MiR weighted vest vs box weighted vest

This is a comparison between the of the MiR weighted vest and the box weighted vest including pros, cons, and alternatives. This was originally posted in which weighted vest to get from Rogue.

Overview and review of the box weighted vest

This is an overview of the Box weighted vest including pros, cons, and alternatives. This was originally posted in which weighted vest to get from Rogue.

Overview of the Box weighted vest

Price $125 - $195

The box weighted vest is where it all started for Rogue. This was one of the first weighted vests on their website and the go-to vest in the Crossfit community for a considerable time. Since Rogue is working closely with the military for product ideas other products have gained in popularity and have overtaken the box weighted vest in numbers sold. Still, this is a very solid vest that goes up to 45lb in load. It is easy to get on and off and will take a beating. The full specifications are:

Made in the USA
Weighted Tac Vest (for Gym Use / Resistance Bodyweight Training only)
One Size Fits All: Compact design with natural contouring (Dimensions: 10.5" width x 8.5" length x 2.5" depth)
Narrow 3.25” wide shoulders for a greater range of motion
Fully Padded body and shoulders
Moisture-Resistant
Weight Available in 2.5LB increments (4.25" x 1.875" x 1.5" dimensions)
Max Weight Capacity: 45LB
Unloaded Vest Weight: 2.815LBS
Easy-adjust kipping-proof BOX belt system with military-grade webbing and hook-and-loop attachment
All weights and belts are removable
Durable military-grade construction backed by Lifetime Warranty against defects in materials and workmanship
Applications: Resistance weighted vest training - Pull-ups, Climbing, CrossFit exercises, Dragging, Chopping, Punching, Crawling, etc.
Color: Black

This is a great budget option for a vest that can be loaded in 2.5lbs increments. If that is what you are looking for than the Box weighted vest is your best bet.

Pros of the box weighted vest

The pros of the box weighted vest are:

Price
Made in America
Robust design

This vest has a great price point and a robust design that will not break. The one size fits all approach helps to come up with a structure that is hard to break. For $125 this vest is also at the lower end of vests which are decent and still loadable in 2.5 lbs increments. There is a reason for the box was popular for so long before everything went a bit more down the military design lane.

Cons of the box weighted vest

Cons of the box weighted vest are:

Quick changes in weight are hard
One size fits all
Only available in black

The plate carrier designs are easier to manage when you want to change weights quickly. While they deliver fewer increments, you only have to change two or even one plate to get a completely different experience. One size fits all can also be a problem as this usually ends up being one size fits the norm. If you are too tall, small, broad or thin, the box vest will shave more. The last point that in our age of individualization and customization you might think that black as the only option is a bit boring for something that you wear regularly when you work out.

Alternatives to the box weighted vest

Alternatives to the box weighted vest are:

The Rogue plate carrier vest comes in at the same price as the box vest and delivers more mobility and easier change of weight at a slightly lower maximum weight. The Rogue plate carrier scales up to 30lb compared to the 45lb of the Box vest. In return, you get a design you can customize with batches and lends itself to more mobility.

The women's box vest has been adjusted to give women a bit more freedom around the chest to make the vest more comfortable to wear. This is the right choice when you are worried about the one size fits all approach of the original box vest.

The MiR short vest is a small powerhouse that packs up to 90lb in a short vest design. If you go for the full enchilada it is fair to see that the price $289 and therefore not fully comparable to the $195 upper end of the box vest. In return, you get double the weight in almost the same amount of vest.

Conclusion for the box weighted vest

The box weighted vest is classic and no-nonsense design. If you want a robust vest that can carry up to 45lbs this is the one to get a good price point. Overall, it might have outlived its best days as a product and needs a revisit for color options and quicker loading/reloading.

Overview and review of the MiR weighted vest

This is an overview of the Mir weighted vest including pros, cons, and alternatives. This was originally posted in which weighted vest to get from Rogue.

Overview of the MiR weighted vest

Price $165 - $359

The MiR weighted vest is the vest in the Rogue shop with the maximum weight capacity. It ranges from 50lb to 120lb in 3lb weight increments. This vest is pretty long compared to comparable vests and also uses more straps. This can be robust, but also quite restrictive on some workouts. The full specifications of the MiR Weighted vest are:

Adjustable Weight Vest
1200D Reinforced Nylon Construction
Dimensions: 16” (shoulder width) X 16” (upper chest) X 13” (lower chest) with total adjustable length.
Double Padding and lining throughout body and shoulder, ventilation for airflow
Solid Iron Weights Included - 120 LBS Max Weight capacity in increments of 3LB (see price range based on weights ordered)
Mid-chest Belt for maximum hold: no bouncing and no shifting
Weights are loaded at front & back for even weight distribution
Adjustable Straps - Easy Access D-Ring adjustments
Color: Black

This is the right vest for you if you want to maximize added weight, have it equally distributed, and do not mind to be restricted for twisting body.

Pros of the MiR weighted vest

Pros of the MiR weighted vest are:

High maximum weight
Very secure
Very robust

The MiR weighted vest is one with the highest maximum weight from the Rogue shop you can get. With its two straps, the weight is very tight to your body and will not go anywhere. The vest can also take a good beating in total. If you want the maximum weight for your bug, this is a good option to get.

Cons of the MiR vest

The cons of the MiR vest are:

Restrictive
A lot of moving parts
High price

While the advertising is more transparent for this vest than for the 100lb straightjacket, it is still a high price to pay for adding some extra weight to your body. This vest is especially attractive if you think that more weight is better. If that is the case we are talking $360 here for the maximum weight. Besides, you also have quite a few moving parts on this vest. You have to load it in increments of 3lb in multiple pouches and close two straps. This does not make it a great companion for a quick change of the loadout. To top this off, this probably one of the most restrictive vests out there.

Alternatives to the MiR weighted vest

Alternatives to the MiR vest are:

The 100lb straightjacket plays in the same league as the MiR when it comes to maximum weight. The design idea is completely different. While the MiR is long to achieve the extra space for additional weight, the box straightjacket goes for a double layer of weight. It does not achieve the same maximum but comes close. In return, you get more freedom to breathe and move while still having the same amount of added weight.

The Tactec plate carrier is a great option when you want to do things fast. Change weights fast, move around fast, and also get the vest on and off fast. The Tactec plate carrier is my number one recommendation for weight vests as it covers all the bases and delivers on them perfectly. The only shortfall is that it can only be loaded up to 30lbs. So if you are looking at the MiR for its maximum weight capacity the only other vest to consider would be the straightjacket.

A 120lb is an overkill for most people. Have a real honest look at your training, body, and how often you use a weighted vest. If you already have abused the heck out of the one you own, then you are probably really in the market for a straightjacket or MiR. If this is your first vest, go with something small like the short version of the MiR and work your way up. Otherwise, you might be throwing money down a hole.

Conclusion for the MiR weighted vest

The Mir weighted vest is a solid option for maximum weight. Especially if you want it to stick to very good and you will not move around a lot, this vest is great. If you do want to be fast and still go for a lot of extra weight, the box 100lb straightjacket might be the better option. Mere mortals should stick to a vest that does not weigh more than 50lbs. In this category, the Tactec is the best option in my opinion, if you have $200 to burn.