Magnetic Microloading Weights

emmie · 06-04-2007, 07:11 AM

I'm planning on buying some. I've come across Platemates
http://www.ironcompany.com/index.asp...S&Category=249, and these: http://paceweights.com/index.htm which are a lot cheaper. I'm leaning towards the less expensive type - is anyone here familiar with them and/or have an opinion to share?

Thanks, Emma

Mark1T · 06-04-2007, 07:45 AM

I think it's a great idea. Progressing with smaller increments makes sense to me. All most of us have at the gym are 2.5lb weights and the least amount you can progress is 5lbs. People may scoff at that being little, but when you are serious about progression, any gain in poundage is progress.

St. Nicholas · 06-04-2007, 07:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mark1T

I think it's a great idea. Progressing with smaller increments makes sense to me. All most of us have at the gym are 2.5lb weights and the least amount you can progress is 5lbs. People may scoff at that being little, but when you are serious about progression, any gain in poundage is progress.

Totally agree Mark 1T

emmie · 06-04-2007, 08:46 AM

Thanks, guys! I've been sold on the idea of them for a while, but I've been balking at the cost. I'm wondering if the cheaper (less sleek-looking) version would be as effective - I'm planning on using them with dumbbells.

Dave76 · 06-04-2007, 09:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by emmie

Thanks, guys! I've been sold on the idea of them for a while, but I've been balking at the cost. I'm wondering if the cheaper (less sleek-looking) version would be as effective - I'm planning on using them with dumbbells.

I don't have any opinion on the weights you mentioned. I just wanted to throw out a cheaper idea. Do you have any old speakers laying around? Tear the old magnets out of them. If you are really industrious, go by an auto sound shop and ask for some discarded speakers.

emmie · 06-04-2007, 09:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave76

I don't have any opinion on the weights you mentioned. I just wanted to throw out a cheaper idea. Do you have any old speakers laying around? Tear the old magnets out of them. If you are really industrious, go by an auto sound shop and ask for some discarded speakers.

*Eyes husband's stereo speakers in the living room*

I like how you think, Dave!! I'd love to find a cheap alternative. The Platemates each weigh 1.25#....any idea how much a stereo magnet (who knew??!) weighs?

Dave76 · 06-04-2007, 09:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by emmie

*Eyes husband's stereo speakers in the living room*

I like how you think, Dave!! I'd love to find a cheap alternative. The Platemates each weigh 1.25#....any idea how much a stereo magnet (who knew??!) weighs?

They'll weigh different amounts depending on the size of the car speaker. They'll generally run in the 1 to 2 lb range. Get them and weigh them on a food scale.

They work like a charm. I use them on DBs all the time.

farsscf · 06-04-2007, 10:39 AM

great, cheaper idea

Brother Steel · 06-04-2007, 02:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by emmie

I'm planning on buying some. I've come across Platemates
http://www.ironcompany.com/index.asp...S&Category=249, and these: http://paceweights.com/index.htm which are a lot cheaper. I'm leaning towards the less expensive type - is anyone here familiar with them and/or have an opinion to share?

Thanks, Emma

Hi Emma,

I have four of the 1.25 pound hex PlateMates I use with the hex style dumbbells. I purchased them several years ago after shoulder surgery to help me with my rehab.

I do not remember what price I gave for them but I purchased them directly from PlateMates. I went to their website and it looks like they no longer sell direct. I would shop around for the best price.

All I can say about PlateMates is that they are great. If you are using the hex type of dumbbells then two of the 1.25 PlateMates will equal 2 and one half pounds which bridges the gap between every additional 5 pound weight increase. I have gotten stronger now and seldom use the PlateMates. I normally adjust my reps to make the 5 pound jump in weight but on some movements they still come on handy. My wife uses them all the time because she has a harder time making the 5 pound jump to the next weight. She loves them!

The bottom line: I would purchase them again, if not for myself, I would get them just for my wife.

Hope this helped you.
TC,
B. Steel

Jordo1 · 06-04-2007, 02:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave76

I don't have any opinion on the weights you mentioned. I just wanted to throw out a cheaper idea. Do you have any old speakers laying around? Tear the old magnets out of them. If you are really industrious, go by an auto sound shop and ask for some discarded speakers.

