REVIEW: Monkey hand weight plates for Plate Carrier

When a rather inconspicuous A4 envelope leaves the mailman perplexed, it is probably delivering an important package. In our case, the package tape immediately suggested that it would be a training tool. The mailman was probably just surprised by the weight of the package. AFFENHAND is now a well-known shop in the German-speaking area, offering sports equipment, sports nutrition, and clothing related to CrossFit, fitness, or a sporty lifestyle in general. Due to its proximity to CrossFit, AFFENHAND has also introduced its own weight plates (called "Gravitationsverstärker" in affend's language) to the booming market of training tools.

In terms of dimensions, AFFENHAND naturally orients itself towards the industry leader in weight vests, the 5.11 TacTec Plate Carrier - our SPARTANAT review of the 5.11 Tactical TacTec Plate Carrier can be found here.

First Impressions

The two plates lie solid and straightforward in the hand, or completely flat on the ground, exuding a kind of cool beauty. Steel can be so sexy. It's actually a pity that these carefully crafted steel plates will mostly lead a hidden existence within a weight vest. An entertaining "safety note" in the form of a sticker must not be missing: "Not ballistic protection, just heavy." That's the point! These plates are not meant to protect against any kind of impact, they are just meant to make your workout heavier.

Does it live up to the promise?

AFFENHAND offers two different sets of plates in the M(ale) dimension weighing 3,910g (per plate) and in the W(female) dimension weighing 2,900g, which by definition meet the weight requirements for a Hero Workout as performed at the CrossFit Games. The two plate sets only differ in material thickness, with identical dimensions. Mass makes you fat - just like in real life.

The plates fit easily into the designated slots of the 5.11 Tactical TacTec, also used at the CrossFit Games, and thanks to the generous Velcro closures, they sit securely in place.

Obey gravity, it's the law!

What AFFENHAND aptly refers to as "Gravitationsverstärker" must of course be tested accordingly. For this purpose, Stefan served as a, let's say, well-trained "guinea pig," equipped with weights and sent through a circuit.

As you can see, the plates, with their slim waist (material thickness), hardly protrude at the front or back and are perfectly held in place by the comfortable cummerbund of the plate carrier.

Box jumps: They hold up well, the cummerbund ensures that the plates do not fly towards the chin.

Dips: You quickly start to feel the extra weight.

Sit-ups: Was there not already enough weight on the upper body?

And even during the side plank, the plate from AFFENHAND intensifies the workout.

CONCLUSION: AFFENHAND delivers perfectly on fit and weight. The plates are tailored for the 5.11 Plate Carrier and do what they were designed for ... They literally make your life harder, but they are neither bulky nor hindering during crunches or similar exercises. They simply demand more ...

The plates can also be used in the back panels of backpacks to make marches or hikes more intense. It doesn't always have to be CrossFit.

You can get the 5.11 Tactical TacTec Plate Carrier (CrossFit) at AFFENHAND along with the matching weight plates for €99 per set.

AFFENHAND on the internet: www.affenhand.de