Getting your first pull-up feels pretty nice (even if you don’t realize you did it while playing at recess as a kid).
You know what feels even better? Hitting your first pull-up with a 45-pound plate (or two) hanging under you!
A good dip belt allows you to add resistance to your pull-ups and dips. You won’t be able to gut out as many reps with a plate or kettlebell hanging between your legs, but you’ll supersize your strength and size gains.
More importantly, the best dip belts on the market allow you to focus solely on the exercises themselves as opposed to worrying about balancing a dumbbell between your legs.
Or worse…
Yeah, that was me (well, not this guy specifically…but you get it!); I’ve come a long way since then!
Let’s take a look at the best dip belts on the market today:
🏆 Best Overall
91
Best Nylon
85
Best Versatile
88
Best Leather
86
Best Affordable
91
Table of Contents
The Best Dip Belts
- Rogue Dip Belt – Best overall dip belt
- Iron Bull Advanced Dip Belt – Best nylon dip belt
- Gymreapers Dip Belt – Best versatile dip belt
- Dark Iron Fitness Dip Belt – Best leather dip belt
- Hawk Sports Dip Belt – Best affordable dip belt
Other Contenders
Rogue Dip Belt
⭐️ Verdict: Best dip belt
The Rogue Dip Belt boasts a 29,400-pound capacity. This is (obviously) important if you plan on performing dips with a few cars attached to your belt.
Multiple D-ring carabiners allow for loading ease and reinforced stitching makes the dip belt the most durable on the market.
Pros
Highest weight capacity of any belt (by far)
Heavily-stitched composition provides additional durability
Multiple D-ring carabiners
Con
Yellow belt color reported to fade over time
This is the dip belt of the best dip belts. Boasting close to a 15-ton capacity(!), you’re never going to have to worry about this bad boy snapping or dumping projectile 45’s below you!
The Rogue Dip Belt is so widely trusted and accepted as the industry leader that it has been used in the CrossFit Games competitions as recently as 2022 and as far back as 2011!
The heavy-duty, ¼-inch chain and reinforced D-rings stably hold even the heaviest loads and quick adjustments on the fly seamless.
The heavy-stitched construction provides the comfort and flexibility one expects in a nylon belt with the durability of the toughest leather belts. Clocking in at a very affordable price point, there isn’t much not to like about the Rogue Dip Belt.
Some have complained about the color (specifically in the yellow version of the belt) fading over time. If you’re not really concerned with a dip belt’s visual appearance (and, really, who is), this shouldn’t be an issue for you.
Iron Bull Advanced Dip Belt
⭐️ Verdict: Best nylon dip belt
Iron Bull’s Advanced Dip Belt combines name recognition with durability to create the best nylon dip belt out on the market.
The belt’s composition is light enough to maximize comfort while also being supportive and versatile enough to support use during squats, deadlifts, and other powerlifting movements.
Pros
Multi-functional; can be used for powerlifting
Light, yet durable nylon composition
3 heavy-duty steel anchors
Cons
Uses a strap instead of a chain for supporting weight
You knew Iron Bull was going to make the best dip belt list! Known for its wide and diverse array of quality fitness accessories (including some of the best knee sleeves for CrossFit), Iron Bull has put in the time and effort to earn its reputation.
As an “advanced” belt, the Iron Bull Dip Belt can be used for traditional “belted” exercises (ex. Squats and deadlifts) and sled pulls in addition to weighted dips and pull-ups. Additional D-rings ensure that the belt is more than capable of supporting this array of activities!
The nylon belt interior ensures max comfort and a capacity to support 300 pounds, durability issues are not a concern.
For those seeking a “dedicated” or “true” dip belt, the multifunctionality of the Iron Bull Dip Belt may not be overly desirable. However, based solely on its weighted dipping capabilities, the Iron Bull belt clearly fits in with its fellow best dip belt competitors.
