In this section, we’ll analyze the features that can make or break your workout. Material: Great but Not Durable Your primary training style will largely dictate the best weightlifting belt for you. If your workouts mainly consist of Olympic lifting, you’ll need a different belt than someone whose workouts mainly consist of CrossFit or powerlifting. Belts don’t magically improve your workout. They provide support, which will most definitely allow you to lift more weight. But, if you can’t manage your breathing and bracing, they won’t do anything! Iron Bull lever belt is another popular product on the market. Generally, it is an average option, more suitable for amateurs. This belt was actually created in partnership with arguably the greatest CrossFit Athlete of all time, Mat Fraser (obviously this is a toss-up with Rich Froning; both are home gym owners, by the way).

First of all, it has no certification so it won’t work for powerlifting competitions. Still, it may be a good choice for amateurs, especially those who like to stand out in the gym. The range of colors and patterns has something for everyone. But if you’re someone who wants the creme de la creme of life, we recommend going for the SBD Lever Belt or the Pioneer Belt. Both are made from higher quality leather, feel better during use, and are more durable. They’re also nearly double the cost, though, and if you’re someone who just needs a little extra support it’s not worth paying that extra price. If you’re looking for a gym flex or compete at the highest levels, then they might be. Best Powerlifting Belt: SBD Lever Belt

The only bad thing about a lever belt is the quite complicated tightening. You can’t do this by hand unless you have steel nails! You’ll need to use a screwdriver to place the lever up or down the holes. This might take around 5 minutes. A downside that might bother you after a few years is the rather aesthetic. The belt is covered with leather which makes scratches more visible. It doesn’t influence the durability and effectiveness of the product but may be a disappointing fact for those who love everything neat. I also have a special word for stitching. The triple technology makes the belt really durable. I guess, it can handle the whole powerlifter’s career and still look neat and pretty. The upper suede covering also makes it resistant to wearing out. I hadn’t ever considered using a 3-inch belt until I read Mark Rippetoe’s article titled, “The Belt and the Deadlift.” As Rip tends to, he gave his recommendation quite clearly, “Most people have no business wearing a 4-inch power belt for the deadlift. Unless you’re tall or long-waisted, a 4-inch-wide standard power belt is too wide to permit a correct lumbar position at the start of a correct deadlift.”

On the other hand, such a belt might be quite uncomfortable on your waist. Yet, if your hips and ribs are rather hardened, you can try it out. A pleasant bonus is the range of colors. If you like simple traditional designs but want to add some shades to your training, there are plain red, purple, pink, and blue options available.

Most powerlifting brands tend to keep their sizing versatile with up to 9 sizes to fit all needs. This isn’t the case here, though. I do wish the holes were a half-inch apart rather than a full inch, but that’s not exclusive to the REP weightlifting belt. I’d like to see many more belts switch to half-inch fastening systems. A full inch is a big jump when you need just a slight adjustment in tightness. First of all, it is a well-known time-tested lever belt, approved by thousands of athletes. It isn’t likely to fall short of your expectations, since it has everything that a serious lifter may need for their heaviest workouts: reliability, extreme support, and durability. To top it off, the Pioneer Cut belt also comes with a lifetime warranty and is made entirely here in the U.S. at their shop in Texas. However, give it some time and it’ll probably start to show signs of wear and tear. The 4 stitching rows might start to fray, which can compromise the overall integrity of the belt.

Beyond the neat aesthetic features like the ironed-on logo, cool patterns like camo, and a spot to add Velcro patches, the belt is simply well-built. I’ve been using one at the gym ever since it came out, which is several years now, and it still looks like with the exception that it’s been broken in and stays curved even when not in use. Obviously, it provides great support, however, it may be slightly more uncomfortable than other belts on my list. When I put it on, my hips definitely feel the difference. Yet, you might not find it such an issue in case you are on a tight budget. If you need to sacrifice something, this quality might not be the biggest problem. Not only are 2POOD belts known for their durability in high-intensity, high-volume, high-load settings, they’re also known for their whimsical designs. Want donuts on your weightlifting belt? Get a 2POOD belt. Want tacos on it? Get a 2POOD. Leopard print? 2POOD. C-3PO and baby Yoda? 2POOD. You will need to use a flathead screwdriver to adjust the plate to the perfect position. This can be a bit of a pain if you suddenly need to tighten the belt mid-workout between sets or exercises. If you’re someone who plans on competing in weightlifting, powerlifting, or CrossFit, then we recommend you invest in one. You’ll be lifting a lot of weights during your prep, and taking care of your body will ensure you feel ready to go come the big day.

By increasing intra-abdominal pressure, a weightlifting belt serves as a reminder to brace your core, and it also gives you an object to brace your core against. However, a weightlifting belt is not a replacement for core engagement. Instead of thinking of a belt as a necessity for core bracing, think of it as a physical cue to tighten your core. A belt should always be an indirect, not direct, support during your lifts.