When it comes to competitive powerlifting, your singlet isn’t just a uniform—it’s a tool. It needs to provide mobility, comfort, and confidence on the platform. Plus, it needs to be compliant with your federation’s rules.
While I personally am a recreational powerlifter who doesn’t compete, I have nonetheless been testing all three of the A7 powerlifting singlets for the past couple of months in training. This includes the Rausch, the Luno, and the Classic Unisex Cut.
Each cut is designed with specific features to cater to different preferences and needs. While I obviously only tested the men’s versions, I’ll also highlight key differences in the women’s versions for any female readers.
For sizing reference, I’m 5’11” and 215 lbs, and I’m a size XL for all three singlets.
Continue reading my A7 powerlifting singlet review to find out which cut is best for you.
Table of Contents
Quick Comparison: Rausch vs. Luno vs. Classic
Here’s how the three singlets stack up across key categories based on my testing:
| Feature | Rausch | Luno | Classic Unisex |
|---|---|---|---|
| Compression Level | High compression | No compression | No compression |
| Federation Compliance | IPF & USAPL only | IPF, USAPL, IPL, USPA | IPF, USAPL, IPL, USPA |
| Key Features | High compression, Moderate racerback design, moderately curved side panels (slimming + squat depth guide), leg grip strips, flatlock seams | Pronounced racerback design, side panel stitch line (squat depth guide), prominently curved panels (slimming), leg grip strips, flatlock seams | Leg grip strips, unisex design, elastic leg bands with silicone grip, flatlock seams |
| Colorways | 7 | 18 | 1 |
| Fit | Snug; performance-focused; gender-specific accentuations | Standard; gender-specific accentuations | Standard; unisex, additional thigh room |
| Best For | Lifters prioritizing extra support in feds that allow it | Style-conscious athletes in multi-federation competitions | Beginners or no-fuss competitors |
1. The Rausch Singlet: High Compression, High Performance
The Rausch Singlet is A7’s newest release. Designed for athletes who want a high-compression fit for maximum support, the Rausch is all about performance with a growing number of colorways available (seven at the time of publishing this review).
Highlights:
High-Compression Fit
The Rausch singlet is notably snugger than the others thanks to its higher (39%) spandex fabric blend. This higher-compression fabric provides additional support, which means, potentially, a tiny performance boost on squats and deads. Even if slight, competition is when you want an edge.
Curved Mid-Back Panel
The Rausch is unique in that it features a distinctive curved mid-back panel that adds to compression. Beyond the performance component, it just looks cool.
Moderate Racerback Design
The racerback cut is present but less exaggerated than on the Luno, offering a balance of support and freedom of movement for the lats.
Moderately Curved Side Panels
These panels do double duty—they create a slimming silhouette and act as a visual guide for squat depth, though they’re not as pronounced as on the Luno. I didn’t get the full benefit of them, though, as I chose the stealth colorway. I recommend a contrasting colorway if you want the side panels to stand out.
Compression Leg Grip Strips
The silicone grip kept the singlet from riding up my legs. Lifters are encouraged to fold the strip up when putting the singlet on. The combo of the grip strip AND the high compression made the Rausch’s legs stay in place noticeably better than the other two A7 singlet models. Less adjusting is needed.
Flatlock Seams
Designed for comfort, flatlock seams lay flat against the skin to prevent chafing and irritation. I can confirm they work as intended because I experienced zero chafing even during long, sweaty workouts. This is no doubt an important feature, but it’s common to all A7 singlets; not just the Rausch.
Tasteful Branding on Back
A7’s inspiring “Demand Greatness” is written horizontally across the back, adding a bit of extra flair to your singlet.
Price
The Rausch is the most expensive of the three singlet cuts, costing $95.95 at the time of publication. You’re paying extra for the higher-compression material and the addition of a rear panel.
Fabric Breakdown
- 61% Polyester / 39% Spandex (exceeds the 20% spandex limit allowed in USPA)
Women’s Version Notes
The women’s Rausch cut includes a tapered waist plus additional quad room, similar to the Luno.
There’s even a long-legged version, which is often chosen for religious modesty. Though some will want it for being warmer or simply the unique look — but it’s currently only available in Stealth Black.
