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 hanging under you!
(Ideally, you’ll do this using the Rogue Dip Belt, the best dip belt on the market!)
A good dip belt allows you to add resistance to your pull-ups and dips. In my experience, 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!
Take a look at this list of the best dip belts on the market today.
Table of Contents
Top 13 Best Dip Belts
Rogue Dip Belt (Best Overall)
Rogue Dip Belt
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!
(if only we could all be as strong as this 72-year-old inspiration!)
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.
Hawk Dip Belt
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.
Harbinger Dip Belt
With at least a 270-pound capacity, the Harbinger Dip Belt can be a trusted companion through every stage of weighted dip progression.
Harbinger has been in the fitness accessory game for over 35 years. As a trusted and respected brand, their products have held up against the test of time.
Constructed of heavily durable polypropylene material, the Harbinger belt is designed to handle the strain of multiple hanging plates. The steel grommets securely fasten to the weights as well as to the material portions of the belt.
The carabiners on this belt are a bit small. This can cause problems when attempting to secure plates or dumbbells to the chain or when detaching weight after a big set. With a little preplanning, these issues can be greatly mitigated.
GymReapers Dip Belt
At Garage Gym Revisited, 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 GymReaper 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.
VikingStrength
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”.
Defy Dip Belt
Defy clocks in with an extremely affordable and extremely durable dip belt.
The double-stitched, polypropylene material is enough to support just about anything you’d allow to hang under you. The smaller-than-average belt width (2 inches in most areas, close to 3 inches in the lower-back region) ensures a stable and comfortable fit.
The 32-inch chain is in a “sweet spot” of being a bit longer for those who prefer the plates to hang further from the body. At the same time, it is short enough for those who prefer a more compact dipping experience.
For those looking for a “stylish” dip belt, Defy presents 4 different color options.
The maximum recommended weight for the belt is “only” 225 pounds. For all of the superheroes reading, this may be a bit of a downer. My sincere apologies.
SeekTop Dip Belt
Giant-size width with a giant-sized chain. If you’re a giant-sized lifter (or simply like to lift like one!) you should be very interested in the SeekTop dip belt.
The 7-inch width of the belt is imposing enough (even in the narrowest areas, it’ll cover 4 inches of your lower torso). The neoprene material feels thicker than on most belts and the D-ring chain attachments are huge.
One word to describe the SeekTop belt: BIG.
The SeekTop belt is multifunctional (you can perform hip belt squats in these). It enjoys the social proof of almost universally positive reviews from lifters.
The company even got the demo model from the 2017 CrossFit Open in its promotional material. Maybe she is a big fan who wanted to get in on the marketing campaign?
Dark Iron Dip Belt
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.
AOAOGYM Dip Belt
AOAOGYM is a relatively new fitness accessory brand that has, nonetheless, thrown itself into the dip belt production game. The “big” belt that supports over 300 pounds” production game!
The reinforced stitching suggests a large degree of durability. It is not hard to imagine the AOAOGYM Dip Belt holding up at its advertised 330-pound max load.
The padded neoprene material and sweat-wicking fabric ensure user comfort during high-intensity sets.
Being a less-established company, there are always questions about long-term durability. However, it is nice to see that there is a lifetime guarantee and warranty offered with the AOAOGYM belt.
Hilhook Dip Belt
Hilhook is a bit of a “wild card” in the battle for the best dip belt. The company is known for all types of cords, straps, and heavy nylon products. The Hilhook Dip Belt is the company’s first venture into dedicated weight training equipment.
It certainly does not disappoint.
The Hilhook belt is designed to accommodate a number of different exercises and movements. You can use it to do anything from weighted dips to tire pulls to overhead squats by simply attaching the fastening strap or unattaching the belt chain.
An extra set of D-rings provides additional functionality. However, the belt only accommodates 32 to 40-inch waist sizes and only comes in…pink.
Can one of the best dip belts really come in…pink? We think so!
If you’re in the “average” waist category and happen to love…pink, give the Hilhook Dip Belt a hard look!
Spud Inc. Dip Belt
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!
Skates Sports
One of the cheapest belts on our best dip belt list, Skates Sports nevertheless presents an excellent dip belt.
The Skates Sports giant D-rings make for easy, quick weight adjustments. The mostly leather construction is preferable for those who question the durability of neoprene padding. With a longer-than-average, 36-inch chain, the weights safely hand low and away from the body.
Some elite athletes might complain that the Skates Sports dip belt only claims to support up to 135 pounds. However, for the majority of athletes, this weight will be sufficient. Additionally, multiple users have claimed to have comfortably and safely used closer to 175 pounds. Dip away!
Iron Bull Dip Belt
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.
Buying Guide
As we have seen above, all of the contenders for the title of “Best Dip Belt” come in a variety of shapes, materials, and designs. We’ll break down a number of these factors to help you get a better idea of which belt will be best for you!
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).
Design
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.
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 1000 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.
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!
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.
Go Get A 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.
(Especially the Rogue Dip Belt, the best dip belt out there!)
And if you’ve never strapped a dip belt on before, prepare your pecs, triceps, and back for gains you’ve never experienced with purely bodyweight sets!
Keeping a grip on the pull-up bar can be especially difficult when you’ve got 150 pounds dangling between your legs. Check out our list of the best grips for CrossFit so you can completely focus on the weight when you’re busting through sets of weighted pull-ups!
