Belts - A Comprehensive Guide

[SelfMotivated]

Which one did you go with? I just ordered a 10mm Inzer Forever belt today but I almost got the Crain one.

I just went with the original from Bob's Belts, I'm going to see how that goes before deciding if I need to buy another belt at a different size. This is honestly the first belt I've ever gotten, but as I've gotten closer to 4 plates on deadlift with no belt, I think it's time to get a quality belt and play it safe.

[stonecold123]

Frm inner strength canada

Tnx to cmarti063 for the reco





too hard to take off tho. dunno...

[cmarti063]

too hard to take off tho. dunno...

The holes that the prongs with little teeth go in will stretch a tiny bit as you use the belt, and will get easier to take off over time. Although, taking off a 13mm prong belt is harder than unbuckling the lever, in my opinion. 10mils are easier to deal with in general. That 13mm support though...

[stonecold123]

Spud inc dip belt

Tnx to snova031 for the reco

[congore]

After reading the posts on this thread, I finally broke down and bought a new belt - two actually. I have an old 6mm raw hide tapered (bodybuilding) belt that I have had since college, but rarely use. However, these past two years I have jumped on the 5/3/1 bandwagon and have actually really enjoy getting strong again. My old belt gave very little support and I prefer lifting without a belt for dead lifts and bench. However, my squat was lagging. I pretty much gave up squats and heavy lifting for +20 years with life/family/work... and all the other excuses. And the squats shows it.

So after much research and reading (mainly this site and you bozos), I bought a 36" Prime Cut (4", 13mm) and 29" 3-Inch Belt (10mm) from Best Belts. Compared to some other belts I've seen, the leather on both the Best Belts is firm but also comparatively flexible. The 3-Inch Belt bought for my teenagers fits them perfect, but they will still need to learn to use a belt (breathing, tightening core) as they go higher in weight. As for my Prime Cut, the support is amazing and it is giving me a lot more confidence to hit the USAPL type of squat depth with heavier weights. I would call it firm but not stiff or painful. One thing I do notice is that I use the belt on the 37" hole and not the 36" that I ordered/measured. This may be due to the belt being new and needing more time to break in or me getting used to having the firmer support. The 13mm belt seems to catch in the middle of the buckle and not at the end of the buckle like the 10mm belt. This may change over time and I'll report back if it does. If I had to do it again, I might go with an extra inch (37") for the 13mm belt middle hole sizing. But I don't plan on gaining much weight, so this shouldn't be an issue (never know though). In summary, the quality of the stitching, buckle, and heavy rivets is excellent. I can't imagine ever needing another belt, unless I want another color or decide to get much heavier... so much temptation.

Regardless, I am very satisfied with my purchase experience from Best Belts. I actually submitted my order online, then called to get the custom black and green combo for the Prime Cut. Best Belts sent me one email email confirming the order and one confirming shipment. Overall it took about 5 weeks, but I ordered right after Christmas so it seemed more than reasonable to me. Attached are a few pictures for the gear junkies (not sure how to embed). Enjoy.

[NavyRoll]

The holes that the prongs with little teeth go in will stretch a tiny bit as you use the belt, and will get easier to take off over time. Although, taking off a 13mm prong belt is harder than unbuckling the lever, in my opinion. 10mils are easier to deal with in general. That 13mm support though...

Have you ever had a chance to compare 13mm single prong and 13mm lever? I'm asking because I've had a 13mm lever before and I absolutely hated it for squatting. Do you think 13mm prong would be a little more comfortable to use since the excess leather goes over the belt instead of under (which I think makes the lever belt more rigid and stiff... just a speculation)?

[cmarti063]

Our Pioneer Fitness lever belt collection is growing.

Wife's 10mm 3" on the left, my training partner's 10mm 4" in the middle, and my 4" 13mm on the right.

[70chevellegsp]

cmarti - thanks for the info here and on the other site. Ordered a belt for myself and my wife a couple weeks ago and they arrived yesterday. Had EXCELLENT communications with Matt throughout the process. Great attention and product. Mine is black o/s with digital camo I/s, and my wife's is fuscia with embroidery on the loop.

[cmarti063]

Heck yeah, looks good! Their communication really is top notch, which is big with custom products.

[KoolDJVader]

Have you ever had a chance to compare 13mm single prong and 13mm lever? I'm asking because I've had a 13mm lever before and I absolutely hated it for squatting. Do you think 13mm prong would be a little more comfortable to use since the excess leather goes over the belt instead of under (which I think makes the lever belt more rigid and stiff... just a speculation)?

