variation box with no viewing window.
This M.U.S.C.L.E. Battlin' Belt cost around $10.00 from what I remember. The toy concept was a great one, albeit poorly executed in terms of durability. It really should've been a triple threat, serving as a carrying case, toy with playability and great display piece.
The center of the buckle folds down and converts to a wrestling ring, allowing you to have have mini battles on the fly. I thought this item was pretty cool back in the day, but the package didn't lie when it read "KID-SIZE". If you were much over the age of 11, or a bit on the 'husky' side, you could pretty much write off slipping this belt around your waist.
My buddy's little brother would run about his house with a Battlin' Belt. I thought it looked pretty cool and it reminded me of a WWF championship belt, only in miniature form. I do remember the hard plastic figure compartments being absolutely obliterated, but I don't believe it was from radical abuse to the toy. The kid cherished that belt, even hanging it on the wall behind his headboard when not in use.
I always gathered that it was definitely not the most durable of toys, but my friend Chad Perry really elaborates on why this is the case. You can read an in depth explanation on design and construction of the belt HERE.. at the University of MUSCLE website.
