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Written by Steven Hill on Aug 21, 2021
Written by Steven Hill on Aug 21, 2021
Powerlifting belts are one of the crucial pieces of equipment for a powerlifter. They help keep your back and abdominals stable, which allows you to lift more weight. There are a few different types of powerlifting belts, but all of them do the same thing: provide support to your back and abdominal muscles.
If you're new to powerlifting, starting with a basic belt is important. As you get stronger, you may want to upgrade to a more supportive belt. A good powerlifting belt can make a big difference in your performance, so don't skimp on quality. Make sure to do your research and find the belt that's best for you.
When choosing a powerlifting belt, it's essential to find one that's the right size and fit for you. The belt should be snug but not too tight, and it should sit in the middle of your back. If the belt is too loose, it won't provide adequate support; if it's too tight, it will be uncomfortable and may restrict your breathing.
Since there is a wide variety of choices available in the market, choosing the right one can be a pesky task. We have done extensive research to make it easy for you, considering all the factors, including size, fit, durability, and affordability, to pen down the top 15 powerlifting belts.
Benefits of Powerlifting Belt
There are several benefits of wearing a powerlifting belt. Some of the key benefits include:
- Wearing a belt increases intra-abdominal pressure IAP, which can protect the spine from injury. The belt helps relieve the low back strain by applying pressure to the abdominal cavity.
- A belt helps stabilize the spine, which can allow for heavier lifts. Wearing a belt also helps you be more aware of your back. When the belt touches your skin, it will remind you to keep your back straight and use the right muscles. Wearing a belt also helps keep your abdominal muscles engaged, which will help you lift better.
- A belt can help protect the back and spine from injury. It can also help keep the core stable during a lift, preventing injuries.
- A powerlifter is always in search of lifting heavier weights. However, it's vital to increase your weightlifting capacity by staying safe. A powerlifting belt can increase the amount of weight that can be lifted, as it helps stabilize the spine and lower back.
- A belt may help you lift heavier weights and improve your performance. Wearing a lifting belt while squatting has been shown to increase quadriceps and hamstring muscle activity. Increased muscular activity during an exercise can help promote growth in the long run.
- Wearing a belt can give you a feeling of confidence and help you lift more weight. Even if IAP and muscle activity are unaffected, some lifters claim to feel more secure and self-assured when wearing a belt.
If you are confused about when and how to use a powerlifting belt, the Mind Pump Show can be beneficial. Check it out to know when you should and shouldn’t wear a belt.
How to Choose a Powerlifting Belt
Size: The belt should be snug but not too tight. It should be comfortable to wear and not constrict your breathing
Material: The belt can be made from various materials, including leather, nylon, or plastic. Choose a material that is strong and durable.
Buckle: The buckle should be secure and easy to use.
Width: The belt should be 4-6 inches wide. A wider belt will provide more support but may be more challenging to wear.
Thickness: The belt should be at least 10 mm thick. A thicker belt will provide more support but may be more difficult to wear.
Related Article: 10 Things I wish I Knew Before I Started Lifting
Top 15 Best Powerlifting Belts
Now that we've discussed the purpose of a powerlifting belt and some of the things to consider when choosing one, let's take a look at 15 of the best belts on the market today:
1. DMoose Powerlifting Belt
Looking for a top-rated powerlifting belt? Look no further than DMoose. This belt is made of top-quality materials and construction, and it provides excellent support and stability during lifts. Thanks to the padded interior and adjustable strap, it’s comfortable and affordable.
Since the belt supports and stabilizes your spine, it eliminates all types of back discomfort. You will forget about any previous back pain and start exercising your muscles again. It also provides additional support to keep you from getting hurt in the future. If you're looking for an excellent powerlifting belt, the DMoose powerlifting belt is your best bet.
Pros
- High-quality leather
- Comes in 10mm and 5mm thickness
- Easy to adjust
Cons
- Sizing can be an issue if the chart is not read properly
2. Hawk Sports Powerlifting Belt
This lever belt from Hawk Sports features a chrome lever buckle, which makes changing the buckle quick and easy. This means no more fiddling with the prongs; you can simply shut it straight to your desired tightness.
This lever buckle belt is ideal for giving extra support when heavy weightlifting, like squats and deadlifts.
Pros
- Chrome lever buckle provides added support
- Made up of genuine suede leather
- Comfortable
Cons
- Has uneven size
Related Article: 7 Practical Things You Can Apply to Make Your Deadlift Easier
3. Flexz Fitness Powerlifting Belt
One of the ideal options on the market is their lever belt. If you're a newbie in the fitness world, this belt will last you a long time. The Flexz Fitness belt provides all of the support and security required by a serious powerlifter during rigorous training. Along with being lift proof, it is also clean, making it work efficiently. It's constructed out of polyurethane.
The belt is made of sturdy, high-quality materials that are flexible yet strong. There aren't any frayed ends or gaps in the width. The length is ideal for weightlifters since it supports your core and spine all-around. With a chrome finish, the lever component of the belt is long-lasting.
