I’m thinking of buying a weight vest (probably on-line). I was just going to get the cheapest one ($99 bucks at Amazon). Is one pretty much like the other, or should I look for certain features in a weight vest?

There are several different weight vests on the market, varying in price. I favor the X VEST, because it is used by Navy Seals and professional athletes. It’s comfortable at most speeds and body movements. The two-piece clamshell design has nylon surfaces with a elastic, velcro waistband and adjustable height and width so as to not affect arm motion, balance, or breathing. It’s also the most stable of the brands I’ve seen, moving very little even during fast running. There is a pocket for keys and a wallet, and it comes in 12 to 84 pound models. Price is $179, (800) 697-5658; www.thexvest.com

Two other options may be of interest to you if you want a slightly less expensive version. They are the Uni-Vest, which is non-adjustable, but provides a one-piece neoprene and nylon construction that enables a secure fit. The vest uses flexible, half-pound rubber weights that contour to the human form and could be safer than the X VEST’s metal weights if you’re uncoordinated. But there’s no place to put keys. Price: $69, (888) 556-7464; www.performbetter.com

The WalkVest is designed for use just with walking, and the sleeveless, cotton vest with midsection pockets hold up to 32 thin steel bars weighing each .5 pounds for a total of 16 pounds of resistance. The cotton construction provides a relatively comfortable fit, and because of the natural fibers, it’s cooler than neoprene vests. I wouldn’t recommend this vest if you plan on any running, because it bounces at all speeds above a simple walk. Straps aren’t made from velcro and must be tightened often. A rear pocket holds keys. And the vest only includes four pounds of weights with the first order. (You have to buy more if you want them).  Price: $85, (877) 925-5837; www.walkvest.com