You might normally see these long and heavy ropes in use at the gym, but they’re also an excellent choice for a home workout. Like most home gym equipment products, there are tons of battle ropes to choose from, spanning a wide range of budgets. Choosing one can get tricky, as you always want to make sure you get the most bang for your buck.

In our Hyperwear Hyper Rope battle rope review, I take a look at the patent-pending design of this unique piece of workout equipment. Is the Hyper Rope one of the best battle ropes? Let’s find out.

RELATED: Read My Hyperwear Hyper Vest Elite Weighted Vest Review

Why You Should Trust Us

I’ve tested many a battle rope in my day. I’ve used budget options that fray within days of use and high-end ropes that don’t show a single sign of wear after years. From traditional battle ropes like theOnnit Battle Ropes to niche fitness rope products like theInertia Wave, I understand what materials, construction, anchoring systems, and designs make a good battle rope.

Hyperwear Hyper Rope

Hyper Rope Battle Rope

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Product Highlights

• No need for any anchor
• Claims to provide the benefits of a traditional 50’ battle rope in a 6’ or less space
• Use for high intensity cardio or strength training exercises indoors or outdoors
• Standard model weighs 15 lbs and measures approximately 20’ long
• Elite model weighs 19 lbs and measures 25’ long
• Backed by a 1-year warranty
• Free strength ropes training videos available through Hyperwear

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Space saving
• No anchor required
• Versatile
• Can be used in or outdoors
• Library of exercises available
• Portable

Cons

• Can be difficult to control
• May take some getting used to
• Expensive

Bottom Line

Available in two weights/sizes, the Hyperwear Hyper Rope offers a unique spin on traditional battle ropes with a design that requires only 6 feet or less to use.

A Quick Look at the Hyperwear Hyper Rope

My Favorite Things:

• Doesn’t need to be mounted or anchored
• Can be used in smaller spaces, like a home gym
• Very high quality materials
• Available in two different sizes

My Callouts:

• Nothing remarkable about the handles, despite being a premium rope
• One of the smallest battle ropes there is, although it is heavier than most
• Can become a little unwieldy during intense work despite weighted feature

Is the Hyperwear Hyper Rope Worth the Hype?

Depends on who you ask. Here’s a look at who should buy the Hyper Rope and who might be better off with something else.

Great for:

• People with small spaces for their home gyms
• Anyone who doesn’t have a place to anchor battle ropes
• People willing to pay for a premium product
• Anyone interested in conditioning equipment

Not recommended for:

• People who haven’t tried battle ropes before or aren’t sure if they’ll like using them
• Anyone who may have the space and setup for traditional anchored battle ropes
• Anyone not interested in conditioning equipment

What It’s Like to Work Out With the Hyperwear Hyper Rope

If you’ve ever done a battle rope workout, you know just how much of a burn ropes can give you. The lactic acid buildup is no joke. And even if you think you’re doing an upper body workout, using battle ropes is always a full-body workout.

The Hyper Rope really gets the heart pumping and is a great alternative to running or other outdoor cardio workouts, especially if it’s too cold, too hot, or rainy. The Hyperwear battle rope also serves as a great accessory for full-body HIIT workouts or CrossFit. Add it to your usual training with dumbbells or kettlebells.

Because it is innately weighted and portable, you can even use the Hyper Rope for exercises like walking lunges, which you can’t do with a normal battle rope.

The weighted metal core design does work well, although if I really get working, it can become a little unwieldy. You can do many of the same movements you can with a normal battle rope, but you’ll need not only space in front of you, but also to the side of the rope. Hide yo kids, hide yo wives when you’re using it as they could get hit.

I’d recommend the 19-pound model for most people who are planning on using the Hyper Rope for max effort sets such as in a HIIT workout. I received the 15-pound model—I only know this because the handles are black. On the elite model, which weighs 19 pounds, the handles are blue. I wish Hyperwear would mark the weights despite the different colored handles.

Speaking of the handles, there isn’t anything remarkable about them. They’re constructed of typical heat shrink rubber tubing, which provides grip and serves as a protective sleeve over the ends of the rope. It should last, but since it’s a premium rope, it would have been cool to see a special handle.

Because you use the Hyper Rope unanchored, it offers more versatility in training and more flexibility in your home or garage gym. And since it’s so much shorter than a typical battle rope, a single person can lift and carry the entire rope, versus trying to bundle up a 50-foot long rope. This means you can move it around to maximize space in your home gym or take it outside on nice days.

Overall, the Hyper Rope battle rope is less of a strength training modality and more of a conditioning or cardio piece of equipment.

Ordering the Hyperwear Hyper Rope

To order the Hyper Rope battle rope, just go to the Hyperwear website and navigate to battle ropes. Here, you’ll find two battle rope options: The standard model Hyper Rope, which is 20 feet long and weighs 15 pounds; and the elite model Hyper Rope, which is 25 feet long and weighs 19 pounds.

The standard model costs about $300 and the elite model costs about $370. This is the most expensive battle rope I’ve seen anywhere—the only one I know of that comes close is the Rogue Sheathed Battle Rope which costs about $250, and that’s still really expensive considering you can get battle ropes in the $50 to $100 range. You can also find the Hyper Rope on Amazon. The price is the same on Amazon, but it’s not Prime-eligible so I don’t necessarily see a benefit to ordering on Amazon over Hyperwear. Also, big bonus: If you shop on Hyperwear directly, you can pay over time with Affirm.

Hyperwear aims to ship all orders within 24 hours of payment (Monday through Friday) and uses FedEx ground shipping, which can take anywhere from two to seven days to deliver.

When I received my Hyper Rope, the box was in pretty bad shape, but I recognize that things can happen during shipping that aren’t the manufacturer’s fault. Thankfully, the product was totally fine in the box, likely because it came protected in a double-ply box wrapped with lots of tape.

Because I totally geek out over aesthetic fitness equipment, I absolutely loved opening up the box and seeing the electric blue color the Hyper Rope boasts. This piece of equipment would look phenomenal in any garage gym. If you have blacked out walls and floors, you might have to get it solely for the aesthetics. Kidding. Kind of.

There’s no setup required for the Hyperwear Hyper Rope since it doesn’t require an anchor point or anchor strap. Simply place it wherever you plan on using it.

RELATED: Read my Hyperwear Sandbell PRO Review

Construction and Durability

When looking for products for ahome gym, longevity should be a key factor in all purchasing decisions. I think the Hyperwear Hyper Rope fits the bill for longevity due to the premium braided 100% polyester construction. This, combined with the flexible metal core of the rope, results in a more durable product compared to traditional battle ropes constructed of poly dacron or a poly-nylon blend.

Because of the flexible metal core, the Hyper Rope offers the same intensity as 30- and 50-foot battle ropes in just 15 to 20 feet of rope. During use, if you’re holding both handles, the Hyper Rope requires just six to 10 feet of floor space.

The rope is approximately 1.25 inches in diameter, but braided ropes can shrink and expand during use—that’s totally normal and not a sign of a defect. You may not even notice it happening.

While I wouldn’t exactly call it a heavy-duty product, the Hyper Rope is still more durable than many battle rope products out there.

All battle ropes fray over time. The Hyper Rope is one of the highest quality braids I’ve used though. Because it’s braided, instead of twisted, it should resist fraying for much longer than cheaper options. The internal weighted metal core is just as flexible as a standard braided rope, and I haven’t noticed any shifting of the weight. The handles have heat shrink rubber that provide grip, but will likely crack and fail quicker than the rope itself (will still take decades of abuse, though).

However, it is really important to note—really, really important—that the Hyper Rope is not to be used with an anchor. Seriously, do not anchor it. Why? Using this rope with an anchor, even one with a smooth edge, could cause the metal core to snap over time, rendering the rope useless.

Hyperwear Hyper Rope Compared to Traditional Battle Ropes

This is one of the smallest battle ropes there is, although it is heavier, which makes it a great option for a home gym. Compared to 2-inch thick, 50-foot anchored ropes, the Hyper Rope comes in at an inch and a quarter thick, and 20 or 25 feet.

You don’t need an anchor kit for the Hyper Rope, unlike standard battle ropes which must be anchored to a legit system or, at the very least, anchored around a tree or a heavy kettlebell handle.

The undulation feels slightly different training with the Hyper Rope versus a traditional battle rope. Like I mentioned before, it can definitely get a little unwieldy if you’re really getting after it, and you don’t have the peace of mind that it’s anchored to something.

Other than that, I think the experience of working out with the Hyper Rope is more enjoyable overall.

Customer Service

I’ve never run into any issues with Hyperwear customer service. You can contact them via online chat, email, or phone—whatever suits your fancy. You’ll typically get what you need within minutes on chat or the phone, or within a couple of days through email.

For the price of its products, Hyperwear’s warranty isn’t great. I would want a bit more peace of mind for a $300 battle rope than I can get with its one-year warranty. The warranty covers defects and unusual wear and tear for materials and workmanship.

As for returns and exchanges, you can do either within 30 days of purchase but the cost of return shipping falls to you. This could become problematic with items from Hyperwear, since they’re heavy. A 15-pound rope may not be a big deal, but imagine sending back a 70-pound Sandbell. Yikes.

Value

Hyperwear makes durable, high quality products, and the Hyper Rope is no exception. The price may induce a bit of sticker shock but the product is nothing less than high quality. Still, spending $300+ on a rope, especially when you can get a decent standard battle rope for around $100, isn’t in the cards for all home gym owners.

