Kensui EZ-VEST Review (2024)

Ready to amp up your workouts? Today we’re diving into the Kensui EZ-VEST review to tell you all about its features. It promises to add some serious resistance to your workouts, which is useful for bodyweight exercises, calisthenics, or even if you just want to make your daily routines more intense. Whatever you’re going after, the EZ-VEST is designed to give you that extra kick. 

We’ll also mention the sleeves that give a unique twist to the original design and allow you to clamp on weights. 

Our goal for today is to help you understand what this vest brings to the table, so you can decide if it’s the right fit for your training. 

Let’s jump in!

Kensui EZ-VEST Max Review Quick Summary

Kensui EZ-VEST Max

• Max Load: 300 lbs
• Padding: 8 mm (0.31 inches)
• Fastening: SRB buckle
• Lining: PU leather
• Sleeve Span: 9.5 cm (3.74 inches)
• Material: Aluminum

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If you want your workouts to be more intense, a weighted vest is a game-changer. If it’s good, of course. The Kensui weight vest is not good – it’s excellent. You get 3 options to choose from: EZ-VEST LITE V2, EZ-VEST PRO V2, and EZ-VEST MAX V2. The choice is entirely yours, however, we recommend the MAX version as it, in our opinion, provides the best bang for your buck, so we will cover that one!

These vests are designed to solve the issues we’ve seen in previous versions and it’s good for both beginners and people who are advanced.

The first-generation vests used sandbags, which were bulky and messy. The second switched to denser iron blocks, which made them slimmer, but they were annoying to use and shaky during exercises. The third generation was inspired by bullet-proof vests and they were good, but they had limited weight capacity.

The Kensui weighted vest took care of all of these issues. It can hold up to 300 pounds using standard weight plates, so it’s super versatile for any workout. It’s built tough with aircraft-grade aluminum and military-grade nylon, so it’s ready for anything you throw at it.

It’s also lightweight and portable at just 4 pounds, and its breathable lining and padding (which is machine-washable!) keep things comfortable and easy to maintain. You won’t need to worry about custom weights because this vest fits all 1’’ and 2’’ plates. Its coating is weather-resistant and the bindless seams make it even more durable and comfortable. 

It has adjustable shoulder and chest straps so it fits snug, and the removable sleeves make it more compact for storage and travel. One tiny drawback are the straps – they’re a bit narrow so when you go heavy, it might not be super comfortable. But that’s one issue compared to the benefits. 

You get a 100-day trial and lifetime warranty, so if you don’t like it, you can take your time to try it out and then return it. And if you keep it, you can use it all you want and Kensui has your back in case something happens to it.

This vest is excellent value for money and it’s a perfect addition to any workout. 

Kensui EZ-VEST XT Sleeves (Weight Vest Add-on) Review

Kensui EZ-VEST XT Sleeves (Weight Vest Add-on)

• Thickness: 5-6 mm
• Purpose: Improving the range of motion
• Warranty: Lifetime

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The Kensui EZ-VEST XT Sleeves are an optional add-on for the Kensui weight vest that allows the user to de-bulk the weight vest and shorten the pins allowing you for greater range of motion (by alot!) which is great for mobility which is perfect for exercises like HIIT, push-ups, burpees, and sit-ups (which is what the sleeves were intended for).

If you want something extremely simple with minimal bulk, then the XT Sleeves are a top option.

The sleeves are really lightweight, but still durable. Their minimalist design is something a lot of people really love because there’s no bulk that many associate with weight vests, so there’s more flexibility and freedom of movement, which is important for intense workouts and functional training. These XT sleeves allow you to clamp the weights with pretty much no overhang.

The pins on them are also 6mm (less than ¼ inch) long, allowing you to get very close to the floor in things like push-ups.

As far as drawbacks go, there’s nothing that you wouldn’t expect. These sleeves won’t support as much weight as a (traditional) weight vest would, but that’s logical, since that’s what it was designed to do. 

