Leather vs. Nylon Weightlifting Belts: Which is Better?

If you’re looking to make huge gains in the gym by doing heavy barbell exercises, one of the best ways to prevent injury and improve performance is by using a weightlifting belt. Whether it’s the Gymreapers Weight Lifting Belt or the Nylon Harbinger Weightlifting Belt, you should improve your bracing and numbers a bit easier.

But, with a market that’s saturated in different types of belts, it can be hard to figure out which type is actually best.

Below, we’ll overview the advantages and disadvantages of leather and nylon weightlifting belts and make a final recommendation regarding which type is best.

Our Top Belt Picks

Leather Weightlifting Belts

Leather weightlifting belts are designed for durability and are some of the most reliable weightlifting belts around. Usually paired with a sturdy double prong steel roller buckle, these belts are extremely secure and difficult to damage.

Whether you’re new to weightlifting or consider yourself an elite bodybuilder, a leather weightlifting belt can offer incredible support through every step of your lift. You’ll be extremely impressed by improvements in your performance when you add a leather weightlifting belt to your routine.

3 Amazing Benefits of Leather Weightlifting Belts

1. Extremely Durable

When any product is made of leather, it’s bound to be more durable than any other type of fabric. At up to 13 millimeters thick and 4 inches wide, leather belts will provide an incredible amount of support during any lift without risking tearing or breakage even after consistent use.

2. Supportive of Heavy Lifting

Because leather weightlifting belts are constructed of thick leather material, they’re much stronger than other materials and able to support greater resistance and pressure. Some belts are even capable of providing support for lifts of over 600 pounds, which shows that they can handle just about anything.

3. Best Type for Deadlifts

The ideal weightlifting belt for performing deadlifts will provide you with impressive lower back and core support to prevent lower back hyperextension while also being able to withstand an incredible amount of resistance. In essence, that describes exactly what leather weightlifting belts are capable of providing.

2 Reasons Against Leather Weightlifting Belts

1. Usually Have a Rigid Design

The greatest issue when it comes to leather weightlifting belts is the fact that they can be rather uncomfortable to wear during lifts. Due to the fact that they’re made of tough and durable leather, they’re much more likely to dig into your hips and sides and make movement a bit uncomfortable if you’re not accustomed to wearing one.

2. Come at a Higher Price Tag

When it comes to the value of weightlifting belts, a major aspect that companies are forced to consider is the cost of materials and production. Given the fact that most leather weightlifting belts are constructed of thick leather, vast amounts of stitching, and heavy steel buckles, the price tag is much higher than other types of belts.

Which Leather Weightlifting Belt Do We Recommend?

We recommend the Gymreapers Weight Lifting Belt because of its high-quality craftsmanship made from premium leather, comfortable fit, and cool design.

This 7mm lifting belt is made from genuine leather with reinforced stitching so it should last for years through brutal workouts. The black steel buckle and double prong design also adds to the durability for a very secure fit.

Another great thing about this belt is it doesn’t dig into your sides as much because of the tapering. You get more support on your lower back (where most people need it) and a little more room in the front and sides. The inside suede lining also adds to the comfort.

Additionally, Gymreapers stands by their products and promises to give you a free replacement belt if your original fails for any reason. Now that’s customer service.

Click here to see real customer reviews on Amazon.

Nylon Weightlifting Belts

Nylon weightlifting belts are most often recognized for the remarkable level of comfort that they provide lifters. What sets these belts apart from other types of weightlifting belts is the vast assortment of closure systems, allowing you to select a design that best fits your personal and weightlifting needs.

In terms of usability, these belts seem to be most appreciated by weightlifting beginners attempting to make headway in terms of strength and power. With that said, these belts can help you to perfect your form for all of the major lifts and improve your performance in the long-term.

3 Incredible Benefits of Nylon Weightlifting Belts

1. Rather Comfortable

The best feature of nylon weightlifting belts, by far, is the amount of comfort that they can provide users. Nylon is a much softer material as compared to leather and it’s much more likely to contour to the natural shape of your body and back to allow for smoother movements without pain and rigidity.

2. Better for Beginners

Nylon weightlifting belts are the best type of weightlifting belts for beginners because they’re more comfortable and provide a more gradual transition to leather weightlifting belts in the future. They’re capable of providing ample support throughout your lifts without hindering you with pain or discomfort.

3. More Variety

Nylon weightlifting belts are some of the most unique weightlifting belts currently on the market. Unlike leather weightlifting belts that have a standard design and construction, nylon weightlifting belts offer several different closure systems like buckles and velcro, come in a variety of colors, and have a wider variety of sizes and shapes.

2 Reasons Against Nylon Weightlifting Belts

1. Can Only Support So Much Weight

When any belt takes advantage of a velcro closure system that’s typical of nylon weightlifting belts, you have to consider how strong velcro can actually be. Though the velcro might support heavier lifts for the first few months, you might notice that the velcro begins to give out after consistent use at really heavy weights.

2. More Likely To Rip or Break

The greatest risk when it comes to nylon weightlifting belts is the fact that they’re made of less durable material than leather weightlifting belts. That means performing deadlifts or squats at very heavy weights can cause your belt to actually rip or break mid-lift, which obviously puts you at greater risk for traumatic injury.

What Nylon Weightlifting Belt Do We Recommend?

We think the Harbinger 4-Inch Weightlifting Belt is a good choice if you’re set on using a nylon belt for your workouts. And we like this model especially because of its durability and added support.

Because of its thick 346 count nylon configuration, this belt should hold up to some very heavy lifting. Plus, there’s a 3-inch support strap that helps to maintain lower back tension for added leverage.

It’s also pretty easy to adjust because of the Velcro closure system. This makes it a good option for people with smaller waists.

Click here to see real customer reviews on Amazon.

Leather Weightlifting Belts vs. Nylon Weightlifting Belts Conclusion

As we reviewed above, there are plenty of benefits for both leather and nylon weightlifting belts, but only one type reigns supreme.

Leather.

Leather weightlifting belts aren’t only remarkably durable and able to withstand anything you put them through, but they can also help you to reach your weightlifting goals and improve your strength and power.

They’re extremely difficult to damage and can sometimes support up to 600 pounds of force and pressure. That means they’ll be right there with you when you’re setting new PRs at the gym.

These belts are suitable for any person at any level of fitness, so you won’t have to worry about finding a new belt when your skills begin to improve. If you’re looking for a great weightlifting belt, you can’t go wrong with leather and our top pick right now is the Gymreapers Weight Lifting Belt.

Want to know what the best leather weightlifting belts are without the hours of research and comparisons? Then check out our exhaustive review of only the top belts by visiting this link: https://noobgains.com/leather-weightlifting-belt