Belts - A Comprehensive Guide

[giorgi3092]

I've got all kinds of belts

[SirGMatherson]

Quick question. First time ever buying a belt online. The belt I'm looking at says L 35" to 41" and a M is 31" to 37". My pant size is 36. Sadly, for now, my navel measurement is 41" until I can loose those extra inches. Looking to drop that belly down to 36 within

Can anyone suggest the best size for me? Thanks. Appreciate your input.

G.

[cmarti063]

Quick question. First time ever buying a belt online. The belt I'm looking at says L 35" to 41" and a M is 31" to 37". My pant size is 36. Sadly, for now, my navel measurement is 41" until I can loose those extra inches. Looking to drop that belly down to 36 within

Can anyone suggest the best size for me? Thanks. Appreciate your input.

G.

Best Belts, Pioneer Fitness, and Bob's Belts make their belts to your personal measurements (just type your measurement in the box).

If you're dead set on the brand you're looking at, get the large.

[cmarti063]

Well, I know I just did the review on the STrong belts, and I owe the forum a review on the Cardillo belt, but another belt found its way into my collection. This is a full 13mm treated and dyed Pioneer lever belt (no suede, no garment leather, but a full 13mm of sole leather). I'll get you guys a review for this one up, too.

[EricAtl]

This arrived today, pretty stiff. It will be a few days before I get my first work out in with it.

[chadsalt]

Well, I know I just did the review on the STrong belts, and I owe the forum a review on the Cardillo belt, but another belt found its way into my collection. This is a full 13mm treated and dyed Pioneer lever belt (no suede, no garment leather, but a full 13mm of sole leather). I'll get you guys a review for this one up, too.
]

How many belts do you have now? Has anyone ever pointed out you may have a problem?

No doubt everyone reaps the benefits of your experience with the assorted products, thank you.

[Cleveland33]

Quick question. First time ever buying a belt online. The belt I'm looking at says L 35" to 41" and a M is 31" to 37". My pant size is 36. Sadly, for now, my navel measurement is 41" until I can loose those extra inches. Looking to drop that belly down to 36 within

Can anyone suggest the best size for me? Thanks. Appreciate your input.

G.

Take a measurement with a sewing tape right around your belly button - Best Belts have instructions online for doing so. BUT pull the tape tight - tighter than you think it should be. When I did it I didn't pull it tight enough and when the belt is worn properly I only have one or two holes to go down. If you are serious about dropping fat, I would err smaller, even though you can always add more holes, but then you get a longer flap, but there are ways to secure that as well.

[cmarti063]

How many belts do you have now? Has anyone ever pointed out you may have a problem?

No doubt everyone reaps the benefits of your experience with the assorted products, thank you.

Ha! I have more than I need, but less than I'd like

[EthanHun]

Question on belt and abs. I know many people say that heavy big 3 will buildup the abdominal fairly nicely. If you are wearing a belt do the abdonminal muscles work more or less? Also do I need to add in more core work to my workouts?

[cmarti063]

Question on belt and abs. I know many people say that heavy big 3 will buildup the abdominal fairly nicely. If you are wearing a belt do the abdonminal muscles work more or less? Also do I need to add in more core work to my workouts?

I already answered this in the OP, but I will copy-pasta for you.

A common objection to using the belt is the idea that your �core� won�t be worked as well while using one. This couldn�t be further from the truth. If you were able to squat 225 lbs for 8 reps without a belt, but you are able to lift 315 lbs for 8 reps with one, do you really believe your core is not being worked just as hard? Try standing up under a heavy squat without your abs and spinal erectors fully engaged, with or without a belt� It isn�t possible. To reemphasize, a belt does not lessen the activation and use of your core musculature.

If you really want to do some in depth reading, I can send you some links. But basically, your abs work at least as hard and possibly harder while using a belt.

[SirGMatherson]

cmarti063, thanks for the advice. I ordered both in large. Fingers crossed! I ordered these for my current needs. Once these needs are met, then I check out your recommended sites. Thank you again sir!

[EthanHun]

I already answered this in the OP, but I will copy-pasta for you.



If you really want to do some in depth reading, I can send you some links. But basically, your abs work at least as hard and possibly harder while using a belt.

Thanks mate sorry for not reading the whole OP in depth thanks for responding.


