I have been training for powerlifting for a few years now but I have never used a belt. I am looking to compete in the future so I figured I should get used to wearing a belt since that will add pounds to my total. I am looking for a belt that I can both squat and deadlift in. Price is not much of an issue, I want something that is high quality and that I will be able to use for years. Your advice is appreciated
I’ve been using an Inzer 13mm lever belt for over a year now and love it. It took a while to break in for deadlifting but now that’s it’s broken in I wouldn’t deadlift with any other belt
I’m a fan of bestbelts. had mine for the last 2 years.
Whats the difference between a 10mm and a 13mm belt? Is one better than the other?
[quote]Brian14 wrote:
Whats the difference between a 10mm and a 13mm belt? Is one better than the other?[/quote]
It’s as simple as it sounds. One is 10mm thick and the other is 13mm. The powerlifting rule book says that a belt can only be 4" wide or less and be 1/2" thick or less. 13mm is pretty much 1/2".
Some find the 10mm easier to break in. I have both a 10mm and 13mm and can’t really tell a difference between the two. Either belt will offer a lifetime of use if taken care of.
I believe a 13mm belt is probably more for geared guys who wear a ton of stuff under the belt. I think a 10mm would suit you fine. It’s what I use and I cant imagine using a 13mm.
Inzer belts last forever, my coach has had his for 15+ years. What weight class are you? Personally I believe if you are over 198lb class you should go with 13mm I love my 13mm forever lever and dislike 10mm.
FTR I compete completely raw, just my belt and wrist wraps and knee sleeves if the federation allows but not knee wraps.
[quote]Fullback33 wrote:
I believe a 13mm belt is probably more for geared guys who wear a ton of stuff under the belt. .[/quote]
This would be a false assumption due to the amount of raw lifters that use a 13mm belt. On average you see the 10mm in the smaller guys/weight classes and a 13mm in the bigger weight classes.
[quote]Curls4Girls wrote:
[quote]Fullback33 wrote:
I believe a 13mm belt is probably more for geared guys who wear a ton of stuff under the belt. .[/quote]
This would be a false assumption due to the amount of raw lifters that use a 13mm belt. On average you see the 10mm in the smaller guys/weight classes and a 13mm in the bigger weight classes.[/quote]
Agreed. I weigh 173 and lift raw and love my 13mm
Inzer will last and the quality is excellent.
I will second the thought that the difference between 10 and 13mm is often overstated. I use and prefer a single prong belt, but if you don’t plan on changing weight classes very much a lever is excellent as well. I am currently using one of Elite’s budget belts that they have discontinued, and I am happy with it, but I have used an Inzer lever and would recommend it as well.
A good belt will add to your total there is no doubt, and you will have to practice with it to really dial in how to use it and break it in, but I would also recommend that you use it sparingly (for your heaviest sets) and train mostly sans belt. In other words, get a good belt, break it in and learn to use it, but get strong as hell without it.