meet saturday(didn't compete) and I was shocked by how many people used shirts. Out of close to 60 lifters only 2 lift raw. I have always lifted Raw. I know I may be old-fashoned but I think I would feel better about my lifts if I get them Raw. I'm not crisitizing people who use shirts at all but for me I think I would like getting 300 without one. The trend seems to be shirted lifts though. I guess I really need to start looking into getting one if I ever plan on competing. What does everyone else think.
Does anyone lift Raw anymore?
- Thread starter Grantsdu
- Start date
TheProject
New member
Generally speaking, I think if equipment is allowed at a meet, expect the lifters to use it.
There were some raw benchers at the St. Louis meet that competed bench only, but all the 3 lifters used equipment.
I'm no expert, but I think the majority of federations allow equipment in some form or another. You could look for raw only meets, or certainly compete raw in an equipped meet, but to paraphrase Hannibal...would you go out and play football without pads and a helmet, if all the other players were using them?
There were some raw benchers at the St. Louis meet that competed bench only, but all the 3 lifters used equipment.
I'm no expert, but I think the majority of federations allow equipment in some form or another. You could look for raw only meets, or certainly compete raw in an equipped meet, but to paraphrase Hannibal...would you go out and play football without pads and a helmet, if all the other players were using them?
TheProject
New member
Grantsdu said:
You don't necessarily need to get your raw bench up to start using a shirt. I know for me, it's really hard for me to use my shirt properly. My raw bench and shirted bench are basically the same, but my lockout is also not a lot higher than my floor press. If you've got a good lockout, but weak off the chest, a shirt can do a lot for you.
The best one? I dunno. I use a Titan Fury poly shirt, which is okay, but I think it's more difficult to learn, and you can't take it off between attempts.
My next shirt will probably be an open-back denim of some sort, but I haven't decided what kind yet.
I'm open to suggestions on that as well, especially from those that have seen me bench.
IrishPower
New member
shirt question
the future of the sport is in the equipment. mastering it is just another aspect of the competition.
i can attest that it will help protect from an injury. i reached a 580 bench using mostly raw work to train and blew off a pec - tendon.
since my surgery, about 1.5 years ago, i have done a lot more heavy shirted work.
my bench has progressed to a personal best of 650 for me, done this past weekend. i still do some raw work, but it is most confined to speed work with bands, practicing elbows-in, belly technique.
i think THE BEST shirt is the Inzer Double Denim, open back. Beware, that it takes a lot of specialty training to get used to it. It is as much about technique as about raw strength.
Since switching to Metal Militia style training, I have added 100 lbs to my best shirted bench in under 6 months.
http://www.nazarethbarbell.com/ -- home of mike miller and his branch of the metal miltia crew
www.growordie.com -- this is my site and has some miltia training tips and such.
best of luck.
.tommy
the future of the sport is in the equipment. mastering it is just another aspect of the competition.
i can attest that it will help protect from an injury. i reached a 580 bench using mostly raw work to train and blew off a pec - tendon.
since my surgery, about 1.5 years ago, i have done a lot more heavy shirted work.
my bench has progressed to a personal best of 650 for me, done this past weekend. i still do some raw work, but it is most confined to speed work with bands, practicing elbows-in, belly technique.
i think THE BEST shirt is the Inzer Double Denim, open back. Beware, that it takes a lot of specialty training to get used to it. It is as much about technique as about raw strength.
Since switching to Metal Militia style training, I have added 100 lbs to my best shirted bench in under 6 months.
http://www.nazarethbarbell.com/ -- home of mike miller and his branch of the metal miltia crew
www.growordie.com -- this is my site and has some miltia training tips and such.
best of luck.
.tommy
TheProject
New member
Irish, what would you suggest as a good "beginner" shirt?
IrishPower
New member
i used to say use a poly until you get a 500 bench but i am coming to change my opinion.
i have a partner whose raw best is around 315. i am having him train militia style using an open back double denim. he's currently putting up 365, and i expect 385 from him at this meet.
the key is getting your measurements and technique right for the denim shirt. it is a different exercise then a raw or poly bench.
as you get stronger, you will progressively get more and more from the shirt, but i now recommend starting and staying with an open back double denim.
best of luck!
/tommy
i have a partner whose raw best is around 315. i am having him train militia style using an open back double denim. he's currently putting up 365, and i expect 385 from him at this meet.
the key is getting your measurements and technique right for the denim shirt. it is a different exercise then a raw or poly bench.
as you get stronger, you will progressively get more and more from the shirt, but i now recommend starting and staying with an open back double denim.
best of luck!
/tommy
just as an example, my raw is 315 and my shirted is 385 with a double denim. nursing a torn pec myself...it really sucks! just starting to be able to train chest again
I train whth a guy who uses single Demim. He really likes it but it really plays hell on his back, eating him up! He has been trying to talk me into ording one for a while now. I only weigh 135, I'm a little shit and I expect to start grwoing sometime. Hell I'm 22 but I don't look it. I thought I would wait and see if I ever put on any weight.When I measure for one do I need to tell them the exact measurments? I would hate to get one and I hit a growts spurt. Then again I may never hit one. My training partner gave them about 1/2 inch short on his bis and can't hardly get the thing off his arms. Also, I am hearing alot of people are cutting the backs out of there shirts. What will that help do?
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