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Dips and pull-ups are among the most essential workouts that ramp up your gains. But after some time, your body weight won’t be challenging enough — that’s where a dip belt with chains will come in handy.
So, which is the best dip belt on the market? The best dip belt is the Rogue Dip Belt (click for today’s price on Rogue Fitness website). This belt can support up to 29,400 lbs, which easily excels over any other dip belt. Even though this dip belt costs a bit more than the average, it’s a worthy investment that won’t break down or lose integrity.
What are my other recommendations? Here are the 12 best dip belts:
- Rogue Dip Belt – Top Pick
- DMoose Fitness Dip Belt – Runner-Up
- Harbinger Polypropylene Dip Belt – The Most Comfortable
- Dark Iron Fitness Leather Dip Belt – Best Strap Belt
- Hypeletics Weighted Dip Belt – Another Strap Option
- Fire Team Fit Weighted Dip Belt – Best for Girthy Lifters
- Armageddon Premium Dip Belt – The Longest Chain
- Gymreapers Dip Belt – The Shortest Chain
- RIMSports Dip Belt – Most Compact
- Hawk Fitness Dip Belt – The Most Versatile
- Jayefo DIP Belt – Budget Pick
- Brute Belt – An Honorable Mention
There are plenty of dip belts to choose from, but be sure you find the right one for your routine. If you don’t find a quality dip belt, you may be unable to add the weight necessary to keep your body progressing in these important movements.
Read on for more insight into the best dip belts, including insight into how we chose these belts and what important things to look for when purchasing a dip belt.
Featured Products
- Rogue Dip Belt – Top Pick
- DMoose Fitness Dip Belt – Runner Up
- Jayefo DIP Belt – Budget Pick
Why You Should Trust PowerliftingTechnique
Our team comprises powerlifting and strength training coaches who have competed and worked with athletes at the highest levels. We understand the importance of finding the best equipment to support your training goals, and our recommendations are based on our experience with what works.
Our experienced coaches have used equipment of all kinds, both in their own training and in the training of their athletes. We strive to find what works and make the best recommendations to anyone who wants to improve their training.
How We Chose the Best Dips Belts
One of the most important influences on how we chose the various dip belts on this list is our own experiences using various them. I have tested many of the best brands to narrow the options down to the highest quality products. I have used many of these dip belts in gyms and I own the Rogue Dip Belt.
There are many factors that contribute to the quality of a dip belt, such as:
- The materials the belt is made of
- The length of the chain
- The weight capacity of the belt
- The sizing options that there are to choose from
It is also important to consider reviews from other users of the equipment. All of our choices have great reviews overall and come from companies that are respected in the industry.
Read more: The Best Powerlifting Belts
12 Best Dips Belts Comparison Table
Product | Best for | Price Range | Material | Chain Length | Weight Capacity | Learn More |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Rogue Dip Belt - Top Pick | Top Pick | $$$$ | Nylon | 30’’ | 29,400 lbs | Buy Now |
DMoose Fitness Dip Belt - Runner-Up | Runner-Up | $$$ | Neoprene | 36’’ | No official weight capacity | Buy Now |
Harbinger Polypropylene Dip Belt - The Most Comfortable | Most Comfortable | $$$ | Polypropylene | 30’’ | No official weight capacity | Buy Now |
Dark Iron Fitness Leather Dip Belt - Best Strap Belt | Best Strap Belt | $$$ | Leather | 40’’ Nylon Strap | 270 lbs | Buy Now |
Hypeletics Weighted Dip Belt - Another Strap Option | Another Strap Option | $$$ | Neoprene | 40’’ Nylon Strap | 270 lbs | Buy Now |
Fire Team Fit Weighted Dip Belt - Best for Girthy Lifters | Girthy Lifters | $$ | Nylon with Foam Core | 44’’ | 300 lbs | Buy Now |
Armageddon Premium Dip Belt - The Longest Chain | The Longest Chain | $$$ | Neoprene | 47’’ | No official weight capacity | Buy Now |
Gymreapers Dip Belt - The Shortest Chain | The Shortest Chain | $$$ | Neoprene | 30’’ | No official weight capacity | Buy Now |
RIMSports Dip Belt - Most Compact | Most Compact | $$ | Neoprene | 34’’ | No official weight capacity | Buy Now |
Hawk Fitness Dip Belt - The Most Versatile | Most Versatile | $$ | Nylon | 36’’ | 300 lbs | Buy Now |
Jayefo DIP Belt - Budget Pick | Budget Pick | $ | Neoprene | 36’’ | 350 lbs | Buy Now |
Brute Belt - An Honorable Mention | An Honorable Mention | $$$ | Nylon | 38’’ | 250 lbs | Buy Now |
1. Rogue Dip Belt – Top Pick
Rating: 5/5
Savvy powerlifters and CrossFitters should be familiar with Rogue's impeccable durability in almost all of its gear. The Rogue Ohio lifting belt, for instance, is well-known for having a robust leather build that provides tons of support for squats, bench, and deadlifts.
