SPIbelt vs FlipBelt: Which One’s Actually Better?

I’m sure we’ve all had the “where do I put my phone?” moment.

You can shove it in your shorts (not advisable), or invest in a running belt.

There are loads out there, but SPIbelt vs FlipBelt gets talked about a lot at my club.

I wanted to know which one is actually worth your money, whether you race regularly or just enjoy a jog.

I’ve been using both for the past few weeks to see which one actually works better – not just in theory, but in sweaty, bouncy, real-world running.

Quick Take

If you just want to skip the details:

But if you want to know how they actually feel during runs, here’s what I found.

How I Tested Them

I tested both belts over two weeks on runs ranging from short 3-mile tempos to 12-mile long runs, in both dry and wet conditions. Each time, I loaded them with the max they could carry (phone, keys, gels, soft flask). I wore them over a jacket and under a shirt to check for bounce, chafing, and quick access, then washed and air-dried them between runs to test durability. I focused on comfort, stability, and practicality.

SPIbelt vs FlipBelt Comparison Table

Fit and Adjustability

The first thing you’ll notice: they fit totally differently.

SPIbelt has an adjustable strap and buckle. You clip it on, tighten it to your waist, and off you go. It’s small, light, and you barely notice it once you start running. You can throw it over a jacket in winter or tighten it up on a hot day.

FlipBelt, on the other hand, is a fabric tube. You step into it like a waistband – no buckles, no clips, no adjustment. That means you have to get the right size. Too loose, and it’ll slide around; too tight, and it’ll feel like a compression band.

👉 Winner: SPIbelt, purely because it’s adjustable. FlipBelt feels more polished, but sizing is trickier.

Storage and Capacity

This is where they really start to differ.

SPIbelt: One stretchy zip pocket. Big enough for a large phone, a card, and maybe a gel. Push it further and it starts to bulge like a snake that swallowed a mouse.

FlipBelt: It’s like the Mary Poppins bag of running belts. I fit my phone, keys, two gels, a small soft flask, and still had room to spare. You can spread the weight around your waist so it doesn’t all bounce in one spot. There’s also a little clip inside for your keys, and if you flip the belt inside out, everything sits securely against your body.

👉 Winner: FlipBelt by a mile. If you’re marathon training or just like having snacks, it’s the better choice.

Bounce and Stability

Nobody wants a belt that bounces like a yo-yo.

I tested both on everything from short 5Ks to long weekend runs.

SPIbelt: When it’s light (just a phone), it’s brilliant. Zero bounce. But once you add gels or anything bulky, it starts to move around a bit. Not awful, just noticeable.

FlipBelt: When empty, it can slide a little, but once you’ve got your gear inside, it locks in place. Because the weight is spread out, it doesn’t jiggle or slap. Even with a soft flask tucked in, it stayed solid.

👉 Winner: FlipBelt. It’s just more stable when loaded up.

Comfort and Feel

SPIbelt: Small, simple, and easy to forget about. But if you tighten it too much or wear it under multiple layers, the narrow band can dig in slightly.

FlipBelt: Feels more like a piece of running kit than an accessory. It’s soft, wide, and doesn’t chafe. The trade-off? It gets sweaty. I rinse it after every run and it dries quickly, but it’s not the type of thing you want to leave sitting in your gym bag overnight.

👉 Winner: FlipBelt. It feels nicer and more natural to wear, even if it needs a bit more maintenance.

Durability

I’ve run with both for a few weeks and washed them multiple times.

• SPIbelt: Still looks brand new. The elastic hasn’t stretched and the zipper runs smoothly.
• FlipBelt: Also holding up great. The fabric hasn’t faded or lost shape, though it does soak up sweat more.

👉 Winner: Draw. Both feel like they’ll last for years.

Price and Value

• SPIbelt Original: Around $25
• FlipBelt Classic: Around $35–45

👉 Verdict: SPIbelt wins on price. FlipBelt costs more, but if you need the storage, it’s worth the extra few bucks.

So Which One’s Better?

Honestly? It depends on your running style.

• If you’re a minimalist, just carrying your phone and a key – go for the SPIbelt.
• If you’re running longer miles, need gels, or want something that doesn’t budge – go for the FlipBelt.
• I actually use both: SPIbelt for short tempo runs, FlipBelt for anything over an hour.

Either way, both solve the same annoying problem – keeping your stuff in place without bounce.

Final Thoughts

After testing both, I’d say the FlipBelt is the one I grab most often. It just feels more comfortable and practical for longer runs. But I still think every runner would be happy with either. It really comes down to how much you carry.

• 👉 Check FlipBelt on Amazon
• 👉 Check SPIbelt on Amazon

FAQ

Row Brown

Row Brown is the founder of Refresh Row. He is a keen marathon runner, his favorite being the London Marathon. He’s now set himself the mission of Running the Entire Length of Spain, which is scheduled for late 2024.