Finding an inexpensive yet effective way to upgrade your bodyweight workouts in a restricted space can be a haggle.
More than that, it can potentially cause serious injuries if you don’t do your homework properly before going online shopping.
The solution? Well, a dip belt might be the game-changer you need. (And no, dip belts are not used for dips only.)
So, to make sure you know how to choose the best dip belts for amping up your muscles, I conducted a 27-hour research to find, evaluate, and single out only the best weighted dip belt options on the market.
Our Top Dip Belt Recommendations (September 2023)
1 - Dark Iron Fitness
Unlike most dip belt models which are usually made with chains, this leather belt comes with a long, firm nylon strap.
It is the most comfortable dip belt that also avoids skin pinching and damage, weight scratching or sliding, and chain rust.
The adjustment strap and a strong metal buckle ensure this weighted dip belt fits all waist sizes without falling off in the middle of your workout and potentially hurting you.
Also, reinforced double stitching and heavy duty carabiners provide extra safety and longevity.
It can hold around six Olympic 45-pound weight plates - more than enough for serious powerlifters.
Product facts:
- Material : 100% genuine leather dip belt
- Maximum weight capacity : 270lbs
- Strap length : 40in
- Super sturdy and durable nylon strap, with an impressive weight capacity
- Extra padding for additional comfort and support to prevent injury
- Reasonably priced
- Lifetime warranty
- One-color combination only
2 - DMoose Fitness Dip Belt
Does a dip belt with chain tickle your fancy?
DMoose Fitness offers an affordable combination of strength and comfort, which is great for beginners and intermediate athletes (with waist no wider than 34 inches).
Satisfied users say it’s sturdy, neatly fits around the waist, and works fairly well for weighted dips, pull ups, belt squats, or even squats with your own body weight.
This “one size fits all” weight belt is also designed to set you apart from others in the gym. It comes in colors that allow you to express your patriotism as well as bright, reflective designs that all you CrossFit gym rats will love.
Product facts:
- Material : neoprene
- Maximum weight capacity : 225lbs
- Chain length : 36in
- Contoured wide back and ergonomic design for enhanced comfort
- Available in different colors
- Full refund/replacement guarantee
- The carabiner clips seem brittle and the stitching could be more durable
3 - Harbinger Polypropylene Dip Belt
The universal-sized Harbinger dipping belt could be a great addition to your workout gear, especially if you’re a beginner with a narrower waist and don’t plan on lifting heavy weights.
The weight belt is made from sturdy, durable material with secured D-rings. It’s great for weighted dips, pull ups, squats, and other exercises that help grow your upper back, lats, triceps, and even calves by doing donkey calf raises.
Unlike classical Rogue dip belt, it’s wide enough and well-padded for superior comfort, although the clips have sharp edges and - according to some users - can scratch or pinch your skin or clothes.
Product facts:
- Material : polypropylene
- Maximum weight capacity : 200lbs
- Chain length : 30in
- Contoured design provides back and upper body support and comfort
- Easy to attach weight to it
- Inexpensive
- Lower weight capacity, clips with sharp edges, short chain
4 - Rip Toned Dip Belt
The Rip Toned dip belt with chain is another affordable model that’s ideal for enthusiastic beginners.
It’s wide, padded, and carefully contoured for a super comfortable fit, allowing you to focus on your workouts instead of discomfort or pain.
“You've got to block out all distractions when you train. Your focus has to be 100% into the rep. You've got to get into a zone.”
- Mike Matarazzo, Bodybuilder
The reinforced stitching and heavy duty carabiners add to its durability and reliability, which is the main reason why Kevin Weiss, the 2014 World Champion Powerlifter, endorsed this solid dipping belt (and not the Hypeletics weighted dip belt).
Also, the company has many helpful YouTube videos on how to use the product safely and effectively.
Product facts:
- Material : synthetics
- Maximum weight capacity : 200lbs
- Chain length : 32in
- Available in different colors
- Quick and easy to add or remove weight
- Lifetime replacement guarantee
- Might be heavy
5 - Brute Belt
The Brute Belt is extremely versatile thanks to eight loops around the waist, which let you attach various weight types with very little to no discomfort.
Additionally, the long, adjustable, firm strap reinforced with two steel carabiners helps to keep the weights in place.
The built-in padding and non-slip grip enhance comfort and lower back support while exercising.
This weight belt for dips is a staple for advanced powerlifters, and military enthusiasts will love its camouflage design.
