Harbinger is known worldwide for their supportive strength gear. Their supportive gear covers a variety of needs including powerlifting, weightlifting, bodybuilding, and recreational lifting. Chances are you’ve seen their equipment in a gym at some point during your lifting career.
When we received the Harbinger 4″ Nylon Lifting Belt, I put it through a variety of tests. The Harbinger 4″ Nylon Lifting Belt is a versatile, cost-efficient option for anyone needed torso support on a budget.
Nylon belts are known for their versatility, so I tried this belt with both power and strength exercises. The movements I personally tested this belt with were the back squat, deadlift, clean, and front squat.
Stability
This belt felt similar in stability to other nylon belts I’ve tried. I like the 4″ width as it allows you to seamlessly adjust the belt from low to high on the torso if need be. The strap is three inches thick, which allows you to pull the belt tight with a lot of overlap. Personally, I liked the thicker strap, it held the belt securely across the abdomen. Some nylon belts have thinner straps and compromise belt stability.
When I performed cleans I felt stable with this belt, even at full-depth of the catch. In addition, this belt held me firmly during any form of squat I did. A test I like to do for belt stability is to flex at the torso in the hole of a squat. Instability in belts will result in the weight collapsing forward, but this held resisted and held my torso neutral.
Something to note about this belt is that it is nylon. If you’re a powerlifter who wants a stiff, rigid belt, then this may not be the best choice for you. Nylon won’t hold the body as firmly as leather during lifts such as the low-bar squat.
Comfort
Lifters who tend to choose cloth and nylon based belts tend to enjoy the comfort they offer. This belt has a softer inner lining, which I really liked. The inner lining is a noticeably softer material than the outside nylon. Personally, I love to lift shirtless and this belt felt comfortable on the skin. The metal buckle never made contact with the skin, so there wasn’t any scratching or chafing.
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An issue I did encounter was excessive sweating when I was going through a workout shirtless. The belt moved a little bit, but not too much. Someone who wants a very secure belt that doesn’t move easily, may find issue with this, especially if it’s on their bare skin.
Material
The material of this belt was interesting. As stated above, the inner lining is a softer cloth, which is forgiving on the skin and doesn’t pinch as much. The outside is a tougher nylon and feels secure. There’s a stainless steel buckle that provides an added sense of security. I really liked how the strap holding the buckle is well-sewn.
The velcro strap is three inches wide and provides ample strap to wrap and pull tight with. I never experienced an issue when it came to the velcro pieces making contact with each other. While there was ample velcro, a possible potential issue could be the velcro itself. Velcro does have a lifespan and this belt won’t be the best choice for those looking for a lifetime belt.
Durability
This belt felt durable upon my first lift with it. I liked that there was double stitching throughout the whole outer rim. It provided a firm feeling that snapped back when I tried to bend the belt. Another aspect I liked about this was the stainless steel loop that connects the velcro strap. Metal will be less prone to early wear and tear from heavy stress, as opposed to a plastic or synthetic loop.
The outside of the top and bottom of each belt has a little extra material covering them. This was a cool aspect that protects the belt from early fraying or coming undone. This belt has durable characteristics, but it’s important to keep in mind that it is nylon-based. A nylon belt will eventually show signs of aging, along with the velcro.
Price
The price for this belt starts at $16.99. This price falls right down the middle for a versatile nylon-based belt. I felt this price is fair for the recreational lifter or someone who needs a firm, durable belt. It won’t last a lifetime, which could steer away lifters who need a belt to last a longer period of time.
Final Word
The Harbinger 4″ Nylon Lifting Belt was a good belt when it came to versatility and comfort. I liked the different materials that cover the interior and exterior portions, plus the stainless steel loop. The price was also fair for what this belt offers, whether it be for the recreational or serious lifting. One thing to note is that this belt does contain a lot of velcro, which does have a lifespan and should be a consideration.
All in all, this belt provided the versatility and comfort a shirtless lifter might want from a versatile belt.
Harbinger 4" Nylon Weightlifting Belt
$16.99
Pros
- Thick Velcro
- Versatile
- Comfortable Fit
Cons
- Velcro's Durability Issues
- Not the Most Rigid
