ironmaster lottery

[thedickus]

If I had IM's that would be on my list, I never liked how long the handle was so problem solved!

That is by far my biggest gripe with them. I don't mind them for shrugs or rowing movements, but I hate the handle length for presses. If I don't get it right in the center I waste a lot of energy trying to keep them balanced. I'm really thinking of grabbing them, but they're kind of pricey and I've dropped quite a bit this year.

Has anyone used these and does it make a huge difference in how the dumbbell balances? It would seem like it would have to.

Update, I went ahead and pulled the trigger on it. Their marketing says it helps balance the dumbbell. So they at least acknowledge that it's a little cumbersome for people with smaller hands to balance and that this helps fix that issue.

[ampire]

Super pumped, just ordered the heavy handle kit, they are back in stock!

edit: I see DVO just updated about it. Thanks!

[ncsuLuke]

I've been checking daily and finally the IM Heavy Handle Kit is back in stock. I just ordered mine while I had the chance. They're NOT in the lottery drawing this time around, so nab 'em while they're still available...

You're the man. I have been waiting for this as I am topping out my 120s. 135 should keep me set for a while.

[MGM711]

Here is my leg attachment with vinyl covers and I added this 1" square tube plastic cap which reduces the risk of gouging the bench vinyl by quite a bit. Got the cap here https://www.ebay.com/itm/313045090257. It fits on pretty tight so I don't think its going to fall into the bench frame, had to use a mallet to pound it in. Looks nearly identical to the end cap that comes with it on the other end and doesn't change the way it fits into the bench.

Where did you get those vinyl covers from? I'd really like to get set for mine.

[Spud]

Where did you get those vinyl covers from? I'd really like to get set for mine.

https://www.ironmaster.com/products/...-crunch-situp/

[ampire]

They are the vinyl covers as linked above. They are much better then the bare foam, however installing the vinyl covers aren't as straight forward as you'd think because the drawcord isn't that great, it could have been done better in my opinion. I tried sitting the vinyl behind the roller's plastic cap but I was concerned it was going to cause the plastic caps to shatter.

I recommend getting a square tube plastic end cap for the exposed end, I thought the exposed steel end was a major gouge hazard for bench vinyl.


Urbanlifter linked this Cap roller product on a thread of the Super Bench Pro, which might be another option for you. https://www.amazon.com/Roller-Sizes-...dp/B07649LLV4/

https://forum.bodybuilding.com/showt...post1587065451

[Deep-Voiced-One]

If I had IM's that would be on my list, I never liked how long the handle was so problem solved!

Definitely, anterior tilting farmers walks (from and back to the stand) and imbalanced pressing days should be a thing of the past and going up to 90 lbs with them not anymore cumbersome than the 75s ain't too shabby as well. I entered that crazy lottery once again in hopes of adding the 120 lb add on kit, then I think I'll be good...I was contemplating the 165 lb kit at some point if the possibility is out there to get them, but wouldn't want to void the warranty with them should any damage occur.

[urbanlifter]

Back when I built my Powertech belt squat I destroyed a leg curl attachment, kept the pads and slapped them on the IM when it first came!

[Deep-Voiced-One]

Back when I built my Powertech belt squat I destroyed a leg curl attachment, kept the pads and slapped them on the IM when it first came!

Looks and fits better than the IM vinyl roller pads that come separately and the red stitiching matches the Body-Solid Leverage System you got lol.

[urbanlifter]

They do! But you have to get those pads covered quick, I made the mistake of not covering my OG Super Bench and those pads absorb sweat and STINK after a while.

[ampire]

The hybrid bench pad came back in stock just now so I ordered it. Hopefully it makes a difference for me, I've been benching at the 40 degree setting.

[Deep-Voiced-One]

The hybrid bench pad came back in stock just now so I ordered it. Hopefully it makes a difference for me, I've been benching at the 40 degree setting.

Congrats man, I hope the pad works out for you. In my opinion it's a well worth it upgrade/add-on...is the bonsai plant a Karate Kid/Cobra Kai reference? If so that series is easily one of my favorites these days.

