posted Thu, 01/30/2014 - 17:12
1541
Thoughts on adjustable db's
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I was wanting to pick up some home equipment in the next couple of weeks. I've been eyeing a powerblock setup or maybe the bowflex selectech 1090. It seems like they're pretty close in price, but I've never used adjustable db's. Are they worth it? Do the hold up in the long run? Are either of these good products? I'd love to hear your opinions.
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BuckyDenturebowflex is junk. I have a trion and its very good.
I have a set of the powerblocks. There an original set. ( Aluminum , not the crap plastic ones )..only goes to 90 lbs. I then jump up Hex DB's at 100 , 120. and above that I have a couple of pairs of DB bars ( thick) 1.5 inch handles that I go up to 150 and 175. more then enough for me..
Powerblock also has an xxxl series.125lb and 175lb.The 125lb set is upgradable to the 175lb set.
I have a set of the powerblocks.I bought them because it was much more cost effective than buying sets of dumbells from 15pounds to 120 pounds.they are basically designed like a stack with a double pin that slides underneath the weight limit that you want.I used them after recovering from an injury so i didnt need to go beyond 120 pounds.I agree with fitcpl in that they do feel weird and take a little getting used to.Its not that they feel heavier than traditional dumbells , but with the weight being stacked vertical directly under your hand the load is more direct to your muscles.They are a good product and definitely suit their purpose for sure.
Also if you search around you can find used complete gym equipment for a fraction of the cost.I found a guy that owns a small local gym and every two years he replaces equipment.He had a complete workout station with everything imaginable,he paid like 6500 for the whole setup and would of sold it for a grand.I dont have that kind of space it took up like a 14x16 foot area.Looking back i should of bought it and put it in storage.
Here is my take on them. They are great up to the 50 pound mark. Beyond that they become too bulky and Unmanageable. The power blocs will actually warp and become unusable from any kind of trauma. That can happen even from clanking them together doing bench presses. And forget about dropping them 2 feet.
My advice would be is if you need dumbbells that go up to 50 pounds it is a great idea. If you are going above that it's a horrible idea.
I setup thick rubber mats in the area and have dropped them several times as of yet they still work fine.You are right though i could definitely see if u smack them together over and over and tweak the square plate they probably wouldnt slide as they are designed to.Same with dropping them on a hard surface over and over could possibly weaken the integrity of the welds.Good points you brought up bro.
Like Isaid they are great if you keep them under 50 pounds. More manageable and less prone to damage. Me personally whenever I flat bench anything over 80 pound dumbbells they get dropped when I'm done. incline bench you can drop them on your thighs but on flat bench it's just not worth it in terms of risk.
bowflex adjustable = crap. Get the ironmaster dumbells. you can throw them around and they go up to 120lbs. Kinda pricey but worth it in the long run. IMO of of course.
Why not just go to a used equipment store? I got weights for a friend of mine dirt cheap that way.. And idk how I feel about them only going up to 90.. at least the screw on dbs you can use what ever weight you can fit on them
I was looking that route too, but it ends up costing close to the same. Plus the adjustable ones save a lot of space and I don't have much room as it is. The 90 lbs is a drawback, but the powerblock system can be added on to up to 120. Then again I'm not going to be going super heavy at home. 90 would be good enough for days I can't make it the gym. Thanks for your input.
Didn't know they had that 120 option.. that's pretty nice... yeah you're right wouldn't wanna go crazy in the house LOL
I had a set of the Bowflex dumbells. Don't slam them or drop them the plastic clip inside for holding the plate in with the selector breaks. You can replace the part on Bowflex.com but its a pain. So be gentle IMHO with them. They're great I loved them. I traded mine for a $1200 laptop so I wasn't passing up that deal lol
Thanks for the tip. I don't think I'd pass up that trade either.
I have had the bowflex 1090 for a year and love mine .. No issues with them
Good to hear thanks for letting me know.
I have never used any of them, but I would be curious to know if they could stay together if they get dropped on the floor?
That was my first thought. The powerblock seems pretty sturdy though. You just can't beat the deal on them. From 10-90 lb db's for less than iron would cost, not to mention the space you'd save.