I've heard mixed opinions about these. I dont ever do 1RM DL's or Squats (i dont do squats at all actually). I dont own a belt and was wondering if it would be beneficial for me to use one?

No. It gives a false sense of security, can cause you to attempt more than you should and can actually promote bad form.

If you want, I'll post an article that proves it through research.

i dont like belts. The core muscles are suppose to do the work, not the belt. I only use belts when i go for new 1rm's, never when i train, because i want my core to advance with me.

There's a guy at my gym that uses a belt for lat pulldowns

I'm guessing he just doesn't really know what he's doing, especially as he blatantly uses his bodyweight to pull it down.

I think it's stupid (and hilarious) when people wear them for their entire workout, like when they do 10 types of curls.

I don't have a belt with me now, but when I've done 1 RMs in the past I have used a belt. But as already said, it's best to do without it to strengthen your core.

I owned a belt back in 1986. Then I got educated and dropped it like a hot potato!

I crack up too when I see guys wearing them through their whole workouts. Especially bodybuilders.

Most people don't know exactly what a belt is supposed to do... so here ya go...

The purpose of a weight belt is to increase intra-abdominal pressure. When lifting without a belt, the spinal column is supported by the fluid contents and musculature of the abdominal cavity. When lifting near maximal weight, the diaphragmatic muscles contract and put pressure on the abdominal cavity, stabilizing the spine. Using a belt helps increase this pressure, while reducing the load on the musculature of the lower back. Sounds good, right?

Well, if you use a belt when it's not needed (lat pull downs for example), it takes the place of your core muscles. Since you're not using your core stabilizers, they can atrophy, leading to injury. And since they have to be tightened to be effective, they can raise blood pressure.

So, if you're going for max lifts that only require 1 rep, a belt may help. But if you're going for reps at submaximal weight, go without the belt.

I've heard stories of guys wearing them while doing DB curls.

Funny stuff!