A dip belt is the best and easiest way to add weight to bodyweight exercises like dips and pull-ups. It’s also a fantastic tool for performing belt squats, which help those with low back pain by transferring the load from the back to the hips.
Although it’s a simple product, there are a few important features to consider. We’ve personally tested over a dozen dip belts on weighted dips, pull-ups, belt squats, and sled pulls. We’ve also built a database of other belts to compare the most important specs. Here are some of the factors we considered (more below):
- Durability: Are the materials able to withstand long-term use? We specifically looked at material quality, stitching consistency, and chain thickness.
- Weight Capacity: How much weight can the belt hold?
- Comfort: Does the belt dig into your hips? How well does it conform to your body?
- Chain length: Is the belt suitable for short and tall lifters? How many plates can fit, and can you achieve a full range of motion?
In this article, I’ll share our picks for the best dip belts based on real experience. Whether you’re an advanced athlete or just someone looking to take their bodyweight training up a notch, we’ve got you covered.
What’s the Best Dip Belt?
We found the Rogue Dip Belt to have the best blend of performance, durability, and weight capacity. We love how well made this belt is. Built with heavy-duty nylon and reinforced seams, it’s durable and capable of handling over 500 lbs. We found the chain to be an optimal length for reducing sway, and the tapered back disperses weight well.
In This Article: Our Picks | Comparison Chart | Types of Dip Belts | How to Pick | Honorable Mentions | Frequently Asked Questions
Our Top Picks
Best Overall: Rogue Dip Belt
Best Budget: Gymreapers Dip Belt
Best Fitting: Iron Bull Advanced Dip Belt
Most Versatile: Bells of Steel Dip Belt
Best for Heavy Lifting: Spud Inc Dip Belt
Most Comfortable: DMoose Dip Belt
Best Leather: Dominion Strength Dip Belt
Rogue Dip Belt: Best Dip Belt Overall
The Rogue Dip Belt is a high-quality USA-made belt with durable materials, a thick chain, and a large weight capacity.
Key Specs
- Weight: 3.2 lbs
- Weight Capacity: 500+ lbs
- Width: 3″ (4″ on back”)
- Length: 30.5″
- Chain Length: 30″
- Colors: Black or Yellow
Summary
The Rogue Dip Belt is my top pick overall. This was the first dip belt I purchased when I started my home gym in 2017, and it’s been my go-to ever since.
The best thing about this belt is the build quality. It’s made of heavy-duty nylon and has reinforced seams throughout. I’ve owned this belt for years, and it looks the same as when I bought it.
It also uses fully welded O-rings on the ends and a 30″ long, 1/4″ thick chain. Together, these features create one of the strongest dip belts on the market. Rogue claims it’s rated to 29,400 lbs, which nobody can physically lift… unless your name is Thor and you’re a member of the Avengers. Rest assured, for us mere mortals, you won’t break this belt.
I love the 30.5″ length of the belt and find it fits tighter than longer belts. I also like that it keeps the weight a little closer to the body, reducing sway and improving range of motion.
Because this belt uses thick nylon, it’s not as comfortable as some, at least at the beginning. It breaks in nicely over time, but you may find it stiff during the first few sessions. That said, the wider back piece disperses the weight well, improving the overall comfort.
This belt costs slightly more than others, but the quality and weight capacity justify the increase, in my experience.
Pros
- Very large weight capacity
- Heavy-duty nylon construction
- Wider back piece for comfort
- 30″ chain strikes a great balance
- Available in black or yellow
Cons
- Thicker nylon may not be as comfortable as some
- The logo may peel off
Gymreapers Dip Belt: Best Budget Dip Belt
The Gymreapers Dip Belt is a comfortable weighted dip belt with a 300 lb weight capacity, several color options, and an affordable price.
Key Specs
- Weight: 1.9 lbs
- Weight Capacity: 300 lbs
- Width: 4″ (6.5″ on back)
- Length: 32″
- Chain Length: 30″
- Colors: Black, Gray, Navy Blue, Ranger Green, or Red
Summary
The Gymreapers Dip Belt offers solid specs at an affordable price, making it a great budget option. I’ve owned and used this belt since early 2022 and have been very pleased with its performance.
