A few days before my birthday, a package showed up at my doorstep with the Elitefts logo on it. Seth had gotten me the new belt I had been eyeing, the newest belt from elitefts' premium leather line, with pioneer cut holes and a dark leather wash.
Pretty aint it?
My first powerlifting belt was the P2 13mm belt. While the belt is amazing quality, I had trouble with how much spacing there is between holes, and because of how stiff it is I just couldn't get totally comfortable in it. I also lifted in a fed that didn't approve it, so I opted for the Metal belt and used that religiously for years. Seth and I both knew I should eventually make the switch to what he calls a 'big girl belt' since I'm getting stronger and want something stiffer to push into.
When I pulled it out of the box, oh did it smell good, I love the smell of real leather. The leather and buckle are both the great quality you expect from Elitefts. The prong/buckle has just enough movement to slide side to side smoothly to reach the offset holes and feels well built at the same time. The offset holes are a lifters dream. I used to have to count to the exact hole I needed on my belt, and if I was bloated I just had to deal with being uncomfortable. Same idea if I was on the skinnier side, I had to deal with a slightly loose fitting belt. Not ideal. Now I have three to four holes that all 'fit' either tighter or looser, perfect for when I'm dieting, bloated, or somewhere in between.
I do have to say, I was worried when I first put it on. I'm not a large human. I have the torso length of a large midget, so the fresh, stiff belt sat right on my hip bones and dug into my ribs. Ouch. My thought process was 'He got me this present, and I'm going to break this thing in somehow to give it an honest shot'. I think we were both worried after I wore it around the house very loose for two days and it was still pretty painful to wear.
Cue husband of the year, he sat on the couch and worked it in with his hands, folding the leather over and over again for about an hour while I was out running errands.
The result, a happy wife with a perfectly broken in belt that fits like a dream no matter what her waist measurement is that day.
All in all, after only wearing the belt for two weeks, I have noticed a huge difference in my ability to brace during heavy deads and squats. I really love this belt, and I highly recommend buying this for anyone who struggles with being in between belt holes or just wants a high quality, badass belt.
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