Best Weight Dipping Belts Reviewed
Dips are a fantastic bodyweight exercise that can give you some serious muscle, boosting your upper body power. They are limited, though, by how much you actually weigh. To take your dips to the next level, you have to add even more weight to the equation. That means you’ll need a strong, sturdy, durable dipping belt. In this article, we’ve collected together the best dip belts available today, reviewing them in detail, so you can make the right buying choice.
This is the best product on our list that is currently in stock:
36-inch Chain
Soft Neoprene
Strong Contour With Wide Back
Stainless Steel D-Rings
Anti-skin Irritant
10 Best Dip Belts
1. Dark Iron Fitness
40-inch Dipping Strap
Can Fit 6 Olympic Plates
Cushioned With Soft Padding
Two Quick-release Spring Clips
Strap Frays Quickly
Dark Iron Fitness has created this leather dip belt to help us gain muscles faster and more efficiently, and that’s what it will do! The belt is, as we said, made out of leather, a material that can last for ages to come and can withstand quite a beating.
Read moreThe dipping strap is 40 inches long, and it replaces the chain seen on many dipping belts. It can fit up to 6 Olympic plates, or over 270 pounds, so you’ll have plenty of time to spend with this belt. Don’t let the material worry you, it will still last a long time, even if it doesn’t have steel hoops intertwined together. The belt is cushioned, with pads as soft as pillows to keep you unaware of the heaviness of the weights. The stitching is strong and reinforced. There are two quick-release spring clips - whenever you feel unsafe just resort to them to save you from the overbearing weight. The belt can be neatly rolled up so it fits into your gym bag, making it perfectly portable.
2. DMOOSE Fitness Premium
36-inch Chain
Soft Neoprene
Strong Contour With Wide Back
Stainless Steel D-Rings
Anti-skin Irritant
Small Clasp
DMOOSE really brings a lot to the table with this premium dipping belt. The belt was carefully designed with comfort, durability, and versatility in mind. This unique and sturdy belt will last through any strenuous exercise you put it through!
Read moreThe chain slithering through this weight dipping belt is 36-inches long, making it longer than most chains we mentioned in our guide. The chain will keep your weights secure and in place. The material which will hug your skin is neoprene, know for its softness and flexibility, similar to natural rubber. The strong contour combined with the wide back will not dig into your back and strain your spine, and it will support the weights better than thinner belts. The double-d rings are reinforced steel, while the carabiners are heavy-duty, giving the belt titan strength and durability. The material is non-toxic, lead-free and PVC-free, so it will not irritate your skin or cause allergic reactions. The belt also absorbs excess moisture, keeping you sweat and odor-free. The chain distributes weight evenly, keeping your muscles and joints safe and pain-free. The closure is fully-adjustable suiting both men and women of all shapes and sizes.
3. Rip Toned
Updated Quality Carabiner
Highly Adjustable
Colorful Options
Contoured Fit
Heavy Duty Steel Chain
Slightly Uncomfortable
Rip Toned presents us with a very sturdy and durable dip belt. The chain is 34” long, so it’s not too long, but it’s still a good length to work with. Both the chain and carabiner are heavy duty steel, so don’t worry about them breaking under heavyweights.
Read moreThe belt is six inches thick and reinforced, keeping up with the chain and carabiner. The stitches are reinforced as well, so the belt was definitely built to last. It’s very adjustable, fitting both men and women. The belt is contoured, made to fit neatly around your waist. The company even has helpful videos on Youtube to get you started if you never used a dip belt before, or to give you some new ideas.
4. Iron Bull Strength Advanced
100% nylon construction
3 Separate Anchors
Top Quality Carabiners
Reinforced Stitching
Missing A 4th Anchor
The Iron Bull Advanced is a multifunction weight training aid that combines dips, a pull-up belt, a squat belt and a sled harness in one device. It is also a very effective weight lifting belt. The unit is made from 100% nylon, providing excellent grip, great temperature control, and maximum strength.
Read moreThe Iron Bull dip belt is able to support a huge amount of weight, yet it is surprisingly lightweight. Iron Bull Advanced has fitted this belt with three separate anchors to allow for a huge range of applications. The body has reinforced stitching throughout. At four inches in width, the belt offers plenty of core support. High-quality carabiners provide secure attachments for both plates and dumbbells.
