VBS Vertical Belt Squat System
⚠️ PRESALE INFO – READ BEFORE ORDERING
PRESALE FOR THIS PRODUCT ENDS 2/28/26
This product is available on a two-week presale. Orders placed during this time are guaranteed to be included in our next production run. After the presale ends, you can still order, but inventory is limited to the extra quantity we purchase—and availability is not guaranteed.
If you order after the presale, your item may take longer to ship depending on remaining stock levels.
⚠️ Important Note: Pricing is subject to change due to potential tariff increases on imported materials. Locking in your order during the presale not only guarantees availability—but also protects you from possible price hikes.
To secure your spot and get your gear sooner, we strongly recommend ordering during the presale window.
WARRANTY
Structural: ONE YEAR WARRANTY
Subject to the requirements, exclusions and limitations stated below, your Bulletproof Fitness Equipment product’s structural are warranted against defects in materials and workmanship arising from normal use for one (1) year from the original purchaser (non- transferable).
Wear Guards / Consumables / Upholstery: 90 Day Warranty
Subject to the requirements, exclusions and limitations stated below, your Bulletproof Fitness Equipment product’s wear guards and upholstery is warranted against defects in materials and workmanship arising from normal use for 90 days of the original purchaser (non- transferable).
Products are made in China. We do not collect taxes, duties and customs fees for international orders.
VBS Vertical Belt Squat System
Vertical. Versatile. Compact. Expandable. The VBS delivers true vertical, plate-loaded resistance with a footprint that makes sense in a real gym. Lock it for strict vertical reps — or unlock it for natural 3D hip articulation without swing, pulley drag, or lever arcs.
Current availability: VBS is sold as a complete Vertical Belt Squat System (first release). Expandability continues from here.
Videos
Watch the setup and the VBS in real training — plus the story behind building it.
What’s Included
- VBS Trolley (4 rollers high / 8 rollers total)
- Direct vertical plate-loaded resistance (no cables, pulleys, or lever arms)
- Lockable or articulating horizontal movement (horizontal linear bearings for natural hip articulation)
- Fatigue-proof plunger pin engagement (knurled lever drives pin in/out of the upright)
- Removable weight horns (remove to reduce width; swap long/short if applicable)
- Fold-up belt squat arm (stores tight to the wall)
- Adjustable wraparound handles (fully knurled, spring-pin adjustable, depth adjustable, horizontal/vertical grip)
- Wall-mounted upright (68” tall, 3x3, 1” holes)
- Dual-purpose footplates (full depth elevation + adjustable wedge angles)
- Expandable platform (hack squat in development)
Note: VBS is sold as a complete Vertical Belt Squat System (first release). Future attachments expand from this platform.
Why the VBS Wins in the Real World
True Vertical. Direct Feel.
The force path is simple: plates → horns → trolley → vertical travel. No pulleys. No cables. No lever arc. What you load is what you feel.
Lock It or Unlock It
Locked mode for strict vertical, hypertrophy-focused reps. Unlock it for natural hip articulation on horizontal linear bearings — without swing or a cable tether.
Stable Under Load
Built to stay smooth and track clean when the weight gets serious — the bigger roller stack spreads force and reduces binding under front-loaded belt squat weight.
Fast Under Fatigue
A knurled lever drives a plunger pin in/out of the upright to start and stop your set. Even when you’re smoked, engagement stays quick and confident.
Built Bigger: 8 Rollers Total
Why It Matters
- Greater force distribution
- Reduced binding under heavy front-loaded weight
- Smoother tracking
- Higher load capacity
- Foundation for future attachments
Lock vs Unlock (Real Detail)
In locked mode, the VBS stays strict vertical for consistent reps and hypertrophy work. In unlocked mode, horizontal linear bearings allow natural hip articulation while maintaining vertical load.
We tested it over 500 lbs loaded. Even with that weight applied, a light nudge slides the system forward or back — meaning minimal horizontal resistance and no “swinging mass” like free-hanging setups.
Specs & Footprint
Footprint (Wall Mount Reference)
- Stored (arm folded up): 25.5” from wall
- Wall to Upright: 11”
- Width (horns removed): 8.5”
- Width (handles installed): 20.5” (widest point)
- In use (arm down): 43” from wall
Remove weight horns + fold arm + hang footplates for an ultra-compact stored profile.
Core Specs
- Trolley: 4 rollers high / 8 rollers total
- Wall upright option: 68” tall • 3x3” • 1” holes
- Conservative Max Load Rating: 650 lbs
- Starting weight: 83 lbs
Optional Counterweight Add-On (Bulletproof Lift Assist)
The VBS has a starting weight of 83 lbs unloaded. For lifters who want a lighter “empty” feel (rehab, warm-ups, higher reps, or smaller athletes), we’ll be offering optional Bulletproof Lift Asisst counterweight options.
The Bulletproof Lift Assist offsets a portion of the system weight, reducing the effective starting resistance while maintaining the true vertical, plate-loaded feel.
The unit shown in our videos uses a 30 lb Bulletproof Lift Assist unit.Multiple counterweight options will be available soon as add-on accessories.
- Weight horns: Removable
Comparisons: Lever vs Cable vs Free-Hanging vs VBS
Why “Controlled Freedom” Matters
Free-hanging weight can swing as you drive the hips hard, creating momentum you must stabilize. With VBS’s horizontal bearing, articulation happens with minimal effort — so you can hinge naturally without adding unwanted forces to the rep.
Complete Your Setup: Cloud 9 and CloudLite Belts
Cloud 9 Belt
Maximum support and comfort under heavy loading. Designed to distribute pressure across the hips and glutes and eliminate pinch points common with typical dip belts.
Built before the VBS existed — now the perfect pairing.
View Cloud 9 BeltCloudLite Belt
A lighter, streamlined option for dynamic training while maintaining Bulletproof comfort and load distribution.
Pair the best belt with the best belt squat platform.
View CloudLite BeltAdd-On Tip
If you’re upgrading your belt squat — upgrade the belt too.
Comfort and consistent loading matter when the weights get serious.
Research & Educational Resources
Vertical belt squatting is widely used to build lower body strength while reducing axial loading demands. The VBS builds on proven vertical loading principles — then adds controlled 3D articulation and ultra-compact storage.
- McGill — spinal loading mechanics research (general)
- Swinton et al. (2012) — biomechanical comparison of squat variations
- Lake et al. — force and power in squat variations
- Strength & Conditioning Journal — belt squat implementation resources
- EMG comparisons — barbell vs belt squat patterns (general)
FAQ
Can it be used as an attached on my own rack?
This version cannot be added or removed easily and requires a dedicated upright that is sold as part of your purchase.
Can I lock the movement completely vertical?
Yes. Choose locked mode for strict vertical reps, or unlock it for natural 3D articulation.
Is there horizontal resistance when unlocked?
Minimal. We tested it over 500+ lbs; even under load, a light nudge slides it forward or back.
What racks is it compatible with?
Designed for 3x3 uprights with 1” holes.
Can future attachments be added?
Yes. The platform is engineered to expand, hack squat development has already been shown.
Do I need a specific belt?
No, but it pairs perfectly with the Cloud 9 and CloudLite belts for comfort and consistent loading.
What’s the stored footprint?
Stored: 25.5” from wall (arm folded). Width: 8.5” with horns removed (or 20.5” with handles installed). In-use depth: 43”.
Do you recommend footplates?
Yes, for full depth, we recommend the dual-purpose footplates. They also work as adjustable squat wedges and store easily.
The Bottom Line
More compact than standalone machines. More versatile than cable systems. More efficient than lever designs.
This is the belt squat platform you build around — not replace.
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