I’m new to weightlifting (but not to cardio; I run regularly), and I’m considering buying IM’s Package 4. Considering I’m a beginner, do you guys think this might be overkill?

Also, for anyone living in Canada, have you guys found any other Canadian retailers other than the ones listed above (Fitness Equipment Ottawa and Exercise Direct)? I’m located in Toronto.

Thanks!

Can anyone advise if it is possible to purchase IronMaster products in Europe? I am from the Rep. of Ireland and am very interested in purchasing IronMaster 75lb QL + Superbench + various attachments.

Thanks in advance,
Derek

Yes, as I have said numerous times over, the adjustable bench Ironmaster produces is without equal at this price range. Experience have proven that many adjustable benches twice this price are vastly inferior to the Superbench.

Ironmaster continues to have the best equipment in the world for the money as far as I am concerned. This has been my position for next to three years, and it will be my position until something better comes along.

I continue to keep my eye peeled and ears open for my readers, because quality and above all, customer service, continue to be hallmarks I look for in a strength company. If I recommend it, that means it is superb. You can count on it.

Let us know how your training goes.

Keep your eyes on this site. Change is afoot. New posts coming soon.

Tim

I got my IM Super Bench on Saturday. I must say, I was very sceptical at first but this bench is BY FAR the best “home” bench press I have ever seen or owned. I emphasize the word “home” because this bench could easily be used in most gym settings. At one of the gyms I work at they have Lifefitness benches. The Super Bench blows these away as far as quality and versatility. I have owned and sold several brands of benches over the years (I used to sell equipment) but none compare to this. I honestly was expecting something decent but when I say decent I mean good as far as a “home” bench. This is just like a commercial bench. I was concerned about benching heavy weights on this bench (sometimes in the 400 pound range). This is no longer a concern at all. I have even done heavy declines on it without even a shake.

I appreciate the help in picking this bench. This will be the bench I recommend to all my clients from now on.

-George

That being said, I’m still very happy with the set. A typical weight change (adding 2-4 plates on one DB) averaged around 20 seconds. Both DBs definitely under a minute. As I said, still faster then the typical adjustable DBs.

To wrap things up, given the price, quality, and size of the set, it’s hard for me to rate it any lower than a 9/10.

Hope this helps anyone that may be in the market for some adjustable DBs.

I am also glad that you like your QL’s. Not surprisingly, I have yet to get any negative feedback on the QL’s. People just love’em. Kudos to Matt and the guys at Ironmaster for making such a terrific product.

Keep us posted.

I needed some DBs for my very small workout room in my home and as with most people, it came down to Ironmaster vs Powerblock DBs. I’ve read great things about both sets, but I chose the IMs. My main reason: Price to Value. They also came VERY fast. I ordered last Monday, got them on Saturday. Of course this will vary.

From what I’ve read (because I’ve never used them) the Powerblocks have mainly two things going for them. The speed of weight change, and the weight tolerance. You can’t dispute the speed of Powerblocks. I have played with a set and they are much faster than IMs. Having just got my IMs a few days ago, the weight change is slow. But MUCH better than spin-lock collars. And the way I work out, it’s hardly ever a problem. Regarding the weight tolerance, it wasn’t a deal breaker for me, but it seems Ironmaster has addressed the issue in a professional manner.

I’m sure Powerblocks are a great item as well, but the price to value of IMs is just unbeatable. Especially with the rack. Powerblocks just weren’t in my budget.

Speaking about the IMs, the quality is superb, as everyone has said before. The flat ends of the DBs is very convenient. The rack is solid, and I put it together carefully, well under an hour. I really like the handles and how they feel in my hand. Much better than my old adjustable DBs. Changing weights is a simple process, and I’m sure anyone can get faster. But I don’t want to try and speed through changes and have a plate fall on my foot. Having another pair of DBs around helps for super sets, among other things. You might ask, why bother with adjustable DBs then? Well, many people already have old equipment the never got rid of. Also, so little space is used by the IM set that you have extra room to work with.

