'Look What I Bought Today!' - Part Deux

[radrd]

Spotted these collars on Amazon and just arrived today.

Iron Crush Olympic Barbell Clips - Adjustable & Slim Gym Clamps
https://a.co/d/aK1tKYE

Caught my eye because they don't take up much room, are adjustable for different sleeve diameters, and cheap AF. Upon arrival, they seem sturdy and like they'll do the job. At this price, I might get a couple more pairs just in case they break. Price has already gone from $10.99 to $12.99 since I ordered a couple days ago.

[bisonp]

Spotted these collars on Amazon and just arrived today.

Iron Crush Olympic Barbell Clips - Adjustable & Slim Gym Clamps
https://a.co/d/aK1tKYE

Caught my eye because they don't take up much room, are adjustable for different sleeve diameters, and cheap AF. Upon arrival, they seem sturdy and like they'll do the job. At this price, I might get a couple more pairs just in case they break. Price has already gone from $10.99 to $12.99 since I ordered a couple days ago.

Interesting...a lot like a bike Quick Release axle.

I could see them being annoying if you don't have different sized sleeves though.

[Michiganian]

Spotted these collars on Amazon and just arrived today.

Iron Crush Olympic Barbell Clips - Adjustable & Slim Gym Clamps
https://a.co/d/aK1tKYE

Thanks for bringing those to our attention, but, I wish you'd done it about a day earlier I'd just run out the 24-hour window for adding to my last Amazon order.

Those look like they'd be handy on my loadable DB bar. With some plate combinations the space gets pretty tight.

[radrd]

Thanks for bringing those to our attention, but, I wish you'd done it about a day earlier I'd just run out the 24-hour window for adding to my last Amazon order.

Those look like they'd be handy on my loadable DB bar. With some plate combinations the space gets pretty tight.

Ha sorry! Due to how slim they are, they do seem ideal for loadable DB handles, but I'd want to be really careful at first. They seem to snug down pretty well, but there are a couple of possible failure points in addition to human error that I could see resulting in plates sliding unexpectedly. I got them for my belt squat where I probably don't even need collars, so there is minimal concern.

[Michiganian]

Ha sorry! Due to how slim they are, they do seem ideal for loadable DB handles, but I'd want to be really careful at first. They seem to snug down pretty well, but there are a couple of possible failure points in addition to human error that I could see resulting in plates sliding unexpectedly. I got them for my belt squat where I probably don't even need collars, so there is minimal concern.

*nod*

I currently use the one loadable DB bar I have only for tripod rows, so not much safety concern there. (Other than plates landing on my feet, and, after having a brane phart with my adjustable DBs a couple times, I've learned to keep my feet well clear of them.)

Though I can see a time, if I stay on-track, I could conceivably hit the 45 lb. limit with my Hoist/IM adjustable DBs and need a second loadable DB bar for presses and so-on.

[Greybird2]

https://www.amazon.com/sspa/click?ie...hdGY%26psc%3D1

These look interesting. No cheesy bolt either. Fit both olympic sizes. Appeared next to the one you linked.

[Michiganian]

These look interesting. No cheesy bolt either. Fit both olympic sizes. Appeared next to the one you linked.

They do look interesting, but, 4½ times as expensive and they appear to be a bit wider?

I do like Lock-Jaw collars. I currently use Lock-Jaw OLY 2 collars. They're quite wide, though, at 2 in.

I think the narrowest name-brand collars I found when I last researched this were The Strength Co. Barbell Collars, but, they're a mite spendy at $70/pair.

[radrd]

I've had my eye on both of those collars. I'll probably get the lock jaws eventually because I like magnets. The Strength Co ones are interesting for slim but appear to only fit 50mm sleeves and don't have magnets. We'll see how the cheapies do. Maybe I'll glue magnets to them.

[bisonp]

I've been using my Ironmaster Ultimate Row Handle for a few weeks now.

I'm not very picky about knurling. But the knurling on the handles is nearly worthless. Worse than my wife's cheapo 30 pound chromed barbell.

The way the bar angles down from the top point, combined with the handles being a few inches below the bar, means the handles hang quite low. I can't get a full stretch on pulldowns unless I put the handles on upside down, which limits me to the widest position. A better design IMO would be a straight bar and angled handles, instead of an angled bar and straight handles.