Luckily for you and me, the Rogue dip belt lives up to the brand’s huge reputation.
According to Rogue, this belt managed to withstand a whopping 29,400 lbs during the official test! It has a higher weight capacity than all other belts. As Rogue puts it: “You ain't breaking it!” And let me tell you, I’ve tried!
Unlike other belt designs, Rogue chose to fold the belt onto itself at both ends, making small loops to which the rings are attached. Moreover, these folded loops are securely stitched with zigzag patterns extending across the full belt width. With that design, the weight will be evenly distributed over the whole belt, ensuring excellent durability and enhanced comfort. That’s why this belt is so much stronger than its counterparts.
Is it perfect? Almost. The only thing I wish was different is the width. The belt measures 3” at the front and 4” at the back. It’s not narrow by any means, but it should’ve been slightly wider to fit more comfortably over the hips and lower back. This might only be an issue for guys over 265 lbs (i.e. super heavyweight powerlifters).
Pros
- Unparalleled weight capacity (29,400 lbs).
- Durable construction
- High-quality steel chain and rings
Cons
- Somewhat expensive
- Comes in two colors only
2. DMoose Fitness Dip Belt – Runner-Up
Rating: 4.5/5
Although DMoose is a fairly new brand, its high-quality gear has rapidly driven it to the top among my friends, and I. Nothing can demonstrate this growing popularity like its dip belt.
Because this belt is padded with breathable neoprene, it never pinches on my hips like other nylon belts. Better yet, the back portion measures 6”, which clearly rests better on the back than Rogue’s 4-inch pad.
I also like how this belt broadens from 4” to 6” with smooth curves that follow the shape of your rib cage.
If you prefer semi-rigid belts, this one should be your best bet. It’s fitted with an EVA rubber sheet that feels a bit too rigid straight out of the box but also breaks in quickly.
Unfortunately, DMoose doesn’t state the maximum weight limit of this belt. On the positive side, most reviewers confirm that it can support up to 100 lbs without problems. My guess is that it can hold way more than that, but it’s better to stay close to 100 lbs to ensure safety.
If you choose this belt, you’d be happy to know that DMoose offers a lifetime guarantee. You’ll be eligible for a replacement or a full refund if the belt doesn’t live up to your expectations.
Pros
- The 36” chain can support more plates than Rogue’s 30” chain
- Highly durable, reinforced stitching
- Covered by a lifetime guarantee
Cons
- There’s no official weight capacity
- Might feel too stiff at first
3. Harbinger Polypropylene Dip Belt – The Most Comfortable
Rating: 4.5/5
If you’re interested in weightlifting, you must’ve heard about Harbinger. Its velcro weightlifting belt provides excellent performance and is the most comfortable dip belt. Lucky for us, Harbinger’s designers extended their knowledge to this dip belt to make it equally convenient.
Because it’s made from polypropylene, this belt will pick up my body’s contours after a few workout sessions. It also has an extra 5-inch pad at the back to prevent that awkward chafing.
Design-wise, this belt doesn’t have any unique aspects. However, Harbinger offers a version with black gunmetal chains instead of the typical stainless steel. Although this tweak doesn’t have any effect on performance, it should make you stand out between the other lifters in the gym.
Harbinger currently offers a 30” chain on their belt. This should be long enough for average lifters to hold two 45lb plates. If you try to add more plates, they’ll probably harass your private parts, especially during pull-ups.