After reading I'v come to the conclusion I need a new belt

[cmarti063]

cmarti063, thanks for the advice. I ordered both in large. Fingers crossed! I ordered these for my current needs. Once these needs are met, then I check out your recommended sites. Thank you again sir!

Dude, you didn't read the OP at all. Those belts are no good. You could have got a good 4" leather power belt from Pioneer Fitness for what you paid for that. Return those and get a real belt, man.

Thanks mate sorry for not reading the whole OP in depth thanks for responding.

After reading I'v come to the conclusion I need a new belt

It's all good, glad to get you set on the right path!

[Raptors1231]

my pioneer belt! loving it

[mikennrg500]

Well, I know I just did the review on the STrong belts, and I owe the forum a review on the Cardillo belt, but another belt found its way into my collection. This is a full 13mm treated and dyed Pioneer lever belt (no suede, no garment leather, but a full 13mm of sole leather). I'll get you guys a review for this one up, too.

Man that's sexy! I've been looking for a belt that tickles my fancy enough to replace my APT 10mm belt. I think this may be the one. Do you have to contact them about dying a belt? I don't see an option for it.

[cmarti063]

Man that's sexy! I've been looking for a belt that tickles my fancy enough to replace my APT 10mm belt. I think this may be the one. Do you have to contact them about dying a belt? I don't see an option for it.

Yeah, the dyed belts are email only right now. He has a few different colors of dye, too.

[whitewoIf]

Couple newbie questions if you don't mind:
1. Would a belt be useful for the higher rep ranges? I typically work in the 8-12 rep ranges for things like squats and deadlifts
2. Is the Inzer 10mm lever belt a good belt as my first belt? I'm not really moving serious weight right now... I squat around 210lbs and deadlift around 280lbs.

[okeley]

Awesome thread with great info. Upgraded to Best Belts Athlete Single Prong after reading this thread. Glad I did. Took 6 weeks as promised. Great communication by them throughout. Quality is there.

[KoolDJVader]

Couple newbie questions if you don't mind:
1. Would a belt be useful for the higher rep ranges? I typically work in the 8-12 rep ranges for things like squats and deadlifts
2. Is the Inzer 10mm lever belt a good belt as my first belt? I'm not really moving serious weight right now... I squat around 210lbs and deadlift around 280lbs.

1) I generally put on a belt when I get to a weight that I could do around 5 reps with....usually beltless for anything higher. A powerlifting belt isnt the most comfortable thing in the world and kind of affects my breathing on higher reps

2) I dont know if I would go with a lever for a first belt. They are tons easier to put on and take off but if you plan on using it for deadlifts, the lever may make your set up hard. My preference even now is a single prong for many reasons. I think a not so super stiff 10mm single prong is a better choice. The Best Belt Athlete is a superb belt, still my favorite belt ever. Another easy to break in 10mm seems to be General Leathercraft/Pioneer Fitness double suede 10mm....both are easier to break in than an 10mm Inzer (I dont have experience with a 10mm GLC but I have their 13mm single prong and it broke in quick plus here's a comparison of Inzer vs GLC http://www.garage-gyms.com/inzer-pow...wer-belt-10mm/)

That being said, won't be a mistake to get the 10mm Inzer lever as its a great belt (had one before I outgrew it) but in my opinion there are better options for a first belt.

[cmarti063]

Awesome thread with great info. Upgraded to Best Belts Athlete Single Prong after reading this thread. Glad I did. Took 6 weeks as promised. Great communication by them throughout. Quality is there.

Nice belt! They make a consistently great product.

[cmarti063]

Couple newbie questions if you don't mind:
1. Would a belt be useful for the higher rep ranges? I typically work in the 8-12 rep ranges for things like squats and deadlifts
2. Is the Inzer 10mm lever belt a good belt as my first belt? I'm not really moving serious weight right now... I squat around 210lbs and deadlift around 280lbs.

1) I generally put on a belt when I get to a weight that I could do around 5 reps with....usually beltless for anything higher. A powerlifting belt isnt the most comfortable thing in the world and kind of affects my breathing on higher reps

2) I dont know if I would go with a lever for a first belt. They are tons easier to put on and take off but if you plan on using it for deadlifts, the lever may make your set up hard. My preference even now is a single prong for many reasons. I think a not so super stiff 10mm single prong is a better choice. The Best Belt Athlete is a superb belt, still my favorite belt ever. Another easy to break in 10mm seems to be General Leathercraft/Pioneer Fitness double suede 10mm....both are easier to break in than an 10mm Inzer (I dont have experience with a 10mm GLC but I have their 13mm single prong and it broke in quick plus here's a comparison of Inzer vs GLC http://www.garage-gyms.com/inzer-pow...wer-belt-10mm/)

That being said, won't be a mistake to get the 10mm Inzer lever as its a great belt (had one before I outgrew it) but in my opinion there are better options for a first belt.

