Recommendations on weight belt

[Dirtnasty]

Now that I’m back to using free barbells for lifts I’m looking to get a belt but not sure which ones are generally like the best.

 

[JB_rD81]

Double prong 13 mm thick, same width all the way around, none of the belts that are wider on the back and flimsy like a limp noodle… stay away from lever belts too, when you set those, they’re either too tight or too loose… when you tighten your belt, you still want to be able to put a finger between it and your abdominal wall… then, before your lift, inhale deep and pull al that air into your belly, this allows you to push your abs against the belt which in turn will help keep your core solid…

 

[Dirtnasty]

I already got the breathing part down thanks for advice on being able to put finger in. Haven’t worn belt in 15 years and always put as tight as possible also didn’t know about the pressure part always just thought it was to prevent back injuries. Fucking football coaches didn’t know Jack shit.

 

[Bigmurph6]

I enjoy just the cheap golds belt from Walmart with the quick release starps that can also just pull tight again so that way you don’t hurt your organs or mess your back up even worse.

Did you know that they released a study that showed that back braces caused more inj then they prevent. It was told to me in a recent OSHA safety meeting and the company pulled all the back braces off the floor. I was surprised.

 

[BigDogg]

I havent worn a belt in over a decade. I broke my lower back in 96 and its degraded slowly since. Only way to keep pain away is heavy deadlifts. Using the belt stops the muscles from activating causing weakness and later injuries.

 

[Dirtnasty]

I feel like I just want it for bracing doing heavy squats. Never liked them when doing dead’s

 

[BigDogg]

I dont like them on squats either. If you’re core is weak it will limit your squat weight. You will start to fall forward under the weight even though your legs are holding up. I’m not a fan of belt’s. I dont know your goals or what you’re doing either. If it will make you more comfortable go for it. I would only use it on really heavy days so you dont limit your core work on squats.

 

[Dirtnasty]

Would only be used on heavy top sets.

 

[n3rd]

Look for a 10mm with a quick discount.
Gym Reapers, rogue, are a couple decent brands. I use mine for the heavy lifts.

 

[JB_rD81]

I’m not trying to be a dick and say everyone is wrong, however I have an extensive back ground in competitive powerlifting, with numbers to match my knowledge… keep in mind, everyone’s opinion is their own and I will not argue on opinion, just fact. 13 mm leather belt, any thinner will become flimsy and worthless over time, double prong, no quick release… the problem with a lever is that it’s very rare to get it set exactly where you need it, thus making the belt either too tight or too loose… when the belt is tight, you should be able to fit a finger between your gut and the belt, and breathe comfortably. WHEN YOURE SQUATTING, the belt should be around your belly button, not lower, not sitting on the iliac crests of your pelvis… WHEN DEADLIFTING wear the belt just below your diaphragm, once again, this makes it difficult to use a lever belt due to the potential differences in circumference here… THE ONLY THING THE BELT IS FOR, is to give your abdominal muscles something to push with when you fill your belly with air… on maximal effort lifts, you do not hold your air in your lungs, you hold it in your gut to assist keeping the core tight, the belt is an added layer of assistance so you can feel that belly pushing off something… the belt does ABSOLUTELY NOTHING for back stability or strength or weakness… all the belt is is an implement to create tightness, like a knee wrap or sleeve, etc…

 

[Dirtnasty]

Thanks I know it’s not for stability just the pressure. Didn’t know the placement for lifts although from memory that seems where I wore for squats. Been a long time

 

[n3rd]

You don’t think finding a reputable company with a quick disconnect/lever works good?
I have a 13mm belt, with the notches, but hate trying to get it off after a heavy squat/deadlift day… End up laying on my back trying to get the stupid thing off…

 

[Bigmurph6]

Good information brother

 

[JB_rD81]

@n3rd, yes, reputable companies do put out quality products… hence the reason when I lifted equipped all my bench shirts and squat suits/briefs and deadlifters were eithe Inzer or Metal… just like the reason my belt is EFS, quality name in the lifting game… I like Rogue, I like Slingshot. I just do not care for lever belts, due to the dramatic differences in everyone’s body, plus the differences In where the belt is placed for different lifts. I used to watch guys at meets change the position of their lever after squats to wear their belt for bench and deadlift… I’m not sure about you, but taking a screw driver was not my priority at a meet, so for me was just easier using a double or single prong… again, the above was my opinion from my almost 20 years of experience in powerlifting.

 

[northface384]

Well said