NIce... got myself a proper belt for £5

[LondonTiger]

http://www.aboutstrength.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/CIMG0047.jpg

I was using the York fitness belt (above), it did server it's purpose, gave me support, but it felt badly consticting, cos it did not give me any lateral mobility so I had to take it off inbetween sets...

I picked up the Londsdale belt on a clearout at a sports store for a mere £4.99!!!!

Feels awesome, gives me good support, but doesn't feel like it's constricting, it's wide around the belly and the back, and thin around the sides...

[Dastardly]

Is this the same one?

http://www.sportsdirect.com/lonsdale-weight-lift-belt-768011
http://www.sportsdirect.com/images/products/76801199_m.jpg

It looks like it has a gap in the stomach area, is that not uncomfortable?

[LondonTiger]

Is this the same one?

http://www.sportsdirect.com/lonsdale-weight-lift-belt-768011
http://www.sportsdirect.com/images/products/76801199_m.jpg

It looks like it has a gap in the stomach area, is that not uncomfortable?
yup that's the one..

my waist is 33 inches and there is no gap for me, but if there was a gap, would it matter so much?

[Dastardly]

I have no idea, I have never owned a belt. But the whole point is that your abs are supposed to press hard against it, which is surely an issue if there is a gap?

I am looking for a belt too (inspired by Mr Gibson and Justins article on 70's big)

[LondonTiger]

as I understand it, rip said its far more important that the wider part ofnthe belt be on the belly rathar than the back, so if there is a gap, just wear it back to front.

although ypu'll probably get a lot of bodybuilders in the gym telling you otherwise.

[Rorschach]

I got exactly the same belt from Sports Direct when I started out as it was so cheap (£5.99 on clearance a year ago too, what a co-incedence :P). I found it a bit crap to be honest. It's essentially cloth and foam, so I couldn't really brace against it.
Powerlifting friend (who got me into weights in the first place, after a running injury) gave me a proper belt he had spare.
Two layers of thick leather with a suede covering, and just as importantly, it's wide all the way round. The difference in support between that and the Lonsdale one is substantial.
The Lonsdale one's a lot better than nothing, don't get me wrong, but I'd keep an eye out for a decent leather one when you get the chance.

[51M0n]

I used one similar to that as well, it wasn't a terrible belt, but once I was squatting 250+ I found that it started to bend at the top and bottom, so it was only tight where the velcro was.

Upgraded to a proper powerlifting belt (titan toro) and I really notice the difference.

[cjangelo]

Just find a real one on ebay for cheap.