mevre Posted May 19, 2014 Report Share Posted May 19, 2014 nerds! i need your expert opinions!i am looking to invest in a workout accessory: the weighted vest. i don't enjoy weight lifting but have hit the limit of weight-loss through bodyweight training, so i'm upping my bodyweight workout-game. does anyone know of a good, solid, and reliable brand? i'd like something that i'll be able to use and grow with for a long time [i.e. that can hold a lot of weight which i can add gradually over time.] i'm also am a small person [5 foot 2, 116lb], so something that fits snuggly/comfortably is a must.any ideas or suggestions related to this would also be appreciated! Quote level 4 elf rangerSTR | 6 DEX | 5 STA | 6 CON | 4 WIS | 4 CHA | 8 Link to comment
Barfly Posted May 20, 2014 Report Share Posted May 20, 2014 I've been using a military type backpack with barbell plates in it. I would prefer the front to back balance you get with a vest, but it didn't cost anything and it's ok as long as you cinch the waist and sternum straps snugly. Quote The past is only smoke in a dream. Lvl 6 Ranger Berzerker STR 9 DEX 4 STA 9 CON 8 WIS 2 CHA 8 Barfly ain't even tryin'... Link to comment
mevre Posted May 20, 2014 Author Report Share Posted May 20, 2014 i guess i could look into something like that... i've been using a backpack full of books, but it throws my balance off and makes certain movements hard or impossible if i have to be on the floor. but it's just a regular backpack - i'm sure a military pack would be a little different.something to consider, for sure. but i don't mind spending a chunk of change on a good vest, either. Quote level 4 elf rangerSTR | 6 DEX | 5 STA | 6 CON | 4 WIS | 4 CHA | 8 Link to comment
Barfly Posted May 20, 2014 Report Share Posted May 20, 2014 I already had all that. It would probably be as expensive as a vest if you have to buy it. How heavy are you considering? I've seen vests from 10 to 50 pounds.Edit: when you say some movements on the floor are impossible with a backpack, I'm assuming sit-ups/crunches? If so, you probably want to go with a vest that uses buckshot for weight, as opposed to plates or bars. (Like GoFit) Quote The past is only smoke in a dream. Lvl 6 Ranger Berzerker STR 9 DEX 4 STA 9 CON 8 WIS 2 CHA 8 Barfly ain't even tryin'... Link to comment
mevre Posted May 20, 2014 Author Report Share Posted May 20, 2014 i'm not sure what the upper limit should be for me, but i'd like to keep my options open. so as long as i can adjust the weight and make it heaver as i go, i'd like to have a lot of room for growth built-in. but, again, i've been using books, so i'm not really sure how heavy the backpack is and therefore don't know what my starting place with the vest would be, nor how far i'm likely to get.yes, essentially sit ups and crunches. but who knows what kind of crazy rolling-around-the-floor movements my next workout routine will have, so it's good to know about the buckshot v plates. Quote level 4 elf rangerSTR | 6 DEX | 5 STA | 6 CON | 4 WIS | 4 CHA | 8 Link to comment
Barfly Posted May 20, 2014 Report Share Posted May 20, 2014 You could do crunches holding a rock. I've done that. Much cheaper. Quote The past is only smoke in a dream. Lvl 6 Ranger Berzerker STR 9 DEX 4 STA 9 CON 8 WIS 2 CHA 8 Barfly ain't even tryin'... Link to comment
Valerius Posted May 20, 2014 Report Share Posted May 20, 2014 OOOH or superman sit ups those were my favorite when I was in shape.... near vertical sit ups clutching a 45 lbs plate.. Quote Awful Not so good Getting better Super Stud He-Man Artie Strongest man.... In The World 61%61% Valerius the level 2 HumanSTR 3|DEX 3|CON 2|STA 3|WIS 2|CHA 2Current challenge " If you think you can do a thing or you can't do a thing, you're right."- Henry Ford Link to comment
