Best Weight Belts for Powerlifting

Review & Comparison, Last Update January 10, 2024
Transform yourself from a fitness newbie to a gym pro with a supportive weight belt. Wearing this belt will help you increase your ...Read more
PROS

The belt is just 5mm thick, so it won't be that noticeable under your clothes. Also, it weighs just 1.5 lbs.

CONS

The logo wears away over time. 

OUR VERDICT

Suitable for either novice or professional athletes, the Dark Iron belt can become your reliable fitness companion that will always support you. It's a perfect old-school leather belt.

detailed parameters
Recommended Use

Bodybuilding, Powerlifting

Material

Upper: rugged cowhide

Lining: suede

Size (waist circumference)

X-Small (23"-31"; 4" Wide)

Small (27"-35"; 4" Wide)

Medium (32"-40"; 4" Wide)

Large (36"-44"; 4" Wide)

X-Large (41"-49"; 4" Wide)

Conveniences

Height of 4" across all length, Double-prong roller buckle, Double-stitched edges and center

Care

Hand-wash with a damp cloth

Warranty

Lifetime warranty

PROS

The inserts in the lumbar region are made from a high-quality foam material. So, the belt won't lose its shape over time.

CONS

The Velcro should be cleaned regularly.

OUR VERDICT

This fabric belt is very flexible and comfortable to wear. Therefore, it's well suitable not only for powerlifting or weightlifting but also for hit training and CrossFit.

detailed parameters
Recommended Use

Weightlifting, Bodybuilding, CrossFit

Material

Upper: nylon, polyester

Lining: polyester

Size (waist circumference)

X-Small (27”-32”; 6” Wide)

Small (30”-34”; 6” Wide)

Medium (32”-38”; 6” Wide)

Large (38”-43”; 6” Wide)

X-Large (43”-49”; 6” Wide)

Conveniences

Foam core, Quick release closure system, Stitched edges

Care

Hand-wash with damp cloth

Warranty

Lifetime warranty

PROS

The double-stitched edges make this weight belt not only stronger but also give it a more stylish look.

CONS

At first, the belt is hard to tighten up.

OUR VERDICT

The Harbinger belt will work great for beginners. It has a classic design with a soft suede lining that covers a thick, foam lumbar pad, thus giving you enough comfort and support during exercising.

detailed parameters
Recommended Use

Weightlifting, Bodybuilding

Material

Upper: genuine leather

Lining: suede

Size (waist circumference)

Small (23”-29”; 6” or 4" Wide)

Medium (29”-33”; 6” or 4" Wide)

Large (33”-37”; 6” or 4" Wide)

X-Large (37”-42”; 6” or 4" Wide)

XX-Large (42”-48”; 6” or 4" Wide)

Conveniences

Foam core, Double-prong roller buckle, Double-stitched edges

Care

Hand-wash with damp cloth

Warranty

Amazon’s 30-day return policy

PROS

This 2-inch support strap with a steel roller buckle and a velcro closure provides fit as tight as possible.

CONS

It's made of nylon that isn't as durable as leather. 

OUR VERDICT

The Harbinger belt is a godsend for active girls engaged in CrossFit or weightlifting. It's wide enough to cover a woman's torso entirely. Available in 3 colors.

detailed parameters
Recommended Use

Bodybuilding, CrossFit

Material

Upper: flexible nylon with polyester

Lining: flexible nylon

Size (waist circumference)

X-Small (24"-28"; 5" Wide)

Small (28"-32"; 5" Wide)

Medium (32"-36"; 5" Wide)

Conveniences

Foam core, Quick release closure system, Stitched edges

Care

Hand-wash with a damp cloth

Warranty

Amazon’s 30-day return policy

PROS

This workout belt comes with a free eBook 'Ultimate guide to weight lifting technique'. It gives users some tips on how to avoid injuries.

CONS

The sizing isn't very accurate.