That is the biggest reason I prefer single prongs over lever....that part of the belt where it doubles up....the inner edge just stabs into me to the point it feels like it's going to pierce into me. My first powerlifting belt was a 13mm double prong and never bothered me (and I use to crank it on tight) as far as hitting the ribs and digging into me, even with my short torso. I had a 10mm Inzer lever and that part always bugged me (got worse as I got fatter and I had to move the lever to pretty much the end of the belt). My 10mm Inzer single prong feels much better.

That said, I broke down and ordered a custom embroidered 13mm double suede from GLC today for a variety of reasons.

[NavyRoll]

That is the biggest reason I prefer single prongs over lever....that part of the belt where it doubles up....the inner edge just stabs into me to the point it feels like it's going to pierce into me. My first powerlifting belt was a 13mm double prong and never bothered me (and I use to crank it on tight) as far as hitting the ribs and digging into me, even with my short torso. I had a 10mm Inzer lever and that part always bugged me (got worse as I got fatter and I had to move the lever to pretty much the end of the belt). My 10mm Inzer single prong feels much better.

That said, I broke down and ordered a custom embroidered 13mm double suede from GLC today for a variety of reasons.

Thanks. I actually ordered a 10mm lever from inzer and I got it in 3 days. Pretty awesome. Compared to my 10mm single prong, it is a lot stiffer and pretty uncomfortable. 10mm single prong required no break in period but 10mm lever took me about a week to get used to. As long as you don't get a lever belt that's too big for you, I think it should be fine for most people. In my opinion, I couldn't find much difference between 10mm and 13mm lever except 10mm doesn't get in the way as much. With the 10mm single prong, I can't quite get to the next hole even if I crank it down hard and this is where I prefer the lever belt over my single prong.

I thought about 13mm single prong but decided it's just not worth it. Overall, I like the 10mm lever much more than 10mm single prong.

[drrickso]

After looking through this thread almost a year ago, I ended up with a 10mm Inzer lever which I'm very happy with for deads and squats... The only issue is that I sometimes catch the lever with the bar during power cleans and as a result I use my cheap harbinger velcro belt for those.

Wondering if youd recommend another 4" 10mm powerlifting belt with a prong instead of lever for cleans, switching to a 3" best belt for cleans, or sticking with the harbinger for minimal support during cleans.

[NavyRoll]

After looking through this thread almost a year ago, I ended up with a 10mm Inzer lever which I'm very happy with for deads and squats... The only issue is that I sometimes catch the lever with the bar during power cleans and as a result I use my cheap harbinger velcro belt for those.

Wondering if youd recommend another 4" 10mm powerlifting belt with a prong instead of lever for cleans, switching to a 3" best belt for cleans, or sticking with the harbinger for minimal support during cleans.

4" 10mm single prong is still too big. I know I kept hitting the buckle when I was doing clean and press. Can't comment on 3" but I think it's still too big especially the buckle, to be doing cleans. You're probably better off with a velcro belt.

[drrickso]

4" 10mm single prong is still too big. I know I kept hitting the buckle when I was doing clean and press. Can't comment on 3" but I think it's still too big especially the buckle, to be doing cleans. You're probably better off with a velcro belt.

thanks- repped... i'll stick with the cheapy belt for cleans then

[cmarti063]

After looking through this thread almost a year ago, I ended up with a 10mm Inzer lever which I'm very happy with for deads and squats... The only issue is that I sometimes catch the lever with the bar during power cleans and as a result I use my cheap harbinger velcro belt for those.

Wondering if youd recommend another 4" 10mm powerlifting belt with a prong instead of lever for cleans, switching to a 3" best belt for cleans, or sticking with the harbinger for minimal support during cleans.

Sorry, just saw your PM. Definitely want to stick with a nylon/velcro belt for cleans, or no belt at all.

[drrickso]

Sorry, just saw your PM. Definitely want to stick with a nylon/velcro belt for cleans, or no belt at all.

no worries at all- thanks for confirming (on spread)

[C123C]

Our Pioneer Fitness lever belt collection is growing.

Wife's 10mm 3" on the left, my training partner's 10mm 4" in the middle, and my 4" 13mm on the right.

+4 Strength on the inside of Thor's belt in kryptec. Genius. Really.

