'Look What I Bought Today!' - Part Deux

[thedickus]

I picked up this lot of Icarian stuff yesterday. All of the upholstery is original and the wood is hardwood as opposed to the cheap plywood everyone is using today. The guy I purchased them from said he bought them new in 1989.

Nice pick up! I worked out back in the mid to late 80s in an upscale gym called The Fitness Connection in Ft Worth TX that had all Icarian equipment. Some of the best stuff I've ever trained on.

[EricAtl]

I picked up this lot of Icarian stuff yesterday. All of the upholstery is original and the wood is hardwood as opposed to the cheap plywood everyone is using today. The guy I purchased them from said he bought them new in 1989.

Nice pick up

[thedickus]

Just picked up a new pair of Oly 100lbs plates from my local PIAS. Not as nice as my Hampton deep dish hundos but they're brand new and at $1.40 a pound I feel like I got a deal on them. Can't believe I'm even saying that. They'll just stay on my leg press, that gives me 4 100 Oly plates now.

[Asjogren]

I picked up this lot of Icarian stuff yesterday. All of the upholstery is original and the wood is hardwood as opposed to the cheap plywood everyone is using today. The guy I purchased them from said he bought them new in 1989.

Wow.That stuff is in beautiful condition. Nice grab! Congrats

[Steinway53]

Yes WOW ! It all looks in Primo shape !

Is picture #5 a dip station/bars ? #3 is a fixed angle sit up board ? The VKR looks amazing with that wood trim.

How come there's never anything like that on CL/FB around here ?!!

[Duplicitous]

Yes WOW ! It all looks in Primo shape !

Is picture #5 a dip station/bars ? #3 is a fixed angle sit up board ? The VKR looks amazing with that wood trim.

How come there's never anything like that on CL/FB around here ?!!

Pic #6 is a dip station and yes, #3 is a short ab bench. I love the wood trim also. FWIW, I had to drive 2.5 hours there and 4 back to get this stuff (got caught in a snowstorm on the way home). It was worth it though.

[Steinway53]

Oops counted wrong...yes #6. Wow that's a long day and must've been stressful out there in that mess. Fortunate that I haven't experienced that feeling since I left STL 42 years ago....but some things you never forget.

[ArnoldHAMnEGGer]

Pic #6 is a dip station and yes, #3 is a short ab bench. I love the wood trim also. FWIW, I had to drive 2.5 hours there and 4 back to get this stuff (got caught in a snowstorm on the way home). It was worth it though.

Saw those pieces on FB. Excellent acquisition! Most of those pieces are exquisite, particularly that Standing Preacher bench. Have always loved Icarian's Chest Supp. Row. It's an excellent piece. One very cool thing about that adjustable flat bench; you can do a very low incline on it comfortably. No one makes those anymore. Only other one i've ever seen was from Bodymaster. It's a very nice detail and option to have available. Is the Dip bench from Icarian too? Very nice pickups.

[grumpytude]

PRX wall weight tree and some REP V2 plates. Needed some smaller plates for that area and its very convenient having the weight close by without taking up much need floor space.

[Duplicitous]

Is the Dip bench from Icarian too?

Yep.

[ArnoldHAMnEGGer]

PRX wall weight tree and some REP V2 plates. Needed some smaller plates for that area and its very convenient having the weight close by without taking up much need floor space.

Who makes your calf raise?

[grumpytude]

Who makes your calf raise?

bought that years ago. one of my first Home gym pieces, its a York I believe.

[xdoomhammerx]

I purchased an older Northern Lights multi-gym with a 200lbs stack that I want to integerate into my squat rack to be able to do lat pulldowns, low rows, etc. (rogue slinger-style, but in a 2x3" rack)

I wanted to start a new thread about my build but it seems the forum isn't allowing me to start a new thread. Mods?

[murphyreedus]

Ordered a Strength Shop spider bar before Thanksgiving and finally got it. Seems pretty good, and I'll hopefully do a side by side comparison to the Elitefts bar eventually.



Also picked up a Dynamic dumbbell row bench. Hadn't seen one of these before, but it seems like it'll be really nice for DB rows. Probably silly for a home gym piece, but that hasn't stopped me before.

[Duplicitous]

Also picked up a Dynamic dumbbell row bench. Hadn't seen one of these before, but it seems like it'll be really nice for DB rows. Probably silly for a home gym piece, but that hasn't stopped me before.