For most garage gym owners, if they have the space, I’d recommend a cheaper option first, and if they really like doing battle ropes, maybe they can upgrade to this later on. If someone is short on space, this is a worthy option, although costly.

And again, not that this really matters, but it’s a beautiful piece of equipment. It’ll certainly add a nice visual touch to your gym thanks to the bright electric blue color.

Ultimately, the Hyper Rope provides a great workout, and if you think that’s worth the price, I say go for it.

Customer Reviews of the Hyperwear Hyper Rope Battle Rope

It seems like everyone who buys the Hyperwear Hyper Rope absolutely loves it. I came across virtually zero bad reviews. The lowest rating on Amazon is four stars, and the only bad thing those reviews say is that the rope is expensive. Well, yeah, you knew that when you bought it.

Final Verdict of our Hyperwear Hyper Rope Battle Rope Review

The Hyperwear Hyper Rope battle rope is a unique battle rope with a patent-pending design. It’s different from other battle ropes due to the flexible metal core, which adds weight to the rope and thus eliminates the need for an anchoring system. It also takes up less space than standard battle ropes.

I don’t necessarily think the Hyper Rope is overpriced, but it’s definitely not a budget item. I enjoyed working out with it, and it would be a great addition to a garage gym for people who can afford it, but I wouldn’t consider it a necessity.

RELATED: How Much Does a Home Gym Actually Cost?

Our takeaways:

• This is a premium product and it shows in the price
• Unique design is great for small spaces
• Good alternative to traditional battle ropes, but expensive
• Could have small improvements, like marking the weight and using a higher quality handle

Full Rating

Hyperwear Hyper Rope Battle Rope

Anyone who’s ever used a battle rope knows how quickly it can jack your heart rate up and leave you feeling winded. Even the fittest people I know can get their behinds whooped by a battle rope.You might normally see these long and heavy ropes in use at the gym, but they’re also an excellent choice for a home workout. Like most home gym equipment products, there are tons of battle ropes to choose from, spanning a wide range of budgets. Choosing one can get tricky, as you always want to make sure you get the most bang for your buck.In our Hyperwear Hyper Rope battle rope review, I take a look at the patent-pending design of this unique piece of workout equipment.

Product Brand: Hyperwear

Product Currency: $

Product Price: 299.99

Product In-Stock: InStock

Editor's Rating:
4

Hyperwear Hyper Rope Battle Rope FAQs

Why You Should Trust Us

I’ve tested most of the best weighted vests on the market. The Hyperwear Hyper Vest Elite Weighted Vest is different than most—it’s unique in the build and the way it fits. In this Hyperwear Hyper Vest Elite review, I dive into my thoughts on the vest, from my favorite features to its downfalls compared to my other top picks.

Hyperwear Hyper Vest Elite

Hyper Vest Elite

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Product Highlights

• Lightweight, breathable fabric
• Unisex design for comfort
• Breathable, odor-resistant, wicking Cordura fabric
• Reflective, flexible side lacing for highly-adjustable fit
• Small available in 10LB or 15LB – M,L, and XL available in 10LB or 20LB

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Lightweight, breathable fabric
• Tight fit that doesn’t bounce around
• Thin profile feels like a second skin
• Unisex patented design for exceptional comfort
• Breathable, odor-resistant, wicking Cordura fabric
• Open side panels provide superior ventilation
• Reflective, flexible side lacing for highly-adjustable fit
• Small available in 10LB or 15LB – M,L, and XL available in 10LB or 20LB

Cons

• Expensive, starting around $300
• Not as durable as some of my other top picks
• Material doesn’t wick moisture as well as I’d like

Bottom Line

If you tend to avoid weighted vests because you haven’t found one with a secure fit that doesn’t bounce or jostle around while training, you need to check out the Hyperwear Hyper Vest Elite Weighted Vest.

A Quick Look at the Hyper Vest Elite

What We Love:

• Lightweight, breathable fabric
• Vest contours to the body for a snug fit
• Thin profile maximizes mobility while wearing the vest
• Doesn’t jostle around during high-intensity workouts

What You Should Know:

• Maximum weight capacity is 20 pounds
• Elastic isn’t as durable as we’d like
• Single-stitching means it may unravel faster than expected
• Material isn’t super moisture-wicking

Related: The Hyperwear Hyper Vest Elite Weight Vest made our Best Fitness Gifts list!

Who Should Buy the Hyperwear Hyper Vest Elite Weight Vest?

Great for:

• Athletes who do a lot of running and high-impact, jostling movements like box jumps
• People who like tight-fitting gear
• Female athletes, due to the contour of the vest

Not recommended for:

• Anyone who wants a vest heavier than 20 pounds
• Athletes looking for a looser fitting vest
• People who need a vest to wear over winter (or otherwise bulky) training clothes

Ordering, Delivery, and Setup

The ordering process for the Hyperwear Hyper Vest Elite is super simple. The Hyperwear website is clean and easy to use. Just navigate to the Hyper Vest Elite, choose your size and weight preferences, and add to cart. When you check out, you can either check out as a guest or log in to your account, or you can use your Amazon Pay account for quicker checkout.

If you purchase through the Hyperwear website, you can choose to check out with Affirm and pay monthly installments with 0% interest (if approved). This might not be a bad idea for a weight vest that runs more than a couple hundred dollars!

There’s only one shipping option on the Hyperwear website, which is FedEx Ground. However, you can also find the Hyperwear Hyper Vest Elite weight vest on a few different retail sites, including Amazon,Rogue Fitness,Torque Fitness, and, weirdly,Best Buy.

Just keep in mind if you order from a third-party retailer, you might not find your size or the weight option you want. The manufacturer website is generally more likely to have more options in stock at any given time.

We had our Hyper Vest Elite shipped directly from Hyperwear, and the box was in good condition and wrapped well when it arrived.

What I really loved is that the weights come pre-installed in the Hyper Vest Elite. This is not something you’ll find with most vests, and it does take a good amount of time to initially insert all of the individual weights into segmented vests. The fact that the weights are pre-installed is a major plus in my book.

Materials and Durability

Overall, I think the Hyperwear Hyper Vest Elite is relatively durable and should hold up well if you aren’t putting it through hell.

The biggest potential issues with this weighted vest are the zipper and the elastic strings on the sides. The zipper is a YKK zipper, but I wish it was larger. It seems like it may break with a lot of zipping and unzipping, especially if done in typical super fast and aggressive CrossFitter fashion.

The elastic strings will stretch out over time, although they’re easily replaceable. The material is a thin cordura that should last, but the seams are only single stitched, and although the seams haven’t yet come undone on mine, I can see that eventually happening.

As for the small weight plates themselves, they’re steel and tightly pocketed, so the weight distribution feels stable and steady.

Fit and Comfort

This is easily one of the most breathable weighted vests I’ve tested. It hugs your body close, but thanks to the thin cordura and open side lacing, I never felt claustrophobic or felt that my range of motion was restricted.

The slim profile of this weight vest makes for an uber-comfortable fit, although that may depend totally on your body type. Athletes with thicker midsections or larger rib cages might find the Hyper Vest Elite far too restricting.

GGR staff writer and personal trainer Amanda Capritto says she loves this vest and knows a lot of other female athletes tend to love this vest even though it’s technically unisex. “It’s probably because the elastic sides allow the vest to contour to curvier body shapes,” she says, “making it less boxy and more comfortable for female athletes overall.”

The fabric is somewhat sweat wicking, but it could be better. Hyperwear also claims that the fabric on the Hyper Vest Elite and its other products, such as the Hyperwear Hyper Vest Pro, are odor resistant, but mine does smell a little. Smelliness is kind of expected, though, with any sort of fitness equipment constructed with fabric.

I liked that the vest felt tight all throughout workouts, yet allowed for movement. The zipper is a bit high on the neck though in my opinion. It’s extremely mobile—it feels like a weighted shirt. I had no problem doing cardio like running or burpees in the vest.

Weight Capacity and Adjustability

It’s pretty much expected at this point for all weighted vests to be adjustable. And while the Hyper Vest Elite is an adjustable weighted vest, I wish it was more so. This vest has a max weight capacity of 20 pounds, which pales in comparison to some other adjustable weight vests, such as the5.11 TacTec Plate Carrier, which can hold up to 30 pounds. That extra weight, even though it’s just 10 pounds, makes a big difference.

But wait, there’s more: If you’re a petite athlete and require a size small in vests, be aware that the small size of the Hyper Vest Elite can only carry a maximum of 15 pounds.

For most people, these 15-pound and 20-pound capacities are fine as they meet the female/male requirements for Hero WODs like Murph, but some may think this is still a bit light for everyday training. Like I said, some other options allow for much higher weights, but this is a trade-off required for the lightweight, breathable, shirt-like feeling you get with the Hyper Vest.

In terms of actually adjusting the weight, the little weight bar increments do take quite some time to remove and replace. It’s not something you’d want to adjust for every workout, and definitely not intra-workout.

Working Out With the Hyperwear Hyper Vest Elite Weighted Vest

Like I mentioned before, I think this is one of the best weight vests in terms of range of motion and versatility. You won’t experience any bouncing, shuffling, or shifting while wearing this weight vest during a workout, thanks both to the tight fit and elastic sides, as well as the high-density weights and tight weight pockets.