OUR VERDICT

The Master of Muscle lifting belt is an excellent offering for men and women that need a flexible, breathable, stylish, and supportive wrap rather than a classic weightlifting leather belt.

detailed parameters
Recommended Use

Weightlifting, Bodybuilding, CrossFit

Material

Upper: nylon, polyester

Lining: polyester

Size (waist circumference)

Small (27”-31”; 6” Wide)

Medium (29”-35”; 6” Wide)

Large (33”-39”; 6” Wide)

X-Large (39”-44”; 6” Wide)

Conveniences

Foam core, Quick release closure system, Stitched edges

Care

Hand-wash with damp cloth

Warranty

Lifetime warranty

Best For Powerlifting

Powerlifting is a strength sport where athletes attempt to lift as much weight as possible for one repetition in bench press, squat, and deadlift. A powerlifting belt must have equal width all around, and the Dark Iron fitness belt is just the thing. Made of premium rugged cowhide, this cylinder-style belt will provide all-around support, preventing your torso from excessive flexing/extending and keeping your spine from buckling during power lifts. Thus, you can lift a cosmic amount of weight without the risk of straining your back. Typically, powerlifters sway towards this belt, but it will also work wonders for anyone who wants extra support in lifting heavy weights.

This 4-inch genuine leather belt won't tear, stretch out or break under the pressure and will stand the test of time. The inner layer is very soft and comfortable, and the lining won't dig into your skin. The belt is only 1.5 pounds, so it won't cause inconvenience during use and transportation. With that, it can help athletes successfully lift weights over 500 and even 600 pounds without any issues.

The Strong Buckle

If you usually pull the belt very tightly, a buckle bears a significant load. This belt uses a double-prong stainless steel buckle secured with 6 steel rivets to make it safer for you to do deadlifts and squats with a heavy barbell. The buckle feels solid and durable, and no wonder so many professional powerlifters consider this belt a hallmark of supportive weight belts. In addition to such a reliable design, the belt fully complies with the IPF and USAPL rules, meaning it can safely be used during the most prestigious competitions. With the strong and secure fit, right thickness and width, the belt ensures extra power, strength, and support and can improve your lifting ability by 10% and more.

Reliability and Fantastic Warranty

Dark Iron is one of those few companies that offer a lifetime warranty, meaning if this weight lifting belt somehow fails when you lift extremely heavy weights, you'll receive a new one. For free! This indicates the confidence of the company in the quality of their products. So if you are looking for a high-quality weight belt to last you a lifetime and provide you with reliable support during all your important sports events, the Dark Iron belt is perhaps the best choice currently available.

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $0.00
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B07CG6XTG7

Lighter and Comfier

Based in the USA, the Fire Team Fit company never cuts corners and produces high-quality fitness products. And the Weightlifting Belt in question is a great proof. It's an extremely strong, sharp-looking wrap that can help you prevent any kind of sports injuries and maximize your fitness performance.

What we liked the most is that the Fire Team Fit belt is much lighter and softer compared to bulky leather belts. Made with a blend of cotton, nylon, and polyester, it's also much more flexible and comfortable to wear. Therefore, it's suitable not only for powerlifting or weightlifting but also for hit training. It'll allow you to quickly move from weights to burpees, pull-ups, situps, and other intensive exercises. Wearing this supportive belt, you'll be able to work out with confidence.

The ire Team Fitwrap has a contoured design with wide ends and narrow sides to provide optimal abs support while minimizing rubbing against your skin. It has a unique closure system with a heavy-duty strap and a sturdy roller buckle. The Velcro strap is far way better than a typical belt buckle found in standard weightlifting models. It allows you to easily remove the belt with a quick pull. Also, the Velcro strap is strong enough to ensure that the belt won't get loose and fail.

Overall, the belt boasts superior manufacturing and holds up very well without signs of strap tearing over time. And if the belt somehow breaks or becomes unsafe, the manufacturer will replace it for free.

Perfect Fit

The belt is available in more than 10 color options and five sizes from XS to XL. The sizing feels true to life, however, if you need to get the most accurate fit, you shouldn't necessarily rely on your typical pant size, unless you wear them over your belly button.

The manufacturer recommends using a flexible tape to measure the circumference around your belly button and all the way around your lower back.

The height of the weight belt ranges from 6 inches in the back and 3.5-4.5 inches on the front. It sits comfortably without rolling up. You can wear the belt over any sportswear, provided you size it properly. You can safely wear it with a thick sauna suit.

Actually, you may even forget you're wearing the belt because its contoured design makes it very easy to move in. At the same time, it provides great support in the lower back and abdominal areas.

