I have been powerlifting on and off for about 15yrs. Today, powerlifting is mostly about technique. I have trained with some great powerlifters and strongmen,(Brian Siders, Phil Phister, Allen Baria) Best thing is to learn your equipment, if you are going to use it, then train in it. Check out my training partner on youtube Allen Baria, he does 405 for 25reps on the bench, and then does 500 for 10. the guy is super strong. He is not that strong when it comes to equipment because he hasn't got the technique down yet. He is just now starting to train like a powerlifter and not a bodybuilder. he used to do heavy weight for reps of 10, now he does heavy weight for reps of 3-5, has made a big difference in his lifts. anyways, hope this helps.