Prong vs. Lever Weight Lifting Belts: Which Lifting Belt Is Better?

Choosing the right lifting belt can make a big difference in your performance. Prong belts vs. lever belts offer unique benefits, but they serve different purposes. Understanding the key differences between prong and lever belts will help you select the best one for your lifting needs. Let’s look at each type and how it can support your training.

What Is a Weightlifting Belt?

A weightlifting belt wraps around your waist to stabilize and support you during heavy lifts like squats and deadlifts. Its main goal is stabilizing your core by providing a firm surface for your abdominal muscles to brace against. This added stability helps protect your spine and allows you to generate more force during complex lifts.

Weightlifting belts typically measure about 4 inches (10 cm) wide and 6-13 mm thick. They have adjustable prongs or lever closures for a secure fit. Manufacturers design lifting belts for women and for men.

Prong belts and lever belts are among the most common types of weightlifting belts. Let’s look at each type in detail.

What Are Prong Belts?

Prong belts are a traditional type of lifting belt, typically made of leather. They feature a prong mechanism that fastens the belt around your waist, allowing you to adjust the fit for comfort and support. Athletes commonly use these belts in powerlifting, Olympic lifting, and bodybuilding for their durability and reliability.

If you're looking for a versatile and adjustable belt that provides solid support during heavy lifts, a prong belt is a great option. It ensures a secure fit, allowing you to perform better and lift with more confidence.

What Are Lever Belts?

Lever belts are a modern type of lifting belt that use a lever mechanism to secure the belt around your waist. Manufacturers usually make lever belts from leather or synthetic materials. Lever belts perform the same as prong belts, but the lever buckle ensures quick and consistent fastening, making it easier for you to get a precise fit every time.

Lever belts are popular among powerlifters and serious lifters who need maximum support and fast, secure adjustments. If you’re looking for a belt that offers support with minimal effort, a lever belt is your best option.

Prong Belts vs. Lever Belts: 7 Key Differences

Prong belts and lever belts each have unique features. Let’s break down their differences to help you choose the right one for your training needs.

1. Design and Fit

The main difference is in how each belt provides support and adjusts.

A prong belt is usually made from leather or similar durable materials. It uses a metal prong that fits into holes on the belt. To adjust the fit, you simply move the prong to different holes. This allows you to get the perfect fit, whether you need tighter compression or more comfort. It's straightforward but you’ll need to put in more effort to tighten when you use it.

Lever belts use a metal lever to fasten the belt. This provides a quick, consistent fit that’s ideal if you prefer a set-it-and-forget-it design. Powerlifters and strongmen usually prefer lever belts for heavy lifting because of this.

Tip: If you are a competitive powerlifter, pair your lifting belts with a powerlifting singlet, high-quality knee sleeves, and powerlifting shoes to maximize your stability, protection, and performance during your lifts.

2. Use in Lifting

Prong belts are great for most lifts, like squats, deadlifts, and overhead presses. They’re a good choice if you prefer adjustable tension and don’t mind a slightly longer setup time. Pairing prong belts with lifting straps can improve your grip strength and stability, especially during heavy deadlifts and pulling movements. Prong belts also won’t be in the way when performing strongman lifts like the axle clean and press

Lever belts are particularly useful if you are a powerlifter or if you need quick, consistent closure. They're perfect for heavier lifts where you need the belt to be securely fastened without slipping.

3. Adjustability

Prong belts can be more convenient due to their adjustability. You can easily tweak the fit during your workout. This makes them a great choice if you need flexibility for different exercises.

In contrast, lever belts provide a consistent, secure fit with quick closure, but they lack the immediate adjustability of prong belts. This is because you can’t change the fit without using a tool.

4. Ease of Opening/Closing

Prong belts require a bit more time to open and close, especially between sets, as you have to adjust the prong mechanism to your desired tightness. This might slow you down if you’re switching between exercises.