For a Good Cause

By getting the Fire Team Fit Weightlifting Belt, you know that your money goes to a worthy cause. The company donates $1 of each weightlifting belt to Marine Combat Veterans and Marine Special Operators. The company wants to support the people who protect our freedom. So, this weightlifting belt can help you share their mission. Not only will you support your lower back but also a good cause.

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $0.00
Stock In stock
ASIN B07CGBB6S2

Good for Beginners

The very first thing that sticks out about the Harbinger Contoured Weightlifting Belt is surely its low price. Coming at about half the price of average wraps made from genuine leather, this one is a real bargain for novice athletes. Naturally, it doesn't boast the same durability but it does get the job done by giving you unrivaled support when lifting heavy weights. A good overall lifting belt

The Harbinger belt has a very close feel of old school models. It's made of genuine padded leather, so it won't break even if you decide to deadlift enormous weights. Also, it's made with interior padding for extra comfort. With that, the white foam cushion won't leave splotches on your gym wear. The only thing to keep in mind is that the belts with soft inserts like this are strictly prohibited during some competitions. However, if you are just about starting weightlifting or powerlifting, this won't be a big deal for you.

This leather wrap is comfortable enough to give novice sportsmen the needed support in their midsection and lumbar region. It stabilizes your back and core, as well as helps you maintain proper posture during heavy lifting. The most crucial thing for beginners.

Strong Buckle

The belt comes with a double-prong roller buckle closure reliably attached with robust rivets. The buckle is made of steel and has double loops for secure fixation and maintaining a snug fit.

Owing to the double-stitched edges, this weight belt is rather durable as well. Plus, it won't slip or slide down.

Being available in either 4-inch width or 6-inch designs, it's an optimal choice for individuals of any build and height. Also, it's offered in five waist sizes, so just anyone will be able to choose the belt that will provide good support while nor hindering your movement.

If you get the proper size, the belt will neither dig into your sides nor your tummy. It has a cone shape with a bit thicker abdomen section, meaning it won't limit your mobility when performing squats, deadlifts, military presses, and similar exercises.

Final Thoughts

The Harbinger Padded Leather Contoured Weightlifting Belt is probably one of the most appropriate belts for beginners on our shortlist. It has a classic design with a soft suede lining that covers a thick, foam pad in the back, thus giving you enough comfort and support during exercising. It won't chafe your body but prevent injuries during the basic lifting exercises. It's a great fit for everything from weightlifting to bodybuilding.

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $0.00
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B07MBG3P4F

Create the Body of Your Dream with CrossFit

Are you a strong woman looking for an attractive supportive belt for your abs and back? If so, this model is surely worth your attention. The Harbinger company has released a gorgeous woman's weight belt designed exclusively for a curvier body.

The weightlifting belt in question is featured with a bright fastening strap that looks stylish and doesn't slip. This women's ab wrap is 5 inches thick (not standard 4 inches) and this one extra inch provides a greater coverage area and support, reducing the risk of back injuries. The belt works well for general weightlifting, especially for deadlifts and squats.

A belt is manufactured from nylon which will comfortably hug your torso without limiting your movement. For this reason, this belt is also a great choice for CrossFit workouts that require a wide range of movement. This model has bound and stitched edges so as not to cause skin irritation or slip down. To keep it fresh and attractive for a good while, we recommend you to wipe it with a damp cloth after each use and let it air dry.

Fastens in a Breeze

The Harbinger weight belt has a 2-inch adjustable, heavy-duty support strap that runs through a heavy-gauge steel tensioning buckle and is secured with a hook-and-loop fastener for the most customized fit and optimum abdominal support. Also, the quick release closure system allows you to reset or pull the belt tight in-between sets promptly. The belt is available in 3 sizes, and you'll certainly choose the one to suit your body best.

Added Benefits

Do you know that athletic clothing actually encourages us to work out harder? If you feel good about yourself wearing a new stylish top and neon printed leggings that make your butt look great, you are really motivated to work out longer. With this in mind, Harbinger offers this belt in three attractive colors (green, pink, and purple) so you will always look stylish, feel confident, and exercise more.

