10 mm or 13 mm: which belt should you choose?
The two QOWA belts differ in exactly one thing: leather thickness. It changes stiffness, therefore support, therefore comfort. Here is how to decide.
The short answer
First belt, or general training: take the 10 mm. It supports firmly and stays supple enough to wear through a whole session, accessories included. It is the choice you do not regret.
Competition or maximal loads: take the 13 mm. Stiffer, it returns more abdominal pressure on heavy squat and deadlift attempts. In exchange it takes a few sessions to break in, and is worn set by set rather than continuously.
Neither is 'better': a belt too stiff to keep on is less useful than a supple one you actually wear.
Side by side
| Criterion | 10 mm | 13 mm |
|---|---|---|
| Stiffness | Firm, forgiving | Very firm |
| Level | Beginner to advanced | Advanced, competition |
| Wear | Whole session | Heavy sets |
| Break-in | Immediate | A few sessions |
| Lifts | Squat, deadlift, accessories | Heavy squat and deadlift |
| Comfort seated / warm-up | Good | Limited |
Why a lever buckle
Both models close with a lever. You set it once, with the screws, then the belt goes on and off in one motion — no hunting for a hole between sets, and the same tightness every time. A prong buckle has to be readjusted on every use, and tightness varies from set to set.