i've just had a quick google but couldn't find a simple answer.

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World Powerlifting records according to wiki...

Squat: Geared: 1250 lb/567 kg, Vlad Alhazov

Raw: 1200 lb/544 kg, Paul Edward Anderson (400 kg all time approx estimate IPF standards, and equipment)

Bench Press: Geared: 1050 lb/476.3 kg, Ryan Kennelly (Have had claims of 500 kg in excess)

Raw: 715 lb/324.3 kg, Scot Mendelson (Have had claims exceeding 400 kgs) (300kg IPF standard and all time approximate with no assisting equipment)

Deadlift: Geared: 1003 lb/455 kg, Andy Bolton (Have had claims of 460 kg)

Raw: Aprox. 400.0 Kg (no assisting equipment and IPF legal)

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So apparently the deadlift is the weakest of all alifts at world record level!

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i've only got 270kg to go!

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567kg squat is absurd.

That is like squatting a car!

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or 567 bags of sugar!

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For most trainees, their deadlift will be better because they don't have the strength/technique to cope with massively heavy loads in the squat. Don't forget that the squat goes lower than the deadlift and takes twice as long because it is down and up again. Hence most people having a better deadlift than squat.

But if you already have massive strength and good technique, then it is your grip that will ultimately be the limiting factor in the deadlift.

All other things being equal, having the weight on your back is more secure than holding it in your hands.

What came to my mind, anyway.

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That's true.

The sheer nature of the lift though means the time under tension for the muscles in the squat is higher, meaning they should in theory fail having pushed less weight.

Regarding the grip, I suppose it is all relative.

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And there's the fact that the deadlift uses more muscle mass than the squat. My deadlift is miles ahead of my squat i thought it was for most people.

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As guber pointed out though, the fundamental weak point is in the grip - the forearm muscles are much smaller than the others.

Whatever the reason, it is the weakest lift. I was surprised at that too.

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