Ironmaster HEAVY HANDLE PLATE KIT - anyone use it?

[blue9steel]

Before I accumulated my full set of York roundheads, I had a set of 5 - 50 roundheads and Ironmasters that went to 120lbs. I left the heavier IM plates on the handles all the time (55lb DB) then adding was pretty easy for anything heavier.

That's basically what I do. I have a 5-55 set on a vertical db rack and a set of 120lb Ironmasters next to it. If you're space limited it's a great compromise. If you have the space and money then yes, a full DB rack is better.

[Murser]

A little review...

The microplates are the same thickness as the 2.5lb plates. You have to put them on the screws first, and then on the dumbbells. When removed, they ride off the screws. I prefer them over the platemates.

The “heavy handles” cover the un-knurled section of the handles. I like the handles this length. They do hit your wrist with certain movements. Not a big deal, but annoying. They are actually probably forcing my wrists to get a little stronger. I’d buy them again.

The both seem as solidly built as the dumbbells.

[DarthCholo]

Review after receiving.

First why i got them and my setup. I got the 120lb kit and two kettlebell handles. I also have a set of 50lb powerblock urethane set I got for cheap.

- always got 45lb large plates loaded in the iron master's for benching and pulls. Just add in plates for each.

- powerblocks up to 50lbs for light work and cardio

- usually always have one kettlebell handle loaded too

And now the heavy handle add on. I always had to pay extra attention to grip centered in the long handle. The smaller handle width makes it easy to always be centered. It's also one less plate I have to add or remove. Got the same amount of weight loaded in the picture. Is it worth 150? Probably not. Then again I don't need half the workout gear I have. If you got he money and already invested in ironmaster go for it.

[matrix563]

Review after receiving.

First why i got them and my setup. I got the 120lb kit and two kettlebell handles. I also have a set of 50lb powerblock urethane set I got for cheap.

- always got 45lb large plates loaded in the iron master's for benching and pulls. Just add in plates for each.

- powerblocks up to 50lbs for light work and cardio

- usually always have one kettlebell handle loaded too

And now the heavy handle add on. I always had to pay extra attention to grip centered in the long handle. The smaller handle width makes it easy to always be centered. It's also one less plate I have to add or remove. Got the same amount of weight loaded in the picture. Is it worth 150? Probably not. Then again I don't need half the workout gear I have. If you got he money and already invested in ironmaster go for it.

any issues with them rotating?

[supramax]

... They do hit your wrist with certain movements. Not a big deal, but annoying...

A $10 pair of EVERLAST 2.5 lb wrist weights will protect your wrists. Very handy for long Farmers' Walks.

[weisgarb]

any issues with them rotating?

It looks like the plates are contoured to fit over the raised portion of the inner side of the handle, so I'd guess not.

[ampire]

Looks like it gives a handle length like those York Medial dumbbells.

[DarthCholo]

any issues with them rotating?

No issues rotating. They have square contour shape like the plates do so they interlock to the base plate that has the same contour.

I stopped using elbow and kneee sleeves a while back but always use rogue wrist straps so no worries about hurting wrists.

[matrix563]

No issues rotating. They have square contour shape like the plates do so they interlock to the base plate that has the same contour.

I stopped using elbow and kneee sleeves a while back but always use rogue wrist straps so no worries about hurting wrists.

nice. i will get them when funds allow. with plate mates that will be 185 lb dumbbells lmao

i wonder if i should buy 2 sets, i have 2 pairs of handles.

maybe its ok to keep one handle pair at the light weight if needed

[supramax]

nice. i will get them when funds allow. with plate mates that will be 185 lb dumbbells...

Be sure to post a video of yourself looking at those 185s.

[matrix563]

Be sure to post a video of yourself looking at those 185s.

i have picked up a max of 172.5 lbs so you may have to post a video of someone looking at them


i tried to replicate in size and feel of an inch dumbbell with my york dumbbell handles and fat gripz. i couldnt get it off the ground as an inch replica but i got it up without the fat gripz on. the york handle is a lil thicker than the ironmaster handle.

sure i can only do rows and pick them up at that weight but how many people can even do that much? few thousand max?

[dskoo65]

Review after receiving.

First why i got them and my setup. I got the 120lb kit and two kettlebell handles. I also have a set of 50lb powerblock urethane set I got for cheap.

- always got 45lb large plates loaded in the iron master's for benching and pulls. Just add in plates for each.

- powerblocks up to 50lbs for light work and cardio

- usually always have one kettlebell handle loaded too

And now the heavy handle add on. I always had to pay extra attention to grip centered in the long handle. The smaller handle width makes it easy to always be centered. It's also one less plate I have to add or remove. Got the same amount of weight loaded in the picture. Is it worth 150? Probably not. Then again I don't need half the workout gear I have. If you got he money and already invested in ironmaster go for it.

having a dumbbell that much shorter at any weight makes it worth it to me.

[supramax]

i have picked up a max of 172.5 lbs so you may have to post a video of someone looking at them

Each hand, right?

i tried to replicate in size and feel of an inch dumbbell with my york dumbbell handles and fat gripz. i couldnt get it off the ground as an inch replica but i got it up without the fat gripz on. the york handle is a lil thicker than the ironmaster handle.

sure i can only do rows and pick them up at that weight but how many people can even do that much? few thousand max?

Are you saying that you can one arm row with a 172.5 lb dumbbell?

