box weighted vest vs MiR short weighted vest

This is a comparison between the of the Box weighted vest 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.

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

The pros of the MiR short vest are:

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

Alternatives to the MiR short weighted vest are:

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 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.