To Lever or not.... let's talk belts
JoRocka
Posts: 17,525 Member
Who has used both? lever verses buckle?
My friend said using a 2 prong buckle was a pain in the dick- I kind of prefer them because I think it spreads the tension- but he said it was harder to manipulate.
I am trying to figure out if I can see my way to paying for a lever or just going for a buckle. I'm not picky. Give me your thoughts.
My friend said using a 2 prong buckle was a pain in the dick- I kind of prefer them because I think it spreads the tension- but he said it was harder to manipulate.
I am trying to figure out if I can see my way to paying for a lever or just going for a buckle. I'm not picky. Give me your thoughts.
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Replies
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I'm happy with my 10mm two-prong but would like to try the lever. I just don't think I'm willing to shell out the money to see if it's really that much better right now, however.0
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I have a single prong, kind of feel like I fluctuate too much to go for a lever as I'm sometimes changing holes daily. Plus I can usually chill in my belt just fine between sets if I'm standing around (so I probably don't wear it tight enough anyway. Ha).
I have heard of people liking the lever for wanting a really tight belt on/off fast for speed work, and using a buckle for other things.1 -
TresaAswegan wrote: »I have a single prong, kind of feel like I fluctuate too much to go for a lever as I'm sometimes changing holes daily. Plus I can usually chill in my belt just fine between sets if I'm standing around (so I probably don't wear it tight enough anyway. Ha).
I have heard of people liking the lever for wanting a really tight belt on/off fast for speed work, and using a buckle for other things.
Other things? Like opening beer bottles?
I've heard some people like the psychological aspect of locking it in and getting instantly ready so I guess for people who like the lock and load mentality it could be a good boost.
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Interesting- I hadn't considered that- I kind of like the process of tightening my belt- I can see the efficiency of it- I can.
But I'm not sure I'm willing to part with the money just for efficiency- it's not like I'm wasting THAT much time putting on my belt- besides-I get stabby with bad lifts and throwing my belt after a lift is something I do- LOL- if I have a lever that makes it much harder. HA- maybe that's something to reconsider so I STOP doing it.1 -
Wheelhouse15 wrote: »TresaAswegan wrote: »I have a single prong, kind of feel like I fluctuate too much to go for a lever as I'm sometimes changing holes daily. Plus I can usually chill in my belt just fine between sets if I'm standing around (so I probably don't wear it tight enough anyway. Ha).
I have heard of people liking the lever for wanting a really tight belt on/off fast for speed work, and using a buckle for other things.
Other things? Like opening beer bottles?
I've heard some people like the psychological aspect of locking it in and getting instantly ready so I guess for people who like the lock and load mentality it could be a good boost.
I guess I was thinking anything where you take a rest longer than 1 minute haha. Max effort/working sets/opening beer bottles/etc lol.
I personally kind of enjoy using the rack to get my belt on/off because it makes me feel cool.
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Lever is easy and convenient in a sense you can pop it on and off quick. Downside being that to adjust it you need to mess with screwdriver. They also suck for certain movements... I've had it pop open on me while playing with Log Clean and Press before.
I haven't used a quality prong belt, so I cannot comment on that.1 -
Wheelhouse15 wrote: »TresaAswegan wrote: »I have a single prong, kind of feel like I fluctuate too much to go for a lever as I'm sometimes changing holes daily. Plus I can usually chill in my belt just fine between sets if I'm standing around (so I probably don't wear it tight enough anyway. Ha).
I have heard of people liking the lever for wanting a really tight belt on/off fast for speed work, and using a buckle for other things.
Other things? Like opening beer bottles?
That's what teeth are for.
I currently use a 2-prong cheapo belt. I want to get a lever in the next month or so - well before my March meet - so I can more easily get the belt tight(er), so I can save some strength/energy for my lifts.
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Wheelhouse15 wrote: »TresaAswegan wrote: »I have a single prong, kind of feel like I fluctuate too much to go for a lever as I'm sometimes changing holes daily. Plus I can usually chill in my belt just fine between sets if I'm standing around (so I probably don't wear it tight enough anyway. Ha).
I have heard of people liking the lever for wanting a really tight belt on/off fast for speed work, and using a buckle for other things.
Other things? Like opening beer bottles?
That's what teeth are for.
I can't add anything to that! 0 -
What bout ab belt??0
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Currently use a Inzer forever lever belt.
