Ironmaster Quick Lock Dumbbells vs. Powerblocks

[michaelsp9]

I'm looking to get a good durable set of adjustable dumbbells. I looked at bowflex's selecttech but it was hard to find a person who didn't say they broke.

Everyone praises the Ironmaster's durability and I really like how they're shaped like a normal db without the awkward cage like the powetblocks. Power blocks are said to change quicker then the ironmaster but I can spare 20 seconds to change a few plates.

Which is better Powerblocks (Elite for about $700) or Ironmaster (up to 75lbs for $800).

If you have any other recommendation for good durable adjustable dumbbells please recommend!

[Buccaneer82]

Do a search there are tons of threads on this topic. Personally I prefer IM's since I drop them sometimes and the speed of weight changes isn't an issue for my routine.

[jtaliani]

As Buccaneer noted, there are a large number of threads on this subject. They each have their pros and cons. Having had both, in my opinion you really can't go wrong with either one. If I had to pick one, it would probably be the IMs due to the solid traditional dumbbell feel. Which one will best satisfy your needs is really going to depend on how you most use them. If you're anything like many of us equipment guys, you'll likely end up with both anyways. My current setup is York roundheads to 75lbs and IMs to 120lbs.

[m6305]

As others said, there are many threads about this subject. If fast changing of weights is not an issue go for IMs. I've had my IMs 120 lb and got an extra pair of handles for more than 3 years now and have no complaints. Apart from looking like ordinary dumbbells, another good advantage of IMs over powerblocks is that it can take ordinary 1 inch weight plates.

[morebarbell]

Both. Or whichever you find on Craigslist first.

[matrix563]

Both. Or whichever you find on Craigslist first.

its what I did

[ProtienandIron]

Ironmasters= Strength to handle drops
Powerblocks= Speed to change between weights

/thread.

[Northernmoris]

Ironmasters= Strength to handle drops
Powerblocks= Speed to change between weights

/thread.

/Owned

Seriously the truth. I've had roughly 6 pairs of PB and now IM. Both are great. What PI said is dead on.

[DYELNO]

As others said, there are many threads about this subject. If fast changing of weights is not an issue go for IMs. I've had my IMs 120 lb and got an extra pair of handles for more than 3 years now and have no complaints. Apart from looking like ordinary dumbbells, another good advantage of IMs over powerblocks is that it can take ordinary 1 inch weight plates.

I just started to wonder about what size hole the IM plates had. I have a decent amount of 1" hole weights and just looked at the IM website. $195 for just the damn handles, jeez.

[KBKB]

I just started to wonder about what size hole the IM plates had. I have a decent amount of 1" hole weights and just looked at the IM website. $195 for just the damn handles, jeez.

Take a look at this post:

http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showth...#post647712423

In that post, Keetman shows that you can use 1" hole diameter plates with the Ironmaster handles. You do have to make sure that you get adequate thread engagement though.

[daniel327]

$195 for just the damn handles, ......

Yes, quite good value there.

[JB426]

Ironmasters= Strength to handle drops
Powerblocks= Speed to change between weights

/thread.

I agree. And while I don't own either, I have a combination of spin locks and hex, I have read about both extensively and this sums it up very well. Both are highly regarded.

[prepremed]

why not just get oly handles with heavy collars? I probably will do that. The only downside is the ROM could be limited if you try using 25s or larger and/or the handles are long

[KBKB]

why not just get oly handles with heavy collars? I probably will do that. The only downside is the ROM could be limited if you try using 25s or larger and/or the handles are long

I think size of dumbbell and concerns about collar security (especially for overhead movements) are two reasons that oly handles are not used more often.

[DYELNO]

Take a look at this post:

dybuilding.com/showthread.php?t=117628551&p=647712423&viewfull=1# post647712423[/url]

In that post, Keetman shows that you can use 1" hole diameter plates with the Ironmaster handles. You do have to make sure that you get adequate thread engagement though.

Good to know, thanks.

[GarageIron]

I went to pick up some Powerblocks today and found a major problem... F'ing "Ergo Handles". This is an absolute deal breaker. The guy at the store had no clue what I was talking about. Do any models just have a straight handle?

IM's are actually my preference, but after that return fiasco Cimino had I don't want to do business with them. Looks like I'm out of options.

[michaelstone]

are they all like that? I've got a cpl in my watchlist, been hoping to see some better prices. There's a set of IM's on kijiji, but for $950 I think.

[GarageIron]

are they all like that? I've got a cpl in my watchlist, been hoping to see some better prices. There's a set of IM's on kijiji, but for $950 I think.

If I do buy the IM's I'll take a drive over the border and grab them. The powerblocks seem to be about the same price as the US if shop around. IM's are pretty much impossible to find. $950 is insane for those DB's.