All in all, the Ironmaster QL Dumbbells are a great product. I am (so far) very happy with my investment. The quality is so good, it really makes me want to get the Super Bench as well!

Talk about rambling! Did that make any sense whatsoever? hehehe

Anyway, keep us posted with your impressions, good or bad. Something tells me that most of your impressions will be favorable.

Timothy

Thanks again!

Having read what I wrote, I think I can stand behind the spirit of it. If someone is a truly competitive powerlifter, and is capable of routinely benching more than 400 lbs, I just think you should consider a traditional bench, UNLESS you have a good power rack. Even still, talk to Matt. Get his feelings on the matter. Tell him how strong you are and that you will routinely subject the bench to 850 pounds. My guess is that Matt will tell you that you have nothing to worry about. The truth is I am not nearly as strong as you, and never have been. So, I do not feel qualified to give you a definitive answer regarding traditional barbell bench presses.

Thanks for your quick response. On April 7th, 2007 you said:

“I think the Super Bench is the best bench you can buy. I tell everyone that. They only application in which I would not recommend it would be competition power lifting. The bench is flat rated at (I think) 1000 pounds (I might be wrong about this, but I am pretty sure that is right). The problem is that it does not have uprights. So, it is not ideally suited for traditional barbell bench presses, though I have used it for that purpose more times than I can count.

I am just saying that if you are a heavy bench presser, you may also wish to invest in a professional, heavy duty competition bench. That said, for dumbbell work there is not a better adjustable bench in the world that I am aware of. You will love it!”

That was cut and pasted directly from this sight. I do believe this bench is solid (I’ve heard nothing but), but I am a tad bit concerned since this was the only time I had heard anything about this bench when related to powerlifting. I think I will call Matt and see what he thinks.

Thanks again.

I am uncertain to what you are referring. I was scanning these comments and cannot see where I said that the bench would not be good as a powerlifting bench. Can you show me what I said or what someone else said that has you concerned?

My personal feeling is that this bench is a solid bench for anyone benching 400 lbs. I do happen to think that if a person is routinely benching well above 400 lbs, then they out to call Ironmaster and speak with Matt.

The bench does NOT rattle. Not one little bit. It’s as solid as an adjustable bench can be. In fact, it’s easily more stable than any adjustable bench I have ever found in a commercial gym. That is not an exaggeration. It’s as tight as a ticks ear.

Having said that, when you look at the competition powerlifting benches that can handle 1000 pounds with ease, then you are comparing apples and oranges.

Still, call Matt at Ironmaster and speak with him. I think this is a bench you would enjoy having and it would be great in the application you are considering.

Hope this helps.

Tim

Thanks for any input.
-George

I spoke to Matt and he was of the opinion that the 75′s would be plenty for you and that the bench would be a great addition.

People who have gotten the bench love it. It’s tough as nails and so versatile. You won’t be disappointed.

Welcome to the family!

Timothy

Thanks again. I will definitely mention this site when I place the order and I’ll be back to write my impressions of everything when they arrive and I put them into action.

Thanks for stopping by and taking the time to read this one comment thread. It is a DOOZY! I never imagine it would grow like it has.

As for your dilemma, let me say that I understand the concerns over spending money like this. Especially in today’s economy. However, I think that it’s important to remember that the cost of iron and steel almost never goes down. While Ironmaster has done very well at keeping their costs stable over the years, I do not foresee a situation where their prices will come down unless they have a sale of some sort.

Your workouts will change over the coming weeks and months, if for no other reason than to keep things fresh and interesting. But the real reason you will want to mix things up down the road is because in terms of muscle strength gains, your body needs a variety of movements in order to continue progressing.