^^This is all good advice. Here's my $0.02:

1) I use a belt on all my "working sets," whatever rep range that means. So I leave it off for warm-ups, and put it on for the heavy weights.

Some examples of higher rep sets with a belt:

475x7 @9 deadlift: https://www.instagram.com/p/BGnGzPMKVn-/
450x8 @8.5 squat: https://www.instagram.com/p/BGPMJngqVlv/


2) I've basically come to the conclusion recently that Best Belts and Pioneer Fitness belts are the only belts worth buying if you live in the US.

For your first belt, I always recommend a 10mm single prong belt. I wrote a bit about why in the OP.

[chadsalt]

^^This is all good advice. Here's my $0.02:

1) I use a belt on all my "working sets," whatever rep range that means. So I leave it off for warm-ups, and put it on for the heavy weights.

Some examples of higher rep sets with a belt:

475x7 @9 deadlift: https://www.instagram.com/p/BGnGzPMKVn-/
450x8 @8.5 squat: https://www.instagram.com/p/BGPMJngqVlv/


2) I've basically come to the conclusion recently that Best Belts and Pioneer Fitness belts are the only belts worth buying if you live in the US.

For your first belt, I always recommend a 10mm single prong belt. I wrote a bit about why in the OP.

Tempted to neg for posting vid titled "higher reps sets" squating weight I hope to 1rm in the near future. Nice work though,still on spread. Leg day, time to work a little harder......

[CurlMonkey2]

Just ordered a bestbelt single prong athlete belt in royal blue. Thanks to everyone for all the useful information in this thread.

Looks like bestbelts prices have gone up...my cost shipped was $115. Saw some earlier posts where people were paying $78 shipped for this belt. Either way, happy to pay it as long as it's a quality product.

[Fivefootkillerz]

Anyone else own one of these belts? Ive owned 3 so far and lost one but they're great. I also have a inzer lever which is great. Sharing because they're $38 while i paid $50 each for mine.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[Stasher1]

Anyone else own one of these belts? Ive owned 3 so far and lost one but they're great. I also have a inzer lever which is great. Sharing because they're $38 while i paid $50 each for mine.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Looks like the one from the bodybuilding.com store.

http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showth...highlight=belt

[Fivefootkillerz]

Looks like the one from the bodybuilding.com store.

http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showth...highlight=belt

that was a great review by wild tim. It might just be me but i cant access the belts on the BB store atm. thanks for the link

[Stasher1]

that was a great review by wild tim. It might just be me but i cant access the belts on the BB store atm. thanks for the link

I checked the BB store and the belt isn't there any more. I had bought one a couple years ago and it was too small, so I sent it back and replaced it with a Spud three-ply deadlift belt. I bought another one 6-8 months ago when they were on clearance for $25, and it's just okay. Not going to win any awards, but functional. I use it for squats and the Spud for deads. One of these days I'll replace it with something nicer...

[cmarti063]

Anyone else own one of these belts? Ive owned 3 so far and lost one but they're great. I also have a inzer lever which is great. Sharing because they're $38 while i paid $50 each for mine.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Those belts are cheap Pakistan belts from low quality chrome tanned hide.

https://m.alibaba.com/product/500095...ing-Belts.html

If you really don't have the funds for a quality belt (that will last a lifetime), you can get a good discounted belt from Pioneer's "factory seconds" page. Inventory changes over time, but they start at about $30.

https://generalleathercraft.com/prod...-weight-belts/

[cmarti063]

Well, I know I just did the review on the STrong belts, and I owe the forum a review on the Cardillo belt, but another belt found its way into my collection. This is a full 13mm treated and dyed Pioneer lever belt (no suede, no garment leather, but a full 13mm of sole leather). I'll get you guys a review for this one up, too.

Both reviews up today.

Cardillo: http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showth...hp?t=171731343
Pioneer: http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showth...hp?t=171731393

[Xeon1791]

Saving for a good life time belt. (200-250$)

Wahlanders belt or SBD belt ?