I posted up a mini review of a new set of adjustable kettlebells soon to hit the market. Information is scant at this point, but I have some pics and I think it looks pretty intriguing.
http://totalphysiqueonline.com/2009/03/01/adjustable-kettlebells-from-ironmaster/
The main issue that I would be worried about with these kettlebells is the pin one the bottom. I have used a set of DB made by the same company on many occasions and loading them is a chore. The pin doesn’t always lock tight down on the weights and even though the weights generally have a lip on them so they can fit inside of each other, they still slip and rotate. The pins also become very lose when if the weight is put down hard.
since IMO On Avg. the force put on a kettlebell is much greater than that of a Db. and having experience with a similar setup I’m skeptical about how well these will perform after being dropped and thrown around. A convenient idea, but functional, i guess only time will tell.
[quote]garagebuilt wrote:
The main issue that I would be worried about with these kettlebells is the pin one the bottom. I have used a set of DB made by the same company on many occasions and loading them is a chore. The pin doesn’t always lock tight down on the weights and even though the weights generally have a lip on them so they can fit inside of each other, they still slip and rotate. The pins also become very lose when if the weight is put down hard.
since IMO On Avg. the force put on a kettlebell is much greater than that of a Db. and having experience with a similar setup I’m skeptical about how well these will perform after being dropped and thrown around. A convenient idea, but functional, i guess only time will tell. [/quote]
This is a great reply, and thank you.
You know, I had a set of IM dumbbells, and loved them. Don’t get me wrong. I am not a “fan-boy” of any particular company. If a product has flaws, I am honest abut them. But, with the IM Quick-locks I had no trouble. What I did was this: whenever I set a QL dumbbell up, I would grab the ends of the db by the screws, taps it once or twice on the stand to weed out any looseness, and tightened the screws as needed. Invariably, I would occasionally tease out some looseness and all I needed to do was tighten the screw a half turn or so. And boom. No rattles. Not even when I dropped them.
I think the looseness issue has to do with the fact that the plates, though they are designed to stack together, are not machined to a high standard of perfection, so they plates do not nest together perfectly. Hence, I just always tapped the dumbbells on the stand once or twice on the outside chance that I might not have stacked the plates together neatly.
Still, based on your experience I can appreciate your skepticism.
You know, if I were you I would speak to Ironmaster about this. Your input is really valuable to me and I would hope Matt would appreciate your experience.
You have nailed one thing on the head though. One thing you cannot afford with adjustable kettlebells is ANY chance whatsoever that the screws are not tight.
So, I am paying attention to your observations big time.
Why not take your concerns and post them on my site. As I said, I am not a fan boy. I like honesty, so chime in with a comment at the above link. Get a conversation started!
Tim