Table of Contents
Weight lifting belts are amazing because they keep your core tight and prevent lower back injuries. Anyone can benefit from a lifting belt, but they are especially recommended for people who do heavy deadlifts and squats. A high-quality belt is a must – trust me. You don’t want to be in the middle of a 500-pound deadlift and have your belt pop off. Throughout the remainder of this RDX weight lifting belt review, I’ll be describing why it’s one of the best on the market.
Key Features
High-quality leather construction: This is a leather belt that is built to last. Chances are you will never have to replace this belt after purchasing.
There are multiple different sizes: The main focus of this article will be the 4-inch belt, but RDX makes a 6-inch model too. Both models are great, but the 4-inch width is approved by the USPA for powerlifting.
The belts feature a high-quality lever clasp system with 7 adjustment holes. This clasp is rust-proof and offers a quick release. RDX weight lifting belts are easy to tighten and will not budge when you workout.
Industrial grade dual stitching and suede finish contribute to a non-slip, quality product.
Nubuck tanned leather helps wick sweat and absorb shock. Unlike competing brands, RDX belts will hold up well to sweat over time.
RDX Weight Lifting Belt Review - 3 Different Belts
As I previously mentioned, the main point of this article is to review the 4-inch model. However, RDX also offers weight belts that are 5.5 and 6 inches wide.
4-inch model: Hands down the best choice you can make. If you compete in powerlifting or strongman, then you should know that this belt is certified by the IPL and USPA. Everyone has their own preference when it comes to style and comfort, but to me, this belt is the best of both worlds. The 4-inch width will not interfere with your ability to do certain exercises. All around, this is a clean and effective weight lifting belt.
5.5-inch model: This belt is made out of nylon, neoprene, and EVA. Although this belt does its job, it is also the cheapest belt by RDX. If you are on a budget or new to lifting, this would be a great choice for you. The 5.5-inch model definitely supports the lumbar spine and core, but it’s not as comfortable as a leather belt. Overall, the effectiveness of this product is top-notch, but this is arguably RDX’s lowest quality option.
6-inch model: This belt is pretty similar to the 4-inch model because it’s made out of the same leather. In terms of comfort, the 6-inch back pad on this belt is probably about as comfortable as it gets. If you’re a fan of the wider looking belts that have more back support, then this is a great option for you. Just like a majority of RDX lifting belts, this one is built to last and very comfortable.
Cons
The cons will depend on which RDX belt you plan on buying. For the most part, though, they are pretty consistent across the board.
Belt Interference – This occurs when you’re performing a lift and the belt interferes with your ability to properly complete the lift. There are two possible reasons for this happening: the belt being worn wrong, or the belt being too wide. Interference is generally not too common with a 4-inch belt.
Sizing Issues – Although 91% of people claim these belts run true to size, there have still been issues with sizing. RDX’s sizing guide shows that each size falls within a 4-inch range. For example, a size small could be 24”-28” or a medium could be 28”-32”. This can potentially be a problem if you’re on the lower or upper end of two sizes.
Construction – Past customers have complained that the 5.5-inch and 6-inch RDX belts are cheaply made. There have been reports of customers receiving belts that “fell apart” and “were not made by leather”. This is yet another reason why I recommend the IPL/USPA certified belt as opposed to other options. Companies make mistakes sometimes, but I personally have never had an issue with quality from RDX.
Purpose Of A Weight Belt
You might still be questioning whether a weight belt is worth it or not. They are not necessary at all times, but they are certainly worth having for the following reasons.
Injury prevention: Weight belts are particularly effective in preventing lumbar spine injuries. Your lumbar spine is your lower back, and this area is injury prone if you’re lifting with bad form. A belt reinforces a straight lower back if worn correctly. Essentially, a belt stops your back from rounding and decreases the chance of injury.
It keeps your core tight: Many people fail to engage their core when doing compound lifts. Keeping your core tight will help to stabilize you and prevent injuries. When squatting, for example, a strong core could be the factor that helps you get the last rep up. A weight-belt directly helps you keep your abdominal muscles engaged.
You will push or pull more weight: I was surprised to find that my squat and deadlift both increased after using a weight belt. There are two possible reasons for this. One is the belt giving your core more reinforcement to handle more weight. Two is the psychological aspect of knowing you’re less likely to be injured, and therefore attempting more weight.
Closing Remarks
One of the most important aspects of training is staying safe and injury-free. Throughout this RDX weight lifting belt review, I have described why this is one of the best accessories you can have. Not only will you prevent lumbar spine injuries, but you’ll also keep your core tight and pull more weight.
RDX is one of the best weight belt brands, and there are plenty of reasons for that. They are a company that focuses on quality and effectiveness. In this case, the attention to detail and genuine leather in their belts speaks a million words.
In addition to a belt, a good pair of training shoes will certainly help you achieve greatness in the gym. At the end of the day, your lower back will thank you.