This belt is built with a cotton/neoprene blend for a good mix of durability and comfort. While it’s neither the most comfortable nor durable, it strikes a great balance for most people. I also like the longer tapered back piece for keeping the belt in place.
At 32″ long, this is a slightly longer belt than some. If you’re on the thinner side, I recommend a shorter belt. However, this is still a good length for most. The 30″ chain keeps the weights tight, which I prefer. Something to look for are pointy edges on the chain. While I haven’t experienced it on mine, a few reviewers highlighted inconsistencies.
Gymreapers states a 300 lb weight capacity, which is plenty for most people. The Box-X reinforced stitching enclosing the welded D-rings is a nice feature for increased durability.
Overall, this is a solid dip belt for the money. If you require a larger weight capacity, I recommend other options. But this one is tough to beat if you’re just looking for a high-quality belt at a good price.
Pros
- Lightweight design
- Tapered back
- 30″ chain length
- Solid 300 lb weight capacity
- Available in multiple colors
Cons
- Some users have pointed out sharp points on the chain
- Lower weight capacity than some
Iron Bull Advanced Dip Belt: Best Fitting Dip Belt
The Iron Bull Advanced Dip Belt is a strap belt with a velcro enclosure for a tailored fit. It comes in multiple sizes and is especially good for pull-ups.
Key Specs
- Weight: Varies
- Weight Capacity: 225 lbs
- Width: 4″
- Length: Varies
- Strap Length: 32″
- Colors: Black w/ Red Accents
Summary
The Iron Bull Advanced Dip Belt is one of the most unique options on the market. I love how it fits and find it better than others for pull-ups.
The best thing about this belt is the fit. Unlike other belts that cinch with weight, this one uses a velcro enclosure similar to a weightlifting belt. It also comes in several sizes instead of being one-size-fits-all. This allows for a better, tighter fit. Sizes run from small to XXL and fit waists between 28″ and 48″. When picking a size, make sure to measure around your naval – don’t take your pant size.
The Advanced Dip Belt has three connection points with welded D-rings, providing better versatility than others. For instance, you can perform forward sled drags since it’s enclosed around your waist.
I also appreciate that you can place the strap in front or behind your legs. When placed behind, it makes weighted pull-ups and chin-ups more comfortable and possibly more effective because of the load positioning.
The downside to this belt is the weight capacity is lower. Because it uses a nylon strap instead of a metal chain, it maxes out at 225 lbs. That said, you can always upgrade to a chain at your local hardware store for a few dollars.
If you aren’t lifting much weight and want the best-fitting dip belt, I recommend this one. It’s also the best option if you perform a lot of weighted pull-ups.
Pros
- Versatile belt with several attachment points
- Velcro enclosure for a custom fit
- Comfortable and lightweight
- Great for pull-ups
- Good price w/ free shipping
Cons
- Takes slightly longer to set up
- Lower weight capacity than chains
Bells of Steel Dip Belt: Most Versatile Dip Belt
The Bells of Steel Dip Belt is a versatile option for dips, pull-ups, belt squats, and sled movements.
Key Specs
- Weight: 2.1 lbs
- Weight Capacity: N/A
- Width: 4.5″
- Length: 32.5″ (53.5″ including straps)
- Chain Length: 12″
- Colors: Black
Summary
The Bells of Steel Dip Belt is the most versatile choice because of its extended trap design. If you want to perform the most movements, this is the one to buy.
The most unique thing about this belt is its strap/chain combination. This belt’s main support is 32.5″ long, which is fairly consistent with others. However, it includes extended nylon straps, making the total length 53.5″.
With welded O-rings on the ends of the straps, you can load plates with just carabiners or the included 12″ chain. While the chain is much shorter than others, the effective length is 33.5″ because of the straps.
The biggest benefit of the straps is that they allow for more movement variety. In addition to dips and pull-ups, you can perform reverse sled pulls (great for knee health) and belt squats (great for those with low back pain).