Lever belts are quick and easy to close, especially if you need to move quickly between lifts. The lever mechanism allows for fast, secure adjustments, making it ideal for powerlifting and strongman competitions.

5. Durability

Prong belts and lever belts are equally durable. But if there is damage to the buckle, it’s much easier to just replace a lever belt’s buckle than that of a prong belt.

6. Value for Money

Prong belts are generally more affordable due to their simpler design. They offer solid performance and reliability, especially for those who prefer intra-workout adjustability and a more flexible fit.

Lever belts are more expensive, reflecting their design and the materials that manufacturers use. They provide maximum support and consistency, making them a good investment if you’re a serious lifter who requires quick release functionality and reliable performance during heavy lifts.

7. Popularity

Prong belts remain popular for their versatility, particularly among bodybuilders and general fitness enthusiasts who need flexibility for various exercises. They allow for a personalized fit and you can adjust them quickly based on your needs.

Lever belts have become a go-to choice for powerlifters who appreciate the quick, consistent support they offer. Their ability to provide maximum stability and security during heavy lifts has made them the belt of choice for competitive lifters.

Prong Belts vs. Lever Belts: Pros and Cons

Choosing between a prong belt and a lever belt depends on your lifting style and goals. Lifting belts have many benefits, and each belt offers its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Let’s break down the pros and cons of both so you can decide which one will support your training best.

Pros of Prong Belts

Prong belts offer several advantages, especially for those who value flexibility and comfort. Here are the key benefits:

Adjustable fit: Prong belts can be adjusted easily to fit your waist snugly, providing a comfortable and secure fit.
Versatile use: They’re suitable for a wide range of lifting exercises and can be used for both light and heavy lifts.
Lower profile: Won’t impede cleaning an axle or using other strongman implements.

Cons of Prong Belts

While prong belts are a popular choice, there are a few limitations. They:

Are not as quick to release: The prong mechanism can take a bit more effort to loosen, which may be inconvenient for lifters who want to remove the belt quickly.
Are more susceptible to wear and tear: The holes where the prongs attach can widen or loosen over time, whereas the sturdier mechanism on a lever belt means it might last longer.

Pros of Lever Belts

Lever belts are great for those who prefer a more rigid, consistent fit. Here are the main benefits:

Quick and easy closure mechanism: The lever mechanism allows for fast tightening and release, making it easy to be ready for your next lift.
High level of support: Lever belts provide a stable, locked-in fit, ideal for heavy lifts where you need maximum core support.
Consistent tension: The lever ensures a consistent, tight fit every time, giving you peace of mind during your most intense lifts.

Cons of Lever Belts

Lever belts offer a great fit but come with their own set of limitations. They:

Can be hard to adjust: While the lever provides a consistent fit, adjusting the belt for different waist sizes can be a hassle if you need to make frequent changes.
Are more expensive: Lever belts are typically more expensive than prong belts due to their design and the materials that manufacturers use for the mechanism.
Take longer to adjust: Adjusting a lever belt can take longer than a prong belt, especially when you need to make precise changes between sets, because it requires a tool.

Prong Belts vs. Lever Belts: Which One Should You Pick?

Selecting between a prong belt and a lever belt depends on your personal lifting style and preference.

When to Use Prong Belts

Prong belts are the right choice if you want a more adjustable fit and prefer versatility across various lifts. They’re perfect if you need a reliable, durable belt that’s easy to adjust depending on the weight you lift. If you're someone who needs flexibility in tightening or loosening your belt, the prong belt is ideal.

When to Use Lever Belts

Go for a lever belt if you need a consistent, tight fit during heavy lifts. If you’re a powerlifter or someone who does very heavy squats and deadlifts, the lever belt provides the rigid support you need to generate maximum intra-abdominal pressure. Its quick release and secure fit make it perfect for intense, focused lifting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are prong belts more adjustable than lever belts?

Yes, prong belts are more adjustable, offering multiple holes for a custom fit, while lever belts provide a fixed fit once you attach the lever buckle.