Archive for the ‘Review’ Category
Should You Purchase Bowflex 552 Dumbbells?
Adjustable dumbbell sets make a good space saving proposition for those who have inadequate space for exercising. They would usually cost more than were you to buy each individual set. The 552 saves the space equivalent of 15 sets of regular dumbbells and multiplying that by two gives you thirty pieces to take be taken care of. It’s quite a hassle to first find them to suit your requirements and then arrange their storage. Unless properly stored, they could prove hazardous, like I could barely save my foot from getting a broken bone, as I tumbled over one that I just happened to leave close the kitchen door, as I often workout in that area.
Having decided to go for one, I conducted my own search on the net and short listed three different models, based on features, and the all important customer reviews for each. I wanted to have one set offering two dumbbells within $500. That eliminated the Bowflex1090 Single from my list, as it sold for more than $300 each. Moreover I’m not into bodybuilding or have a large frame and didn’t feel the need for such heavy weights. The 1090 adjusts from ten to ninety pounds in increments of five pounds. You need to buy two and that adds to be cost substantially. I found it better for bodybuilders or people with larger frames.
Battle of The Adjustable Dumbbells
Finally, it boiled down to the Bowflex 552, or the PowerBlock Classic Adjustable 5 to 45 pounds. Ultimately, I decided to buy the Bowflex. Both looked, and seemed to have good customer review on the whole. So, I had to refine my research to decide for the better one.
A big drawback with the PowerBlock Classic is that it demands utmost care while inserting the pins that hold it together. Else, you stand the risk of hurting your self if one of the weights falls down. These are all held up together by magnetic pins. Now, that‘s not so convenient for someone like me who has a somewhat carefree attitude towards such petty details. And, once you happen to have an accident, it might be the end of weightlifting or bodybuilding for you! But, disciplined characters that follow the minutest details to the last point would find a better choice in the PowerBlock Classic. On the whole Powerblock earns the favor of users because of its styling and sturdy design. It needs very little storage area and has the capacity and design for upgrading to heavier handle and dumbbell. The weights are squares’ and not so bulky like Bowflex522. It may also be added here that it’s priced slightly lower than the Bowflex 552.
At the same time, the Bowflex 552 has many positive features. It offers easy adjustment with the turn of a dial. The weights simply click into place. Though some viewers mentioned that a weight might fall off, no one really reported of it actually having fallen off. Perhaps, some viewers concluded that because of the looseness they experienced while handling it. Its square handle was also not liked by some of the reviewers. At the same time, some reviewers thought its shape offered easier grip. This set is longer than the PowerBlock Classic by three inches that makes it heavier and bulkier too, posing difficult storage for some of the users. The Bowflex measures just about 16 inches. It has better looks that appeal visually. I liked its looks and the convenience of storage it offered, ultimately prompting me to go for it.
Ironmaster Adjustable Dumbbells – Great Choice
Despite all the advantages offered by adjustable dumbbells, they have a big limitation. You know what I’m hinting at. Yes, it’s that “thing” with the weight. It’s rare to come across a unit that has more than 50 lbs. Yet, there are people who incorporate stand-by arrangements for adding a few more pounds by manipulating the weights at each end. Nevertheless I am not in favor of any fiddling with the standard weights provided by the designer. And, there is just one reason for that and it is SAFETY of the user.
There is good news for all you who were getting irked by insufficient weights. Here come to Ironmaster adjustable dumbbells that have a base weight of 75 lbs on each arm. These are called Quick Lock and are the heaviest adjustable dumbbells as of date. Read on to know more about these.
For further improvements of your triceps and pecs ask for Ironmaster’s 120 lb upgrade kit. It facilitates additional 45 lbs on each side, meaning you get a whopping 120 lbs per arm! Now, that kind of a weight will keep many of you busy for a long time.
Here is another interesting news. Should you so desire, the manufacturers will provide you with custom-built set of plates that makes each arm worth 165 lbs. Well, honestly I am yet to see that, being custom built and not readily available of the shelf. But, going by the excellent finish and accurate specifications of the rest of the equipment, I have no doubts about its being functionally safe.
I’m sure you’re getting intrigued of its price. The price of the base set is comparable to most other brands, may be a bit lower in some cases, and addition of 45 lbs on each side will cost you around $ 200. The techno-commercial features are very impressive indeed. It’s great not to find the use of any plastics anywhere in the equipment. Having locked them once, you won’t be able to distinguish these from the traditional hex dumbbells. That’s not the end yet. Having locked them up, you can freely turn them any way to your convenience and liking without any fear of the plates falling off. Further, you can adjust them in increments of 2.5 lbs. Never seen such a slick arrangement!
For the price you pay i.e. $489 plus $75 by way of shipping, you are offered a stand to hold these dumbbells and any additions that you may plan for the future. Even the stand is built solid, just like the dumbbells themselves. Could you ask for anything more?
The range of weights offered by this new system will encourage any enthusiast to attain for better levels of performance. These are not only space saving, but cost saving too, considering that individual 5-75 lb dumbbells would easily cost more than $1300. Even if you buy 10 lbs increments, it would cost upwards of $750!
The space savings and the quality of the equipment makes it a truly “value for money” product. Should you be on the look out for a system, head straight to Ironmaster adjustable dumbbells. You will not regret your decision.