The fit and finish leaves something to be desired. Many blemishes in the chrome. And I don't mean ones you can barely see. It looks bad at a glance, like the handles have had 30 years of abuse.

All in all it works OK but I expected better from Ironmaster. It's a good idea with a lot of room for improvement.

[thedickus]

I've been using my Ironmaster Ultimate Row Handle for a few weeks now.

I'm not very picky about knurling. But the knurling on the handles is nearly worthless. Worse than my wife's cheapo 30 pound chromed barbell.

The way the bar angles down from the top point, combined with the handles being a few inches below the bar, means the handles hang quite low. I can't get a full stretch on pulldowns unless I put the handles on upside down, which limits me to the widest position. A better design IMO would be a straight bar and angled handles, instead of an angled bar and straight handles.

The fit and finish leaves something to be desired. Many blemishes in the chrome. And I don't mean ones you can barely see. It looks bad at a glance, like the handles have had 30 years of abuse.

All in all it works OK but I expected better from Ironmaster. It's a good idea with a lot of room for improvement.

I agree on the handles being way too low when combined with the top point unless you have the tallest of pulldowns. It works fine when using it on the actual IM2000 and you're sitting on the floor. I bought the IM standalone pulldown put haven't tried the Ultimate Row Handle on it yet, probably won't either as I have several other options. If you only want or have room for one attachment this one is decent especially since it double as a T-Bar row handle. If money were no object then I'd love to try the Black Widow, but not at $300 for an attachment. The knurling does feel non-existent from what I remember.

[Deep-Voiced-One]

I've had my eye on both of those collars. I'll probably get the lock jaws eventually because I like magnets. The Strength Co ones are interesting for slim but appear to only fit 50mm sleeves and don't have magnets. We'll see how the cheapies do. Maybe I'll glue magnets to them.

I own a pair of the magnetic Lock Jaws, they're excellent...hold on tight to the plates and are convenient storing them on the rack. A cheaper rendition of the Lock Jaws (non-magnetic and at a fraction of the cost) are the Iron Lab collars from amazon which my GF has for her bar and they actually snap on tight on the bar similar to the Lock Jaws.

[Michiganian]

Well, I did it



People say the Rogue Echo Bike is brutal, and they ain't lyin'. Naturally I had to give it a go after I got it back together and cleaned up. Just 3¼ miles over twenty minutes, cadence around 63 when I was pedaling, kicked my backside like I couldn't believe. About the time I'd get my HR up to 144-146 my legs were toast, and I'd have to get off and walk it off.

[thedickus]

Well, I did it



People say the Rogue Echo Bike is brutal, and they ain't lyin'. Naturally I had to give it a go after I got it back together and cleaned up. Just 3¼ miles over twenty minutes, cadence around 63 when I was pedaling, kicked my backside like I couldn't believe. About the time I'd get my HR up to 144-146 my legs were toast, and I'd have to get off and walk it off.

Nice! Those things are beastly!
Did you talk him down in price or end up bailing him out? Hopefully it wasn't very dirty if he was trying to get close to new pricing for it.

[Michiganian]

Nice! Those things are beastly!

You got that right!

Though my first experience was my own fault. I just got on it and went for it. It was only much later in the evening I thought "Hmmm..." Looked at my rowing log. I'd last averaged 105 watts on my C2 rower, doing thirty minutes of MICT. I'd been hitting 315 watts on the Echo

Did you talk him down in price or end up bailing him out? Hopefully it wasn't very dirty if he was trying to get close to new pricing for it.

When I asked if his price was negotiable and he said it was, I replied "The going price for these things, used, is more around $650," he replied "Ok." Didn't even try to barter.

When I met up with him he was "I just want it gone."

Its cosmetic condition was not what I'd anticipated. Had what looked for all the world like a couple chips in the powder coat on one of the arms and some white spots/streaks a little rubbing with my finger suggested would clean right off. Otherwise not dirty, but, not exactly clean, either. I decided I could live with less-than-ideal cosmetic condition and bought it. Then, when I gave it a good going-over with Fantastic and a microfiber cloth after reassembling it, the things that had looked like chips in the powder coat had disappeared. The performance monitor has a few minor cosmetic imperfections here and there, but, nothing too bad and nothing in the display area.

