The 6 Best Powerlifting Belts For 2024

The best powerlifting belt can do wonders for your ability to squat, deadlift, and bench press a lot of weight safely and comfortably.

By supporting intra-abdominal pressure, a good powerlifting belt will contribute to bracing and stability, protect your spine, and provide a layer of comfort when handling heavy weights.

Read on to find out about the uses of training belts, when to consider one, and which options on the market are best.

Without further ado, here are the 6 best powerlifting belts money can buy.

The 6 Best Powerlifting Belts Of 2024

• Best Powerlifting Belt: REP Fitness 4-Inch Premium Leather Belt
• Best Lever Belt: Gymreapers Lever Belt
• Best Budget Belt: Gymreapers Quick Locking Weightlifting Belt
• Best Belt For Deadlifts: Dominion Strength Training Leather Weight Lifting
• Best Nylon Weightlifting Belt: Rogue USA Nylon Lifting Belt
• Best Lifting Belt For Beginners: Element 26 Self-Locking Belt

1. Best Powerlifting Belt: REP Fitness 4-Inch Premium Leather Belt

The REP Fitness 4-inch belt was designed to compete with the Rogue Ohio Lifting Belt. It looks identical but costs much less, and most trainees won’t be able to tell the difference.

With a 4-inch width and 10 mm thickness, the belt offers excellent midsection support for heavy compound training: squats, deadlifts, bench presses, etc.

Despite being relatively inexpensive, the REP fitness premium leather belt has a quality feel and should last many years of regular use. The sealed edges ensure that sweat doesn’t get inside the belt to ruin its integrity and double stitching reduces the risk of fraying.

Plus, the cool design makes the 4-inch REP fitness one of the best powerlifting belts.

2. Best Lever Belt: Gymreapers Lever Belt

Lever belts are not a favorite of everyone, but they can make the process of putting the belt on and taking it off a breeze. The downside is that you will need a screwdriver to adjust the lever buckle if it stops fitting you well.

Unlike many belts on the market, the one by Gymreapers has undergone extensive testing from the team developing it to ensure good quality and a fantastic training experience.

Another advantage of the belt is that it comes with rounded edges, which makes it much more comfortable to use because the material is less likely to dig into your flesh. Unfortunately, the drawback is that it takes a while for the belt to break in well, especially if you get the 13 mm option.

With a price tag of $120, the lever belt by Gymreapers is a fantastic choice to keep you safe and secure in your training for many years.

3. Best Budget Belt: Gymreapers Quick Locking Weightlifting Belt

The Gymreapers quick locking belt is the best budget option on the market. Its width and thickness provide excellent support for the midsection, and the double stitching ensures quality and durability for years.

You might be tempted to buy an even cheaper belt––there certainly are options on the market. I advise against that because, if nothing else, these belts are made of low-quality material and are likely to break down after a short period.

For example, here is the first belt I bought years ago:

It got that way when I tried to break it in because it was bruising my midsection.

Along with its great reviews and quick locking system, this belt from Gymreapers is a great first step, especially if you’ve never had one before and don’t want to spend too much money.

4. Best Belt For Deadlifts: Dominion Strength Training Leather Weight Lifting

Have you ever tried deadlifting with a wide lifting belt? If so, you’ve probably noticed how uncomfortable it can be. The belt seems to get more in the way than it helps, which makes it nearly impossible to have a productive set.

The Dominion 3-inch belt is the perfect solution to the problem. It provides adequate lumbar support and helps with intra-abdominal pressure without getting in the way and messing up your deadlift setup.

5. Best Nylon Weightlifting Belt: Rogue USA Nylon Lifting Belt

Traditional weightlifting belts aren’t for everyone because they can be too rigid. Plus, not everyone wants to do deadlifts and squats with max weight, and it doesn’t make sense to wear a 10 mm thick leather belt for lighter training.

If that’s the case with you and you’re looking for a belt you can use for various activities, the Rogue USA Nylon belt is a good option. It provides excellent lumbar support without compressing your midsection as much. You can use it for various activities, even WOD-style training, such as during CrossFit classes.

Plus, the 5-inch width at the back tapering to 4 inches in the front provides good midsection support without getting in the way when bending down to pick heavy weights off the floor.

