Choosing your next Harris belt

Harris Powerlifting Belt Buying Guide (Australia)

How to Choose the Best Lifting Belt for Powerlifting, Strength Training & Competition

Whether you're preparing for your first powerlifting competition, building strength in the gym, or chasing a new personal best, a quality lifting belt is one of the most valuable pieces of equipment you'll own.

But with so many options available—including lever belts, prong belts, 10mm and 13mm thicknesses—choosing the right belt can be confusing.

At Harris Stability Systems, we've been supplying Australian powerlifters, strongman competitors, CrossFit athletes and strength enthusiasts for decades. This guide explains everything you need to know to choose the right belt for your training, body type and goals.

 

Why Wear a Powerlifting Belt?

A lifting belt doesn't lift the weight for you—and it doesn't replace a strong core.

Instead, it gives your abdominal muscles something to brace against, helping you create greater intra-abdominal pressure during heavy lifts. This increases torso stability and can improve confidence when performing maximal or near-maximal lifts.

 

A quality lifting belt is commonly used for:

• Squats

• Deadlifts

• Overhead Press

• Strongman Events

• Heavy Functional Fitness Workouts

Many lifters also find that wearing a belt improves consistency by helping them brace the same way every lift.

 

Choosing the Right Belt

The best belt depends on how you train, what you compete in, and your personal preference.

There is no single "best" belt for everyone.

Below are the key differences to help you choose.

 

Lever Belt vs Prong Belt

One of the first decisions you'll make is choosing between a lever belt and a prong belt.

Lever Belts

Lever belts use a steel lever to lock the belt into position.

 

Best For

• Competitive Powerlifters

• Heavy Squat Training

• Consistent Belt Tightness

• Maximum Support

 

Advantages

• Fast to put on and remove

• Consistent fit every session

• Excellent for heavy lifting

 

Considerations

If your bodyweight changes regularly, you'll need to reposition the lever using a screwdriver.

 

Prong Belts

Prong belts use the traditional buckle system found on most leather belts.

 

Best For

• Beginners

• Strongman

• General Strength Training

• CrossFit

• Athletes whose bodyweight fluctuates

 

Advantages

• Easy to adjust

•  More flexible between exercises

•  Ideal if multiple people share the belt

•  No tools required

 

10mm vs 13mm Belt

Another common question is:

 

Should I choose a 10mm or 13mm belt?

The answer depends on your experience and lifting style.

 

10mm Belts

A 10mm belt is the most popular choice for the majority of lifters.

Ideal For

• Beginners

• Intermediate lifters

• Women

• Deadlifting

• General strength training

• Powerlifting

Benefits

• Comfortable to wear

• Easier to break in

• Excellent support

• Greater freedom of movement

For most Australian lifters, a quality 10mm leather belt provides all the support needed for years of training and competition.

 

13mm Belts

A 13mm belt is thicker and significantly stiffer.

Ideal For

• Advanced powerlifters

• Heavyweight competitors

• Lifters chasing maximum squat performance

 

Benefits

• Maximum rigidity

• Outstanding torso support

• Preferred by many elite squat specialists

Some athletes find 13mm belts less comfortable during deadlifts due to their increased thickness.

 

Which Belt Is Best For Your Sport?

Your Training	Recommended Belt
Powerlifting	10mm or 13mm Lever Belt
Strongman	Prong Belt
CrossFit	Nylon or Prong Belt
General Gym Training	10mm Prong Belt
First Competition	10mm Lever or Prong Belt

 

Leather vs Nylon Belts

Both materials have their place depending on how you train.

 

Leather Belts

Leather belts are the gold standard for heavy strength training.

They're ideal for:

• Powerlifting

• Heavy Squats

• Heavy Deadlifts

• Maximum Support

Leather belts become more comfortable over time while maintaining excellent support for many years.

 

Nylon Belts

Nylon belts are lighter and more flexible.

They're commonly chosen by:

• CrossFit Athletes

• Functional Fitness

• Olympic Weightlifting

• General Gym Training

If your workouts involve running, jumping, Olympic lifts or high-repetition movements, a nylon belt may be the better choice.

 

Choosing the Correct Belt Size

One of the biggest mistakes people make is ordering a belt based on their pants size.

Instead:

Measure around your waist where you wear your belt while standing naturally.

Compare that measurement with the sizing chart on the individual Harris product page.

If you're between sizes or expect your bodyweight to change, choose the size that allows adjustment in both directions.

 

Competition Rules

If you plan to compete, always check your federation's equipment rules before purchasing a belt.

Most Australian powerlifting federations permit leather lifting belts that comply with maximum width and thickness regulations.

All athletes should confirm equipment requirements with their federation before competition day.

 

Which Harris Belt Should You Choose?

Harris Heavy Duty Lever Belt

 

Perfect for:

• First-time competitors

• Intermediate powerlifters

• Lifters wanting premium support without compromise

 

Harris Extreme Duty Lever Belt

Perfect for:

• National-level athletes

• Heavy squat specialists

• Experienced powerlifters

 

Harris Prong Belts

Perfect for:

• Strongman

• General Strength Training

• CrossFit

• Athletes wanting maximum adjustability

 

Harris Nylon Belts

Perfect for:

• Functional Fitness

• CrossFit

• Olympic Weightlifting

• Everyday Gym Training

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a lifting belt make your core weaker?

No. A lifting belt helps you brace more effectively during heavy lifts. It supports proper technique but does not replace core strength.

Should beginners wear a lifting belt?

Yes. Once you're lifting challenging weights and have developed good technique, a belt can improve stability and confidence during compound lifts.

Is a 13mm belt stronger than a 10mm belt?

A 13mm belt is stiffer, but that doesn't mean it's better for everyone. Many experienced lifters—including competitive powerlifters—prefer a 10mm belt because it provides an excellent balance of support and comfort.

Can I deadlift in a lever belt?

Absolutely. Many competitive powerlifters deadlift in lever belts, although some athletes prefer the increased comfort of a 10mm model.

How tight should a lifting belt be?

Your belt should be tight enough to brace firmly against but not so tight that you can't take a full breath into your abdomen.

How long should a leather lifting belt last?

A quality leather lifting belt should provide many years of reliable use with proper care.

Are lifting belts allowed in powerlifting competitions?

Yes. Most powerlifting federations allow approved lifting belts that meet their equipment specifications. Always check your federation's current rulebook before competing.

 

Final Thoughts

The best lifting belt isn't necessarily the thickest or the most expensive—it's the one that suits your training style, body type and long-term goals.

Whether you're buying your first belt or upgrading before your next competition, choosing the right equipment will help you train with greater confidence and consistency.

For decades, Harris Stability Systems has supported Australian strength athletes with equipment built to perform under the heaviest loads. If you're still unsure which belt is right for you, our team is always happy to help.