[ampire]

Congrats man, I hope the pad works out for you. In my opinion it's a well worth it upgrade/add-on...is the bonsai plant a Karate Kid/Cobra Kai reference? If so that series is easily one of my favorites these days.

Nah, just vaguely interested in bonsai plants, thought this image (from google image) looked nice.

I'm really looking forward to getting the pad. My only concern with the pad is if it should be too firm. My thoracic spine is sensitive to pressure due to the surgery I had, which is why I bench at the 40 degree angle setting. If I could bench flat, I'd be able to bench a lot more than I do now, but it isn't worth it now... I ended up marking the angles in degrees on the curved steel adjustment arc with white paint pen, found that the 40 degree angle feels really nice.

[MGM711]

Nah, just vaguely interested in bonsai plants, thought this image (from google image) looked nice.

I'm really looking forward to getting the pad. My only concern with the pad is if it should be too firm. My thoracic spine is sensitive to pressure due to the surgery I had, which is why I bench at the 40 degree angle setting. If I could bench flat, I'd be able to bench a lot more than I do now, but it isn't worth it now... I ended up marking the angles in degrees on the curved steel adjustment arc with white paint pen, found that the 40 degree angle feels really nice.

The Hybrid is firm, at least to me it is, but I find it to be a major upgrade over the standard pad for sure.

[ampire]

The Hybrid is firm, at least to me it is, but I find it to be a major upgrade over the standard pad for sure.

If its too firm, I'll just stick a sheet of minicell foam on top. Did that with my rower seat.

[Deep-Voiced-One]

MGM is right, the Hybrid is a firm pad, not of the caliber of Rogue's Adjustable 2.0 Bench pads, but firm and definitely supportive enough.

On another IM product subject, this question is for dickus, or any other owners of the IM 2000...how does using it for leg press feel on it?

It's obviously more compact than a typical leg press machine, but curious how effective it is being a multi-functional piece.

[thedickus]

Definitely, anterior tilting farmers walks (from and back to the stand) and imbalanced pressing days should be a thing of the past and going up to 90 lbs with them not anymore cumbersome than the 75s ain't too shabby as well. I entered that crazy lottery once again in hopes of adding the 120 lb add on kit, then I think I'll be good...I was contemplating the 165 lb kit at some point if the possibility is out there to get them, but wouldn't want to void the warranty with them should any damage occur.

Thanks to everyone for explaining what these actually do. The name of the product doesn't do it justice. I ordered them and they came in on Friday. I used this this morning for chest day. They are a definite game changer for me. I was honestly going to either sell my IMs and just continue to build out my hex dbells I was so frustrated at how unbalanced the IMs are at heavier weights. I don't have large hands and when I got around 90s with the IMs it I expended so much energy in trying to keep them balanced it was taking away from my lifts. My hex dbells go up to 80s and when I grabbed the IMs set at 90s with the heavy handle it was just like a regular dbell feel/balance wise. The 100s also were no problem this morning. I wish I'd of know about these from the beginning. IM needs to figure out how to market those better.

[grumpytude]

Thanks to everyone for explaining what these actually do. The name of the product doesn't do it justice. I ordered them and they came in on Friday. I used this this morning for chest day. They are a definite game changer for me. I was honestly going to either sell my IMs and just continue to build out my hex dbells I was so frustrated at how unbalanced the IMs are at heavier weights. I don't have large hands and when I got around 90s with the IMs it I expended so much energy in trying to keep them balanced it was taking away from my lifts. My hex dbells go up to 80s and when I grabbed the IMs set at 90s with the heavy handle it was just like a regular dbell feel/balance wise. The 100s also were no problem this morning. I wish I'd of know about these from the beginning. IM needs to figure out how to market those better.

I wouldn't mind checking these out- but the price is crazy I think. basically its roughly 30lbs for $160. ouch.

