Nylon and leather weightlifting belts are widely used by dedicated weightlifters. If you are considering a weightlifting belt for your personal use, you may find that one of these types of belts suits your needs better than another. While both nylon and leather belts fill the same purpose, the characteristics of each differ, which may affect your buying decision.
Purpose
Weight belts do not support the lower back through structural rigidity, as is often thought. Weight belts actually help balance intra-abdominal pressure, or IAP. The natural tension that keeps your organs and fluids in place, as well as supports the spinal column, is the IAP. Weight belts enhance this pressure during heavy lifting and help lower the compressive stresses on the spinal cord, as well as reduce the load on the lower back.
Nylon
Nylon belts are more flexible and are softer than leather belts. Due to the flexibility, they have more give during exercises, which may prevent the belt from digging into the skin like a leather belt can. This give may be an advantage to you, depending on the type of lifting you do. Additionally, the soft nylon belt feels nice against the skin. Nylon belts typically come with a velcro size-adjusting belt that will allow you to customize the fit to your size.
Leather
Leather belts are stiffer and have a rougher texture than nylon belts. If you do not want your belt to move or have any give during your exercising, the leather belt is a better option for you. Leather belts offer a secure, non-slipping fit. Leather belts are adjustable as well, but with belt notches, not velcro, which may not allow a fit as customized as a nylon belt.
Cost
Both types of weight belts can run anywhere from $20 to $70 on average, depending on size, brand and quality of the belt. As with all things, cost may make a difference in quality, so it is best to try the belt on in person in order to decide if it is worth a greater cost for you. Where you buy also contributes to the cost, as you may be able to find a belt much cheaper on the Internet than in a sporting goods store.
Considerations
Whenever choosing a weight belt, consult with a fitness expert. You may not even need a weightlifting belt for the type of exercises you are doing. On the other hand, one may be very beneficial, but using a weight belt for the wrong reasons or with the wrong fit can be hazardous. If you have back pain and are looking for the solution in a weightlifting belt, immediately consult your physician before continuing with your exercise routine.
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