Whether you get the Super Bench, or some other Bench, I strongly recommend getting a bench of some sort. The Super Bench represents a great value because it is so damn tough and ruggedly built. The padding is dense and firm and offers terrific support, yet it is also extremely comfortable. Moreover, it is more adjustable than any adjustable bench I have ever used. And at the risk of appearing to “sell you up”, I strongly encourage you to get Matt to throw in the sit-up attachment. It’s only like 35.00, and well worth it.

Get back to me with your thoughts and questions.

(PS: Matt is the owner of Ironmaster. When you call Ironmaster, ask to speak to HIM as he has the authority to work deals for you, if any can be worked out. Mention my site. That might help some.)

Kevin

To be honest, the extra-handle length is what I loved about the QL’s. The extra length allowed me to take an off-center grip for times when I wanted to increase weight by only 2.5 pounds. I could add a 2.5 pound plate on one end, leave the other 2.5 pound plate in the stand, so that the dumbbell was off balance by 2.5 pounds. I would then grab the handle off-center and do my sets. This is a feature that must have been built into the design, because I pointed it out to Matt and he suggested that was one of the benefits of the extra length. Of course, the extra length is necessary so that the screws have plenty of handle to screw into, for safety reasons, but having the ability to load a dumbbell with more weight on one end than the other, and still be able to hold it in such a way as to counterbalance it, thus being able to go up in weight in 2.5 pound increments, is awesome.

That is my take on it.

Thanks!

Kevin

http://totalphysiqueonline.com/2009/03/01/adjustable-kettlebells-from-ironmaster/

Thanks for the compliments! I am glad you enjoy the site. Stay tuned as I have 2-3 product reviews on the way.

As for the handles, I noticed they seemed high as well. I am not sure what the thinking might be, but I think it must have something to do with the screw. That said, I like it. Here is why.

The handles are of a perfect hight to allow for “dumbbell squats”. With a conventional dumbbell or lighter kettlebell, you have to squat down so far to pick them up that it places stress on the lower back and makes it more of a back movement. With these handles, you do not have to squat so deep that it changes the exercise dynamic. You can keep the stress on the thighs, where it belongs. At least that was my initial reaction at first glance.

Of course, a lift is worth a thousand words, and I won’t know anything until I get a chance to try them, and for that I will need to replace the set of QL’s that I lost in the fire.

All in good time.

Cheers

I have another question to add: I believe that each handle’s grip space is ~8″ between plates. I expect that length is necessary given the use of removeable locking screws with varying plate combinations. That said, does that 8 inches between plates feel like a lot of space? Or is the difference in feel/handling between the 8″ and a typical 5.25″-6.5″ negligible? Thanks, again.

Have a look here:

http://www.samsfitness.com.au/blog/uncategorized/kettlebell-handle-for-ironmaster-quick-lock-dumbbells.html

I’m going to buy the add-on kit in a month or so. If you talk to Matt, would you let the forum know what he says about the add-on plate accuracy? I’m sure they are close to stated weight, and it’s not all that big a deal for me, but I’m just curious.
Thanks.

Dalton

on another note, i long ago needed the add on kit, so will be buying it soon, so ill have to call matt and see how accurate the 22.5 lb plates are.

[I am having some problems with Polldaddy. Grrrrr. Sorry to everyone who voted, but Polldaddy is broken. WIll try SurveyGizmo instead.]

The concern over the accuracy of the weight is being echoed often enough that I think IM will pay attention to it in the near future. It might not hurt to call IM and voice your suggestions personally, or send an email to IM. Just be polite (as I am sure you would be) and upfront and honest.

I am glad you enjoy your QL’s in spite of the area in which there needs to be some attention to detail.

Webmeister

however, i am disappointed to see the accuracy of the weight plates is still off 5%, or close to it. the IM’s are professional feeling in every way, but they are not cheap, and i think a 75 lb dumbbell should be no worse than 1-2% off. powerblocks achieve this. i believe IM can as well. i suppose it would be argued that to get the density of the metal correct would in some way cause a price hike in the dumbbells. personally, id pay a bit more as long as it wasnt exorbitant. nitpicking? maybe. but, it would make me feel better about the product.