2. The Luno Singlet: Where Style Meets Functionality
The Luno Singlet strikes a perfect balance between aesthetics and performance. If you want to look as sharp as possible without sacrificing comfort and key functionality features, this should be at the top of your list.
Highlights:
More Colorways
With an impressive 18 color options, the Luno offers the broadest range of aesthetic choices in A7’s singlet lineup. Whether you prefer bold, statement-making hues or more understated shades, this singlet ensures you can lift in a look that reflects your style.
More Pronounced Racerback Design
The Luno’s racerback cut is significantly more exaggerated than on the Rausch, allowing for even more lat mobility and an open-back aesthetic. It makes it look more like a stringer from the back.
Side Panel Stitch Line
This subtle stitch line, which goes down the center of the curved side panels, acts as a visual squat depth guide. This feature is unique to Luno singlets.
More Curved Side Panels
The Luno’s curved side panels are more pronounced than both the Rausch and Classic. They create a slimming effect, particularly when viewed from the front (see photo below). This adds another check in the “aesthetics” column.
Flatlock Seams
Same as the Rausch and Classic, the Luno has flatlock seams that prevent irritation.
Compression Leg Grip Strips
The silicone grips around the leg opening prevent the material from bunching and riding up. As a side note, lifters are encouraged to fold the strip up when putting the singlet on to make putting it on slightly easier.
Distinctive Back Branding
Like the Rausch, the Luno features A7’s signature “Demand Greatness” branding, but with a unique twist—it’s vertically aligned down the spine, adding an extra aesthetic touch to your singlet.
Price
The Luno singlets go for $79.95 at the time of publication, costing a full $16 less than the Rausch, but just $4 more than the Classic. Given its price, aesthetic design elements, and wide range of color options, the Luno offers the best value among the three A7 singlets, in my opinion.
Fabric Breakdown
- 88% Polyester / 12% Spandex
Women’s Version Notes
Like the Rausch, the women’s Luno features a tapered waist and extra quad room for a more tailored fit.
3. The Classic Unisex Cut: Tried, True, and Timeless
The Classic Unisex Cut is A7’s original powerlifting singlet. If you consume powerlifting content online or compete regularly yourself, you’ve no doubt seen a great many lifters in this exact singlet.
While not flashy, it’s become so popular because of its simplicity, reliability, reasonable price, and multi-federation compliance. That said, A7’s newer Luno and Rausch options make it seem a bit bland in comparison.
Highlights:
Comfort
Stretchy, but non-supportive fabric is perfect for those who dislike a tight fit. The fabric’s composition and general feel are the same as on the Luno.
Wider Leg Grip Strips
The silicone leg grip strips on the Classic are actually a bit wider than the ones on the Rausch and Luno. That said, while there may be a slight benefit, I couldn’t notice a greater amount of “hold.” The Rausch still wins there, but mostly due to the higher compression.
Flatlock Seams
Like the other two singlets, flatlock seams prevent discomfort from chafing.
Additional Leg Room
Being a unisex cut, the Classic allows for relatively more leg room than the other models, ensuring it accommodates the typical proportions of not just males but also females.
NOTE: The side panels on the Classic are actually curved more than those on the Rausch (though slightly less than the Luno’s). While this would typically add aesthetic flair, it has no real effect since the Classic comes only in solid black with no contrasting panels.
Price
The Classic is the least expensive singlet from A7, costing $75.75 at the time of this review. However, for a mere $4 more, you can upgrade to the Luno and get access to more design features and a ton of colorway options. For this reason, it’s hard to recommend the Classic over the Luno — unless you don’t want a pronounced racerback cut in the back.
Fabric Breakdown
- 88% Polyester / 12% Spandex
Which A7 Powerlifting Singlet Should You Choose?
- Rausch: For maximum support and a performance-driven fit. Be aware that its high-compression fabric makes it non-compliant in the IPL and USPA.
- Luno: The best balance of style and functionality, offering a more exaggerated racerback cut and prominent side panels.
- Classic Unisex Cut: A straightforward, unisex option with more coverage in the upper back and a little extra thigh room but no gender-specific cuts. It’s the least expensive option, but only by a few bucks.
If you’re ready to upgrade your gear, check out all A7 powerlifting singlets here.
