The Offset Rolling Deadlift Challenge

The Offset Rolling Deadlift is a unique grip strength challenge, designed as a scalable competition lift. Inspired by historic feats of strength like the Dinnie Stones, this event modernizes the challenge by incorporating rolling handles of different diameters—one 2-inch handle and one 3-inch handle—attached to loading pins. The asymmetrical grip demands superior hand strength, wrist stability, and full-body coordination, making it an ultimate challenge for strength athletes.

Unlike traditional deadlifts, where lower body and back strength dominate, the Offset Rolling Deadlift prioritizes grip endurance and stabilizer engagement. Athletes must lift both handles simultaneously to full lockout while maintaining control before receiving the judge’s down command. With no straps or grip aids allowed, this event separates those with true functional grip strength from the rest.

Designed for strongman, grip sport, and functional strength competitions, the Offset Rolling Deadlift is highly scalable and versatile. By using loading pins, weight can be adjusted for different divisions and classes, ensuring fair competition across weight categories, experience levels, and age groups. Whether you’re a grip specialist, powerlifter, or strongman competitor, this event will push your grip and pulling strength to the limit.

Overview

The Offset Rolling Deadlift is a competition grip strength-focused deadlift variation using two rolling handles of different diameters:

One 2” rolling handle
One 3” rolling handle
Handles are attached to separate loading pins. The weight of each handle is independently scalable.

The goal is to lift the weight to a fully locked-out position while maintaining control and adhering to the movement standards. The lift is scored by the total of both handles.

Equipment & Setup

Handles & Loading Mechanism

Competitors must lift using one 2” rolling handle and one 3” rolling handle attached to loading pins.
Handles must be positioned at the same height at the start of the lift.
Standard Olympic plates or calibrated plates are used for weight loading.
Straps, tacky, or lifting aids are NOT allowed (see grip rules below).
Chalk is allowed for dry hands only—liquid chalk permitted.

Platform & Height Adjustments

The competition is performed on a flat lifting platform or solid surface.
Adjustable riser blocks may be provided to ensure all competitors start from a consistent pulling height based on arm length.

Lift Execution & Standards

Start Position

Handles start stationary on the floor with weights fully resting.
The athlete must grip both handles before initiating the lift.
The body must be centered between the two handles (no extreme lean to one side).

Completion Criteria

The lift is successful when:
✅ Both weights are lifted simultaneously to full lockout.
✅ The athlete stands fully upright, knees locked, hips extended, shoulders back.
✅ The weight is held under control for at least 1 second before being lowered.

Disqualifications & No-Lift Criteria

🚫 The lift is not counted if:

The weights do not lift simultaneously (one handle lags significantly).
The athlete fails to reach full lockout.
The athlete drops the weights before the down command.
The handles rotate out of grip before full extension.

Down Command

The referee will give a “Down” command when the lockout is achieved.
The athlete must lower the weight under control (no dropping from height).

Competition Format & Scoring

Weight Selection & Attempts

Three attempts per competitor (standard powerlifting-style format).
Athletes select their opening attempt weight before the event.
Weight is provided for each handle.
Weight increases only—no reduction allowed after a failed lift.

Tie-Breakers

In case of a tie (same max weight lifted), the winner is determined by the lowest body weight (lighter athlete wins).

Grip Rules & Allowed Equipment

✅ Allowed:

Chalk (regular or liquid).
Compression sleeves (non-supportive) on elbows/knees.
Weightlifting belts (must not assist grip).

🚫 Not Allowed:

Lifting straps or hooks.
Tacky or adhesives.
Gloves or grip-enhancing gloves.
Deadlift suits or supportive briefs.

Event Flow & Judging Criteria

Athletes called in lifting order.
60 seconds to complete the attempt after stepping onto the platform.
1 Judge is required, but 3 can be used.
If using 3 judges:
- 1 head judge (final call on lift success).
- 2 side judges (watching for form, control, and lift integrity).

Online Judging Criteria

The Offset Rolling Deadlift online competition requires clear, unedited video submissions showcasing the full lift from start to finish. Athletes must use one 2” and one 3” rolling handle, lifting both weights simultaneously to full lockout before lowering under control.

✅ Successful Lift Criteria:

Both handles lift evenly off the ground.
Full lockout: knees locked, hips extended, shoulders back.
2-second hold at the top before controlled descent.

❌ No-Lift Criteria:

Uneven lifting, failure to reach lockout, early grip failure, hitching, or dropping the weights.
Poor video quality or missing required elements.

Video Submission Requirements:

Full-body view with stable camera setup.
Athlete must state name, weight lifted, and show equipment before the attempt.
Post-lift weight verification required.

Judging & Scoring:

Max weight lifted determines ranking.
Tie-breakers: fastest successful lift, lowest body weight, or longest hold time.
Judges may request additional verification if needed.

Fair Play & Appeals:

Fake weights or tampered videos = permanent disqualification.
Appeals must be submitted within 24 hours for review.

Submission Deadline & Platform:

Videos must be submitted by the competition deadline.
Videos are only submitted via YouTube [Private preferred until the competition is complete].

Final Thoughts

The Offset Rolling Deadlift is a test of raw grip strength, deadlift power, and control. Unlike traditional max deadlifts, grip is the limiting factor, making it a true strongman-style event.