Webmeistererererer

Great post. I love reading all the different posts on this blog. For an Ironmaster dumbbell devotee like myself, it’s just very cool. Thanks to Tim for providing us all with a forum to chat with other Ironmaster users. I’ve lifted up to 65 lbs. so far, and have weighed each dumbbell on my scale. For 65 lbs., I get a 62.6 lb. reading, a 2.4 lb. deviation and under 5%. Not a big deal. Matt Dawson had a post addressing this very issue in one of the earlier entries, if I’m not mistaken.
As for the weight plate rattle, Tim is right. All I do is slightly lift one end of the dumbell up at a time (or the entire dumbbell) before starting a set and make sure the locking screw is tight. I get zero weight plate rattle in my dumbbells. I have total confidence in the safety of these dumbbells. Compared with PB or BF, these dumbbells are the safest hands down.

Dalton

The rattle issue is fairly simple to address. I always grab the dumbbell by both ends and pick it up off the stand a couple of inches, tapping it on the stand once or twice and tightening as I go, just to make sure I have the screws set into place and the plates seating together properly. If there is any looseness at all, this procedure tends to tease it out before I begin my set. Give it a try, and congratulations.

Webmeister

It’s really unfortunate you couldn’t acquire a set of IM Quick-Locks. Powerblocks are nice, but they aren’t as nice as the Ironmaster dumbbells. I’ve tried them both. The weight plate rattle with the Powerblocks will drive you absolutely bonkers. That’s one of the main reasons I went with Ironmaster. Sam’s Fitness has a website, I believe. Maybe give that a try. I also know Sam’s Fitness is on Australia Ebay. Look them up via that venue.
Personally, if you are going to spend so much money on adjustable dumbbells, I’d do everything I could to get Ironmasters. Powerblocks are an acceptable alternative, but they are just that…..an alternative to a better product.
Good luck.

Dalton

Matt does not read this post every day, so expressing your concerns here is not going to generate any change.

it would seem that you have made a good decision based on some cold hard financial realities. The shipping costs for the QuickLock Dumbbells from the USA to India are themselves prohibitive. So, obtain a nice set of Powerblocks and enjoy your workouts:)

As for the reason the UK distributor and Sam’s Fitness are not responding to you, I have no idea. I have no communication with those people.

Please contact Matt from this point forward regarding those concerns. I think they are legitimate concerns, but I am not able to resolve those concerns. I haven’t the authority. Matt does.

Regards

Timothy

http://totalphysiqueonline.com/2009/01/09/lung-disease-home-gyms-workouts-discouragement/

Take care.

T

As and aside, I wish I had personal experience with the IM2000. I have always wanted one, but money is not something I have an abundance of currently.

Did you happen to see the video and link on the page I linked to above? Is it easier to import from Australia than it is from the USA?

I reply to comments as fast as I can. I am deeply indebted to you, my readers, so where possible I like to respond immediately.

I have no experience with the Series 7, but before you buy it (assuming you have not already done so) have a look at this page and photo gallery:

http://totalphysiqueonline.com/2009/01/26/ironmaster-im2000-self-spotting-system-review/

Tim

Also, here is another number: International: 425-408-9040

They open at 9 AM West Coast Time.

Do not worry. I have found IM to be top drawer with respect to customer service.

Tim

Tim

Matt can be emailed at Matt Dawson

Alternately, you can dial toll free 800-533-3339

Hope this helps and good luck.

Brian

Keep training hard, and keep us posted with your experience.

I’m from Guelph and Fitness Equipment of Ottawa quoted me $620 with $75 in shipping. How did you get such a good deal!?

