Endless debate about Raw v Equipped

Noticed some of the usual banter on the net regarding raw versus equipped lifting and the various definitions of 'raw' After much consideration and review I have come to realise I really don't give a flying fuck!

I do understand the point that guys like Paul Carter make: that the status of raw matters and obviously  a belt-less unwrapped squat will be harder than one with wraps and a belt. But making a big deal out of which should have precedence is spurious given there are so many factors at play to make comparisons almost impossible especially when you throw in PED use. Better to just compare intra federation than across feds.

On a related point, I will be honest I respect the hell out of all lifters and watching the equipped guys like Shero at Nats with 400+ on their back was insane. However I am not really interested in equipped lifting, though remember I am a novice so perhaps if/when I post a decent total for my weight I may follow that path  in the years to come? So at the moment it means I'm not going to wear equipment or watch a lot of equipped lifters but more power to you if you like that side of the sport.

My view is however raw lifting (however you define it) is the way forward particularly when we are looking to claim a broader reach into the market.

Stay Strong

Thomo