Best Weight Belts For Dips, Pull Ups & Chin Ups - Top Reviews With Chains & Straps
If you have never used a dip belt before, this simple piece of equipment can really take your training to the next level...
Weight belts are primarily used for triceps dips, chin ups and pull ups but can also add resistance to a number of bodyweight exercises.
Weighted calisthenics for the win.
You can attach different weights including weight plates, kettlebells and dumbbells making weight belts a very versatile piece of equipment.
There are plenty of options so in this dip belt review we’ll help you narrow down the best options and take a look at what they can add to your workout—though you shouldn't need to look much further than the Rogue Dip Belt to satisfy your strength building needs.
The 6 Best Weight Dip Belts Reviewed
1. Rogue Dip Belt
Our Verdict: Best Overall
Known for being represented in the CrossFit Games, you can rely on Rogue Fitness to provide a heavy-duty dip belt. The Rogue Dip Belt is the best dip belt for heavy weights because of its impressive weight capacity and durability.
Featuring a ¼ inch thick and 30.5-inch-long metal chain, it is also the best weight belt with a chain because of its high capacity. Rogue Fitness promises that the chain can hold up to 29,400 lbs in weight.
Obviously, you aren’t going to be lifting that kind of weight in your regular gym session, but it does mean you won’t see the chain breaking any time soon.
The material is also a durable and heavy-duty nylon, meaning you won’t have to worry about the fabric ripping under the pressure. This comfort fit nylon body is light and flexible and features heavy stitching for extra support.
The 3-inch nylon belt also has a 4-inch-wide back piece for extra comfort and extra lower back support which will help you avoid strains and serious injuries when you’re taking on heavy weights.
The belt is easily adjusted using steel D-shaped carabiners and the hold is reliable. However, some customers have found the carabiners to be uncomfortable on the hips.
It comes in one size which should fit all, although some lighter weight customers have found that it can slip. This is also one of the shorter chains so if you are taller you might want to consider an option with a longer chain so that the weights hang comfortably.
There are also two-color options, black and yellow, so you have some choice on style as well.
See the belt in action right here:
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2. Brute Belt
Our Verdict: Most Versatile
The Brute Belt is the best weight belt for versatility and a sturdy option for pull ups, chin ups and squats as well as a range of other exercises.
It is made from comfortable and high quality, military grade nylon material. This material is strong enough to take on up to 270 lbs. However, it uses a nylon strap instead of a chain so there is the risk of ripping under the weight.
Coming in three different sizes, the Brute Belt is one of the more adjustable belts, however, the maximum waist size is 43 inches.
The anti-slip material will keep the belt secured and in place with heavier weights, even for smaller users. It also comes in black or camouflage to suit its military grade material.
The best thing about this weight belt is that it can be used for a range of different exercises.
It features 8 weight loops around the belt so you can attach the weights where you like and perform body weight exercises as well as the traditional dips and pull ups. These loops are positioned to disperse weight evenly around the body.
It is also highly comfortable, because of the in-built padding, and lightweight, weighing in at just 1 pound.
You can comfortably wear it around the gym even when you are not using the weights, eliminating the hassle of taking it on and off between exercises.
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3. Rip Toned Dip Belt
Our Verdict: Best for Pull-Ups & Chin-Ups
Rip Toned makes trusted weight lifting and exercise equipment and is endorsed by professionals in the industry like Kevin Weiss, the World Champion Powerlifter.
This is one of the best dip belts for pull ups and chin ups because of the longer 34-inch chain.
With this heavy-duty steel chain, you will be able to add more weights without the chain getting too short, so the weights will still hang comfortably when you are completing pull ups.
As well as pull ups and chin ups, this dip belt is a great option for bodyweight and cardio exercises like squats or CrossFit. The steel chain and carabiner support up to 200 lbs which is a decent weight, but you shouldn’t try to push that limit as the material can rip.
The belt itself is 13.8 inches by 7.9 inches by 2.4 inches making it one of the wider options, which is great for back support. One size should fit all and work for both men and women, however, it is not made for those with a waist size smaller than 26 inches.
It also weighs just 2 pounds making it easy to transport to and from the gym, and comes in a few color options including black, grey, grey camouflage and red.
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Our Verdict: Best for Tall Athletes
For taller users, this premium dip belt has a 36-inch stainless steel chain, which comfortably keeps your weights in place while you focus on form.