When I ordered my stuff, Matt was very accommodating. I ordered the dumbbells, bench, crunch attachment, and 4X6 rubberized floor mat. Even though the floor mat wasn’t included in any package deals, he worked it in for me. I got a 5% Holiday discount, too (that discount is no longer running). Came to $855, I believe. Make sure you directly talk to Matt. If Tim or Scott answers the phone, ask for Matt. If he’s not available, I’d just keep calling back until you talked directly to him. He’ll take your order, as he did mine.

As for the crunch attachment, it IS so good that it will make you want to do the decline crunch situps. The attachment enables you to really target your midsection, more so than traditional situps. You want this attachment, David. Trust me. For what you get, it’s well worth it and not that much more in terms of cost. You can also do the decline bench press, as well.

Hope this helps.

Dalton

I definitely would like to get the crunch attachment. Here’s the real question: is the attachment so good that it’ll make me want to do them?

Visit Ironmaster to place your order today!

My pleasure. Glad I could help. I think you two will really like IM dumbbells. I know I do. Even though they aren’t as drop dead quick to change as PB, they more than make up for it with their inherent stability, durability, aesthetics (they really are very attractive dumbbells—very sophisticated), and feel. Looks like Matt made a nice new video on YouTube about the QuickLocks. You can reference the video on the IronMaster site, as well. Pretty neat.

Get the crunch attachment, David. You’ll be sorry if you don’t. Incline situps are amazing using this device. I use it almost every day. Since you are buying all this stuff, ask Matt for a package deal. Cheese and crackers, wish my employer would have given me $800 to buy my Ironmasters. That’s just not fair! Ha.

Let us all know how you like your dumbbells once you spend some time with them. Don’t forget that you’ll need a couple wrenches for assembly (for the bench legs and to get the plastic off the padded part of the bench) once everything arrives. Like the dumbbells, the bench is rock solid.

Take care.

Dalton

And I appreciate your mention of the crunch attachment to the super bench. I’m seriously considering adding it to my purchase, even though it puts the cost slightly over my $800 budget.

http://www.ironmaster.com/store/home.php?partner=totalphysique

Thanks in advance.

Stew, PLEASE let us know what you think once you get your IM QL’s. If you have ANY issues at all, let us know.

I really appreciate your response. Reading all your previous posts, which communicated some of the issues I had, really helped to allay my concerns.

No doubt now, I’ve decided that I will be be picking up a pair of the QLs next week.

sg

I know that the IM Super Bench is now a grey color based on the web site, leading me to believe that they changed the color of the bench to match the stand. Why not just call IM yourself and ask

————————–

Dalton, GREAT post. Very informative.

Tough choice. I, too, had a difficult time deciding between Powerblocks and Ironmasters. In the end, as my earlier post indicates, I chose Ironmaster QL dumbbells. I’ve been working out with them for a month or so now and I have not had any issue whatsoever with the QL screws. They are perfect and completely safe. I feel 100% safe using these dumbbells, whereas with the Powerblocks if you insert the pin wrong you might have problems with the weight stack detaching.

I’ve worked out with Powerblocks, Soloflex adjustable dumbbells, Freemotion adjustable dumbbells, and Blowflex adjustable dumbbells, and I can honestly say Ironmaster is the superior dumbbell. Rapidity of weight change with the Powerblocks is extremely attractive, but the deal breaker came when I actually tried them. The weight plate rattle was the straw that broke the camel’s back. There’s also a qualitative difference in the feel of Ironmasters and PBs. In this regard, IM is the clear winner. In the end (if you go with IM), you will sacrifrice extreme rapidity of weight change for durability and superior aesthetics and feel, and it’s worth it. At least in my opinion….

I love these dumbbells. And the Superbench is great (the crunch attachment is a must).

Hope this helps.

Dalton

right hand side, top video

Leaning more heavily towards the QL. All in the QL (75lbs) will cost me CAD$820! same as the PB 9.0 + the extension to 90lbs (without the stand). I just want to hammer through all the points before I decide.. I tried to take advantage of the 30day trial, to ease my mind, but IronMaster doesn’t offer this to Canada.