[Deep-Voiced-One]

Thanks to everyone for explaining what these actually do. The name of the product doesn't do it justice. I ordered them and they came in on Friday. I used this this morning for chest day. They are a definite game changer for me. I was honestly going to either sell my IMs and just continue to build out my hex dbells I was so frustrated at how unbalanced the IMs are at heavier weights. I don't have large hands and when I got around 90s with the IMs it I expended so much energy in trying to keep them balanced it was taking away from my lifts. My hex dbells go up to 80s and when I grabbed the IMs set at 90s with the heavy handle it was just like a regular dbell feel/balance wise. The 100s also were no problem this morning. I wish I'd of know about these from the beginning. IM needs to figure out how to market those better.

Thanks for the feedback and testimonial on these, I haven't received mine yet so it's good to hear they live up to their name and it's true the Heavy Handle Kit is not only not marketed to the best of their benefits of what they actually do, but also are a very non-mainstream piece (probably due to the above mentioned points) you don't even see any actual video reviews of them on youtube.

[Deep-Voiced-One]

I wouldn't mind checking these out- but the price is crazy I think. basically its roughly 30lbs for $160. ouch.

It's a tough pill to take, but the way I see it (in this particular case) is that it enhances the IMs to the best of their standards with no only the proper balance in the grip, but also allows you to add more weight without making them more cumbersome...also adds to your library of weight increments without buying a full set of DBs if you're of the strictly "space saving" camp.

[DarthCholo]

I have weak wrists/forearms and for a long time getting heavy dumbbells' into position for heavy pressing was really taxing on my grip and wrists. I built up the strengh where my wrists and forearms were no longer the weak link and then i got the heavy handle kit. I think had I known about them I never would of gotten the add on kit for 120lbx and just lived with them up to 90lb with the heavy handle kit. I think if people knew of a way to get to 90lbs cheaper they wouldn't but the heavier add on.

[grumpytude]

It's a tough pill to take, but the way I see it (in this particular case) is that it enhances the IMs to the best of their standards with no only the proper balance in the grip, but also allows you to add more weight without making them more cumbersome...also adds to your library of weight increments without buying a full set of DBs if you're of the strictly "space saving" camp.

I like the concept and would love to try them, but just wish a cheaper version or fix was available. Also for me it wouldn't be something I would leave on the dumbbell.
I actually need a very light weight to warm up the shoulders and such before getting into the main workout. So i would be taking these off and on quite often I think.
would love some sort of hollow / lighter spacer that easily attach off and on.

[ampire]

Got mine today, weighed them out and they were only .5oz variance from 7 lb 8 oz, so pretty accurate. Installed fairly easily, I used a 5.5mm allen wrench but then noticed they included an allen wrench in the bottom under the styrofoam.

I just did a few curls and some presses with 35 lbs on them, as today is off schedule, not a weight training day for me, I do rowing on Tuesdays instead. They felt very different from the original, but better as well.
I am pretty happy with them.

Positives:
+I didn't feel like I had to guess the grip position, my hand went right for it.
+Much greater range of motion on benchpress
+Very accurate
+Fits tight with minimal gap and they don't seem like they'd loosen unless I dropped them repeatedly or some other kind of abuse, and even then it didn't feel like they would create a danger, the screws are long and have a lot of thread
+Allows for a 90 lb dumbbell on the 75 lb set, and it doesn't even require longer screws like the 120lb add on kit.
+Completed 20 lb dumbbell with no screws is one of the most accurate 20 lb dumbbell pairs you will find because the plates are so accurate.
+Better balance
+Easier to put back on the IM stand at a given weight without having one of the ends land on top of the raised edge.

Cons:
-Rubs my forearm a bit on the bottom on bench presses
-Rubs my leg a bit at the bottom position on shrugs
-You might want a separate pair of 15s, or 12s, or 10s for really lightweight exercises such as rotator cuff rotations, as the minimum weight with no screws is 20 lbs and with screws is 25 lbs.
-One of the most expensive per pound weight purchases you will make.

[ncsuLuke]

Got mine last night. Aside from one falling out of the box before it was delivered (it was left on my front porch sitting on top of the box, at least they didn't lose it) and getting scuffed up I agree with ampire. I only use my IMs for heavy stuff anyway but I feel like this is pretty much and upgrade in every way.