The breathability makes it bearable to wear the Hyper Vest Elite even during hot summer weather, whereas some other, bulkier vests feel extremely constricting in 90-plus degree weather.

I did worry slightly about durability during movements that beat up the vest, like burpees. The single-stitching sparks some concern when there’s a lot of friction between the vest and the floor.

Customer Service

You can contact Hyperwear at their customer service email, on the phone, or through a website form. The email or form will set you up for at least a 24-hour waiting period, so if it’s urgent, definitely call. You’ll still probably get put on hold. Still, it’s nice that all three customer service options eventually connect you to a real person, so you don’t have to deal with some bot chat B.S. that just keeps redirecting you to FAQs.

I personally think the warranty on this vest is lukewarm for the price. Hyperwear offers a one-year warranty on the Hyper Vests (and all of its products) for defects and workmanship. You can get a replacement of the vest if you experience “unusual wear and tear” or a defect within 12 months of your purchase. This applies to vests purchased from Hyperwear directly as well as authorized third-party retailers.

It’s never really clear what “unusual wear and tear” means, but Hyperwear does state that punctures and tears are not covered under the warranty. So stay away from sharp objects while wearing your vest, basically.

For returns and exchanges, there’s a 30-day customer satisfaction policy. If you don’t like the vest, you can return or exchange it within a month after buying it, but the shipping cost falls to you.

Customer Reviews of the Hyperwear Hyper Vest Elite

Most customer reviews of the Hyperwear Hyper Vest Elite weight vest are favorable. Buyers generally seem to think it’s worth the price (as do I). Some reviews mention that this particular vest eliminates shoulder pain and upper back pain compared to other styles of vests, largely because of the way the Hyper Vest Elite hugs the body instead of just hanging from the shoulders.

However, several reviews mention issues with durability over the long haul due to the exact things I’ve raised concerns about: The zipper starts to pull apart, the elastic starts to give out, the stitching starts to come undone, and thus the fit loses its contour after a while.

These details definitely matter when you’re paying nearly $300 for a weight vest.

Final Verdict of our Hyperwear Hyper Vest Elite Review

This is certainly not the cheapest weighted vest. All of its unique features culminate in a vest that is unlike any other— and it’s priced as such. I don’t think the Hyper Vest Elite overpriced, but you can definitely get high-quality weighted vests for less. Some of my other top picks, like theRogue Plate Carrier, cost less yet allow you to carry more weight. It ultimately comes down to your strength level and what you’ll be using the weight vest for, as well as your preferences on how a weight vest fits.

Our takeaways:

• Probably the most lightweight, form-fitting vest I’ve ever tried. Feels like a weighted T-shirt
• Breathable and flexible for comfort even during high-intensity workouts
• Doesn’t seem to be as durable as other top weight vests due to single stitching and elastic
• Not everyone will like the tight fit and contour

Full Rating

Hyperwear Hyper Vest Elite Weight Vest

While a weighted vest is certainly not a necessity for a good home gym setup, having one at your disposal can be the cherry on top of a lot of workouts. Weight vests are extraordinarily beneficial for people who are just starting tobuild their home gym, as well as people who have small spaces, because you can wear a weighted vest to make any basic bodyweight exercise more challenging.

Product Brand: Hyperwear

Product Currency: USD

Product Price: 219.99

Product In-Stock: InStock

Editor's Rating:
4

Hyperwear Hyper Vest Elite FAQs

Why You Should Trust Us

My team and I have tested all of the best weighted vests available. We’ve put them all through the ringer, wearing them for everything from walks, runs, CrossFit metcons (hello, Murph), and more. After testing the PRO and MAX models for pull-ups, push-ups, sit-ups, dips, box jumps, and other movements over several months, we highly recommend the EZ-VEST.

Plate-Loadable Weighted Vest

Kensui EZ-Vest

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Product Highlights

• Loadable up to 225 pounds
• Unique Olympic plate-loaded design
• Great for straight-set weight training
• Less expensive than other vests because you don’t have to buy the steel separately

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Loadable up to 225 pounds
• Unique Olympic plate-loaded design
• Great for straight-set weight training
• Less expensive than other vests because you don’t have to buy the steel separately

Cons

• Can feel awkward to use at first
• Not ideal for CrossFit-style workouts or running
• Can get uncomfortable to wear as the weight gets higher

Bottom Line

If you’re looking for a weighted vest to use for more strength training than conditioning (or you’re just an absolute unit that can do Murph with more than 40 pounds on your torso), we recommend the Kensui EZ-VEST Weight Vest.

A Quick Look at the Kensui EZ-VEST Weighted Vest

The Kensui EZ-VEST weight vest is described as the world’s heaviest weight vest. Between the 1,000 five-star reviews on its own website (and the dozens of people that have hounded me to give it a try to see if it’s really one of the best weighted vests), it seems clear that the EZ-VEST has quite a few satisfied customers out there. 

I feel quite confident in saying that the Kensui EZ-VEST is a true innovation in the gym equipment space, an industry known for copycats. It’s the first weighted vest of its kind, and it’s not only unique, but also more useful than you might expect. 

Kensui Fitness has three different models of the EZ-VEST: The LITE, which holds up to 60 pounds; the PRO, which holds up to 130 pounds; and the MAX, which holds up to 300 pounds. 

I tested the original MAX and PRO versions, and the brand has since come out with new versions of each. Based on my research, the V2 vests and the original vests look extremely similar, with the exception of the increased weight capacities and new latch systems. The MAX used to have Velcro, but now uses a slide-release buckle for better security. The PRO and the LITE vests still use Velcro. In this article, I’m reviewing the MAX unless otherwise noted. 

My Kensui EZ-VEST weighted vest review still stands, despite those small changes. I actually think those changes are for the better.

Coop’s Tips:

• If you plan on loading the vest to full capacity, I recommend using thin plates to ensure the collars lock on completely to keep you safe.
• Even though this vest does hold 45-pound Olympic plates, I don’t necessarily recommend loading it with those because it can feel a bit awkward.

Is the Kensui EZ-VEST Weighted Vest Worth It?

I was served so many ads for the Kensui weighted vests for a long time, and although I was curious at first, I was also a bit skeptical and thought the ads looked gimmicky. Adding plates to a vest sounded novel, but it also sounded like a disaster waiting to happen.

After getting inundated with requests for a Kensui EZ-VEST weighted vest review by our readers, I finally took the bait and ordered a couple of their designs. After testing and reviewing them, I’m glad I did.

It’s awesome to have the ability to utilize weight plates you already have lying around, incrementally load the vest, and use it for max-effort pull-ups, dips, and plyometrics. The concept turns weighted vests, which are traditionally used for conditioning, into a novel strength training tool. It’s a completely different experience than what you get with a traditional weighted vest like the Rogue Plate Carrier. 

The pricing is rather high for a weight vest that doesn’t include weight (like I said, it’s designed to hold Olympic plates, which are sold separately). However, it is made with high-quality materials that should prove to last.

Just to put it into perspective, at $249, the EZ-VEST MAX costs more than the 5.11 TacTec Plate Carrier Vest with weight included. I do think they’re very different vests for different purposes, but it’s worth the comparison.

Here’s who I think should consider the EZ-VEST and who should move on to something more traditional.

Video Review

Kensui EZ-VEST MAX Weighted Vest Specs

What It’s Like to Work Out With the Kensui EZ-VEST Weighted Vest

The EZ-VEST is designed, like all strength training equipment, to build muscle and increase strength, but it’s specifically designed to easily add weight to what are typically bodyweight-only movements: Pull-ups, push-ups, dips, and the like.  

Unloaded, the EZ-VEST is an extremely lightweight vest, weighing in at only 4lbs without plates, and it’s most remarkable feature is that it doesn’t require custom plates, which most other weighted vests require. 

Instead, thanks to two 2-inch removable sleeves, the Kensui weight vests can take any Olympic weight plate. This means you can load it with whatever you have: iron plates, bumper plates, 45-pound plates, or even 100-pound plates, although that would be a sight to see.

Comfort and Fit 

The vest is breathable and wicks sweat away, so you can wear it for a long training session and in the heat. The inside of the MAX vest features a polyurethane leather (artificial leather) lining. 

Personally, I prefer the air mesh lining on the PRO version, but both are good. I think the polyurethane leather looks nice, but probably isn’t the best option for something designed for heavy, sweaty training. For this reason, I wish they would add the mesh as an option to the MAX version or just completely replace it.

The other positive is that no matter your size or sensitivity, the straps allow the vest to be tightened close to the body preventing a lot of bouncing around.

However, even with all the adaptability and convenient elements, the design is still a little awkward. For example, it doesn’t allow for chest-to-deck push-ups without taking the front post off, which may seem kind of obvious if you’re experienced with weighted vests. The post doesn’t take a ton of time to remove, but it is another step that isn’t required by standard weight vests.

I also have to note that even though the vest produces less bounce overall than I would’ve thought, the weight plates do bounce around more than the custom plates in a traditional weighted vest. 

Things get a little uncomfortable when you slide 45-pound plates onto the EZ-VEST sleeves just because they’re so big. This is expected, and to me, it’s not uncomfortable enough to stop me from doing it.

Range of Motion and Workout Opportunities

The EZ-VEST is pretty adaptable to whatever kind of workout you’ve designed your home gym around. If you want to use it for bodyweight movements, it works well. If your goal is to use it for more dynamic movements like sprinting, bounding, and cutting, it works well for that too, if you don’t load it to super high weights. I personally think it’s best suited for things like pull-ups and dips.