[SelfMotivated]

I just went with the original from Bob's Belts, I'm going to see how that goes before deciding if I need to buy another belt at a different size. This is honestly the first belt I've ever gotten, but as I've gotten closer to 4 plates on deadlift with no belt, I think it's time to get a quality belt and play it safe.

So I received my belt around the beginning of March, all I can say is that it was well worth the wait. I have a buddy who has the standard belt most people use at the gym, and when he tried this one he was sold instantly on getting one for himself. I'll take some pictures when I get home.

[Deepamot]

Yes... really belts are very essential while lifting. This article covers very valuable information .thanks for shairing

[krlafont]

Does anyone have any experience with the Schiek 3004 Powerlifting belt? Originally I was thinking of getting my wife a 3 inch from best belts, but a guy that owns a large crossfit box recommended this for women instead, (particularly with her build). Is this thing a waste?



http://www.roguefitness.com/schiek-3...r-lifting-belt

[Cleveland33]

Does anyone have any experience with the Schiek 3004 Powerlifting belt? Originally I was thinking of getting my wife a 3 inch from best belts, but a guy that owns a large crossfit box recommended this for women instead, (particularly with her build). Is this thing a waste?



http://www.roguefitness.com/schiek-3...r-lifting-belt

what was his recommendation based on?

I don't see how anything would be better for a woman than a properly sized belt from Best or Inzer. I personally, wouldn't waste time with that thing, but I know people who swear by that style.

[krlafont]

what was his recommendation based on?

I don't see how anything would be better for a woman than a properly sized belt from Best or Inzer. I personally, wouldn't waste time with that thing, but I know people who swear by that style.

His recommendation seems more on comfort. He is probably used to hearing women complain about belts digging in when your primary lifts are based around snatch, and cleans (like crossfit does). To some degree, I can understand. If my wife feels that a belt is uncomfortable, she will complain and not wear it.

[EricAtl]

Cody, great thread, repped. I just ordered a best belts athlete to replace my 25+ year old belt.
Eric

[cmarti063]

Cody, great thread, repped. I just ordered a best belts athlete to replace my 25+ year old belt.
Eric

Great choice! They make a fantastic belt that will last you another 25 years.

[cmarti063]

Well, I've got one each of the brand new 10mm and 13mm Slingshot brand belts coming my way to review for you guys, in case anyone was wanting to know about them before spending the premium on them. They're $120 & $135, so they're competing in the price range of the big manufacturers.

Stand by.

[KoolDJVader]

Yeah, saw the video Mark Bell put out....I really like the black leather look (both the Strong belts and the Cardillo ones although I could do without the loop being red in Bell's belt). I know from their YouTube comments that a lot of people were waiting a while for these belts to be released. The 10mm looks kinda flimsy though. I wonder if they are made by the same makers of the Rogue belts since I know Mark Bell has done work with them (and has worn their belts in his videos).

[cmarti063]

Well, I've got one each of the brand new 10mm and 13mm Slingshot brand belts coming my way to review for you guys, in case anyone was wanting to know about them before spending the premium on them. They're $120 & $135, so they're competing in the price range of the big manufacturers.

Stand by.

I'll be posting a full review in the next couple days, but 1 minute with them out of the box, and it's easy to see they are an inferior product that is way overpriced.

Stand by.

[KoolDJVader]

I'll be posting a full review in the next couple days, but 1 minute with them out of the box, and it's easy to see they are an inferior product that is way overpriced.

Stand by.

Looking forward to the review....i would have bought the 13mm belt had it been released earlier....they've been talking about this belt for a while but was still working out some kinks when it was time for me to order one.

Ended up getting a 13mm double side suede Pioneer belt and aside from some very minor cosmetic things, am super happy with it. Broke in very quickly and even with the embroidery didnt cost much more than the STrong 13mm and sounds like it's way superior.

Seems like the fast shipping is a plus and if you want a belt that's broken in as well (the Best Belt Athlete is also broken in but wasn't "limp" as the 10mm Bell shows in the video...although I think the issue of breaking in a belt is made into a bigger deal than necessary by many)

[cmarti063]

I know I haven't written the review for the Slingshot Strong belts yet, but I've got a new belt in the gym today. A Cardillo 410DL. I'll get a review for this up too. Cliff's notes it is a good belt (I've even got it listed in the OP). It's the far left in the picture.

[cmarti063]

I'll be posting a full review in the next couple days, but 1 minute with them out of the box, and it's easy to see they are an inferior product that is way overpriced.

Stand by.

Full review of the Mark Bell Slingshot brand STrong belt is here: http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showth...post1446429283