Professional Dumbells

[iportal]

One last thing to add, just to really mess with your head :P

If you are forced to buy new, and pick up individual pairs or pieces over time, consider buying some kettlebells!

There is nothing wrong with having a pair of small DBs (like 10 lbs.), a pair of 5 lb. ankle weights, your adjustable spin-tight dumbbells with standard plates set at whatever sizes you use the most, and a pair of kettlebells at a weight that is optimal for you.
This would give you a variety of tools, and allow you to warm up with swings, snatches, etc.

It all depends on your source for equipment and what your goals are. If I were starting from scratch I would definitely consider picking up some bells, though.

Vermonter, thank you for your advise and opinions on this thread, I have a lot of things to look into.

I have another question, last one I promise lol, well almost lol.

The professional style dumbells, e.g. handle with sandwich style plates that you screw the cap to state the weight e.g. 10kg, that's 10kg plus the handle so 11-12kg dependant on how thing the handle is.

The hex / hex rubber handles state the weight total I imagine, so I presume that there's a small difference, e.g. a pro style 10kg dumbell actually weights 11.5kg approximately where a 10kg hex / rubber hex would weight 10kg?

I think I'm just going to order one pair, see how I feel with them and go from there.

Refence the pro style dumbells, I could always order e.g. a 20kg set (4no 5kg plates per dumbell) and buy a set of 2.5kg and 1.25kg dumbell plates. That would allow be to adjust the sizes accordingly once I get stronger as I assume the plate thicknesses are the same but the plate diamater would be smaller.

[Keetman]

My ironmasters adjust in 5 lb. increments without being unbalanced as stated in point #2 above. You can adjust in 2.5lb. increments which are unbalanced.

Calling them "unbalanced" when going in 2.5lb increments is probably doing them a bit of a disservice to those that are unfamiliar. (I know you weren't trying to).


I just slapped one 2.5lb plate on there the other day and it works fine....and that was at a low weight <20lbs. The 2.5lbs is obviously light and the IM handle is long enough that you can comfortably offset your hand so the weight isn't felt (if its a problem at all).

I am not trying to get all "powerblocks vrs ironmasters", just pointing something out. I've owned my IM's for a few years now and they work great, but I still have a lot of respect for the powerblock product. I think the IM's are great because they feel like real db's and have a nice large handle. Their only downside is the amount of time it takes to change the weights, but that's really only an issue if you're doing dropsets because you can have them changed out during your break.

OP.....db's are an enigma in the home gym arena because of the fact that all options are expensive and of the 4 main options (fixed, IM, PB, or spinlocks), all have their trade offs. If there was a clear winner that didn't give up anything.....we wouldn't have so much discussion on the issue.

Oh...on the Prostyle type db's...I'm sure I'm in the minority, but I've decided I don't like them as much. I owned a set for 4 years....a nice set too, went from 5-80lbs in 5lb increments. They looked really cool in my gym, but they are bigger than hex db's and they roll when you put them on the ground. I now have a smaller set of rubber coated hex db's and I like them so much better. That's just an opinion, but I have seen a lot of equipment, so take it for what its worth. The prostyles are cool, but in a small space....footprint is going to be an issue.

[irongrandpa]

Calling them "unbalanced" when going in 2.5lb increments is probably doing them a bit of a disservice to those that are unfamiliar. (I know you weren't trying to).


I just slapped one 2.5lb plate on there the other day and it works fine....and that was at a low weight <20lbs. The 2.5lbs is obviously light and the IM handle is long enough that you can comfortably offset your hand so the weight isn't felt (if its a problem at all).

I am not trying to get all "powerblocks vrs ironmasters", just pointing something out. I've owned my IM's for a few years now and they work great, but I still have a lot of respect for the powerblock product. I think the IM's are great because they feel like real db's and have a nice large handle. Their only downside is the amount of time it takes to change the weights, but that's really only an issue if you're doing dropsets because you can have them changed out during your break.

OP.....db's are an enigma in the home gym arena because of the fact that all options are expensive and of the 4 main options (fixed, IM, PB, or spinlocks), all have their trade offs. If there was a clear winner that didn't give up anything.....we wouldn't have so much discussion on the issue.

Oh...on the Prostyle type db's...I'm sure I'm in the minority, but I've decided I don't like them as much. I owned a set for 4 years....a nice set too, went from 5-80lbs in 5lb increments. They looked really cool in my gym, but they are bigger than hex db's and they roll when you put them on the ground. I now have a smaller set of rubber coated hex db's and I like them so much better. That's just an opinion, but I have seen a lot of equipment, so take it for what its worth. The prostyles are cool, but in a small space....footprint is going to be an issue.

I agree, I've used a 2.5 on one end of my IM and it's not a noticeable difference. And I like IM for the same reasons you listed.

[KBKB]

If you are forced to buy new, and pick up individual pairs or pieces over time, consider buying some kettlebells!

I think this is a great idea, though for some movements kettlebells make a poor substitute for dumbbells and vice versa.

I like using kettlebells for standing overhead presses. It may just be a matter of lack of practice (with dumbbells), but I think that kettlebell cleans are easier than dumbbell cleans. (A clean is needed to get the bell in position for doing the press.) The kettlebell handle sits higher off the ground; you don't have to squat or bend quite so far to reach it compared to the average dumbbell. The offset weight of the kettlebell makes it easier to using a swinging motion accompanied by a hip thrust to project the bell upward. That said, if you're used to barbell power cleans (which I'm not), you may find dumbbell cleans to be easier.