Where the EZ-VEST really shines is that it allows for incremental progressive overloading on bodyweight movements, which is extremely hard to do with other equipment. For example, if you’re working on weighted pull-ups, you can add a 2.5-pound plate to the vest. On the contrary, if all you have to practice with is the kettlebell-and-chain setup, you’ll be forced to make much bigger weight jumps. 

For a budget home gym, something like this that offers so much versatility in a small package is a great buy.

However—and this is a very big however for all you CrossFitters out there—if you’re someone looking to take your WODs or metcons to the next level, this vest isn’t the ideal candidate for such purposes.

Doing workouts like Murph, the Memorial Day WOD, isn’t really possible with the EZ-VEST, as it can bounce a bit on runs and the front post won’t allow you to do push-ups.

If you’re looking for a vest for metcons and CrossFit WODs, I’d suggest going with something like the Rogue Plate Carrier, which was used in the 2020 CrossFit Games.

Convenience

The Kensui EZ-VEST has a lot of inbuilt convenience for trainees. The EZ-VEST makes use of Olympic weight plates, which most home gym owners already have at hand. Similarly, changing the weights is quick, and can be done while wearing the vest. This makes the weight quick to take on and off, with no velcro meddling required.

How the Kensui EZ-VEST Weighted Vest Works 

Because this weighted vest is so unique, I thought it would be worth diving into some of the specs and features. 

Construction and Build 

The plate sleeves feature a locking nut that is easy to hand tighten and stays pretty tight just by using your hands.

The sleeves are removable in case you are doing push-ups and want weight on the back, but want to remove the front sleeve to allow for full-depth push-ups. This was a very thoughtful feature that could have easily been overlooked if the person who designed the product wasn’t actually a user of the product. 

Durability 

Kensui designed the EZ-VEST to withstand hard training. All of the materials are highly abrasion-resistant and made to take a beating.

The sleeves on the MAX are made of aluminum, which is lightweight but strong. The sleeves on their LITE and PRO vests use fiberglass, which will prove to be just as durable in actual use.

All EZ-VESTs come with two Olympic spin-lock collars that screw on tightly. I had no issues with the collars unlocking. 

Weight Capacity

The weight capacity of the Kensui EZ-VEST is higher than any other weight vest commercially available. Even the lightest option, the EZ-VEST LITE, can hold more weight than most traditional weighted vests. The weight capacities are: 

• LITE: 60 pounds
• PRO: 130 pounds
• MAX: 300 pounds

This means for someone on a true budget or that wants a minimalist gym, they could technically use the vest for squats and hinge movements, not just pull-ups and dips, eliminating the need for a barbell, squat rack, and other equipment. 

If you’re someone looking to use the heavy weight capacity to the fullest, you’re going to want to know how it feels to wear at max capacity, which I took the time to experience, both for the feeling and to take a goofy picture with hundreds of pounds on my chest.

Overall, if you balance the front and rear weights, the vest feels pretty comfortable to wear. It’s obviously heavy, and the top straps can dig into your traps a bit at higher weights, but that’s to be expected. Because the straps are wide, they don’t cut into the shoulders to a level where it’s unbearable.

At higher weights, you need to make sure you’re using thin plates so they all fit with the collars locked on. Also, the 45-pound plates feel a bit awkward as they get near your chin and therefore I wouldn’t recommend running or jumping with that big of a plate on the vest.

Kensui EZ-VEST Weighted Vest vs. Other Weighted Vests

Of course, my Kensui EZ-VEST weight vest review doesn’t just end at exploring what we like and don’t like about this particular vest. We have to compare it to other weighted vests on the market to really see how it stacks up against the competition.

There are many details on the EZ-VEST that make it different from the many competitors that saturate the space, but the feature that most stands out is the ability to load weight plates and therefore progressively overload your training.

Kensui EZ-VEST vs. Rogue Plate Carrier 

In comparison to the Rogue Plate Carrier, the Kensui EZ-VEST is pricier for what you get. With the Rogue Plate Carrier, you’ll only have to pay $135 for the vest, whereas the EZ-VEST will cost you between $97 and $250. The custom plates required for the Rogue Plate Carrier will run you about another $70, putting you at about $200 for the whole shebang. 

That’s still less than the EZ-VEST MAX, which comes with no weight—but you probably already have weight plates if you’re reading this. The Rogue vest is only loadable up to 20 pounds. 

The Rogue Plate Carrier has a much simpler design and is designed more for metcon-type training. You can’t add up a ton of Olympic Plates to increase the load like you can on the Kensui weighted vests, but it’s also more minimalistic and therefore more comfortable during running and high-volume WODs. 

Honestly, I foresee many people using the Kensui EZ-VEST in a different manner and these vests are like an apple-to-orange comparison than direct competitors despite their product categorization.

Kensui EZ-VEST Weighted Vest vs. 5.11 TacTec Plate Carrier

The 5.11 TacTec Plate Carrier is similar to the Rogue Plate Carrier and offers similar benefits and disadvantages in comparison to the EZ-VEST.

The TacTec Plate Carrier is loadable up to 40 pounds in total, compared to the insane 300-pound max on the EZ-VEST.

I prefer the 5.11 vest for those who want a do-it-all vest. It can’t go as heavy, but you’ll be able to do a lot of traditional weight vest movements that are more cumbersome with the Kensui Weighted Vests.

The Kensui EZ-VEST Weight Vest is just a different animal. It’s in the product category of weighted vests due to its name, but it’s a very different product.

Ordering and Assembling the Kensui EZ-VEST Weighted Vest

You can order the Kensui EZ-VEST directly from the website. Depending on availability, you might be prompted to check availability in your area. Shipping may be free depending on your location. Check out, and your order should arrive within a week (Kensui offers one to three day shipping). 

Once your vest arrives, there’s really no assembly to be done, except for installing the sleeves which takes all of two minutes. You should be able to put it to the test right away. 

Customer Experience

If you need to contact Kensui Fitness for any reason, you can do so through the customer support line (800-359-7180, available Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST). Kensui has a 100-day no-risk return policy on the EZ-VEST, so you can return it, no questions asked, during that time frame, even if you’ve used it quite a bit. Also, when you buy the EZ-VEST, you get access to a workout library and a private community, which is pretty cool. 

Customer Reviews

The Kensui EZ-VEST has phenomenal customer reviews. There are nearly 1,000 reviews on the Kensui website alone, with nearly 90% of those being five-star reviews. Buyers say it’s “outstanding” and that it “exceeded expectations.”

A couple of reviews mention a desire for more padding in the shoulders, but the customers still seem to be happy overall. 

Final Verdict of Our Kensui EZ-VEST Weighted Vest Review

The value of the vest is unmatched, with durability, convenience, and adaptability all taking a top spot in the design. It’s an incredible weighted vest, and one I highly recommend. But, it’s not the same as a traditional weighted vest and that’s something you need to consider when making your purchase.

• The EZ-VEST has the highest weight capacity of any weighted vest on the market that I know of. 
• It’s great for building strength in calisthenic movements. 
• It’s not the best option for CrossFit-style workouts or running.

Full Rating

Kensui EZ-VEST

The Kensui EZ-VESTis a weighted vest that utilizes Olympic weight plates instead of vest plates to allow incremental loading on bodyweight movements as well as a tremendously high max load of 225 LB. After testing the PRO and MAX models for pull-ups, push-ups, sit-ups, dips, box jumps, and other movements over the past two months, we highly recommend the EZ-VEST. It’s quite different from traditional weight vests and it’s not great for every movement/workout (running wasn’t great,) but it excels in areas where most weight vests don’t.

Product Brand: Kensui

Product Currency: USD

Product Price: 299

Product In-Stock: InStock

Editor's Rating:
4.4

Kensui EZ-VEST Weighted Vest FAQs

Here are some answers to common questions I hear about the Kensui EZ-VEST Weighted Vest.

In fact, we used to have the 5.11 Tactec Plate Carrier Vest on top of our best weighted vest list, but the Rogue Plate Carrier came along and gave it the proverbial boot. In all honesty, this Rogue vest is one of the absolute best across-the-board that I have ever tested.

Why You Should Trust Us

I don’t just test weight vests, I actually use them in my own personal training. From simple garage gym workouts to tackling Murph, one of the most significant tests of fitness in the CrossFit world, I have years of experience buying, wearing, and sweating all over weighted vests from brands across the industry.

Collectively, my team at Garage Gym Reviews has tested more than 50 vests, like the GoRuck Ruck Plate Carrier, the Condor Sentry Plate Carrier, the Hyperwear Hyper Vest Elite and the Fringe Sport WODmaster. It’s safe to say I know what to look for in a quality product.

Rogue Plate Carrier Review

Rogue Plate Carrier

GGR Score: 4.7

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Product Highlights

• Designed specifically for use in functional fitness scenarios
• Very reasonably priced at around $130
• Durable but comfortable

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Designed specifically for use in functional fitness scenarios
• Made in the USA
• Very reasonably priced at around $130
• Durable but comfortable

Cons

• Could have thicker shoulder padding for long-term wear
• If you get the wrong size, it’ll definitely jostle while running (measure!)
• Steel plates sold separately

Bottom Line

The Rogue Plate Carrier is our best-rated weighted vest largely due to its value proposition.