With the longer chain, this is also one of the best dip belts for chin ups and the best pull up weight belt, as the weights are held securely in the perfect position and won’t get in the way of your reps.
Made from neoprene, this dip belt is very comfortable and features anti skin irritant material. With a wide contoured back, the belt protects your lower back from injury and keeps you comfortable throughout your workout by absorbing excess sweat and fighting odor.
The longer chain allows even weight distribution and the full adjustable closure makes it great for men and women, however, customers with 34-inch waists and above have found that it doesn’t sit as comfortably around the hips.
The chain is secured with stainless steel D-rings; however, some customers have found the clasp to be small and tricky to use.
With a decent weight capacity of 225 lbs, you won’t need to worry about the belt ripping even when handling a higher weight. The material is very durable and the belt is extra wide which prevents ripping.
Finally, the material is non-toxic, lead and PVC free, and comes in different colours and patterns including black, blue, grey and even an eye-catching American flag print.
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5. Dark Iron Fitness Leather Dip Belt
Our Verdict: Best for Beginners
Dark Iron have created one of the best leather weight belts. This is also the best belt for beginners because of its fast release mechanism for safety.
This weight belt comes with a 40-inch dipping strap, as oppose to a chain. Although, the length provides more room for weights to sit comfortably, the maximum capacity of this weight belt is 270 lbs and some customers have found that the strap can start to fray with less weight than this.
With that in mind, the leather material of the belt is very durable and comfortable thanks to the cushioned padding. The strap is made of nylon which is also a high-quality material and should withstand a decent weight, as long as you don’t exceed the maximum capacity.
An important feature of this belt, which makes it ideal for beginners, is the quick release spring clips. These clips make it easy to drop the weight if you feel that you are pushing your limits too hard mid set.
I know that when I started weight training, I would sometimes push myself too hard and feel a sudden tinge in my back muscles. When you experience this, it is important to put the weight down as quickly as possible to avoid injury.
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6. Harbinger Polypropylene Dip Belt
Our Verdict: Most Comfortable
This trusted brand is a top seller of weight belts with a chain and this product is the best belt for weighted dips because of its adjustability. The classic design makes it easy to add and change weights by simply inserting the chain through the weight.
It only comes in one size but is secured comfortably by the weight. Also, it is countered to the back to avoid lower back injuries whilst using the extra weight for triceps dips.
With sturdy polypropylene material, you can rely on the material to take on a decent weight. It can support 45 lbs but customers have found that it can hold as much as 100 lbs of weights easily.
As well as being very comfortable, polypropylene is lightweight so it won’t be weighing down your gym bag. For comfort, it is padded but can be a little stiff until you have used it a few times.
The 34-inch chain can easily be undone with simple grommet clips to add more weight. This longer chain allows you to add more weights without limiting the length of the chain too much.
However, this length is not ideal for taller users as the weight might not hang at a comfortable knee height position.
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How Do I Use a Dip Belt?
Using a dip belt is a simple way to add weight and resistance to a number of bodyweight exercises. They are especially helpful for triceps dips, chin ups and pull ups, which would otherwise be difficult to add resistance to.
Putting it On
Simply insert the strap or chain of your weight belt through both rings and then the weights you want to use and make sure it is secured with the carabiner to the first loop. If you are using a dumbbell, you can wrap the chain or strap around the weight a couple of times, to make sure it is secure, before attaching the carabiner.
You can put the belt around your hips first and add the weights as required, or you can add the weights first and place them on the floor, crouching down into the belt to put it on. Make sure that the belt is sitting comfortably around your hips and the material is hugging the lower back to provide support.
Tricep Dips
Triceps dips are performed with your arms positioned on a bench or chair behind your back. With your legs extended in front of you, you will then use your arms to lower and raise your body by slowly bending your elbows.
A dip belt effectively adds weight when your hands are occupied lowering and raising your body. The weight of a medicine ball as a good example, should hang between your legs so that you are able to dip them to the floor and raise them up again with your body.
After doing dips for a long time, you are likely to find that your own body weight becomes pretty easy to lift. This is why a weight belt can really make a difference when training your triceps. At that point, wearing a weighted vest can add resistance to your routine.
Pull Ups and Chin Ups
If you are not familiar with pull ups and chin ups using an overhead bar, they are a standard exercise aimed at improving upper body strength. Simply hold on to the bar and raise your body up and down.
