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Time for an u120kg weight class?

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FAT_SAMIcon...10-05-2012 @ 11:20 
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Post Edited: 10.05.2012 @ 11:21 AM by FAT_SAM
Stetec said:
So what do the folk who neither want to be that big but are heavier than 105 do? Not compete?


Either diet to 105 or just get stronger? There are plenty of 115-130kg guys strong enough to mix it up with the best of the best in the UK! Strongman should remain an elite sport, which open comps are currently - my poor performances in comps is evidence that not just any big guy in the crowd with semi decent gym lifts can be competitive. The more weight classes you add the more like powerlifting it becomes - we don't want 'junior drug free under 120kg but over 115kg strongman champions', do we? To be honest powerlifting has turned into a joke where the records mean nothing (and I have pointless 'records' in raw bench press myself so this is not a pop at anyone).
sexymikehowarthIcon...10-05-2012 @ 11:23 
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I could see an under 120kg class at some point maybe... which would be great for guys like hixxy
Ben_SomethingIcon...10-05-2012 @ 11:24 
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The nature of weight classes dictates that someone will always lose out, they will never suit everyone. e.g. someone who weighs 98KG has to decide wether to lose 8KG or put on 7KG to be competitive.

In reality all a under 120 class would do is make the 120 guys happy at the expense of the 130 guys. No-one likes being the lightest in any said weigh category, but the line has to be drawn somewhere.
martinbIcon...10-05-2012 @ 11:25 
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Ben_Something said:In addition to what I have already posted (u120 would be a good idea if the sport had the numbers to support it, however it doesn't at the moment)

Who would acctually compete in a u120 class? I feel the demand for this class comes people who aren't strong enough to compete at open, not those who arent heavy enough. Bad weight does not equal strength.

The strong 120-125KG guys (Hixxy, Bish, etc.) would have little interest in such a class...they are already being competitive at open level.
The u120 class would be full of intermediate level strongmen, which in itself isn't a problem, but it becomes one when its done at the expense of other existing classes.

u80, u90, u105 work, there is the interest there to support them.
A strong 100-105KG guy (especially if they are short) would struggle at open level, they could probably finish a comp, but i can see that it wouldnt be much fun. A strong 120 guy can be and in many cases already are competitive at open level.



I am 125, not strong enough to do the static lift in a big open, but strong enough to do events

I was 134 earlier this year, chasing the big guys, but stopped, and won't do it again, I have no interest in being super obese, or supplementing

I will never be open level static strong, but very much enjoy strongman, and competing, and think a 120 class would be fun
davycummingsIcon...10-05-2012 @ 11:26 
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Ben_Something said:In addition to what I have already posted (u120 would be a good idea if the sport had the numbers to support it, however it doesn't at the moment)

Who would acctually compete in a u120 class? I feel the demand for this class comes people who aren't strong enough to compete at open, not those who arent heavy enough. Bad weight does not equal strength.

The strong 120-125KG guys (Hixxy, Bish, etc.) would have little interest in such a class...they are already being competitive at open level.
The u120 class would be full of intermediate level strongmen, which in itself isn't a problem, but it becomes one when its done at the expense of other existing classes.

u80, u90, u105 work, there is the interest there to support them.
A strong 100-105KG guy (especially if they are short) would struggle at open level, they could probably finish a comp, but i can see that it wouldnt be much fun. A strong 120 guy can be and in many cases already are competitive at open level.


So what you are saying is that the people who would like this class shouldn't have it in order to preserve other classes?

I agree that a good 120 can challenge in open (up to a point), but no more so than a good 80 could do 90, and a good 90 could do 105. Infact probably less so.

Yes a good 120 can be competetive at open qualifiers, maybe a few even at open national finals, but a good 120 is now very very unlikely to be competetive on the world stage without having to get bigger. Other catagorties could in theory cary on at their weight right up to worlds. This is very unliklely for someone of 120 nowadays, and for some trying to get heavier to compete will actually make them a less rounded strongman.

I do think it is genuinely something that would benefit the sport
StetecIcon...10-05-2012 @ 11:28 
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Post Edited: 10.05.2012 @ 11:29 AM by Stetec
FAT_SAM said:
Either diet to 105 or just get stronger? There are plenty of 115-130kg guys strong enough to mix it up with the best of the best in the UK! Strongman should remain an elite sport, which open comps are currently - my poor performances in comps is evidence that not just any big guy in the crowd with semi decent gym lifts can be competitive. The more weight classes you add the more like powerlifting it becomes - we don't want 'junior drug free under 120kg but over 115kg strongman champions', do we? To be honest powerlifting has turned into a joke where the records mean nothing (and I have pointless 'records' in raw bench press myself so this is not a pop at anyone).



