5.11 TacTec Plate Carrier vs MiR short weighted vest
This is a comparison between the of the 5.11 TacTec plate carrier 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.
Related articles
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
This is the best vest if you want to start all and scale to 90lbs while not breaking the bank. With that, there comes a flaw in the design, as it also has to be closed at the back for a snug fit.
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
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 of the 5.11 TacTec Plate Carrier
Overview of the Tactec Plate Carrier
Price: $199.99
The
Tactec Plate carrier is a repurposed military body armor for fitness purposes. The maximum weight that can be added to this vest is 30lb. You multiple options with a front and backplate and six different weight plate options from
Rogue. The Velcro in the front and back also makes it possible to add patches and individualize your vest even further. Compared to other models you have fewer straps to secure the weight and extra padding on the shoulder where you feel the most of the weight. The full specifications of this vest are:
- 500D Nylon Construction
- Water-Resistant Coating
- Vest Weight: 2.5LB
- Fits all Rogue Weight Vest Plates and any 24MM wide Medium (12.5" H x 9.5" L x 2" W) or Large (13.25" x 10.25" x 2.25") SAPI plates
- Back yoke shoulder pads for even weight distribution
- Adjustable weight and tensional bands
- Extendable GrabDrag handle for emergency exfiltration
- Oversized airflow channel padding
- One-handed Quick Release
- Duraflex® hardware
- Web ID Loop
- Standard cummerbunds will accommodate a 52" circumference with the elastic relaxed, and up to 57" when fully extended
- Color: Black, Navy, Tac OD, Sandstone, Camo (+$30), Terrain, Night, and Storm
This is the vest to get if you mainly do sprints, will take it through a lot of abuse and you are not planning on tumbles and cartwheels while wearing your vest.
Pros of the TacTec Pate carrier
- Many color options
- Many weight options
- Durability
This vest can be washed, thrown into the dirt, rubber against a tree, and will still come back strong. If you want to break it you need to cut it or intentionally rip it at the seams. With the six plate weights
rogue provides and the two pouches, one in front and on in the back, you have many options to add resistance and move around. This vest is fun to wear, you can make it your own and challenge yourself. This is the option for anyone who likes spending money on good tools that can be used in many scenarios.
The cons of the Tactec carrier
- Price
- Design
- Weight limitations
For a vest that only goes up to 30lb, the price is on the high side. You can get cheaper vests in the market that give you the same amount of resistance. Will you look as cool? Probably not? Can you put those into the washing machine with some bricks? Definitely not. Still, $200 for one vest without any weights is a big ask. The design is also not for everyone. If you love the military, good for you, you found your match. If you live in the suburbs and do not want the neighbors to worry, this might not be the best pick.
Alternatives to the Tactec Plate carrier
The
box 100lb straightjacket is the maximum amount of weight you can strap to your body without using a carabiner, chain, or metal pin. The
original box vest was the start in CrossFit gyms for resistance on the bodyweight WODs and this vest takes it to the extreme. Not just on weight, but also on price. If you have outgrown the vests up to 50lbs, because you are such a beast, then this is the next challenge to tackle. Downsides of this model are a less nug fit and that you have no customization options. You can still throw a rock on it and it will be fine.
The
Hyper vest elite is the right option for any athlete who wants to add resistance to prolonged exercise. If you are a long-distance runner, a hiker who wants to keep their backpack for food but still make it more challenging or someone who wants to do tumbles and cartwheels while having a vest on, than this is your best bet. The only downsides of this model are that it only goes up to 20lbs and that it is only available in black. If you are worried about what the neighbors think and you do not like the military design of most vests
Rogue provides, then this is a good alternative.
The
Rogue Plate carrier is the budget option of the
Tactec vest from Rogue. On some of their most successful products, Rogue likes to provide a clone that has been stripped to the bare minimum to save cost. The
Rogue Plate carrier is the stripped-down version of the
Tactec plate carrier which comes in at $125. You will get a little bet less padding and additional material, while the design mainly focuses on strapping two carrier plates to you in the least expensive, yet functional way. The
Rogue plate carrier is available in 4 colors.
Conclusion for the Tactec plate carrier
If some turned around to me and said "Hey, which weighted vest should i buy" and was not allowed to ask any questions, then it would recommend the
5.11 Tactec. This vest can be used by all ages and sizes and can be applied to many scenarios.If not abused in a horrible way it will also last a lifetime. There are 100s of positive reviews for this vest on the
Rogue website and that is for a reason. The only turn off is the military design, but if no one sees you exercising in it, who cares.