Weight Vest solutions

Started by Maddened, February 5, 2012 · 9 Replies · 5,351 Views

Maddened

Hello all, I'd like to consult you guys on weight vest substitutes. I live in Singapore and it's been a very frustrating search for a weighted vest supplier. Either none exists, or they charge exorbitant amounts (roughly USD$120 for 20lbs). And while there are lots of options online, once you add shipping, it becomes just too expensive.

I have tried using a backpack with heavy magazines, but I find that they slide around too much, and the fact that the weight is on just my back makes the balance strange for dips (I'm currently using it for dips and pushups because while I'm ok with FX pushups, I still am too weak to advance to ring pushups, so I thought I'll use weighted variations to increase strength first. Ditto for the dips). And I don't think the backpack solution will be great for other eventual work like HS and what-not.

I thought of a couple of ways around this, but at the end of the day, having a weight vest that can distribute the weight evenly between the front and back, and not slide around, or dangle and swing around seems the best.

So I wonder if any enterprising and creative folks out there has any ideas on what I can do short of getting some tough cloth, learning sewing and stitching and make my own.

Also, if anyone can help me get a weight vest for a decent price (looking for about 30lbs), I'll really be grateful. I think overseas shipping in general is the major killer so I'm not sure. Maybe someone has a private plane? :mrgreen::mrgreen:

Thanks guys!

Cole Dano

Isn't tailoring relatively inexpensive in Singapore?

One design i've seen (not tried) that looks very versatile is one that takes weight plates. 5kg on the back, 2.5 kg lower front 1.25 chest.

So an idea would be to go to a tailor and ask him to custom make you a vest from heavy cordura nylon with pockets that would fit two of each weight per pocket.

The pockets can be closed with a strap either buckle or velcro.

Maddened
Cole Dano said:
Isn't tailoring relatively inexpensive in Singapore?

One design i've seen (not tried) that looks very versatile is one that takes weight plates. 5kg on the back, 2.5 kg lower front 1.25 chest.

So an idea would be to go to a tailor and ask him to custom make you a vest from heavy cordura nylon with pockets that would fit two of each weight per pocket.

The pockets can be closed with a strap either buckle or velcro.

Tailoring costs about USD$70+ for a shirt on the low end and USD$300+ on the high end. But thanks for the idea! I'll ask a couple to see if they would be willing to do it. Cheers!

Maddened

No luck with the three tailors I called. :( Two said they don't have the machine/needles needed for this heavy a material and the last one said he won't use cloth that he does not supply. Ugh. Back to square one...

Mats Trane

I had the same issue in Sweden. So I just took an old backpack and filled it with barbells.

Cole Dano

That's my solution as well, now that i have some weight plates i'll put them in.

It's certainly good enough for many of the things we do, when that's not a weight belt is.

cdx - there is a place in Finland i know of that sells the vests if that helps, or you even care anymore.

irongymnast

What about a belt + kettbebell hanging solution?

Maddened
irongymnast said:
What about a belt + kettbebell hanging solution?

Haven't tried that yet but I'll see if I can find a belt to use it with. Thanks!!