5. Brute Belt Nylon
Heavy Military Grade Materials
Heavy Duty Carabiners
Eight Belt Loops
Built-in Padding
Expensive
The Brute Belt is constructed from military grade materials. It features an extra heavy duty strap which is able withstand up to six 45 pound plates with ease. A couple of heavy duty carabiners make for easy attachment of plates. The strap is 40 inches in length, allowing you to place the plates exactly where you want them.
Read moreThe Brute Belt is equipped with plenty of padding to provide extra lower back support. The anti-slip lining will make the belt hold on yo your waist with a death grip as the weight starts to go up. There are eight loops around the extent of the unit, allowing for a huge variety of exercises, including squats, pull-ups and dips. Despite its rugged design, the Brute weighs just one pound!
6. Harbinger Polypropylene
Lightweight
Strong Polypropylene Construction
1/4 Inch Chain Links
Double Stitched Webbing
Carabiners Could Be More Durable
The Harbinger polypropylene design features a contoured construction to provide the best fit possible. Polypropylene is both incredibly strong and lightweight, providing a comfortable wearing unit that can handle a lot of weight.
Read moreIt has a 30-inch steel chain with ¼ inch chain links to provide the strength you need to support 45-pound plates. An easy clip carabiner makes it a quick and painless process to add weight. The webbing on the Harbinger polypropylene is double stitched and tightly packed to provide extra support when you are carrying heavy weight. It provides a good level of back support and has extra padding around the lumbar region. Overall, this unit provides good value for money.
7. Faswin
Good Value
Quick Snap Carabiners
32-inch Chain
Great For Contact Sports
Adjustable Chain
Flimsy Stitching
The Faswin Belt is constructed from extremely hardy polypropylene. It features large, thick d-clamps and 32 inches of solid steel chain link. The chain is fully adjustable. Quick snap carabiners allow you to quickly and securely add weight plates to the unit.
Read moreThe body widens in the back to provide maximum protection to the lower lumbar region during the weight loaded descent into the dip. The Faswin Belt is very good value, considering the quality and durability that it affords. The chain is longer than many competitors, allowing you to load multiple weight plates. The unit has been extensively tested for strength and endurance, so you can be confident that it will be able to handle whatever weight you add to it.
8. Grizzly Fitness Leather
Extra Belt Width
Multi-ply Leather Construction
Holds Up To 750 Pounds
Solid Steel Chains
Snap Clip Closure
Back Pad Slightly Uncomfortable
The Grizzly leather dip / pull up combo provides an extra wide body that is constructed from multi-ply leather. It is up to eight inches in width to completely cover the entire core area and so provide maximum protection to the vulnerable lower back when you are dipping heavyweight. Solid d-rings attach to steel chain links.
Read moreCarabiners feature at the end of the Grizzly Leather Dip’s chains to allow for a quick way to secure weight plates to the chain links. This beast is capable of holding up to 750 pounds of extra resistance. The extra long chain will prevent the weights from banging into your crotch. The Grizzly is fully adjustable to provide a custom fit for any body shape or size.
9. RIMSports Premium
Extra Long Chain
Moisture Wicking
Comfortable Fit
Wide Back
D-Rings Could Be Stronger
The RIM Sports Dip Belt is made from a quality cotton material that has been infused with advanced moisture wicking technology. This in contrast to most dip belts which are constructed from faux leather which has a tendency to dig into your skin.
Read moreThe quality chain that is attached to this belt is 8 inches longer than you find on most competitor belts, providing you with more lifting options. This ensures not only that you are able to pack all the plates on that you need, but also that the weights will not bang into your crotch as you are performing your exercise. The RIMSports Dip belt has some padding to provide extra comfort around the lower lumbar region. The chain is positioned so that it will not swing when you are performing dips or pull ups. RIMSports offer this product at a very competitive price point.
10. Fire Team Fit
Durable And Resilient Materials
44-inch Chain
300-pound Weight Capacity
No Rubbing Or Chafing
Folds Easily
Delivery Problems
Chain Feels Weak
The Fire Team Fit Dip Belt is made very durable and resilient materials to ensure that it can handle the heaviest of workouts, time after time. It has double reinforced stitching, along with a long, adjustable heavy duty chain.
