Belts - A Comprehensive Guide

[jrv1932]

Does the leather belts need maintenance and care? I've using my Liftinglarge.com economy belt since 2 weeks and leaving it in my closet after my training ! Thanks!

How do you like that belt? I've been thinking about getting the lever version as a second belt. Seems really good for the price.

[Zache418]

How do you like that belt? I've been thinking about getting the lever version as a second belt. Seems really good for the price.

I really like it, Cannot compare to anything since it was my first belt. But the lever seems great, and the belt seems to have a great quality and build. Since I'm in Canada it cost me nearly 90$ but if you are in the states. with the free shipping if I can recall. Awesome deal ( Was an awesome deal even in Canada :P)

[helhedded]

Has anyone been in contact with bestbelts recently? Their phone line has been giving a busy signal all day and no response to my email. My order was supposed to show in between 7/3 and 7/5. I'm hoping they are just running behind schedule.

Update:

I got an email at 1:30am with tracking and an apology as they were running behind schedule. Very nice.

[helhedded]

Well here we are, I've received my 4" Athletic Cut Best Belt and used it for my squat work set over the weekend. I have previously used a cheap Valeo belt that proved some support, but nothing compared to this Best Belt.

Here you can see a few comparison pictures. The Valeo is about 7 months old and has conformed "nicely".







The initial impression was jaw dropping. I had no idea what a real belt felt like apparently. I ordered a size 33" (my waist size) and for a tight fit I'm able to get to hole #4 out of 9. Pretty spot on for sizing. The level of support almost can't even be compared to the Valeo which has basically been reduced to garbage. It wasn't a horrible investment as it did provide some support but the Best Belt really is a completely different beast. I'm really excited to get to know it.

a few glamour shots

[Zarthon]

Bought a Best Belts Athlete. Still waiting for the arrival. Hopefully it's coming soon as today was the end of the original arrival window range and the postman's come and gone.

Emailed as well since I'm a little paranoid after seeing the neighbors end up with a package stolen and the empty box ditched on the corner.

[Messien]

Just got off the phone with someone at Inzer asking what size i should get with a 33" unflexed waist, she said medium range was 29-34" and large was 33-39" ( an additional inch on the stated range). I was looking for a lever belt, but if i can't get a decent size i'll look to get a single prong custom Best Belt. Any advice with the Inzer lever belts?

[capt196a]

Just got off the phone with someone at Inzer asking what size i should get with a 33" unflexed waist, she said medium range was 29-34" and large was 33-39" ( an additional inch on the stated range). I was looking for a lever belt, but if i can't get a decent size i'll look to get a single prong custom Best Belt. Any advice with the Inzer lever belts?

My waist is 33.5 and I went with the large on cmarti's advice. With the lever adjusted and centered the tag end of the belt comes just shy of my left hip bone.Very comfortable and provides amazing support.

[Messien]

My waist is 33.5 and I went with the large on cmarti's advice. With the lever adjusted and centered the tag end of the belt comes just shy of my left hip bone.Very comfortable and provides amazing support.

Thanks, I'd heard from others that there is a 3" range rather than a 1", is this true? How many free holes are left on yours to make it tighter?

[Zarthon]

Has anyone been in contact with bestbelts recently? Their phone line has been giving a busy signal all day and no response to my email. My order was supposed to show in between 7/3 and 7/5. I'm hoping they are just running behind schedule.

Update:

I got an email at 1:30am with tracking and an apology as they were running behind schedule. Very nice.

This is a relief to hear. My belt was due 7/11 - 7/14 and nothing so far. Hopefully I get an update on mine soon as I emailed this evening.

Out of curiosity, which address did you use? There's one on the site and one they emailed me with the initial shipping estimate.

[helhedded]

This is a relief to hear. My belt was due 7/11 - 7/14 and nothing so far. Hopefully I get an update on mine soon as I emailed this evening.

Out of curiosity, which address did you use? There's one on the site and one they emailed me with the initial shipping estimate.

I replied to the email that the order confirmation came from and was replied to from the one listed on their website.

Soon enough you'll get your belt and when you un-box it eeeeeverything will be aaaalll better.

[Zarthon]

I replied to the email that the order confirmation came from and was replied to from the one listed on their website.

Soon enough you'll get your belt and when you un-box it eeeeeverything will be aaaalll better.

Cool. I'd replied to the shipping info email so I'm just picking up the phone regularly to check email

Not that I'm impatient or anything....
>.>
<.<

Though I do want to get details on the ETA and try to be home when it arrives. Last thing I need is someone else enjoying my nice new belt.

[Murser]

I picked up a like new Inzer 10mm 2-prong of off craigslist last night for $60. There is no comparison in the amount off support it provides, versus an old Valeo taper-cut belt I was using. I can painfully feel where it sat across my back during my squats last night. Hopefully, it breaks-in sooner than later, and it ends up being like the Brooks saddle break-in process.

[jrv1932]

Does anyone have any experience with Crain belts?

[Dan_S]

How long did it take most of you to hear from Best Belts after ordering?

