Comments on: The Best Adjustable Dumbbells: Ironmaster vs PowerBlock vs Bowflex (Updated 2021)

By: Bob - Manta Fitness

Bob - Manta Fitness — Tue, 01 Jun 2021 08:01:13 +0000

Like the desing of IRONMASTER

By: David Kiesling

David Kiesling — Wed, 29 Jul 2020 18:06:23 +0000

Sounds about right. They’re okay for light lifting, but for anything you’re at risk of setting down hard I’d go with the Ironmaster, which can take a lot of abuse.

By: Curt Morgan

Curt Morgan — Wed, 29 Jul 2020 12:57:54 +0000

I’ve had 2 sets of Bowflex. One I left behind in Australia, so, I bought another here in the US. After 3-4 months, I dropped one on a VERY well-padded wool carpet. The Bowflex handle is made of plastic, and, the drop chipped it. Bowflex warranty is 2 yrs, but, THEY WOULD NOT REPLACE my handle, saying “you dropped it!!! It’s YOUR fault.” (Please show me a lifter who has NEVER dropped a weight). Now I’m looking at, a home gym. Do you think I’m even going to LOOK at Bowflex equipment? Apparently, judging by reviews, Bowflex REGULARLY refuses to honor their warranties.

By: David Kiesling

David Kiesling — Mon, 04 May 2020 04:06:57 +0000

In reply to Brendan.

I like to recommend wearing wrist weights over PlateMates, because they don’t interfere with the ends of the dumbbells as far as tapping them together or sitting on your thighs. But for whatever reason people don’t like the idea of wrist weights.

By: Brendan

Brendan — Mon, 04 May 2020 03:26:21 +0000

Thanks for the info. I was leaning toward Ironmaster up to 120 lbs for a bit, but kept getting turned off by the time it takes load them. In my case, I like to be able to move up 5 lbs or so each set (pyramid’ing up weight and down reps) for progressive overload. Your mention of platemates magnetic plates was invaluable to my decision as I can buy two 1.25 lbs magnets and two 2.5 lbs magnets to avoid having to take apart weights just to load an extra 2.5 or 5 lbs. Thanks again.

By: David Kiesling

David Kiesling — Mon, 19 Nov 2018 02:14:52 +0000

In reply to Bryan G.

Thanks for your input regarding Jorge’s comment, Brian! I agree, there are reasons these are way better than spinlock dumbbells.

By: Bryan G

Bryan G — Mon, 19 Nov 2018 00:30:40 +0000

In reply to Jorge.

I have to disagree with the idea that Ironmasters are just adjustable spinlocks. When you insert/remove the pin with Ironmasters, it only requires a quarter turn (versus having to spin the collar all the way on or off with spinlocks). You can rest them on your legs (you really don’t want to try that with heavy spinlocks). And, the plates fit together to make them more compact. These are not trivial differences. Full disclosure…I’ve had Ironmasters for several years, still use them regularly, and find them to be brilliant. I’ve had Powerblocks in the past and found them to be fine if not a little awkward feeling at times depending on what you are doing. And, finally, I used spinmasters a few times when I was younger and found them to be an incredible pain the ass.

By: David Kiesling

David Kiesling — Sun, 08 Oct 2017 13:36:26 +0000

In reply to Dan Martin.

Dan,
These are the cheapest alternative, if you only need to go to 70lb:
https://www.adamantbarbell.com/weights/dumbbells/dumbbell-sets/1023–standard-5-75lb-adjustable-dumbbell-set

By: Dan Martin

Dan Martin — Sat, 07 Oct 2017 07:53:56 +0000

There is no doubt that these dumbbells are excellent for working out at home, but for me they are too expensive. Aren’t there cheaper models or alternatives. I’d like to workout at home, but I don’t have so much money spending on equipment

By: Jorge

Jorge — Wed, 04 Oct 2017 09:25:19 +0000

Ironmaster? – If i wanted adjustable dumbbells i would just buy standard spinlocks and save hundreds since that’s all ironmasters are is adjustable spinlocks. At least you admit you are biased because of your past custerom service and shipping experience with powerblock and not because of the product itself. Then again if you are not going to set customer service experience aside and review the product on its own merits why bother including it in the comparison – since powerblocks can be purchased so many places other than the factory why even bother mentioning that issues. So much wrong with this mindset makes it silly for me to even discuss. I own none of the above dumbbells.