Just like DMoose, Harbinger doesn’t specify the maximum limit of this belt. But most reviewers used it with 135 lbs for years without having any complaints.
I also reviewed the Harbinger Lifting Belts, which you can read in my full buyer's guide.
Pros
- The polypropylene build balances comfort with performance
- You can order a version with a black chain
- Reinforced with heavy-duty stitching
Cons
- There’s no official weight capacity
- The chain might be too short for advanced lifters
4. Dark Iron Fitness Leather Dip Belt – Best Strap Belt
Rating: 4/5
Without a doubt, metal chains excel in terms of durability. But they’ll definitely pinch on your hips when it comes to comfort. If this problem sounds familiar, you’ll likely love that belt from Dark Iron Fitness.
Instead of a metal chain, this belt comes with a 40” nylon strap. But make no mistake, that design is not flimsy — it can support up to 270 lbs, which equates to six 45 lbs plates.
What makes this design convenient? In addition to promoting comfort, the nylon strap improves weight stability by fitting perfectly over your body. On the other hand, chains tend to move back and forth while working out because of their alternating orientation.
Plus, short lifters can easily tie a knot into the nylon strap to immediately shorten it — it’s impossible to do the same with a chain without creating an ugly, bulky knot.
To use this belt, you can tighten it by threading the strap through the D-rings, just like any typical dip belt. However, this method isn’t that convenient because it allows the belt to drop too low on your hips, which detracts from the comfort factor.
If you want the best performance, you should pass the dedicated tightening strap through the metal buckle. This will always keep the belt positioned above your hips, regardless of how heavy you lift.
Pros
- The leather build ensures impeccable durability
- The 40” loading strap doesn’t pinch on your bones
- The tightening strap supports the belt in position
- The weight capacity (270 lbs) is large enough for most lifters.
Cons
- Might be too tight for people with waists wider than 38”
- It doesn’t have a wide back support
5. Hypeletics Weighted Dip Belt – Another Strap Option
Rating: 4/5
In terms of durability, the Dark Iron Fitness belt doesn’t disappoint. However, because it lacks wide back support, it might pinch on your back, especially if you lift more than 90 lbs. If you still want to enjoy the nylon strap benefits, you should get the Hypeletics belt.
With its 7-inch-wide support, it can never dig into your back, no matter how heavy you lift. The thick neoprene padding and the plump edges also add a lot to the overall comfort.
As for the performance, the double nylon stitching can withstand up to 270 lbs, the same capacity that Dark Iron Fitness offers.
Pros
- Equipped with wide back support
- Comes in unique camo designs
- Comes in two sizes
Cons
- Some users reported receiving flimsy straps that ripped apart quickly
6. Fire Team Fit Weighted Dip Belt with Chain – Best for Girthy Lifters
Rating: 4/5
The 34” chain that comes with most dip belts should be long enough to tighten around the waists of average lifters. But if you have a high lean muscle mass, you’ll need a longer chain to hold the weight far enough from your crotch. If that’s what you’re after, you’ll love the 40” chain that comes with the Fire Team Fit dip belt.
Because this belt is made from flexible neoprene, it’ll contour around your muscles without making you uncomfortable. I also like the outstanding breathability of neoprene, which allows for long workout sessions without soaking up your sweat.
Check out this article if you’re a bigger guy that also needs a great lifting belt that will fit right.
Pros
- Breathable construction
- Comes with a long chain
- Features a wide contoured back
Cons
- Although the belt is rated safe at 300 lbs, some people said it broke at smaller values
7. Armageddon Premium Dip Belt – The Longest Chain
Rating: 4/5
If the 40” chain of the Fire Team Fit belt isn’t enough, consider the Armageddon Premium belt. It comes with a 47” chain, which is the longest option on the market. This generous length will be valuable for tall lifters who want the weight to dangle far enough from their knees to avoid repetitive bumping and chafing.
Of course, this extra-long chain increases the belt’s price slightly above average. Nevertheless, it’s still cheaper than my top pick.
Pros
- Thick neoprene padding
- Robust nylon stitching
- Comes with the longest chain on the market
Cons
- Slightly expensive
8. Gymreapers Dip Belt – The Shortest Chain
Rating: 4/5
Short lifters will appreciate the 30” chain that comes with the Gymreapers belt. This length will prevent the weight from touching the floor while performing a belt squat.