A Quick Look at the Rogue Plate Carrier

Bringing the concept of a weight vest down to its brass tacks is exactly what Rogue Fitness did with the Plate Carrier. Co-developed with the director of the CrossFit Games, Dave Castro, this Cordura fabric-constructed vest features three adjustable sizes, four color options, and a number of proprietary plate choices. Rogue has succeeded in making a cheaper, sleeker option for those interested in adding a kick to their bodyweight exercises. 

It’s also worth noting that Rogue donates a portion of the proceeds of this vest to Operator Foundation, which provides education and other types of assistance to members of U.S. special operations as well as their families. 

The Rogue Plate Carrier is certainly not a product to be held to a standard of perfection. While I only have a few critiques, they are points to take into consideration before making the in*vest*ment (see what I did there?).

Coop’s Tips:

• Wear it with a shirt! The straps are a little rough on the body due to a lack of shoulder pads.
• Measure twice, buy once: Use the measuring guide on the Plate Carrier website to get the right size.
• Rogue offers an optional shoulder pad set you might want to try if you’re sensitive to the straps.

My Favorite Things: 

• Affordable at less than $130
• Extremely comfortable fit 
• Designed with functional fitness in mind
• Made in the USA

My Callouts: 

• Lack of shoulder pads 
• Buy plates separately
• Velcro attachment might lead to durability issues

Is the Rogue Plate Carrier Worth It?

Bottom line, I believe this is one of the best weighted vests on the market for most people. But, it may not be ideal for everyone:

Great for:

• Functional fitness enthusiasts
• People training for the military or ruck events

Not recommended for:

• People who want a vest that holds more than 40 pounds
• People who want a really cheap weight vest

Rogue Fitness Plate Carrier Specs

High Quality Construction

Right away, we have to point out that the Rogue Plate Carrier uses 500D/1000D Cordura fabric. If you don’t know, Cordura is basically synonymous with durability. It has a high resistance to tears, and it’s used in items like military jackets. There is also x-box (not the one you’re thinking of) reinforced stitching. Over time, many weight vests and similar products will fade and lose their stiffness or edge. I don’t think that will be the case with the Plate Carrier. 

Sizing, Comfort, and Aesthetics

The Rogue Plate Carrier has three widely adjustable waist sizes: small, medium and large. To get the right size, measure 12 inches down from your sternal notch (that little dip between your clavicles). That’s the point in your waist where you want to take a measuring tape around your torso:

• Less than 34 inches: Size small
• 34-42 inches: Size medium
• 42-50 inches: Size large 

There is some wiggle room thanks to the adjustability of the strap that fastens around your waist. This, alongside the minimized seams on the inside of the vest as well as extra foam padding/stretch woven fabric, make for a comfortable fit and reduced possibility for chafing. 

When it comes to appearance, this is a simple, minimalist plate carrier. Honestly, it’s kind of missing that “coolness” body armor-like factor you get with something like the 5.11 Tactec Plate Carrier. However, I personally like that the Rogue Plate Carrier doesn’t have a ton of unnecessary features (which also helps to keep the price down). 

And, it’s not like we are totally devoid of aesthetics here. The Plate Carrier comes in four color options, including black, ranger green, coyote brown, and gray. It also features Velcro patches on the chest for personal customization of the base model’s appearance.

The Velcro

There’s few issues I take with this vest, but one area that could be concerning is the Velcro. Sure, it’s quite convenient, but Velcro has a nasty habit of wearing out over time. Other similarly priced vests on the market come with different securing mechanisms, such as buckles or elastic bands (which both have their own ups and downs).

I do think Velcro is the best choice that I’ve seen used thus far for vests. If you have ever owned a weightlifting belt or weightlifting shoes with Velcro, then you probably already know about the upkeep: Keep the Velcro fastened when you aren’t using the vest, and try to keep lint and hair out of it as much as possible. 

Shoulder Straps

One other small issue I take with the Plate Carrier are the shoulder straps. The straps are just that: straps. No padding. For a quick workout, that might be okay. But for a long, heavy ruck, or if you like to workout without a shirt (which I know some of you do), then you might start really feeling the burn. Since the release of our original review, Rogue now offers the option to purchase shoulder pads for less than $20 (thank you for listening!).

Using the Rogue Plate Carrier

After using this vest myself, I can say that it’s comfortable. Of course, you’re going to be able to tell that you’re wearing a plate carrier (as the entire point is to add weight to your exercises), but the lack of chafing and additional padding on the underside of the plate holders creates the illusion of simply being a heavier person. 

Whether I was doing a CrossFit WOD or going for a run, I didn’t have to worry about any jostling or unevenness. I really like this vest for push-ups, pull-ups, sit-ups, and the like as there’s very little play when strapped tightly to your body.

Loading the Plate Carrier

There are plate pockets on the front and back of the Rogue Plate Carrier, each measuring 10.25 inches (outside width) and 12.25 inches (outside height). You can use either Echo Cast Plates or USA Cast Plates with options that range from pairs of 5-pound weights to up to 20-pound weights in varying increments. Yes, you have to purchase these separately from the carrier, and that’s going to increase the overall price. But, you also only pay for what you need, which could keep you from spending money on weights you won’t ever use.

With a front and back pocket used for carrying said plates, and flaps used to fasten them in, the vest itself has tight plate security. I never felt like the plates were going to pop out or come loose.  

Switching weights between sets is as simple as it sounds. Remove the vest, switch out the weights, secure them, and put the vest right back on. No endless amount of loops and straps to deal with, and no major adjustments aside from a quick tightening of the waist strap. I like this aspect a lot considering my desire for innovation without complication.

Rogue Plate Carrier vs. 5.11 Tactec Plate Carrier Vest

An aphorism credited to Leonardo da Vinci goes as follows, “Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.” The Rogue Plate Carrier captures the essence of that statement in its streamlined, zero-hassle design. What is the point of a workout, aside from the workout itself? What is the need for an infinite assortment of straps and loops and attachments when all you really need is some extra weight strapped to your body?

This is why we prefer the Rogue Plate Carrier to the 5.11 Tactec Plate Carrier Vest. Don’t get me wrong; I still highly recommend the 5.11 tactical vest because 1. You look like a badass wearing it, and 2. It’s extremely durable. It has a lot of bells and whistles: drag handle, laser-cut webbing, and airflow channels. And with that comes a higher price tag.

Although not as “tacti-cool” looking, the Rogue Plate Carrier gets the job done holding ballistic plates at a lower price and with a less bulky design. 

Customer Experience 

Rogue Fitness has earned its place at the top of the industry for a few reasons. The brand consistently puts out products of exceptional quality, and their customer service matches it. Returns are possible, but the plate carrier must be in new condition. Also, I have never had an issue with a return, refund or replacement with Rogue. 

Customer Reviews

The Rogue Plate Carrier has a 4.8/5 stars on Rogue’s website. People love the functionality and the comfort above all else (and I agree). And, as I found as well, the shoulder straps were the main source of complaints. Also, some people felt that the Velcro straps didn’t keep the weight secured enough during explosive or total-body movements like burpees. I say, just don’t do the burpees (kidding, burpees are good for you). 

Final Verdict of Our Rogue Plate Carrier Review

At the end of the day, even with my small gripes, I still believe that the Rogue Plate Carrier is one of the absolute best weighted vests you can get for your money. It’s a heavy-duty piece of gear that is great for just about anyone, from people who train recreationally in their home gyms to people who are training for a living. 

Rogue Plate Carrier Rating

Rogue Plate Carrier

The Rogue Plate Carrieris a simple, yet well-thought-out weight vest designed to make bodyweight movements more difficult. The 5.11 Tactical Weight Vest is our previous favorite weight vest, however, Rogue’s Plate Carrier strips unnecessary components from the competition to make one of the best weighted vests we’ve ever tested.

Product Brand: Rogue Fitness

Product Currency: USD

Product Price: 135

Product In-Stock: InStock

Editor's Rating:
4.7

Rogue Plate Carrier FAQs

Fat Gripz Alternative

Snake Bite Grips

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Product Highlights

Double the thickness of your bar to maximize your gains! Studies show that increasing the diameter of barbells and dumbbells leads to greater muscle activation—and that’s what Snake Bite Grips do. But we’re not like all the other companies that just slap their name on the same old bland design that looks identical to all the other thick grips.

Pros & Cons

Bottom Line

Snake Bite Grips are a fat bar grip similar toFat Gripz that we’ve tested and reviewed, but use a unique snake scale pattern and grippy silicone to creat, honestly, the fat bar grips that I reach for more than any other. They are more expensive and don’t feel vastly different from competitors, but if you don’t mind spending more, you’ll appreciate the subtle differences.

What Are Snake Bite Grips?

Snake Bite Grips are a way to increase the diameter of any round bar, or more specifically, the shaft of a barbell or dumbbell.

Within the past few decades, it’s become well known that increasing the diameter of a bar, “activates” more muscle fibers. Although, I say this is well known, I do want to make it clear that there are studies that say that using enlarged grips may increase neuromuscular activation, it may result in decrements in strength due to lower training loads, see such a study on Impact of Fat Grip Attachments on Muscular Strength and Neuromuscular Activation During Resistance Exercisehere.

Regardless of your view on enlarged grips, in my experience, the pump (yes, this is pretty bro-sciency) I experience with enlarged grips versus standard dumbbells makes me want to continue using them. Snake Bit Grips are much like Fat Grips in that they increase the diameter of a barbell or dumbbell by almost 2x.

