When I read the description of this product - "fast shipping, great quality, worth every penny!!!" followed. And I naturally thought the company (MiR) was trying too hard to hype their product. So I placed it on my Amazon wish list and decided to look around at my local Target/Big 5/Sports Authority stores. Everything I looked at in these stores were bulky or looked like a ski vest (in other words ugly). So I went back to Amazon and ordered the MiR F.A.I. weight vest. I admit, I bought it more for the aesthetics. I mean I'm just starting to get serious with my workouts, the last thing I need is to get laughed at or feel self conscious about my gear. When the product arrived just days after I ordered it and Labor Day weekend in between days (thats fast shipping), I scrutinized the vest but could not find a flaw. It is extremely well constructed. The vest can be adjusted to fit snug around the chest area without any discomfort. The pockets for the weight inserts feel very strong with double velcro closures and I like the fact that I can use the pockets to store my wallet, cell phone, ipod and car keys when I work out. No more jingling keys when I jog. There are four (horizontal) pockets in all, two front and two back pockets. Keep in mind that this vest does not come with any weights. I've managed to make do with rolls of quarters as weights. Although I'd probably buy actual weight inserts in the near future. In conclusion, MiR's description is spot on - fast shipping, great quality and worth every penny!!! Oh did I mention how cool this thing looks (aesthetics). (Weekly Special Sale - 50% Off/5 Days Only !) New! MIR - F.A.I. Weight Weighted Vest Can hold up to 50lbs+! Weights not included. Fast Shipping, Great Quality, Worth Every Penny!!!(For Both Men and Women.one Size Fits All.)
I bought this vest on doctor's orders to wear a weighted vest and walk wearing it 2-3 times a week to try and reverse my osteopenia. I'm 70, 5'41/2" and weigh 120. I read the reviews on the vest, looked at the picture and thought it would work beautifully, since it was smaller than other vests and would hold more than enough weight for my needs (5-10 lbs.) As other reviewers wrote, it is sturdy and well made. What I didn't take into account was the size of the model and myself. It looked small on him, but it was BIG on me! It interfered with arm movement because it extended over my chest and beyond. It is sturdy because it is made with stiff, heavy material so it isn't pliable. Worse part was the recommendation that a buddy help with fitting it, because the velcro fastener winds around to the back. I live alone and needed something I could just put on at the gym and walk the track for 3 miles. I decided to return it since it wouldn't fit my needs. When I called the company, they gave me clear instructions on returning it and I received prompt refund minus my shipping costs both ways. For the serious weight trainer this would be a great product but not for women! I ended up buying a Gold's Gym vest with 20 1-lb weights to insert in its 20 pockets. It has the added benefit of a pocket for my iPod. Needless to say I only have 4 lbs in it at the moment but hope to increase it in the future. The vest is much larger but it is adjustable, zips up the front and is pliable so that it molds to my body and doesn't interfere with arm movement. However I did have another gym member wryly comment that I looked like a suicide bomber! I subtracted one star simply because I think it should carry a recommendation regarding size and perhaps best for use by men.
Since I travel a lot and can't easily carry around my kettlebells, I've been doing a lot of bodyweight exercises. After working through a pullup routine, I wanted to increase the resistance in order to help build more strength. The MIR FAI weighted vest was the perfect solution.
MIR sells many different kinds of weighted vests in a variety of weights. The FAI vest, however, does not come with weights already inside it, but has strong velcro pockets in which you can put your own weights. You can use whatever weights will fit into the 11x5" pockets. I used two ankle weights and 20 small metal rods, but I've also got a sack of bb's I can use too. These pockets make the weight vest much more flexible and customizable, since I can vary the weights in it, increasing the weights as my strength levels change. You can also use the pockets to hold your wallet and car keys in case you want to go for a run while wearing your weight vest.
The weight is well distributed across my shoulders and the vest securely straps around my chest. In addition to using the vest for pullups, I've also used it for short sprints, pushups, and squats. I even sometimes use it when taking my dog for a walk, just to get a little workout from even a mundane activity.
So, I've been really happy with this vest.
First off, this is the second MIR weighted vest I've had experience with (first was my coworker's 20# vest). Both are made with great quality control, even if they're made in China. All MIR products also come with a limited warranty against defects.
Overall, this is a great product if you're on a budget and can't/don't want to spend $100+ on a weight vest. Although you can always buy the weights in the future, this allows you to start off light and can increase the weight over time. This is an ideal product for any home gym.
With the MIR F.A.I. vest, the pockets are actually closer to 4"x10" internal dimensions (versus the advertised 5"x11" dimensions). It is also very well comfortably padded, although non-machine washable. Vest itself weighs about 1.75lb and can easily fit my eight (8) 1.25lb standard weight plates for about 12lb total weight, or eight (8) MIR's 3lb cast iron weights for about 25lb total weight.
If you have some small metal weight blocks you could easily fit more weight (only got mine up to 25+ pounds). Washers, coins, stones, etc. also make good items to add weight.
The only cons are that the pockets have absolutely NO DEPTH. I would like to see if they release a new model that can actually expand a bit to add more space within the vest pockets.
Also 50lb sounds a little more than what to expect to fit in the vest. I could only get mine a little more than 25lb using eight (8) MIR 3lb cast metal weight blocks.
Also, if you need a strong weight vest storage hanger, look into "Innovative Scuba Concepts Girder BCD/Wetsuit Hanger". - Exercise - Weighted Vest - Fitness - Conditioning'
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