Equipment Regulations
To keep the events on an even playing field across the world we have come up with some regulations to suit competitors and event organisers alike. The goal is to make this event accessible to competitors of all levels around the world. To do that, event organisers need to have access to similar equipment. With the sport of Strongman having no real set rules other than “If it is in front of you, pick it up, carry it or press it overhead,” there are no set guidelines to how equipment should be made, unlike Powerlifting or Olympic Lifting.
To that end, we have made guidelines that will suit organiser both north and south of the equator. Obviously, one of the largest audiences for strongman is the USA and uses the older imperial measurements (pounds, inches, etc) whereas most of the rest of the world uses the metric system (Kilos and centimetres). This is why there is some leniency for the measurements of the equipment.
Log sizes differentiate around the world anywhere from 6 inches in diameter up to 15 inches. These are generalisations and we understand that each competition is different. Also when making axles, the axles made in the imperial system are marginally different in size to the metric system due to 2 inches is slightly different in diameter to 50mm (This comes from the metal manufacturing processes and steel bar is made to different measurements in different regions).
Restrictions
Log
Women – Log diameter between 8 and 10 inches* (20 to 26 cm), although the athlete is allowed to use a larger log if they are to choose.
Men – Log diameter between 10 and 12 inches* (25 to 31 cm)
Distance between handles – 55 to 70 cm
*Log diameters larger than listed are allowed for each class
Deadlift
Bar diameter – 47mm to 52mm
Pickup height – Bottom of bar no higher than 42.5 cm. This is the most important height measurement for the deadlift for fairness of the lift. Base your bar setup on the “bottom of the bar” height.
Weight plates must be loaded onto the bar. Not on “Silver dollar” pegs or similar.