I'd conservatively put its cosmetic condition at roughly 90%? So I'm quite pleased with my acquisition

[murphyreedus]

Spotted these collars on Amazon and just arrived today.

Iron Crush Olympic Barbell Clips - Adjustable & Slim Gym Clamps
https://a.co/d/aK1tKYE

Caught my eye because they don't take up much room, are adjustable for different sleeve diameters, and cheap AF. Upon arrival, they seem sturdy and like they'll do the job. At this price, I might get a couple more pairs just in case they break. Price has already gone from $10.99 to $12.99 since I ordered a couple days ago.

Thanks for the tip, I grabbed a couple pairs of these, and they're great so far. Haven't moved at all for me on deadlifts, and also lock up tight on my axle sleeve bars like the yoke bar. Don't do any Olympic lifting, so no idea how they stand up to hard drops. Cheap enough that I ordered a few more pairs in case they break.

[radrd]

Thanks for the tip, I grabbed a couple pairs of these, and they're great so far. Haven't moved at all for me on deadlifts, and also lock up tight on my axle sleeve bars like the yoke bar. Don't do any Olympic lifting, so no idea how they stand up to hard drops. Cheap enough that I ordered a few more pairs in case they break.

Nice. So far they work great for me too. I would have a hard time trusting them for dynamic olympic lifts, but they seem seem entirely workable for powerlifting and isolation movements, especially where space on the bar is at a premium.

[imyourguydavid]

Sweet.

That's very nice equipment. Where can I buy those?

[Michiganian]

Spotted these collars on Amazon and just arrived today.

Iron Crush Olympic Barbell Clips - Adjustable & Slim Gym Clamps
https://a.co/d/aK1tKYE

Found I'd run myself out of creatine the other day, needed to bump the order just a bit >< for free shipping, so I added a pair of these.

Arrived just now...



Look like they'll be great for my loadable DBs. Thanks again for the lead, radrd!

[C123C]

Found I'd run myself out of creatine the other day, needed to bump the order just a bit >< for free shipping, so I added a pair of these.

Arrived just now...



Look like they'll be great for my loadable DBs. Thanks again for the lead, radrd!

Hadn't seen these. Really cool. Will keep in mind and see if I have a decent use for them. I have more than enough collars right now (which is exactly how I like it - always hated searching around commercial gyms).

[Michiganian]

I snagged those IronCrush collars not a day too soon. Yesterday added another 2½ lbs. to my Tripod Rows and...



... as you can see: My LockJaw collars, being nearly twice as wide, would have fit, but, would've been a mite awkward getting closed/open in that limited space. About the time those 2½ lb. plates get swapped-out for 5 lb'ers and the 1¼ lb. fractional plates re-added, I don't know as the LockJaws would fit anymore.

[thedickus]

I got my new plates delivered last night. I got the 415lb set of IronMaster Olympic plates. Initial impression are they're nice looking. The 10s and 25s are suprisingly thick. The rubber does smell, hoping that goes away soon. They were also treated with some kind of lubricant possibly for shipping, they feel a little oily. I'll need to wipe them all down this weekend.
They were out of individual 10s and 5s. I hate only having 2 10s and my OCD of not having three of each is killing me. As soon as they come back in stock I'll grab another set of 25s, and the 10s and 5s. I haven't weighed them yet for accuracy, but everything from IM so far has been spot on, I think their QC is pretty good.

[radrd]

I snagged those IronCrush collars not a day too soon. Yesterday added another 2½ lbs. to my Tripod Rows and...



... as you can see: My LockJaw collars, being nearly twice as wide, would have fit, but, would've been a mite awkward getting closed/open in that limited space. About the time those 2½ lb. plates get swapped-out for 5 lb'ers and the 1¼ lb. fractional plates re-added, I don't know as the LockJaws would fit anymore.

Nice. Really seem perfect for dumbbell handles. Maybe they'll sell enough that they will make an all-metal version someday.

[Michiganian]

The rubber does smell, hoping that goes away soon. They were also treated with some kind of lubricant possibly for shipping, they feel a little oily. I'll need to wipe them all down this weekend.

That "lubricant" is probably the release agent used during the rubber molding process. My Rep plates had it, too. I used Fantastic, followed by soap and water, using microfiber cloths, and that seemed to get rid of most of it.

That release agent might also be most of the source of the smell.