One downside I’ve found is the belt isn’t as comfortable as some. It’s made of nylon, which is great for durability, but it doesn’t have a tapered back. The 4.5″ width is consistent with others, but I prefer a wider back piece when going heavy.
If you’re looking for a dip belt that does it all, I recommend this one from Bells of Steel. It’s also well-priced and ships for free.
Pros
- Extended straps + a chain increases versatility
- Heavy-duty nylon construction
- 5″ width for better comfort
- Great for reverse sled pulls
- Free shipping
Cons
- No stated weight capacity
- Non-tapered design isn’t as comfortable
Spud Inc Dip Belt: Best Dip Belt for Heavy Lifting
The Spud Inc Dip Belt has a huge weight capacity and ultra-durable materials for heavy lifting.
Key Specs
- Weight: 2.9 lbs
- Weight Capacity: 500+ lbs
- Width: 2″ (6.5″ on back”)
- Length: 31″
- Chain Length: 26″
- Colors: Black
Summary
Spud Inc. is well known in the strength community for creating ultra-durable “strap” products. They make lifting straps, wrist wraps, weight belts, and more. This dip belt fits their product line perfectly.
This belt is ideal for heavy lifters who plan to load hundreds of pounds on dips, pull-ups, and even plate-loaded belt squats. It’s built with heavy-duty nylon and has a weight capacity of well over 500 lbs. I appreciate the reinforced stitching and have no concerns with its long-term durability.
Another thing I like about this belt is the oversized back piece. At 6.5″ wide, it provides excellent coverage. However, the piece isn’t as long as others, and the rest of the belt is only 2″ wide.
The 31″ overall length is great for most, but the chain is on the shorter side at 26″. Despite it being a great choice for heavy lifting, the shorter chain may limit how much you can load. If you have wide plates or need extra load potential, you may need to purchase a longer chain from a hardware store.
Some of the strongest athletes on the planet rely on Spud Inc. I still prefer the Rogue Dip Belt overall, but this is a strong contender for durability and strength.
Pros
- Very heavy-duty nylon
- Wide back pad improves fit
- Thick chain
- Excellent reinforced stitching
Cons
- Not as comfortable as some
- There are less expensive options
DMoose Dip Belt: Most Comfortable Dip Belt
The DMoose Dip Belt is a solid budget belt with a soft inner lining and a tapered back for increased comfort.
Key Specs
- Weight: 1.6 lbs
- Weight Capacity: 550 lbs
- Width: 4.5″ (6.5″ on Back)
- Length: 32.5″
- Chain Length: 36″
- Colors: Black, Blue, Gray, Gray Camo, or American Flag
Summary
The DMoose Dip Belt is the most comfortable belt I’ve tested. It’s made of nylon for good durability but includes a soft neoprene inner lining for comfort. Where most similar-style belts only use the soft lining on the wider back piece, DMoose added it everywhere.
They also made the overall belt slightly wider at 4.5″ with a 6.5″ wide back piece. This makes for a good fit and an overall comfortable experience. While this belt contours the body well, it arrives fairly stiff and requires a break-in period to fully appreciate the comfort. It also arrived with an off-putting smell, but it dissipated quickly.
The chain on this belt is longer than most at 36″. This means you can load more plates, but you may need to shorten it by moving the carabiner to avoid too much plate sway. DMoose states a 500 lb weight capacity, but I don’t believe this is as strong or durable as the Rogue or Spud Inc belts.
Lastly, this is a well-priced belt that places it firmly in the budget pick discussion. If you’re looking for a comfortable belt with solid back support, this is a great choice.
Pros
- Soft inner lining improves comfort
- Comfortable tapered back
- Longer 36″ chain
- Good weight capacity
- Available in multiple colors
Cons
- Takes a few sessions to break in
- Strong initial odor
Dominion Strength Dip Belt: Best Leather Dip Belt
The Dominion Strength Dip Belt is a high-quality leather option with a long chain, large weight capacity, and a lifetime warranty.
