I don't know what these 'power pants' are...but I needs me some. Lookin good; look forward to watching your training progression through the waves.
Powerpants are a
very thin "briefs" if you want to call them that. Most PLers don't consider them. They give my hips a bit of support. Inzer makes them and they run around $30 so if you squat more than 1x a week and you're not a spring chicken, I'd say buy one and give them a try. Now remember, they do a fraction of what briefs do so don't expect much from them.
I wore mine b/c my right groin feels like there's a slight pull. I was supposed to do 385 for 2 triples and 415 for 2 triples on pause squats, but since I'm not 100% there's no need to be dumb. Instead, I had 325lbs bar weight + 92lbs chain weight so in the hole it was only 325 but at the top it was around 415. This allows me to do work and it allows my groin to not be overtaxed in the compromised position (in the hole).
I'm 38yo and just on a bit of test (200mg/wk) so it's about training smarter and not just harder. Looking to hit around 645+ by years end w/ sleeves and belt (have hit 605) and if things go the way I'd like that should mean 700+ with wraps (a few domino's need to fall into place... namely a monolift).
This Friday I squat again, and it's supposed to be heavy bar weight (575), but with my groin I'll probably make it moderate bar weight (probably 465 or there about) plus chain weight (90+lbs).