So the search for a new belt to replace my previous competition belt (I bought it at a discount when registering for the MPA competition last November) has begun. The term competition belt itself is a misnomer; I use it for training too (for my last sets of deadlifts/squats/military presses; you're a pussy if you wear it for bicep curls).
And if you really want to wear it doing light stuff, get away from the power racks before weights heavier than your bodyweight are thrown at you.
It's like the difference between a low resolution screen and a Retina (or other synonym) grade screen; you can't go back. With the cheap belts out there, you can make any posture you want and screw up your posture easily during those heavy lifts. Even with the belt that tore apart the other day, the support it gave was not comparable; just by wearing it you'd already have a Valsalva. When bending down, the belt does not yield and will pinch and eat your skin and bruise it up. When doing military presses, you won't hyperextend too much; the belt's too thick and stiff. The safety benefit is too big. And you really want to know more on the details, the best resource is of course EliteFTS.
“If you wear your belt while doing curls, make sure that you’re wearing color coordinated fingerless gloves. Straps are optional for this.”
Do you see the trend there?
Anyways, I'm thinking of competing in an IPF-sanctioned tournament in the future from advice of fellow lifter Kenneth Kaden Chin (being a drug-tested federation is a significant draw). So I've started my search and this came up from a local Malaysian reseller (who apparently even supplies the big commercial gyms too). It looks strong; of course it would as it's Eleiko. Bull effing strong. Can beat and kill a thousand men strong. But then, look at that price. I think my back hurt just seeing the price.
That's like 6 times the price of my previous belt!
I'm definitely gonna try to get in touch with them and see if I can get a special price.