I just wanted to update with with how i did at the steel slayer showdown last week. I took 2nd in the heavy weight division. If there were no weight classes i would have taken 3rd out of 12 guys. It was alot of fun, and i met some great guys down there. I set a PR in the reverse style. I did the 500 lb 1/4" grade 8 bolt on my second bend, then did a 5-1/2" x 1/4" grade 8 on my next bend. My elbows were killing me but i did it. DO was not that great, i did a 510 bastard after i failed to do more then kink the 555 lb x 7" Edgin. That was a dissapointment. PR in the braced bending by doing the 8" x 500 lb spike. And horshoes, well i really need to practice them alot more before next year.
After the comp they got me to try sledge hammer levering. I've messed around with the 1o lbr at the gym, but never had a structured workout with them. And never tried anything more then the 10 lb'r. I did the 12 lb'r and it was pretty easy. Then i did the 16 lb'r and that was easy, Paul asked if i had that on video yet. I said no, because it's no big deal, it's only a 16 lb'r. So i put it on video. Then Casey say that and said it was way to easy and i should do the 20 lb'r. I told him i could not do it, i tried but it almost went through my forehead. When i showed him the sledge he laughed and said that was a 25 lb sledge. So i ended up trying the 20 lb sledge. and to everyone's suprise i did it. Form was not the best but it was not terrible either. So then everyone gathered around and then Rex showed up. they went over all of the rules now so i could do it the right way (Texas style) i did it, wow that felt great, i was so punped. when they reviewed the video at the :52 sec point my wrist dropped about 1/2" lower then my elbow. damit, now i have to do it again. My next attempt failed miserably. But thats alot of sledge work considering i don't do it, and i had been bending all day. anyway they agreed it was a good job, not official but still with a little practice i could do better, alot better. So when i got home i wwent to the store and bought a 20 lb sledge. the 16 lb is also on order so i'll have that soon. Just another grip hobby that will not help me loose weight, but i'm having fun.