[DarthCholo]

Got mine today, weighed them out and they were only .5oz variance from 7 lb 8 oz, so pretty accurate. Installed fairly easily, I used a 5.5mm allen wrench but then noticed they included an allen wrench in the bottom under the styrofoam.

I just did a few curls and some presses with 35 lbs on them, as today is off schedule, not a weight training day for me, I do rowing on Tuesdays instead. They felt very different from the original, but better as well.
I am pretty happy with them.

Positives:
+I didn't feel like I had to guess the grip position, my hand went right for it.
+Much greater range of motion on benchpress
+Very accurate
+Fits tight with minimal gap and they don't seem like they'd loosen unless I dropped them repeatedly or some other kind of abuse, and even then it didn't feel like they would create a danger, the screws are long and have a lot of thread
+Allows for a 90 lb dumbbell on the 75 lb set, and it doesn't even require longer screws like the 120lb add on kit.
+Completed 20 lb dumbbell with no screws is one of the most accurate 20 lb dumbbell pairs you will find because the plates are so accurate.
+Better balance
+Easier to put back on the IM stand at a given weight without having one of the ends land on top of the raised edge.

Cons:
-Rubs my forearm a bit on the bottom on bench presses
-Rubs my leg a bit at the bottom position on shrugs
-You might want a separate pair of 15s, or 12s, or 10s for really lightweight exercises such as rotator cuff rotations, as the minimum weight with no screws is 20 lbs and with screws is 25 lbs.
-One of the most expensive per pound weight purchases you will make.

Great review! I bought a pair of 15lb hexes for shoulder raises and use 10lb and 5lb plates for anything lighter and always leave the 20lb handle kit on.

[Deep-Voiced-One]

Great to hear all the positive feedback on these (I'm still waiting on mine to be delivered lol), I agree with the statements of keeping the IMs set heavier which is what I do as well. In response to grumpy, I get where you're coming from as far as obtaining lighter increments in a convenient way...I went the gear snob route and use my PB Pros for the smaller increments and other exercises that call for lighter weight as well as lighter warm ups, actually I've been substituting my PBs for the heavier weights (also a bit awkward, but work in the meantime) due to the balancing act with the IMs on DB bench until the Heavy Handle Kit arrives.

[grumpytude]

honestly I never even thought of the handles being too long or being an issue using them until I read it here. Maybe I'm just oblivious.... Makes sense though with shorter span, better balance. Now every time I go to use them I think of it......thanks. Maybe do what other do, get a cheap set of light dumbbells for warm ups and keep them on full time.

[Deep-Voiced-One]

Update, my IM HH Kit will arrive on Friday.

[ampire]

I received the Hybrid Bench Pad, it definitely improves flat dumbbell bench which I don't do often, but figured I'd give it a try with lighter dumbbells, shoulders feel more stable. Incline at 40 degrees is only slightly improved but it isn't particularly noticeable. I also liked the broader surface for overhead/shoulder press at a 70 degree angle. I like the new "carbon fiber"-looking material better than the original vinyl, however it isn't as sticky. It seems like my body can get into position better as a result and it is a nicer surface for decline ab crunch, my bottom feels better pivoting on it, but I think if I was doing barbell bench with a powerlifter's arch the original vinyl might work better to stick my upper back to the pad. I don't bench that way anymore so it's fine. Overall I am content with it, and having an extra pad isn't a bad thing either.

In an aesthetic sense, it looks quite nice. Pretty high quality for the price. Lastly, the cushion (in particular, the foam thickness) is the exact same as my Super Bench Pro's original pad.

[ncsuLuke]

Had my first workout with the heavy handle kit today and it is a big improvement over the standard handles IMO. My wrists do make contact with the plates now but it's not really a big deal and the balance is way better. I was doing bench with 115 and getting the weight up for the first rep felt much more stable than before. Having the dumbbells shorter is a lot nicer too as they start to get pretty long at that weight. Would absolutely recommend for anyone who uses these for heavier work. For lighter stuff I don't think it would make a huge difference but I can't tell you the last time I've had less than 90 loaded on mine since I just use Powerblocks for that.