There’s nothing special about the design of the belt itself — it’s padded with thick neoprene and reinforced with nylon stitching. Nevertheless, I absolutely love the brand’s logo. The skull icon and the creative wordplay in “Gymreapers” will make you stand out even before you flex those muscles!
Check out this article if you’re a smaller lifter trying to find a great lifting belt.
Pros
- Generously padded
- High durability
- Cool design
Cons
- The chain will be too short for lifters with average heights
Check to see whether the belt is cheaper on Amazon or direct from Gymreapers. If there are no price differences, I recommend ordering directly from Gymreapers for better customer service.
9. RIMSports Dip Belt – Most Compact
Rating: 4/5
People with a lot to pack in their gym bags will find the RIMSports dip belt extremely valuable. Because it’s built from flexible nylon and cotton, you can easily squeeze it into a compact roll to shove it into the tightest bag.
On the downside, I don’t like the super-wide D-rings that RIMSports used for that belt. Not only do they pinch harder on your body, but they may also allow the chain to swing back and forth, which might pose serious safety risks.
Pros
- Affordable
- Built from breathable, flexible materials
- Features a wide back support
Cons
- The wide D-rings might impact safety
10. Hawk Fitness Dip Belt – The Most Versatile
Rating: 4/5
If you’re short on budget, you can save some bucks by getting this highly versatile belt from Hawk Fitness. Because you can tighten this belt with a velcro strap, it can double as a weight lifting belt to protect your spine during heavy squats and deadlifts.
To make it even more versatile, Hawk Fitness equips this belt with seven D-rings, arranged across the whole belt. You can use the rear rings to practice sled pulls, while the front ones will allow you to position the dip chain in the most comfortable position.
Pros
- Affordable
- Comes in five sizes to match different lifters
- Equipped with a velcro fastener to promote ease-of-use
Cons
- Limited weight capacity (100 lbs)
11. Jayefo DIP Belt – Budget Pick
Rating: 3.5/5
Even though most dip belts lie within the affordable extreme, you can manage to save additional bucks by choosing certain brands. If that’s what you’re after, Jayefo should be ideal.
Despite being affordable, this belt’s robust design can support up to 350 lbs without any problems. And because it comes with a 36” chain, you’ll be able to hook as many plates as needed to max out.
Unfortunately, durability reviews are rather discordant. Some lifters said the chain started to bend after several months of heavy lifting, while others didn’t face such an issue. But even if this happens, you can easily replace the chain since it comes with two carabiners.
Pros
- Highly durable
- Comes with a long 36” chain
- Padded with heavy-duty neoprene
Cons
- Inconsistent quality
12. Brute Belt – An Honorable Mention
The last option on my list utilizes a nylon strap instead of the chain, just like the Dark Iron Fitness and Hypeletics belts. However, it also substitutes the two metal rings with eight fabric loops, arranged evenly across the whole belt.
Although these loops might seem flimsy, they provide the same weight capacity as their metal counterparts — 250 lbs.
Pros
- Rollable design that can fit inside tight bags
- Comes in three sizes
- Comes in attractive colors
Cons
- Slightly expensive
How To Choose The Best Dip Belt
Just like most lifting gear, you can find dozens of seemingly good dipping belts on the market. How can you know which will work and which won’t? That’s what I’ll discuss in this section.
Choose A Comfortable, Durable Material
The majority of the best dipping belts are made from neoprene, which provides a nice balance between comfort and durability. And, of course, as neoprene gets thicker, there will be smaller chances of chafing and pinching.
Some brands use leather to make use of its impeccable rigidity and durability. If you choose that option, remember that it might feel extremely uncomfortable for about two weeks until it breaks in.
Consider The Sizing Options
If you take a quick look at the market, you’ll notice that most belts come in only one size. That actually makes sense because the belt doesn’t have to fully wrap around your body like a powerlifting belt.
What matters more is the chain length. Most dip belts with chains come with 34”–36” chains, which should be perfect for average lifters. People with girthier waists should get a 40” chain or longer, to allow the weight to dangle away from the crotch.
Exercises That You Can Use A Dip Belt For
When compared to a weighted vest, dip belts have relatively limited uses. Here are the best exercises you can perform.