Gymreapers Dip Belt
⭐️ Verdict: Best versatile dip belt
Gymreapers Dip Belt boasts impressive durability and comfort, making it ideal for regular, extended use.
Although the chain is shorter than many competitors’ its overall strength and ability to accommodate a number of different exercises and movements are tough to contend with.
Pros
Can be used for hip belt squats
Contoured neoprene material for enhanced durability and comfort
Multiple color options
Cons
Slightly below average chain length
We love us some GymReapers. I mean, how can you go wrong with that logo!
Besides having one of the best logos in the fitness industry, the GymReaper Dip Belt is somewhat unique in its 5 different color options.
The GymReapers belt is also unique as it is well suited for hip belt squats, seamlessly attaching to most hip squat machines.
The contoured neoprene material provides a degree of durability that is uncommon in non-contoured dip belts.
Like all of GymReapers products, the belt is designed by athletes. There is just something better about the quality of fitness products designed by people who actually use the equipment!
The short-ish chain won’t comfortably accommodate thicker plates, but standard plates won’t pose any problems.
Dark Iron Fitness Dip Belt
⭐️ Verdict: Best leather dip belt
With over 2,700 review (resulting in a cumulative 4.7/5 rating) the Dark Iron Fitness Dip Belt is a top prospect for those preferring an all-leather belt,
Aside being durable enough to support squatting and other barbell movements, the extra-long chain keeps hanging plates away from sensitive areas of the body.
Pros
Built in “pillow-like padding” for additional comfort
Extremely long 40-inch strap
Can be used for powerlifting exercises
Cons
Uses a strap as opposed to a chain for supporting weight
Dark Iron Fitness is another beloved fitness accessory brand. The leather belt construction feels incredibly durable. I would be willing to bet that the belt would support more than the 270 pounds that the company brags about throughout its marketing material.
The Dark Iron Fitness Dip Belt is technically 40 inches long. This length accounts for the inclusion of an adjustable nylon dipping strap which the weight plates are suspended from. For those preferring nylon over metal, this is a very favorable arrangement.
Others have noted that the carabiners seem a bit flimsy and have questioned whether they can withstand extremely heavy loads. I have never personally experienced this, although users have noted that the D-rings gave out at around the 80-pound mark.
Hawk Sports Dip Belt
⭐️ Verdict: Best affordable dip belt
Hawk Sports proves that dip belts do not need to be expensive pieces of equipment or undertakings. Its quality materials convey a higher-level piece of equipment.
Sporting a formidable weight capacity and over 3,000 positive reviews, this belt isn’t a bad choice, especially given its price point.
Pros
Longer-than-average chain length
Thick foam padding for additional comfort
Inexpensive
Cons
Thinner-than-average chain
Hawk Fitness offers a dip belt that is a good alternative to the Rogue Dip belt. While unable to boast the same 15-ton capacity as Rogue, Hawk’s 300-pound capacity should be sufficient for all but the most monstrous lifters.
(if, for some reason, the belt busts when you’re only dipping with 295, its 5-year warranty will ensure you have a new one before your next training session!)
Sporting a familiar metal construction, the Hawk belt’s chain is 36 inches long, an extra 6 inches longer than Rogue’s. Lifters who prefer weights to hang further from their body will especially appreciate this design.
Some may not appreciate the longer, thinner chain. However, with familiar and durable heavy stitching, the Hawk belt is a bargain retailing at about half of what you would pay for Rogue’s belt.
Spud Inc Dip Belt
⭐️ Verdict: Contender!
The Spud Inc Dip Belt has a lot in common with the (champion) Rogue Dip Belt. Its weight capacity is much lower, but still incredibly stalwart and its tough leather construction feels indestructible.
Using the belt for sled pulls puts the belt in a class of its own in regard to versatility.
Pros
500-pound weight capacity
Incredibly durable tough leather construction
Can be used for sled pulls
Cons
Very small chain length
A small, but solid company, Spud Inc. specializes in all types of straps, attachments, and belts to enhance your lifting. The Spud Dip Belt is no exception.
