Finding the best weightlifting belt under 100 pounds or dollars can be tough, especially as it's not always clear what sort of quality you're getting for your cash.
Fortunately, we've compiled a list of the best weightlifting belts based on features, price, reviews, and materials to help you decide whether a belt is right for you and, if so, which one to go with.
That said, we feel owning a good weightlifting belt can be key if you're trying to achieve new personal bests due to the additional support they provide, particularly when performing some of the best back and shoulder exercises around.
This is supported by a study by Fong et al. who demonstrated that participants' time to complete a deadlift, along with their form, improved wearing whilst wearing a weightlifting belt and straps. Therefore, to help your progress in the gym, we'd definitely recommend owning your own weightlifting belt and packing it for every session.
With that in mind, if you're searching for a top leather belt, like this Iron Bull Strength bit of kit, or something a little lighter, like this Schiek Sports Model 3004, for fast-paced sessions, we've got you covered right here.
Best weightlifting belt under 100
- Iron Bull Strength Weightlifting Belt
- Dark Iron Fitness Belt
- Schiek Sports Model 3004
- Element 26 Self-Locking Belt
- DMoose Lever Weightlifting Belt
1. Iron Bull Strength Weightlifting Belt
Best leather weightlifting belt under 100
Material: Leather
Closure Type: Double Prong
Whether you're a beginner or an experienced lifter looking to load up the plates, this Iron Bull Strength belt looks like it's ready for all your weightlifting needs.
Being made from competition-approved 10mm thick leather, this belt will likely deliver a ton of support to your lower back whilst also being incredibly durable at the same time.
One of its key features though is its double-prong closure system which has been designed to be incredibly strong, giving you more confidence when attempting to break personal bests.
On the whole, we feel there's a lot to like about this Iron Bull Strength belt, and it shouldn't break the bank with its price tag either.
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2. Dark Iron Fitness Belt
Best weightlifting belt under 100 for beginners
Material: Leather
Closure Type: Buckle, Hook, and Loop
The Dark Iron Fitness belt is a great choice for both beginners and experienced lifters. What we like about this belt, in particular, is its slim profile, measuring only 4mm thick. This makes it ideal for beginners who might not be accustomed to wearing a heavy, tightly fastened belt around their core while lifting.
Crafted from a single strip of premium leather with added slip-resistant elements as well, the Dark Iron Fitness belt offers a secure and comfortable fit. Remarkably, it can handle squats or deadlifts of up to 600lbs, providing ample support for your progress in weightlifting.
So, if you're embarking on your weightlifting journey, the Dark Iron Fitness belt deserves serious consideration.
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3. Schiek Sports Model 3004
Best non-leather weightlifting belt under 100
Material: Nylon
Closure Type: Hook and Loop
The Schiek Sports Model 3004 looks to be a great pick if you'd prefer to use a more flexible fabric belt over the typical leather alternative.
For added support, it comes reinforced reinforces with an extra layer of neoprene-coated nylon which should give you peace of mind when attempting a heavy squat or deadlift. Moreover, the contoured sides are designed to align with your hip and ribs, making this belt more comfortable to wear whilst also providing a ton of support to your abs and lower back.
Ultimately, we feel this Schiek bit of kit is a difficult one to look past if you're searching for a lightweight and flexible fabric weightlifting belt.
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4. Element 26 Self-Locking Belt
Best weightlifting belt under 100 for CrossFit
Material: Nylon
Closure Type: Self-Locking Buckle
The Element 26 belt appears to be an excellent choice for CrossFit enthusiasts due to its unique self-locking mechanism, perfectly suited for the fast-paced nature of its workouts.
Constructed from flexible nylon, this belt offers numerous benefits in the dynamic CrossFit environment, where fluid movement and cardio are essential components.
Another notable feature of the Element 26 belt is its uniform 4" profile, providing comprehensive support for all lifts, rather than just targeting specific areas for stabilisation.
