The Pioneer™ Power Lifting Belt
The biggest and most noticeable difference between a Power Belt and a Weight Belt is the width in the leather. Power Lifting Belts are the same width all the way around. Most Power Belts are 4″ wide, but there has been a shift among Olympic lifters and women towards a 3″ around belt. The 10cm (4″) Power Belt offers the most support giving you 4″ of material to push against & acquire the maximum amount of intra -abdominal pressure. Intra-abdominal pressure is the pressure built up within the abdomen to keep the spine in place during stressful work. All exercise belts help increase that pressure, which helps the spine stay in place during those heavier lifts. The Power Lifting Belt is ideal for competitive powerlifters, strongman athletes, and bodybuilders, but can be used by gym goers that like to lift as much as they can. Power Lifting Belts are typically used for exercises like Back & Front Squats, Deadlifts, Power Cleans, and occasional Overhead Presses. Wearing a belt in general is a controversial topic, but a good rule of thumb is to always use good form and bring your belt along when you are working at 80% of your 1RM (one rep max).
Power Lifting Belts
- Same width all the way around
- Can come with a lever buckle, single prong or double prong
- Usually 7mm, 10mm, or 13mm thick
- Most support given for heavy loads
- Great for Squats, Deads, Cleans, and OH press
The Pioneer™ Weightlifting Belt
Like I said previously, the biggest difference between a Power Belt and a Weightlifting or Training Belt is the width in the front. Weightlifting belts are usually either 4″ or 6″ in the back and taper to 2″-2.5″ in the front. The taper in the belts are what made them popular. As opposed to the Power Belt, the Training Belt will taper down away from your rib cage giving you a more comfortable support system. You will not be able to create as much intra-abdominal pressure with only having 2.5″ of material to push against but Training belts will still offer ample support. This belt has gained popularity in the Olympic Lifting movement because the buckle is smaller, and as previously stated, more comfortable. This belt is still great for Squats, Deads, and Presses but at a lighter weight. In addition to these exercises, the Training Belt is preferred for movements like the Snatch, Power Clean, and Jerk. Remember, using a belt will not prevent back injuries, so please lift smart by using good form and staying within your means. Pioneer™ 4″ Training/Weightlifting Belt
Weightlifting Belts
- 4″ or 6″ in the back and tapers to 2.5″ in the front
- Can come with double or single prongs
- Usually 6mm-13mm in thickness
- Offers good support during medium-heavy lifts
- Great for Snatches, and Jerks
I’ve been a competitive powerlifter for over 3 years. I am currently ranked top 5 in the bench press in the 148lb class in the US and have dealt with many powerlifting companies big and small. General Leathercraft is by far THE best company. The quality can’t be beat(lifetime guarantee), attention to detail, free ship and, by far the best customer service ever. No need to go anywhere else. Highly recommend!!!
Can you make weight lifting belt for a child age 5?
Yes we can. We typically just make 2″ or 2.5″ bench belts and then youll just give us the measurements in the “belt notes” section
Hi, I am powerlifting collegiately, but I am very short, 4’7, and so I obviously have a small torso. Is there any way you guys make a belt 3″ wide in the back that’s 2.5″/2″ in the front? Or would you suggest going with the 3″ all around? My concern is that I want it to be thick~10mm and I preferably would want it double pronged, but could go for 1 if double is not available.
Hey!
SOO we can do whatever you wish. I would personally recommend the single prong in 3″ all the way around but we do have a 3″ in the back to 2″ in the front training belt. To order the 3″ suede belt, just order the 4″ version and request it be cut to 3″ in the “belt notes” section. To order the tapered one, go to the “training” belt page, and make your order for a 4″ belt. In the notes, request it be 3″ in the back and taper to 2″ in the front.
Hi! I see the smallest measurement for the XS pioneer belt is 22, which is perfect because that’s what I measure. …but I’m not sure which belt to get? I don’t want it to be to uncomfortable; it’ll be my first belt. Would 3″ 7mm be good for deadlifts?
Try one of the stock belts! 8.5mm is perfect for most people. Now I know that it is 4″ instead of 3″, but it is an inexpensive way to try! If you do not want to go that route, I would suggest a 3″ deadlift belt. It is 6.5mm thick so it will be pliable and comfortable while still offering the support you will need.