I still think raw is the only true way to measure strength, except for maybe a belt for deads and squats. But I can understand why powerlifters like the gear, it keeps them safer and lets them put up higher numbers.
+1. I don't believe the standards posted at the top of the thread are intended to be equipped.
I have read that a good measure and balance of strength should be:
Press 1.0 x BW
Bench 1.5 x BW
Squat 2.0 x BW
Dead 2.5 x BW
I'm small and believe those numbers were obtainable. I've achieved press and bench and have 1.9 squat and 2.35 dead.
Lately I've been using the standards for raw powerlifters to access my progress.
WOMEN'S
Wt. Class 97 105 114 123 132 148 165 181 198 198+
ELITE 543 581 623 665 703 773 853 895 960 1012
MASTER 491 529 567 604 637 702 759 815 871 918
CLASS I 440 477 511 543 572 632 684 736 920 825
CLASS II 394 422 454 483 511 562 609 651 698 736
CLASS III 342 370 398 422 445 492 529 572 609 642
CLASS IV 295 319 342 361 384 422 454 487 525 553
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MEN'S
Wt. Class 114 123 132 148 165 181 198 220 242 275 275+
ELITE 904 984 1059 1185 1298 1396 1471 1551 1607 1654 1728
MASTER 850 904 974 1087 1190 1279 1354 1476 1518 1518 1594
CLASS I 750 810 871 979 1068 1148 1209 1279 1321 1359 1420
CLASS II 661 712 768 858 937 1012 1068 1125 1162 1199 1251
CLASS III 571 623 670 754 820 881 932 984 1017 1045 1087
CLASS IV 502 543 586 656 712 768 810 853 890 914 951
Note: RAW Powerlifting is defined as wearing only a singlet and a weight belt. The classification standards reflect a lifter’s Total. A Total is achieved by adding A lifters best Squat, Bench & Deadlift performed in a sanctioned Powerlifting Competition.