Those of you who have them - do you like them?
I’m looking at the Bowflex Selecttech 1090 (10lbs-90lbs) one, because it does seem like a good way to compress a lot of the space needed for a full rack, and I’m getting a good deal.
Would you recommend them? Do they feel cheap/weird, etc?
I’ve never used them myself, but they always looked kinda cumbersome in the ads.
S
Check these out, they are the ones I’ll be getting in a few months. Few of the guys in the t-cell alpha posted in the home gym thread that they have them. Those who have them said they are great. They are expandable up to 160lbs, which kicks ass.
I have that exact Ironmaster setup, but not up to 160lbs
just the 120lb kit, it was the only thing I could workout with till I got our squat rack
it takes some getting use to the first few times you change the weight, but its a lot better then having several normal dumbbells
those bowflex things are POS’s I have powerblocks and I like them but I think I would buy the ironmasters if I did it all over again.
What advantage do adjustable dumbbell sets have over something like http://www.flexcart.com/members/elitefts/default.asp?m=PD&cid=212&pid=141 ?
They’re a lot cheaper and you can use all the plates you buy on your barbells too. Plus it seems like you would be able to get the pro style ones a lot heavier than any adjustable set I’ve seen.
I don’t know much about the brands or anything but I bought some real cheap ass ones about 3 years ago. They are alright to an extent.
My best advice is to still get at least two pairs so that you can super set, they can take a while to change the weight, so it adds time to your workout and it just a bitch really.
I also found that when I got up to 15 kg or more the plates moved alot doing curls which was anoying.
One really good advantage is that you can load just the one end and do thors hammer exercises for your fore arms, thats pretty much all I use mine for now.
[quote]mafzal4 wrote:
Those of you who have them - do you like them?
I’m looking at the Bowflex Selecttech 1090 (10lbs-90lbs) one, because it does seem like a good way to compress a lot of the space needed for a full rack, and I’m getting a good deal.
Would you recommend them? Do they feel cheap/weird, etc?[/quote]
I’ve got 'em. Pretty handy and convenient for a conventional home workout. Don’t feel or look cheap at all. Changing weight selection is a snap. My only complaint is the overall length of the dumbbell itself - requires some attention of the dumbbell’s position in somve movements. If you want to compare a standard dumbbell length to one of these, I’d say the Select Tech is about 2-3 inches longer. Not a big deal, but something to be aware of.
Another vote for the ironmaster dumbells. I have em. They are great. I was a little skeptical at first too.
They turned out to be a great investment. I have the 120lbs set and their bench too. It is worth the price. They are as close to a regular dumbell as it gets. Feels solid in your hand and when you are using them.
The powerblocks and bowflex stuff seemed like it would shattered if you dropped it. They also seemed to have a bunch of moving parts that shake when you pick them up.
[quote]Unaware wrote:
What advantage do adjustable dumbbell sets have over something like http://www.flexcart.com/members/elitefts/default.asp?m=PD&cid=212&pid=141 ?
They’re a lot cheaper and you can use all the plates you buy on your barbells too. Plus it seems like you would be able to get the pro style ones a lot heavier than any adjustable set I’ve seen. [/quote]
I wonder this myself. It seems no one ever talks about oly dumbbell handles, only commercial adjustables. Is there a reason for this? I have a pair, and actually don’t even have a barbell right now. They work great.
Clunky? A little. But it’s invaluable with the space it saves.
IMO Powerbocks are the best as they are a quick change and can extend to heavier weights than most all other types. I have the Pro Bigblock which is 130lbs per dumbbell. They are not cheap, but work great.
WalMart carries a handle that is plate loaded (not like power blocks) with standard plates. I really like it and can get it up to 120+ for rows. Just don’t throw them when benching (they bend if they land sideways with a good amount of weight on them).
EDIT: Robot or human? but they sell them without the plates if you want for about $8.
I am picking up a pair of 5-90lb Powerblock dumbbells from a guy off of Craigslist for $350, then the 130lb add-on brand new from the site for $150.
5-130lb dumbbells, powerblock - not bad.
Do you guys think that the $350 price is good?
[quote]Vicomte wrote:
Unaware wrote:
What advantage do adjustable dumbbell sets have over something like http://www.flexcart.com/members/elitefts/default.asp?m=PD&cid=212&pid=141 ?
They’re a lot cheaper and you can use all the plates you buy on your barbells too. Plus it seems like you would be able to get the pro style ones a lot heavier than any adjustable set I’ve seen.
I wonder this myself. It seems no one ever talks about oly dumbbell handles, only commercial adjustables. Is there a reason for this? I have a pair, and actually don’t even have a barbell right now. They work great.[/quote]
I’ve been thinking about going this route alot to save some money as I am in the process of setting up a home gym. If nothing else it could be just a temp quick-fix until I get something else - which I would only do if I found a reason that I didn’t like the setup.
[quote]mafzal4 wrote:
I am picking up a pair of 5-90lb Powerblock dumbbells from a guy off of Craigslist for $350, then the 130lb add-on brand new from the site for $150.
5-130lb dumbbells, powerblock - not bad.
Do you guys think that the $350 price is good?[/quote]
Depends on what shape they are in. But the 10-90lb new is $778. So its a great deal if they are in good shape.