You say it should stay an "elite" sport, the problem with that is it excludes people who are not elite. Exclusion is exactly what this sport doesn't need. It needs more numbers and should be bending over backwards to get more people involved NOT less.

And to all these bigger guys who keep saying "get stronger" what planet are you on? Its that easy eh? Not everyones wants to eat anything that stays still long enough and juice to the eyeballs. Is that what you're saying in effect, if you're not prepared to go that route then don't do strongman? Because, lets not bulls**t, thats what it takes to get to those heights. Anyone who suggests otherwise is dellusional or is some kind of denial.
Ben_SomethingIcon...10-05-2012 @ 11:30 
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martinb said:
I am 125, not strong enough to do the static lift in a big open, but strong enough to do events
I was 134 earlier this year, chasing the big guys, but stopped, and won't do it again, I have no interest in being super obese, or supplementing
I will never be open level static strong, but very much enjoy strongman, and competing, and think a 120 class would be fun


You dont have to get bigger to get stronger, that is my point. You can be strong enough at 125 to enjoy competiting at open level strongman.

However if you dont have the time/commitment/desire then compete at intermediate level, why should a new category be introduce so people that arent willing to get stronger can be competitive?

Just to re-iterate what i've already said a one of u120 class would be fun. A structured u120 class with regional qualifiers and national finals would be bad for the sport.
Ben_SomethingIcon...10-05-2012 @ 11:34 
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davycummings said:
So what you are saying is that the people who would like this class shouldn't have it in order to preserve other classes?


To an extent yes, you cant please everyone. You have to look at whats good for the sport not individuals.
I wish this wasnt the case, I wish strongman had enough interest to support the u120 class and more, but at the moment.... it doesnt.
davycummingsIcon...10-05-2012 @ 11:35 
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Ben_Something said:
Just to re-iterate what i've already said a one of u120 class would be fun. A structured u120 class with regional qualifiers and national finals would be bad for the sport.


If these one offs were successful enough could you see yourself changing your opinion?

Given that many oppossed u90 initially and it is now a very successful catagory (although I remain unconvinced of the need for both u80 and u90, one would be plenty given there is also 105, but thats a different debate)
martinbIcon...10-05-2012 @ 11:35 
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Post Edited: 10.05.2012 @ 11:38 AM by martinb
Ben_Something said:
You dont have to get bigger to get stronger, that is my point. You can be strong enough at 125 to enjoy competiting at open level strongman.
However if you dont have the time/commitment/desire then compete at intermediate level, why should a new category be introduce so people that arent willing to get stronger can be competitive?
Just to re-iterate what i've already said a one of u120 class would be fun. A structured u120 class with regional qualifiers and national finals would be bad for the sport.


how many 120 bodyweight, 350 deadlifters, 160 OH do you know?

sorry, natty
JCIcon...10-05-2012 @ 11:37 
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martinb said:
how many 120 bodyweight, 350 deadlifters, 160 OH do you know?


you dont need a 160 OH to be competitive in open, thats an over exaggeration

at UKSC finals maybe...not at the quals

I know a dozen+ 105s pulling 330+......so 350 @ 120kg should be very acheivable
davycummingsIcon...10-05-2012 @ 11:38 
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Ben_Something said:
To an extent yes, you cant please everyone. You have to look at whats good for the sport not individuals.
I wish this wasnt the case, I wish strongman had enough interest to support the u120 class and more, but at the moment.... it doesnt.


I take your point, but I dont agree with you Grin

I am not suggesting qualifiers and a natinal final at 120 this year or next.

I think testing the water with some stand alone 120 comps to guage interest and then going down the national route in future if there is would be the way to go. If there is enough interest and enough athletes would rather do 120 then why not?

I also believe it would help open numbers in the long term
martinbIcon...10-05-2012 @ 11:38 
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JC said:
you dont need a 160 OH to be competitive in open, thats an over exaggeration
at UKSC finals maybe...not at the quals
I know a dozen+ 105s pulling 330+......so 350 @ 120kg should be very acheivable


see my edit
Ben_SomethingIcon...10-05-2012 @ 11:39 
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davycummings said:
If these one offs were successful enough could you see yourself changing your opinion?
Given that many oppossed u90 initially and it is now a very successful catagory (although I remain unconvinced of the need for both u80 and u90, one would be plenty given there is also 105, but thats a different debate)


My opionion isnt based on how popular the u120 class would be, its based on how popular the 105-open level classes currently are. I think its better to have 2 weight categories with 12 people than 3 with 8.

However if strongman starts to attract the numbers to support it, great.
hixxy1985Icon...10-05-2012 @ 11:40 
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martinb said:
how many 120 bodyweight, 350 deadlifters, 160 OH do you know?
sorry, natty


lol

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