Possible Nationals Weight Class Changes

[Eric Roussin]

A motion has been put forth to the CAWF to change the Nationals weight classes to the following:

145, 155, 170, 185, 205, 225, 225+ (lbs)

Currently, the classes are 63, 70, 77, 86, 95, 105, 105+ (kgs).

What do the pullers think? Share you thoughts, as a decision will soon be made.

[Jeff Miller]

We use these in Alberta, it's easier to remember for telling people the weight classes, so I'm in favour. It also means something to the general public because of the UFC, and the fact that most everybody weighs themselves in pounds not kilos.

I'd also be in favour of making all the weight classes in pounds (the nearest 5 lb increment), if this change goes through to keep everything consistent.

[Rick Pinkney]

These changes were just made. They're not easy to remember because they are brand new. I never heard anything but positive feedback on them.

[PinArm]

Yes, I have heard a lot of complaints from pullers on this because the weight classes are difficult to remember and don’t seem very “round”. Several of us started talking about it quite a while ago. Since the motion has been circulating by the executive, some of us in Alberta have talked about it more. I urge the other CAWF board members to talk to others before voting, if that is something that they feel is appropriate – as they should do for any issue. They can “talk” on the phone or in person or on Facebook or on this forum.

In armwrestling, I had always liked the objectivity of the weight classes – that is, they did not appear to be subjective (created by persons lobbying for classes based on their own preference). Generally, they were every five or ten kilograms. Some tournaments had classes in pounds (e.g. 165, 200 and over).

However, earlier this year, CAWF decided that its classes did not need to mirror WAF and the current CAWF classes were established. Those new classes have odd upper limits in pounds and kilograms: 139 (63 kg), 154 (70 kg), 169 (77 kg), 189 (86 kg), 209 (95 kg), and 231 (105 kg) whereas the proposal has 145, 155, 170, 185, 205, and 225.

Current: The following seven weight classes with the following upper weight limits measured in pounds are currently offered:
139
154
169
189
209
231
Unlimited

The proposed weight classes for the open men’s division match the very popular Ultimate Fighting Championship with an unlimited and a 225 instead of the UFC's 265.

Proposed: The following seven weight classes with the following upper weight limits measured in pounds are proposed:
145 - Featherweight
155 - Lightweight
170 - Welterweight
185 - Middleweight
205 - Light heavyweight
225 - Heavyweight
Unlimited - Openweight

The proposed classes are
(i) more “round”,
(ii) are very easy to remember because they are based in those used by the UFC, and
(iii) because the proposed classes for CAWF are based in the UFC, they seem objective – they, clearly, were not established so as to favour any particular person’s preference for armwrestling weight classes.

[Eric Roussin]

I am fine with either option. But I disagree that the current classes were established to favour a particular person's preference. They match the classes that the AAA used to offer (about 10 years ago) and the ones used by the PAL (with the addition of the 231 class). The 169 class should actually be a 171 class -- this was a small mistake when they were approved. Basically, the logic is that the classes increase in size as you go up in weight, because a given amount of weight represents a different proportion of a competitors weight (e.g. overcoming a 15 pound weight difference should theoretically be more difficult for a smaller competitor to overcome than for a larger competitor).

139 to 154 - 15-pound gap
154 to 171 - 17-pound gap
171 to 189 - 18-pound gap
189 to 209 - 20-pound gap
209 to 231 - 22-pound gap

If we go with the "rounder" classes, I would suggest using 230 rather than 225, and possibly 140 rather than 145.

Let's keep the discussion going...

[PinArm]

Given that the biggest (and this year's top two unlimited weight) armwrestlers have each made 242 in the past, I like 225 instead of 230. The heavier this limit is, the more it is just splitting the heavy guys in two (with most having the choice to cut down). The UFC has a 145 and a 135. I would like to see the 135 added by CAWF when the demand is there, and not split the difference and offer a unique class.

[Eric Roussin]

I don't think there is a need to mimick the UFC classes exactly, any more than there is a need to match the WAF classes. I'm willing to bet there would be more support in Canada for a 140 class than for both 135 and 145 classes, or just a 145 class.

I prefer 230. 231 was right between the old 220 and 242 classes. I know some 242 pullers didn't like the change. By going down to 225 I fear attendance may suffer a bit because guys who typically weigh 240-250 may feel it's just too much weight to cut.

[Jeff Miller]

I really like the progress made by everyone, it's been very uplifting to see positive changes IMO.

[Will Sarty]

I agree Eric

140 is good, and easy to remember

[Ashley Maher]

Will the womens classes remain in kg, or will they be switched to lbs as well? It might be confusing if the women are in kg, and the men in lbs...