Hyper vest elite vs Rogue load trainer
This is a comparison between the of the Hyper vest elite and the Rogue load trainer including pros, cons, and alternatives. This was originally posted in which weighted vest to get from Rogue.
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.
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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.
Overview and review of the Hyper vest elite
This is an overview of the Hyper vest elite including pros, cons, and alternatives. This was originally posted in which weighted vest to get from Rogue.
Overview of the Hyper vest elite
Price $219-$283
The
Hyper vest elite is the next generation of the
Hyper Vest Pro. Compared to the
Hyper vest pro this vest comes pre-packed and with less resistance. In return, you get a better system to get a tight fit, better finish, and reflective parts. This vest was aimed at runners who want to add resistance to their workouts but did not find the right model with other vendors. The full specifications are:
Specifications
- Unisex patented design for exceptional comfort
- Breathable, odor-resistant, wicking Cordura® fabric
- Open side panels provide superior ventilation
- Thin profile allows for full range of motion
- Reflective, flexible side lacing for highly-adjustable fit
- Small available in 10LB or 15LB - M,L, and XL available in 10LB or 20LB
SIZE CHART
| Vest Size |
S |
M |
L |
XL |
| Weight Range |
90LB - 130LB |
130LB - 170LB |
170LB - 210LB |
210+LB |
| Height Range |
4'10"-5'4" |
5'4"-5'9" |
5'9"-6'4" |
6'4" +
|
The
Hyper vest elite is the right model for you if you want to run fast, change directions often or even want to do gymnastics or acrobatics with added weight.
Pros of the Hyper vest elite
- Snug fit
- Reflective design
- Smaller weight plates
This vest excels in having a design that is all about fitting onto your body like a glove. For this, you have straps at the sides to make the vest tighter. Think of it like a corset that has weight woven into it. With the reflective design, you can go out at nights and wear this vest over your usual dym clothes to be seen when on the road. The weight plates for this model also have been designed with the goal of even distribution in mind, rather than maximizing weight. This gives the vest a great feel, but not the maximum resistance compared to other vests on the market.
Cons of the Hyper vest elite
- Only available in three weights
- Only available in black
- Prone to break
The cons of the
Hyper vest elite are the limited option of weight ranges, the only color it is available in, and, most importantly, that it is prone to error. While the design is great for being snug it has two main weak points which are the straps at the sides. This is great for getting a tight fit that gives you maximum freedom to move, but if you lose or damage one of these elastic bands, the vest doe not work anymore. This vest has not been designed for scenarios where you crawl through the mud, run through the underbrush or other challenging scenarios. It was designed for controlled indoor or outdoor scenarios without a lot of dirt and rubbing.
Alternatives to the Hyper vest elite
The
100lb straightjacket is the ultimate weight option for weighted vests. If you still want to wear a vest and have a maximum of weight on your body, this is the option to get. What you gain in weight, you lose in mobility. You do not want to do gymnastics in a vest that has two layers of mini weights in it.
The
hyper vest pro is the original hyper vest product. You will save on money and also gain more flexibility in weight options. The downside is that the design is not reflective, the straps are even more prone to error, as they are of lower quality and that the seams on the weights are not as good as with the
elite.
The
5.11 Tactec Plate carrier vest is a great versatile option, offers a lot of mobility, and is slightly cheaper than the
hyper vest pro. You have many weight configurations to choose from and also can choose from eight different color options. This design will also hold when used under extreme conditions outdoor. The design might not be to everyone's liking as it is very military, where the
hyper vest elite has more of a fitness/gym look about it.
Conclusion of the Hyper vest elite
The
hyper vest elite is probably the best choice in the market for runners, acrobats, and martial artists. It adds a reasonable weight to your exercises to make you go the full length, while still providing that extra resistance. It has not been designed with military applications in mind and will suffer a great deal when dragged through the mud or over an obstacle course. The resistance is also low compared to other models.