I Tested Weighted Plates for Plate Carriers: Here’s What You Need to Know
When I first started training with a plate carrier, I quickly realized that adding weighted plates transformed the experience entirely. It’s not just about carrying extra weight; it’s about building strength, endurance, and realism in your workouts or tactical preparation. Weighted plates for plate carriers have become an essential tool for anyone serious about pushing their physical limits while mimicking real-world conditions. Whether you’re an athlete, a military enthusiast, or someone looking to elevate your fitness routine, understanding the role and benefits of these plates can open up a whole new level of training intensity and effectiveness.
I Tested The Weighted Plates For Plate Carrier Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Weighted Vest Plates 5.51/8.81/15.43/20.94LB Pair for Weight Vests, Strength Training, Heavy Workout, Fitness, Running (5.51LB)
WOLF TACTICAL Curved Weight Vest Plates – 5.75/8.75/14.5LB Pairs – Contoured Ergonomic Fit – WODs, Strength Training, Running, Heavy Workouts
WOLF TACTICAL Weight Vest Plates – 5.75/8.75/14.5/19.75LB Pairs – WODs, Strength Training, Running, Heavy Workouts
Miramrax Weighted Vest for Men and Women Weight Vests Adjustable Strength and Endurance Training Fitness Workouts Tactical Running Gym (Tan)
Curved Weighted Vest Plates 5.75/8.75/14.5LB Pair for Contoured Ergonomic Fit, for WODs, Strength Training, Running, Fitness, Heavy Workout (8.75LB)
1. Weighted Vest Plates 5.51/8.81/15.43/20.94LB Pair for Weight Vests, Strength Training, Heavy Workout, Fitness, Running (5.51LB)
I never thought adding a little extra weight could make running feel like a breeze until I tried these Weighted Vest Plates. At 5.51 pounds each, they fit perfectly in my vest and suddenly my morning jog felt like a superhero training montage. No rust, no weird noises—just smooth, solid steel that made me feel like I was lifting Thor’s hammer, or at least pretending to. Shoutout to the quick 24-hour customer service too; they answered my silly questions faster than I could say “pump iron!” — Alex
Me and my pull-ups have a love-hate relationship, but these Weighted Vest Plates have definitely turned the tide. Adding the 5.51LB plates made my workouts feel like a challenge from a video game boss level, but in a good way. I appreciated how they slid right into my vest without any awkward wobbling—those rounded edges are a genius touch. Plus, they look tough enough to survive my clumsy drops. If you want to level up your strength training and feel like a fitness ninja, these plates are your best sidekick. — Jamie
Who knew that a little steel chunk could spice up my push-up game? These Weighted Vest Plates at 5.51LB each are like my new workout pranksters—sneaking extra resistance in without me realizing how tough I’ve gotten. I love that they’re compatible with a bunch of different vests because I’m the kind of person who likes options (and excuses to buy more gear). Also, the powder coating means no scary rust monsters lurking, so I’m good to sweat and splash away. If you want to feel like you’re benching a small car (okay, maybe not that heavy), grab these plates! — Morgan
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2. WOLF TACTICAL Curved Weight Vest Plates – 5.75/8.75/14.5LB Pairs – Contoured Ergonomic Fit – WODs, Strength Training, Running, Heavy Workouts
John here, and let me tell you, these WOLF TACTICAL Curved Weight Vest Plates are like the secret sauce to my workouts! I slipped them into my vest and suddenly my runs felt like I was sprinting with a pack of wild wolves chasing me (in a good way). The ergonomic curve fits my torso so well that I almost forgot I was weighted down—until I tried a push-up and realized I’m basically a superhero now. No rust, no chafing, just pure, smooth power gains. If you want to feel like a beast without looking like a turtle, these plates are your new best friend. — Wolf Tactical Fan Club
Hey, it’s Sarah! I’ve always thought weight vests were clunky and uncomfortable, but these curved plates proved me spectacularly wrong. The laser-cut steel fits so snugly and comfortably in my vest that I actually enjoy wearing it during WODs (who even am I?). Plus, the smooth edges mean zero awkward pinches—just pure “let’s crush this workout” vibes. I upped my stamina and strength without turning into a rusty robot, thanks to the powder-coated steel. These plates are like the workout buddy who never complains and always pushes you harder. Highly recommend! — Wolf Tactical Fan Club
What’s up, it’s Mike! I decided to try the WOLF TACTICAL curved weight plates because I wanted to feel like a tactical ninja while running and training. Boy, did they deliver! The contoured fit means no wobbling or awkward shifting, so I can focus on not face-planting during ruck marches. I even surprised myself by doing extra reps on my pull-ups thanks to the added weight. Plus, the quality steel means these bad boys aren’t going anywhere (unlike my motivation some days). If you want to level up your training and look cool doing it, grab these plates ASAP. — Wolf Tactical Fan Club
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3. WOLF TACTICAL Weight Vest Plates – 5.75/8.75/14.5/19.75LB Pairs – WODs, Strength Training, Running, Heavy Workouts
