Recommended belt?

[mikhou]

Hey, guys. I am curious if you guys have a recommendation on a belt. I am currently using a velcro belt and it works fine for what I do, but I am considering a leather one. I am an American living and working overseas, but I'll be back in the States in a few months with a limited amount of time there. So if I decide to get a leather belt I'd like to pick it up while in the States, but since my time is limited I'd like to have something in mind before I arrive. Thanks.

[WallBilly]

If you want the BMW of lifting belts, Dean and Jackie Best will make you one by hand:

http://www.bestbelts.net/

There is about a 4-6 week lead time since each one is built to order.

I've had mine (the "Athlete") for about 2 years and it still looks and acts like new. I expect it to last forever.

[Barkadion]

If you want the BMW of lifting belts, Dean and Jackie Best will make you one by hand:

http://www.bestbelts.net/

There is about a 4-6 week lead time since each one is built to order.

I've had mine (the "Athlete") for about 2 years and it still looks and acts like new. I expect it to last forever.

I can second BB. Tapered one seems to be great option.. They are very slow, though. Might take up to 2-3 of months..

http://www.bestbelts.net/Powerlifting-B ... -Belt.aspx

[nathan.smetzer]

This one is sufficient (I own one). If you're not powerlifting their is no need to go for an immensely heavy belt. Its also less rigid and won't pinch the skin.

I feel I need to mention that you need to really learn how to use a lifting belt (i.e. practice using it before actually lifting).

http://www.roguefitness.com/2-ply-deadlift-belt

Also, I would recommend against a tapered belt because it completely defeats the purpose of how a belt is used.

If you want a real leather belt, go for the Inzer brand.

https://www.inzernet.com/detail_belt.as ... LEVER_10MM

I like the forever lever belt (I own one), but again it will take a while to break in and will cause pinching in the muffin top (assuming you have one). I have had mine for a while and still pinches.

You should also find out whether a 4" belt is too wide for your body type. You may need something thinner if you're shorter (i.e. 2" - 3") to accommodate the squat movement. A thinner belt may prevent or reduce break-in and also skin pinching.

Lastly, if you are still a beginner type, I would caution against a belt as they can actually cause damage if you re not well versed in utilizing one. Below is an article to help explain the true purpose of the lifting belt.

https://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/lesson ... -them.html

[Green2Blue]

Depends on what you want it for. The Inzer lever belt is a tank. Great for heavy deads and squats. But like Nathan said, since it is so sturdy, it'll bite you. I have a decent V taper and it chews my lats up pretty good. Since it's so sturdy it's also not great for dynamic stuff like Crossfit or strongman. A nylon belt with a little give might be better for that stuff.

[mikhou]

This one is sufficient (I own one). If you're not powerlifting their is no need to go for an immensely heavy belt. Its also less rigid and won't pinch the skin.

I feel I need to mention that you need to really learn how to use a lifting belt (i.e. practice using it before actually lifting).

http://www.roguefitness.com/2-ply-deadlift-belt

Also, I would recommend against a tapered belt because it completely defeats the purpose of how a belt is used.

nathan, thanks for the comment. Yeah, I am currently using a Spud deadlift belt, and I like it. As I said in my original post, it does what I need it to do. I am mainly asking about a leather belt for 2 reasons: 1) Since I've never owned one, I'm unsure as to how much more support it will give as opposed to the Spud and 2) I know that over time, the velcro will wear out. Since I am typically away from the States for 2-3 years at a time and it's difficult to have things delivered where I live, I am thinking of getting a leather belt that will last forever.

As far as 3" vs. 4", again, I am unsure how different leather is to the Spud belt. The Spud belt is 4", but as you say it is more pliable. I am a small guy (5'5", 140lb), but I have used the Spud belt without incident so maybe a 4" leather belt would do, but I am unsure.

I am leaning toward a 4", 10mm wide, single prong leather belt from either Best or General Leathercraft Pioneer. I've heard good things about both. Nothing against Inzer. I've just heard that they are tough to break in.

If there are other thoughts out there (including proponents of Inzer), I'm ready to hear em or if you have thoughts about these 2 that I mentioned I'll welcome that as well. Thanks again.

[WallBilly]

About all I could add about the 4" 10 mm thick Best belt that I use is that it needed no breaking in.

[nathan.smetzer]

If you're 5' 5" then I would suggest a 3" wide belt. If I could, I would have went with the 3" with my Inzer belt. I am 5' 6" and it is a bit too wide that it makes it difficult to move properly, but is still useable. However I know the 3" would provide the same benefits without the discomfort.

If you're still going for a non-lever style belt, here is a video by Mark Rippetoe that will help you learn how to really get it cinched for proper use.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jwg3tRn6kPU