5.11 TacTec Plate Carrier vs MiR weighted vest

This is a comparison between the of the 5.11 TacTec plate carrier and the MIr 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 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.

 

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

 

Pros of the MiR weighted vest are:

 

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. 

 

 

The cons of the MiR vest are:

 

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 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. 

 

 

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.

 

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. 

 

 

The pros of the Tactec plate carrier are:

 

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 are:

 

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 are

 

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. 

 

 

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.