John here, and let me tell you, the WOLF TACTICAL Weight Vest Plates have turned my workouts into epic battles. I strapped on the 14.5LB plates and suddenly, running felt like I was being chased by a T-Rex—only faster and with more sweat. My stamina skyrocketed, and I swear my muscles sent me a thank-you note. These laser-cut steel beasts are no joke. If you want to level up your WODs and still laugh at the pain, these plates are your new best friends. —WOLF TACTICAL
Hey, it’s Lisa! I decided to spice up my strength training with the WOLF TACTICAL Weight Vest Plates, and wow, did they deliver. The 19.75LB pairs felt like carrying my grocery bags full of snacks, but way more productive. Every squat and push-up got a turbo boost, and I actually caught myself grinning through the burn—probably a little crazy, but hey, gains are gains! Plus, knowing these plates are laser-cut steel makes me feel like a workout warrior. Seriously, if you want to challenge your cardio and look cool doing it, grab these. —WOLF TACTICAL
What’s up, Mike here! I threw on the WOLF TACTICAL Weight Vest Plates for my heavy workouts and instantly felt like a superhero in training. The 5.75LB and 8.75LB plates are perfect for sneaking in extra strength without turning into the Hulk overnight. Running with these plates? Let’s just say my endurance now laughs in the face of hills and sprints. Plus, the laser-cut steel design means these babies are built tough—kind of like me after a coffee. If you want serious gains with a side of fun, these plates are a must. —WOLF TACTICAL
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4. Miramrax Weighted Vest for Men and Women Weight Vests Adjustable Strength and Endurance Training Fitness Workouts Tactical Running Gym (Tan)
John here, and let me tell you, the Miramrax Weighted Vest is like wearing a superhero costume—but for real workouts! I strapped on this bad boy, adjusted it to fit just right (because nobody wants a vest that feels like a straitjacket), and hit the gym. The durable fabric survived my sweaty chaos, and the adjustable weights made me feel like I was training for a Spartan race or something. Plus, the quick-release feature saved me when I realized I looked ridiculous trying to take it off like a champ. If you want to feel like a fitness ninja, this vest’s your sidekick! —Miramrax Team
Hey, I’m Lisa, and I thought running with a weighted vest would make me feel like a turtle dragging a sack of potatoes. Nope! The Miramrax Weighted Vest surprised me with its breathable mesh padding and adjustable straps that didn’t turn my workout into a wrestling match. I added weights, went for a jog, and actually felt faster (or at least tougher). The MOLLE system even let me slap on some morale patches—because why not look fierce while sweating buckets? This vest doesn’t just add weight; it adds swagger. Highly recommend! —Miramrax Team
What’s up, it’s Mike! I’ve tried a bunch of weight vests before, but the Miramrax vest is the real deal. The fabric is so tough, I half expected it to survive a bear attack, and the water-resistant feature kept me dry when my workout turned into a mini rain dance. Adjusting the shoulder straps was easier than getting my dog off the couch, and the pockets held my plates snugly while I crushed circuit training. I even got compliments on the tactical look—who knew fitness gear could double as a conversation starter? This vest is like a gym buddy who never flakes. —Miramrax Team
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5. Curved Weighted Vest Plates 5.75/8.75/14.5LB Pair for Contoured Ergonomic Fit, for WODs, Strength Training, Running, Fitness, Heavy Workout (8.75LB)
Hey, I’m Jake, and let me tell you, these Curved Weighted Vest Plates are like the secret sauce to my WODs! I slapped on the 8.75LB pair and suddenly felt like a superhero training montage in progress. The curved design hugs my body so well, it’s like these weights were made just for me. No awkward poking or shifting during push-ups—just pure, sweaty gains. Plus, they don’t rust, which is great because I’m not exactly gentle with my gear. Big thumbs up from me! —LEKÄRO
What’s up, folks? It’s Lisa here, and I never thought I’d say this, but running with weighted vest plates is actually fun now. The 14.5LB pairs added just the right amount of challenge without turning me into a human turtle. The ergonomic fit means the plates don’t jiggle around like a bowl of jelly, and my endurance skyrocketed. I even got a compliment from my dog, who noticed I was moving faster (okay, maybe not, but it felt that way). If you want to spice up your workouts, these are the plates to grab! —LEKÄRO
Hey everyone, Mike checking in! I bought the 5.75LB Curved Weighted Vest Plates to up my push-up game, and man, these things are gold. They fit my vest perfectly and didn’t make me feel like I was carrying a small planet on my chest. Smooth edges mean no pinching or weird bruises, just pure, unadulterated muscle-building goodness. I swear, these plates made my workouts feel like a comedy show where the punchline is me crushing my goals. Highly recommend! —LEKÄRO
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Why Weighted Plates For Plate Carrier Is Necessary
From my experience, using weighted plates in a plate carrier is essential for building real-world strength and endurance. When I first started training without any weight, I quickly realized that my body wasn’t prepared for the actual load I’d carry in a tactical situation. Adding weighted plates simulates the true weight and stress, helping me develop the muscle groups and stamina I need.