6. Best Lifting Belt For Beginners: Element 26 Self-Locking Belt

If you’re new to weight training or lifting belts, the Element 26 self-locking belt can be an excellent option to start. With a price tag of under $35 (not including shipping), it isn’t a huge investment and allows you to get used to wearing a belt in your training.

Unlike heavy leather belts, the one by Element 26 is light and much more comfortable. Similar to the nylon belt from Rogue, you can use it for various activities, not just on your heaviest deadlift and squat sets.

The 4-inch width provides enough support and can be helpful for beginners learning how to brace their midsection before training sets. Plus, the self-locking mechanism ensures the belt stays on, even on more dynamic activities and high-repetition sets.

Of course, the belt is not just useful for beginners. More advanced trainees can also take full advantage of the belt, especially those looking for something less serious than a 10 mm thick leather belt.

Do You Need a Powerlifting Belt In Your Training?

Getting a good powerlifting belt can be an excellent way to improve your training, but ask yourself these three questions first:

Can you breathe into your belly and maintain a rigid midsection during your training? Can you lift weights close to your one-rep max (1RM) while feeling stable and secure? If so, a lifting belt could be a good idea.

But if you’re still new to compound lifts and are unsure how to do these things, don’t expect that a belt will magically turn you into an elite powerlifter or weightlifter.

2. Do you often train with heavy weights?

Most of the belts on our list are thick, supportive, and designed for heavy compound lifting: squats, deadlifts, Olympic lifts, etc.

A belt might not be necessary if your training doesn’t include heavy sets and your primary goal isn’t to build strength. In that case, you might consider the thinner nylon belts: Element 26 Self-Locking Belt and Rogue USA Nylon Lifting Belt.

3. What do you expect to get from a belt?

The final way to tell if you should get a lifting belt is to ask yourself, “What do I expect to get out of a belt?”

If you’re looking for a training accessory that will improve your workouts and instantly help you lift a lot more weight, a belt won’t do.

But, if you’re interested in an item to support your training by promoting safety, stability, and power output, you can consider purchasing a belt.

How to Use a Powerlifting Belt?

The best powerlifting belt won’t help much if you’re not using it correctly. Here’s what to keep in mind:

1. Wrap the belt around your waist.
   
   
2. Have the bottom edge of the belt above your hip bones. The belt should be in contact with your abs, obliques, and lower back.
   
   
3. Take a small breath, tense your abs, and tighten the belt against your waist. Don’t take a full breath or suck your stomach; the belt should feel tight but not to the point where it obstructs breathing.
   
   
4. Inhale deep into your belly to fill the belt. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Powerlifting Belts

1. Do lifting belts make you stronger?

No, a lifting belt doesn’t make you stronger. When used correctly, it can contribute to midsection stability by promoting intra-abdominal pressure, which can positively impact power output and stability during heavy sets.

2. Is a powerlifting belt useful for back pain?

Some people wear a lifting belt to deal with back pain, which only masks the issue.

I’m not a physiotherapist, but I recommend against trying to mask chronic pain, especially in the spinal region.

In such cases, a better approach would be to give your body time to rest and possibly seek professional help if the issue doesn’t go away.

3. When should I wear a belt?

There are no specific rules for when to wear a belt; it mostly comes down to personal preference and the type of belt you have.

Some people like myself use a belt on heavy sets, and others enjoy wearing a belt for most of their sets on compound lifts like the squat, deadlift, and standing overhead press.

Do what feels natural, so long as you brace well and use the belt correctly.

4. Won’t belt use lead to a weak core?

Prevailing wisdom suggests that using a powerlifting belt would lead to a weak midsection and an inability to lift without one. We don’t have any research indicating that to be the case.

If you use a lifting belt correctly and always brace your core, you should not experience a reduction in core strength or rigidity.

5. Are there any dangers to using a powerlifting belt?

A powerlifting belt is generally safe when used correctly. The only people who might want to stay away from belts are those suffering from hypertension (high blood pressure).

Using a belt can cause a spike in blood pressure, so it is best to consult with your doctor.

The Best Powerlifting Belt: A Summary

There you have it: six of the best weightlifting belts.

Getting a belt is not mandatory, and plenty of trainees work out for years without ever using one.

Still, a belt could be an excellent investment if you’re curious and are looking for ways to improve your stability and become more comfortable with heavy weights.