Variations

Although powerlifting always uses the squat, bench press and deadlift as events, different federations have different rules and different interpretations of the rules, leading to a myriad of differing variations on a theme. Some federations, such as the AAU, allow NO protective gear to be worn by the lifter. Some, such as the IPF, only allow a single-ply tight polyester squat suit, deadlift suit and bench shirt, wraps for knees and wrists, and a belt. Other federations allow for opened-back bench shirts, bench shirts made of multiple ply material and canvas squat suits.

In an IPF bench press, the barbell can go as low as the xiphoid process and no further in the lift, whereas in other federations, the barbell can touch the abdomen. (This shortens the distance in which the barbell is moved and is an advantage to the lifter.)

With the advent of the latest high-tech gear, powerlifting gear usage has become somewhat controversial. Whereas it has allowed gargantuan lifts such as Scot Mendelson's 900+ bench press and Brent Mikesell's 1100+ squat, some argue that allowing a shirt that gives 200+ lb (100 kg) of assistance to the lift (when used properly) lessens the point of a purely limit strength sport. However a bench shirt does do a lot to prevent pectoral tears when lifting very heavy weights.

There is no recognition in the Olympics for powerlifting at this time, and the multiplicity of federations and rules, the behind the scenes politics of Olympic certification, and the use and abuse of competition gear makes inclusion unlikely.