The CAP Barbell 20-150lb Adjustable Weighted Vest is one of the most popular weight vests on the market. It is aimed at users who want to add some weight to their workouts, to increase calorie burn, endurance, and general fitness. With a maximum available weight of 150lb, this is one of the heaviest adjustable weight vests on the market.
Below we take an in-depth look at this weighted vest – is it the best fit for you?
CAP Weighted Vest – Features
| Weight | 20lbs - 150lbs |
| Material | Nylon / polyester |
| Maximum Weight | 150lbs |
| Weight Material | Iron |
| Color | Black |
| Removable Weights | Yes |
| Weight Increments | approx 2.5lbs |
| Size | One size fits most |
| Features | Neoprene padding Breathable mesh Adjustable clips Cellphone pocket |
| Weights included? | Yes |
| Shoulder Pads | Yes |
| Warranty | Lifetime Warranty |
| Cost (amazon.com) |
CAP Weight Vest Review
What We Like
- Good quality
- Wide range of weights
- Easy to adjust
What We Don’t Like
- Expensive
- Weight can only be adjusted down
- Some vests have been delivered missing a few weights
Material
The CAP Adjustable Weighted Vest is made from a nylon / polyester weave, with neoprene padding & a breathable mesh, to allow cooling air through to your skin when you’re working up a sweat.
The removable weight packets are filled with iron shot.
Comfort
The waist belt is adjustable through a wide range, and the padded shoulder straps can also be adjusted, so users of most sizes should be able to arrive at a comfortable fit.
The breathable mesh adds to the comfort, especially in hot conditions or on long runs.
There are many weight pockets distributed evenly all over the vest, so if you are using it below the maximum weight, there is plenty of scope for you to distribute the weight evenly – unevenly distributed weight packets can cause discomfort.
This vest is available in multiple sizes – the lighter versions are significantly shorter than the more heavy-duty versions. Be aware that lighter weight vests are (in general) more comfortable – they don’t tend to extend down so far, as there are fewer weight pockets on lighter vests, and users find carrying weight down near the hip is uncomfortable. More on this below.
Quality
We found no quality issues with this vest – CAP Barbell have been in this business for a while, and have a decent reputation.
Some users have complained of excessive wear after using this vest for multiple years though.
Weight Capacity
This vest is available in the following sizes:
- 40 lbs
- 50 lbs
- 60 lbs
- 70 lbs
- 80 lbs
- 100 lbs
- 120 lbs
- 150 lbs
One issue to be aware of when buying this weighted vest – the vest’s weight is adjustable, but only in a downward direction (by removing weight packets). You have to specify which model you want at the time of purchase. You can’t (for example) buy a 40lb vest, then increase the weight to 80lb – there are not enough pockets on the 40lb vest for the extra weights.
The buying decision will involve some compromise between what you expect to be the highest weight you will use, how much you wish to spend, and how physically large a weight vest you can tolerate.
Design / Features
The design (particularly of the larger weight capacity versions) resembles a SWAT team vest. Whether that’s good or bad depends on your preference. However, it’s hard for the designer to get away from the bulky design & appearance, while still carrying a large amount of weight.
As well as the neoprene padding, breathable mesh, and adjustable mesh mentioned above, the CAP Adjustable Weighted Vest also features a cellphone pocket.
Value
The CAP vest is one of the more expensive offerings on the market, at least in its higher-weight configurations. Prices do change all the time, so it’s best to check regularly.
Check Price On AmazonHow Does It Compare?
RUNmax Pro Weighted Vest
The RUNmax Pro Weight Vest is a more cost-effective vest than the CAP version. Like the CAP product, the RUNmax Pro’s weight is adjustable, however, the weight range is between 12-60lb, compared to the CAP vest, which can go up to 150lb.
Both vests use iron shot as their weight material.
Finally, the RUNmax vest is made from nylon, while the CAP vest is a nylon/polyester blend with neoprene padding.
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Aduro Sport Weighted Vest
The Aduro Sport Weighted Vest is really more of a budget weight vest than the serious exercise equipment offered by CAP Barbell.
To begin with, the weight of this vest is fixed (you can choose different weights at the time of purchase), whereas the weight of the CAP vest is adjustable, making it much more versatile.
The largest version of the Aduro vest is only 25lb, compared to the 150lb maximum offered by CAP.
The Aduro does have the advantage of being manufactured from 100% Neoprene, compared to the nylon/polyester blend of the CAP vest.
Check Price On AmazonMIR Air Flow Weighted Vest
The CAP and MIR Air Flow Weighted Vest can both have their total weight adjusted.
The CAP has a higher maximum weight of 150lbs compared to the MIR Air Flow’s 60lbs, making the CAP more attractive to those who wish to have a more intense workout.
When it comes to material used, the MIR Air Flow uses cotton blend, while the CAP uses a combination of nylon and polyester with breathable neoprene padding.
In general, the MIR Air Flow is a little more expensive than the CAP weighted vest when comparing vests on the same weight range. Prices do vary, so it’s best to check the current price.
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ZFOsports Weighted Vest
The ZFOsports Weighted Vest is adjustable, just as the CAP vest is. The weight range in this case is 40-80lb. Similar to the CAP vest, you have to specify the maximum weight of the vest when you buy it – you can’t add weights to a 40lb vest after purchase.
Both vests use iron shot as their weight material. The ZFO vest is constructed from neoprene, while CAP use a nylon/polyester blend for their vest.
The ZFO vest is generally lower-priced than the CAP product, when comparing similar weight capacities.
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