I really think that this is a good time to call Ironmaster. If Matt is not able to address your concerns adequately then I really think the Powerblocks should be your choice. However, talk to Matt. Perhaps Ironmaster has addressed the issues of the screws.

Also, if you think that the lack of close tolerances reflects poorly in a company, then this is personal red flag you should respect. Don’t ignore your own instincts. Go with what brings you the most peace. Don’t buy something of this nature if you are not 100% sure of it. You live in Canada, and you can ill afford to get something you end up not liking.

That said, I think these comments and the overwhelming satisfaction folks are having is worth taking into consideration as well.

W

Precision is part of quality assurance and is a reflection of the company, and of course for a higher price. But as mentioned, this is not a “deal breaker” for me just a concern.

But the thought of the locks not screwing in properly along with false positives in lock would definitely be a deal breaker, I would definitely pay more for the security of the plate not falling on my head/chest or feet.

I’m in Canada, and shipping product back to IronMaster (under warranty) is a cost they do not take, Canadian dealers are taken out of the equation and it is a cost to me and can be quite prohibitive. They only cover the cost to send the repaired product to me.

I have two responses.

With respect to the weight variance, I doubt Ironmind has done anything about it. My guess is that to machine the plates to exacting standards costs a bit more, an in order to keep the set affordable, a less expensive tolerance is allowed.

Let me ask you a question. The Powerblocks have a closer tolerance in terms of weight. Have you looked at these? I am not trying to push you away, but if precise poundage is what you are looking for, Powerblocks offer it. Mind you, the PB 130′s cost $898.00, and that does not include the stand.

My guess is that you desire the Ironmasters for a reason, or you would not be wishing to make a purchase. Maybe you like the rugged feel of the knurling, and the fact that Ironmasters can be dropped without voiding a warranty. Maybe you like the fact that the feel more like traditional dumbbells. All very good reasons. But, if Ironmaster told you that they could get the tolerances to the standards you want, and custom build you a set in order to do it, but that it would cost you over $1000.00, then would you give Ironmaster the green light?

Personally, I suspected that the weight might be off by around 5% or so, but it didn’t matter to me because the 120 lbs felt heavy as crap to me, never mind the fact that they might have been 5 pounds off. Still, if it really matters that much to you, and for some people it will, just opt for the Powerblocks.

Regarding the screws, I have no idea. I never had an issue, but clearly one or two folks here have. Call Ironmaster and talk to them about your concerns. Ask for Matt. If he is available, he will take your call.

This is a great sight for the QL dumbbells. I’m looking to potentially purchase a pair of the QL dumbbells within the next 2 weeks, with a few quality control issues (two of them being deal breakers) that concern me:

1) the screw lock issue that Espy and others had issues with, along with a false positive on tightening (deal breakers) and

2) to a lesser extent, the possible ~10% variance in weight plates…

Has Ironmaster done anything to address these issues?

I’m from Toronto, Ontario. Canada. and shopping for the best deal out there (combined QL price and shipping). I have only been able to find 3 dealers in Canada that are relatively close to me:

1) Exercise Direct (Winnipeg/Thunder Bay), 2) Fitness Equipment Ottawa and 3) Club Pascine (Quebec).

Club Pascine has the lowest price, but I have to arrange for shipping. Fitness Ottawa is the most expensive, but they have shipping in place. I will contact Exercise Direct tomorrow, but I suspect shipping will be too much..

Anyone else know of other locations in Ontario that are closer to Toronto than Ottawa? and might offer a better deal? tks, sg

Thanks again for all the great information here. I hope to place my order in the next couple of weeks. Once I’ve been able to work with the bench (and dumbbells) for a bit I’ll be sure to add another comment with a tall guy’s perspective (although the guy who lives across the street from me is 6′ 7″ and keeps reminding me I’m not *that* tall).