Just getting concerned since people here mentioned getting updates from them within days of ordering. It's been a week and I haven't received anything except the payment confirmation (which was auto-generated).

[zalcrux]

How long did it take most of you to hear from Best Belts after ordering?

Just getting concerned since people here mentioned getting updates from them within days of ordering. It's been a week and I haven't received anything except the payment confirmation (which was auto-generated).

I wouldn't be concerned. I have ordered 2 belts from Best Belts (Athlete and 3 inch belt) and they both arrived perfectly fine. There were no updates inbetween and I didn't ask for any. They make quality belts so I personally don't mind waiting for them.

[jrv1932]

How long did it take most of you to hear from Best Belts after ordering?

Just getting concerned since people here mentioned getting updates from them within days of ordering. It's been a week and I haven't received anything except the payment confirmation (which was auto-generated).

You should be fine. This is pretty normal. Have never heard of any issues with people not getting their belt from Best

[gnne84]

anyone mind to share how or what method you guys use to write on behind of your belt?
thanks

[Bench905]

Older Cardillo belt...love this thing. Have had it over 12 years.

[jrv1932]

Older Cardillo belt...love this thing. Have had it over 12 years.

Very nice belt. Amazing condition after 12 years!

[Bench905]

Very nice belt. Amazing condition after 12 years!

I didn't say 12 years of continuous use I used it in college a lot, took a break from powerlifting movements for a while and then started back up again a few years ago.

[jrv1932]

I didn't say 12 years of continuous use I used it in college a lot, took a break from powerlifting movements for a while and then started back up again a few years ago.

Haha. Either way though Cardillo is one of the brands that will probably last you forever.

[Hunttarded]

What do you guys do in terms of maintenance for your belts? Like keeping it clean etc. Specifically the BB Athlete.

[cmarti063]

What do you guys do in terms of maintenance for your belts? Like keeping it clean etc. Specifically the BB Athlete.

Nothing. I just hang it up, don't store something on top of it.

[Hunttarded]

Nothing. I just hang it up, don't store something on top of it.

Aha alright. Simplicitys the best lol.

[OneForCrom]

anyone mind to share how or what method you guys use to write on behind of your belt?
thanks

Writing what, exactly? You mean like an embroidered name?

What do you guys do in terms of maintenance for your belts? Like keeping it clean etc. Specifically the BB Athlete.

If it's leather, it doesn't require much maintenance outside of conditioning once in a while.

[Zarthon]

How long did it take most of you to hear from Best Belts after ordering?

Just getting concerned since people here mentioned getting updates from them within days of ordering. It's been a week and I haven't received anything except the payment confirmation (which was auto-generated).

I got an email from Jackie within 24 hours of ordering.

On the flip side, I had emailed for a status update and never heard anything. Left a voicemail as well. Got my belt the day after their initial shipping window, which is good. It sounds like they have been pretty busy and may not be getting back to people quickly right now.

[EdgarAllanPoe]

whats the best way to learn to breathe to your belly?

I feel like with a huge inhale that air just sits in my throat. I have a new belt and tried the valsava maneuver. My deadlift went up 60lbs with the belt and new breathing. I felt very good, sturdy, and strong making the lift that I normally wouldn't attempt without a belt

I feel i may be doing it incorrectly though since I still feel like that breathe is sitting in my throat

[zalcrux]

whats the best way to learn to breathe to your belly?

I feel like with a huge inhale that air just sits in my throat. I have a new belt and tried the valsava maneuver. My deadlift went up 60lbs with the belt and new breathing. I felt very good, sturdy, and strong making the lift that I normally wouldn't attempt without a belt

I feel i may be doing it incorrectly though since I still feel like that breathe is sitting in my throat

After you take in your big breath are you pushing your stomach out against the belt?

[cmarti063]

whats the best way to learn to breathe to your belly?

I feel like with a huge inhale that air just sits in my throat. I have a new belt and tried the valsava maneuver. My deadlift went up 60lbs with the belt and new breathing. I felt very good, sturdy, and strong making the lift that I normally wouldn't attempt without a belt

I feel i may be doing it incorrectly though since I still feel like that breathe is sitting in my throat

Get a friend to help with this exercise. Lay on the floor and have them watch your chest/stomach. Now, breathe in without letting your chest move and imagining your belly button going up/down as you breathe. You can put your hand on your stomach if it helps. Once you can take deep breaths without your chest moving at all, practice tensing your entire torso while you good a breath for a second. Both abs and spinal erectors should be rigid. You should be holding your breath against a closed gloitis, so you can open your mouth and not lose any pressure.

[jrv1932]

Just picked another belt. Went with a Crain 13mm lever belt. Very nice! I'll post up feedback once I use it for a few sessions. Now I didn't "need" another belt as I love my Bob's belt but I like the idea of having a lever belt for squats so I can loosen easy between sets and a prong for all my other lifts.

I will say this the feedback that I was able to find on the Crain belt said that this was exactly like an Inzer and on initial impressions I'd have to agree.