I’m training for my first powerlifting competition and am considering buying a belt. I’ve never worn one but it seems like a worthwhile investment. However, I don’t know where to start. I’d like a belt that I could wear for both squats and deadlifts. I’m a vegetarian and typically don’t wear leather, but will make an exception in this case if that means the difference between a good and lousy belt. That said, do you think a Spud 3 ply deadlift belt would be good for my purposes? If not, do you have any recommendations for leather belts?
Currently squatting in the low 300s and deadlifting in the low 4s at 180 lbs BW if that matters at all.
I’ve recently purchased the Inzer Lever Forever and am very pleased. It should last you a lifetime if you take care of it, and is therefore worth the at first intimidating initial investment.
It won’t appease your animal-loving side, unfortunately, but I’m also unsure as to whether you’ll find a stable enough belt that is made with synthetic materials.
there is a bazillian thread here on this very subject. Search for them and you’ll get all the info you need.
[quote]TrevorLPT wrote:
I’m a vegetarian and typically don’t wear leather, but will make an exception in this case if that means the difference between a good and lousy belt. [/quote]
Really?, to each is own I guess… The spud belt is great, barring you don’t have an issue with “big oil” and stuff lol
I also have an Inzer Forever belt. 10mm, Buckle, single prong. As kgilder said, it will last a lifetime. Don’t get a deadlift-specific belt if you want to use the belt on deadlift and squat. Whether you go with the buckle or the lever is mostly personal preference, do some googling/ TNation research to decide what’s best for you. I had very similar stats to yours when I got my belt, and it’s been one of 3 tools I now consider to be essential, the other 2 being wrist wraps and chalk.
Going to give another vote for the Inzer forever lever belt, although I would suggest 13mm rather than 10. I think it’s fully worth just diving in head first with the thickest belt you can.
I got the Spud 3ply belt for Christmas and honestly, I’m pretty dissapointed with it. For 3plys, it still doesn’t feel like any sort of support. I understand it’s supposed to be flexible for deadlifts, but I don’t even feel like I’m wearing a belt when I have it on. I can’t even imagine what the 2ply feels like.
I really wanted to like it because it’s infinitely adjustable, but maybe I’m missing something.
I had always liked pronged belts and that’s what I have right now and really like it alot (best belts.net) but I recently lost quite a bit of weight and I’m on my smallest notch so I would so go with any type of lever belt.
[quote]chobbs wrote:
I had always liked pronged belts and that’s what I have right now and really like it alot (best belts.net) but I recently lost quite a bit of weight and I’m on my smallest notch so I would so go with any type of lever belt.[/quote]