Hilt Lift Challenge

The Hilt Lift is a grip strength challenge event that tests an athlete’s ability to lift and control a weighted hilt attachment using only one hand. This event challenges crush grip, wrist stabilization, and forearm endurance while ensuring proper control over a vertical lifting implement. Competitors are given three attempts to lift the heaviest weight possible using the standardized hilt attachment connected to a loading pin.

Equipment & Setup

Hilt Attachment & Loading Pin

A standardized hilt attachment must be used for all competitors. [Ironmind, GripGenie, or same specifications]
The attachment is secured to a standardized loading pin. [Ironmind, GripGenie, or same specifications]

Grip & Hand Placement

Athletes must grip the hilt with only one hand—no two-handed lifting.
The entire hand must remain below the top edge of the hilt attachment.
Chalk is allowed, but straps, gloves, tacky, or adhesives are prohibited.

Competition Surface & Positioning

The lift must be performed on a flat, stable surface.
The hilt and loading pin must start completely on the ground before each attempt.
The athlete must stand fully upright to complete the lift, extending their hips and legs.
The weight must be lifted a minimum of 2 inches off the ground. If the athlete is too short to meet this requirement naturally, they must stand on blocks to ensure the lift reaches at least 2 inches from the floor.

Lift Execution & Judging Standards

✅ Successful Lift Criteria

The athlete must grip the hilt attachment firmly using only one hand.
The weight must be lifted at least 2 inches off the ground while maintaining control.
The athlete must fully extend their hips and legs during the lift.
The athlete must hold the lift for at least 2 seconds before lowering.
The weight must be lowered under control—no dropping.

❌ No-Lift Criteria (Disqualifications)

🚫 The weight does not reach 2 inches off the ground.
🚫 The athlete fails to hold the lift for 2 seconds.
🚫 Assistance from the other hand, body, or legs during the lift.
🚫 Dropping the weight instead of lowering it under control.
🚫 Switching hands or adjusting grip mid-lift.
🚫 Failure to fully extend hips and legs during the lift.

Competition Format & Scoring

Lift Attempts & Best Lift Selection

Athletes receive three attempts to achieve their heaviest successful lift.
Weight must increase with each attempt—no reductions after a missed lift.
The heaviest successful lift is recorded as the athlete’s final score.

Tiebreakers

If two or more athletes achieve the same top lift, the tie is broken by:
1️⃣ Fewest failed attempts throughout all rounds.
2️⃣ Lowest body weight (lighter athlete wins).

Equipment Rules & Fair Play

✅ Allowed:

Chalk (liquid or powder).
Elbow sleeves (non-supportive).
Weightlifting belt (must not assist grip).

🚫 Not Allowed:

Lifting straps, hooks, or gloves.
Tacky, adhesives, or grip-enhancing substances.
Modified or personal hilt attachments (only the standardized hilt will be used).

Judging Process & Online Submission Rules

For In-Person Competitions

One head judge and up to two additional judges may oversee each lift.
The judge will signal a successful lift after the 2-second hold.
Final lift count is recorded after each attempt.

For Online Competitions

Full-body video required, showing the athlete from the side or front.
The video must include:
1. Athlete stating their name, body weight, and chosen weight attempt.
2. A clear weigh-in of the loading pin and weights.
3. An uninterrupted recording of the entire lift attempt.
Video submissions must be uploaded to YouTube by the submission deadline of the challenge.

Training Considerations for Competitors

Crush grip training—train with thick bar grips, hilt lifts, and grip crushers.
Progressive loading—slowly increase weight to build maximal grip strength.
Wrist & forearm endurance—incorporate lever lifts and heavy static holds.
Grip recovery drills—ensure proper recovery between heavy attempts to avoid hand fatigue.

Final Thoughts

The Hilt Lift Challenge is a true test of grip power, wrist stability, and raw hand strength. With a standardized hilt attachment and controlled weight selection, this event ensures fair and competitive conditions for all athletes.