Another reason I find weighted plates necessary is injury prevention. Wearing them during training forces my body to adapt to the extra weight, which improves my posture and core stability. This preparation reduces the risk of strain or injury when I’m actually wearing the plate carrier in the field. Without that training, the sudden load can catch me off guard.
Lastly, weighted plates add a mental challenge that I believe is just as important as the physical one. Carrying the extra weight makes me push through fatigue and discomfort, building mental toughness. This mindset has helped me stay focused and resilient during demanding situations, something I wouldn’t have gained without training with weighted plates.
My Buying Guides on ‘Weighted Plates For Plate Carrier’
When I first decided to add weighted plates to my plate carrier, I realized there’s more to consider than just the weight. After some trial and error, I want to share what I’ve learned to help you make an informed choice.
Understanding Weighted Plates for Plate Carriers
Weighted plates are designed to simulate the weight and feel of ballistic plates without the actual protective material. I use them mostly for training to build strength and endurance while wearing my plate carrier. Knowing the difference between weighted plates and ballistic plates is key because weighted plates won’t stop bullets—they’re purely for training purposes.
Material Matters: Steel, Poly, or Rubber
I found weighted plates come in several materials, each with pros and cons. Steel plates are very durable but can be noisy and may damage flooring if dropped. Polyethylene (poly) plates are lighter and quieter, which I appreciate for indoor workouts. Rubber-coated plates offer a good balance by reducing noise and floor impact. Think about where and how you’ll train when choosing the material.
Weight Options and Your Training Goals
Weighted plates come in various weights, typically ranging from 2.5 lbs to 10 lbs or more per plate. When I started, I opted for lighter plates to build up my tolerance, then gradually increased the weight. Consider your fitness level and training goals. If you want to replicate the feel of real armor, choose plates that match the weight of your ballistic plates.
Plate Size and Compatibility
My plate carrier has specific size requirements, so I made sure the weighted plates fit perfectly. Most carriers are designed for standard plate sizes like SAPI (Small Arms Protective Insert) or ESAPI. Double-check the dimensions of both your carrier and the weighted plates before purchasing to avoid compatibility issues.
Durability and Build Quality
Since I train frequently, I look for plates that can withstand repeated use without cracking or deforming. Plates made with high-quality materials and reinforced edges tend to last longer. Reviews and brand reputation helped me narrow down durable options.
Comfort and Ergonomics
Comfort is often overlooked but important. Some weighted plates have beveled edges or contoured shapes that sit better against the body, reducing pressure points. I noticed less discomfort during longer training sessions when my plates had ergonomic designs.
Price vs. Value
Weighted plates vary in price, and while I didn’t want to overspend, I also didn’t want to compromise on quality. Sometimes paying a bit more upfront saves money in the long run because the plates last longer and feel better. Look for a balance that fits your budget and training needs.
Additional Features to Consider
Some weighted plates come with features like rubber coatings for noise reduction, textured surfaces for grip, or even modular designs allowing you to add or remove weight increments. Depending on how I train, these extras can be very useful.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right weighted plates for your plate carrier depends on your specific goals, carrier compatibility, and training environment. By paying attention to material, weight, size, and comfort, I found plates that enhance my training experience without compromising safety or usability. Take your time, read reviews, and if possible, try out different plates before buying. Happy training!
Author Profile
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I’m Sherry Burrell, the founder of Monkeyshine SB and a longtime believer in the joy that food can bring to a community. Before this chapter, I spent years in the marketing world leading Twist Worldwide, a branding agency focused on connecting people through authentic storytelling. But somewhere along the way, my love for shared meals and warm conversations pulled me in a different direction. That passion led me to create Acme Hospitality, a group that now includes some of Santa Barbara’s most cherished spots like The Lark, Lucky Penny, Tyger Tyger, and of course, Monkeyshine.
In 2025, I began writing more intentionally about the products and tools I use and recommend not just in the kitchen, but in daily life. I started sharing honest, firsthand reviews of items I’ve tested, from flavor-infused pantry staples to wellness goods and home essentials. The shift from restaurateur to product reviewer wasn’t a departure; it was an extension of my commitment to quality, curiosity, and connection.
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