KinoBelt Review: Best Dip Belt?
In this post I’ll be going into details about the KinoBelt and compare it other traditional weighted dip / pull up belts.
I was first introduced to heavy weighted pull ups and dips after joining the Warrior Shredding Program two years ago and didn’t realize how much stronger you get when doing these exercises consistently.
I was intrigued at how adding weight to these two bodyweight exercises could help me add more strength and lean muscle and that’s when I started researching about dip/pull up belts.
Traditional Dip Belts
Ever since I started working out back in my high school days, I always saw football players using the dip belts.
They had a simple design: a leather belt with a chain hanging from the front.
Nowadays, the leather ones are still around but they’re also made out of nylon and neoprene material.
After using these traditional belts for a long time, here’s what I think of them:
Pros
- Low price – you can get a dip belt at any sporting goods store at a reasonable price
- Good for starters – Ok for people who don’t use heavy weights
Cons
- Safety – because the belt is open on the front, it feels like it could slip off especially when you’re using a lot of weight
- Weight Distribution – the lack of support in the front of the belt makes the weight feel like it’s pulling you forward
- Comfort – many of these belts don’t provide a lot of padding (especially if they’re leather) so they can put pressure or pinch your skin and leave marks when you use a lot of weight
- Fixed Length – the chain comes in one length. This can be an issue as you get stronger and start to add more weights. The more weights you add , the shorter the chain gets.
- Durability – depending on the material, some of these may not be able to last long if you’re constantly using heavy weight.
Overall, if you’re a novice lifter just looking for a cheap version then the traditional dip belt will work.
Once you become an intermediate / advanced lifter, you’ll need something of higher quality that can withstand the added weight and pounding.
Especially if you’re using Kinobody programs and following the Kinobody strength standards that require adding a lot of weight to dips and pull ups!
The KinoBelt
The KinoBelt is a high quality dip / pull up belt and it feels much different than traditional belts once you strap it on.
Here are some of the pros and cons:
Pros
- Safety – a belt clip in the front secures the belt around your waist. This feels WAY more safe than traditional belts especially on weighted pull ups.
- Weight Distribution – because the belt wraps completely around your waist, it distributes the weight much better. This brings the weight closer to your center of gravity.
- Comfort – the extra padding makes it more comfortable to lift heavy weights without leaving marks on your skin.
- Adjustable – the waist belt adjusts up to 40 inches. The strap that holds the weight can also be adjusted and hooks into variable ring attachments to accommodate adding more weight plates.
- Durability – made of Military Grade banded nylon that can hold upwards of 800 lbs so it can take a beating for years to come
- Side Pocket – keeps your phone safe so it’s not compressed by the belt
Cons
- Price – this belt is a bit more expensive than traditional belts but you get what you pay for. Higher quality, safety, comfort, and durability. But the good thing is you only pay for it once and keep using it for years.
- Straps – straps may not fit 1″ weight plates since they are made thick for added support
Benefits of Weighted Calisthenics
After reading about all those features you may be asking yourself, “Do I really need a belt?”
Well it depends on your goals..
If your goal is to continue getting stronger and add more muscle, you MUST continue to add weight to your key lifts!
Otherwise, if you just continue to do regular calisthenics, you will plateau.
I personally love using doing weighted calisthenics on my wall bars because of the versatility they offer.
So here’s a list of the benefits of weighted dips and weighted pull ups:
- Increased upper body muscle mass
- Get a wider V-shaped back
- Get bigger arms (pull ups work the biceps, dips work the triceps)
- Progressively increase the resistance for strength gains
- Develops a stronger grip
- Weighted dips improve your bench press
- Weighted pull ups improve your bicep curls
Verdict on the KinoBelt
Overall the KinoBelt is a game changer if you’re lifting heavy weights as prescribed inside the Kinobody programs.
It’s well designed, comfortable, and made to take a pounding.
The feeling of having the weight strapped securely around your waist will help you concentrate on your lifts, instead of having to worry about whether the belt will slide down your waist.
Click the orange button below to learn more about the KinoBelt straight from the Kinobody store.
KinoBelt
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