When should I start wearing my powersuit?

[Little Girl]

I'm 6 weeks from my first powerlifting comp. So I have a couple of questions for you guys!
I was wondering if I should use my powersuit each time that I squat and that I do my deadlift chart. I put it on last week for the first time, it soooo tight!
Should I put my knee straps for every sets or should I wait to the last one?
I haven't receive my bench shirt yet, the mail is so slow since the Sept 11th! Is there a problem if I start doing my bench press with my bench shirt on in 2 or 3 weeks?
Thanks!

Little Girl

 

[PowFit]

I think you should start using your suit 1 time a week soon. That way you will be mentally comfortable squatting in the suit and the suit can "break in". A squat suit takes some getting used to. If you have never lifted in one it can seem strange and might put you out of your normal squat groove. After you are used to lifting in a suit you might want to only use it a couple weeks out. I normally only use my garments about 2-3 weeks out to find out what my openers will be, but I have been using the equipment for a long time and I feel really comfortable suited up. Good luck Little Girl!

 

[The mann]

if it's a new shirt or you have never used a shirt it could be a little tricky.we throw our shirts on a couple weeks out to get openers.when you get your shirt just put it on and get your opener since you only have limited time.good luck LG.let us know how you do.......

 

[powerlifterjay]

I put my suit bottoms on about 7 weeks out then after 3 sessions in that i pull straps up for 3 weeks then take the last week off. Works for me.

 

[powerlifter450]

I've never officially competed.i have a few questions about the power suit.It's my understanding that just the bench portion ofm the suit can increase lifts by 80-100lbs.How does this work?Isn't using a bench suit considered cheating?Whats the purpose/function of the suit?Does it help you build your strength up prior to a powerlifting competition?Thanx

 

[powerlifterjay]

Well just liek a shirt it helps the bottome 6 inches or so thats it. It helps with your pause. You must lockout the weight or it will not move after the 6 inches. A suit keeps you realy tight at the bottom of the lift so when you start on the accend it helps out of the hole. But then you still have to push with it then lockout the weight. Its not like you let the suit whip you up then you take over you have to push both with the suits and shirts in order to complete the lift. And yes once you learn your suits right they work great.