I understand your desire to maximize your bang for the buck with the attachments to the Super Bench. Sure, why not try it out for 30 days. I know Matt’s training partner is 6’3″ tall, and he seems to like it, but tack on another two inches and maybe you are in different territory. Only you can know what it is like to be 6’5″ tall in a world built for shorter folks. In answer to your other question, I use to train at the UVa weight room many years before they built the McCue Center (UVA’s famed football sports facility). I seem to recall a wooden stair-stepped contraption that they had built and it was quite sturdy and stable. It was built so that you could place one end of a flat utility bench on the first two or three stair steps. Imagine a more streamlined version of something like this (minus the handrails of course, most of which I was able to erase):

As I recall, it offered some basic angles, nothing precise, but enough to get the desired affect.

Actually, I have always felt that most incline benches in gyms were too steep and placed too much stress on the shoulders. I found the stairs approach to offer the ideal angle.

Obviously, this is one of those areas where I need to urge care and caution. Discovering homemade contraptions in gyms is nothing new. Often times weightlifters improvise to come up with ways in which to challenge themselves and stimulate new gains in size and strength. Often times, this leads to tremendous success. On the other hand, it can sometimes lead to disaster if the homemade gadgets are not built well, or if the overall concept is a disaster in the making from its very conception. The steps in our gym were ideal for our needs and enabled us to get more out of our flat utility benches, which came in handy on crowded days when the traditional inclines were being used or when we just needed that certain “feel” we could not get from the incline presses (which was often). All I am saying is proceed with caution, consider your options and make the choice that seems best for your needs.

I do agree that a bench that fits is better than a more versatile bench that doesn’t. I was looking forward to expanding the Super Bench with the cable tower attachment, though. I also don’t like the fact that purchasing the QL’s and the 5-Star (with shipping) will put me $143 over my $800 budget. Maybe it’s time for Ironmaster to design the Super Duper Bench. I will give Ironmaster a call when I get some time and get some more information from the source. It might be worthwhile to get the Super Bench anyway and take advantage of the 30-day guarantee if it really doesn’t work for me.

Thanks again for the great information.

I understand your dilemma. Well sort of. I am 5’6″ tall, and the Super Bench is awesome for someone my height. And as much as I would like to recommend the Super Bench, I cannot in good conscience do it only because the Super Bench is 44 inches long and 10 inches wide. Of course, this is amply designed for most folks, but you are a big unit to say the least.

I must, therefore, suggest you look at the Ironmind 5-Star Flat Bench. This is a bench I have in my own personal collection. It is not adjustable, and not expandable, but it is 48 inches long a full 12 inches wide! Those are some dimensions I think you can live with.

Have a look at my review: http://totalphysiqueonline.com/2008/07/10/ironmind-five-star-flat-bench-review/

I think that between the Quick Lock Dumbbells and the 5-Star Bench, you would be well on your way to a super home gym. Of course, if you are a purest and wish to order from one company, I would suggest you Ironmaster and speak to Matt and get his two cents.

I took the liberty of calling Matt myself, and he also agreed that at your size, the 5-Star might be a better choice of the two benches. But, in the interest of research, call him if you like and talk to him some. He is a very approachable guy.

Now, my questions. Most of my questions have been asked and answered in the comments, but I do have this one: I’m 6′ 5″ tall (I wish I had the physique to go with it) and I’m wondering how well the bench works for tall people in the different configurations. The Ironmaster site does point out that the leg attachment might have problems for taller people, but that’s about it. Can anyone else give any additional insight?

I’m also interested if anyone has the cable tower attachment. Once it’s attached to the super bench can I still do all the exercises I was doing with the bench alone, or would I have to detach it from the tower first? If so, how easy is it to detach/re-attach the tower?