Lastly, we would like to point out that the belt can help those athletes who want to burn some belly fat and do it in the shortest time possible. Since the core part is produced from thick foam, it can create something like a portable sauna around your midsection. The belt increases perspiration in your belly region, thus, helping you to sweat off extra fat and calories.

Also, this material makes the belt comfortable and flexible enough for jogging, cycling, walking, doing yoga or working out your body in a gym. Simply put, this ab belt can speed up your metabolism, increase blood circulation in your waist area, and burn excess fat.

So, if you'd like to get additional support and sexy six-pack at the same time, the Harbinger Women's is the best fit.

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $24.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B009LR3JIS

Get the Most Out of Your Training

The Master of Muscle belt is a unisex belt and a real godsend for weightlifters. Wearing this belt, you can maximize your performance by increasing your power and improving muscle strength - the belt provides excellent support for the lower back under heavy loads yet is flexible enough not to dig into your stomach or impede your movements.

This is a medium-thick belt, which makes it the perfect match for athletes with a medium to long torso. The belt has a padded adjustable strap with a Velcro fastener that makes it easy to adjust. This will come in handy when you need to quickly loosen or tighten the belt while doing a set of exercises with only short rest between them. The metal ring that you loop the strap through is very solid, so you'll never feel like the belt might lose grip. And unlike solid leather belts, this one can fold neatly into your gym bag for hustle-free transportation.

So Flexible

Actually, this belt is very flexible, soft, and comfy. It's not bulky but offers a lot of support to minimize injuries during the major weightlifting exercises. That is to say, it's great for deadlifting, powerlifting, as well as Crossfit.

This versatile workout belt is available in 4 sizes and is ideal for both men and women. Wearing it, just anyone will feel much more stable and safe. It's designed to support back and core, which will permit you to elevate heavier weights and do additional sets of squats.

Overall, this belt really outperforms old-school notch belts in terms of comfort and control. It can help you focus on that perfect lift and get the most out of your training. So, get ready for quick progress and muscle growth. And a good weight gainer can speed up the process even more.

Nice Addition

As a nice addition, this workout belt comes with a free eBook 'Ultimate guide to weight lifting technique'. The book not only contains a lot of information about the belt but also gives users some tips on how to avoid back problems during workouts and in everyday life.

Importantly, the customer service here is top-notch. If you have some issues with the belt or need a consultation, the helpful team will address any problem in a jiffy.

All things considered, the Master of Muscle lifting belt is a strong performer on the fitness market. It's an excellent offering for men and women that need a flexible, breathable, stylish, and supportive wrap rather than a classic weightlifting leather belt.

Last updated price $0.00
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B07BMP6D9V

What Is a Weight Belt?

If you are engaged in weightlifting or powerlifting, a weight belt is a must. And in this review, we're going to break down what a weight belt actually does. This belt primarily supports your abdominal muscles to prepare your entire body for lifting heavy loads. It fantastically boosts your lifting efficiency so that you can safely bang out a little more weight. The weight belt is especially useful when you are squatting or deadlifting heavy weights. It significantly reduces abdominal pressure and helps you avoid lower back injuries. With the help of this belt, you will be able to lift heavier weight with less effort. And, more importantly, without the risk of straining your back.

Also, you may be interested in kettlebells and dumbbells for effective at-home workouts. And a protein bar can help you with quicker muscle recovery after training. This tasty snack can become a useful dietary supplement to gain lean muscle mass and build the body you're dreaming of.

What Features to Compare

Type

Although all lifting belts are used to prevent injury and support the torso, there are two main types you can choose from - versatile weightlifting belts and belts designed solely for powerlifting.

  • Multipurpose belts for weightlifting, bodybuilding, and CrossFit are wide at the back and tapered at the front. They are usually 4-inch wide at the back part and some models also have extra padding in that area. Belts of this type provide more freedom of movement and more comfortable experience.
  • As for powerlifting belts, they have the same width all around, thus providing great support not only for the back but for the abdominal muscles as well. They help your abs "push against" and create more intra-abdominal pressure so as to better protect your spine under heavy loads. These belts work best for deadlifts and squats. However, they might interfere with your movement.

So, before making a purchase, take a moment to consider what is more important for your workouts, mobility or support.

