Pioneer Lifting Belt Thicknesses - Explained

Not only do people often want to know the difference in construction for our different belt thicknesses, but they also want to know how it affects the stiffness of the belt. We have ranked belt stiffness from least stiff to most stiff at the end of the article below. 

Remember, belt thickness and stiffness don’t necessarily mean more support. We have had lifters break records in just about every configuration listed below. Our owner, Matt Hadden, likes to say that no matter what the thickness is, you won’t be able to push through the belt. This means that whether you are using a 6.5mm belt or 13mm belt, neither will break under your bracing power. There is no best or one-size-fits-all belt thickness/stiffness for every lifter. Rather, it comes down to the preference of the lifter. Some lifters may like a thinner, more flexible belt to deadlift in because it allows them to get into the starting position whereas a very stiff 13mm belt may hinder this. The same lifter may use a very stiff 13mm belt when they squat. 

So how do you choose the right lifting belt thickness?

Over time in the weight room most lifters can figure this out by trial and error or the wise council of veteran lifters. If you don’t know what you want or don't have access to different belts, the best place to start is with a 10mm double suede belt or another belt of less thickness depending on your training style.  We don’t typically recommend a lifter who is unsure about their first belt to jump into a 13mm belt. Those belts can take extensive break-in time while not being the most comfortable option to start with. A 10mm or thinner belt is usually quite comfortable out of the box and offers all the support a lifter will need. 

Belt construction from least stiff to most stiff: 

• 6.5mm (one piece of leather thick)

• 8.5mm (one piece leather, one piece suede)

• 10mm (suede on both sides of one piece of leather)

• 10mm (suede on one side of two pieces of leather)

• 10mm (two pieces of leather with no suede)

• 13mm (two pieces of leather with suede on the inside and outside)

• 13mm (two pieces of leather with suede on one side)

• 13mm (all 13mm leather, no suede)

As you can see from the list above, the more leather thickness a belt has, the stiffer the belt will be. Each piece of suede is about 2mm thick and isn’t nearly as stiff as the leather it is replacing. That is why the all leather 13mm and all leather 10mm belt are the stiffest in their category. 

If you have any questions about thickness or material please email us at ask@pioneerfit.com.