Geo has a video of himself doing dips (2 plates if I remember correctly) in the half way rep range. Not too low or not to lockout, which would probably be preferred by most guy's here ( video somewhere on GetBig, don't care to search it out).That bottom bounce zone can also be a tear zone when using too heavy a weight even with a proper warm-up, as suggested by others. Dips need not cause any worry if approached with common sense, like most other exercises. On a personal bases, I prefer dips over flat benches any time.
Seen some close to 300lb dips in workouts. Heard of some over 300, but never seen one in person. For the most part, I have learned to never go completely by what a home or poor quality video may show with regard to heavy lifting. Probably one the the strongest dippers of all time was Marvin Eder.
A regular dipping belt will meet the needs of most guy's. Getting into heavier stuff, you will need a hip belt. Kind of hard to find, but I am sure they are out there. With a hip belt, all the weight is not centered just in the front of the body, as with a regular dipping belt. Can also use unbelievable weight when doing hip/back/leg movements. Good Luck.