Key Specs
- Weight: 2.4 lbs
- Weight Capacity: 500+ lbs
- Width: 4″
- Length: 34″
- Chain Length: 36″
- Colors: Black Suede, Gray Suede, or Oiled Leather
Summary
The Dominion Strength Dip Belt is the best choice for those looking for a leather option. Leather is a tried and true belt material that offers premium durability and great strength.
This belt has a 4″ back piece with durable rivets connecting the welded D-ring and extension pieces. The total length of 34″ is good for larger lifters, but those with smaller waists may want something shorter.
The 36″ chain is on the longer side and is great for loading heavy weight. The provided carabiners are rated to 1,000 lbs, and the overall weight capacity is one of the highest you’ll find.
The downside to leather is that it’s typically not the most comfortable, especially at the edges. This belt requires a longer break-in period and will still likely be less comfortable than others. That said, I appreciate the suede inner lining for moisture control, comfort, and improved grip on the back.
However, leather is extremely durable and long-lasting, so if you’re looking for a dip belt you can pass on to your kids, this is the best choice. This belt is more expensive than others and doesn’t ship for free, putting the price over $100, but it comes with a lifetime warranty.
Pros
- Excellent durability
- High weight capacity
- Longer 36″ chain
- Suede lining with 2 color options
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
- More expensive than others
- Not as comfortable
Compare our Top Picks
Compare our selection of the best dip belts below based on key specs. Scroll right to see more.
Rogue Dip Belt See More | Gymreapers Dip Belt See More | Iron Bull Dip Belt See More | Bells of Steel Dip Belt See More | Spud Inc Dip Belt See More | DMoose Dip Belt See More | Dominion Dip Belt See More |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Award | Best Overall | Best Budget | Best Fitting | Best Versatility | Best for Heavy Lifting | Most Comfortable | Best Leather |
| Weight | 3.2 lbs | 1.9 lbs | Varies | 2.1 lbs | 2.9 lbs | 1.6 lbs | 2.4 lbs |
| Width | 3″ (4″ on back) | 4″ (6.5″ on back) | 4″ | 4.5″ | 2″ (6.5″ on back) | 4.5″ (6.5″ on back) | 4″ |
| Length | 30.5″ | 32″ | Varies | 32.5″ | 31″ | 32.5″ | 34″ |
| Chain Length | 30″ | 30″ | 32″ | 27″ | 26″ | 36″ | 36″ |
| Colors | Black OR Yellow | 5 Options | Black w/ Red Accents | Black | Black | 5 Options | 3 Options |
| Weight Capacity | 500+ lbs | 300 lbs | 225 lbs | N/A | 500+ lbs | 550 lbs | 500+ lbs |
Types of Dip Belts
Chain Belts
Best for: Heavy lifting | Durability: Excellent | Weight Capacity: Excellent | Ease of Use: Excellent | Comfort: Good | Price: $20-$90
Chain dip belts are the most common and traditional option. These belts are typically built with nylon or leather and include two hooks on each end to attach a chain. The chains can vary in length and thickness, but most are between 24″ and 36″ and up to 1/4″ thick.
Chain belts offer the best durability and highest weight capacities, making them better for heavy lifters. They’re also the easiest to use since they’re one-size-fits-all.
Strap Belts
Best for: Comfort | Durability: Great | Weight Capacity: Good | Ease of Use: Great | Comfort: Excellent | Price: $25-$50
Strap dip belts are a less common but very versatile option. These belts have dedicated sizes and are tightened with a velcro strap or buckle, similar to a weightlifting belt.
The biggest benefits of this style are comfort and fit. Because you can tighten them, they offer better adjustability and are typically more comfortable. However, they take slightly longer to set up.
Lastly, these belts use nylon straps instead of metal chains, giving them a lower weight capacity. I recommend strap belts to those looking for maximum comfort and who don’t plan on lifting heavy.
How to Pick a Dip Belt
Here are a few of the most important factors to consider when buying a dip belt:
Materials
Most dip belts are made of nylon since it’s a durable material with a high load potential. Neoprene and cotton are also common and are beneficial for increasing comfort. Some belts combine materials. For example, a nylon structure with a neoprene lining.