Read moreThe 44-inch chain is one of the longest on the market and has a weight capacity of 300 pounds. This belt is made from flexible neoprene. Unlike thick leather belts, it will not chafe or rub against the skin. The chain attaches comfortably over the weight dipping belt in order to avoid the hassle of pinching. The easy clip-on the system allows you to quickly and easily change the number of plates on the chains.
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Use
Use leads to effective training
If you never used a dip belt before, chances are that it confuses you and that you do not know where to begin. The belt shouldn’t worry you since it’s a pretty straightforward tool that will make your dipping exercises even better.
A dip belt is simply an adjustable belt that has an attachment where you place weights. These weights can either be a weight plate, kettlebell, dumbbell or even a barbell if you’re feeling up to the task! Many weight dipping belts have a “tail” where you attach the weights, which will dangle in front of you between your legs. All you have to do is perform regular pull-ups or dips while the belt is strapped around your body.
But there are some unique ways to use your belt. When performing dips, you can change the focus of the exercise from the chest to the triceps simply positioning yourself in a different way. When you set yourself on the dip stand, lean slightly forward while flaring your elbows. This will make your chest work harder while putting your elbows back in the standard position will bring the focus back on your triceps.
You can also use your belt to build the muscles of your lower body. People who suffer from back problems have trouble performing the basic barbell squat. You can always shift to heavy barbells, but if your grip is not strong enough you might have trouble here as well. Belts allow you to load up your squat without actually having to use your back or grip, so you can safely perform them. By wearing the belt around your waist when you do squats, all of the stress is on your legs. Your body also has an easier time recovering from belt squats than from anything else. But how will you squat with a chain dangling from your waist between your legs? This is true if you squat while standing on the ground. Step up on wooden boxes, or even steppers and you will see that you’ll have no problems with squatting with a weight dipping belt. It’s easier to maintain your form this way, so it’s also a much safer alternative!
Effectiveness
Effectiveness gets results
So, we’ve established that a belt is quite useful and versatile, but how effective is it? A dipping belt is an effective tool for beginners, advanced lifters, calisthenics lovers and athletes!
For beginners, a belt might be a hardcore accessory, but that doesn’t mean that a beginner shouldn’t own one. The weight dipping belt gives a lot of benefits that you will feel all over your body, but make sure that you do not overload yourself. If you are a dedicated lifter and are motivated to go heavier and heavier, a belt will be a very reliable tool.
Advanced lifters will probably benefit the most from dip belts. This is because they will use the belt often, loaded with heavyweights since simply dipping or doing pull-ups simply won’t cut it anymore. A plateau can be fixed with a dipping belt, so count on it to help you push further and further.
If you are interested in calisthenics or are actively performing it, then a weight dipping belt might be of interest to you. Calisthenics primarily focuses on bodyweight, but there are times when the added weight will help you. If you are an advanced calisthenics performer, you are already an expert at doing chin-ups, pull-ups and dips and everything in between where you could actually have some use from a belt. The exercises will be far more challenging, and you will see a lot of muscle growth once you implement it into your routine. When you get back to regular calisthenics, you will see that the exercises became a walk in a park!
Athletes are a group of people who will perform calisthenics, all kinds of cardio, weight lifting, bodybuilding and much more, so you can see how they would benefit from a dip belt. If you want to keep up with all of these disciplines and see steady progress, implementing different tools while you workout is important. A belt is something that will help you reach your goals faster, and the number of exercises you can perform with it strapped around your waist is only limited by your imagination. You can even use a belt to attach weights to drag behind you while you run or sprint!
Once you start to use the belt, you will see most of the growth in your chest and triceps. When you lean forward while doing your dips, your chest will grow a lot, but with a belt, that effect will be amplified. If you do your dips without one, you are missing out! Of course, the more eight you have strapped to the belt the harder the exercise will be, but that’s where all the magic comes from! Tricep dips are also something you shouldn’t leave out of your routine, and if you don’t do tricep dips at all you are missing out. Triceps are usually one of the hardest muscles to develop, so by adding a belt when you focus on them will be mighty helpful. The back gains are also something we should mention. Pull-ups and chin-ups are hard for most people as it is, and by adding a dip belt they will become much, much harder, so be prepared for that! The build-up to adding weights will be slow, and the build-up to adding even more weights will be even slower, but it will happen and it’s important that you persist!
