That's not a raw competition there sparky.
The meet was mixed - raw/geared. Spoto was in the raw category. It was a bit odd if you were watching, because the geared end was run at the same time, so you might have a few raw lifters lift, then a couple geared, then more raw.
Love the dweeb know-nothings who think a wrestling singlet is a squat suit. Why even comment when you know next to nothing?And even if it was a squat suit, and it isn't, clearly, what benefit would that hold for a bench press? None, that's what. And wearing wrist wraps and a belt is perfectly acceptable in a raw press meet.Oh, and why should that 3rd attempt count (referencing what the thread's author suggests)? His left arm isn't locked!
It's not a squat suit, it's a singlet like they wear in wrestling. He wasn't getting anything out of it, he has to wear it because it's in the rules, they want a clear look at the hip and butt to make sure there isn't butt lift that will help with the lift. The wrist wraps aren't adding much. He didn't make it for a few of reasons -1) He opened too high. 2) The attempts had too much time between them. This meet was long, 20 - 30 minutes between attempts, that saps your strength.3) Third attempt, he just got caught in a bad bench groove. It got too out in front of him, and started to drift toward his feet, with 700 plus pounds, you can't correct that too much when it happens.
I appreciate the well reasoned reply. I actually did learn something. However I still think that they should not be wearing the belt, wrist wraps, or the singlet if it is thick compressive material. If the singlet is not, strike that third point.
Belt and wrist wraps are considered safety equipment, not for assistance and the singlet is worn by everyone so the judges can make sure the bar touched the chest, legs hit parallel in the squat, things like that, adds 0 to the lift.
You must be a powerlifting veteran "big guy".
I've always been told warm ups shouldn't be so close to your actual lift #'s wise, maybe that should have been his opener and warm up with no more than 75% of his attempted max, which would be about 535.But what do I know, that weight would crush me.
