Intro: Why Felt Load Actually Matters
If you’ve been deep in your garage gym, clipping into your Mammoth Belt Squat, and wondering:
“Wait… am I really lifting all the weight I loaded on there?”
You’re not alone. That question gets to the heart of something we call felt load — one of the most important (and misunderstood) parts of using a belt squat effectively.
At Fringe Sport, we designed the Mammoth Belt Squat to be more than just compact and modular — we engineered it to deliver real, measurable felt load that outperforms almost every other lever-arm belt squat on the market.
Let’s break down what felt load means, how it works on the Mammoth, and how you can tweak your setup to get it exactly how you like it.
What Is Felt Load?
Felt load is the percentage of the total loaded weight that your body actually feels when performing the squat.
For example:
If you load 200 pounds onto your belt squat and the felt load is 80%, your body is effectively working against 160 pounds.
Simple idea. Deep implications.
The geometry of your setup — the lever arm, pivot point, and weight horn position — determines how much of that loaded weight translates to your hips.
The Mammoth Belt Squat: Built Different
Most lever-arm belt squats are fixed — limited by their frame, design, or lack of imagination.
The Mammoth Belt Squat? It’s modular, rack-mounted, and universal.
You can:
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Mount it to almost any squat rack or even a wall.
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Adjust lever-arm length and weight horn position.
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Choose between single or dual weight horns depending on your training goals and space.
This modularity is what allows you to customize your felt load — and that’s where the Mammoth truly shines.
Measured Felt Load Ranges on the Mammoth Belt Squat
Through testing (yes, with an actual scale), the Mammoth’s felt load ranges from 65% to 90% of the total weight — depending on how you configure it.
Here’s the breakdown:
| Configuration | Setup Details | Approx. Felt Load | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single Weight Horn (5th hole) | Longest lever arm, horn close to lifter | ~90% | Max felt load; closest “barbell” feel |
| Single Weight Horn (6th hole) | Standard recommended setup | ~80% | Balanced comfort & clearance for knees |
| Dual Weight Horns | Increased capacity, horns further back | ~65% | Heavier total capacity, slightly lighter feel |
💡 Most other lever-arm belt squats top out around 60%.
Even our lowest felt load configuration beats that — by design.
How to Adjust Felt Load on Your Mammoth
Here’s the simple rule of thumb:
Closer to you = higher felt load
Farther from you = lower felt load
To Increase Felt Load
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Move the weight horn closer to you (toward the lifter).
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Extend the lever arm to its longest setting.
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Keep your stance and setup consistent for reliable results.
To Decrease Felt Load
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Move the weight horn farther back (closer to the pivot point).
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Consider using dual weight horns if you need more plate capacity or want a smoother feel.
Recommended Setup (Our Go-To)
For most lifters, the sweet spot is the sixth hole back from the lifter — giving about 80% felt load.
Why we like it:
✅ Works perfectly with the kickstand
✅ Keeps weight plates clear of your knees
✅ Still provides near-barbell resistance, without discomfort
If you want to push your limits or chase the most “barbell-like” feel, go with the fifth hole — just expect a little more intensity.
Curious about some actual measurements for the felt load on the mammoth belt squat?
Here are the actual measured felt loads under a few different weights and installations.
Why Felt Load Isn’t the Whole Story
Sure, numbers matter — but what matters more is how it feels.
The Mammoth’s design doesn’t just give you high felt load; it gives you:
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Smooth movement through the full squat arc.
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Reduced spinal compression compared to traditional squats.
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Pain-free leg training, even if you’re managing old injuries.
That combination is what makes the Mammoth not just efficient — but addictive.
Conclusion: Lift Heavy, Lift Happy
So, what’s the felt load on the Mammoth Belt Squat?
Anywhere from 65% to 90% — depending on how you build it.
And the best part?
You control it.
Whether you’re a garage-gym grinder, recovering lifter, or just someone chasing pain-free PRs, the Mammoth Belt Squat gives you the power to customize your training like never before.
👉 Check out the Mammoth Belt Squat
Then go do what we all love to do…
Go Lift Something Heavy.