Rogue Load Trainer vs MiR short weighted vest
This is a comparison between the of the Rogue load trainer and the MiR short weighted vest including pros, cons, and alternatives. This was originally posted in which weighted vest to get from Rogue.
Overview and review of the MiR short weighted vest
This is an overview of the MiR short weighted vest including pros, cons, and alternatives. This was originally posted in which weighted vest to get from Rogue.
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Overview of the MiR short weighted vest
Price: $99 - $289
The MiR short weighted vest is the vest with a maximum of 90lbs in a compact amount of space. This makes it an interesting option for anyone who wants to save a little money while still going heavy on the pull-ups. The full specifications of the MiR short vest read:
- Super Compact Design (11” length) for maximum mobility and secure fit
- 1200D Reinforced Nylon Construction
- Double Padding and lining throughout body and shoulder, ventilation for airflow
- Solid Iron Weights Included - 90 LBS Max Weight capacity in increments of 3LB (see price range based on weights ordered)
- One Hook and Loop Fastening Belt included
- Mid-chest Belt for maximum hold: no bouncing and no shifting
- Weights are loaded at front & back for even weight distribution
- Adjustable Straps - One Size Fits Most Men
- Color: Black
Pros of the MiR short weighted vest
- A low-cost entry point
- Great scalability to 90lbs
With an entry point of under $100, this vest is one of the cheapest of the higher quality weighted vests out there. It also scales up to 90lbs, which is hard to beat in a compact design like this.
Cons of the MiR short weighted vest
The cons of the MiR weighted vest are:
- Time-consuming weight changes
- Strap at the back
As with all weighted vests which scale in increments of 2.5lbs to 3lbs, it can be annoying to switch weights around between different workouts or users. The plate system from the TacTec or Rogue plate carrier vests is more convenient for this purpose. A major design flaw of this vest is the strap in the back. You can not put this on by yourself properly.
Alternatives to the MiR short weighted vest
- 100 lb straightjacket
- Rogue plate carrier
- MiR women's weighted vest
The 100lb straightjacket is a double box vest. While the price for this vest is about $100 higher, the design is better as it does not need to be closed at the back when you put it on.
The Rogue plate carrier is an excellent alternative if you want to stay under 50lbs in weight. This design will provide more mobility and hold up better on an obstacle course.
The MiR women's vest is an alternative for women with less fabric in the front for quite obvious reasons.
Conclusion for the MiR
The MiR short vest is a great option if you want a lot of weight in a compact vest and have someone else to tie it up for you at the back.
Overview and review for the Rogue Load Trainer
This is an overview of the Rogue Load trainer including pros, cons, and alternatives. This was originally posted in which weighted vest to get from Rogue.
Overview of the load trainer
Price: $199.50
The load trainer is a metal frame with a plate pin that you can strap to your back. This makes it a great tool to train with very specific weights for marches without putting all of that expensive equipment into your backpack. It also enables micro loading and limits the amount of cheating in tests, as it is visible, how much weight someone is carrying around. The full specs of the load trainer read as followed:
- Made in the USA
- Designed by Naval Special Warfare Operator (SWCC)
- Olympic Plate Compatible Weight Pin
- Weight of Load Trainer: 6.5LB (10LB when mounted to ALICE Frame)
- Hitch Pin for securing plates
- Mounting Hardware included (need only a 7/16” or 11MM wrench)
- Loading Pin Length: Plate to the center of first hole = 4.5", Plate to the center of the second hole = 5.5". The overall length of the pin is 6.5"
- Color: Black
This is a great tool to train marches with the additional load. Especially if the heavy equipment that will be transported is very expensive and should stay where it is unless necessary. This is also the best option from Rogue to maximize the training weight.
Pros of the load trainer
- Simple to use
- Virtually indestructible
- High maximum weight
This is as easy as 1,2,3 go. No complex pouches to fill, no velcros to close that open during exercise, no elaborate bags that only fit into a certain slot. Just a pin and as many plates as you want to throw onto your own, or some poor devil's back. As this is a metal frame with straps, you will also not destroy it, unless you drive over it with a tank. All of this makes the Load trainer a great tool if you want to add a challenge to a hike or march.
The cons of the load trainer
- Cumbersome design
- High injury risk
- Unbalanced load
What you get with this product is a backpack that you can make ludicrously heavy without breaking it or having to fiddle about when getting read. The problem of the design is that you are strapping weight plates to your back to do exercises that have not been designed to fit with your body. If you fall on your back with the load trainer, it will hurt or maybe even injure you permanently. While this is a good tool to simulate any kind of heavy backpack for a march, it is not recommended for obstacle courses or Crossfit like exercises. Of course, there are always some nutters out there, but this is not recommended.
Alternatives to the Load trainer
The MiR Pro weighted vest is the maximum weight vest in the Rogue shop at the time of writing. It goes up to 120lb and therefore has 20lbs over the 100lb straightjacket. If maximum weight is what you want and you want to be more mobile and balanced than with the load trainer than this is a good option.
The 100lb Straightjacket is the heaviest option out of the box vest assortment. This vest gets to 100lbs by stacking two layers of weights on top of each other at the back and the front. Compared to the MiR this makes this vest shorter for more mobility, but less balanced. Compared to the load trainer you will have an easier time moving and climb.
The Tactec plate carrier is the best option from Rogue for all purposes. You get plenty of color and individualization options for a vest that can go up to 30lb. It will also withstand any abuse you put it through. The plates which can be used with this vest are ergonomic and made out of one cut. No need to load many mini plates up to train.
The Hyper vest elite is the most balanced vest option from Rogue that can go up to 20lbs. This vest has been designed with gym athletes and runners in mind. Comfort to wear and mobility is maximized at the expense if maximum load. If you want to do backflips and long-distance runs with resistance, this is the vest to get.
Conclusion for the Load trainer
The load trainer has a very specific application for very heavy rucksack training. I do not see a lot of applications apart from training to march long distances with a ton of stuff on your back. While useful for these scenarios it is not the best option for most gym owners.