Is the Ironmaster Quick Change Dumbbell System Worth It
I am looking to save some space in my home gym in Vancouver and I am considering the Ironmaster quick change dumbbell system. I have heard they are much more durable than the dial style dumbbells like PowerBlock or Bowflex because they are made of solid steel. They also look more like a traditional dumbbell.
The downside is that it takes a bit longer to change the weight since you have to screw the pin in. I am wondering if this is a major annoyance during supersets. I also want to know if they feel balanced and if the plates rattle at all during movements like presses or curls.
Are they worth the investment for a serious lifter? I want a set that can go up to at least eighty or one hundred pounds. If you have the Ironmasters please let me know your thoughts on the quality and if the weight change time is a deal breaker for you.
Absolutely worth it. I've had my set for two years now in my garage gym in Manchester. They are bomb-proof. You can drop them (within reason) unlike PowerBlocks or Bowflex select-techs which have way too many plastic bits.
I'm in Chicago and space is at a premium in my spare room. How long does it actually take to change the weights? I do a lot of supersets and I'm worried the screw-pin design will slow me down too much.
If you're doing fast-paced circuit training, they might annoy you. But for heavy lifting, nothing beats the feel of a real dumbbell. They don't rattle, and the knurling is surprisingly decent.
I agree with AnimalLifter. The shape is the big selling point. You can rest them on your thighs before a heavy bench press without those plastic pins digging into your legs like other brands.
Got a set last month. @MidwestMike, it takes about 15-20 seconds to change plates once you get the knack of the "locking" position. Not as fast as a dial, but much sturdier.
Does anyone find the length of the bolt annoying for smaller weights? I'm worried they'll feel a bit clunky for lateral raises.
The bolt length is constant, so yes, they stay the same size even if you only have 10lbs on them. It takes a bit of getting used to, but for the sake of saving a whole rack's worth of space, it's a fair trade-off.
I use these for my paratrooper prep. They handle being tossed around a bit better than the Nuobells. If you're in Canada, watch out for the shipping costs though—they're heavy (obviously) and the customs fees can be a right pain.
@AllOkJumpmaster thanks for the tip. I found a local distributor in BC so shipping isn't too bad. Do you guys recommend the stand too?
Yes, get the stand. It’s built like a tank and keeps the plates organized. Trying to change these on the floor is a recipe for a sore back before you even start your sets.
Wait, am I the only one who thinks the change time is a dealbreaker? If I'm doing drop sets, I can't be faffing about with threaded bolts. I'll stick to my PowerBlocks.
@PumpChaser to each their own, but I've broken two sets of plastic-selector dumbbells over the years. The Ironmasters are basically buy-it-for-life.
Anyone have the expansion kit? I'm hitting 75lbs on rows and need to know if the 120lb add-on is worth the extra cash.
The 120lb kit is essential if you're serious. It makes the dumbbells quite long, but it's very secure. I've used them for heavy kroc rows with no issues.
Quick question: how's the rust resistance? My garage gets a bit damp during the Ontario winters.
Keep them wiped down with a bit of 3-in-1 oil and they'll be fine. The plates are powder-coated. The handles might get a bit of surface spots if you leave sweat on them, but it cleans right off.
I actually prefer these for my home studio. They look more professional than the 'gadgety' adjustable ones. My clients find the locking mechanism very reassuring too.
Exactly. They don't feel like a toy. They feel like proper gym kit.
I’m the odd one out—I sold mine. The square shape felt weird for certain movements and I just couldn't get past the change time. Switched to a full rack of fixed dumbbells. RIP my floor space.