There can be only one... or maybe two. Ironmaster & Powerblock (and some cash)

[morebarbell]

I need some help on a decision that I'm making about my rapidly growing adjustable dumbbell collection. What would you rather have out of these options...

(a) Powerblock U50 lbs and Ironmaster 120 lbs
(b) Powerblock U90 lbs
(c) Ironmaster 120 lbs

Would your answer change if there's money involved?...

(1) Powerblock U50 lbs and Ironmaster 120 lbs and $250 cash in your pocket
(2) Powerblock U90 lbs and $650 cash in your pocket
(3) Ironmaster 120 lbs and $350 cash in your pocket

I'm leaning toward either a or b (or 1 or 2).

[Jetigen]

If it was me, I'd choose option A or 1.

[judgecrandall]

Strictly for convenience, (a) is the easy answer. As for 1-3, it depends on a few things, like how much you use dumbbells and what weight ranges you use, especially over 90lbs. I'd also go with 1 or 2. In favor of 1 is the fact that 120s are going to be harder to come by again (relative to the lighter weights) if you decide you want the higher weights. But with 2, you get way more cash to use to buy more adjustable dumbbells, etc . If it were me, and I used dumbbells (especially over 90 lbs) a lot in my workouts, I'd go with 1. If not, I'd go with 2 and pocket the extra cash for maximum flexibility.

[Detrus]

um, (c) Ironmaster 120lbs.

Confusing with the cash. U50's are only $100? Do you need them when you'll have a set already? I'd rather have less crap than more for lifting. If reselling that's another story.

[jackbravo]

too many variables. need more info to answer question.

[judgecrandall]

too many variables. need more info to answer question.

Awesome.

Since PB50=100, PB=2, so PB90=180 .

But more seriously, assuming the cash in each option represents the proceeds from the dumbbells that were sold, I get the following:
PB50=100
PB90=250
IM120=550

Based on (1), PB90=250
Based on (3), 350=PB90+PB50, 350=250+PB50, PB50=100
Based on (2), 650=IM120+U50, 650=IM120+100, IM120=550

[Skidmarx]

Sell them all and buy a full set of pros or solid db's.

[AttyGuy]

Sell them all and buy a full set of pros or solid db's.

Yeah. Roundheads.

[cmarti063]

Sell them all and buy a full set of pros or solid db's.

This. If not, then #2 (money over everything!)

[matrix563]

I was always better at math but this thread hurts my brain lol. are you selling or is the cash in pocket out of pocket expense?

what are you doing with those York dumbbell handles I sent you?

[morebarbell]

Thanks for the input, guys. The amount of cash probably won't make sense since I didn't specify all the variables. (lol, judge!) Some expenses haven't been paid for yet, some accessories haven't been mentioned, etc. And they're just ball park numbers.

The money could be used for other purchases which would be nice. Without considering the cash, I kind of like having Powerblocks for 0-50 and Ironmasters for 55-120. I probably wouldn't be as happy with just a set of Ironmasters since the Powerblocks are so quick. In the 0-50 range, you don't have to deal with the PowerBlock adder weights for 5 pound changes. All 5 pound changes are a pin change.

The heavier PowerBlocks require the use of internal adder weights for 5 pound changes which is a slight disadvantage compared to the 50 pound Powerblocks. Also, the "blockiness" of the Powerblocks isn't really an issue until you get over 50 lbs. The Ironmasters feel a bit more manageable at heavier weights. But there's more fiddling around with plates and end caps for each weight change with Ironmasters.

I'm not sure if I'd miss the Ironmasters if I went with just the 90 lb Powerblocks. The dumbbells are mostly used for accessory work and the weight difference probably isn't going to be missed much by me (blush). Barbells are more convenient for many things at heavier weights and I can always load up the vintage York handles that I bought from matrix... for like 120 pound triceps kick backs...

A full set of Roundheads would be nice but two racks of fixed dumbbells wouldn't be practical for me at this time. If I actually find a set, I'd be tempted but I might have to spend the rest of my nights sleeping on the couch...

[jackbravo]

sometimes, the answer jumps out at you when you write stuff down. Sounds to me like #2 is exactly what you want.

[jtaliani]

Thanks for the input, guys. The amount of cash probably won't make sense since I didn't specify all the variables. (lol, judge!) Some expenses haven't been paid for yet, some accessories haven't been mentioned, etc. And they're just ball park numbers.

The money could be used for other purchases which would be nice. Without considering the cash, I kind of like having Powerblocks for 0-50 and Ironmasters for 55-120. I probably wouldn't be as happy with just a set of Ironmasters since the Powerblocks are so quick. In the 0-50 range, you don't have to deal with the PowerBlock adder weights for 5 pound changes. All 5 pound changes are a pin change.

The heavier PowerBlocks require the use of internal adder weights for 5 pound changes which is a slight disadvantage compared to the 50 pound Powerblocks. Also, the "blockiness" of the Powerblocks isn't really an issue until you get over 50 lbs. The Ironmasters feel a bit more manageable at heavier weights. But there's more fiddling around with plates and end caps for each weight change with Ironmasters.

I'm not sure if I'd miss the Ironmasters if I went with just the 90 lb Powerblocks. The dumbbells are mostly used for accessory work and the weight difference probably isn't going to be missed much by me (blush). Barbells are more convenient for many things at heavier weights and I can always load up the vintage York handles that I bought from matrix... for like 120 pound triceps kick backs...

A full set of Roundheads would be nice but two racks of fixed dumbbells wouldn't be practical for me at this time. If I actually find a set, I'd be tempted but I might have to spend the rest of my nights sleeping on the couch...

My personal initial plan was to go with option A/1. This is a great comprimise in speed and feel as you outlined above. In the end, I went with a varied approach to the roundhead recommendation. I ended up with roundheads from 5-75 and kept my IronMaster set for 80-120. I sacrificed a bit more space, but have the awesomeness of roundheads and the ultimate in convenience without breaking the bank.

[matrix563]

My personal initial plan was to go with option A/1. This is a great comprimise in speed and feel as you outlined above. In the end, I went with a varied approach to the roundhead recommendation. I ended up with roundheads from 5-75 and kept my IronMaster set for 80-120. I sacrificed a bit more space, but have the awesomeness of roundheads and the ultimate in convenience without breaking the bank.

well since roundheads would break my bank (not to mention have me in my crawl space) LOL I ended up with 5-45 pound powerblocks for free and still have my ironmasters. going to buy the 120 add on at some point. with 2 ironmaster stands I think it looks pretty snazzy. can't wait to get some kettlebells when the budget allows 2 and for the 120 pound add on