Do bench press shirts add raw power?

[drkaje]

Not planning on buying one, more my own morbid curiosity.

Also, since the shirt is doing some of the work. How do they contribute to muscular growth, if at all?

[clever_username]

Bench shirts aren't a device to promote muscular growth. They are there to add to one's total.

IMO, raw training is all about building explosiveness off the chest, whereas shirt training is all about nailing down shirt technique and strengthening the triceps toward lockout.

They may add power due to the effect on the CNS from the elevated poundages used, although raw negatives at 50lb over your max may be just as effective here as shirted lifts with 200 over your max.

The bench shirt groove can also be substantially different than the raw groove, so using a bench shift to add raw power probably isn't prudent.

[kicker]

No, I don't believe so, but building raw power adds to one's max with a shirt.

[pumpster]

Bench shirts aren't a device to promote muscular growth. They are there to add to one's total.

IMO, raw training is all about building explosiveness off the chest, whereas shirt training is all about nailing down shirt technique and strengthening the triceps toward lockout.

They may add power due to the effect on the CNS from the elevated poundages used, although raw negatives at 50lb over your max may be just as effective here as shirted lifts with 200 over your max.

The bench shirt groove can also be substantially different than the raw groove, so using a bench shift to add raw power probably isn't prudent.

Helpful info, but no idea what your answer is..

[JPM]

Bench shirts add sophisticated strenght, taking the power that one already has and improving the preformance, stability and technique of the lift. Hard to explain if you have never used one (copout I know) but they can give mental, as well as a physical boost. In my view the mental part of lifting can be more important than the physical, at times.They also have suits for squating & and for DL'ing (not the same suit). Bench shirts could add a 50-100 to 200l+bs to ones lift, depending on the level of the lifter. Not usually worn doing regular workouts. Along with elbow & wrist wrap's, a customed lifting belt & shoes, a modern PL'er is set to go. In theory a lifting suit of any kind reduces injury. Of course that's in theory only.

Quite a few Raw meets have been developing of late. The lifting rules are not uniformed as yet for different contest. Though any Raw meet does not allow a suit of any kind as it's number rule. A few will OK a belt or wraps. A true Raw meet does not allow any type of add on's like a belt or wraps. For what it's worth,I favor a true Raw meet. Good Luck.

[Overload]

Bench shirts aren't a device to promote muscular growth. They are there to add to one's total.

IMO, raw training is all about building explosiveness off the chest, whereas shirt training is all about nailing down shirt technique and strengthening the triceps toward lockout.

They may add power due to the effect on the CNS from the elevated poundages used, although raw negatives at 50lb over your max may be just as effective here as shirted lifts with 200 over your max.

The bench shirt groove can also be substantially different than the raw groove, so using a bench shift to add raw power probably isn't prudent.

this is exactly correct...

it will strengthen your triceps during the lockout...my triceps have become alot stronger since i started competeing/training with a shirt. your lockout strength will go up which is good for your RAW bench numbers.

so, YES in my opinion.

 

[runnerbabe]

www.criticalbench.com/bench-press-shirts.htm

Here's some general info posted at the Critical Bench Website on these.

[ToxicAvenger]

Not planning on buying one, more my own morbid curiosity.

Also, since the shirt is doing some of the work. How do they contribute to muscular growth, if at all?

doc they dont add shit..all they do is make ya think you can lift more than you actually can..i competed once and wore one..my bench went up 50 lbs as soon as i put one of..hell at locked i had to PULL to get 135 down to my chest lol..

[Odinn]

Wearing a shirt week after week will bring your raw strength DOWN. Most powerlifters only wear a shirt maybe once a month.

The Metal Militia crew use their shirts weekly but they have also do a heavy raw day the same week (didn't work for me).

Anyway, if you want to get your raw strength up then bench raw.

[WOOO]

either way a shirt will not help you build muscle

[LiftBig]

either way a shirt will not help you build muscle

I dont think that was even part of the question...

[WOOO]

I dont think that was even part of the question...

fine, I will spell it out for you... Bench shirts will not increase power... smart guy

[Overload]

How many of you have actually trained with a shirt?



 

[Odinn]

Me, I've had two shirts an Inzer Rage and a Metal Viking. I fucking suck at shirt benching though

[LiftBig]

fine, I will spell it out for you... Bench shirts will not increase power... smart guy

Thats where your wrong.  My raw bench has gone up since using a shirt.  My shirted bench has gone up quicker but there is a carry over...

[gtbro1]

 For what it's worth,I favor a true Raw meet. Good Luck.

yuck!!...I prefer my meat to be cooked...don't like blood. 

[buffbong]

i think its stupid all events should be raw

[Overload]

i think its stupid all events should be raw

do you know how often raw events take place? i compete in both RAW and equipped but unless you like traveling alot it is hard to find.


 

[The Freakshow]

I think bench shirts are STUPID!

Unfortunately, if you want to compete in a strength contest you have to use one.

Competing without one is like a bodybuilder trying to do the Olympia completely natural.