The Ultimate SBD Powerlifting Belt Review for 2020
Great powerlifting belts can be hard to come by, which is why we’re always a little skeptical when new belts are released by lesser-known companies. The SBD 13mm lever powerlifting belt is the most recent powerlifting belt making waves amongst serious powerlifters.
But, does it live up to its expectations?
Spoiler! Here’s What We Recommend…
While the SBD powerlifting belt is an excellent product and we think it would definitely serve as a reliable piece of equipment in the gym, we can’t justify the high price tag. That’s why we have an alternate recommendation instead:
Inzer Advance Designs Forever Lever Belt 10MM
- Lever-locking system for added security
- Easy to put on, loosen, and remove
- Able to tighten up to three inches tighter than regular buckle belts
About the Manufacturer – SBD
SBD isn’t one of the most well-known belt companies out there, but it’s slowly beginning to increase in popularity.
SBD is an athletic equipment company that specializes in powerlifting, weightlifting, and strongman equipment. The company sells a wide range of high-quality lifting products, such as singlets, wrist wraps, knee sleeves, and the recently-released powerlifting belt.
SBD places an emphasis on using high-quality materials and developing premium products. In fact, all products are tested before they ever make their way into the hands of consumers.
With that said, it should come as no surprise that most of SBD’s products are a little pricey.
Though SBD is based out of Great Britain, SBD USA is actually based out of Maine. So, you absolutely can purchase these products if you live in the United States.
Checking Out the SBD Powerlifting Belt
The SBD powerlifting belt was clearly built in an attempt to be the “supreme” powerlifting belt for serious lifters. It was designed to provide practically unmatched support and stability during even the heaviest of power lifts.
SBD makes it clear that this belt is unlike any other belt on the market today.
It advertises a belt with a sturdy buckle that won’t budge, an adjustable lever belt that mimics the closure system of a prong belt, and unbeatable durability. SBD actually emphasizes the fact that this belt is made of leather that’s undergone five months of preparations.
Above all else, this belt is designed to last for a long period of time without ripping, tearing, or stretching. All that while providing superior levels of back and core support during lifts like deadlifts and squats.
SBD Powerlifting Belt Details
There’s a lot to the SBD powerlifting belt, so we’re going to break it down as simply as possible.
First off, this is a lever powerlifting belt. Now, if you know anything about lever powerlifting belts, you know it might be a pain to keep a screwdriver in your gym bag to make belt sizing adjustments mid-workout.
This is a lever belt in terms of the closure system, but it’s actually more like a prong powerlifting belt. All you have to do is line up the four prongs with any of the 10 sets of holes in the belt’s leather and snap the lever shut.
So, you can easily tighten or loosen the belt as needed between sets or exercises, all because of the unique patent-pending buckle! No more screwdrivers or uncomfortable lifts.
Powerlifting is much more intense than regular weightlifting, so a belt that can withstand 600-pound deadlifts or higher is definitely a requirement. The good news is, the SBD powerlifting belt is made of genuine English hide that was prepared for over five months.
There’s no doubt that this belt will withstand any amount of resistance without ripping, tearing, stretching, or simply bursting at the seams.
You can feel confident enough in the construction of this belt that you can try for PRs without worrying if your belt can handle it.
The actual dimensions of this powerlifting belt are pretty standard for powerlifting belts today, though the 13mm thickness might be a little stiff and bulky for powerlifting noobs. Rest assured, the 10cm width and the thickness make this belt IPF-compliant.
This exact thickness is why the SBD powerlifting belt provides such impressive pressure on your back and your core. You’ll definitely be able to generate more power with your lifts when you’re using this belt.
The exterior of this belt is a little different than other belts because of the black-oiled leather that gives it a sleek appearance. Also noteworthy is the red suede interior, which provides a little color contrast and keeps the belt from slipping during any type of lift.
Is this a good belt? Absolutely.
Does it have its downsides? Definitely.
A Detailed Breakdown:
- Size options include XS to 5XL (21 to 59 inches)
- 13mm thick (standard powerlifting belts are usually between 10mm and 13mm)
- 10cm wide (4 inches)
- IPF-compliant
- Black leather exterior
- Red suede interior
- Lever/prong closure system
3 Unbeatable Benefits of the SBD Powerlifting Belt
1. Never Before Seen Buckle
You either have a pronged belt or a lever belt when it comes to powerlifting belts, right? Well, not anymore when you think about the buckle found in SBD’s newest powerlifting belt.
The trouble with regular lever belts is that you’re somewhat stuck with a specific size. If by any chance you want to tighten or loosen the fit during your workout, you’ll need to take a screwdriver to your belt and adjust the fit.
Otherwise, you’re stuck completing your workout with a belt that’s either too tight or too loose. That can increase your risk of injury and decrease your performance.
Instead, this belt infuses the convenient sliding, tightening, and loosening features of the lever belt and the incredible support and attachment of the pronged belt. Just lock the four prongs into any two sets of holes and your belt will be secure.
Once the belt is locked into place, it’ll stay put until you release the lever. It doesn’t get much more secure than this patent-pending lever powerlifting belt by SBD.
