Due to the extra support it provides your core muscles, a weightlifting belt can help you reach new heights with your lifts. There are so many belts on the market that vary in build, but the 10mm Lever Weightlifting Belt from Gymreapers may be one of the better options for serious powerlifters. Leather belts aren’t as versatile as nylon belts, but the support they provide your core muscles may be unmatched, and that’s exactly what makes them the ideal choice for a heavy squat or deadlift.
This belt is made from high-quality leather, and features a suede liner on the inside for moisture control. This USPA (United States Powerlifting Association) belt also features an adjustable lever buckle that enables you to find the perfect fit for your body. Thanks to its solid support and secure lever, we think this is one of the best lever lifting belts on the market, making it well worth its price tag.
Main Takeaways
- This belt features an adjustable buckle that you can move around to fit your exact needs with the eight different adjustment points. Once you find the right amount of support, just fasten the two screws into the lever, and you’re good to go.
- The lever on this buckle keeps the belt tight against your core for optimal support, allowing you to properly brace for a heavy lift.
- This 10mm leather belt is approved by the USPA for powerlifting competitions.
This lever lifting belt has been rigorously tested for form, fit, and function and is manufactured with premium leather. The design incorporates smooth edges, reinforced stitching, and an adjustable lever buckle attachment.
Gymreapers 10mm Lever Weightlifting Belt Video Review
Our reviews writer, Jake, put this weightlifting belt to the test during his detailed review. Tag along as he breaks down this belt in full, and helps you decided if it’s the right fit for your lifts.
Gymreapers 10mm Lever Weightlifting Belt Highlights
When working out with the Gymreapers 10mm Lever Weightlifting Belt, we felt like our core had the highest level of support we could ask for, allowing us to move around heavy weights as smooth as butter. The thickness of this belt, and the adjustability that allows you to find the exact amount of pressure you need can help you reach that new PR. When you receive your belt, the buckle isn’t assembled, so you can find the right fit for your body. Once you find your sweet spot, just insert the prongs into the holes, clamp the lever down, and you’re going to be as snug as a bug in a rug in this belt.
Since this is a leather belt, it’s going to be much stiffer than a nylon belt or even a hybrid belt would be. This means you’re going to be more limited in terms of the exercises you can do. Athletes who have an emphasis on Olympic and CrossFit style lifts tend to go for more flexible belts (like nylon ones) that allow you to be more mobile during your lifts. But those also may not provide the same support that a leather belt (like this 10mm one) can. It’s also worth noting that this belt is not tapered in the front, so you won’t be able to bend as much as you would with a tapered belt.
Who Should Buy The Gymreapers 10mm Lever Weightlifting Belt
- Powerlifting competitors who are looking for a USPA-approved belt will want to consider this one.
- Lifters who want a belt that provides them with maximum support and stability will likely enjoy the 10mm thickness of this belt.
- Folks who want a belt that won’t come undone on them when lifting will like the lever that locks the belt in place.
Who Shouldn’t Buy The Gymreapers 10mm Lever Weightlifting Belt
- Athletes who are looking for a belt that can be used across all of their lifts should look for a more versatile nylon or hybrid belt.
- Anyone who prefers a belt that features a velcro strap will want to look elsewhere.
- Those who prefer a thinner belt that is going to allow them to be more mobile and breathe better.
Price
The Gymreapers 10mm Lever Weightlifting Belt is priced right around $120 on the Gymreapers website, as well as on Amazon. This may seem like a lot of money for a belt, but this price actually falls right in the middle of the market compared to what other companies are charging for their belts. There are actually some other companies that sell leather belts for over $150. We believe this belt is worth the money due to the level of support it provides, the customizable buckle, and the high-quality leather that should keep it around for over 10 years (with proper care, of course).
Overall Build and Quality
This 10mm Lever Weightlifting Belt from Gymreapers is crafted with 100 percent leather and features a suede liner on the inside of the belt. The thickness of this belt is going to have your core feeling more supported than you would feel if a loved one told you your new hideous shirt actually looks great. The matte black buckle is made from steel and the lever is going to keep the belt locked into place throughout your workout.
This belt is not tapered in the front and features a four-inch wide profile that may impede your hip mobility when going to do a deadlift, but we personally didn’t have any issues with this. Due to the confidence they have in this belt, Gymreapers offers a lifetime warranty covering any manufacturing defects.
Features
There were a couple of features with this belt that stood out to us during our time with it. The adjustable buckle is really useful since it allows you to achieve the proper support needed for your heavy deadlifts or squats. The four-inch profile may affect some people negatively in terms of mobility, but this width is also what allows you to feel 100 percent supported when you have some heavy weight on your back. This belt is also available in eight different colors, so there’s a solid chance you can find one that matches the gear you already have in your gym bag.
Adjustable Buckle and Lever
One of the coolest things about this belt is its adjustable buckle. It allows you to maneuver the belt to fit your needs, and can give you a tighter squeeze than your grandparents. Once the prongs are inserted into the holes, just clamp down on the lever and you’re all set.