What We Like About Snake Bite Grips

I’ve been using Fat Gripz for almost a decade. Before I had a garage gym I would throw my Fat Gripz in my gym bag and attach them to pull-up bars, lat pulldown handles, dumbbells, barbells, and anything I could find. Snake Bite Grips feature pretty much the same design (there’s a lot of them that have come out since the popularity of Fat Gripz has increased) but improved them in some subtle ways.

Yes, Snake Bite Grips although very similar to Fat Gripz are very much an improved version.

What I like about Snake Bite Grips compared to Fat Gripz is how grippy they are. Snake Bite Grips use a “snake scale” pattern that although seemed a bit gimmicky to me at first, actually feels great in hand. It’s just enough of a difference that it’s not annoying, but is vastly superior to a smooth flat surface. It’s the same reason we engrave knurling on every barbell and dumbbell in the world. Friction increases the amount we can grip, and the “snake scale” pattern increases friction.

The “snake scale” pattern is actually not done in a mold as I expected, but instead, laser engraved. This makes the patter extremely precise and uniform throughout.

The other improvement over other fat bar grips that we’ve tested and reviewed is the material that’s used. Snake Bite uses a heavy-duty silicone that compresses slightly more than many others we’ve used. I wouldn’t say the grips are “squishy” but they do compress enough so you feel like you have a more secure grip.

Lastly, the fit and finish, laser-cut logo- and carrying bag that comes with the grips are all a nice touch. Honestly, the branding all around is well done.

What We Don’t Like About Snake Bite Grips

Despite the Snake Bite Grips being the fat bar grips I most often reach for among the many that pilfer my home gym, there are some things I don’t like about them.

First off, there isn’t anything revolutionary about the Snake Bite Grips. To be honest, outside of the snake skin knurling type pattern on the grips, they’re pretty much the same as other bar grips. There’s a slit and a hole to go over the bar. The hole size works well for barbells, but still leaves a pretty wide gap on dumbbells and pull-up bars like most fat grips. They’re a similar width and diameter as other fat grips on the market, and although I like the silicone, it’s not that much different from what other companies are using.

Regardless, the biggest detractor for Snake Bite Grips versus their competition is the price. At $39.99 on Amazon, They are almost 4x the cost of the cheapest versions (which are inferior, but not vastly different) and they’re $10 more than the original Fat Gripz that have been around for years.

So, do I like and prefer Snake Bite Grips? Yes, they’re the favorite that I’ve used. However, for the price, I don’t know if they’re worth the difference for most people.

Snake Bite Grips vs. Fat Gripz

Fat Gripz

Fat Gripz

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Product Highlights

Made from a military-grade, high-density compound, Fat Gripz can instantly transform any standard barbell into an axle bar (thick bar). They also fit most dumbbells, pull-up bars, and cable attachments, – doubling the thickness for a greater test of arm and grip strength.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Easy to use
• Helps develop forearms
• Durable material

Cons

• May not fit all dumbbells
• Can be difficult to install and remove

Bottom Line

Fat Gripz are the gold standard for fat bar grips not only because they’re the original, but also because the design is so simple that they haven’t been innovated much on since their creation.

If I was asked to give a recommendation on Snake Bite Grips versus Fat Gripz and I wasn’t supposed to consider the price, I’d choose Snake Bite Grips. I think from a function standpoint they’re superior and mostly due to the grippy silicone and pattern that’s used.

Fat Gripz and Snake Bite Grips both make the bar about 2.25” in diameter. They both have a similar width. They both come in pairs and they both do what they’re designed for.

The difference is that Fat Gripz have a lighter knurling pattern on the outer material while Snake Bite Grips have a laser-engraved pattern.

Now, regarding a recommendation for Snake Bite Grips versus Fat Gripz for most people when price is considered; who would I choose? Probably Fat Gripz due to the lower price, extremely long durability, and overall value. That’s not to say Snake Bite Grips are bad by any means. I really like them and use them more than Fat Gripz.

Full Rating

Snake Bite Grips

Snake Bite Grips are an attachment that increases the diameter of a barbell or dumbbell to create thick grip. They're very similar to Fat Gripz, but with a unique, laser-etched snakeskin knurling pattern that feels as good as it looks. We do prefer these to Fat Gripz, but still recommend Fat Gripz for most due to a lower price point.

Product Brand: Snake Bite

Product Currency: $

Product Price: 39.99

Product In-Stock: InStock

Editor's Rating:
4.4

Snake Bite Grips FAQs

Sorinex

Sorinex Pistol Grips

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Pros & Cons

Bottom Line

Sorinex Exercise Equipment is focused on making the best and most innovative gym equipment available. Whether they’re achieving this or not is up for argument, however, one thing is for sure, they are some of the greatest innovators of strength equipment in the modern era. There are so many things that are standard today on the market that were thought up by Richard Sorin, Bert Sorin, and the rest of their team and the Pistol Grips are a shining example of this. Although I initially viewed the Pistol Grips as a novelty, there’s no doubt that they’re a serious training tool that can add variation to your workouts while being quite fun.

What are the Sorinex Pistol Grips?

The Sorinex Pistol Grips are a grip tool designed to look and feel like a pistol, specifically the legendary Glock 17/22. There’s no doubt in anyone’s mind who even takes a glance at them that they look exactly like a pistol, the surprising part, however, is how similar they feel. I was extremely skeptical that the Pistol Grips would be a novelty tool. It would look cool on the rack, but they would be made of cheap plastic, be slippery, and feel extremely uncomfortable to actually pull on. The reality, however, is that they’re some of the most comfortable, unconventional handles I’ve done pull-ups on—only slightly less comfortable than the Prime RO-T8 Handles.

The Sorinex Pistol Grips, although in my opinion are best used for pull-ups, they can be used for a wide variety of pulling movements. Attach the Grips to some straps around a sled and drag it for hamstring work or pull the sled for back work. Throw the Grips on any cable machine and you can do everything from lat pulls to reverse flyes. Although not necessary, they’re a fun tool that is enjoyable to use, and practical, especially if you ever have any potential to use a gun (Police Officers, Military Members, and just those who carry.)

What We Like About the Sorinex Pistol Grips

There’s a lot to like about the Sorinex Pistol Grips, but without a doubt, our favorite part of the grips is their build quality. Saying the Pistol Grips are stout is an understatement. Rather than being a cheapy plastic cap gun with a loop attached, these are made of a high-strength nylon-based polymer invented by Gaston Glock called Polymer . To those fluent in Glock history, this is the exact same material used on Glocks. The idea was to provide increased durability to the gun industry. Suprisingly, and a big reason why Glocks have become so popular among those who work in the most difficult conditions, is that Polymer 2 is actually more resilient than carbon steel and most other steel alloys. In other words, this material is made for the toughest conditions, and therefore shouldn’t present any issues, ever, in your training. Those that actually use guns on a day-to-day basis will greatly appreciate this.

The urethane shell is secured via screws to a metal spine that on the pair I have is black and on the newly released pair is red. I’m glad they went with red, mainly because the red matches my rack and the combination of black and red is one of my favorites. Secondly because my all black pair could easily be mistaken for a real gun. As these increase in popularity, we’d love to see various colored spines available to match different rack colors.

The Pistol Grips have a loop on both the end and butt of the gun that is wide enough to take just about any size carabiner or strap. I’m glad they decided against a small hole which would make it difficult to attach various tools. The Pistol Grips weigh in at 2 LB a piece and come with straps and Omega Climbing Carabiners that just like the Grips, can handle anything you plan to throw at them.

Finally, the Sorinex Pistol Grips are made in the USA and come in at $129+shipping. That’s a bit pricey for such a small tool, however, once you feel them you realize they’re a premium piece of equipment and not just a cheapy throwaway. I foresee other companies trying to copy these with much lower quality and therefore price point, but for those, like me, that prefer things that both last and increase joy every time you touch them, you’ll not have a problem with the value.

If you want a fun, yet versatile grip tool that will get questions every time someone walks in your home gym or commercial gym, then these are for you.

Full Rating

Sorinex Pistol Grips

Sorinex is producing some of the best racks and rigs on the market, but in addition to the big items, they're also coming out with some seriously impressive attachments. Items like their Adjustable Jammer Arms and Indexing Chin Bar are extremely versatile and now they can add another item to their list of innovation: Sorinex Pistol Grips. The Pistol Grips from Sorinex are definitely "cool", but more than that, they're a versatile tool for anyone from the operator to the office worker for increasing grip and pulling strength.

Product Brand: Sorinex

Product Currency: USD

Product Price: 129

Product In-Stock: InStock

Editor's Rating:
4.5

Sorinex Pistol Grips FAQs

Where to Purchase

Sorinex

Sorinex Pistol Grips

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Pros & Cons

Bottom Line

LPG Muscle

LPG Muscle Grip Freak Wrist Roller

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Product Highlights

Seriously Legit Wrist Roller for Baseball, Softball, Basketball, Golf, Tennis, Hockey, Boxing, Wrestling, MMA etc. Fact is there’s not a sport practiced that can’t benefit from a stronger, longer lasting grip.

Pros & Cons

Bottom Line

LPG Muscle Grip Freak Review

A strong grip is one of the most important functions in life.

There are a million and one functions of the body to strengthen, but being able to grip whatever you need to hold is an essential skill.

Building a powerful grip isn’t all that difficult. It takes a lot of time and effort, but through persistence and the right selection of exercises, a strong grip is available for any trainee seeking a crushing grip.