Material and Size

When it comes to material, there are two main choices: leather and synthetics. Leather belts are more durable and will last longer than those made of nylon. In terms of stiffness, genuine leather belts are on a stiffer side too. The inner portion of these belts should be as soft and gentle as possible in order not to cause discomfort. The optimal solution is a suede lining.

Lifting is a kind of sports where an athlete's weight usually fluctuates. Therefore, we advise you to choose the belt which you can buckle somewhere in the middle of the range. Please note if you plan to take part in sports competitions, there are certain requirements for the size of the belt. For example, according to the IPF rules, a powerlifting belt cannot be thicker than 13 mm (½ inch) and wider than 10 cm (4 inches), whereas the acceptable width of a weightlifting belt should be 12 cm (4.72 inches). If you wish, you can find more information here.

Usability

Your belt should be easy to clean and comfortable to wear. It’s not the end of the world if a belt is too tight since you can always punch additional holes if necessary. The belt with stitched bound edges and a heavy-duty buckle will not lose its shape and will be able to withstand an astounding amount of weight. If you need a portable belt, consider its dimensions so it can fit your backpack for convenient storage and transportation.

FAQ:

Q: What does a weight belt actually do? 

A: First of all, belts reduce the stress on your spine. The fact is that wearing a belt increases intra-abdominal pressure by 40-50 percent, and this pressure supports the spine from the inside, while the core muscles push on the spine from the outside. This way, your spine is stabilized from inside and outside, and the chances that you may injure you back are reduced significantly. A belt also forces you to lift the weight more with your legs rather than with your back.

Q: What’s the right weight belt width for me?

A: To put it simply, the wider the weight belt the greater the support. Yet, an overly wide belt might limit your movement. So, you have to decide whether your lifts are more powerlifting focused and you require less mobility or you need a bit more freedom for weightlifting. As a rule, wide belts work best for tall people who want more support for powerlifting, while narrower models are good at providing just a bit of additional support for weightlifters. 

Q: When shouldn’t I wear a weight belt?

A: Actually, there are some red flags to using a belt. If you have health issues like high blood pressure, you should not wear a belt. In case you can’t lift weight properly, don't wear a belt as it might promote poor technique. If you don’t squat, deadlift, or do overhead pressing, a belt isn’t a necessity. 

Q: How to lift weights safely?

A: Safety should always be your priority. We advise you to keen on long-term fitness goals to minimize injuries. It's better to train under supervision of a trainer to learn correct weightlifting technique and stick to a proper sports routine. It's important to warm up your muscles before every workout and have enough rest between training. 

Q: How to breathe properly when lifting weights?

A: For long-distance running and swimming you should maintain a rhythmic breathing technique trying to breathe through your nose. This will help you stabilize your spine for performing different exercises. So, if you're not lifting crazy weights, simply remember to breathe normally. 

Q: Can training with a belt make my core weak? 

A: A big no. Wearing a belt for doing squats and deadlifts doesn't affect the activation of your abdominal muscles. 

Q: How to take care of my belt?

A: A weight belt requires simple maintenance; wipe it clean after each session and store away in a dry place. If your belt becomes tighter or looser over time, you can punch a few more holes in it. 

Q: Can I use a weightlifting belt all the time?

A: Definitely, no. Your belt serves to support your abs and spine, allowing you to exert more pressure so as to lift more weight. It would be better to use the belt only when you lift really heavy weights and then when you deload. This will allow your core to catch up with the rest of your body. It’s also very important to cycle using your weight belt over the weeks and months.

Sources:

1. Riana Rohmann Advantages & Disadvantages of a Weight Lifting Belt, LIVESTRONG. June 25, 2015.

2. Stephanie Lee When Weightlifting Belts Are Necessary, and When They're for Show, Lifehacker. March 28, 2016.

3. Martijn Koevoets Choosing The Right Belt For Powerlifting, Juggernaut.

4. Back belt, Wikipedia. July 26, 2013.

5. Kim Nunley Advantages & Disadvantages of a Weightlifting Belt, Chron.

6. Powerlifting Training For The Beginner! Bodybuilding.com.

7. Best Beginner Weight-Training Guide With Easy-To-Follow Workout! Bodybuilding.com.

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