DL equipment Question (more strongman related)

...but since we have some really top strongman and Highland guys posting here, thought it might be cool.  I have been working on grip ALOT for the past say 4 months.  No straps, lots of farmers when the weather was good etc.  Anyway I do my DL's without straps.  I have a strongman contest June 9th that will allow straps AND a suit with a regular bar/weights.  I have an ancient Z suit that is about 3 sizes too big but still is nice and supportive for DL's (at least it was the last time I wore it).  It's March now and I'm doing my regular DL routine (no straps) but then adding about 15kg (35#) and pulling a single with straps. 

+1 to Craig's question.

To me, you must ask the reason why one chooses to wear straps.  For me, it is because my grip limits what I can pull.  For example, my best pull in the gym is 817#, but I know sure as hell that I could NOT have held onto it with no straps.  Hence, the reason I use them.

Same goes for DL for reps events (bar or car).  You grip will typically tire before your back, hence the use for straps.

Is your event a single or for reps?  What can you typically pull on a bar for a single before your grip tends to go?

Similar questions could be raised about the suit.  How much more do you get with the suit?  If it is ultra-loose as you say, then you may not need much practice in it to get your groove. 

Your answers to the questions will have an impact on my advice.

If straps are allowed then use them. I don't think you need to train with the too much to get used to them. I have no opinion about the suit.




Except that straps and suits are cheating

When I was competing in strongman, I always used straps to save my grip and protect my my bi's.  I incorporated a single ply suit frequnetly in training as well.  I'm pretty positive you will be able to touch n go in the contest so incorporate that as well.  It will give you a few more reps.

... and come to think of it that shouldn't be that far for Craig to come (north part of Pgh, right off I76) and kick some ass in the Open HW's.....weights are more but way within the cool ones range...just sayin....

Edited by thegnome - 3/02/12 at 4:30am

Heck no, just thought if you were around....I'll buy you lunch if that helps...wait maybe 1/2 of lunch....I'll bet you can eat alot.

OK did my regular DL routine and went up to 355x5 (no straps).  Added the straps and went 385x1 (easy), 420x1 (easy), and then went up to 440 got to the knees then just couldn't finish it.  It was there long enough that I remember thinking "Hitch it? No not sure if I'll be allowed to do that" So it was up there, just couldn't finish.  Wish I had videod it.   Maybe I was spent from the 5 rep set, or maybe I need to just do some freakin good mornings or RDL's.  OK so I'm getting about 20 - 30 more pounds with straps. Didn't have time to try the suit though, maybe next week.

Use the straps if they're allowed, and they will be unless the rules specifically state otherwise.  Even if grip isn't a factor, straps take grip out of the equation, and gives you one less thing to worry about.