I saw this ad, a few towns away, on craigslist. I found an Olympic set with only 300lbs of weight for nearly $500 online. I figure for nearly 100 more lbs, plus the weight tree (only buying the barbell + weights, plus he is offering them for $400) - it would be a decent deal.
I don’t know much about whether there is any damage I should be aware of? Cracks, rust, etc., or would these pretty much last forever?
The situation is that I’m currently working with a standard bar and standard plates that I am told bend pretty badly, especially when I am squatting (repping low 300s, most I’ve put on is maybe high 300s for DLs - bodybuilding ATM, and a beginner so probably not pushing crazy weight anytime soon). I am worried about bending/snapping and I was wondering if this might be a good investment (plus I think I read somewhere that benching is easier with an Olympic bar - not sure how true that is). Let me know - thanks!
Im would bet the Olympic weights would be fine. The barbell and dumbbells may have issues. But how long have you been looking? I would think you could find alot better deals. Last month I bout 300lbs of O weights with a bar, a shitty bench(I threw away), and a seated calf raise machine for $130. You should be able to find a similar weight set in the $200s easy if you keep looking. Be patient. Im sure a deal will pop up in a month or so.
There’ve been a few times I’ve seen an Olympic weight set 300lb+ with bench and other accessories (all in great condition/no rust) on CL for as low as $150 here in the San Diego area. I’d think you can do better than $400 if you’re willing to wait for a deal.
I bought a 300lb olympic weight set from Dick’s for something like $200, maybe less. When I outgrow this bar, I’ll probably pick up a bar from Rogue Fitness or so for around $150 for a high-quality olympic bar. Either way, the plates will still be good.
Olympic weight trees seem to run around $25 used to $40 new.
If you have a Play It Again Sports in your area, it might be worth checking out. A used olympic barbell seems to run around $35-45. Their used plates run around 80 cents a pound. They also tend to have a wide selection of olympic collars.
Basically, I think you can get a better deal than that offer. I also agree that you’d be well served moving to an olympic barbell from standard.
Another tip, if you go to a place like Play It Again Sports, you may be able to get a great deal trading in your existing standard set for an olympic set. They buy used equipment too.
(Seconding the opinion above, those dummbells look pretty badass.)
I agree with everyone especially Farmerson 'cause those dumbbells are bad-ass.
I’ve shopped Craigslist for equipment for years. I buy plates for no more than 25 cents a pound unless they’re really great, then I might pay a little more. I’ll pay 20 bucks for a 40 lb olympic bar. That bar is a commercial 45 pounder so I might pay 40 for it. Dumbbells I’ll pay about 50 cents a pound. There’s an awesome DB set for sale in my town right now for 25 cents a pound. Unfortunatelly I can’t justify it because the total price is 500 and I’ve already got most the DB’s he’s offering, mine just aren’t as nice.
Cliff notes:
If your not in a hurry;
Plates-------25 cents a pound
Bars--------20 bucks
DB’s--------50 cents
If you’re in a hurry pay a little more but don’t be a chump.
I also notice 80% of asking is what people usually will settle for right off the bat.
It’s a decent deal, but not a great deal. I would continue looking elsewhere. I bought a full set of rubber coated bumper plates on Craigslist for $100. (Four 25 kg plates, two 20 kg, 2 15 kg and 2 10 kg). I considered that a steal. Even bought a Prowler 2 on there…cost me $275. I wouldn’t pay $400 for that set.