Equipment Guide

Having the right equipment is essential for safe, effective streetlifting training and competition success. This guide covers everything you need to get started and excel in the sport.

Essential Training Equipment

Pull-Up Bar

The foundation of weighted pull-up training requires a sturdy, reliable bar.

Key considerations:

• Load capacity: Must safely support your body weight plus added weight (aim for 200+ kg capacity)
• Diameter: 28-32 mm is standard; affects grip fatigue
• Knurling: Light to moderate texture prevents slipping without tearing hands
• Mounting: Wall-mounted, doorframe, or freestanding options available

Recommended types:

• Wall-mounted: Most stable, highest load capacity
• Power rack: Versatile for multiple exercises
• Outdoor bars: Often thicker diameter, weather-resistant

Avoid:

• Doorframe pull-up bars for heavy weighted work (safety risk)
• Bars with spinning/rotating grips
• Bars with excessive flex under load

Parallel Bars / Dip Station

For weighted dip training, stable parallel bars are non-negotiable.

Key considerations:

• Stability: Must not wobble or tip under heavy loads
• Width: 45-60 cm between bars (adjustable is ideal)
• Height: Tall enough to hang weight without touching ground
• Bar diameter: 30-40 mm is standard

Types:

• Freestanding dip station: Portable, good for home gyms
• Wall-mounted: Extremely stable, space-efficient
• Power rack attachments: Versatile, stable
• Outdoor parallel bars: Often fixed width, very sturdy

Dipping Belt

The dipping belt is your primary tool for adding weight to both pull-ups and dips.

Components:

• Belt: Wide, padded belt that sits on the hips
• Chain: Steel chain for attaching weight plates
• Carabiner/Loading pin: Secures the chain and holds plates

Features to look for:

• Width: 10-15 cm for weight distribution
• Padding: Thick padding prevents hip discomfort
• Chain length: Long enough for multiple plates (60-90 cm)
• Hardware: High-quality carabiner with sufficient load rating

Top brands:

• Rogue Fitness
• Spud Inc
• Iron Mind
• Gymreapers

Budget considerations:

• Entry-level: $25-40 (adequate for up to 50 kg)
• Mid-range: $50-80 (comfortable for 50-100 kg)
• Premium: $80-150+ (designed for 100+ kg loads)

Weight Plates

You will need a collection of plates in various sizes for progressive loading.

Essential sizes:

• 1.25 kg (fractional loading)
• 2.5 kg (small jumps)
• 5 kg (standard progression)
• 10 kg (medium loads)
• 20 kg (heavy loading)
• 25 kg (advanced loads)

Plate types:

• Iron plates: Most affordable, work well
• Bumper plates: Larger diameter, quieter if dropped
• Calibrated plates: Competition-accurate weights

Pro tip: Having pairs of 1.25 kg and 2.5 kg plates enables micro-loading, which is crucial for progressive overload in strength-focused training.

Optional Training Equipment

Liquid Chalk / Chalk

Chalk improves grip security and reduces the risk of slipping.

Types:

• Block chalk: Traditional, messy but effective
• Loose chalk: Powdered form, also messy
• Liquid chalk: Clean, gym-friendly, highly effective

Application:

• Apply to palms and fingers before heavy sets
• Reapply between attempts in training
• Most competition venues allow chalk

Wrist Wraps

Wrist wraps provide joint support during heavy dips.

When to use:

• Loads exceeding 50% of your max
• If you have wrist discomfort or instability
• During competition attempts

Types:

• Stiff wraps: Maximum support, less flexibility
• Flexible wraps: Moderate support, more natural feel

Note: Many federations restrict wrap length and stiffness. Check rules before competition.

Elbow Sleeves

Elbow sleeves provide warmth and compression for joint health.

Benefits:

• Keep joints warm between sets
• Provide proprioceptive feedback
• May reduce discomfort in those with elbow issues

Competition note: Sleeve thickness and material may be regulated. Verify federation rules.

Weight Vest

While not used in belt events, weight vests are excellent for:

• Supplementary training volume
• Warm-up progressions
• Endurance-based weighted work

Competition Equipment

Competition-Approved Belt

Some federations have approved equipment lists. Before competing:

• Verify your belt meets specifications
• Check chain length requirements
• Confirm carabiner/hardware standards

Competition Attire

Standard requirements typically include:

• Singlet or shorts: Form-fitting, no performance advantage
• T-shirt: If not wearing singlet
• Footwear: Flat-soled shoes or barefoot (federation dependent)

Avoid:

• Loose clothing that obscures joint position
• Unapproved supportive gear
• Heavy boots or elevated heels

Backup Equipment

Always bring to competition:

• Backup belt (if possible)
• Extra chalk
• Backup wrist wraps
• Comfortable warm-up clothing

Equipment Maintenance

Belt Care

• Inspect chain links and carabiner regularly
• Check stitching on belt for wear
• Clean padding to prevent odor buildup
• Store flat or hung to maintain shape

Grip Maintenance

• Keep bar clean and free of excessive chalk buildup
• Lightly sand bar if it becomes too slick
• Replace worn grip tape if applicable

Building a Home Gym

Minimum Setup

For serious streetlifting training at home:

1. Sturdy pull-up bar: Wall-mounted or power rack
2. Dip station: Freestanding or rack-attached
3. Quality dipping belt: Mid-range or better
4. Weight plates: At least 100 kg total capacity
5. Chalk: Liquid chalk for clean training

Space Requirements

• Pull-up area: 2m height clearance, 1.5m x 1.5m floor space
• Dip station: 1.5m x 1m floor space minimum
• Weight storage: Plate tree or floor space for plates

Budget Considerations

Conclusion

Investing in quality equipment pays dividends in both safety and performance. Start with the essentials - a sturdy bar, stable dips, and a good belt - then add supplementary equipment as your training advances. Always verify federation requirements before competition to ensure your equipment is approved.