Want to compete in Armlifting? Explore the rules, equipment and criteria used to validate lifts.
Armlifting tests grip strength through different implements and movements. Each event has specific rules for execution, valid attempts and participation.
These summaries are for information only. In case of differences, the official rules of the competition organiser take precedence. Grip types are educational descriptions, not official divisions.
Always confirm the version applicable to your competition. Armlifting USA — Rules
Source versions: General Rules states “Edited 12/7/25”; the Silver Bullet file is labelled v2019. The other linked documents do not identify a version. Adaptive rules are presented as a 2020 proposal.
13 rule references
Competition formats, scoring and general conditions.
Equipment: As specified for the selected events.
There are several competition formats. In one-arm lifts, the free arm must not brace the body; equipment-specific criteria also apply.
A deadlift using the IronMind Apollon’s Axle and a double-overhand grip.
Equipment: IronMind Apollon’s Axle and plates.
Both sets of knuckles must face forwards. Hook grip and thumbless grip are prohibited. Wait for the referee’s down signal and maintain contact with the bar.
A one-arm lift with the IronMind Rolling Thunder rotating handle.
Equipment: IronMind Rolling Thunder, loading pin and carabiner.
The handle must rotate freely. Grip near its centre with the thumb engaged, without touching the non-rotating frame. Finish upright and lower under control after the signal.
A Silver Bullet held between the handles of a gripper.
Equipment: CoC gripper, IronMind Silver Bullet and suspended load.
A CoC gripper and an IronMind Silver Bullet with a suspended load are used. Timing starts with one hand holding the gripper closed and ends if the device drops or the gripper opens.
A lift using a small circular gripping surface.
Equipment: IronMind Hub, loading pin and carabiner.
At the start, all five fingertips touch the plate at the base of the Hub. A doorknob-style grip is not allowed. Keep the Hub approximately parallel to the floor.
A one-arm lift using the tapered IronMind implement.
Equipment: IronMind Little Big Horn, loading pin and carabiner.
Wrap the hand around the Little Big Horn and keep it approximately vertical. Do not touch the underside of its base. Stand upright and await the signal before lowering.
A pinch lift with the IronMind Blockbuster block.
Equipment: IronMind Blockbuster Pinch Grip Block, loading pin and carabiner.
Grip approximately at the centre with the block parallel to the floor. A thumbless grip is not allowed. Maintain contact until the load returns to the floor after the signal.
A one-arm deadlift using a vertical handle.
Equipment: A 2-inch or 50 mm vertical handle, loading pin and carabiner.
The load starts between the feet and the handle stays approximately perpendicular to the floor. Thumbless grip is prohibited; finish upright with legs and hips locked out.
Pull-ups on a rotating Rolling Thunder handle.
Equipment: IronMind Rolling Thunder rotating handle.
Start from a dead hang without swinging or kipping. The chin passes above the handle and the return to a dead hang is controlled. Do not touch the floor during the attempt.
A deadlift using a rectangular-section bar.
Equipment: Rectangular-section Saxon Bar and plates.
Use a double-overhand grip. Finish with knees locked and shoulders back. Supporting the bar on the thighs, downward movement during the lift or dropping it invalidates the attempt.
A deadlift using a rotating Country Crush handle.
Equipment: Country Crush Handle, loading pin and carabiner.
The handles must rotate freely. Thumbless grip and contact with the non-rotating part are prohibited. Finish upright and maintain contact until the weight returns to the floor.
A pinch lift with the 3-inch Country Crush Saxon Block and Raptor handle.
Equipment: 3-inch Country Crush Saxon Block and Raptor handle.
The block and handle must rotate freely, as described in the rules. The block must not tilt above horizontal. The free hand must not brace against the body or push off the leg.
A 2020 rules proposal for adaptive lifting.
Equipment: Seat and adapted equipment described in the proposal.
The proposal describes seated lifts and equipment adaptations. Check with the organiser whether it applies to your competition.