The difference between a pull up and chin up is that with a pull up you will begin with your palms facing away from your body, whereas a chin up is performed with your hands facing towards your body. Because of this, the two exercises work different muscles.
You can easily add resistance to both exercises with a weight belt. The weights should hang comfortably between your legs while you use your arms to raise and lower your own body and the weights. Focus on slow controlled movements and the increased pressure on your arms.
Maximize the extra weight you can pull by utilizing some wrist wraps as well for added support.
For a demonstration of a controlled pull up check out the video below:
Squats
If you are looking to work your leg muscles with a dip belt, squats are a great way to do this. Keeping your back straight and your feet hip width apart, bend your knees until your thighs are parallel to the floor. Make sure that your knees are not over your toes when you reach this position.
With the weighted belt, you can do a number of squat variations to strengthen your thighs. Complete the simple squat with the weight hanging between your legs, raising and lowering it with each rep.
Alternatively, you can pulse with your thighs parallel to the ground the weight hanging just above the floor. If you want to put more pressure on your inner thighs, try a sumo squat with your weight belt by placing your feet in a wide stance with toes slightly turned out.
What Should I Look For in a Good Dip Belt?
The dip belts in this review are all high quality and popular among customers. They have a number of qualities which make them the best products and you should look for these things when you are buying any weight belt.
Material
Originally, one of the most popular materials for weight belts was leather because it is extremely durable. However, there are a few downsides to leather belts, they are heavier, can be stiff and of course you can’t throw them in a washing machine when they get sweaty.
For this reason, a lot of the belts in this review are made from materials like nylon, neoprene or polypropylene. These belts are more lightweight and flexible, giving you the freedom to move whilst still supporting the lower back with padding.
Dip belts can feature a fabric strap or a metal chain. Generally, a chain is the superior option as it is a lot more durable than fabric and can take on more weight. However, a nylon strap is also reasonably durable and more lightweight than a chain.
Size
For taller athletes, it is important to get a belt with a longer chain or strap. If the strap or chain is too short, the weights won’t hang comfortably between your legs and can get in the way during your reps.
Also, you will want to consider how adjustable the belt is depending on your waist size. Some of the belts in this review have a maximum waist size and won’t sit comfortably on heavyweight users. Similarly, you should look for a shorter belt if you have a small waistline to make sure that it doesn’t slip when you add weights.
Weight Capacity
If you know you are going to be lifting some very heavy weights, look for a higher weight capacity. Some of the products in this review do not have a specific weight limit, but customers have found that they start to fray under pressure.
For powerlifters, make sure you get a belt with a metal chain and a high weight capacity. If you are a beginner, any one of the weight belts in this review will be able to support the necessary weight to get you started.
Which Dip Belt is Right For Me?
With so many options, picking the right one for you can be difficult. There are a few differences between the weight belts in this review that could make one better suited to you than the others.
Best Chain and High Capacity
As mentioned, if you are lifting heavy weights, you will need a sturdy chain just to hold the weights. In terms of weight capacity, nothing comes close to the Rogue Dip Belt.
Despite its very high capacity promise, bare in mind that fabric can always fray or rip under extreme pressure, so keep an eye on the material as you add weights.
Best for Beginners
If you are not familiar with using a weight belt, safety should be your first concern.
The Dark Iron Belt has an easy release clip which will allow you to drop the weights quickly if you feel any pain. This can prevent serious back injuries whilst you get used to the weights and the exercises.
Beginners should also look into using the best weighted vest as well, since they provide a more even weight distribution and can be a bit less awkward to use.
Best for Pull Ups and Chin Ups
If you want to concentrate on your pull ups and chin ups and add resistance without sacrificing form, try the DMoose Fitness Belt or the Rip Toned Belt.
The longer chains used by these belts are designed to hold the weight comfortably for these exercises so they don’t get in the way and interrupt your reps.
Conclusion
Although these dip belts all have something to offer, the stand out product for me is the Rogue Dip Belt. The sturdy material has a high weight capacity and also offers comfortable back support.
Although the chain is shorter than some other options, it provides a strong support for the weights. If you are taller, there are longer chain or strap options which might suit you better, such as the Dark Iron.
Consider what you are looking for in your ideal dip belt, whether you prioritize size or performance with regards to specific exercises like pull ups and chin ups, there is something for you in this review.
Last Updated on July 14, 2020
