Hello,
I was just curious if you all had any recommendations for high quality budget lifting gear? Specifically, what belts, knee sleeves, wrist wraps, lifting shoes, and lifting straps do you recommend? I’ve never used any of the SBD stuff, but not sure I want to spend that amount of money right now, especially if there is other high quality accessories on the market that don’t have as steep of a price tag.
For example, I’ve considered a single prong or lever belt from Pioneer Fitness to help save money on the $300 SBD belt and you get a lifetime warranty with it too.
Howdy! Welcome to the forum 
We have articles on belts, knee sleeves, and wrist wraps that may be helpful on picking the right item for you.
These items, along with lifting shoes and straps, are staples in most trainees’ gym bags. They’re just tools however, and use is mostly personal preference.
If it were me, here are the specific brands I’d spend my hard-earned money on:
- Belts - Pioneer, hands down.
- Knee Sleeves- SBD or Stoic
- Lifting Shoes - Reebok Legacy Lifter II (not 3) or TYR
- Wrist Wraps- SBD
*Lifting Straps- Iron Mind
The adage, “Buy nice or cry twice” applies here.
Jordan,
Thanks for the response. I appreciate the feedback! Currently for shoes, I’ve used Nike Romaleos 3 for a while and have enjoyed them, but I’d like to get new shoes. Have you ever tried the 4s? I could get a pair off
Regarding belt, I’m torn between single prong and lever belt. I did get a lever belt from Pioneer, but the sizing guide wasn’t as accurate as I thought it would be. I think I need a smaller belt.
I also got knee sleeves, wrist wraps, and lifting straps from Pioneer, but did not care for their sleeves. They were way too tight, even with going off the size guide. Debating whether to keep the wrist wraps and straps though.
Price wise, SBD isn’t too much more expensive for wrist wraps.
Have you ever used any other good brands for wrist wraps besides SBD?
Those Nikes are fine. If someone didn’t currently have lifting shoes however, it may be more challenging to find older versions.
AFAIK, Pioneer will take returns on non-customized belts for sizing issues. I do not recommend their knee sleeves, wraps, or straps however.
I do not think there is a market rival for SBD when it comes to wrist wraps, which is why I recommended them
Jordan,
I appreciate it. I’m currently looking at SBD for wrist wraps and knee sleeves! Would you recommend the standard 7mm knee sleeves or Powerlifting ones?
Also, what did you mean regarding, “Those Nikes are fine. If someone didn’t currently have lifting shoes however, it may be more challenging to find older versions”?
Wasn’t sure if you were speaking about the Romaleos 3 or 4. I managed to find some 4s on Ebay that were new.
Lastly, do you have any recommendations for deadlift shoes?
Thanks again for all of your help! It’s really helpful to at least have some idea of some good high quality and reputable brands for lifting gear.
Hey Jacob,
I cover the decision-making process regarding knee sleeves in the knee sleeve article I linked above.
Regarding the shoes, I meant that if someone didn’t already have lifting shoes, I don’t think I could recommend getting an older version of the Nikes, Reeboks, etc. due to limited availability. In the case of the Nikes, I was talking about the 3’s, as the 4’s are the latest versiion.
Deadlift shoes are personal preference. I usually lift in flat trainers like the reebok nano’s or metcons, but at a meet I’ll use a DL-specific shoe like the Sabo. If you’re not competing, I’d just use a good, flat (ish) cross trainer.
-Jordan