[michaelstone]

I haven't checked states prices but heres this: http://www.fitnessequipmentottawa.ca...ck-dumbbells_2

[KBKB]

IM's are actually my preference, but after that return fiasco Cimino had I don't want to do business with them. Looks like I'm out of options.

Many of us have had good experiences in our dealings with Ironmaster.

[Cleveland33]

Many of us have had good experiences in our dealings with Ironmaster.

There was something about that whole situation that rubbed me the wrong way. And it was all he said / he said.

[morebarbell]

I went to pick up some Powerblocks today and found a major problem... F'ing "Ergo Handles". This is an absolute deal breaker.

I have the U-90s with the ergo handles. I didn't like them... then thought I liked them... then realize that I just tolerate them.

Not all of the Powerblocks have ergo handles. The old Pro Rexans had straight handles. I think the Elite/Classic also has straight handles but double check.

I actually sold my Ironmasters and kept my Powerblocks. I prefer the feel of the Ironmasters in use but prefer weight changes with the Powerblocks.

[GarageIron]

I have the U-90s with the ergo handles. I didn't like them... then thought I liked them... then realize that I just tolerate them.

Not all of the Powerblocks have ergo handles. The old Pro Rexans had straight handles. I think the Elite/Classic also has straight handles but double check.

I actually sold my Ironmasters and kept my Powerblocks. I prefer the feel of the Ironmasters in use but prefer weight changes with the Powerblocks.

Today was the first time I'd had a good look at the powerblocks and tried them out. They look kinda goofy but I was impressed that they feel like a real dumbbell. They didn't have a huge selection just some sport models and urethane ones. The changes seemed quick, aside from those rods or whatever they are in the handle. I asked the guy at the store to call PB to find out about the classics/elites

[michaelstone]

there's a couple sets of classics on kijiji

[keyboardworkout]

Also consider the old style IM's if you find a used set for sale. They were also sold by Hoist but the IM upgrade kit does not work on the Hoist model (different thread size).

I recently grabbed another set of the 10-80 lb old style IM's for $200. They are in like new condition.

IM still offers the 120 lb upgrade kit and the 2.5 lb plates.

http://www.ironmaster.com/old-style-...l#.UlWX3lNieeY

http://www.ironmaster.com/2.5-plate-...l#.UlWYE1NieeY

[weisgarb]

Taken from http://www.powerblock.com/series-differences.php

[GarageIron]

Taken from http://www.powerblock.com/series-differences.php

Thanks... It is amazing what you can find if you actually look

[jdforsy]

I went to pick up some Powerblocks today and found a major problem... F'ing "Ergo Handles". This is an absolute deal breaker. The guy at the store had no clue what I was talking about. Do any models just have a straight handle?

IM's are actually my preference, but after that return fiasco Cimino had I don't want to do business with them. Looks like I'm out of options.

I think I have the classic 90lb set and they do not have ergo handles. If they did it would be a deal breaker for me as well.

[ajohnson5080]

Today was the first time I'd had a good look at the powerblocks and tried them out. They look kinda goofy but I was impressed that they feel like a real dumbbell. They didn't have a huge selection just some sport models and urethane ones. The changes seemed quick, aside from those rods or whatever they are in the handle. I asked the guy at the store to call PB to find out about the classics/elites

I have the Classic Elites 90 and absolutely love them. And yes, they do have the straight, non-ergo, handle. I have also owned the IMs and by far prefer the Powerblocks. Hopefully I will be upgrading to the 130s for Christmas....

[urbanlifter]

I went to pick up some Powerblocks today and found a major problem... F'ing "Ergo Handles". This is an absolute deal breaker. The guy at the store had no clue what I was talking about. Do any models just have a straight handle?

IM's are actually my preference, but after that return fiasco Cimino had I don't want to do business with them. Looks like I'm out of options.

The classic versions have a FANTASTIC handle, and when I was debating whether to upgrade to the urethane set I was highly hesitant, it was a deal breaker for me as well. But I deperately wanted the Urethanes for the warranty and super high quality feel that I had seen with my friend's U50 set. Honestly now, I have grown quite accustomed to the "Ergo" handle and I feel that it is more beneficial from a consistency standpoint than it is for being comfortable. Because of the bell shape handle everytime you pick them up your hands are perfectly balanced where they should be for pressing movements. With the longer handles of the Ironmaster db's I constantly found myself adjusting my grip mid set to get them balance out perfectly. This isnt the case anymore, as I progress towards maxing out my physical strength I have become more concious about lifting form and how each additional movement can rob you of completing that glorious final rep. So anything that is functional towards helping me save energy for the final push, is always welcome!!! Might be in my head though, I have become quite obsessive about my routine this past few months as I become closer to finishing my CPT book.

Couldnt be happier with the U90 set, they are a thing of beauty....