Strongman Belt Guide: Lever, Quick Locking and Soft Belts Compared

Strongman is one of the most belt-heavy sports in strength training. Athletes wear belts for log presses, yoke carries, deadlifts, stones and sandbags, and many own more than one. Choosing the right strongman belt depends on the events you train and how you like to brace. Here is an overview of the main belt types and how they fit strongman.

Types of Belts Used in Strongman

• Lever belts: rigid, uniform belts that lock with a lever. Popular for deadlifts, yoke and log.
• Prong belts: similar support with a prong buckle, adjustable without tools.
• Quick locking belts: fast to adjust and easy to wear between events.
• Soft strongman belts: thick, padded belts used for stones and some carries, often worn over a rigid belt or on their own.

Lever Belts for Strongman

A lever belt gives a firm surface to brace against and locks to the same tightness every time. That is ideal for heavy deadlifts, axle pulls, yoke and log presses. The quick release also helps between attempts. The Bay Gear Co. lever belt is 10mm thick and 4.25" wide, priced at $129.99 in sizes XS–3XL. Read is a lever belt worth it.

Quick Locking Belts for Strongman

Strongman training days move between events quickly. A quick locking belt goes on and off in seconds and adjusts tightness easily, which is useful when you move from a carry to a press to a pull. The Bay Gear Co. quick locking belt is $34.99. Browse the self-locking belts collection.

Soft Belts for Stones

Atlas stones roll up the torso, and a rigid belt can catch the stone or dig into the stomach. Many athletes use a soft, padded belt for stones, or wear their rigid belt lower. Soft belts also add a cushion between the stone and the body.

Belt by Event

• Deadlift and axle deadlift: lever or prong belt.
• Log and axle press: rigid belt, sometimes worn slightly higher; the log clean can catch on a wide belt, so position matters.
• Yoke: rigid belt for bracing through each step.
• Farmers carry: rigid or quick locking belt.
• Atlas stones and sandbags: soft belt or no belt.
• Sled and truck pulls: quick locking or rigid belt for bracing.

Belt Width for Strongman

Many strongman athletes like wide belts for a big bracing surface. The log clean, however, rolls the log up the stomach, and a very wide or high belt can get in the way. Some athletes use a slightly narrower belt or wear it lower for log. Read lifting belt width.

Competition Rules

Strongman federations generally allow belts, though some events have specific rules. Check the event's rules before competing. Unlike powerlifting, belt width rules are often less strict.

Bracing for Strongman Events

Strongman events last longer than a single powerlifting rep. Yoke carries and farmers walks require holding a brace while walking and breathing. Practice short breaths behind the brace and keep tension in the belt throughout. Read how to brace your core for lifting.

Other Strongman Gear

• Lifting straps for deadlift training and carries: lifting straps are 24" and $19.99. Read lifting straps for farmers walk.
• Knee sleeves for yoke and stones: 7mm, 9.5", $59.99. Read knee sleeves for strongman.
• Wrist wraps for log and axle: 18", $28.99.
• Elbow sleeves for pressing: 7mm neoprene, $49.99 a pair.
• Liquid chalk for grip on raw events: liquid chalk. (Liquid chalk is not returnable.)

A Sample Strongman Day

1. Log clean and press: work up to a heavy single, rigid belt.
2. Axle deadlift: 3 sets of 3, lever belt and straps.
3. Yoke carry: 4 runs of 20 meters, rigid belt.
4. Sandbag to shoulder: 5 sets of 3 per side, no belt or soft belt.
5. Farmers carry: 3 runs, quick locking belt and straps.

Read strongman training for an introduction.

Do You Need Two Belts?

Many strongman athletes own a rigid belt for most events and a soft belt for stones. Others use a lever belt for heavy pulls and a quick locking belt for medleys and carries. Start with one quality rigid belt and add others as needed.

Caring for a Strongman Belt

Strongman belts get chalk, tacky and sweat on them. Wipe your belt after every session and let it dry fully. Keep tacky away from the buckle and closures. Read how to clean a lifting belt.

Common Mistakes

• Wearing a wide, high belt for the log clean.
• Using a rigid belt for stones without adjusting position.
• Not practicing bracing while walking.
• Forgetting to loosen the belt between events.

Breaking In a New Belt

A new rigid belt can feel stiff, especially when pressing a log or carrying a yoke. Wear it on lighter training days for a couple of weeks, roll it up tightly in both directions and use it on squats and deadlifts to help it conform. Read how to break in a lifting belt.

Starting Out

If you are new to strongman, the belt you already squat and deadlift in will work for most events. Add a soft belt when you start lifting stones regularly.

Shipping and Returns

Bay Gear Co. includes free shipping on orders over $49 and a 30-day return policy.

FAQ

What belt do strongman athletes use?

Most use a rigid lever or prong belt for heavy events and a soft belt for stones.

Is a lever belt good for strongman?

Yes. It is popular for deadlifts, yoke and log.

Should I wear a belt for atlas stones?

Many athletes use a soft belt or wear their rigid belt lower.

Is a quick locking belt good for strongman?

Yes, especially for medleys and carries where you adjust often.