When using a belt, you are also making your heart work harder. This will build your stamina as well, along with your muscles. Enduring through all of the exercises you’ve set up for yourself is rewarding, both physically and psychologically. The increased stamina from lifting with a belt will transfer to other areas of your life, giving you a significant endurance boost.
Fit
Focus and get the best FIT
First things first, th
ere are two types of dipping belts on the market today, and they are belts with a steel chainring and belts without rings. Belts witha chain will have a tighter fit and will remain glued to your body even after you complete one movement. If you are someone that likes threading the chains through both rings on your belt, the belt will squeeze you even harder, close to the fit of a weightlifting belt. If you are not used to this, it can be uncomfortable and it can even rip your clothes, so be careful.
When it comes to dipping belts without chains, they are much more comfortable to wear. The absence of chain
Also means that the belt won’t damage your clothes or your skin. But the lack of chains has its drawbacks too. The belt will not give you so much stability like the belts with chains would, so you can’t rely on it to support your waist or back. Once you are done with your exercise, the belt will simply slide off. But this doesn’t necessarily have to be a bad thing - it can mean that the belts are much easier to put on and off, saving you both time and energy. Also, do not worry about the belt sliding around or off while you are in the middle of your session. When you perform dipping movements, your body will be slightly bent forward, your back will be arched, and your glutes will be tense and act as a barrier. Also, the weights attached to the dipping belt will pull it in the opposite direction of your body, so it will be impossible for the belt to slide down. Once you stand up though, expect the belt to wiggle itself free.
You also have to consider the length of the chain or the strap. This is because not everyone has the same shape and size, and most notably the circumference of our waists vary, so we need different chain lengths. A 32-inch belt can be perfect for someone who is on the smaller side, but if you are on the big side, you might miss the extra length a 36-inch, or even a 40-inch chain can provide. The weights will hang from the chain and the shorter the chain is, the more pressure and uncomfortable digging in you will feel, so carefully think the length of your chain over. But shorter chains will not let the weights swing so much, possibly hitting your legs or throwing you off balance. So try to go as short as possible, but not too short.
Materials
Materials give comfort and support
Your dip belt can be made out of a myriad of materials. The material you choose will depend on what you need, how sturdy you want your belt to be, and of course, your budget.
Leather belts are quite popular and for many reasons. Leather is a natural material that usually comes from cows or goats, but there are more exotic varieties which are not used in the dipping belt industry. Leather is naturally hardy, and it can withstand many years of rough use, only to arise stronger than before. Leather can be quite stiff in the beginning, but once you warm it up and use it a few times, it will soften up and mold to your natural body shape, so you will end up with a belt that fits you perfectly. It is resistant to wear and tear damage, abrasions, and scratches, so it will also look good while you use it. But leather is also quite heavy, especially if multiple layers are used, so if you are a beginner and not used to the extra weight when you work out, maybe go for the fabric belts first.
Synthetic belts are also good, and they can last for a long time too if you care about them, and if they have reinforced stitching and extra strength clasps that will help them live a long life. Synthetic belts are usually made out of nylon, polypropylene, neoprene or polyester, which all come with their set of benefits and drawbacks. None of them are as hardy as leather is, nor as heavy. If you won’t be using your belt all the time and rigorously, you could easily go for a synthetic belt without seeing it fall to pieces. Also, if you struggle with your budget, a synthetic belt is much cheaper than the leather variety, and you won’t need to break the bank to buy it. One thing to look out for is comfort. These belts can be quite uncomfortable, thanks to the sharp edges and firmness, and they won’t be less firm like leather would, after a few times in the gym. These belts all use a chain to attach the weight too. These chains are all made out of steel, usually heavy-duty or industrial-strength chains that are built to last. But this chain can also add to the whole discomfort thing, so be prepared for that.
No matter which material you choose, you will reap all the benefits a dipping belt can give you!
Durability
Durability saves money
Your belt is a tool that will follow you into the gym for many years to come, so it’s important that you look for a sturdy durable belt. Also, some of the belts are not so cheap, and spending money on something that will fall apart only after you use it for a few times can be upsetting. A flimsy belt can also fall apart in the middle of your workout, and the falling weights can injure you, or cause damage to the floor or nearby equipment, so make sure that your belt is a hardy belt.