I've never seen one before either. And also I have a few pieces that aren't the most practical use of space in my home gym , but so be it.

[EricAtl]

Also picked up a Dynamic dumbbell row bench. Hadn't seen one of these before, but it seems like it'll be really nice for DB rows. Probably silly for a home gym piece, but that hasn't stopped me before.

Wow, that is a very cool bench!!!

[murphyreedus]

I think it's supposed to have rubber tubes over the dumbbell holder pegs, so I'll have to see if I can come up with something. I don't think Dynamic sells it anymore (or at least it's not in their current catalog), but Arsenal and Watson sell something similar.

https://www.myarsenalstrength.com/st...ickback-bench/
https://watsongym.co.uk/product/row-bench/

[Duplicitous]

I think it's supposed to have rubber tubes over the dumbbell holder pegs, so I'll have to see if I can come up with something.

https://www.gympart.com/Psearchresult.aspx?AC=1

They sell Lube N Glue also, which works fairly well for installation.

[thedickus]

My knock-off MAG grips finally came late last week, not in time for back day. LOL, I don't even know the actual brand name of them. Everyone just calls them knock-off MAG grips, they're the ones from WalMart. I'll use them on Thursday. I also picked up some sectional peg board to get attachments off my floor. Need to get some more hooks and maybe a shelf or basket. I see that images are still uploading sideways. Not sure how to fix that.

[murphyreedus]

My knock-off MAG grips finally came late last week, not in time for back day. LOL, I don't even know the actual brand name of them. Everyone just calls them knock-off MAG grips, they're the ones from WalMart. I'll use them on Thursday. I also picked up some sectional peg board to get attachments off my floor. Need to get some more hooks and maybe a shelf or basket. I see that images are still uploading sideways. Not sure how to fix that.

They're "Everyday Essentials" brand. I picked up the same ones a while ago and ended up getting rid of them because I liked my regular lat bars better, but the guy I sold them to was really happy to pick them up because he'd used the Walmart ones at his old gym and loved them. I'd like to try some pronated versions if Mag starts selling again or if someone imports pronated knockoffs.

[Duplicitous]

My knock-off MAG grips finally came late last week, not in time for back day. LOL, I don't even know the actual brand name of them. Everyone just calls them knock-off MAG grips, they're the ones from WalMart. I'll use them on Thursday. I also picked up some sectional peg board to get attachments off my floor. Need to get some more hooks and maybe a shelf or basket. I see that images are still uploading sideways. Not sure how to fix that.

I've got the same set and like them quite a bit. I sold the longest one and kept the rest.

[Lifts4longevity]

I picked up this lot of Icarian stuff yesterday. All of the upholstery is original and the wood is hardwood as opposed to the cheap plywood everyone is using today. The guy I purchased them from said he bought them new in 1989.

WOW! That's like stepping back into a time machine. Such a change of pace to see people actually taking care of the gym equipment they purchase. Too many of those wonderful "deals" off CL and FB Marketplace where the person cared for their equipment by leaving it out in the weather for 10 years, including rinsing it off during the warmer months so the "patina" would form in an even and consistent pattern throughout. Of course the custom duct tape on the sun-baked seat cover isn't something you'll find in stores either, so that raises the price another $100. LOL!

[Lifts4longevity]

Also picked up a Dynamic dumbbell row bench. Hadn't seen one of these before, but it seems like it'll be really nice for DB rows. Probably silly for a home gym piece, but that hasn't stopped me before.

Very cool! First time I've seen one of those as well. Just imagine the confusion a piece like that would create at the typical gym. Crossfitters would probably sit on it sideways and attempt to perform a side bend/oblique twist/leg raise while also incorporating a DB curl and Arnold press into the mix. Thankfully it has that convenient handle to hold onto so you don't lose your balance! Haha. Like a one man band....or a circus act!