Product facts:
- Material : nylon dip belts
- Maximum weight capacity : 270lbs
- Strap length : 40in
- Military-grade materials ensure superior strength and durability
- Two colors and three different sizes available
- Lightweight
- Pricy
6 - Iron Bull Strength Advanced Dip Belt
Solid construction makes this Iron Bull dip belt excellent for doing weighted dips, pull ups, sled pulls, lunges, squats, calf raises, deadlifts, and many other movements. Its three strong, well-fastened attachment rings provide multiple options for each exercise.
Also, this Iron Bull belt is designed as a belt for dips, weight lifting, or regular back support, which can save you from buying different items.
Heavy duty nylon ensures maximum grip and temperature control during workouts. Users claim the extreme comfort boosts confidence, resulting in better performance.
Because of its lower weight capacity and strap length, it might not be ideal for advanced lifters but could work great for beginners who aim to tone muscle with lighter weights.
Product facts:
- Material : nylon
- Maximum weight capacity : 180lbs
- Strap length : 24in
- Sturdy yet lightweight nylon construction
- Comes in five sizes with a wide Velcro strap for a better fit
- Comfortable, supportive, and versatile
- The strap could be longer, adjustable, and reinforced for heavier weight
7 - RIMSports Dip Belt
Here’s another functional, lightweight dipping and weight lifting belt with a long chain that feels flexible and super comfy to wear.
It’s designed to last for a long time thanks to the premium material, firm stitching, and robust carabiner mechanism. Your belt stays safely fastened, so you can work out without worrying about the heavy weights suddenly landing on your feet.
Product facts:
- Material : cotton
- Maximum weight capacity : 135lbs
- Chain length : 34in
- Optimum steel chain length and strength
- Wide back with thick padding for superior comfort
- Unique design at a competitive price
- D-rings could be more durable for heavier weights
8 - Hawk Fitness Dip Belt
Hawk’s unisex mesh-lined belt definitely deserves a spot among the best dip belts.
This inexpensive weight belt suited for various high-resistance activities effectively supports your core and stabilizes your spine, reducing the stress during heavy weight lifting.
The manufacturer also claims the long chain made of steel with two-way adjustment buckles is durable enough to withstand extremely heavy weights and high impacts, even in commercial gyms.
- Material : neoprene
- Maximum weight capacity : 300lbs
- Chain length : 36in
- Outstanding weight capacity
- Comfortable, wide with thick foam padding and rounded edges
- Lifetime warranty
- Small carabiners are hard to manipulate
9 - Spud Dip Belt
This weighted dip belt is designed for easy use during bodybuilding, weightlifting, CrossFit, or strength training.
Satisfied users say it’s well-constructed, stable, and sits well on your hips when exercising. Moreover, the manufacturers promise it will last a lifetime.
Note that this belt with chain may be comfortable around your waist, but only if it isn’t wider than 35 inches.
Product facts:
- Material : synthetic webbing
- Maximum weight capacity : 180lbs
- Chain length : 24in
- Sturdy construction with high-quality webbing
- Solid stitching for increased durability
- Comfortable
- The chain is short, not suited for wider waists
10 - Fire Team Fit Weighted Belt
This is one of the best dip belts out there, simply because it can even support a veteran-operated company. It’s made from flexible, comfortable, moisture-wicking, and resilient materials with heavy duty stitching.
The adjustable steel chain with sturdy double carabiners and D-rings is among the longest on the market, allowing you to load it up with many different weights for various exercises without fear of injuries along your pelvis or inner thighs.
The belt wraps around your waist comfortably - no pinching, rubbing, or chafing against your skin.
Product facts:
- Material : neoprene foam
- Maximum weight capacity : 300lbs
- Chain length : 44in
- Extra-long chain with an incredible weight capacity
- Comfortable, lightweight and compact
- 100% satisfaction guarantee
- Not suitable for waists wider than 40 inches
Buyer’s Guide - How to Choose the Best Dip Belt for Yourself?
You can hardly go wrong with basic equipment such as this because most dip belts on the market are made from quality materials.
Still, here’s what you need to know before picking the right belt.
1. Find the Best Material
Dip belts are made of leather or synthetic materials such as nylon, polyester, polypropylene, or neoprene.
If top-quality, leather belts are more durable, comfortable to wear, and stylish, but heavier and pricier than synthetics.
Besides lower pricing, high-quality synthetic materials may also be long-lasting, comfortable, and flexible enough.
So, what’s the best material for a dip belt?
