Versa Gripps in Powerlifting: Rules, Restrictions, and Permitted Grip Aids

Are Versa Gripps Allowed in Powerlifting?

Generally, Versa Gripps are not allowed in sanctioned powerlifting competitions under the rules of major federations such as the International Powerlifting Federation (IPF) and its affiliates (e.g., USA Powerlifting - USAPL), due to their design providing a mechanical advantage that is typically prohibited for lifting straps.

Understanding Powerlifting Equipment Rules

Powerlifting is a strength sport that tests an athlete's maximum strength in three specific lifts: the squat, bench press, and deadlift. To ensure fair play and standardize competition, powerlifting federations establish strict rules regarding equipment. These rules are designed to prevent lifters from gaining an unfair mechanical advantage, protect athlete safety, and ensure that the lifts truly reflect an individual's raw strength, including their grip. Equipment like belts, knee sleeves, and approved lifting suits are permitted under specific guidelines, but accessories that directly assist the grip beyond chalk are often scrutinized.

The Function of Versa Gripps

Versa Gripps are a type of lifting aid designed to enhance grip during heavy lifting. Unlike traditional fabric lifting straps, which require the lifter to wrap and secure the strap around the bar, Versa Gripps feature a textured, rubberized strap that wraps around the bar and is held in place by the lifter's hand. Their design often creates a more secure, semi-locked connection between the hand and the barbell, effectively reducing the reliance on intrinsic grip strength. This design is highly effective for training, especially for high-volume work or when grip fatigue becomes a limiting factor, but it also presents a direct conflict with powerlifting's competitive regulations.

Powerlifting Federations and Their Stance on Grips

The legality of lifting aids, including Versa Gripps, varies slightly between powerlifting federations, but a clear consensus exists regarding their use in raw (unequipped) powerlifting.

• International Powerlifting Federation (IPF) and Affiliates (e.g., USAPL): The IPF and its national affiliates, such as USA Powerlifting (USAPL), have the most stringent equipment rules. For deadlifts, no form of lifting strap, including Versa Gripps, is permitted. The lifter must maintain a direct grip on the barbell, relying solely on their hand strength. This rule is fundamental to testing grip strength as an integral component of the deadlift.
• Other Federations (e.g., USPA, WPO, IPL): While some other federations might permit traditional fabric lifting straps in specific divisions (e.g., equipped powerlifting, or for certain record attempts outside of primary competition lifts), Versa Gripps are almost universally disallowed across all major powerlifting organizations for raw competition. The unique design of Versa Gripps, which acts more like a "hook" or "positive lock" than a simple strap, is typically seen as providing an impermissible mechanical advantage over a standard overhand or mixed grip. Always consult the specific federation's rulebook you plan to compete under, but anticipate Versa Gripps being prohibited.

Why Are Versa Gripps Disallowed?

The primary reason Versa Gripps are disallowed in powerlifting competitions centers on the principle of assessing true strength and avoiding mechanical assistance:

• Mechanical Advantage: Versa Gripps provide a direct, locked connection to the barbell, which significantly offloads the demand on forearm and hand flexor muscles. This constitutes a mechanical advantage, allowing a lifter to hold more weight than their unassisted grip strength would permit.
• Grip Strength as a Component: In powerlifting, particularly the deadlift, grip strength is considered an integral part of the lift. The ability to hold the barbell throughout the movement is as crucial as the strength to pull it off the floor. Allowing grip aids that bypass this requirement would fundamentally alter the nature of the competition.
• Fairness and Standardization: To ensure a level playing field, all competitors must adhere to the same equipment standards. Permitting some lifters to use grip-assisting devices while others do not would create an unfair advantage.

Permitted Grip Aids in Powerlifting

While Versa Gripps are out, specific grip aids are universally permitted in powerlifting competitions:

• Chalk (Magnesium Carbonate): This is the most common and universally accepted grip aid. Chalk absorbs moisture from the hands, improving friction and preventing the bar from slipping. It is applied directly to the hands.

In some very specific, non-sanctioned, or exhibition events, or for certain equipped divisions, traditional fabric lifting straps might be allowed for the deadlift, but this is highly uncommon for raw powerlifting and almost never extends to Versa Gripps. Always verify with the specific competition's rulebook.

Training with Versa Gripps vs. Competition Rules

For training purposes, Versa Gripps can be a valuable tool. They allow lifters to:

• Overload Muscles: Train the primary pulling muscles (back, glutes, hamstrings) with heavier loads than their grip might otherwise allow, facilitating strength gains in those muscle groups.
• Increase Volume: Perform more repetitions or sets without grip fatigue becoming the limiting factor.
• Manage Injuries: Work around minor hand or forearm issues while still training effectively.

However, a competitive powerlifter must balance these training benefits with the reality of competition. It is crucial to dedicate specific training time to deadlifts without any grip aids to strengthen intrinsic grip and ensure readiness for competition. Incorporating grip-specific exercises (e.g., plate pinches, farmer's walks, dead hangs) is also highly recommended.

Conclusion: Navigating Equipment for Competition

In summary, if you are competing in a sanctioned powerlifting meet, particularly under IPF or USAPL rules, Versa Gripps are not allowed for the deadlift. The sport emphasizes raw strength, including the ability to grip the barbell without mechanical assistance. While Versa Gripps can be beneficial for general training, competitive lifters must train their grip specifically for competition and adhere strictly to federation equipment guidelines to avoid disqualification. Always consult the official rulebook of your chosen powerlifting federation well in advance of any competition.