Some rubber-coated plates are worse with the (rubber) smell than others. One reason I chose the Rep plates was, of all the rubber-coated plates I researched, their's had about the fewest complaints in that respect.

That and I liked the look of the red labeling on the black plates

[Deep-Voiced-One]

I got my new plates delivered last night. I got the 415lb set of IronMaster Olympic plates. Initial impression are they're nice looking. The 10s and 25s are suprisingly thick. The rubber does smell, hoping that goes away soon. They were also treated with some kind of lubricant possibly for shipping, they feel a little oily. I'll need to wipe them all down this weekend.
They were out of individual 10s and 5s. I hate only having 2 10s and my OCD of not having three of each is killing me. As soon as they come back in stock I'll grab another set of 25s, and the 10s and 5s. I haven't weighed them yet for accuracy, but everything from IM so far has been spot on, I think their QC is pretty good.

They look great and oddly familiar in looks...like the IGX rubber coated plates with the double sided grip design.

[TheDude8734]

The rubber does smell, hoping that goes away soon. They were also treated with some kind of lubricant possibly for shipping, they feel a little oily. I'll need to wipe them all down this weekend.

In b4 you wrap all of the plates in duct tape like someone here did back in the day.

[grumpytude]

So far so Good- Bought it right before powertec announced their new version. But I like the linear bearings- even though they remind me of the bodycraft leg press. kinda noisy- but work well.
Foot plate does not adjust but its double supported and rock solid. I hate footplates that wobble. Good for lighter volume work. small piece good for tight spaces

[Deep-Voiced-One]

So far so Good- Bought it right before powertec announced their new version. But I like the linear bearings- even though they remind me of the bodycraft leg press. kinda noisy- but work well.
Foot plate does not adjust but its double supported and rock solid. I hate footplates that wobble. Good for lighter volume work. small piece good for tight spaces

Nice new addition grumpy, would you say it mimics a hack squat to some degree? I've been thinking of getting the Powertec version for a while (even more so now since the upgraded version was released).

I got the Powertec leg press last September and really been enjoying pairing it up after squats with the Marrs Bar and the design is pretty compact and smooth. Looking at how compact the leg sled is I could possibly fit one more leg machine in if it's unique enough of a movement next to a traditional leg press.

[Greybird2]

I got my new plates delivered last night. I got the 415lb set of IronMaster Olympic plates. Initial impression are they're nice looking. The 10s and 25s are suprisingly thick. The rubber does smell, hoping that goes away soon. They were also treated with some kind of lubricant possibly for shipping, they feel a little oily. I'll need to wipe them all down this weekend.
They were out of individual 10s and 5s. I hate only having 2 10s and my OCD of not having three of each is killing me. As soon as they come back in stock I'll grab another set of 25s, and the 10s and 5s. I haven't weighed them yet for accuracy, but everything from IM so far has been spot on, I think their QC is pretty good.

They look nice. You know I wiped all that off my plates and used a car cleaner product to get it all off. They they started getting a little grey.

The new ones I have coming, I am just going to wipe with a dry rag, then hit with back to black, dry for a day, then wipe again..

[grumpytude]

Nice new addition grumpy, would you say it mimics a hack squat to some degree? I've been thinking of getting the Powertec version for a while (even more so now since the upgraded version was released).

I got the Powertec leg press last September and really been enjoying pairing it up after squats with the Marrs Bar and the design is pretty compact and smooth. Looking at how compact the leg sled is I could possibly fit one more leg machine in if it's unique enough of a movement next to a traditional leg press.

yeah I would say it mimics hacks a bit, combo of both really. hacks bother my knees- this machine doesn't. Depending on how far back you put the back seat pad will kinda affect how the movement feels. Also foot placement. bringing the feet down more on the plate will give you more of hack feel, but also I think more stress on the knees.
Got rid of the powertec leverage squat. I hated the curved shoulder pads. couldn't get comfortable.

[grumpytude]

Picked up a FT1 Ft. loving this piece and use it pretty much every work out. takes up little space. If you use your imagination a bit, there are tons of different exercises to d on it. Works well with the Ironmaster bench for chest supported stuff and also using the ironmaster seated pad attachment. I got the added weight stack.
Cons. I wish it was a few inches taller for tricep pressdown work, Better for shorter people I think. also the numbers are hard to read on the slide posts. should have them darker or something. again small nitpicking stuff.

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