lint
10-27-2009, 11:12 AM
I received my set of IronMaster Quick Lock dumbbells (5-75lbs), 120lb add on kit and Quick Lock kb handle yesterday. I thought I would post up a mini review.
I've owned a set of the Nautilus/Bowflex SelectTechs in the past.
Pros: very good when it came to space saving. Dbs stored neatly on the stand. Changes were very quick, just drop them back on their base, turn the dials and away you went.
Cons: The weights themselves were plastic covered, which didn't project the image of quality and durability. The handles were quite long, and made them a little awkward at lighter weights.
Never been a big fan of the design of powerblocks, and haven't used them so no comparison there.
I think body solid also has a set of dial dbs like the selecttechs, but with metal construction. No experience with those either.
I have also owned regular dumbbells. Some hex pairs as well as other more commercial designs. These would be the go to option except that they take up a hell of a lot of space. And I just don't have enough space in my basement gym to house all of the dbs that I would need.
Enter the ironmaster quick lock system. These are not the fastest change dbs you can buy. Selecttechs and powerblocks trump in change speed. However, I don't do drop sets so changing weights inbetween sets isn't a concern for me. And these are built like real dumbbells! Solid steel handles with a very comfortable knurling, steel locking screws and cast iron plates. The plates also interlock for a nice tight fit.
The standard set includes a pair of handles that weight in at 5lbs. Each dumbbell has a pair of locking screws to hold the plates on and weigh 2.5lbs each. The basic set also comes with 24x5lb plates and 2x2.5lb plates for a total of 75lbs per dumbbell. You pick the combination of plates you want, lock them in and you're good to go. It's really dead simple to do, the hardest part is probably working out the math in your head. Once assembled, these are like a regular pro dumbbell. There is no rattling, shaking, no cage for your hand, etc. Very, very solid design and they can be dropped without fear of damage.
Another great feature is that above 10lbs, you can selectively add 2.5lbs per dumbbell. They will be slightly off balance, but where else can you find dumbbells that go up in 2.5lb increments from 10-75 lbs? With the 120lb add on kit (4x22.5lb plates + 4 longer locking screws) you can go from 10-120lbs in 2.5lb increments!
The 5-75 dumbbell package also includes the rack. With a footprint of just 14.5" wide and 19" deep it keeps everything neat and tidy and ready to go.
Ironmaster has also added a quick lock kettlebell handle to the system. The handle itself weighs in at 22.5lbs and accepts the same plates and locking screws from the dumbbell set, or you can also purchased plates and screws separately if you don't own/don't want the dumbbells. With the standard locking screws you can go from 22.5lbs up to 57.5lbs on the kb. With the 120lb add on kit and longer locking screw, you can go up to 80lbs. And the same 2.5lb increments. The handle itself is quite large and can easily accommodate two handed swings, but is still comfortable for one hand swings. The shape of the kb top also aligns well with the forearm and I found it more comfortable than having a regular kb land on my arm.
If you're looking for a set of adjustable dumbbells, take a look at the ironmaster quick lock system. You will not be disappointed.
A couple of crappy phone pics:
quick lock dbs with stand. Everything fits in nicely, including the 120lb add on kit.
http://img193.imageshack.us/img193/7136/dbsl.th.jpg (http://img193.imageshack.us/i/dbsl.jpg/)
Quick lock kb handle.
http://img29.imageshack.us/img29/41/53577743.th.jpg (http://img29.imageshack.us/i/53577743.jpg/)
I've owned a set of the Nautilus/Bowflex SelectTechs in the past.
Pros: very good when it came to space saving. Dbs stored neatly on the stand. Changes were very quick, just drop them back on their base, turn the dials and away you went.
Cons: The weights themselves were plastic covered, which didn't project the image of quality and durability. The handles were quite long, and made them a little awkward at lighter weights.
Never been a big fan of the design of powerblocks, and haven't used them so no comparison there.
I think body solid also has a set of dial dbs like the selecttechs, but with metal construction. No experience with those either.
I have also owned regular dumbbells. Some hex pairs as well as other more commercial designs. These would be the go to option except that they take up a hell of a lot of space. And I just don't have enough space in my basement gym to house all of the dbs that I would need.
Enter the ironmaster quick lock system. These are not the fastest change dbs you can buy. Selecttechs and powerblocks trump in change speed. However, I don't do drop sets so changing weights inbetween sets isn't a concern for me. And these are built like real dumbbells! Solid steel handles with a very comfortable knurling, steel locking screws and cast iron plates. The plates also interlock for a nice tight fit.
The standard set includes a pair of handles that weight in at 5lbs. Each dumbbell has a pair of locking screws to hold the plates on and weigh 2.5lbs each. The basic set also comes with 24x5lb plates and 2x2.5lb plates for a total of 75lbs per dumbbell. You pick the combination of plates you want, lock them in and you're good to go. It's really dead simple to do, the hardest part is probably working out the math in your head. Once assembled, these are like a regular pro dumbbell. There is no rattling, shaking, no cage for your hand, etc. Very, very solid design and they can be dropped without fear of damage.
Another great feature is that above 10lbs, you can selectively add 2.5lbs per dumbbell. They will be slightly off balance, but where else can you find dumbbells that go up in 2.5lb increments from 10-75 lbs? With the 120lb add on kit (4x22.5lb plates + 4 longer locking screws) you can go from 10-120lbs in 2.5lb increments!
The 5-75 dumbbell package also includes the rack. With a footprint of just 14.5" wide and 19" deep it keeps everything neat and tidy and ready to go.
Ironmaster has also added a quick lock kettlebell handle to the system. The handle itself weighs in at 22.5lbs and accepts the same plates and locking screws from the dumbbell set, or you can also purchased plates and screws separately if you don't own/don't want the dumbbells. With the standard locking screws you can go from 22.5lbs up to 57.5lbs on the kb. With the 120lb add on kit and longer locking screw, you can go up to 80lbs. And the same 2.5lb increments. The handle itself is quite large and can easily accommodate two handed swings, but is still comfortable for one hand swings. The shape of the kb top also aligns well with the forearm and I found it more comfortable than having a regular kb land on my arm.
If you're looking for a set of adjustable dumbbells, take a look at the ironmaster quick lock system. You will not be disappointed.
A couple of crappy phone pics:
quick lock dbs with stand. Everything fits in nicely, including the 120lb add on kit.
http://img193.imageshack.us/img193/7136/dbsl.th.jpg (http://img193.imageshack.us/i/dbsl.jpg/)
Quick lock kb handle.
http://img29.imageshack.us/img29/41/53577743.th.jpg (http://img29.imageshack.us/i/53577743.jpg/)