In my quest to build more powerful grip, and to add variety in my training, I’m always seeking out new training tools.

One such training tool is the one I’m reviewing for you today known as the Grip Freak by LPG Muscle.I had never heard of LPG Muscle, but noticed the Grip Freak online and decided to reach out and see if they were interested in a review.

The Grip Freak is, for all intensive purposes, a glorified wrist roller. But, as you’ll see through this review, there isn’t another wrist roller on the market that can compare.

In my quest to squeeze my dad’s hand harder than he does mine (he thinks it’s some sort of right of passage, thankfully he’s getting old) I’ve sought out every grip tool imaginable.

I also own most of them. Whether it’s one of Ironmind’s cool creations or something Rogue has developed, I can’t get enough.

One of the best forearm exercisesI’ve ever done however took place using a broken hockey stick, some laces, and a 10 lb. plate.

Growing up, I was a hockey player and the wrists in hockey are what the foot is to a soccer player. The stronger your wrists and forearms, the better you’ll be.

I would hold the stick out in front of me in my basement and do countless reps of explosively rolling the weight up to the top, and slowly lowering it to the ground. I did it so much, I can’t believe I forgot how great of an exercise it was.

Well, being in the 21st century now and having a gym in my home that commercial gym owners would pay to use, I like to use tools that are HEAVY DUTY.

And, there’s no wrist roller tougher and able to take the abuse you can throw at it than the Grip Freak.

The Grip Freak comes wrapped in cellophane with your choice of a dumbbell hook or a plate holder, your choice.

I do wish the plate holder was 2″ so it could easily hold Olympic plates, but it gets the job done nonetheless. In reality, neither a plate holder or the dumbbell hook needs to be used as you could simply wrap the strap around the weight and reconnect it to the strap.

But, it’s a nice added benefit LPG Muscle throws in.

The Grip Freak model I received from LPG Muscle is the same one I would suggest you buy; the Fat Grip Edition. In trying to compare the fat grip to something you may have used, I’d say it’s quite comparable in size to a pair of Fat Gripz.

What becomes crystal clear once unboxed, is that no corners were cut in designing and creating the Grip Freak.

Most wrist rollers are like the ones I used to use. Either DIY versions using a broomstick or something similar along with some rope or a basic design like the one Rogue makes.

And, I’d like to say that there’s nothing wrong with creating a DIY wrist roller, it’s probably what I would suggest for the majority of readers.

But, for those lookingwho are seeking the best equipment available, the Grip Freak should be on your list. Everything on the Grip Freak is heavy duty. From the fasteners to the grips, this bad boy was made to hold a lot of weight and be used for a lot of volume.

The grips are made from a hard, yet grippy rubber that takes chalk well, although I didn’t find it needed. The strap that connects to the weight is a durable nylon, and the strap that connects to an anchor/pull-up bar is braided steel.

The central section of the roller is what allows the roller to spin, and it does so VERY smoothly.

The idea behind the Grip Freak is a little bit different from traditional wrist rollers.

Rather than forcing the users to suspend the weight using their shoulders, the Grip Freak is meant to be suspended from something overhead like a pull-up bar. This allows you to put more of the focus on your forearms and less on the delts.

What this ultimately means is that more weight can be used, and it’s done in a manner that directly targets the arms, rather than putting a lot of the load on the shoulders. However, I do wish the Grip Freak was able to be used with the user supporting the weight with their shoulders as well. This isn’t a big deal considering wrist rolls are done mainly for the wrist, but sometimes it’s nice to throw in some more shoulder recruitment.

This isn’t a big deal considering wrist rolls are done primarily for the wrist, but sometimes it’s nice to throw in some more shoulder recruitment.

The grips can be used like the handles on a bike, or by putting your hands on the outside and turning the cannonballs. I’m glad LPG decided to add cannonballs on the ends to increase the variety of holds and work that can be done.

Is it Worth the Cost?

Currently, the Grip Freak runs around $150. That’s a pretty penny for a wrist roller.

But, there’s a reason it costs so much. The grips used on the roller are some the most grippy I’ve used, and they’re also very thick, something that’s difficult to find on wrist rollers. The roller units in the middle are made to be able to hold more weight than you could ever use, and it’s very polished and great looking piece of equipment.

I’d say this: if you plan on making wrist rolls a big part of your programming, then this is the best wrist roller you can buy. Also, if you’re a commercial gym owner like many of my readers are, then this is a piece of equipment that will outlast any other you could buy and looks pretty sweet.

Sometimes, you just want to buy more toys, and this is one sweet toy.

Final Thoughts

Through using the Grip Freak over the past month, I’ve noticed my grip and forearm strength start to increase. I’m not closing Captains of Crush Gripper No. 3 yet, but I don’t ever drop off the bar on pullups due to my grip or give out on deads because I can’t hold the bar.

This isn’t a tool for everyone, and LPG Muscle knows that.

The Grip Freak is for the serious athlete looking to increase strength and hypertrophy in their forearms, wrists, and arms and wants to use the best tools available while doing it.

If that’s you, I suggest you check out the Grip Freak.

Full Rating

LPG Muscle Grip Freak

The Grip Freak from LPG Muscle is a wrist roller on steroids. Although we like it, for the price, there are better options.

Product Brand: LPG Muscle

Product Currency: $

Product Price: 239.95

Product In-Stock: InStock

Editor's Rating:
4.8

LPG Muscle Grip Freak FAQs

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LPG Muscle

LPG Muscle Grip Freak Wrist Roller

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Product Highlights

Seriously Legit Wrist Roller for Baseball, Softball, Basketball, Golf, Tennis, Hockey, Boxing, Wrestling, MMA etc. Fact is there’s not a sport practiced that can’t benefit from a stronger, longer lasting grip.

Pros & Cons

Bottom Line

Brute Belt

Brute Belt

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Product Highlights

We designed the Brute Belt with one goal in mind – to be the most comfortable, durable, and versatile dip belt on the planet. The Brute Belt was manufactured to be as high quality and strong as military gear, while incorporating soft fabric and padding to make it as comfortable as possible.

Pros & Cons

Bottom Line

The two most effective upper body movements in my opinion are pull ups and dips.

However, the only problem with these excercises is other than simply increasing the rep count, there aren’t many ways you can make them tougher.

Except when you use a dip belt.

This is what most dip belts look like:

I honestly never thought there was much of a problem with these belts.

That was until I found out about Brute Belt.

What the Brute Belt accomplishes is taking the traditional dip belt and making it more comfortable, durable, better looking, and adjustable.

What more could you want?

Brute Belt In-Depth Review

I always like to start off with the looks of the product I’m reviewing.

Believe it or not, it’s what causes most people to decide whether they’re going to dig further about researching a product.

And, we live in a superficial world. Looks are very important and they are to me too.

The Brute Belt looks much like it’s name suggests. Tough.

They offer two colors of the belt, Black and Camo. Both are colors that I really like but not necessarily something that the majority of women would love.

In my opinion, they look awesome. And for those that don’t have a garage gym and go to the globo gym, these will not look way out of the ordinary where everybody is staring at you.

This is the real meat and potatoes of the belt.

A dip belt takes a lot of abuse. Think about it. You sometimes strap upwards of 100 pounds to your waste and defy gravity by hoisting yourself upwards.

If the weight is held with the use of stitching, that stitching better be triple stitched. No, quadruple stitched. Actually, forget that. If the belt is holding weight strapped to my waste by stitching it better be at least 100x stitched!

Now, I don’t know how many times the brute belt has it’s anchor points stitched, but I have yet to see anything close to a problem with the belt failing while under load.

And the main reason I emphasize this so much is because to be honest, I’m kind of surprised.

Most dip belts use either leather or heavy nylon, rivets, and chain.

I thought the reason they used such heavy duty materials was because they were necessary.

BUT, now that I’ve had the opportunity to put the Brute Belt through all kinds of tests I can confidently say that without a doubt it is built for whatever you can throw at it.

Brute Belt uses a nylon shell with mesh padding on the inside. On the outside of the belt are loops every few inches where the adjustable “chain” can attach at all different points.

The “chain” is actually a strap with two buckles that is essentially the same strap used with gymnastic rings.

The way the belt attaches to your waist is through a metal buckle and strap. This allows the weight to feel very secure and close to your body.

The belt can also be stored very easily. Since it’s made of materials that can be folded up, it makes it the ideal belt for those that don’t have a lot of space, or carry a gym bag around.

I have used the Brute Belt for a couple months now and have seen no problems other than a couple loose threads. Which, with the amount of stitching that is on this bad boy is pretty stellar. The belt is made up of durable and proven materials so unless there was faulty stitching I can’t see much of a problem arising.

I can’t see any future problems coming about as of yet, but if they do I will update this review.

I actually use the belt quite a bit. And in all honesty, it could be used pretty well as the best weightlifting belt if you forgot yours at home.

I mostly use it for pull ups and dips and have seen a steady increase in the weight I can load on both of those movements.

Since it’s so easy to put on, I can run from doing squats, to weighted pullups in mere seconds while feeling secure.

Final Thoughts

In my mind, this is the dip belt to buy. The only competitor I see is the Spud Inc Belt, but this has much more features and I just simply like it more. Especially the clever use of the lashing strap for holding the weight.

If you’re in the market for a dip belt, I highly recommend checking out the Brute Belt, comparing it’s pricing (which is very economical) and features to the competitors.

