Powerlifting consists of three lifts in which the strength of an individual is tested. The lifts are squat, bench press and deadlift. The competitor who reaches the highest total in his or her category is the winner. Powerlifting can be raw or equipped. In raw powerlifting competitions, the only gear allowed are knee sleeves, wrist wraps and a belt. Equipped powerlifting competitions allow also the use of supportive equipment: supportive shirts, briefs, suits and knee wraps. Supportive equipment can be single-ply or multi-ply. More layers of material enable lifters to attain heavier weights, because they exploit elastic energy during the eccentric part of the lift. This releases energy in the concentric part of the movement and helps them lift the weight. The most common materials used in supportive equipment are denim and polyester. The differences in records between raw and equipped powerlifting can sum total up to 30%.
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