USPA Competition Gear | Stoic Performance
Stoic Gear for USPA Powerlifting Competition
Stoic belts, knee sleeves, wrist wraps, and singlets meet USPA equipment requirements. Here is what you need, what the rules allow, and what is different from IPF-affiliated competition.
How USPA equipment rules compare to USAPL and the IPF
The United States Powerlifting Association (USPA) is affiliated with the International Powerlifting League (IPL), not the IPF. The physical specifications, meaning belt width, sleeve thickness and wrap length, are largely the same wherever you compete. Where federations actually differ is whether they also care who made the gear.
USPA abolished its approved-equipment list in January 2024 and now runs on specification compliance alone, so there is no such thing as a "USPA approved" brand. What matters is that the gear itself meets the spec, and Stoic gear does.
USAPL works the same way for everything on this page. Its rulebook keeps an approved list only for supportive squat suits, bench press shirts and deadlift suits, which means belts, knee sleeves, wrist wraps and singlets are judged on specification alone, at every level including Nationals. The federation that does run a brand list is the IPF, along with its US affiliate Powerlifting America. Stoic was removed from the IPF list in January 2026 and is permitted there through 31 December 2026 only.
What USPA allows that USAPL does not
USPA permits elbow sleeves during the squat. This is the most meaningful equipment difference for raw lifters. If you use the Stoic Elbow Sleeves or Compression Cuffs, they are permitted in USPA raw competition. They are not permitted in USAPL or Powerlifting America meets.
USPA also offers both tested and untested divisions at most meets, which is a structural difference but does not affect equipment requirements for raw competition.
USPA drug testing and equipment
USPA has tested and untested divisions. Equipment requirements are identical between them for raw competition. The tested and untested distinction is about drug testing protocols, not gear rules.
Stoic gear for USPA competition
All products listed meet USPA equipment specifications for raw competition.
Full grain leather, 10mm, 4 inches wide with no taper. The right choice for most raw competitors. Meets USPA belt specifications.
Shop 10mm Belt →Maximum thickness for lifters who want maximum rigidity. Lever closure for fastest setup. Full grain leather. Meets USPA belt specifications.
Shop 13mm Lever Belt →Built for training, but also meets the physical specification for competition belts. Lighter, breaks in faster. For most competitors the 10mm is the right call. The 6.5mm is for lifters who prefer a more flexible belt across all their work.
Shop 6.5mm Belt →7mm neoprene, 30cm length. Dense construction, purpose-built seam. Meets USPA specification. Available in all colorways.
Shop Knee Sleeves →All three lengths meet USPA maximums. The 36" is legal and appropriate for maximum wrist rigidity on the bench. Available in all colorways.
Shop Wrist Wraps →Elbow sleeves are permitted during the squat in USPA raw competition. Not permitted in USAPL / Powerlifting America. The Stoic 7mm elbow sleeves provide warmth and joint support, and they are legal for your USPA squat attempts.
Shop Elbow Sleeves →Non-supportive, covers hips and thighs. Available in standard, Black Label, Bloodline, and Navy. Meets USPA singlet requirements.
Shop Singlets →Equipment specification quick reference
| Equipment | USPA rule | Stoic spec |
|---|---|---|
| Belt width | Maximum 10cm (4 inches), no taper | 4 inches, no taper ✓ |
| Belt thickness | Maximum 13mm | 6.5mm, 10mm, or 13mm ✓ |
| Belt material | Leather or non-stretching material | Full grain leather ✓ |
| Knee sleeves | Max 7mm thickness, max 30cm length | 7mm, 30cm ✓ |
| Wrist wraps | Max 1 meter length | 18"/24"/36" (max 91cm) ✓ |
| Elbow sleeves | Permitted during squat only | Legal for squat in USPA ✓ |
| Singlet | Non-supportive, covers thighs | Compliant ✓ |
Common questions
No. USPA abolished its approved-equipment list in January 2024 and now judges gear on specification alone, so no brand is USPA approved or unapproved. If the gear meets the spec, it passes, and Stoic belts, knee sleeves, wrist wraps and singlets are built to it. If you have any doubt about a specific piece, check with your meet director before the event.
Work out which of those two is sanctioning your meet first, because they are separate federations and the answer is different. USAPL, like USPA, judges belts, knee sleeves, wrist wraps and singlets on specification with no brand list, so your Stoic gear carries straight over and no end date applies. Powerlifting America is the IPF's US affiliate and does use the IPF Approved Apparel and Equipment List. Stoic was removed from that list in January 2026, and the same notice permits our gear in IPF-recognised competition through 31 December 2026. From 1 January 2027 it is not eligible there. Elbow sleeves are the one thing that does not travel either way, since USPA allows them on the squat and the others do not.
USPA offers both tested (drug-tested) and untested divisions at most meets. Equipment requirements are identical for raw competition in both divisions. The difference is the testing protocol only, not what gear you wear.
Yes. Belts are permitted on the squat, bench press, and deadlift. Most raw competitors use a belt on all three. It is your equipment and your decision. Nothing requires you to belt a lift, but there is no rule against it in any of the three.
Training notes and new gear.
No filler. Unsubscribe any time.
Whether you compete in USPA tested or untested, Stoic gear meets the rules and is built for the work that gets you there.
Shop lifting gear IPF legal gear