I’m confident you’ll walk away with the Brute Belt.

And… If you buy the belt and don’t like it, they give you a 60 day full refund return.

NBD!

Full Rating

Brute Belt

The Brute Belt is a unique dip belt that is both durable and easy to use. We're big fans, although there are some things that need to be improved.

Product Brand: Brute Belt

Product Currency: USD

Product Price: 37.99

Product In-Stock: InStock

Editor's Rating:
4.3

Brute Belt FAQs

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Brute Belt

Brute Belt

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Product Highlights

We designed the Brute Belt with one goal in mind – to be the most comfortable, durable, and versatile dip belt on the planet. The Brute Belt was manufactured to be as high quality and strong as military gear, while incorporating soft fabric and padding to make it as comfortable as possible.

Pros & Cons

Bottom Line

Fat Gripz

Fat Gripz

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Product Highlights

Made from a military-grade, high-density compound, Fat Gripz can instantly transform any standard barbell into an axle bar (thick bar). They also fit most dumbbells, pull-up bars, and cable attachments, – doubling the thickness for a greater test of arm and grip strength.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Easy to use
• Helps develop forearms
• Durable material

Cons

• May not fit all dumbbells
• Can be difficult to install and remove

Bottom Line

Axle bar training is one of my favorite ways to train.

The reason I like axle bar training so much is because for one, it’s freaking manly. Secondly, it makes everything more difficult and relies heavily on a strong grip, something I’m constantly trying to improve.

The problem with an axle bar is you can only use that diameter of a grip on that one bar. AND, buying a revolving axle bar is expensive and very hard to find.

To fix this problem, a product has come about in the past fewyears that allows you turn any barbell or dumbbell into the thickness of an axle bar.

There are many knock offs, but the original are called Fat Gripz and they are as useful as one would think.

Fat Gripz Review

The Fat Gripz are big round cylinders that look very spongy. This however is false as I will speak on in the construction section of the review.

The Fat Gripz come in two different sizes and are color coordinated as such. The smaller pair are blue and are the ones I received and the larger ones are red.

The Fat Gripz logo is indented on the grips and doesn’t affect the functionality in any way.

The Fat Gripz are firm. Much firmer than I expected and I’m very happy to find that out.

I was worried that they would be as spongy as they appear and rather than the feel of a firm surface like a barbell, they would feel like a wet pool noodle. Thankfully this is not the case. In fact, these provide a nice grip, but if anything they’re harder to grip then a barbell because they don’t take chalk as well.

To me, this is a good thing. The point of these are to make it more difficult for you to grip the barbell or dumbbells, thus increasing your grip. They do just that.

The hard rubber that is used has not chipped and I don’t see that happening anytime soon.

They are wide enough to fit a large hand and even fit inside my beloved Powerblock Adjustable Dumbbells. As you can see here:

The Fat Gripz are concave on their edges for I would assume a reduction in weight. And while we’re speaking on weight, do not think these things are light.

I was as deceived as you will be when I first received them. They are a solid piece of rubber that are going to be around for a long time to come.

The inside diameter is about 1″ and the outside diameter is about 2.25″.

As far as construction and looks go, there really isn’t much to review. They’re thick and firm and are constructed very well.

I’ve been using them on a whole host of movements.

First off, anytime I do anything with dumbbells, whether it’s a dumbbell snatch or a curl, I throw the Fat Gripz on.

The Fat Gripz make everything more difficult and I have seen not only my grip strength increase, but also the size of my forearms. And let’s be honest the lady (my wife) loves some ham-hocks.

One thing I’ve noticed that the Fat Gripz force you to do is actively squeeze. You can’t just laxadaisically hold the dumbbells. If you do, you better be wearing steel toe shoes because your foot is about to be smashed, especially if you have small hands like I do.

Related: Fat Gripz made our Best Fitness Gifts list!

Final Thoughts

If you aren’t training with fatter bars than you need to start. An axle bar is great, but for many, it’s simplynot practical, especially for those who don’t have a gym right outside their garage door.

The Fat Gripz are a great alternative to axle bars that can also be used on all sorts of implements like dumbbells, farmers handles, pullup bars, and anything else that you can think of.

Get a pair and you’ll see what I mean.

Full Rating

Fat Gripz

Fat Gripz are barbell attachments that increase the grip diameter, essentially turning any solid bar into an axle bar. They're incredibly tough, useful, and surprisingly cheap. We highly recommend them.

Product Brand: Rogue Fitness

Product Currency: USD

Product Price: 29.95

Product In-Stock: InStock

Editor's Rating:
4.7

Fat Gripz FAQs

Where to Purchase

Fat Gripz

Fat Gripz

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Product Highlights

Made from a military-grade, high-density compound, Fat Gripz can instantly transform any standard barbell into an axle bar (thick bar). They also fit most dumbbells, pull-up bars, and cable attachments, – doubling the thickness for a greater test of arm and grip strength.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Easy to use
• Helps develop forearms
• Durable material

Cons

• May not fit all dumbbells
• Can be difficult to install and remove

Bottom Line

Uncommon Breed

Uncommon Weighted Vest

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Product Highlights

Fully redesigned with a slimmer fit, extra interior padding, and a set of shoulder pads (included standard), the Uncommon Weighted Vest 2.0 offers improved comfort and a free range of motion for dynamic resistance training.

Pros & Cons

Bottom Line

Sometimes you just want to make body-weight movements more difficult.

There’s few ways to do this outside of simply holding a weight while you do the movement. And in that case, I suppose the “bodyweight” part of the movement is negated because you are also holding weight.

One such way of making bodyweight movements more difficult is with the use of a weight vest.

I’ve used vests before, however I always hated them becaue they were either too tight and cumbersome or too sloppy and loose.

When Uncommon Breed released their Weighted Vest, I liked the look and the idea of plates that were secured. I was somewhat skeptical as nearly every vest I’ve ever used has been uncomfortable, however this vest is not every other vest.

After having the vest for about a month I can confidently say that you will need to read the rest of the review to find out what I think. 🙂

Uncommon Breed Weighted Vest Review

The Uncommon Breed Weighted Vest is what many like to call “tacticool.” I was never in the military and don’t pretend to be, but there are quite a few different tactical pieces of kit that look pretty cool.

This vest is the definition of tacticool, yet is very funcitonal. Sometimes the looks line up with the performance. In this case it did just that.

This vest comes in two colors, the khaki that I received and also a black and gray vest. I really like the look of both, but am glad I got the khaki as I think it just stands out really well.

The vest, as with many tactical pieces of kit is covered in various sewed on pieces of velcro where you can put your patches. If the vest were being used in battle, it would most likely have various ranking patches however, because I don’t have any of those I just decided to attach my GoRuck American Flag Patch.

One thing I was a little disappointed on when I received the vest was the fact that it didn’t come with the Uncommon Breed Patch that is shown in the pictures.

The description clearly states that the patch is not included, however all of the pictures have it shown and frankly it looks pretty sweet. If you’re like me and do want a patch, they have a different one available for sale here. It’s not as cool as the one shown in the pictures of the vest, but it’s still pretty sweet.

This thing is tough.

The vest, excluding the plates is made of 500D Cordura. There’s strong velcro pieces all over that don’t seem to be going anywhere. The stitching is top notch, and there’s extra stitching reinforcement in areas that need it.

The elastic straps that allow the vest to stay tight to your body are actually not connected at all, They’re merely two elastic straps with velcro on both ends that attach to the front and back of the vest. This essentially allows you to wear the vest any way you want because there is no front or back.

The elastic straps seem to be tough enough that they won’t stretch out much over time and the velcro holds well enough that I don’t see it wearing out anytime soon as well.

On the shoulders are two velcro straps that allow you to adjust how high up on your chest the vest will sit.

The weight plates that actually come in the vest seem solid. There’s really not much you can mess up with a hunk of metal, but they are thin enough to stay out of the way, and they also look great.

A little known feature on this vest is there’s two pockets on both sides for sliding plates in. So, technically you could load this up to 40 lbs. if you wanted. You could also add in your own ballistic plates when the zombies begin uprising.

This thing stays still which is ultimately the feature you should be looking for in a weight vest.

It doesn’t shift around or hit you in the face. And, as long as you’re wearing a shirt it doesn’t chafe the skin either.

This is a Murph-worthy vest for sure.

There are many workouts you can use the vest on to make them harder.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a solid, Made in the USA, weight vest produced by a veteran-owned business just go out and get one of these bad boys. You won’t be sorry.

*Update*

I’ve enjoyed using the weighted vest, however I have noticed some of these seams that should be double or triple stitched are actually only held together by a single stitch. This can cause tears and holes and I’ve found one much sooner than I believe one should be found. You can see it here:

Full Rating

Uncommon Breed Weighted Vest

The Uncommon Weighted Vest is one of the best weighted vests for the money that stays tight to the body during training, has an accurate weight, and is quite durable.

Product Brand: Rogue Fitness

Product Currency: $

Product Price: 229.99

Product In-Stock: InStock

Editor's Rating:
4.3

Where to Purchase

Uncommon Breed

Uncommon Weighted Vest

Check Price

Product Highlights

Fully redesigned with a slimmer fit, extra interior padding, and a set of shoulder pads (included standard), the Uncommon Weighted Vest 2.0 offers improved comfort and a free range of motion for dynamic resistance training.

Pros & Cons

Bottom Line