Relentless X Belt: When to Use It, How Tight, and for Which Lifts

Wear it for heavy or near-max sets of squats, deadlifts, cleans, snatches, overhead presses, sled pushes, and loaded carries. Skip it for warm-ups, light technique work, running, rowing, and gymnastics. A good rule: if you would need to brace hard to keep your position, the belt can help.

Snug enough that you can push your stomach out into the belt and feel resistance all the way around, but loose enough to take a full breath before you brace. If you cannot breathe in, it is too tight. If the belt slides or you feel nothing to push against, tighten it one step.

The Relentless X is a 4-inch nylon belt. That width gives you a solid surface to brace against while leaving room near the ribs and hips for deep squats, cleans, and wall balls, which is why 4-inch nylon is popular in functional fitness.

It uses a heavy-duty quick-lock metal buckle. You can tighten it for a heavy set, loosen it for the next station, and take it off fast, which is useful when a workout mixes barbell work with conditioning.

It comes in XS, S, M, L, and XL, in five colors: Jungle Warfare, Blackout, Pink Riot, Arctic Blue, and Purple Reign. Price at the time of writing is $59.95 on rbstgearco.com; check the product page for current pricing and stock.

Measure around your waist at your belly button with a soft tape, standing relaxed, not your pants size. Match that number to the sizing guide on the product page. The product page recommends sizing up if you fall between sizes.

Usually not. Wearing it for running, rowing, burpees, or pull-ups adds little and can feel restrictive. Put it on for the heavy portion, then loosen it or take it off. The quick-lock buckle makes that switch fast.

Yes, but learn to brace without a belt first. Beginners should spend time on light and moderate loads unbelted so they can create pressure on their own. Then add the belt for heavier sets to give that brace something to push against.

A belt does not replace core strength. It gives your brace a wall to push against during heavy sets. Keep training unbelted on lighter work, accessory exercises, and gymnastics so your trunk keeps doing its job without help.

No belt can guarantee injury prevention. A belt can help you brace and hold your position under heavy load, but technique, sensible programming, and recovery matter more. If you have pain or a past injury, talk to a qualified medical professional.

Yes. The 4-inch nylon build and quick-lock buckle suit CrossFit workouts that mix heavy barbell cycling with conditioning. You can tighten it for a set of cleans and loosen it for box jumps or the rower without fighting hook-and-loop.

Many athletes train sled pushes, sled pulls, sandbag lunges, and farmer's carries with a belt and skip it for runs. Whether to race in one is a personal call, and you should check the current HYROX rules. Our HYROX belt guide covers the trade-offs.

A 4-inch belt is commonly accepted in many events, but rules vary. Always check your specific competition or federation rulebook before race or meet day, especially for powerlifting federations that set their own belt specifications.

Many lifters wear a belt for heavy cleans, jerks, and front squats, and some skip it for snatches. Wear it a little looser for Olympic lifts than for squats so the bar can travel close and you can hit a full front rack position.

Both are 4-inch nylon RBST belts with metal buckles. The Relentless X uses a heavy-duty quick-lock buckle, comes in XS to XL, and lists at $59.95. The Badger Hug uses a quick-release metal buckle, sizes S to XL, at $40.00. Choose by fit, colors, and budget.

Hand wash with mild soap and water, then let it air dry completely. Do not machine wash it or use harsh chemicals. Between washes, let it dry out after every session instead of leaving it balled up in a gym bag.