Pros
- Lift-proof
- Budget-friendly
- Comes in different sizes and colours
- Durable
Cons
- The lever buckle isn’t top quality
Related Article: 10 Signs You Have a Weak Core Strength and How to Fix It
4. Iron Bull Strength Powerlifting Belt
Iron Bull Strength presents a fantastic powerlifting belt with some of the best features available. The double roller buckle prongs are made from black hardened steel and are designed to be unmatched in strength and durability.
They're made from top-of-the-line suede leather. They include a wide 10mm pro double prong powerlifting belt. They come with a maximum width of 3.93 inches (10cm) in competition and a 10mm thickness that provides excellent support and stability when lifting significant heavyweights.
You can load up to 122.5kg in weight on the 40-inch weight strap.
Their belts are Uspa & LPL approved gear, which means they've been tested to ensure they comply with the highest standards in both events.
Pros
- Made up of suede leather
- Double roller buckle prongs
- Lifetime warranty
- Easy to use lever
Cons
- Comes in only one style
5. Jayefo Sports Powerlifting Belt
If you are a powerlifter who pertains comfort and ease as his first priority, this belt is the perfect option. This powerlifting belt makes it simple; putting it on and taking it off can be done in a snap.
This belt is really simple to adjust. You may easily change the size to make it tight or loose as desired. This genuine leather 10 mm thick genoa is 4" wide. Strongman competitors, including Arnold Classic, have long used the Jayefo Lever Belts worldwide.
Pros
- Easy to use lever
- Easily adjustable
- Made up of genuine leather
Cons
- Can be too tight
6. RAD Powerlifting Belt
RAD Power Lifting Belt is specifically designed for powerlifting. This leather belt is ideal for powerlifting, bodybuilding, and other heavy lifts that need you to brace your core, such as squats and deadlifts. It also renders supreme back support.
This weight lifting belt is sized perfectly at 10mm thick and 4 inches wide, allowing for quick and simple usage of the lever belt by flipping it shut straight to your desired tightness. Overall, this is an excellent product that will improve your weightlifting experience.
Pros
- Made up of leather
- Provides great back support
- Adjustable
Cons
- Latch can fail
7. Dark Iron Fitness Powerlifting Belt
If you wish to save money and get a decent powerlifting belt, the Dark Iron Lifting Belt is an excellent option.
It is not among the most recent edition list of approved belts. This is because it has a maximum width of about 4.5 inches (11.4 cm), which surpasses the 10-cm restriction.
The double prong lifting belt is made of top-quality buffalo hide leather. This ensures that it's soft on the body, so it won't dig into your torso or hips while lifting.
Pros
- Economical
- Soft and durable buffalo hide leather
- Available in multiple sizes
Cons
- The belt can stain your clothes
Related Article: 5 Reasons Why Wrist Training is Important for Bodybuilders
8. Gymreapers Powerlifting Belt
The purpose of using a weightlifting belt is to provide enhanced intra-abdominal pressure for better core stability and support. This is accomplished by the Gymreapers powerlifting belt with an adjustable lifting belt with the same width all-around to protect, support, and drive performance.
You will immediately feel the difference when you clamp the locking system securely in place. This belt is sturdy and fast to buckle. You can be sure it will fit you well and support you as you work out. Since there is very little time between exercises, the buckle needs to be strong, so you can keep moving quickly.
Pros
- Provides excellent support
- Secure locking system
- Easy adjustability
Cons
- It wears out quickly.
9. Jaffick Powerlifting Belt
There are many reasons to use a weightlifting belt. This one, for example, is designed so that you may lift even heavier weights than previously possible. The weight lifting belt is made up of double-sided leather and is super comfortable, more robust, and more durable. The weight lifting belt can strengthen your back and abdomen by allowing greater power.
Jaffick weightlifting belts have received a lot of positive feedback from fitness enthusiasts. The more comprehensive structure design may help you break your own record more quickly during training. This is the ideal belt for daily workouts. A tight waistline might cause slight discomfort, but their suede pads protect you from any sports injuries!
Pros
- Double-sided leather
- Available in a stylish camouflage print
- Equipped with extra padding
- Has the right thickness
Cons
- Sharp edges
10. Inzer Forever Powerlifting Belt
This Inzer Power lever belt is made in the United States from high-quality genuine leather. It also has a suede finish for added refinement and slips resistance.
The belt also has four layers of high-density and corrosion-resistant nylon threads lock-stitched to the belt. These various components give the belt its required 10 mm thickness for International Powerlifting Federation requirements.
However, the powerlifting belt is also available in 13 mm thickness for powerlifters who want more thickness for handling a tremendous amount of weight. Not only that, but the belt is also accessible in a variety of different size choices to match all sorts of body shapes and sizes.
Thanks to its robust lever buckle and prongs, it's simple to put on and tighten the belt around the core. The belt may be a little pricey, but it's a one-time investment that you won't have to replace.
Pros
- Perfect for competitive powerlifting
- Quick-release lever
- Extremely durable
Cons
- Expensive
11. ROGUE Ohio Powerlifting Belt
Rogue Ohio is one of the most popular powerlifting belts; therefore, it's no surprise that this product made it to the list. Rogue Ohio is a fantastic lifting belt for female powerlifters. This belt was created for athletes with smaller builds to give them a comfortable fit without digging into their hips or ripping up the user.