Cardinal_22 Posted May 20, 2014 Report Share Posted May 20, 2014 I use a 40-lb weighted vest from ZFO sports. (They sell them with a capacity up to at least 120 lbs, maybe more) The weights are remove-able, so it can be customized from from nothing to 40 lbs in 2 lb increments. I mostly use it for a really intense workout on the stairmaster, although technically you could use it for just about anything. One thing to keep in mind: unless you can find it in a sporting goods store, you will pay as much for shipping as you will for the vest.If you are just looking for a way to add weight to your pull-ups and dips, I'd recommend a dipping belt instead. I've linked the one I use. Much cheaper. No weight limit. Works great. 1 Quote - Level 3 Night Elf Warrior - 6'0" / 166 lbs. Powerlifting Total: 940 Member: The 800 Club Battle Log Link to comment
mevre Posted May 20, 2014 Author Report Share Posted May 20, 2014 thank you, Cardinal! really good point about the shipping [though i think my partner has Amazon Prime, which has free shipping... hmm...]also - dayum, you look like a beast with that belt! i feel like the vests look kind of dorky, but the belt looks too legit to quit. way cool. 1 Quote level 4 elf rangerSTR | 6 DEX | 5 STA | 6 CON | 4 WIS | 4 CHA | 8 Link to comment
Cardinal_22 Posted May 20, 2014 Report Share Posted May 20, 2014 I get a lot of comments at the gym when I use the dipping belt. It really does bring your workout to the next level. Quote - Level 3 Night Elf Warrior - 6'0" / 166 lbs. Powerlifting Total: 940 Member: The 800 Club Battle Log Link to comment
mevre Posted May 21, 2014 Author Report Share Posted May 21, 2014 so, do you guys think it's a good idea to get a vest specifically designed for women, or is a man's vest perfectly fine? is it like using a pen for men vs. using a pen designed for women? [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eCyw3prIWhc] Quote level 4 elf rangerSTR | 6 DEX | 5 STA | 6 CON | 4 WIS | 4 CHA | 8 Link to comment
Barfly Posted May 21, 2014 Report Share Posted May 21, 2014 Well... I would say find a vest you like and if they make a women's style then get that one, but don't buy a vest you don't really like just because it is designed for a woman.And, since you brought it up, how uncomfortable would wearing a vest cut for a man be for you? Don't answer, just something to think about. Quote The past is only smoke in a dream. Lvl 6 Ranger Berzerker STR 9 DEX 4 STA 9 CON 8 WIS 2 CHA 8 Barfly ain't even tryin'... Link to comment
mevre Posted May 22, 2014 Author Report Share Posted May 22, 2014 perfect, that's what i needed to know! i've seen a couple of unisex vests, which made me wonder to what extent men's vests were "cut for men." more than anything, i feel like a man's vest would be too big, since i am kind of a fun-sized person. so, probably narrowing down to women's-only from here on out.followed Cardinal's link and found this, which is way bad ass-looking and i kind of love it. but i'd like to have a couple solid options to consider, so keep the suggestions coming! Quote level 4 elf rangerSTR | 6 DEX | 5 STA | 6 CON | 4 WIS | 4 CHA | 8 Link to comment
Barfly Posted May 22, 2014 Report Share Posted May 22, 2014 perfect, that's what i needed to know! i've seen a couple of unisex vests, which made me wonder to what extent men's vests were "cut for men." more than anything, i feel like a man's vest would be too big, since i am kind of a fun-sized person. so, probably narrowing down to women's-only from here on out.followed Cardinal's link and found this, which is way bad ass-looking and i kind of love it. but i'd like to have a couple solid options to consider, so keep the suggestions coming!It does look badass. It'll make you look like a terminator! What does it look like in the back (will you be able to do crunches?) Quote The past is only smoke in a dream. Lvl 6 Ranger Berzerker STR 9 DEX 4 STA 9 CON 8 WIS 2 CHA 8 Barfly ain't even tryin'... Link to comment
mevre Posted June 11, 2014 Author Report Share Posted June 11, 2014 well, it is done. i ordered my vest about a week ago and it came in the mail today! haha it came in a surprisingly small box, so everyone who picked it up was probably like "wow, wtf? how's this thing so heavy?"i decided to go with the MIR Women's 30 lb, which i found on Amazon with free shipping. it ended up equalling out to what i would have spent in a local store. it is pretty comfortable, it was easy to figure out how to adjust the straps and weight, and i feel like a complete badass wearing it. now it is time for the inaugural workout! RAAAWR!!! 2 Quote level 4 elf rangerSTR | 6 DEX | 5 STA | 6 CON | 4 WIS | 4 CHA | 8 Link to comment