Great idea! On my way to weigh all those damn refrigerator magnets we have! It'll be like a sponsored Barbell!

farsscf · 06-04-2007, 02:54 PM

lol

emmie · 06-05-2007, 08:17 AM

Thanks for all the input - I found a good deal on the Platemates: $48 for 4 1.25# weights, including shipping, so I went for it! I still love Dave's suggestion about the stereo magnets, and I'll keep my eyes peeled at yard sales this summer.

Thanks again!

~ Emma

IdahoViking · 06-05-2007, 09:40 AM

I just use a standard 1" bar (220# rating) and was able to find 1.25# iron wieghts made by BFCO at Sports Authority for 1.19 apiece.

I love them!

emmie · 06-05-2007, 10:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IdahoViking

I just use a standard 1" bar (220# rating) and was able to find 1.25# iron wieghts made by BFCO at Sports Authority for 1.19 apiece.

I love them!

*Pounds head against her desk*

Where were you this morning before I whipped out my credit card for the PlateMates??!?!?? *Sigh*

Well, next time you're using them you're entitled to feel Far Superior for being a smart shopper.

Jordo1 · 06-05-2007, 05:06 PM

They're not magnets, but if anyone's interested, this place sells 2 pairs of 1.25 lb Olympic weights for 19.95 (includes shipping). I just ordered them.

http://www.dumbbellbuddy.com/hampton...ic_plates.html

PeteB · 06-05-2007, 05:56 PM

This is slightly OT but along the lines of being ch... err, I mean saving money,

I wonder how many people still use chains... I don't mean the huge anchor-chain with collars attached that you can find in most old-school gyms, but a few feet of the kind you can buy in any hardware store, weigh on your fish scale, and secure with a quick link between a couple adjacent plates...

Brother Steel · 06-05-2007, 06:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by emmie

*Pounds head against her desk*

Where were you this morning before I whipped out my credit card for the PlateMates??!?!?? *Sigh*

Well, next time you're using them you're entitled to feel Far Superior for being a smart shopper.

Stop pounding you head! You are going to love them. Which ones did you choose? (Hex or round)

skinnyboy · 06-05-2007, 06:41 PM

If you are using free weights (with plates) you can also use washers from home depot.

emmie · 06-05-2007, 07:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brother Steel

Stop pounding you head! You are going to love them. Which ones did you choose? (Hex or round)

I know I'm going to love them - I want them for tomorrow's workout....think they'll get here??!?

I bought the hex shape.

Hibiscus09 · 06-05-2007, 07:38 PM

Emma, I used Platemates all the time at the commercial gym when I was a member. I loved them!!

Chi_town · 06-05-2007, 07:44 PM

I still use platemates from time to time, my gym has them.

Brother Steel · 06-05-2007, 10:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by emmie

I know I'm going to love them - I want them for tomorrow's workout....think they'll get here??!?

I bought the hex shape.

Thank you for your reply. They are the best thing for Hex Dumbbells. Once you get them you will wonder how you got along without them. I kid you not they are that good.

To get them off your dumbbell slide them to the side and twist them at the same time. You will see what I mean. -TC & GL

IdahoViking · 06-06-2007, 08:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by emmie

*Pounds head against her desk*

Where were you this morning before I whipped out my credit card for the PlateMates??!?!?? *Sigh*

I somehow pissed off Montezuma while camping this weekend, and he exacted his revenge - subsequently I was a little slow getting to the keyboard. Sorry for the delay.

emmie · 06-06-2007, 08:57 AM

Oh, IV - I was kidding! I'm looking forward to getting the Platemates. But I do love a bargain! Sorry to hear about your encounter w/Montezuma....what a way to ruin the pleasant memories of a camping trip.

Andrew69 · 06-06-2007, 07:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by skinnyboy

If you are using free weights (with plates) you can also use washers from home depot.

Thats what I did.
I got a few 2" ID washers, welded them together and painted them a pretty black (which chipped off anyway

). I made sure each "platelet" weighs 625 grams (1.25 kgs for the pair)

I couldnt imagine lifting without them now.