The best materials for a comfortable dip belt are either top-notch leather or durable synthetics. Each has its pros and cons, depending on your personal preferences.
My pick would be top-grain cow leather.
Whichever you choose, make sure the dip belt is soft and wide enough not to dig into your skin but feels comfortable to wear around your waist.
Plus, it should be firm enough to withstand your desired weight load distributed equally around your torso.
2. Hit the Perfect Fit
Few dip belts come in different sizes. Majority’s made with adjustment straps as “one size fits all”.
What’s the best dip belt size and length for you?
The best dip belt size and length for you is determined by your height and waist size.
The taller you are, and the wider your waist is, the longer dip belt you’ll need, just like when picking the right pull-up bar according to your height, hand span, etc.
Also, longer straps or chains may be suitable if you’re doing a pull-up, chin-ups, or squats on a raised platform.
And they provide better stability as the weights are hanging lower during workouts. You don’t want the plates on your crotch, right?
Similarly, the shorter the chains or straps, the more pressure and discomfort you may feel, and it’s harder to keep the balance.
However, they may be a better choice when doing core exercises or dips, especially for shorter people.
So, choose a reasonable length for yourself and a wider dip belt for more comfort.
But wait! How tight should my dip belt be?
Your dip belt shouldn’t be too tight to dig into your skin but fit snugly around your waist, letting you breathe and move freely for maximum comfort and safety.
3. How Much Weight Can a Dip Belt Hold?
It may range from 100lbs to 1,000+lbs depending on its material and construction quality.
If you’re not as big as Hulk and don’t want to exert yourself too much, a dip belt with a weight capacity of around 200lbs may work fine for you.
The higher weight capacity a dip belt can withstand, the higher its price will be.
“Heavy lifting doesn't need to be heavy spending if we do the job right.”
- Buzz Aldrin, Astronaut
4. Choose Between a Belt with Chain or a Strap
Dip belts come with either chains or straps attached to pass through the weight plates.
Which option should you choose?
Here’s what you need to know before deciding:
- Straps are lighter and easily portable.
- Chains might be more durable and support heavier weights, but top-notch belts also come with sturdy, well-made straps.
- Straps can ensure a snug, secure, and more comfortable fit than chains.
- Unlike straps, chains may damage the finish of the weight plates, your clothes, or skin.
- It may be easier to add or remove weights with chains, but carabiner clips connecting the chain to the belt on cheaper models bend and deteriorate faster.
5. Check Out Its Durability
Before you buy a dip belt, make sure it’s built to last for years.
You don’t want to waste money on a flimsy belt that will fall apart after a few workouts, do you?
The best quality, super durable dip belts are typically pricier and:
- made from strong materials
- with reinforced stitching
- with sturdy chains/straps and attachment points
6. How Does a Dip Belt Work?
It increases your exercise velocity and muscle activity, promoting your muscle growth. [1] [2]
It increases your intra-abdominal pressure enhancing your spine stability and supporting your trunk. [3] [4] [5] [6]
It reduces the compressive forces and stress on your spine, which helps protect your back from injuries during heavy weight lifting. [7] [8]
Also Read: How to Do Dips
FAQs
Can You Use a Dip Belt for Pull-Ups?
Yes, you can use a dip belt for weighted pull-ups to increase their difficulty, develop flexibility, gain strength, and build your upper-body muscle mass.
What Is a Dip Belt Used For?
A dip belt is used for adding resistance and making bodyweight and other exercises more challenging to overcome a plateau when doing variations of dips, push-ups, chin-ups, pull-ups, muscle-ups, squats, lunges, leg raises, static hangs, etc.
Final Word: Which Dip Belt Is The Best?
The answer to which dip belt is the best depends on your needs, training goals, body shape, etc.
I think Dark Iron Fitness offers one of the best dip belts on the market.
Many thrilled users claim it’s the equivalent of German car quality in the world of fitness accessories.
I couldn’t agree more - solid construction, premium materials, thoughtful design, superior comfort and functionality.
It’s versatile enough to enable enthusiastic beginners as well as advanced athletes to have far more challenging and beneficial calisthenics, weightlifting, bodybuilding, HIIT, or any other training.
So which one is your favorite? A belt with chain or super sturdy synthetic straps?
Let us know what you think, there are no wrong answers.
Our #1 Recommendation
Dark Iron Fitness
- Super sturdy and durable nylon strap, with an impressive weight capacity
- Extra padding for additional comfort and support to prevent injury
- Reasonably priced
- Lifetime warranty
- One-color combination only
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