The tough leather construction is designed to support huge loads and even gets the A-okay to pull a weight sled with. Touching the felt and feeling its heavy-duty construction it’s not hard to believe its 500-pound stated weight capacity.
Like the Rogue Dip Belt, the Spud Inc. Dip Belt comes in two colors (black and yellow…are all of the best dip belt manufacturers Steelers fans?)
The chain attachment is a little short so the weights sit a bit high on the legs. However, for those who prefer a more “compact” feel and “connection” with the weight, the Spud Inc belt might be right up your alley!
VikingStrength Dip Belt
⭐️ Verdict: Contender!
The VikingStrength Dip Belt is another affordable option that offers a few interesting extras (very long chain, access to a fitness app) that may be worth, if nothing else, a novelty buy.
The neoprene construction should be familiar to anyone who has sported knee sleeves, while its durability should be appreciated.
Pros
Constructed of durable neoprene
Extra-long 40-inch chain
Includes access to a fitness app and wrist wraps with every dip belt order
Cons
Varying reports on how much weight (or lack thereof) it can support
There is a lot to like about VikingStrength’s dip belt offering. Its 40-inch chain will be appreciated by many; its lifetime guarantee will be appreciated by all!
The VikingStrength Dip Belt’s neoprene material is durable enough to accommodate multiple plates while comfortably sitting on the lower back.
VikingStrength claims to have tested the belt with 220 pounds and is confident it can support up to 300 pounds. The vast majority of gym goers will only need this belt for their pull-up and dipping needs for the duration of their lifting careers.
A fitness app and wrist wraps are thrown in as extra bonuses. For a relatively new and untested brand, these extras might be necessary to “sweeten the pot”.
What to Look for in a Dip Belt
Between considerations of belt material, type of plate attachment device, and the extent to which a belt is multifunctional, many dip belt characteristics can be described as “subjective”. Because of this, we don’t use all that many criteria for assessing belts other than some “purely” objective criteria.
When you’re in the market for the dip belt, these items should be what you take into consideration at the most basic level…before getting into more of that fancy stuff…
Weight Capacity
The Rogue Dip Belt is a bit of an outlier at its 29,400+ pound capacity(!) In most cases, dip belts will safely be able to accommodate weights from 250 pounds to close to 500 pounds.
A dip belt’s capacity for holding weight is largely dependent on its construction and stitching.
Generally, those with more intricate and reinforced stitching will hold more weight (and will be more expensive). However, if you’re just starting off with weighted dip or pull-up training, a belt that can safely hold 250 pounds should serve you well for quite some time.
Price
Unlike most fitness products, dip belts stick within a pretty tight price range. As such, it’s pretty tough to get burned, so long as you stay within this price range (there really isn’t any reason to go out of it).
There are reports of dip belts going for under $10, but most fall in the $20-40 range. Only go higher if you read the names “Rogue” or “Spud Inc.”
Customer Reviews
We love us some dip belts…but so do a lot of people. Some of the belts on our list are sporting 3,000-plus reviews!
With this many reviews floating around…well…I’d like to think I know a thing or two about dip belts…
Shopping tips for Dip Belts
We’ve gone over the more objective factors we use to assess dip belts, but what about their qualities that help lifters and athletes come to more subjective decisions? Let’s take a look at these qualities now:
Material
Dip belts generally come in one of three main materials: leather, nylon, or neoprene. All of these materials have their advantages, but ultimately, the material that best suits you will be a personal preference.
Unlike a weightlifting or powerlifting belt, which sits extremely tightly on the body, dip belts only make light contact with your back and side waist areas. If you have some kind of allergy or irritation to a particular material, a dip belt is much less likely to provoke a negative response.
Leather dip belts provide that feeling of extreme rigidness. Their tough construction makes them seem as though they’ll last forever. They aren’t as flexible as other dip belts, but this shouldn’t be as big of a concern considering what they are designed to do.
