The Saxon Bar Deadlift Challenge is a grip strength challenge that tests an athlete’s ability to deadlift a thick, rectangular barbell using a pinch grip. This challenge demands elite thumb strength, finger endurance, and wrist stability. The wide, flat surface of the Saxon Bar removes reliance on traditional grip techniques, forcing athletes to depend purely on their grip strength.
Athletes can choose between two challenge formats:
- Max Lift Challenge: Competitors have three attempts to lift the heaviest possible weight of their choice.
- Endurance Challenge: Competitors hold a predetermined weight for as long as possible.
Equipment & Setup
Saxon Bar Specifications
- The Saxon Bar width is 2 inches to 3 inches thick, with a rectangular grip surface.
- The bar length must be at least 6 feet, accommodating Olympic-style weight plates.
- The gripping surface must remain unaltered—no added grip modifications or textures.
Saxon Bar Deadlift Challenge Scaling System for Divisions/Weight Classes
| Division | Weight Class | Hold Weight (Endurance) |
|---|---|---|
| Teen (13-16, 17-19) | 123 & Under | M – 35 lbs / W -TBD |
| 124 – 148 | M – 45 lbs / W -TBD | |
| 149+ | M – 55 lbs / W -TBD | |
| Junior (20-23) | 123 & Under | M – 45 lbs / W -TBD |
| 124 – 165 | M – 55 lbs / W -TBD | |
| 166+ | M – 65 lbs / W -TBD | |
| Open (Any Age) | 123 & Under | M – 55 lbs / W -TBD |
| 124 – 181 | M – 65 lbs / W -TBD | |
| 182+ | M – 75 lbs / W -TBD | |
| Sub Masters (35-39) | 123 & Under | M – 55 lbs / W -TBD |
| 124 – 165 | M – 65 lbs / W -TBD | |
| 166+ | M – 75 lbs / W -TBD | |
| Masters (40-49) | 123 & Under | M – 55 lbs / W -TBD |
| 124 – 181 | M – 65 lbs / W -TBD | |
| 182+ | M – 75 lbs / W -TBD | |
| Masters (50-59) | 123 & Under | M – 55 lbs / W -TBD |
| 124 – 165 | M – 65 lbs / W -TBD | |
| 166+ | M – 75 lbs / W -TBD | |
| Masters (60-69) | 123 & Under | M – 45 lbs / W -TBD |
| 124 – 165 | M – 55 lbs / W -TBD | |
| 166+ | M – 65 lbs / W -TBD | |
| Wounded Warrior Adaptive | All Weight Classes | M – 55 lbs / W -TBD |
Competition Format & Scoring
Max Lift Challenge
- Competitors have three attempts to lift the heaviest weight of their choice.
- The lift must be controlled, reaching full lockout with knees and hips extended.
- The lift is complete when the judge signals control.
- The bar must be lowered under control—no dropping allowed.
Endurance Hold Challenge
- Athletes deadlift the predetermined weight for their division and hold it at full lockout for time.
- Time starts when the bar reaches full extension and stops when grip fails.
- The longest hold time in each division wins.
Equipment Rules & Fair Play
✅ Allowed:
- Chalk (liquid or powder).
- Wrist wraps (must not assist grip).
- Weightlifting belt.
🚫 Not Allowed:
- Lifting straps, hooks, or gloves.
- Tacky, adhesives, or grip-enhancing substances.
- Bracing the bar against the body.
Final Thoughts
The Saxon Bar Deadlift Challenge is one of the most brutal grip tests, exposing weaknesses in pinch strength like no other lift. Whether you’re pushing for a max lift or fighting for endurance, this event is a raw test of who has the strongest hands in the game. If you can dominate this challenge, your grip strength is on another level.
CHALLENGES
EVENTS
COMMUNITY