2. Impressive Durability
The last thing you want when using a powerlifting belt is belt failure during one of your heaviest lifts. Not only does this ruin a good workout and essentially end it right there, but belt failure can cause injury as well.
With the SBD powerlifting belt, it basically comes ready to use as soon as it’s delivered to your door. Just head to the gym, strap it on, and your belt will probably be completely broken-in by the end of your first major workout.
There are two features that keep the belt strong and practically invincible: The patent-pending buckle and the heavy-duty leather.
The belt combines all of the greatest features of both a lever and a prong powerlifting belt. It won’t budge or slip, no matter how sweaty you get during an intense powerlifting session or how much weight you’re putting up.
The leather is even more impressive, having spent five months being perfected. Unlike most powerlifting belts out there, it’s quite clear that SBD didn’t just throw together whatever materials it could find and ship it out ASAP.
There are absolutely no concerns about this belt busting or tearing during a workout.
3. Optimal Pressure
When you’re looking to set new PRs, especially for the major lifts, you need a belt that provides superior support. For powerlifting, that means equal and adequate pressure on both the back and the core.
Since the SBD powerlifting belt is quite thick at 13mm and is made of somewhat stiff leather, there’s no doubt that this belt will help you to set new PRs in the gym as soon as you’re ready. You don’t have to worry about this belt giving with your lift and reducing your power.
Now, that’s not to say that wearing this belt will suddenly improve your squat or deadlift PRs by 100 pounds each. But, this belt can help you to recognize your true strength and power when you’re powerlifting.
Keep in mind, as great as the pressure might be for an advanced lifter, it might be uncomfortable for a beginner. Take a little time to adjust yourself to the belt before attempting to set new PRs while wearing the SBD powerlifting belt.
3 Negatives of the SBD Powerlifting Belt
1. Extreme Price
There’s no doubt about it, the SBD powerlifting belt is probably one of the most expensive powerlifting belts on the market today. In fact, you could probably buy two or three lever belts from competitors for the same price.
While the price seems reasonable for a professional powerlifter or bodybuilder, it’s definitely a little extreme if you’re just making your way into the powerlifting scene. If you’re serious about gains, then the extra money you’re spending might just be worth it in the long run.
But, why is this belt so expensive in the first place?
It has more to do with the features of this belt. When you combine such high-quality and heavy-duty leather and install an unmatchable patent-pending lever buckle, you basically have the right to set whatever price you want.
If you want to know if this belt is really worth the money, it’s best to wait it out a little to see whether consumers still feel the same about it in a few months or years. After all, most powerlifting belts seem durable and invincible during the first few months of use.
2. Color Transfer Potential
The red suede interior of this belt looks pretty cool right now, but it might cause you some issues during your first few workouts. That’s especially the case if you work up a big sweat, especially on your torso around the belt region.
The red coloring of the suede interior does tend to bleed when exposed to water or sweat, so it would be a good idea to wear dark-colored clothing during your first few workouts. Otherwise, your white shirt might suddenly be stained a dark red forever.
But, don’t worry too much. After a few uses, the color should stop fading and color transfer is much less likely, though it might be a good idea to keep wearing dark shirts!There are plenty of solutions for reducing color bleeding on the internet, but you want to be careful about trying them out on your new belt. Since your belt is both suede and leather, the last thing you want to do is apply a solution or liquid that risks your belt’s integrity.
3. Excess Bulk
The 13mm thickness of the SBD powerlifting belt definitely provides an insane amount of support and can give you peace of mind when you’re attempting some of your heaviest lifts. It’s definitely every professional powerlifter’s dream to have such a thick and durable belt.
The issue is that this thickness can be a little too overwhelming for beginners. That means this belt might get in the way and limit your range of motion when you’re attempting some power lifts, especially if you’re not used to powerlifting belts at all.
What’s even worse is that this belt weighs five pounds. Considering many powerlifting belts weigh about three pounds or so, the SBD powerlifting belt will seem extremely heavy no matter which belt you were previously using.
This is a great belt, but it might be better to get a thinner and less bulky belt for now. You can eventually work up to the SBD powerlifting belt when you begin to make more gains and get used to wearing a belt in the first place.
SBD Powerlifting Belt Final Recommendation
There’s no doubt that the SBD powerlifting belt is a solid belt that can help you to improve your gains in the gym. It won’t stretch, give, tear, burst no matter how heavy of a lift you’re attempting to complete.
You’ll be able to set new PRs and put forward your true strength and power into every single lift at the gym. This belt can definitely improve your performance and blow all of your previous PRs out of the water with ease.
But, do you really need to spend that much money on a belt? In most cases, the answer is a resounding “no.”
While it’s nice to have a heavy-duty belt that can last for years, it’s not the ideal choice for beginners. You want to choose a belt that allows you to ease into powerlifting and become accustomed to wearing a belt.
If you’re dead set on a lever powerlifting belt, you can always consider cheaper yet reputable options like the Inzer Advance Designs Forever Lever Belt 10MM. It has a similar lever system to SBD, it’s easy to put on, loosen, and remove, and some reviewers said it’s easy to tighten up to 3 inches more than regular belt buckles.
Want to check out other high-quality belts? Check out our list of the best powerlifting belts on the market so you can start improving your lifting total faster!
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