If you’re into heavy weights, and are not looking for lightness and mobility that much, then you can easily skip this add-on, otherwise, it’s great for versatility  plus it gives the user more options.

Who and What Is the Kensui EZ-VEST For?

If you work out and you want to make your workouts more intense but you don’t really want to change anything about the exercises you do, then a weighted vest is the ideal solution. Running, bodyweight exercises, strength training, HIIT – the Kensui EZ-VEST will amp them up and make your body work harder. 

Even walking will be a better exercise because a weighted vest will make it more intense. Plus, whatever you do, you’ll load more weight onto your bones and, as bad as that sounds, it’s actually a good thing because it promotes bone density and helps prevent osteoporosis. 

Why choose the EZ weight vest and not something else? It’s pretty simple, actually – it’s less bulky and has a higher weight capacity than many other vests on the market. 

We’d recommend this vest even to people who don’t really like weighted vests because the dissatisfaction usually comes from the vest being bulky, awkward, and uncomfortable. The EZ-VEST is none of those things and it comes with a money back guarantee so you have nothing to lose and a lot to gain. 

Kensui EZ-VEST Review

Research shows that more than 60% of older adults in the U.S. are obese, so can you imagine what that percentage is for all the adults, in general? Another interesting thing that research also shows is that a weighted vest can be a great addition to your weight loss journey. 

This vest is making waves for all the right reasons, so let’s take a look at what makes it stand out and why we recommend it so highly. 

1. Durability

It’s built like a tank and that’s not an overstatement. Aircraft-grade aluminum, military-grade 1680D ballistic nylon, bindless seams… No wonder Kensui offers a lifetime warranty; they know how unlikely it is that you’ll manage to damage it. 

2. Design

Almost perfect! It’s sleek, practical, lightweight, easy to carry with you… It fits all 1’’ and 2’’ plates so you don’t need custom weights. 

One teensy little drawback are the narrow straps, but since this is a review, we decided it’s okay to split hairs and look for the tiniest of drawbacks. So, there you go – the straps are a bit too narrow. 

3. Comfort

If it’s not comfortable, then it’s not good, and the Kensui fitness vest feels really nice to wear. It has removable, breathable PU leather lining and the padding is generous, so you’ll have no issues wearing this vest for a long time. The bindless seams prevent irritation, and the fit is snug, but not restricting. 

4. Adjustability

This is where the vest truly shines. It can take up to 300 pounds of load and it can be customized to work for people of all fitness levels. The adjustable shoulder and chest straps make it fit perfectly regardless of your body type and you can use the vest for many different exercises. Different sleeve options is another great addition.

5. Price/Quality

It’s not cheap, but considering the quality, the price is very reasonable. You get a 100-day trial, a lifetime warranty, and a vest that’s absolutely superb in terms of quality. Plus, you can expect to have it for a really, really long time.

Kensui EZ-VEST Alternative

Rogue Plate Carrier

• Color: Black, Coyote Brown, Ranger Green, Gray
• Weight: 5 to 20 pounds (x2)
• Width: Plate Pocket: 10.25" (outside width)
• Height: Plate Pocket: 12.25" (outside height)
• Material: 1000D and 500D Cordura
• Closure Type: USA Velcro fasteners and front/back loops for patches
• Weight Type: Cast weight plates

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As much as we think you’ll love the EZ-VEST, it’s good to have alternatives. You might want something cheaper, you could be curious about what else is out there, or you just prefer one brand over the other. Whatever the case, we have two alternatives to share with you, and the first one is Rogue’s Plate Carrier. 

It’s a more streamlined, specialized option than the EZ-VEST. It’s made in the USA with input from Dave Castro and it’s optimized for Rogue’s contoured Cast Plates. It weighs just over 1 pound, which is a lot lighter than the EZ-VEST (which is 4 lbs) and it focuses on functional precision without the unnecessary bells and whistles. 