[urbanlifter]

Never thought I would try one of these in a million years, but I'm going on a vacation soon and will be without a gym for almost two weeks. So it's NOT the X3 bar, but it's a knock-off that I got on Amazon for a little over $100. Figured worst case scenario if it's no good I could always send it back, but it's an interesting one because the bar itself appears to be relatively close quality to the X3 which seems to be the thing people compliment the most. The swivel on the ends are very smooth and the construction seems solid, but we'll see what happens over the next couple weeks when it get's put to the test! Interestingly it also came with a carrying case, a couple handles and a door attachment, and for 1/5th the price of an X3 I don't see a whole lot of downside to this system. Only comes with a couple bands so I'll be adding some of my own, but the two included should provide enough resistance to get the job done in the short-term.

https://www.amazon.com/DASKING-Resis...4530319&sr=8-7

[EricAtl]

Never thought I would try one of these in a million years, but I'm going on a vacation soon and will be without a gym for almost two weeks. So it's NOT the X3 bar, but it's a knock-off that I got on Amazon for a little over $100. Figured worst case scenario if it's no good I could always send it back, but it's an interesting one because the bar itself appears to be relatively close quality to the X3 which seems to be the thing people compliment the most. The swivel on the ends are very smooth and the construction seems solid, but we'll see what happens over the next couple weeks when it get's put to the test! Interestingly it also came with a carrying case, a couple handles and a door attachment, and for 1/5th the price of an X3 I don't see a whole lot of downside to this system. Only comes with a couple bands so I'll be adding some of my own, but the two included should provide enough resistance to get the job done in the short-term.

https://www.amazon.com/DASKING-Resis...4530319&sr=8-7

Looks like it should hold you over. Their English translator came up with a good headline.

[urbanlifter]

Fiddled with it a bit today, its somewhat difficult getting into a squat position but overall I can see this being okay for a travel application. After looking at the manual there are several ways to use the bands to increase/decrease the resistance so there should be plenty there. The heavy band in particular seems pretty tough, now I just have to put together a quick all-body type session that I can do at the resort.

Edit: So far the biggest annoyance is setting up for squats, it's not a comfortable or easy situation. I've almost found it easier to do those without the bar using the heavy bands just across your shoulders. Pressing is an issue as well, the bar is too short to feel comfortable and it shifts the focus to your shoulders not your chest. Where the bar seems to do really well is for deadlifts, bent over rows, curls, and upright rows.

[Duplicitous]

Fiddled with it a bit today, its somewhat difficult getting into a squat position but overall I can see this being okay for a travel application. After looking at the manual there are several ways to use the bands to increase/decrease the resistance so there should be plenty there. The heavy band in particular seems pretty tough, now I just have to put together a quick all-body type session that I can do at the resort.

Edit: So far the biggest annoyance is setting up for squats, it's not a comfortable or easy situation. I've almost found it easier to do those without the bar using the heavy bands just across your shoulders. Pressing is an issue as well, the bar is too short to feel comfortable and it shifts the focus to your shoulders not your chest. Where the bar seems to do really well is for deadlifts, bent over rows, curls, and upright rows.

Well, better to find this out w/ the knockoff than the $550 X3.

[urbanlifter]

Well, better to find this out w/ the knockoff than the $550 X3.

Absolutely, with how nice this bar is I'd never buy an X3. The footplate would be nice but you can easily rig something up for that, and the triangle hooks take some time to setup but it's not a huge deal. Even if you added another $35 band kit to the sticker you are still saving $400 for a comparable product, and I plan on using the bar itself on my high pulley as a cable attachment so that's something the X3 really cant do.

[BulkMore]

My knock-off MAG grips finally came late last week, not in time for back day. LOL, I don't even know the actual brand name of them. Everyone just calls them knock-off MAG grips, they're the ones from WalMart. I'll use them on Thursday. I also picked up some sectional peg board to get attachments off my floor. Need to get some more hooks and maybe a shelf or basket. I see that images are still uploading sideways. Not sure how to fix that.

I received mine a month ago. I like them a lot. Not sure how much better the mag ones can possibly be for the price difference you pay.

[Bench905]

My knock-off MAG grips finally came late last week, not in time for back day. LOL, I don't even know the actual brand name of them. Everyone just calls them knock-off MAG grips, they're the ones from WalMart. I'll use them on Thursday. I also picked up some sectional peg board to get attachments off my floor. Need to get some more hooks and maybe a shelf or basket. I see that images are still uploading sideways. Not sure how to fix that.

Unfortunately, they forgot to copy some of the best parts of the mag grip - the way the metal folds over and the space for the thumb to rest. Also, the angles are not nearly the same - they seem much less aggressive than the real MAGs. It seems they simply just welded on a piece of rod to the end.

Not trying to be a jerk - but I really don't understand why people buy these cheap knockoffs with all their shortcomings. If money is an issue, just buy 2 real mag grips for the same price.