If you watch professional powerlifting competitions or follow top lifters on social media, you’ve probably noticed something:
Some lifters squat with knee sleeves, while others use knee wraps.
So the natural question is:
What do pro powerlifters actually use — knee sleeves or wraps?
The honest answer is: both, but it depends on the competition, division, and lifting style.
Let’s break it down clearly so you understand what the pros use — and what makes sense for you.
Short Answer (For Quick Readers)
- Raw powerlifters → mostly use knee sleeves
- Equipped or wrapped lifters → use knee wraps
- Pros choose gear based on rules, goals, and comfort, not hype
Why Pros Choose Different Knee Support
Professional powerlifters don’t choose gear randomly. Their choice depends on three things:
- Competition rules
- Division (raw vs wrapped)
- Personal knee health and lifting style
Let’s look at each option.
Why Many Pro Powerlifters Use Knee Sleeves
In raw or classic powerlifting, knee sleeves are the most common choice.
What Knee Sleeves Do for Pros
Knee sleeves help pros by:
- Keeping knees warm between attempts
- Reducing stiffness during heavy squats
- Improving stability at the bottom position
- Increasing confidence under max loads
They do not add bounce or artificial strength, which is why they are allowed in raw competitions.
Why Pros Like Knee Sleeves
- Easy to wear
- Legal in most federations
- Consistent feel between training and competition
- Less risk of injury compared to wraps
That’s why many top raw lifters train year-round in knee sleeves.
If you’re planning to compete, it’s important to know are knee sleeves allowed in powerlifting competitions, as rules can change depending on the federation.
Why Some Pro Powerlifters Use Knee Wraps
Knee wraps are mostly used in wrapped or equipped divisions.
What Knee Wraps Do
Knee wraps:
- Are tightly wrapped around the knee
- Store elastic energy
- Help lifters rebound out of the bottom of the squat
This can result in heavier squat numbers, but it comes with trade-offs.
Why Pros Use Wraps
- Allowed in specific divisions
- Maximize squat performance
- Useful for lifters chasing personal or record lifts
Downsides of Knee Wraps
- Take time to apply correctly
- Can be painful or uncomfortable
- Not allowed in raw competitions
- Require practice to use safely
Because of this, many lifters only use wraps when rules allow.
Knee Sleeves vs Knee Wraps: What Pros Prefer
Here’s a simple comparison:
| Feature | Knee Sleeves | Knee Wraps |
|---|---|---|
| Used in Raw Division | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Adds Rebound | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Ease of Use | Very Easy | Requires Skill |
| Comfort | High | Low |
| Injury Risk | Lower | Higher |
| Competition Rules | Widely Allowed | Restricted |
What Do Most Raw Powerlifting Pros Use?
Most raw professional powerlifters use knee sleeves.
Reasons:
- They are legal
- They protect the knees
- They allow natural strength expression
- They keep training consistent
If you watch IPF, USAPL, or raw USPA competitions, you’ll see knee sleeves on almost every squat platform.
What Should You Use as a Lifter?
Ask yourself these questions:
- Are you competing in raw powerlifting? → Knee sleeves
- Are knee wraps allowed in your division? → Only then consider wraps
- Do you want knee support without changing your squat style? → Sleeves
For most gym lifters and competitive raw athletes, knee sleeves are the smarter and safer option.
Common Beginner Mistake
Many beginners think knee wraps are “better” because pros lift heavier with them.
In reality:
- Wraps change squat mechanics
- Wraps require experience
- Wraps are not legal in most raw meets
That’s why most lifters start — and stay — with knee sleeves.
f you’re unsure which thickness is right for your training style, check our full 7mm vs 5mm knee sleeves comparison to make the right choice.
Final Verdict
Pro powerlifters use both knee sleeves and knee wraps, but for different reasons.
- Raw pros → knee sleeves
- Wrapped division pros → knee wraps
If your goal is to lift safely, train consistently, and compete without stress, knee sleeves are what most pros trust.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Do knee sleeves add weight to squats?
No. They help with stability and confidence, not artificial strength.
Are knee wraps better than knee sleeves?
Only in wrapped divisions. For raw lifting, sleeves are better.
Can beginners use knee wraps?
Not recommended. Knee sleeves are safer and easier.