I also use kettlebells for front squats and thrusters (which is a squat combined with a push press). These could be done with dumbbells too, but are perhaps easier and safer with kettlebells due to not needing to worry about gripping the bell as much when it's overhead.

I have heard too that Turkish Get Ups are better performed with a kettlebell, at least when starting out. It's easier to keep the wrist in a neutral position when using a kettlebell. You also don't need to worry about dropping the bell. I often keep my hand somewhat relaxed when performing TGUs.

I think dumbbells are superior for things like curls and lateral raises. For those movements, the offset weight of the kettlebell works against you.

[KBKB]

... and they roll when you put them on the ground.

This is an important point. The round plates of pro-style DBs make it difficult to use them as push up handles or for Renegade Rows.

Renegade Rows are a great exercise. It's as much a core exercise as it is a back exercise.

[iportal]

Calling them "unbalanced" when going in 2.5lb increments is probably doing them a bit of a disservice to those that are unfamiliar. (I know you weren't trying to).


I just slapped one 2.5lb plate on there the other day and it works fine....and that was at a low weight <20lbs. The 2.5lbs is obviously light and the IM handle is long enough that you can comfortably offset your hand so the weight isn't felt (if its a problem at all).

I am not trying to get all "powerblocks vrs ironmasters", just pointing something out. I've owned my IM's for a few years now and they work great, but I still have a lot of respect for the powerblock product. I think the IM's are great because they feel like real db's and have a nice large handle. Their only downside is the amount of time it takes to change the weights, but that's really only an issue if you're doing dropsets because you can have them changed out during your break.

OP.....db's are an enigma in the home gym arena because of the fact that all options are expensive and of the 4 main options (fixed, IM, PB, or spinlocks), all have their trade offs. If there was a clear winner that didn't give up anything.....we wouldn't have so much discussion on the issue.

Oh...on the Prostyle type db's...I'm sure I'm in the minority, but I've decided I don't like them as much. I owned a set for 4 years....a nice set too, went from 5-80lbs in 5lb increments. They looked really cool in my gym, but they are bigger than hex db's and they roll when you put them on the ground. I now have a smaller set of rubber coated hex db's and I like them so much better. That's just an opinion, but I have seen a lot of equipment, so take it for what its worth. The prostyles are cool, but in a small space....footprint is going to be an issue.

Keetman,

Thanks for the very valid points.

Pro style dumbells are going to take up a lot of floor space and like you say they are prone to 'rolling' on the floor and I imagine over time the plates can be come very slightly loose, therefore potentially being able to trap skin between the plates could become an issue?
I know that this was the case in the old gym that I used to go to when the ends were 'welded', I used to get pinched quads on dumbell bench press...

Buying a selective set of rubber hex dumbells seems the way forward. They have a small foot print, are built to last a life time and have a very ergonomic handle.

I'm pretty sure that's the route I'm going to take.

Keetman, I've seen your home gym on the home gym thread and read many of your posts, you have lots of knowledge and I'm grateful for your opinion based on first hand experience. Thanks.

[iportal]

Sorry to bring up an old thread. Just to update, I went for the professional plate style dumbells. The reason I went for these was the rubber hex versions only went up to 30kg. I quite like the plate style which can have the plate sizes changed once in a blue moon when I get stronger.

[ffrink]

Sorry to bring up an old thread. Just to update, I went for the professional plate style dumbells. The reason I went for these was the rubber hex versions only went up to 30kg. I quite like the plate style which can have the plate sizes changed once in a blue moon when I get stronger.

Great move. Unless you are a York-head, and want old roundheads or globes, I like the feel of the prostyles best. Never had issue with skin pinching, which someone mentioned. Have fun with them!

[iportal]

Great move. Unless you are a York-head, and want old roundheads or globes, I like the feel of the prostyles best. Never had issue with skin pinching, which someone mentioned. Have fun with them!

Thanks for the above comments.

I have only ever had a problem with 'dumbell pinching' when I have been at a commercial gym that has the 'welded-end' style of dumbells.

As they become a little loose they can occassionally pinch, this only happens to the ones used for dumbell bench press when they rest on your legs.

I have purchased the ones with an end plate that require a 8mm allen key to tighten.

If they ever do come loose I can always use some loctite (thread locker) to ensure they are tight...

[iportal]

Sorry to bring up an old thread, I just wanted to givesome feedback.

After using the pro styles for 3-4 months, I don't actually like the pro style dumbbells that I spent a lot of money on.

They take up a lot of space, they are a very large diameter due to the 5kg pancake plates used and they're expensive!

I'm now doing a lot more barbell work so they're not really getting much use.

I'm going to sell the set and get a set of powerblocks.

I don't have the money or space to complete the set.

I'm quite looking forward to getting the powerblocks and matching stand, they look brilliant.

I can also use the money towards more 20kg plates and a better olympic bar, which will be nice.

[jackbravo]

Sorry to bring up an old thread, I just wanted to givesome feedback.

After using the pro styles for 3-4 months, I don't actually like the pro style dumbbells that I spent a lot of money on.

They take up a lot of space, they are a very large diameter due to the 5kg pancake plates used and they're expensive!

I'm now doing a lot more barbell work so they're not really getting much use.

I'm going to sell the set and get a set of powerblocks.

I don't have the money or space to complete the set.

I'm quite looking forward to getting the powerblocks and matching stand, they look brilliant.

I can also use the money towards more 20kg plates and a better olympic bar, which will be nice.

oh man, that's too bad. thanks for documenting the feedback on here.

personally, i'm waiting for the ivanko stainless steel dumbbells to come out.