Element 26 Self-Locking Weight Lifting Belt

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.

This is an excellent belt for back support! The velcro is secure, and, unlike other velcro belts, it features a secure locking mechanism, so it won’t pop apart during heavy lifts, even if you have a fat belly like me. The size seems just right, and can be adjusted for more support and rigidity if needed. It beats other belts in the same price range, and actually supports my back during deadlifts and squats without coming undone.

Looks and feels great. My naval measures at 35" inches which on the size chart I would be a medium but a medium is just small enough for me so if I lost any weight it wouldn't fit so I decided to return it and order a small and now it fits great with room to grow. Great quality, stitching, Velcro an lock mechanism so should be a great belt for lifting and at a pretty good price.

I love this belt, it’s the closet thing I could find to the Larry Wheels ratchet belt, but at a fraction of the price! Very strong, very comfortable, and compact enough to pack into a gym bag or backpack! Excellent back support and core support! Very strong Velcro! Well designed!

this is my first lifting belt, so I didn't want to spend a lot and the value for the money is surprising. I mean this belt is great! It is easy to fasten the Velcro, and holds tight even being a little small (see below). The self locking buckle works well. I will say it came highly recommended by a coach at my CF gym and it is well padded and comfortable. I will try to report back on the quality, but I can tell it's well made. The best part is the great people at Element 26! I made the mistake of ordering a size based on my pants size, and the belt was to small. I reached out to the company and they are sending a replacement and I get to donate the one that didn't fit to someone at my gym that needs one! The only bummer is they didn't have a the size I need in the color I originally ordered - but they have so many colors that its not an issue.

I measured 37” around the stomach and decided to order a large as indicated on the sizing chart. The belt was delivered on time, 2 days to Hawaii. The belt itself is rather light and appears to be made rather well. I wasn’t able to get it as tight as I like. I was going to return it for a medium but noticed a note in the packaging that said to contact the seller with any sizing issues. I emailed and got an immediate response from Rachael. She immediately sent out a medium no questions asked. Told me to give the large away to a friend who could use it in exchange of spreading the word about their company. You don’t find companies like this today, they totally stand behind their products and their customer’s satisfaction. The belt itself is made well and provides good support. Don’t expect the support of a leather belt, but definitely more comfortable and sufficient for the average weight lifter. Don’t hesitate to buy from this company. I’m a customer for life, thanks to Rachael and Element 26!!!

This belt is extremely well made, durable, and easy to use. It took me a minute to figure it out, but I learned that's because I had ordered the wrong size. While I did consider the sizing instructions when ordering, and the several reviews stating theirs was too big when ordered, I did not - however - measure my mid section as seller so clearly instructs us to do. :) So I ordered a medium, which was way too small. I contacted the seller and she didn't just simply send me a replacement, she actually asked questions, sent a helpful video with instructions to ensure I was putting it on correctly, and guided me to finding the right size. After receiving the measuring tape yesterday with the rest of my amazon order, I found I was definitely needing the large size (for now). :) She quickly packaged and sent a new one in the mail today, and said to keep (or gift) the other one. Great customer service, great quality belt, and love that they're local to where I live. Super quick delivery, professional and customer-centric mind-set, and just good human beings. Hard to find these days. Thanks, Rachael. You are THE BOMB.com. :) For those curious regarding my physique to compare to yours and what you should get - I am a size 33 in jeans but have a belly. I've lost a lot of weight, but that midsection is a BEAST to lose. lol... So the inches from my naval back around is 40.5 inches. I went with the large vs the extra large, as I'm still losing weight and will be down another 30 lbs in the next 3-6 months. I workout 6 days a week (now...but that's only been for the past 5 weeks), so building muscle while eating a calorie deficit diet to lose the fat. I'm 5'9" and 200lbs as of today. The fat is all in the belly/midsection. My legs and arms are thinner and fit. Hope that helps.

Well made belt and probably serves most users well. My problem was with snugging up the belt. The two ends tended to interfere with each other, making it difficult to tighten up.

I have had one for two years. Velcro is now getting a little tired but it still holds soso. Locking bar works as new. Fits pretty true to the chart. If in doubt size down. I got a medium and it fits fine. Zero complaints. But maybe a small would have been more optimal. Would by again.

I recently purchased the Self-Locking Weight Lifting Belt and I'm incredibly impressed. This belt has significantly improved my lifting experience. First and foremost, the support it provides is outstanding. I've noticed a huge difference in my core stability, especially when squatting. This belt enables me to squat deeper and with more confidence, without worrying too much about my lower back. This is a game-changer for anyone serious about heavy lifting. The self-locking mechanism is a brilliant feature. It's incredibly secure and easy to adjust, ensuring a snug and comfortable fit every time. Unlike traditional belts with buckles, I don't have to fumble with adjustments between sets. It locks in place and stays there, providing consistent support throughout my workout. The overall fit is amazing. It contours to my body comfortably and doesn't dig in or restrict my movement unnecessarily. It feels premium, as the name suggests, and is clearly built to last. In summary, this weightlifting belt is excellent for lifting. It provides fantastic support, allows for deeper squats, and the self-locking system is a huge plus. The fit is also spot on. I highly recommend to anyone looking for a reliable and high-quality lifting belt.

Easily the best bang for your buck when it comes to neoprene/Velcro lifting belts. Shipping took a bit (US to CA) but was worth the wait. I should've heeded the manufacturer's advice on sizing--originally bought XL which still fit albeit with a lot of strap hanging beyond the velcro, ordered a second (L) for a more snug fit. Didn't bother returning the XL because it still fits and I might grow into it if my bulk doesn't end soon... The self-locking clasp is also phenomenal. Even if the Velcro somehow comes undone, the clasp won't loosen unless you manually do it yourself. With that in mind, I imagine this belt will last much longer (once the Velcro starts to deteriorate, at least you'll still have the locking clasp).

O cinturão é ótimo para treinar pesado! A união entre fechamento por presilha e velcro tornam ele extremamente resistente e não abre por nada. Mesmo sendo caro para um brasileiro, se vc quer algo que vai durar bastante e te dar confiança para levantar aquelas cargas absurdas eu indico totalmente!

Good quality, a bit tricky to find the right technique in the beginning to tighten the belt properly. Managed after watching couple of videos.