If you’re serious about strength training, a lifting belt isn’t optional. Weight lifting belts help increase intra-abdominal pressure, stabilize your spine, and keep your torso rigid under heavy loads. Translation: safer lifts, stronger lifts, better gains.
But once you decide to get a belt, the real question kicks in: Lever belt vs prong belt — which one is actually better for you?
Both belts work the same way mechanically, but their fastening systems, feel, and day-to-day usability are completely different. Below, we break down everything you need to know before choosing your next go-to belt.
What Is a Lever Belt?
A lever belt is a premium weight lifting belt secured with a lever mechanism. Most are made from stiff leather and come in 10mm or 13mm thickness (13mm being about 30% thicker).
What makes lever belts special?
- They lock in fast.
- They stay tight.
- They’re incredibly rigid and supportive.
Once you set your preferred tightness, you just flip the lever shut before a heavy lift and pop it open between sets. No pulling. No tugging. No wrestling with prongs.
Lever Belt vs Prong Belt: Key Differences
Here’s where the real comparison begins. Both belts can boost performance, but the experience is very different depending on what you prefer in your training.
1. Ease of Use
Lever Belt:
The king of convenience. One-hand operation. Fast on, fast off. Perfect for powerlifters who go heavy, rest briefly, and need to unbuckle quickly between sets.
Prong Belt:
Reliable but requires more effort. Single- and double-prong designs need two hands and a bit of “belt wiggle” to get tight. Not a big deal, just not as seamless.
If you hate fussing with gear mid-workout? Lever wins.
2. Adjustability
Lever Belt:
Ultra-secure… but not the easiest to adjust. You set your tightness by unscrewing and re-screwing the lever position. Not hard, but not something you’ll do every day.
Prong Belt:
Adjusts in seconds. Need it tighter for squats and looser for deadlifts? Just move a notch. No tools required.
If your body fluctuates, or you like different tightness for different lifts? Prong wins.
3. Tightness & Support
Both belts support your spine, but the feel is different.
Lever Belt:
Extremely consistent. Once set, it locks into the exact same tightness every time, giving a rigid, locked-in feel.
Prong Belt:
Still supportive, but the tightness can vary slightly based on which hole you use and how much force you apply while pulling.
If you want max rigidity with zero movement? Lever wins.
4. Price
Price varies depending on materials and construction.
Lever belts tend to cost more because:
- They use thicker leather
- The lever mechanism itself is more expensive
- They’re built for longevity and max rigidity
UPPPER Example:
-
UPPPER Lever Belt: $120 — two layers of genuine leather + semi-matte printed lever
-
UPPPER Double-Prong Belt: $45 — high-quality vegan leather + double prong buckle
Both are extremely durable and supportive — the price difference comes from materials and hardware, not quality or performance.
So… Lever Belt or Prong Belt — Which Is Better?
Truthfully? Neither is “better.” It all depends on how you train and what you prefer.
Choose a lever belt if you:
- Lift heavy often
- Want fast on/off between sets
- Crave a perfectly consistent tightness
- Prefer a sturdier, more rigid feel
Choose a prong belt if you:
- Want easy day-to-day adjustability
- Need flexibility for bloating, layering, or fluctuating weight
- Prefer the traditional belt feel
- Want a budget-friendly option without sacrificing support
Both belts stabilize your spine for squats, deadlifts, overhead presses, Olympic lifts, and more. Both help you push heavier loads safely. It’s all about comfort and preference.
Why UPPPER Belts Are the Best of Both Worlds
Whether you go prong or lever, UPPPER has you covered.
- Two layers of genuine leather
- Semi-matte, smooth-action lever
- Easy on/off
- Ultra-rigid stability
- A powerlifter favorite
UPPPER Double-Prong Lifting Belts
- High-quality vegan leather
- Double-prong buckle for secure tightening
- Comfortable internal padding
- Supportive, stylish, and built to last
Both belt styles are 4 inches wide, secure, durable, and made to help you crush every heavy set.
Ready to Choose Your Belt?
Whichever side you’re on in the lever belt vs prong belt debate, make sure you pick the one that feels right for how you train.
UPPPER Belts deliver power, comfort, and confidence — get yours while they're up to 75% OFF during our End Of Year Sale!
FAQ
1. Are lever belts better than prong belts?
Neither is universally better — it depends on your needs. Lever belts offer faster on/off and consistent tightness, while prong belts provide easier adjustability and a more flexible fit for different lifts.
2. Do lever belts make a difference in lifting?
Yes. Lever belts create strong, consistent intra-abdominal pressure, helping improve stability and performance during heavy squats, deadlifts, and other compound lifts.
3. Is a 10mm or 13mm lever belt better?
A 10mm lever belt is great for most lifters and easier to break in. A 13mm lever belt is stiffer, offering maximum rigidity preferred by advanced or competitive powerlifters.
4. Why are lever belts more expensive?
Lever belts usually cost more due to thicker leather, metal lever hardware, and overall construction. The higher price reflects the materials, not necessarily better performance.