Chest And Tricep Dips
Dipping belts were primarily created to make the regular dips more challenging; that’s the reason behind their name.
To use the dip belt for this exercise, you should wrap it forward. When the weight dangles in front of your body, you’ll naturally lean forward, which is the ideal form for dips.
Pull-Ups And Chin-Ups
If you’re unfamiliar, pull-ups and chin-ups are both performed with a pull-up bar in a closely similar way. The main difference between the two lies in the palm direction. In a pull-up, your palm faces away from you, making an overhand grip. Chin-ups have your palm facing toward you, making an underhand grip.
Because both variations target the back muscles, you have to lean your torso slightly backward. You should stay mindful of this fact while wearing a dip belt because having the weight dangling in front of you can force you to hunch your shoulders, which is extremely bad for this exercise.
To ensure you’re clear, start with a light weight — maybe 5% of your body weight.
Belt Squats
Have you recently suffered from a back injury? Well, I’m happy to tell you that you might not have to stop performing squats!
Unlike barbell squats, belt squats hardly bear any load on the spine. By wrapping a dip belt around your body, you’ll directly load all the force on your posterior chain, which should ramp up the gains.
But you can’t just squat while standing on the floor. You must provide enough clearance for the plates so that you can squat as deeply as possible. You can get that clearance by standing over two boxes, benches, or even stacked plates — just ensure there’s enough stability.
Push-Ups
Performing weighted push-ups will engage your core more than any other exercise. And of course, you’ll also activate your chest, arms, shoulders, and legs.
Just like the weighted squat, this exercise needs enough clearance. Ideally, you should rest your legs over a bench while gripping a barbell positioned over a rack. You can also place your hands over another bench or even a box, but that will put considerable stress on your wrists.
Sled Pulls
Sled pulls are ideally performed with a sled harness that wraps around your torso. This exercise is great for building power and endurance while sizzling your body fat.
If you don’t own a sled harness, a dip belt worn backward can perform the same job. That said, I tend to prefer strap belts over those with chains. Although both are equally effective, the rattling noise of the latter is bound to annoy the people around you.
How Do You Wear A Dip Belt?
Although dip belts look fairly simple, you can wear them through three different methods that provide varying degrees of performance and comfort.
Method #1: The Triangle
In the most basic setup of a dip belt, the chain forms a triangle that points downward. This is the most common way that fits almost all belts on the market.
To start, get the belt behind your back, and make sure the logo isn’t flipped so you can use the belt’s curves.
Next, grab the chain, thread it through the ring on the opposite side, and pull it tight. Afterward, thread the chain through a plate or kettlebell. You can also wrap it around a dumbbell, but make sure to wrap it twice to ensure proper stability.
Now that the weight is attached grab the chain’s carabiner and hook it to the main ring (the one to which the chain is permanently attached).
Pros and Cons
If you purchased a dip belt that turned out to be smaller than you anticipated, this method should be ideal. Using the chain to directly connect between the belt’s sides will tighten the belt in place, no matter how short it is.
However, if you hook super heavy weights to the chain, the belt might feel so tight that it disrupts your exercise.
Method #2: The V-Shape
In this method, you’ll thread the chain through the weight and hook the carabiner to the main ring, which should result in a V-shape.
Because the chain spans over a smaller area of your body, it might pinch harder on your bones. Also, since the belt’s ends aren’t directly connected, it’ll be more likely to fall during the workout. You’ll have to slightly arch your back to make up for this imbalance, which might impact your exercise form. That’s why I don’t recommend this method for beginners.
Method #3: The Straight Line
To implement this method, thread the chain through the ring on the opposite side. Then, thread it through your weight. Unlike the previous methods, you won’t hook the carabiner to the main ring. Instead, hook it to one of the chain links, preferably one that doesn’t stand too far from the weight. After finishing, the chain should be making a straight line from the rings to the weight.
This is my least favorite method in terms of weight distribution. Not only does it ignore your obliques, but it also places the chain right in front of your private parts.
This method would only be valuable if you have an extremely small chain that can’t form a triangle or a V-shape without bringing the weight too close to your crotch.
Are There Any Alternatives To Wearing A Dip Belt?
It'll always be somewhat uncomfortable regardless of how you wear the dip belt. That’s why many lifters have been searching for more convenient alternatives. But would these alternatives be as efficient? Let’s find out.