Got a pioneer fit custom belt on my shopping list, if your going to use a lever
Belt make sure quality0 -
LolBroScience wrote: »Lever is easy and convenient in a sense you can pop it on and off quick. Downside being that to adjust it you need to mess with screwdriver. They also suck for certain movements... I've had it pop open on me while playing with Log Clean and Press before.
I haven't used a quality prong belt, so I cannot comment on that.
I've been using a fairly cheap 6 mm harbringer (tapered in the front) 2 prong. It's served me very well for the last year and a half.
So- I don't have anything AGAINST prongs- single or double. Flip side-I know literally nothing about levers and I don't know anyone small enough at my gym whose I can use. or try.
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LolBroScience wrote: »Lever is easy and convenient in a sense you can pop it on and off quick. Downside being that to adjust it you need to mess with screwdriver. They also suck for certain movements... I've had it pop open on me while playing with Log Clean and Press before.
I haven't used a quality prong belt, so I cannot comment on that.
I've been using a fairly cheap 6 mm harbringer (tapered in the front) 2 prong. It's served me very well for the last year and a half.
So- I don't have anything AGAINST prongs- single or double. Flip side-I know literally nothing about levers and I don't know anyone small enough at my gym whose I can use. or try.
I haven't ventured into belt usage yet. You all are making me think....1 -
LolBroScience wrote: »Lever is easy and convenient in a sense you can pop it on and off quick. Downside being that to adjust it you need to mess with screwdriver. They also suck for certain movements... I've had it pop open on me while playing with Log Clean and Press before.
I haven't used a quality prong belt, so I cannot comment on that.
I've been using a fairly cheap 6 mm harbringer (tapered in the front) 2 prong. It's served me very well for the last year and a half.
So- I don't have anything AGAINST prongs- single or double. Flip side-I know literally nothing about levers and I don't know anyone small enough at my gym whose I can use. or try.
You might find an interesting increase in strength when you go to an 4", 10mm or 13mm straight cut belt. This article and video might give you a better idea of what belts can do http://www.powerliftingtowin.com/powerlifting-belts/0 -
LolBroScience wrote: »Lever is easy and convenient in a sense you can pop it on and off quick. Downside being that to adjust it you need to mess with screwdriver. They also suck for certain movements... I've had it pop open on me while playing with Log Clean and Press before.
I haven't used a quality prong belt, so I cannot comment on that.
I've been using a fairly cheap 6 mm harbringer (tapered in the front) 2 prong. It's served me very well for the last year and a half.
So- I don't have anything AGAINST prongs- single or double. Flip side-I know literally nothing about levers and I don't know anyone small enough at my gym whose I can use. or try.
I haven't ventured into belt usage yet. You all are making me think....
It depends on your goals and how you body handles the stress at your current weight. I don't bother with a belt until 385 on my deadlifts and 275 on my squats. Lighter weights should be done unbelted to allow you to work your core better but when you start hitting your limits a belt will help you push more weight.0 -
Wheelhouse15 wrote: »LolBroScience wrote: »Lever is easy and convenient in a sense you can pop it on and off quick. Downside being that to adjust it you need to mess with screwdriver. They also suck for certain movements... I've had it pop open on me while playing with Log Clean and Press before.
I haven't used a quality prong belt, so I cannot comment on that.
I've been using a fairly cheap 6 mm harbringer (tapered in the front) 2 prong. It's served me very well for the last year and a half.
So- I don't have anything AGAINST prongs- single or double. Flip side-I know literally nothing about levers and I don't know anyone small enough at my gym whose I can use. or try.
I haven't ventured into belt usage yet. You all are making me think....
It depends on your goals and how you body handles the stress at your current weight. I don't bother with a belt until 385 on my deadlifts and 275 on my squats. Lighter weights should be done unbelted to allow you to work your core better but when you start hitting your limits a belt will help you push more weight.
Thanks! I'm at 155 for squats and 145 for deads. I read the article you posted above, as I've never taken the time to really figure out what the belts are about. I always assumed they had something to do with back support - obviously, not the case.0 -
Wheelhouse15 wrote: »LolBroScience wrote: »Lever is easy and convenient in a sense you can pop it on and off quick. Downside being that to adjust it you need to mess with screwdriver. They also suck for certain movements... I've had it pop open on me while playing with Log Clean and Press before.
I haven't used a quality prong belt, so I cannot comment on that.
I've been using a fairly cheap 6 mm harbringer (tapered in the front) 2 prong. It's served me very well for the last year and a half.
So- I don't have anything AGAINST prongs- single or double. Flip side-I know literally nothing about levers and I don't know anyone small enough at my gym whose I can use. or try.
I haven't ventured into belt usage yet. You all are making me think....
