Kensui Fitness EZ-Vest Review: The Ultimate Weight Vest for Strength Training

If you’re serious about bodyweight training and looking for a way to progressively overload your exercises, the Kensui EZ-Vest is an absolute game-changer. Unlike traditional weight vests that use sandbags or fixed weights, the EZ-Vest allows you to use standard weight plates, giving you total control over how much resistance you add. After testing it extensively, here’s my breakdown of its design, functionality, and overall performance.

Build Quality and Comfort

Right out of the box, the EZ-Vest stands out with its premium construction. It features heavy-duty metal loading posts and a reinforced vest design that distributes weight efficiently across the shoulders and torso. The padding is generous, ensuring that even when loaded with significant weight, the vest remains comfortable and doesn’t dig into the skin. The high-quality straps provide a secure and adjustable fit, making it suitable for a variety of body types.

Versatility & Load Capacity

One of the biggest selling points of the EZ-Vest is its ability to support up to 225 lbs of additional weight (depending on the model). This is a huge upgrade over traditional weighted vests, which often max out around 50-80 lbs. You can use standard Olympic or standard plates, allowing for gradual and precise progression in your training.

Whether you’re doing pull-ups, dips, push-ups, squats, lunges, or even weighted runs, the vest stays in place and doesn’t shift uncomfortably. It’s a must-have for calisthenics, CrossFit, and general strength training.

Choosing the Right EZ-Vest: LITE, PRO, or MAX?

Kensui Fitness offers three different versions of the EZ-Vest, each designed for different training needs. Whether you’re just getting started with weighted training or looking for maximum resistance, there’s an option for you. Here’s a breakdown of the three models:

1. EZ-Vest LITE V2 (80 lbs) – $99.95

Best for beginners or those who primarily focus on calisthenics and endurance training, the LITE V2 is a great entry point. With an 80 lb weight capacity, it’s ideal for exercises like push-ups, dips, squats, and pull-ups while keeping the vest lightweight and mobile.
✅ Best for: Beginners, endurance athletes, and those who don’t need extreme weight loading.

2. EZ-Vest PRO V2 (150 lbs) – $179.95

The PRO V2 is a big step up, doubling the weight capacity to 150 lbs. This version is designed for those who want serious strength training while keeping the vest relatively compact and affordable. It’s perfect for those doing progressive overload in bodyweight training, allowing you to continually challenge yourself.
✅ Best for: Intermediate to advanced athletes looking for significant resistance in calisthenics and weighted workouts.

3. EZ-Vest MAX V2 (300 lbs) – $299.95

For the most hardcore strength enthusiasts, the MAX V2 is an absolute beast. With a whopping 300 lb capacity, this is the ultimate version for those who want to add serious weight to their workouts. Whether you’re doing heavy weighted dips, squats, or even weighted walking, the MAX V2 ensures maximum resistance with unparalleled durability.
✅ Best for: Elite athletes, powerlifters, and serious calisthenics practitioners who want extreme weight loading.

Which One Should You Choose?

• If you’re just getting into weighted training, the LITE V2 is a great, affordable option.
• If you want to build serious strength while maintaining a reasonable price point, the PRO V2 is the sweet spot.
• If you’re pushing for maximum strength and progressive overload, the MAX V2 is the way to go—though it’s almost sold out!

Regardless of which version you choose, the EZ-Vest is a premium tool that will take your training to the next level. 🚀🏋️‍♂️.

Kensui EZ-VEST® | Heaviest Weight Vest

Enhancing Your EZ-Vest with the XT Sleeve Attachment

While the Kensui EZ-Vest is already an incredibly versatile tool, one must-have accessory to consider is the XT Sleeve attachment. This add-on enhances the vest’s functionality, allowing for a wider range of exercises and improving comfort during certain movements.

What Is the XT Sleeve?

The XT Sleeve is a protective cover that wraps around the weight-loading posts of the EZ-Vest. It provides a smooth, cushioned surface, preventing the metal posts from pressing uncomfortably against your body during ground-based movements.

Why You Might Need It?

One of the main limitations of a plate-loaded vest is that the weight plates can extend outward, making some exercises—like push-ups, bench dips, or lying exercises—awkward or even uncomfortable. The XT Sleeve solves this by covering the posts, allowing you to perform exercises on the floor with ease.

Benefits of the XT Sleeve Attachment

✅ More Comfortable Push-Ups & Floor Exercises – Eliminates metal edges pressing against your chest, making push-ups, planks, and dips more natural.
✅ Protects the Vest & Your Body – Prevents chafing or discomfort from direct contact with the weight plates.
✅ Increases Exercise Variety – Allows you to perform ground-based movements that would otherwise be difficult with the standard setup.
✅ Easy to Attach & Durable – Made from high-quality materials, designed to last through heavy training sessions.

Is It Worth Getting?

If you plan on using the EZ-Vest for exercises that involve direct contact with the floor—such as push-ups, burpees, or even lying-down weighted movements—the XT Sleeve is a highly recommended addition. It makes training more comfortable while ensuring the vest doesn’t get in the way of your movement.

For those who want to maximize the EZ-Vest’s potential, the XT Sleeve is a smart investment that enhances both functionality and comfort. 💪🔥

Performance and Use

Using the EZ-Vest for pull-ups, dips, and push-ups feels incredibly natural. Unlike bulky traditional vests that feel awkward and unevenly distributed, this one hugs the body tightly while keeping the weight centralized. Even with heavier loads, it remains stable, and there’s no excessive movement.

The quick-release clips make it easy to take off between sets, which is a small but important feature when you’re training hard.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

✅ Adjustable weight capacity – Load up to 225 lbs with standard weight plates
✅ High-quality build – Durable metal construction with reinforced straps
✅ Comfortable and ergonomic – Padding prevents discomfort even with heavy loads
✅ Versatile – Great for bodyweight exercises, resistance training, and weighted walks
✅ Secure fit – No bouncing or shifting during movements

Cons:

❌ Higher price point – More expensive than traditional weight vests
❌ Loading plates takes time – Not as quick as simply strapping on a fixed-weight vest
❌ Can feel front-heavy – Depending on the exercise and plate distribution

Final Verdict

The Kensui EZ-Vest is hands down one of the best weight vests on the market, especially for serious athletes who want progressive overload in their training. Its durability, adjustability, and comfort make it superior to traditional weighted vests. While it does come at a premium price, the ability to scale weight with standard plates makes it a long-term investment for those who take their training seriously.

If you’re looking to push your bodyweight training to the next level, the Kensui EZ-Vest is an elite choice that delivers real results. 🚀🏋️