Nylon dip belts don’t seem as though they would be as durable as leather belts, but, as the Rogue Dip Belt illustrates, they can be the toughest of the bunch! Nylon belts are more pliable than leather belts and more easily accommodate any manner you wish to wear them. They also do not require any “break in” time at all; they feel as good on Day 1 as they do on Day 2001.
Neoprene dip belts are somewhere in between leather and nylon dip belts. We normally think of Neoprene when we think of knee sleeves; Neoprene dip belts enjoy many of the same benefits (pliability and insulation).
Chain vs. Strap
The chains and straps of the contenders for the best dip belt are all designed to safely and stably hold a lot of weight. In both cases, the long piece is suspended by metal D-rings between either side of the material portions of the belt. The end pieces can then be unclipped to load the weights and reclipped to secure them.
There aren’t many major differences between dip belt chains and straps other than chains being more resistant to sweat and wetness. In most cases, chains can hold more weight. However, unless you’re gearing up to compete in “The World’s Strongest Man” competition, a strap is likely to suit your resistance needs just fine.
Sizing
Interestingly enough, most dip belts do not come in “sizes”. The belt size a manufacturer offers is the size that the belt comes in.
This usually isn’t a problem since the dip belt “sits” on your waist more than it “attaches” to your waist. You can cinch the chain or strap just enough to the D-rings to ensure that the belt doesn’t slip off of you. It will never be so tight that even the biggest guys have to worry about it not fitting.
Comfort
There is a big difference between strapping an empty dip belt on and strapping a dip belt on when it’s lugging a few plates below it. Although weighted dip sets are generally quite quick, you want to keep as comfortable as possible throughout the duration of the set.
Many of the best dip belts are solely comprised of one material (generally leather or neoprene), in one width, throughout. Others are composed of a combination of materials with an extra layer of neoprene included around the interior for extra comfort.
You may not think you want or even need that extra padding, but with your first dip belt, it might make sense to err on the side of comfort…I mean caution!
How we Chose the “Best” Products
We love testing out all types of fitness products and try to get our hands on as many as possible. We have combined our personal experiences with what others have shared on different forums and product pages to come up with our definitive list.
We aren’t able to personally slip on every dip belt, but we trust our assessment metrics and what countless others have had to say about their experiences. Click here to find out a lot more about how we test and review products.
You may not think you want or even need that extra padding, but with your first dip belt, it might make sense to err on the side of comfort…I mean caution!
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions about what goes into a great dip belt (or even into the best dip belt)? We got you covered here!
Do dip belts really make a difference?
Think about any bodyweight movement you do and the number of reps you can do before feeling fatigued.
Now put a barbell or weight plates on your back.
Even with the lightest barbell and smallest plate, you’re going to fatigue a lot sooner.
Adding a dip belt and some plates/kettlebells/dumbbells to your pull-up or dip regimen will spur serious gains.
How much weight can you load onto a dip belt?
As my wife would say, “how long is a piece of string?”
Dip belts are designed to accommodate a lot of weight and I’ve seen more than a few men load 4+plates onto their dip belts.
The short answer is…a lot of weight!
Can you squat in a dip belt?
You certainly can squat in a dip belt, although this really isn’t recommended.
The dip belt is not likely going to be anywhere tight enough to provide the type of support you want when squatting. Even if you are able to secure a tight fit, it will likely be at the expense of the metal portions of the belt digging into your back or stomach.
…the Best Dip Belt
Most people (at least those who aren’t currently incarcerated) would never consider doing endless air squats in order to build giant legs.
They would grab a barbell, some plates, and a rack and knock out some heavy back squats.
So why wouldn’t you add some resistance to your pull-ups or dips?
Any of the contenders for the best dip belt we’ve covered here would be the perfect addition to your garage or home gym equipment collection.
So…time to get dippin’!
🏆 Best Overall
91
Best Nylon
85
Best Versatile
88
Best Leather
86
Best Affordable
91