One way to be absolutely certain that your belt can withstand a lot is to buy a leather belt. Leather is super hardy, and it definitely won’t fall apart under all of that weight. But leather is pricey, so we go for the lesser nylon or polyester belts. They are definitely not as sturdy, so make sure that they have reinforced stitching and sturdy chains if you want to use them for a long time!
Expert Interviews & Opinions
Believe it or not, you can make a belt in the comfort of your own home, no need to buy one! It won’t be as sturdy or as comfy though, but it works if you don’t have the budget for a new belt or the time to go shopping for one. All you need for your DIY belt is one super sturdy carabiner, a heavy duty chain with the links at least 1x2 inches thick, a pool noodle for comfort, a piece of string, a hacksaw to cut the chain and of course a measuring tape. Some pool noodles have a hole in the middle, while others don't. Go for the ones that have a hole because you need to pull the chain through. Measure your waist correctly - do not shave off that one inch that bothers you! Cut the materials at the correct length, in other words, make sure that everything is long enough to be wrapped around you, with the chain having more length to accommodate for the weights. Cut the chain with the hacksaw, tie it to the string and pull it through the noodle. Fasten the carabiner at one end, attach the chain and you’re good to go!
Other Factors to Consider
Weight
The weight of your belt is also something you should definitely take into consideration. By this, we mean both the weight of the belt, and how much weight can the belt handle before falling apart.
If you are a beginner, you will need a belt that is on the lightweight side, because you won’t be able to handle all that weight, and it could also put some strain on your back and spine. Make sure that you know how much weight you want to add to your belt. If you don’t plan to go over 50 pounds, then any belt you can find will do the trick, since they will be able to withstand that. But if you want to go super heavy, make sure that it can handle 100 pounds or more! Make sure that the belt doesn’t dig into your skin when it handles this much weight.
Bottom Line
Dips and pull-ups are fine and dandy all by their own, but when you add the dipping belt to the combination the situation changes, and you are open to even more gains and benefits from these simple exercises. The dipping belt can help you with those moves and much more, unlocking your full potential. We hope our guide has helped you understand the dipping belt and its benefits better, and that you have found your new partner in crime!
Frequently Asked Questions
q: How much weight can a dip belt hold?
This is an important question, especially if you want to go super-heavy at one point in the future. The amount of weight your belt can handle will depend on the material it is made out of, and how well constructed it is. A cheap belt probably won’t be able to withstand that much, possibly up to 100 pounds or less. A good, sturdy belt or a leather belt can take up to 270 pounds or more without breaking apart! So take this into consideration when you go shopping for your new belt.
q: Does one size fit all?
This is usually the case, but some belts, like the Brute belt, have different sizes that you need to choose from. An adjustable belt will have a strong clasp that will hold the belt firmly around your waist, not letting it open. So you don’t really need to worry about your size when purchasing a belt unless the manufacturer stated that they offer different sizes.
q: Does the weight dipping belt offer lower back support?
Back support is quite useful when we lift heavy weights, or when we suffer from back problems. But when you do exercises with dipping belts, back support is not so important, but you can still look into it when buying your belt. A belt that has a wider back and plenty of padding will both support you and not pinch or rub your skin the wrong way. A simple, leather belt is sturdy enough to give you support by itself, yet a cheap nylon belt won’t offer you any back support at all.
q: How tight should the belt be around my waist?
This is a common question for many beginners when they first try to fit their belts around their waists. The belt should be snug around your waist, but it shouldn’t be so snug that it digs into your skin and doesn’t let you move. It also shouldn’t slide over your hips or wiggle when you work out, so try it out before you go at it!
q: What is the best way to clean/care for the belt?
This will again depend on what material the belt is made out of. A leather belt can be cleaned off with a damp rug, and maintained with a leather cream or spray. Synthetic belts can either be thrown in the washing machine and air dried indoors, or washed in the sink by hand, with a mild dish soap and lukewarm water. Before you attempt to clean your belt make sure that whatever method you’ve chosen is safe by looking at the instructions the brand gave you!