cockdesiel said:my lifts are just what they are. Ive never used a bench shirt wouldnt even know how for that matter. On deads and rows I do use straps. The guys you named do not , not in competition anyway. Thats what makes them great. Every one has a weakness mine is grip strength.....that I admit. But you cant fake a parallel squat with a few hundred pounds on your back, either you can or you cant. I CAN. Even using straps, some guys cant deadlift 500 for reps. so I still think I'm doing pretty good at 600+. I guess what I'm saying is well the same thing I've already said........put your money where your mouth is ......and we will see whose full of shit.
there is definately something missing here if your total is one of the best in the country and you are as clean and raw as you claim to be. there's no way you've been to meets and didn't feel the urge to enter after seeing that you'd win hands down. most local level meets don't come close to having the numbers you claim to have. top level competitors- yeah, but you'd be right up there with them.
i tend to think that you're either using machines and calling them real lifts, or not using a full ROM, or something else, but after being in powerlifting for as long as i have, i KNOW you didn't get that strong (if its true) by staying clean and NOT lifting like a powerlifter.
is that you in your avatar btw? that guy is not anywhere close to being as strong as you claim to be.