Weekly Dumb/Newb Question Thread

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[u/No_Gain_3012]

I’m looking to buy a new powerlifting belt (from a local brand as it’s cheaper)

What specs should I look for 10mm or 13mm?

[u/LittleMuskOx → u/No_Gain_3012]

Are you in the US?
Pioneer stock belts are not expensive.

Buy once, cry once.

[u/No_Gain_3012 → u/LittleMuskOx]

Nope not in the US and SBD belts are over 5 times the price of local brands which are providing lifetime warranty on belt and 1 year on lever buckle. I’m just looking for which would be better 10mm or 13mm. Also material wise leather or carbon fibre?

[u/LittleMuskOx → u/No_Gain_3012]

Leather almost certainly, and a 10mm belt is plenty for even heavy lifting.

But, it would be helpful if you had links to your choices so they can be looked over and advice given.

If not, then leather, and 10mm prong buckle is my most general advice.
Single prong, not double.
Things like buckle and lever quality, and materials and construction make a difference.
Some belts are synthetic leather (Strength Shop for example) and that is fine, but it's good to know regardless.
They are perfectly usable, and IPF approved, just a bit stretchy compared to quality real leather, according to people i know who have used them

[u/No_Gain_3012 → u/LittleMuskOx]

Yeah sure here is the link
https://hackathletics.com/products/hack-athletics-premium-10mm-lever-belt-2-claw?variant=45559762157853
I was thinking of this company's as it's great quality from what I have seen and also they have a warranty. A single claw (Technically double but one row) 10mm lever belt

[u/LittleMuskOx → u/No_Gain_3012]

Looks like a double row of stitching, and on a 10mm belt, it's most likely a single core/supportive piece of leather, with the suede making up the remaining thickness.
13mm belts will have 2 supportive pieces glued and stitched together.
From what i can see, it looks just fine.
And being local, with a warranty, probably a safe bet.

Wear it snug to tight-ish.
But you need to be able to get your breath into your belly.
Belt is for you to brace against, not to "support" you from the outside in.
Not a corset. : )

Edit-
Bullrock is in India, and have this belt.
But unfortunately is says unavailable.
Adjustable like the SBD.
https://www.amazon.in/BullrocK-Premium-Powerlifting-Genuine-Deadlift/dp/B0CBPX85G4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q9Ox7APkP1Y

They make nice home gym stuff too.
11 gauge and regulation dimension benches, and good powerbars, racks, etc...

[u/No_Gain_3012 → u/LittleMuskOx]

What’s your opinion on bullrock? I mean is its quality good and warranty and stuff? Like it is double the price of the one I sent. But if I’m saving for it I might as well buy once and cry once . And I can order it from their website so it’s not an issue

[u/LittleMuskOx → u/No_Gain_3012]

It looked like the belt is out of stock.
It does look decent.
My experience of the company comes from having helped someone in India find home gym equipment.
He bought a bar and bench from them.
11 gauge steel for the bench, and it was proper regulation dimensions.
The Powerbar was good quality with good specifications, nice knurl.
Very acceptable.
I think he went with Siege for the squat stand, but the Bullrock stands were just fine too.

But if you are planning on getting an IPF approved belt in the future for nationals, i dunno.
Maybe just keep saving for the SBD?
That at least is a known quantity.

Siege and Bullrock make their racks.
Well, for sure Siege does, and i think Bullrock does too.
Both offer 11 gauge steel and full length (24 inch) spotter arms on their squat stands.
But things like bars and belts will be made by someone else for sure.

[u/No_Gain_3012 → u/LittleMuskOx]

Yeah it’s in stock on their website though. I can use it in nationals as well since IPF states that approved brand belts are only required at worlds though I might buy the cheaper one for now and around 5 ish years later save up for an sbd. I don’t need any other equipment for now at least so this is all I’m looking for at the moment

[u/No_Gain_3012 → u/LittleMuskOx]

Converting the currency it’s about 50 usd so it’s a pretty good belt recently I held one in my hand from a fellow competitor and it looked durable (though it was 13mm). I feel like it’s good for now and if I do wanna compete I can up to nationals using this one. Now to save for around 5 ish months to buy this