It depends on your goals and how you body handles the stress at your current weight. I don't bother with a belt until 385 on my deadlifts and 275 on my squats. Lighter weights should be done unbelted to allow you to work your core better but when you start hitting your limits a belt will help you push more weight.
Thanks! I'm at 155 for squats and 145 for deads. I read the article you posted above, as I've never taken the time to really figure out what the belts are about. I always assumed they had something to do with back support - obviously, not the case.
Solid lifts! If you are looking into belts a cheap 6mm belt might be ok for you to start but if there is a good sports store in your area with heavier belts you might want to get fitted with a 3" or 4" 10mm belt and see how it feels. Just remember there is a huge break in time for many belts.0 -
Wheelhouse15 wrote: »Wheelhouse15 wrote: »LolBroScience wrote: »Lever is easy and convenient in a sense you can pop it on and off quick. Downside being that to adjust it you need to mess with screwdriver. They also suck for certain movements... I've had it pop open on me while playing with Log Clean and Press before.
I haven't used a quality prong belt, so I cannot comment on that.
I've been using a fairly cheap 6 mm harbringer (tapered in the front) 2 prong. It's served me very well for the last year and a half.
So- I don't have anything AGAINST prongs- single or double. Flip side-I know literally nothing about levers and I don't know anyone small enough at my gym whose I can use. or try.
I haven't ventured into belt usage yet. You all are making me think....
It depends on your goals and how you body handles the stress at your current weight. I don't bother with a belt until 385 on my deadlifts and 275 on my squats. Lighter weights should be done unbelted to allow you to work your core better but when you start hitting your limits a belt will help you push more weight.
Thanks! I'm at 155 for squats and 145 for deads. I read the article you posted above, as I've never taken the time to really figure out what the belts are about. I always assumed they had something to do with back support - obviously, not the case.
Solid lifts! If you are looking into belts a cheap 6mm belt might be ok for you to start but if there is a good sports store in your area with heavier belts you might want to get fitted with a 3" or 4" 10mm belt and see how it feels. Just remember there is a huge break in time for many belts.
Thanks and thanks! I think I probably need to make sure my form is correct first. My back has been hurting since bulking. I think, after watching a video, I'm WAY off on my deadlift form and I just didn't notice until my weights got high enough. I also noticed that while squatting this morning when I really focused on engaging my core and pushing through my glutes and quads I didn't have the back pain, so...my form needs work. Learning that the belt isn't for back support - that's what my core is for (duh), is really helpful.
Sorry to jack the thread....0 -
Wheelhouse15 wrote: »Wheelhouse15 wrote: »LolBroScience wrote: »Lever is easy and convenient in a sense you can pop it on and off quick. Downside being that to adjust it you need to mess with screwdriver. They also suck for certain movements... I've had it pop open on me while playing with Log Clean and Press before.
I haven't used a quality prong belt, so I cannot comment on that.
I've been using a fairly cheap 6 mm harbringer (tapered in the front) 2 prong. It's served me very well for the last year and a half.
So- I don't have anything AGAINST prongs- single or double. Flip side-I know literally nothing about levers and I don't know anyone small enough at my gym whose I can use. or try.
I haven't ventured into belt usage yet. You all are making me think....
It depends on your goals and how you body handles the stress at your current weight. I don't bother with a belt until 385 on my deadlifts and 275 on my squats. Lighter weights should be done unbelted to allow you to work your core better but when you start hitting your limits a belt will help you push more weight.
Thanks! I'm at 155 for squats and 145 for deads. I read the article you posted above, as I've never taken the time to really figure out what the belts are about. I always assumed they had something to do with back support - obviously, not the case.
Solid lifts! If you are looking into belts a cheap 6mm belt might be ok for you to start but if there is a good sports store in your area with heavier belts you might want to get fitted with a 3" or 4" 10mm belt and see how it feels. Just remember there is a huge break in time for many belts.
Thanks and thanks! I think I probably need to make sure my form is correct first. My back has been hurting since bulking. I think, after watching a video, I'm WAY off on my deadlift form and I just didn't notice until my weights got high enough. I also noticed that while squatting this morning when I really focused on engaging my core and pushing through my glutes and quads I didn't have the back pain, so...my form needs work. Learning that the belt isn't for back support - that's what my core is for (duh), is really helpful.
Sorry to jack the thread....
no no - it's totally fine.