Although leather is a less common dip belt material, it’s an excellent option for maximum durability. The biggest downside to leather is it requires a longer break-in period and generally isn’t as comfortable.
Chain or Strap Length
Dip belts typically have chains or straps that measure between 24″ and 36″. If you’re a heavy lifter or using thicker bumper plates, I recommend a longer chain to fit more weight. You can always shorten the chain by placing the carabiner on different links.
Alternatively, you can’t make a chain longer unless you daisy-chain them together. Shorter chains generally can’t hold as many plates, but they keep the weight close to your body, reducing sway.
Weight Capacity
High-quality dip belts have weight capacities between 225-500 lbs, which is plenty for most people. In addition to chain/strap reliability, dip belts should be well-stitched and use proper materials, including nylon and leather.
Sizing
Most dip belts are one-size-fits-all. The weight on the belt cinches it to your hips and holds it in place, regardless of waist size. However, a few dip belts offer multiple sizes. These belts typically operate like a weightlifting belt with a velcro strap or buckle to fit snugly on waists up to 50″.
Comfort
You want a comfortable belt to prevent pain when you have heavy weight hanging from your waist. Nylon, neoprene, and cotton are the most comfortable since they mold and conform to your body better than others. On the other hand, leather is the least comfortable and requires more use to break in.
In addition to the belt material, the chain is another consideration. While I still recommend a chain over a nylon strap, they may be less comfortable for some users.
Lastly, width can play a big role in making a comfortable belt. I generally recommend a narrower belt for smaller lifters to reduce bulk. However, some lifters like a wider back to disperse the weight across a larger area.
Durability
A dip belt’s durability is based on three primary factors: materials, stitching, and chain/strap thickness. Nylon and leather are the two most durable materials, though I recommend nylon for most people.
Stitching should be consistent throughout and include reinforced seams on any connections. Look for Box-X or zigzag stitch patterns for the best durability.
Lastly, chain/strap thickness can directly affect load potential and long-term durability. I recommend a 1/4″ chain if you plan to lift heavy.
Price
Dip belts are affordable accessories that cost between $40 and $60, depending on brand, materials, etc. Leather belts are generally more expensive and can fetch up to $90.
Honorable Mentions
- Dark Iron Dip Belt – The Dark Iron Dip Belt is a solid strap option. Unlike the Iron Bull belt that made our list, this belt uses a buckle to tighten, which isn’t as user-friendly. It’s also made of leather, which isn’t as comfortable in my experience. Lastly, it’s more expensive than Iron Bull.
- REP Fitness Dip Belt – The REP Fitness Dip Belt is a good no-frills option at a nice price. However, it didn’t make our list because it’s not made of nylon and is less than 4″ wide. I like this belt for smaller lifters, but I recommend others for heavier weights.
- MiR Dip Belt – The MiR Dip Belt is a basic ultra-budget option. It’s made of nylon and claims a 500 lb weight capacity, although it’s not as strong or as durable as others. It’s a good choice if you want to pay the least amount of money for a dip belt, but I don’t recommend it for going heavy.
FAQs About Dip Belts
What Kinds of Exercises Can I Do With a Dip Belt?
Aside from dips, the most common exercises for a dip belt include pull-ups, chin-ups, squats, and calf raises. They’re especially good for squats because they move the load from your back to your hips and legs. Those with lower back pain can greatly benefit from performing belt squats with a dip belt.
Can I Adjust the Length of the Chain or Strap on my Dip Belt?
Shortening a dip belt is possible by double-looping or adjusting the carabiner to a shorter link. However, lengthening a dip belt is more challenging, requiring you to replace it with a longer chain or daisy chain a second one.
How Much Weight Can a Dip Belt Hold?
High-quality chain dip belts can hold at least 300 lbs, and depending on design, materials, etc., can hold up to 1,000 lbs. Strap dip belts have lower capacities of between 225 and 275 lbs.