Thanks again for a great review and now a whole Ironmaster community,
David

I suspect that after the Holidays lots of people will be making new commitments with respect to their health and fitness needs. This happens every year and has since probably the beginning of time. Every year the sporting goods stores are packed tight with folks buying the newest fitness gadgets and gimmicks. And every year, around the same time, the same group of people are right back at the same stores buying a new gadget or gimmick that is sure to change their level of fitness conditioning once and for all. And so the cycle goes. What makes this so axiomatic?

I am convinced that that one of the biggest reasons people like those mentioned above find themselves stuck in this endless loop of fitness madness is because the things they buy are just so much junk. Garages, attics and junk yards the world over are spilling over with discarded or broken fitness gizmo’s of all sizes and shapes. Invariably these onetime shiny, plush toys, failed to live up to the promise of durability or they were so poorly designed in the first place that they simply failed to function as a true fitness tool. In short, they were never designed for function, they were only designed for form – to look nice, but not to build strength. Of course, nothing can compensate for lack of motivation. I don’t care how well a piece of equipment is designed, if someone is too lazy to get off their wrinkly old flabby ass and actually use the equipment then one can hardly blame the tool, now can one? Still, a well made and functional strength tool that efficiently builds slabs of strong, sinewy muscle is it’s own motivator. Plus, you HAVE to be able to trust the equipment you buy. If the tools you buy are tough as nails, then you won’t be afraid to trust your life to it.

As everyone who follows the advice of this thread has found out, Ironmaster makes tough, effective and functional strength training tools that just so happen to be nice to look at as well. If you are planning to invest a large chunk of change in a home gym, don’t spend your time and hard earned money at the local sporting goods store. All you will end up doing is wasting plenty of both.

This sort of investment is something you only want to do once in a lifetime, and so it stands to reason that you should buy from a professional strength company that makes tools designed to last a lifetime and give you a lifetime of results you can be excited about. A relative handful of companies fall into that category. Ironmaster if one of them.

I finally made a decision, decided to take the plunge and purchased Ironmaster dumbbells, bench, and crunch attachment recently. I have received all items, assembled all required elements, and I must say that I am more than happy with my purchase. I researched adjustable dumbbell options for about a month, looked at around 5-6 different adjustable dumbbell models, and it ultimately was a contest between Ironmaster and Powerblock. But, in the end, after now having the opportunity to try both of them, I can truly say that there really is no comparison between the two. Just as I suspected. The one supposed trump card Powerblock users always tout in comparison to Ironmaster is the rapidity of weight change. Red herring. In my opinion, it’s almost just as easy to change weights on the Ironmasters. I take both quick-lock locking screws off at the same time, quickly adjust weights, and put quick-locks back on the handles simutaneously. Simple as that. So easy. Plus, unlike Powerblocks, you don’t have to worry about incorrectly installing a selector pin and weights falling on your head or feet. I almost bought Powerblocks because I was caught up on the idea of quick weight change, but now I am so glad I went with Ironmaster because the weight change variant between PB and IM is so negligible as to really be a total non-issue. Everything else considered, IM is simply a better dumbbell.
I am very grateful to all parties who helped form my decision to go with Ironmaster. I referenced Amazon reviews, bodybuilding forums, and several Ironmaster owners in the formation of my opinion concerning this product. I’d like to particularly thank the webmaster of this blog, Timothy, for patiently answering all of my questions and guiding me through all relevant information on my journey. He’s been a great help and a superb guide. And thanks to all who have written personal stories on this blog. I’ve read every single one of them, and each one helped to solidify my choice.
If, like myself, the reader of this post happened upon this blog in an attempt to decide what adjustable dumbbell to buy, my advice is this: do your research. All adjustable dumbbells are expensive, and if you are going to put down a lot of money for dumbbells, you might as well get the most for your money.

Many thanks,
Dalton

Contact me via email, please. I have a question for you.
Thanks.

Dalton