I agree with Wheelhouse- I waited a LONG time to get a belt- I knew I could get stronger without it- and I didn't want to use it as a crutch to hide something- so I waited- I think I was up to about 200 on my squat when I saw a specialist to try to help me and he was like- just go get one- you squat better with it and there is no reason to NOT train with one if you are looking to compete as long as you aren't squatting EVER single squat with it.
So I typically wait till about 70-80% of my 1 rep max before I put it on- I like training my form/core and maintaining tension without it- but I have no fear of using it.
I'd send you my beat up harbringer if you wanted- but I haven't ordered a new belt yet so I'm hesitant to give it up- although I'm definitely not using it right now.Wheelhouse15 wrote: »LolBroScience wrote: »Lever is easy and convenient in a sense you can pop it on and off quick. Downside being that to adjust it you need to mess with screwdriver. They also suck for certain movements... I've had it pop open on me while playing with Log Clean and Press before.
I haven't used a quality prong belt, so I cannot comment on that.
I've been using a fairly cheap 6 mm harbringer (tapered in the front) 2 prong. It's served me very well for the last year and a half.
So- I don't have anything AGAINST prongs- single or double. Flip side-I know literally nothing about levers and I don't know anyone small enough at my gym whose I can use. or try.
You might find an interesting increase in strength when you go to an 4", 10mm or 13mm straight cut belt. This article and video might give you a better idea of what belts can do http://www.powerliftingtowin.com/powerlifting-belts/
I absolutely will- I have used a full 10mm 4" and god- I was like. I need a new full belt. Stat.
I was yelled at for spending to much money so I need to wait a minute- but I'm going to put it on the "wish list" of things I want. and see when I can order- although I'm tempted to be a bad girl and put it on the CC for myself.0 -
Wheelhouse15 wrote: »Wheelhouse15 wrote: »LolBroScience wrote: »Lever is easy and convenient in a sense you can pop it on and off quick. Downside being that to adjust it you need to mess with screwdriver. They also suck for certain movements... I've had it pop open on me while playing with Log Clean and Press before.
I haven't used a quality prong belt, so I cannot comment on that.
I've been using a fairly cheap 6 mm harbringer (tapered in the front) 2 prong. It's served me very well for the last year and a half.
So- I don't have anything AGAINST prongs- single or double. Flip side-I know literally nothing about levers and I don't know anyone small enough at my gym whose I can use. or try.
I haven't ventured into belt usage yet. You all are making me think....
It depends on your goals and how you body handles the stress at your current weight. I don't bother with a belt until 385 on my deadlifts and 275 on my squats. Lighter weights should be done unbelted to allow you to work your core better but when you start hitting your limits a belt will help you push more weight.
Thanks! I'm at 155 for squats and 145 for deads. I read the article you posted above, as I've never taken the time to really figure out what the belts are about. I always assumed they had something to do with back support - obviously, not the case.
Solid lifts! If you are looking into belts a cheap 6mm belt might be ok for you to start but if there is a good sports store in your area with heavier belts you might want to get fitted with a 3" or 4" 10mm belt and see how it feels. Just remember there is a huge break in time for many belts.
Thanks and thanks! I think I probably need to make sure my form is correct first. My back has been hurting since bulking. I think, after watching a video, I'm WAY off on my deadlift form and I just didn't notice until my weights got high enough. I also noticed that while squatting this morning when I really focused on engaging my core and pushing through my glutes and quads I didn't have the back pain, so...my form needs work. Learning that the belt isn't for back support - that's what my core is for (duh), is really helpful.
Sorry to jack the thread....
no no - it's totally fine.
I agree with Wheelhouse- I waited a LONG time to get a belt- I knew I could get stronger without it- and I didn't want to use it as a crutch to hide something- so I waited- I think I was up to about 200 on my squat when I saw a specialist to try to help me and he was like- just go get one- you squat better with it and there is no reason to NOT train with one if you are looking to compete as long as you aren't squatting EVER single squat with it.
So I typically wait till about 70-80% of my 1 rep max before I put it on- I like training my form/core and maintaining tension without it- but I have no fear of using it.
I'd send you my beat up harbringer if you wanted- but I haven't ordered a new belt yet so I'm hesitant to give it up- although I'm definitely not using it right now.Wheelhouse15 wrote: »LolBroScience wrote: »Lever is easy and convenient in a sense you can pop it on and off quick. Downside being that to adjust it you need to mess with screwdriver. They also suck for certain movements... I've had it pop open on me while playing with Log Clean and Press before.
I haven't used a quality prong belt, so I cannot comment on that.
I've been using a fairly cheap 6 mm harbringer (tapered in the front) 2 prong. It's served me very well for the last year and a half.