[jdboyd78]

Review after receiving.

First why i got them and my setup. I got the 120lb kit and two kettlebell handles. I also have a set of 50lb powerblock urethane set I got for cheap.

- always got 45lb large plates loaded in the iron master's for benching and pulls. Just add in plates for each.

- powerblocks up to 50lbs for light work and cardio

- usually always have one kettlebell handle loaded too

And now the heavy handle add on. I always had to pay extra attention to grip centered in the long handle. The smaller handle width makes it easy to always be centered. It's also one less plate I have to add or remove. Got the same amount of weight loaded in the picture. Is it worth 150? Probably not. Then again I don't need half the workout gear I have. If you got he money and already invested in ironmaster go for it.

Well, this pic has me very interested now. I'm thinking when the wife and kids ask me what I want for Christmas, this may be it. They usually do a coupon for Black Friday/Cyber Monday.

[DarthCholo]

having a dumbbell that much shorter at any weight makes it worth it to me.

Space Allowing I'd trade everything for a full set of vulcan or Rep rubber handle hexes. Super small for each weight.

[matrix563]

Each hand, right?

i never claimed that. single hand.

Are you saying that you can one arm row with a 172.5 lb dumbbell?

just for 2 reps.

are you finished trolling?

[supramax]

just for 2 reps.

are you finished trolling?

Just inquiring and trying to clarify.

[jdboyd78]

Just bought a set with the Black Friday deal. I'll probably try them on it, then wrap them up for Christmas morning, more stuff to open with the kids. I have the 120lb add on already, my main selling point was moving more weight closer to my hand, can't wait.

[MGM711]

Just bought a set with the Black Friday deal. I'll probably try them on it, then wrap them up for Christmas morning, more stuff to open with the kids. I have the 120lb add on already, my main selling point was moving more weight closer to my hand, can't wait.

Got them myself...I figured at this prices, this bought me some more time to decide if I wanted to upgrade to the 165s.

[DarthCholo]

Just bought a set with the Black Friday deal. I'll probably try them on it, then wrap them up for Christmas morning, more stuff to open with the kids. I have the 120lb add on already, my main selling point was moving more weight closer to my hand, can't wait.

never noticed how large the handles were until I handled regular dumbbells again a few months ago. The design requires long handles I think to allow for screws to go in deeper when using the lower weight configurations. It can be a bit of a balancing act when benching heavy.

[jdboyd78]

never noticed how large the handles were until I handled regular dumbbells again a few months ago. The design requires long handles I think to allow for screws to go in deeper when using the lower weight configurations. It can be a bit of a balancing act when benching heavy.

I've had them on for a couple of workouts now, I can say they are easily worth the $$$. The exact issue you described is solved by adding these plates to the handles, they feel much more "secure". When I would get to 100lbs, I would always be overly concerned about the alignment of my hand on the handle in relation to the weight. While these plates do not completely negate this obviously, it's much more like a standard pro style dumbbell. I also got a set of Fat Gripz for Christmas. There is a gap when using them with the IM, but it's not enough of an issue to be a problem IMO, not enough to sacrifice using a fat grip anyway. I'd like to see IM (or anybody) come out with a fat grip to use specifically with this setup.

[matrix563]

i wish ironmaster would make metal fat grip adapters. i had those plastic ones and ended up giving them away lol

[eddiegoodfellar]

I've had them on for a couple of workouts now, I can say they are easily worth the $$$. The exact issue you described is solved by adding these plates to the handles, they feel much more "secure". When I would get to 100lbs, I would always be overly concerned about the alignment of my hand on the handle in relation to the weight. While these plates do not completely negate this obviously, it's much more like a standard pro style dumbbell. I also got a set of Fat Gripz for Christmas. There is a gap when using them with the IM, but it's not enough of an issue to be a problem IMO, not enough to sacrifice using a fat grip anyway. I'd like to see IM (or anybody) come out with a fat grip to use specifically with this setup.

I was also disappointed that the Fatgripz don't fit. I should have double checked the diameter of the IMs though (100% my fault).
Love my IMs

[jdboyd78]

I was also disappointed that the Fatgripz don't fit. I should have double checked the diameter of the IMs though (100% my fault).
Love my IMs

Yea, I still use them, but wish there was a better solution.

[castiel18]

Interesting idea, kinda expensive for what they are. I love my fat grips, seriously doubt these would work with them anyway. I have the 120s now, been thinking of going up to the next set.

I just got the fat grips and I agree, they're awesome. Was shocked to see how much weight I had to drop while my wrists adjust but I doubt it'll be a month before I'm where I was before, and now with way stronger forearms/grip.


May or may not have bought them specifically cuz a girl I hooked up with from tinder told me her fav parts of a guy were lats (good on those) and forearms (these, I felt I needed work on)

[TheShadowMan]

I'm still using the 75 pounder set, might be good to turn em into 90's cause they are the only dumbbells I use. I can sorta see what Ironmaster was trying to do here, upgrade with a smaller upgrade cost. But a 15 pound upgrade seems kinda small for how much it costs to get it up and running. I also have a small issue with it making the minimum weight 20 per handle, I like that mine can be as low as 5's if i'm doing something like pronations or suppinations for grip exercises where i'm not yet built up to using more weight yet. Nothing I couldn't work around I suppose, but $150 is a lot for a 15lb boost. Maybe someday.