What grip should I use?

[SWOLL UP]

I am still kind of new to powerlifting...right now I am going by the basic Westside Template. I am not a competitive lifter so therefore when I go for my max I go raw. I was wondering what kind of grip I should use for going for my max? Should I go out the rings or should I use the grip that I used to use which is thumb distance from the smooth? Also if I do keep my grip within the rings, should I still bring the bar low to my stomach?

Thanks

[musc2002pa]

Go as wide as you comfortably can. Ideally, you want to eventually have your index finger on the rings. This is the widest legal grip, and will allow you to push the bar the shortest possible distance. I still havent got my grip out that far.

[Cubanito17]

81 or 82 cm on the bar is the widest you should go these are the rules, BUT i stil don't know one person that goes out that far. I SURE as hell don't I literally cannot keep my elbows tucked going that far out.

[SWOLL UP]

what about the normal thumb distance from the smooth...plus half a thumb distance? You think that will be a good grip for a raw bencher? Also how low should I bring the bar? I do not use a shirt...so should I still bring the bar to my upper abs?

Thanks

[Cubanito17]

SWOLL I'm a raw bencher, B/c I can't get shirts to work for me for right now, but I havn't had enough $$ to try diff ones, ANYWAY My old comp grip was just like yours 1 inch away from smooth I've been trying to get out wider i'm up to pinky just a little away from the power ring and I'm stil benching what I was 1 inch from smooth in fact I've been trying to get stronger wider by doing ME work wider than I normally go I'll try and do my ME work with middle finger on the ring(BIG DIFF) but i know i'm stronger closer so when I go to compete with pinky on comp i'll be stronger. Let me know if you get what i'm trying to imply.

bout the lowerin of the bar it is upper abs. KINDA where you place it on decline which is right below the pec that's where the bar should be stopping.