So- I don't have anything AGAINST prongs- single or double. Flip side-I know literally nothing about levers and I don't know anyone small enough at my gym whose I can use. or try.
You might find an interesting increase in strength when you go to an 4", 10mm or 13mm straight cut belt. This article and video might give you a better idea of what belts can do http://www.powerliftingtowin.com/powerlifting-belts/
I absolutely will- I have used a full 10mm 4" and god- I was like. I need a new full belt. Stat.
I was yelled at for spending to much money so I need to wait a minute- but I'm going to put it on the "wish list" of things I want. and see when I can order- although I'm tempted to be a bad girl and put it on the CC for myself.
Thank you! I highly doubt I'm going to get up to 200 with my squats during this bulk - I might almost make it there. Maybe next winter - I'm taking notes. And thanks for the kind gesture, but you might want to keep that as an extra just in case. 0 -
No worries- it's beat up- but saves you from spending- I'm all about passing it on.
I'm going to have a conversation with hubs tonight about it- as he strictly told me not to spend more money. which is fair- I went a little nuts over thanksgiving- but if I can make a plan- and get mine ordered- I'll happily send it to you- assuming it'll fit- I can measure later.0 -
Just splurge on the SBD belt and get the best of both worlds.0
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No worries- it's beat up- but saves you from spending- I'm all about passing it on.
I'm going to have a conversation with hubs tonight about it- as he strictly told me not to spend more money. which is fair- I went a little nuts over thanksgiving- but if I can make a plan- and get mine ordered- I'll happily send it to you- assuming it'll fit- I can measure later.
Wow, that's just amazingly kind.0 -
I had a 2 prong originally, but I find GREAT satisfaction in my lever. Quick and easy to get on and off, I love an angry flip of the lever after a really good (or really bad) set. It's totally part of my setup at this point. Now if I try to use a prong I just can't get into my groove.
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No worries- it's beat up- but saves you from spending- I'm all about passing it on.
I'm going to have a conversation with hubs tonight about it- as he strictly told me not to spend more money. which is fair- I went a little nuts over thanksgiving- but if I can make a plan- and get mine ordered- I'll happily send it to you- assuming it'll fit- I can measure later.
Wow, that's just amazingly kind.
meh- pay it forward if you will. no reason for me to not try to let the belt do some more good somewhere.
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Josie_lifting_cats wrote: »I had a 2 prong originally, but I find GREAT satisfaction in my lever. Quick and easy to get on and off, I love an angry flip of the lever after a really good (or really bad) set. It's totally part of my setup at this point. Now if I try to use a prong I just can't get into my groove.
this is useful and interesting. I'm leaning more and more toward a lever at this point- only because- it's like an extra 30 bucks I think? like- why not. Why not just get the nice one- and get it powder coated. go hard or go home while shopping? LMAO1 -
I personally would recommend a single-prong belt. A good one comes 'broken in' (malleable enough, yet study). Very easy to get on, and can change tightness for different exercises (some people differ between squat and deadlift).
And a very easy way to get it on or off is to apply pressure of one end on a squat rack, turn your body, clipping it in the hole, and let go. No arm power required at all (see below)
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HamsterManV2 wrote: »I personally would recommend a single-prong belt. A good one comes 'broken in' (malleable enough, yet study). Very easy to get on, and can change tightness for different exercises (some people differ between squat and deadlift).
And a very easy way to get it on or off is to apply pressure of one end on a squat rack, turn your body, clipping it in the hole, and let go. No arm power required at all (see below)
Mine was broken in but Inzers are not and they are certainly a high quality belt so I'd have to disagree with that statement. I've never used that pole technique but I've seen it done before.0 -
I've never used a rack to get mine on and off either.
But I also am not in the camp that thinks the belt has to be that tight. It needs to be tight- but not so tight you can't get it on and off.0 -
I've never used a rack to get mine on and off either.
But I also am not in the camp that thinks the belt has to be that tight. It needs to be tight- but not so tight you can't get it on and off.
I believe the article I linked had a section on proper tightening of the belt and you don't need to tighten it that much. You breath out and tighten but you need room to breath and when you lift you push on the belt with your abs that allows your back to use the belt as a surface to push off of.
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I use the rack to get mine on and I could go another hole tighter if I really wanted to, so not using it because I wear it uber tight. It's just kind of habit now to use the rack and just lean into it, like how flipping the lever is fun for the lever using people maybe? Also stiff AF Inzer, rack just makes it way easier than trying to pull by hand.1
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