Moreover, this weightlifting belt is officially approved for Olympic lifting and functional fitness competitions, making it an ideal choice for dedicated athletes seeking optimal performance and reliability.
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5. DMoose Lever Weightlifting Belt
Best weightlifting belt under 100 for powerlifting
Material: Genuine leather
Closure Type: Lever
When it comes to powerlifting, you need a belt that's strong, durable, and capable of withstanding huge amounts of pressure as you load up the plates and aim for huge PBs. Thankfully, this relatively inexpensive DMoose belt ticks all of those boxes.
Not only is it made from 10mm thick genuine, durable leather, and, therefore, perfect for competitions (USAPL and IPF-approved), but it also features a 4" lumbar pad built-in for added stability during tricky lifts. You can adjust it through 11 different holes as well, ensuring a comfortable and supportive fit for squats, deadlifts, and more.
It's also incredibly easy to take off when you're done lifting thanks to its quick-release lever. And, when it's time to head home, simply pop it in its free carry bag for effortless storage and travel.
There really is very little to dislike about this DMoose belt, which is made even better by the fact it's priced under $100 as well. A worthwhile investment if you're a keen powerlifter if you ask us.
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Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
If you are a beginner you probably have loads of questions about weightlifting belts, but we're here to clear up some of the more frequently asked queries.
When should you wear a weightlifting belt?
A weightlifting belt is a tool commonly used in strength training exercises to provide support and stability to the core and lower back. While wearing a weightlifting belt is a personal preference, it is generally recommended to wear one in the following situations:
- Heavy lifts: When performing heavy compound movements like squats, deadlifts, and overhead presses, wearing a weightlifting belt can help increase intra-abdominal pressure, providing additional support to the spine and reducing the risk of lower back injuries.
- Maximum loads: When attempting maximum lifts or near-maximum lifts, a weightlifting belt can offer added stability and help you maintain proper form.
- Low-back weakness or injury: If you have a history of low-back pain or weakness, or if you're recovering from a lower back injury, wearing a weightlifting belt can provide extra support and help protect the vulnerable area during exercise.
It's important to note that while a weightlifting belt can be beneficial in certain situations, it shouldn't be seen as a substitute for developing a strong core and proper lifting technique. It's still essential to prioritise core strengthening exercises, maintain proper form, and gradually increase your training loads over time.
It's also worth mentioning that weightlifting belts are not typically necessary for lighter or moderate lifts, isolation exercises, or non-weightlifting activities like cardiovascular exercises or bodyweight movements. In those cases, it's generally recommended to focus on maintaining proper form and engaging your core muscles without relying on a belt.
How tight should a weightlifting belt be?
A weightlifting belt should be snug and tight around your waist to provide the necessary support and stability during heavy lifts. However, it shouldn't be so tight that it restricts your breathing or causes discomfort.
To ensure that the belt is properly tightened, first position the belt around your lower back. Then, fasten the belt securely to the point where you can still fit your fingers between the belt and your body. This should give you the support you need once you brace and attempt a lift.
Remember though that a weightlifting belt is not a substitute for proper form and technique. It is simply a tool that can help provide additional support, but it can't stop an injury from occurring through bad form.
How thick should a weightlifting belt be?
The most widely used belts often range between 10mm and 13mm in thickness.
A greater thickness usually means increased support on your spine, but it's not necessarily the most important factor when choosing a belt.
Depending on experience, a thinner belt will most likely be more comfortable for a beginner who can go on to increase the thickness of their belt after getting used to wearing one when lifting.
Is using a weightlifting belt considered "cheating"?
No, using a weightlifting belt isn't considered cheating as they're allowed, and in many cases encouraged, in most lifting competitions due to them being an effective tool in maximising your lifting potential.
The key is not to become over-reliant on using a weightlifting belt by incorporating some days where you don't use one for additional brace support.
Having said that, we'd recommend wearing one when going for personal bests or simply during heavy lifts to help you complete the movement successfully without causing yourself an injury.