The lifting belt is 3 inches wide, and it has a standard thickness of 10 mm in both versions. This leather is vegetable-tanned. Because of this, it can support a lot more weight than other lifting belts without restricting the lifter's mobility. One of the best features of the belt is that it is also water-resistant, so you won't have to worry about your sweat damaging it over time.
Pros
- IPF approved
- Ideal for women
- Softer
Cons
- Doesn't come in the 13mm option
12. RDX Powerlifting Belt
The RDX lifting belt is one of the best alternatives for many lifters. It's one of the most adaptable and valuable products you can find. This belt is constructed of oil-tanned Nubuck leather, providing an ideal balance between sturdiness and softness.
The waistband is additionally reinforced with numerous stitching lines along the belt to help it endure for years. This implies that you will be able to wear this belt on a daily basis for years without worrying about its durability.
Pros
- Secure lever
- Excellent leather
- Additional stitching
Cons
- Pricey
13. ROGUE Echo Powerlifting Belt
The Rogue Echo lifting belt is a great option for lifters who want an IPF-approved powerlifting belt without spending a lot of money. The belt is composed of IPF-approved genuine leather and fulfills all the technical rule book's requirements.
For the price, the leather is quite durable. In fact, because it's made of hard leather, it might be a little too rigid at first and require some break-in time to mold to your physique. The belt is 10 mm thick, the minimum thickness advised by powerlifting experts. It's also 4 inches broad (10 cm); therefore, it'll fit everyone.
Pros
- Durable
- Easily adjustable
- IPF approved
Cons
- Takes a couple of weeks to break-in
14. Lifting Large Economy Powerlifting Belt
The Lifting Large Economy Belt is a fantastic alternative with a lever closure and counts as one of your most valuable choices. This belt is entirely leather and doesn't include any fillers. It's excellent for longevity, but it also adds more weight to your outfit.
The inside and outside of the leather are covered in black suede. This makes it exceptionally smooth and pleasant to wear for lengthy periods. The belt is 10 mm thick and 10 cm broad across the whole belt. This makes it perfect for competitive powerlifting.
Pros
- Durable
- Heavy stitching
- Affordable
Cons
- Adds weight to the outfit
15. Single Prong Pink Belt
This Lifting Large powerlifting belt is perfect for fans of colour. It's made of pink suede on the inside and outside, making it a good choice for people who prefer variety in their wardrobe. This is an incredible option for female powerlifters wanting to match their gear.
On the other hand, the belt has a lot more quality than you may imagine! The leather used in this belt is highly durable at a low price. It also has 6 rows of stitching throughout the belt, assuring a decent level of durability.
The smooth roller buckle is made to avoid getting in the way while lifting the bar close to your body.
Pros
- Vibrant colour
- Heavily stitched
- IPF approved
Cons
- The straight prong makes it hard to be removed
Wrap Up
Any of the belts on this list would be an excellent purchase for a powerlifter. They all have different features that may make them more appealing to you than others, but they are all high-quality products that will last.
No matter which belt you choose, make sure that it's made of high-quality materials and fits comfortably. An excessively tight belt can cause discomfort and restrict breathing, while a belt that is too loose can move around during lifts and cause injuries. Experiment with different belts to see which one works best for you; for us, DMoose was an all-rounder and a clear winner.
#1 Recommendation
DMoose Fitness Dip Belt (Top Pick)
- High-quality leather
- Comes in 10mm and 5mm thickness
- Easy to adjust
- Sizing can be an issue if the chart is not read properly
Reading List
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TRENDING ARTICLES
Article Sources
- Harman, E. A., et al. “Effects of a Belt on Intra-Abdominal Pressure during Weight Lifting.” Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, vol. 21, no. 2, Apr. 1989, pp. 186–90.
- Bourne, N. D., and T. Reilly. “Effect of a Weightlifting Belt on Spinal Shrinkage.” British Journal of Sports Medicine, vol. 25, no. 4, Dec. 1991, pp. 209–12. PubMed Central, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1479027/.
- Rafacz, Wade, and Stuart M. McGill. “Wearing an Abdominal Belt Increases Diastolic Blood Pressure:” Journal of Occupational & Environmental Medicine, vol. 38, no. 9, Sept. 1996, pp. 925–27. DOI.org (Crossref), https://doi.org/10.1097/00043764-199609000-00016.
- Lander, J. E., et al. “The Effectiveness of Weight-Belts during Multiple Repetitions of the Squat Exercise.” Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, vol. 24, no. 5, May 1992, pp. 603–09.
- Rafacz, Wade, and Stuart M. McGill. “Wearing an Abdominal Belt Increases Diastolic Blood Pressure:” Journal of Occupational & Environmental Medicine, vol. 38, no. 9, Sept. 1996, pp. 925–27. DOI.org (Crossref), https://doi.org/10.1097/00043764-199609000-00016.