Barfly Posted June 12, 2014 Report Share Posted June 12, 2014 well, it is done. i ordered my vest about a week ago and it came in the mail today! haha it came in a surprisingly small box, so everyone who picked it up was probably like "wow, wtf? how's this thing so heavy?"i decided to go with the MIR Women's 30 lb, which i found on Amazon with free shipping. it ended up equalling out to what i would have spent in a local store. it is pretty comfortable, it was easy to figure out how to adjust the straps and weight, and i feel like a complete badass wearing it. now it is time for the inaugural workout! RAAAWR!!!How'd it go? Quote The past is only smoke in a dream. Lvl 6 Ranger Berzerker STR 9 DEX 4 STA 9 CON 8 WIS 2 CHA 8 Barfly ain't even tryin'... Link to comment
mevre Posted June 12, 2014 Author Report Share Posted June 12, 2014 really well! feeling pretty DOMS-y today for the first time in ages, which pleases me greatly. i am going to have to develop a new routine though. 1 Quote level 4 elf rangerSTR | 6 DEX | 5 STA | 6 CON | 4 WIS | 4 CHA | 8 Link to comment
Barfly Posted June 13, 2014 Report Share Posted June 13, 2014 really well! feeling pretty DOMS-y today for the first time in ages, which pleases me greatly. i am going to have to develop a new routine though.Lol. Not as easy as it looks, is it? Quote The past is only smoke in a dream. Lvl 6 Ranger Berzerker STR 9 DEX 4 STA 9 CON 8 WIS 2 CHA 8 Barfly ain't even tryin'... Link to comment
leekellerking Posted September 10, 2014 Report Share Posted September 10, 2014 Two words - Amazon Prime. Quote Link to comment
mevre Posted September 11, 2014 Author Report Share Posted September 11, 2014 you know, i didn't even use Prime, and it still had free shipping. which was awesome. but yes, i was planning on using my partner's Prime account if shipping wasn't included. now the hard part is finding new and exciting workouts to do with the vest... Quote level 4 elf rangerSTR | 6 DEX | 5 STA | 6 CON | 4 WIS | 4 CHA | 8 Link to comment
TurtIe Posted October 2, 2014 Report Share Posted October 2, 2014 I've been using a military type backpack with barbell plates in it. I would prefer the front to back balance you get with a vest, but it didn't cost anything and it's ok as long as you cinch the waist and sternum straps snugly.What brand of backpack do you recommend? I've torn through 3 run of the mill sports backpacks with only 30kg plates. Quote "No-one tells a T-Rex when to go to sleep".- Jim Wendler Link to comment
Barfly Posted October 2, 2014 Report Share Posted October 2, 2014 Not sure what brand mine is. It's a patrol pack, and the bottom is reinforced with a rubber covering that goes a ways up the sides.If you don't have a tactical store near you, try some places like Urban Armory or LA Police Gear online.30kg though? Any hiking backpack should be able to handle that. Wrap your plates in old towels so they don't bang against each other or rub against the pack and you should be fine. 1 Quote The past is only smoke in a dream. Lvl 6 Ranger Berzerker STR 9 DEX 4 STA 9 CON 8 WIS 2 CHA 8 Barfly ain't even tryin'... Link to comment
TurtIe Posted October 3, 2014 Report Share Posted October 3, 2014 Wrap your plates in old towels so they don't bang against each other or rub against the pack and you should be fine.Good tip! Yeah, the area where the straps connect to the bags quickly fray and tear. I'll look into investing in something a bit more sturdy! Quote "No-one tells a T-Rex when to go to sleep".- Jim Wendler Link to comment
Jordan Posted November 21, 2014 Report Share Posted November 21, 2014 I found a vest online by VIVO. Its a good cheap price and the reviews are great im thinking about trying this out. Maybe it can help you guys too. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00M4G4ATK Quote Link to comment
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