In order to achieve the most support possible, you’ll want to make sure there aren’t any gaps between your core and the belt. This may make it difficult to breathe at times, but we like how you can lift up on the lever and ease the constriction without the belt falling off. While it may take a little longer to put on compared to a nylon belt with a strap, we didn’t find it too time consuming.
Taper
The Gymreapers 10mm Lever Weightlifting Belt does not feature a tapered design. Since this belt has a uniform width of four inches, it offers the highest level of support.
While we didn’t have any issues deadlifting with this belt, we absolutely understand why some people prefer a tapered belt — you can breathe better, and the taper allows you to be more mobile. If you’re set on buying a tapered belt, you may want to consider the 7mm belt that Gymreapers has to offer.
Color
This belt from Gymreapers is not lacking in terms of color variety as it’s available in eight different colorways. Whether it be one of the three camo versions, Grey, Military Green, Red, Navy Blue, or classic Black — there’s a color for everyone to match any gear they may already have.
Product Specs
This lever-style belt from Gymreapers features a 10mm thickness, and a four-inch wide uniform profile to properly support your core muscles. It’s made from 100 percent leather, features a suede lining on the inside of the belt, comes with a lifetime warranty, and has an adjustable buckle paired with a lever for ultimate security. To go along with the eight different color options, this belt is also available in six sizes ranging from XS to XXL.
Materials
This belt is made from 100 percent leather, and features a suede lining where the belt hugs your body. While this belt may not be as versatile as a nylon belt, we believe it provides more support than a nylon belt can. The buckle and lever are both made from steel, so they should be in it for the long haul. Plus, they’ll keep the belt tight around your body regardless of how sweaty you become.
Weightlifting Belt Type
This is a lever weightlifting belt that is designed to be used during powerlifts (such as squatting and deadlifting), but you can also use it during upper back lifts as well.
This leather lever belt is not as versatile as a nylon or hybrid belt — which is why those two are the ideal choices for CrossFit and Olympic lifting athletes.
Sizing and Dimensions
Gymreapers designed this belt with a 10mm thickness and a uniform profile of four inches. This wide profile is ideal for your core muscles as it provides a larger surface area to brace against for a heavy lift. We haven’t experienced any issues with the lack of a tapered design while deadlifting, but we also understand that some may prefer that style.
This belt is available in six different sizes, and to find your proper size, you need to measure around your belly button. The extra small is going to be the best fit for anyone who measures between 24 and 31 inches, the small ranges from 26 to 33 inches, and the medium is best for those who range between 30 and 36 inches. The large is going to be for those who range between 34 and 41 inches, the extra large ranges between 38 to 45 inches, and the XXL is best for anyone who ranges between 39 and 46 inches. Because there are so many options to choose from, there’s a really good chance you’ll find one to fit your body type.
Warranties
Gymreapers includes a lifetime warranty on their belts that covers any manufacturing defects that may occur. This warranty does not cover normal wear and tear, but we don’t think you’ll have to worry about it falling apart if you provide it with the proper care and clean it after each use.
Places to Buy
You can buy this weightlifting belt directly through the Gymreapers website or through Amazon.
Company Information
Since 2014, the main goal set by Gymreapers has been to assist athletes by providing the proper support for lifting. To find out about their policies, you can reach their US support team at 1-208-203-7498, or their international team at 1-866-220-2684. You can also head over to their Contact Us page and fill out a request for a team member to email you.
Final Word
Finding the right weightlifting belt can be a difficult task due to the many different options that are available out there. For those who are dedicated to powerlifting, we think the 10mm Lever Weightlifting Belt from Gymreapers may be tough to beat. This is thanks to its adjustable buckle, the lever that locks the belt into place, and the full leather build that provides optimal support for your core during powerlifts.
It may not be as versatile as a nylon belt, and the lack of a tapered design might make people want to pump the brakes, but when it comes to support for powerlifting, we think this belt is as solid as they come. While a belt with a velcro strap may be easier to put on or take off, we honestly feel like this is a pretty easy belt to secure and adjust for your lifts. When looking for a new belt to add to your gear stash, we think this one from Gymreapers is one of the most reliable options to choose from.
FAQs
Why would I want to use the Gymreapers 10mm Lever Weightlifting Belt?
In short, for your own safety and to assist you in keeping proper form when lifting heavy weight. This leather belt provides your core with a solid amount of support to help you brace, and it might even push you to hit a new one rep max.
What workouts can I use the Gymreapers 10mm Lever Weightlifting Belt for?
Since this is a leather belt, it’s going to cut down on your mobility, so you’ll want to use it strictly for powerlifts. It’s going to be great for squatting and deadlifting, but it may not provide the right amount of flexibility for power cleans or the clean & jerk.
Why would I want the Gymreapers 10mm Lever Weightlifting Belt over a nylon one?
The main reason someone would want to choose a leather belt like this one over a nylon belt is because of the support it provides. Leather belts are thicker than nylon ones, and provide more support for heavy lifts. The only downside is that leather belts aren’t as versatile and are only intended to be used for powerlifts.