The 1000D and 500D Cordura construction makes it durable, and the extra foam padding and stretch woven fabric minimize chafing. The Plate Carrier comes in three sizes and four colors, and if that’s not enough personalization for you, you have a bunch of patches to choose from to really make it your own. 

The Velcro straps and reinforced stitching make it fit secure and comfortable, and although its weight capacity isn’t as high as Kensui’s, where it really shines is efficiency and simplicity. You can still use it for intense workouts and it’s ideal for people who want a more minimalist design. It’s also cheaper than the EZ-VEST.

So, why consider Plate Carrier plate loaded weight vest over EZ-VEST? If you want something more lightweight and simple that’s still highly durable and excellent quality, Rogue’s option is an excellent choice. But if you want more weight capacity and versatility, then the EZ-VEST will work better. Both vests have their unique strong sides, so it really boils down to your preferences.

FAQ

What Types of Exercises Can I Do with the Kensui Ez-Vest?

It’s very versatile, so you can use it for many different exercises, like running, bodyweight exercises (push-ups, pull-ups, squats), as well as HIIT workouts and strength training routines. It will even make walking more of a workout and less of a stroll. 

You might need to buy extra sleeves so it’s more versatile depending on your needs.

How Do I Adjust the Kensui Ez-Vest? 

This is super easy to do because it’s compatible with all 1’’ and 2’’ plates - just pick the sleeve that is best for you. You just add or remove plates to adjust the weight, so you get a very flexible range of resistance for your workouts.

Can I Wear the Kensui Ez-Vest for Long Periods?

Yes! It’s comfortable to wear and it has breathable padding with adjustable shoulder and chest straps. You get a snug fit, less chafing than with other vests, and you get a lot less discomfort during extended wear. 

Conclusion

The right weighted vest can bring a lot to your workout routine. Weighted vests have a lot of benefits, but only if you choose one that’s good. Kensui’s EZ-VEST is an excellent choice for everyone that wants a versatile, high-quality piece of equipment that will make their workouts more intense. If you prefer something more lightweight – we have those options, too!

In the end, it really comes down to what’s important to you, but we really can’t see anyone not enjoying the EZ-VEST MAX v2. Even if you’re a beginner, you’ll progress, so sooner or later, you’ll want to add more weight to it. 

Do you use a weighted vest? Have you tried the EZ-VEST or any of the alternatives we recommend? What do you think is the most important feature when it comes to a weighted vest? 

We’d love to hear what you think so leave a comment! Now go grab that weight vest since it’s an amazing in-vest-ment. As in ‘vest’, get it? Haha. Ok bye.

Also Read:

• Kensui Swissies Review
• All You Need to Know Before Buying a Weighted Vest
• Benefits of Walking With a Weighted Vest: Is It The Real Deal?
• Running With A Weighted Vest: Pros/Cons Explained

References:

1. C.M. Snow, J.M. Shaw, K.M. Winters, K.A. Witzke, “Long-term Exercise Using Weighted Vests Prevents Hip Bone Loss in Postmenopausal Women,” Journal of Gerontology: Biological Sciences and Medical Sciences 55, no. 9 (2000)
2. E. Normandin, D. Yow, C. Crotts, J. Kiel, K.M. Beavers, B.J. Nicklas, “Feasibility of Weighted Vest Use During a Dietary Weight Loss Intervention and Effects on Body Composition and Physical Function in Older Adults,” Journal of Frailty & Aging 7, no. 3 (2018): 198–203.
3. Hana Ames “Can walking with weights help with osteoporosis?” Medical News Today, https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/is-walking-with-weights-good-for-osteoporosis (accessed August 2nd, 2024)
4. Michael L. Puthoff, Benjamin J. Darter, David H. Nielsen, H. John Yack, “The Effect of Weighted Vest Walking on Metabolic Responses and Ground Reaction Forces,” Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise 38, no. 4 (2006): 746-752.
5. “Reduced obesity for weighted-vest wearers,” ScienceDaily, https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/04/200430091301.htm (accessed August 2nd, 2024)
6. Photos by Torokhtiy Media Team.