New Belt

[melmoth]

I just read Mr. Rippetoe's article about belts from a few months back.


I'm eager to start deadlifting and cleaning with a 2.5" belt from Dean Best. I haven't bought it yet. I want to know if any of you have thoughts about my options;

a) Two belts; a 4 inch for squats and a 2.5 inch for deads, cleans, rows

b) One belt; a 3 inch for everything

c) One belt; a 2.5 inch for everything


I imagine that A is optimal and B is fine but I'd like to know if squatting with a 2.5 inch belt is ill-advised or if it's okay. I'm not a high-level lifter at all. I don't compete etc but I'm also not a beginner. I'd like to be setup with the right belt or belts combination for the next few decades or so.


Thanks and HNY

[MAD9692]

General Leathercraft has 2' or 3' dead-lift belts available. (not a 2.5)
I already have a great 4' belt for squats.
It is annoying to use for pulls.

Would you recommend the 2' or 3' belt dead-lift belt?

[Mark Rippetoe]

I cannot see your waist from here, so I don't know which size to tell you to buy.

[MAD9692]

Yep, sorry.
How would I figure it out?
I've been using the 4' and while uncomfortable, it is manageable....possibly because I have a long torso.

[VNV]

Would you recommend the 2' or 3' belt dead-lift belt?

Are you sure you need a belt for deads yet?

[kurt1911]

Email Matt at General Leathercraft, he can make you a 2.5" belt. I have one from them and it's excellent. I've recently found that I can get into a good deadlift position using my 3" belt and it gives better support. For reference I'm 5' 7” with a short torso. I use the 3" belt for squats too.

[Mark Rippetoe]

Yep, sorry.
How would I figure it out?
I've been using the 4' and while uncomfortable, it is manageable....possibly because I have a long torso.

I know! Start with a 3"! See how it feels! If you don't like it, sell it and get another one!

[Dave 321]

Another recommendation for general leathercraft. Got a 2.5 inch belt shipped to the UK and couldn't be more pleased.

[MattBraunstein]

Measure the distance between the top of your hip bone and the bottom of your ribcage. Make sure the belt is not bigger than that. I have a pretty long torso, but even a 3" belt just fits in there. I use it for everything and don't have any problems. Although, I started using it pretty early in my training, so I just got used to it easily.

[MAD9692]

Are you sure you need a belt for deads yet?

Yes.

Email Matt at General Leathercraft, he can make you a 2.5" belt. I have one from them and it's excellent.

Thanks.

I know! Start with a 3"! See how it feels! If you don't like it, sell it and get another one!

Haha...fair enough.