Weight Vest vs. Dip Belt: Which Should You Buy for Your Calisthenics and Strength Training?

Weighted Vests vs. Weighted Belts

When it comes to elevating your calisthenics or strength training routine, two popular tools are often recommended: the weight vest and the dip belt. Both of these accessories allow you to add extra resistance to your bodyweight exercises, pushing your strength, endurance, and muscle gains to new heights. But which one is right for you? Should you opt for a weight vest that distributes weight evenly across your torso, or a dip belt that specifically targets upper body movements like pull-ups and dips?

In this guide, we’ll break down the pros and cons of each, highlight the best exercises for each tool, and help you decide which one fits your fitness goals best. By the end, you’ll have a clearer understanding of when to buy a weight vest or a dip belt—and how each can transform your workouts.

 

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What is a Weight Vest?

A weight vest is a wearable vest designed to add extra weight to your body during exercises. The weight is evenly distributed across your torso, allowing you to intensify bodyweight movements like squats, lunges, push-ups, pull-ups, and even cardio exercises like running.

Best Exercises for a Weight Vest:

• Squats & Lunges: Perfect for adding resistance to these lower body movements.

• Push-ups: Increase the difficulty of this upper body classic.

• Bodyweight Rows: Add additional weight to your australian pull ups and bodyweight rows.

• Running or Jumping: Ideal for adding weight to your cardio routine to boost stamina.

Pros of a Weight Vest:

• Even Weight Distribution: Because the weight is spread across your upper body, it’s easier to maintain balance and form during full-body exercises.

• Versatility: Weight vests can be used in a wide range of exercises, including lower-body, upper-body, and cardio workouts. In most cases it doesn’t change your movement during the exercise you’re performing.

• Progressive Overload: You can gradually increase the weight by choosing different weighted vests. Our Elite Weight Vest 10kg (22 lbs) allows you to go from 1 to 10 kilograms (2.2 to 22 lbs) of added weights, while the Elite Weight Vest 20kg (44 lbs) is ideal for those who want more of a challenge and want to have the possibility to add up to 20kg (44 lbs) to their bodyweight.

Cons of a Weight Vest:

• Can Change Your Movement: While the weight vests keep your movements the same during squats, push ups or rows, the weight vest can change the route your body travels during pull ups or muscle ups as the vest can pull you to the back. 

• Bulkier: A heavier weight vest may restrict certain movements or feel bulky, especially for more dynamic exercises. During the muscle ups you will have struggles to get over the bar with the weights being in between you and the bar.

When to Choose a Weight Vest:

A weight vest is perfect for athletes looking to enhance full-body workouts or specialized on push ups, l-sits, dips and rows. Whether you're working on squats, lunges, or plyometrics, a weight vest helps add resistance to multiple areas of the body, making it a great tool for those focused on general strength, cardio, or endurance training. Be aware that you’re limited to a maximum of 20kg (44lbs) as with a dip belt, adding weights is possible to way higher weights. 

 

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What is a Dip Belt?

A dip belt is worn around your waist and allows you to add weights to bodyweight exercises such as dips, pull-ups, and muscle-ups. The belt has a chain or rope that lets you attach weighted plates, kettlebells, or dumbbells, increasing the load on specific movements. While it’s primarily used for upper body exercises, it’s also effective for targeting the lower body when used in weighted squats or leg raises.

Best Exercises for a Dip Belt:

• Pull-ups & Chin-ups: Perfect for advanced athletes who want to increase their pulling strength.

• Dips: Ideal for adding weight to this tricep and chest-focused movement.

• Squats: You can attach weights and perform squats for a lower-body boost by standing on two boxes that allow you to dip the weight down more. This option is not very popular in modern calisthenics.

• Muscle-ups: Advanced athletes can use the belt to add weight to this explosive, full-body movement.

Pros of a Dip Belt:

• Focused Upper Body Strength: A dip belt is incredibly effective at targeting the upper body, especially when you're focusing on building muscle in your chest, shoulders, back, and arms.

• Customizable Weight: It’s easy to adjust the amount of weight by adding or removing plates, making it a great tool for progressive overload.

• Low Center of Gravity: The dip belt with a long chain or rope holding the weight gives you stability because of a low center of gravity.

• Modern vs. Classic Options: You can choose between the rope or chain attachment for the belt. Our Premium Dip Belt offers both options. The rope version is lighter, longer, and our bestseller for a reason - it's more modern and allows for more freedom of movement. The chain version is the more classic option, perfect for those who want a durable belt with smaller chain links for precise weight adjustments.

• Cheaper and Easier to Take Along: While carrying a weight vest to the gym might be a big effort, taking a dip belt in your bag to the gym is very easy and comfortable. Also, you save some bucks when not being obligated to buy weights to the dip belt because you’re gym already owns these.

Cons of a Dip Belt:

• Upper Body Focus: It’s not as versatile as a weight vest when it comes to lower body exercises or cardio.

• Requires Access to Weights: Unlike a weight vest, you need access to weighted plates, kettlebells, or dumbbells to use with a dip belt.

When to Choose a Dip Belt:

A dip belt is ideal for athletes looking to maximize upper body strength in exercises like pull-ups, dips, and chin-ups. If your goal is to progressively add weight to your bodyweight exercises and take your strength to the next level, the dip belt is your go-to. Our Premium Dip Belt is designed with both chain and rope options, but the rope version is perfect for modern athletes looking for a lighter, more flexible option.

 

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Weight Vest vs. Dip Belt: A Quick Comparison

 

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Which One is Right for You?

Choose a Weight Vest if:

• You want to improve full-body strength and endurance.

• You enjoy cardio or lower-body movements like running, squats, and lunges.

• You’re looking for a versatile tool to intensify a range of bodyweight exercises.

Our Elite Weight Vest 10kg is a great choice for beginners or those focusing on endurance, while the Elite Weight Vest 20kg is perfect for more advanced athletes looking to increase resistance.

Choose a Dip Belt if:

• You want to focus on upper body strength and target movements like pull-ups, dips, and chin-ups.

• You’re ready to take your performance in calisthenics to the next level by progressively adding weight.

• You have access to weighted plates or kettlebells and want a simple, effective way to add resistance to your routine.

Our Premium Dip Belt, especially the rope version, is perfect for athletes who want a modern, lightweight option for versatile weight adjustments.

 

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Conclusion

Choosing between a weight vest and a dip belt ultimately depends on your specific fitness goals. If you’re after full-body conditioning, cardio, or general strength improvements, a weight vest is your best bet. For those focused on upper body strength and progressive overload, a dip belt is the way to go.

Whether you're training for strength, endurance, or a bit of both, both tools have their place in a serious calisthenics routine. If possible, incorporating both into your workout plan can give you the best of both worlds.

Ready to elevate your workouts? Check out the Elite Weight Vest 10kg, Elite Weight Vest 20kg, and our versatile Premium Dip Belt to start leveling up your calisthenics game!