1. Weighted Vest
Unlike dip belts, weighted vests don’t need to be attached to an external weight. These vests come with small bars or plates that you can insert in dedicated pockets to make your workouts more challenging.
The thing I like the most about weighted vests is the unrivaled versatility. You can wear them for almost all workouts — squats, lunges, dips, pull-ups, push-ups, deadlifts, running, you name it! Even better, you can wear a vest during your everyday activities to rev up your metabolism and burn more calories.
“Where’s the catch,” you might ask? Well, these vests are way more expensive than dip belts. Rogue’s Tactec Plate Carrier, my favorite pick, costs $200 without the weights, which is almost 4x the cost of Rogue’s dip belt.
Even if you put up with the high price, you’ll face another crucial problem: the limited weight capacity. The Tactec Carrier, for instance, can’t hold more than 30 lbs, making it incredibly light for professional lifters.
2. Modified Powerlifting Belt
If you have a powerlifting belt, you can use it to make a DIY dip belt.
After getting a chain with a suitable length, thread it through the weight and the belt’s loop. Afterward, hook the carabiner to one of the chain’s links, and you’re done!
Although this alternative seems convenient, its safety is highly doubtful. Why? Well, all lifting belts are designed to protect your spine while performing heavy squats, deadlifts, presses, etc. Even though they should be designed to withstand as much weight as possible, they’re never intended to do that for extended periods of time.
When you hook four 45lb plates to a weightlifting belt, it can suddenly rip apart while you’re working out. That sudden shift in the load can cause serious injuries to your arms and back. That’s why I don’t recommend that alternative as a permanent replacement for a dip belt.
Check out this article if you’re looking for a great powerlifting belt.
3. Using A Small Dumbell
If you want to keep things as simple as possible, you can suffice by holding a suitable dumbbell between your ankles. I like that option because it tones your leg muscles while adding extra weight to whichever workout you’re practicing.
On the downside, this technique may not be ideal for beginners. You must be able to maintain a stable form throughout your reps to secure the dumbbell in place.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a Dip Belt the Same as a Weightlifting Belt?
No, a dip belt is not the same as a weightlifting belt. A weightlifting belt is typically worn for movements like squats and deadlifts. They help you create a stronger brace by drawing air into the diaphragm and pressing out against the belt. A dip belt is used to attach weight to for movements like dips and pull ups.
Can You Use a Dip Belt for Deadlifts?
No, a dip belt would not be helpful for deadlifts. For deadlifts, you should use a weightlifting belt to help with bracing. There are some dip belts that use velcro that can double as a weightlifting belt. You can remove the chain or strap for adding weight, and wear is for lower back support.
Can You Squat with a Dip Belt?
Yes, you can squat with a dip belt. Add weight using the chain of the belt and perform a squat while standing on two boxes, allowing the weight to hang in between the boxes. This is a great way to create a belt squat if you don’t have one. A dip belt should not be used for squats using a barbell.
Is a Dip Belt the Same as a Weightlifting Belt?
No, a dip belt is not the same as a weightlifting belt. A weightlifting belt is typically worn for movements like squats and deadlifts. They help you create a stronger brace by drawing air into the diaphragm and pressing out against the belt. A dip belt is used to attach weight to for movements like dips and pull-ups.
Can You Use a Dip Belt for Deadlifts?
No, a dip belt would not be helpful for deadlifts. For deadlifts, you should use a weightlifting belt to help with bracing. Some dip belts use velcro that can double as a weightlifting belt. You can remove the chain or strap for adding weight, and wear is for lower back support.
Can You Squat with a Dip Belt?
Yes, you can squat with a dip belt. Add weight using the belt chain and perform a squat while standing on two boxes, allowing the weight to hang between the boxes. This is a great way to create a belt squat if you don’t have one. A dip belt should not be used for squats using a barbell.
The Verdict
Based on my detailed research, the best dip belt for 2023 is the one produced by Rogue. Even though it’s slightly expensive, it’s designed to withstand 29,400 lbs, meaning that you can never break it.
If you want a belt with padded back support, go for the DMoose Fitness Dip Belt. You can wear its 36” chain with any of the three methods I highlighted earlier.