The deadlift is a cornerstone of strongman competition. Whether you’re pulling from the floor with an axle bar or lifting from height in a Silver Dollar setup, deadlift events test maximal strength, grip, and total-body power. Standards here cover one-rep maxes, rising bar formats, and max-rep events across a variety of implements.
What’s Included on This Page
Deadlift Events Covered:
- Axle Deadlift
- Mammoth Bar Deadlift
- Frame Deadlift
- Viking Deadlift
- Silver Dollar / 18″ Pulls
Each lift includes performance tiers by:
- Novice
- Intermediate
- Advanced
- Elite
Performance standards are listed by USS weight class and assume straps are allowed unless otherwise noted.
Axle Deadlift – 1RM from the Floor
| Weight Class | Novice | Intermediate | Advanced | Elite |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Men – 165 lbs | 275 lbs | 365 lbs | 455 lbs | 545+ lbs |
| Men – 198 lbs | 315 lbs | 405 lbs | 495 lbs | 585+ lbs |
| Men – 242 lbs | 365 lbs | 455 lbs | 545 lbs | 635+ lbs |
| Men – 275+ lbs | 405 lbs | 495 lbs | 585 lbs | 675+ lbs |
| Women – 123 lbs | 155 lbs | 205 lbs | 255 lbs | 315+ lbs |
| Women – 165 lbs | 185 lbs | 235 lbs | 285 lbs | 345+ lbs |
| Women – 198+ lbs | 215 lbs | 265 lbs | 315 lbs | 375+ lbs |
Note: Double overhand clean grip is not required. Straps permitted in most strongman formats.
Mammoth Bar Deadlift – 1RM or Max Reps
| Weight Class | Novice | Intermediate | Advanced | Elite |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Men – 165 lbs | 285 lbs | 375 lbs | 465 lbs | 555+ lbs |
| Men – 198 lbs | 325 lbs | 415 lbs | 505 lbs | 595+ lbs |
| Men – 242 lbs | 375 lbs | 465 lbs | 555 lbs | 645+ lbs |
| Men – 275+ lbs | 415 lbs | 505 lbs | 595 lbs | 685+ lbs |
| Women – 123 lbs | 165 lbs | 215 lbs | 265 lbs | 325+ lbs |
| Women – 165 lbs | 195 lbs | 245 lbs | 295 lbs | 355+ lbs |
| Women – 198+ lbs | 225 lbs | 275 lbs | 325 lbs | 385+ lbs |
The Mammoth Bar is often used for heavy single pulls or ladder-style formats. The bar diameter and flex can vary depending on setup.
Frame Deadlift – Elevated Handles
| Weight Class | Novice | Intermediate | Advanced | Elite |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Men – All Classes | 405 lbs | 495 lbs | 585 lbs | 675+ lbs |
| Women – All Classes | 225 lbs | 275 lbs | 325 lbs | 375+ lbs |
Frame deadlifts often appear in ladder or rep formats. Handle height is typically 13–18 inches from the ground. Expect fast-paced transitions and grip challenges.
Viking Deadlift – Handle Press/Push Style
| Weight Class | Novice | Intermediate | Advanced | Elite |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Men – All Classes | 315 lbs | 405 lbs | 495 lbs | 585+ lbs |
| Women – All Classes | 165 lbs | 215 lbs | 265 lbs | 315+ lbs |
The Viking deadlift is a unique event with a pivot-based pull. Grip strength is less of a limiter; mechanics and pressing stability become more important. Common in group stations or partner events.
Silver Dollar / 18″ Pulls
| Weight Class | Novice | Intermediate | Advanced | Elite |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Men – 165 lbs | 365 lbs | 455 lbs | 545 lbs | 635+ lbs |
| Men – 198 lbs | 405 lbs | 495 lbs | 585 lbs | 675+ lbs |
| Men – 242 lbs | 455 lbs | 545 lbs | 635 lbs | 725+ lbs |
| Men – 275+ lbs | 495 lbs | 585 lbs | 675 lbs | 765+ lbs |
| Women – 123 lbs | 185 lbs | 235 lbs | 285 lbs | 345+ lbs |
| Women – 165 lbs | 215 lbs | 265 lbs | 315 lbs | 375+ lbs |
| Women – 198+ lbs | 245 lbs | 295 lbs | 345 lbs | 405+ lbs |
These high-pull variations significantly reduce range of motion. Often used for record attempts or spectacle lifts. Lifters with strong lockouts tend to excel.
Coaching Notes
- Axle and Mammoth deadlifts require careful setup to avoid injury due to lack of whip or increased diameter.
- Frame and Silver Dollar deadlifts can inflate numbers, but still demand back and hip control.
- Adjust training cycles to include variations from different heights and bar types to stay competition-ready.
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