Xvest X8484 The Firemen Model 84-Pound Weight Vest

First things first, when you receive your XVest, the weights come packaged. You unbox the weights, and remove the individual plastic wrapper from each. The weights are 1lb cylinders that are rounded on the end. Each has a small collar that it slides into inside of a larger pouch on the vest. The weights are well distributed among 4 large pouches; one each across the chest, abdomen, upper and lower back. You can add as many weights as you like, up to the full 84 lbs, and the mounting system does a very good job at holding them snugly. Even with all of the weights inserted the vest is surprisingly easy to handle, aside from being quite heavy of course. Getting all of the weights inserted took about 30 minutes.

The general construction and finish of the vest is very high quality. The nylon is extremely tough and reminded me of the construction of body armor that I''ve worn. Seams are all double-stitched and a heavy thread is used. The Velcro closures (everything save for two quick-release clips on the shoulders that act as a secondary retainer to the Velcro shoulder adjustment) are of the industrial variety to say the least. In short, the thing''s built like a tank.

Putting the thing on while loaded with 84 pounds takes some practice. It''d be pretty easy to knock yourself out cold me thinks. Once you get it over your shoulders it''s just a matter of leveling it out and pulling the giant elastic waist straps from the back to the front where they attach using enormous Velcro pads. The thing fits like a glove but still allows for easy deep breathing. Quite a feat. I had to take the thing on and off a few times to get the shoulders adjusted for a proper fit which eventually meant laying on the floor and sort of crawling into the thing because my arms got tired and my head got sore. Overall, adjustment was a breeze.

After getting the thing adjusted and putting it on, I immediately noticed how much more stable my overall mobility was in comparison to having the same amount of weight in my backpack. Walking around, bending over, picking things up, just normal motion were all much more balanced and less awkward. Having the weight distributed around your body and closer to your center of gravity makes a HUGE difference. While it certainly adds to stability, balance and control, I would soon find that there is a price to be paid.

I headed out the door and hit the pavement running. I set out to do a single lap on my normal run; from my house to the trail, once around, back to my house. The trail is gravel and dirt and almost entirely small hills, some steep, some gradual. It''s a great run and a perfect place to test out my new gear. From my front door to the trail head is about a third of a mile. About half-way through that third of a mile I was made painfully aware that I was no longer carrying all of the weight on my back and that now I had 42 lbs trying to pull my torso forward. Oddly enough, the muscles in my back, those that hold you upright vs. bending over forward, had not been worked in, ooooohhhh...ever. I learned VERY quickly to run with near perfect posture, keeping the weigh over my hips and my spine straight (the price as mentioned earlier). I would have to adjust my posture frequently over the nest few miles, but I found that if I ran with proper posture, the pain was tolerable. I did have to walk for a few short spots just to give my back muscles a break, a stretch, etc. but at the end they simply felt like they''d been worked hard. Today (the day after) they''re fine, if a bit sore from being asked to put out. In addition to the aforementioned, I found that if you run with a hunched posture, the vest bounces. 84lbs bouncing while you run makes for very difficult progress (and very sore shoulders). Again, proper posture fixed this problem.

At the end of my run I felt like I''d really put out. My legs had gotten a good workout (though not quite as much as with my heavier backpack). My torso felt like it had just run a gauntlet. My shoulders were dead (not in a bad way). Overall and OUTSTANDING workout. My only complaint is that the shoulder padding is lacking. 84lbs is a lot of weight to have suspended by your shoulders. They should have spent some more money in production cost and put a load-bearing waist-belt on the thing such as you find on a good backpack. Given the lack of one and the poor shoulder padding I give the XVest 4 stars. Add the two and I''d not hesitate giving it 5.

It does cost alot but it does the job very well. If you place the metal bars evenly on the front and back, then you get a natural weight distribution. It fits like a taiored vest, which is important when exercising. You don''t have to readjust at all during your workout. I worn it in the gym and I had over a dozen people ask me what I was waring. It looks like a bullit proof vest, so I told them it was. I couldn''t resist. One guy asked for the website and went out and bought it.

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Its a good Vest. The weight can be distributed evenly (depending on how you organize the weights) and rests closely to the body so it doesn''t really impact your center of gravity and place undo stress on your back or shoulders. You really get a work out when wearing it. While I like the velcro used to secure the vest around your body, I kind of hoped that they could have used the clips like the shoulders that could then be tightened beyond what velcro can. If you''re wearing it for a long period, it can start to dig into your neck a bit and become uncomfortable. Other than that. I like it.

Read Best Reviews of Xvest X8484 The Firemen Model 84-Pound Weight Vest Here

I received the vest quick and in a hurry, allowing me to try it out right away. Except for two pounds missing from the weight vest when it was delivered. I was very pleased. I wear my self out when wearing this vest along with a work out video. I tell you, you will see results quickly.

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I don''t ever write reviews but I am so displeased with this product I have to vent my frustration. When you''re paying this much for a product there''s an inherent level of quality you should expect as a customer, and I simply do not feel that this product meets those expectations. Basically, it''s the same as the lighter models but.. heavier, duh, right? the problem is that the support is nowhere near enough, i was losing circulation to my arms within minutes of putting it on, this product was just pure disappointment, you''re much better off just filling a nice back pack with whatever you can find, its a much cheaper and more efficient alternative.