select tech dumbbells

[Frank Rizzo]

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Anyone with any experience with these? I started working out again (finally) a few weeks ago and was considering buying these. Most of the reviews I look at are positive, but there are an alarming number of reviews that claim that they are flimsy and break easily.

 

[DreamMachine]

I've used the PowerBlock, which takes some getting used to, but does the job great considering how much space they take up. Select Tech seems much less awkward to use and an even better buy.

Prolly from people that throw the dumbells down after their set, for dramatic effect.

Also, realize the price on most sites is for a single dumbbell.

 

[EternalMD]

definitely sturdy unless, as DM mentioned, you're chucking them after a set. Very convenient to dial in whatever weight you want to use and handle is thick enough to get a good grip. Just go for the 90lb ones instead of the 55. You'll hit your limit quickly with the 55's and then you'll be wishing u went with the 90s. At the end of the day though, you'll still want to use the barbells for ultimate workouts

 

[turnupthevapor]

they are great have had them 5 plus years

great grips on them

 

[Corwin29]

check out ironmaster's website these are pricey but can be used in any position without fear of them sliding apart. I think the standard range is 15-75/ handle

 

[G0S2]

I have the Bowflex dumbell set and love them.

 

[invitro]

When I worked as a personal trainer the private gym I had had the powerblock dumbells. They were comfortable and I recommend them.

However, why not just get a gym membership at a good gym? I am pretty serious about lifting weights and it seems traditional dumbells just feel better.
The local gym for meatheads in my area runs $30/month...not bad.

 

[MossPoh]

When I worked as a personal trainer the private gym I had had the powerblock dumbells. They were comfortable and I recommend them.

However, why not just get a gym membership at a good gym? I am pretty serious about lifting weights and it seems traditional dumbells just feel better.
The local gym for meatheads in my area runs $30/month...not bad.

I've actually seen a couple of different cost benefit analyses between buying your own equipment (if you have the space) and a gym membership. Buying your own equipment actually comes out on top, as long as you get quality stuff. While the 30 dollars per month isn't bad. There is also the cost of gas to get the gym and the time to get to/from the gym. On a personal level, there is also the feeling of being able to listen to what music you want to listen to over the speakers, use chalk (which most people should use but don't), not having to wait to use things and not get suckered into the random smoothie bar or other crap. Also, if you have a spouse or significant other who goes to the gym, then it could quickly become more expensive.

Good equipment should last a lifetime if you don't treat it like complete garbage. Even if you paid just the 30 dollars per month with no other charges thrown in, that equates to about 3600 dollars over ten years. You can get a nice little power rack, bench, barbell, plates, dumbells and even a little elliptical or treadmill for under that. As an added perk, if you decide you hate it after a few years then higher quality gym eqiupment can still sell for a somewhat reasonable price.

 

[Frank Rizzo]

Thanks for the replies. Still don't know if I'll get them or not. Tried the powerblock bells before and didn't like the restriction in wrist movement the crossbars create. The bells from Ironmaster look awesome(thanks Corwin).

http://www.ironmaster.com/store/Quick-Lock-Dumbbell-System-75-lb-set-with-Rack-pr-2.html

While it may take 5 extra seconds to change weights compared to changing the select-techs, they're shaped like normal bells and look sturdy as hell. Lifetime warranty doesn't hurt either.

As far as the 'join a gym' approach. I've done that route also. The ones close to my house all have stupid hours, and I find myself not getting there as much as I would like.

 

[Frank Rizzo]

Just an update...

Got these bells from Ironmaster yesterday (not my pic btw)

Rock solid. No rattling. They're awesome.

 

[Frank Rizzo]

Un update after 6 weeks of use, for those that care...

I've been using these:

for 6 weeks now, and i can not recommend them enough. They're great. Rock solid, no rattling, indestructible. I accidentally dropped one off the stand that you see above onto the concrete floor, all it did was leave a chip in the floor, the dumbbell was fine. Doubt that would be the case with the select techs.

Short of forking over a few grand to put a set of these in your basement:

they're the next best thing.

It feels good to be getting back in shape again. I forgot how much I hate/love the burning a of good workout.

 

[PMPMD]

I've used the PowerBlock, which takes some getting used to, but does the job great considering how much space they take up. Select Tech seems much less awkward to use and an even better buy.



Prolly from people that throw the dumbells down after their set, for dramatic effect.

Also, realize the price on most sites is for a single dumbbell.

I have power blocks and love them - great for p90x. bring it.

 

[DreamMachine]

What's the best weight lifting app for mobile?

 

[GasEmDee]

The Bowflex select techs have equivocal reviews on weight lifting forums. I personally went with the power block U-90 series, and i love them.