BACKGROUND INFO (feel free to skip if you’d like)
I think it is important that I begin this review by stating that when it comes to weightlifting belts, I’m in the mindset that they are not necessary. In fact, I did not think I’d ever use one until a fitness company (NOT Element 26) offered to send me free weightlifting belt, no strings attached. I was hesitant to accept their offer because I wasn’t sure I’d even use the belt, but I decided that since the belt was free, I’d try incorporating it into my heavy deadlift and squat days. I had recently noticed that my stability and form during these heavy days needed some improvement; maybe a belt could help. The day I received the free (not Element 26) belt, I immediately tried it on … and I immediately knew that I would never be wearing the belt during my workouts. The belt, although well made, was not comfortable. My biggest issue with the belt was that the back was wider than the front; this creates not only issues with comfort, but also functionality. I returned the belt and, oddly, I found myself a bit disappointed. By this time, I had talked myself into giving a weightlifting belt a try and I was actually looking forward to it. That being said, I did some research and decided I would purchase a belt that I felt would best suite my needs.
THE REVIEW
I chose the Element 26 Self-Locking Weight Lifting Belt because it seemed to offer the most bang for the buck while meeting my specific needs (although a 10mm thick, leather belt with a single prong buckle may provide a lifetime of unsurpassed support; I didn’t want the expense, nor the break in period typically required of these belts). From the moment I put the Element 26 belt on, it felt right. The width of the belt and the ability to tighten it exactly how I want it made the belt very comfortable. The self-locking mechanism made the belt feel very secure. The lifetime warranty and 100% satisfaction guarantee made me feel like the financial investment (although minimal compared to some other belt costs) was well worth it. I was ready, and a bit excited, to put the belt to the test.
So far, I’ve used the belt for two heavy deadlift days and one heavy squat day. Please keep in mind that I am not a power lifter or anything. I’m lifting about 150% - 200% of my body weight during these exercises. My needs may be different than yours. Not being a belt user in the past, I cannot provide insight as to how the belt compares to the performance of other belts, but what I can say is that the belt has performed to my expectations … expectations set by the claims and descriptions found on the Element 26 website.
The belt is well made and appears to be very durable. I am not concerned about the build quality of the belt; I’m confident it will last a very long time. If something does go wrong, E26 offers a lifetime warranty.
I can adjust the belt to the perfect amount of compression; I’m not limited to a specific set of holes found on prong buckle belts. It’s super easy to adjust the belt too. I’ve seen guys at the gym wearing different style belts doing some pretty strange things trying to get their belt to fit just right. It looks awkward, to say the least.
The belt feels very secure when the self-locking mechanism is engaged; there is no slip or movement in the belt. It does not loosen up during lifts. This is extremely important to me; I want to know that the compression I feel during the first rep is the same compression I’ll feel on the last rep.
The belt is a great width, it does not interfere with my hips or ribs during any exercise. It allows for comfortable full range of motion from the start. I’m very surprised at how comfortable this belt is.
The belt is lightweight and doesn’t take up much room in a gym bag.
Being uniform in width all the way around allows the user to move the buckle to their side or their back or wherever is most comfortable for them. Regardless of where the buckle is, the belt is providing the same amount of compression all the way around. Note: I, personally, do not find the buckle to be uncomfortable anywhere along my waist; it never gets in my way.
I like how easy it is to “unlock” the belt after I complete a set without the need to completely remove it. I can quickly adjust the belt to fit loose around my waist while waiting to begin my next set.
Although I’m not concerned with my appearance and I’m the furthest thing from a fashionable gym goer, this belt does look great. Just because appearance isn’t important to me, doesn’t mean it’s not something others look for. If you want your equipment to be equally fashionable as it is functional, this belt should check both boxes for you.
When all is said and done, I am very happy that I made the decision to purchase the Element 26 Self-Locking Weight Lifting Belt. I’m so happy with the belt and the Element 26 brand that I recently placed an order for the Element 26 Padded Figure 8 Lifting Straps. I’ve also got my eye on the Element 26 Isoprene Polymer Hand Grips, but those will have to wait until I’ve got some extra cash to spend.
| Item Package Dimensions L x W x H | 14.25 x 5.67 x 1.57 inches |
|---|---|
| Package Weight | 0.32 Kilograms |
| Brand Name | Element 26 |
| Color | Black |
| Material | Nylon |
| Suggested Users | unisex |
| Manufacturer | Element 26 LLC |
| Part Number | W6-YIZK-KIY9-$P |
| Size | Extra Small |
| Sport Type | Weightlifting |
