Adjustable Kettlebells just got better – and smarter
Ironmaster will be introducing the most advanced Adjustable Kettlebell System available. The system has an intelligent design that will work with the Ironmaster Quick-Lock Dumbbells System plates and be expandable from 24 lbs to 77.5 lbs (11 kg – 35 kg). This set is not yet available, but it is currently being tested. We will keep you posted in price and availability as facts become available. Enjoy the photos courtesy of Sam’s Fitness
My feeling is that since Kettlebell training is all the rage right now it makes perfect sense from a business standpoint for Ironmaster to go in this direction by developing a superior set of adjustable kettlebells. What’s more, to do so in such a clever way is brilliant. This is a very clean and efficient design.
If I have any questions it’s that 25 lbs is a little heavy to start with for certain adjustable Kettlebell movements. That said, maybe Ironmaster will come out with some mini adjustable Kettlebell handles that weigh like 10 lbs or so, so that you can gradually build your strength and get use to the discomfort (a hallmark trait with kb training, and one of the primary challenges one has to overcome when training with Kettlebells, adjustable or not. It’s also one of the reasons Kettlebell training is considered strength training for tough guys.). Either that or I will just pick up a small KB from my local Play It Again Sports.
Anyway, this adjustable approach, using the Quick-Lock Dumbbell plates, allows you to go up in 2.5 pound increments! I think this system will leave all other adjustable Kettlebells in the dust, what little competition there is. Way to go Matt!
[Chime in with your comments. I am knew to the concept of KB training and I am wondering what others might think of this design.]
Popularity: 40% [?]
I have had some folks raise some legitimate concerns over this approach with the kettlebells and it goes to the potential looseness of the screw or bolt that is used to tighten the plates into place.
I had a set of QL dumbbells for a few years until a house fire changed my life dramatically and I lost all my equipment, but I used my IM dumbbells every day for like 2-3 years, and looseness was never I huge issue per se. What I did was this: whenever I set a QL dumbbell up, I would grab the ends of the db by the screws, taps it once or twice on the stand to weed out any looseness, and tightened the screws as needed. Invariably, I would occasionally tease out some looseness and all I needed to do was tighten the screw a half turn or so. And boom. No rattles. Not even when I dropped them.
I think the looseness issue has to do with the fact that the plates, though they are designed to stack together, are not machined to a high standard of perfection, so the plates do not nest together perfectly. Hence, I just always tapped the dumbbells on the stand once or twice on the outside chance that I might not have stacked the plates together neatly.
Obviously, with a kettlebell that is adjustable like these, you cannot have ANY room for error! So, I don’t know if Ironmaster plans on re-desiging their plates or not. If they do, you can expect the price to almost double into the Powerblock range. Think Eleiko dumbbells in that case.
But you know, the overall design of the Quick-Locks from a conceptual standpoint is superior to any adjustable dumbbell set on the market, hands down, in my view. So, if IM decided to do some fine tuning of their plates, it would only make them dominate the adjustable dumbbell market, and hence the adjustable kettlebell market as well, and I would gladly pay the premium price to get them.
when will the 25lbs to 77lbs kettlebells be on the market for sale.?
Markus, I do not work for Ironmaster. You will need to contact them directly. I am sorry I could not be of more help.
wm
Looks like they just put up the preview for the kettlebells recently.
Presale starts 8/15/09. They look really versatile but we will have to see.
Will get back to you with a review when I get mine.
http://www.ironmaster.com/store/Quick-Lock-Kettlebell-Coming-soon-pr-129.html
Mike thanks!
Please keep everyone posted with your impressions.
I put in my order for them last week.
I will give you a review when I get some time with them.
They are supposed to ship out at the end of the month.
Question, why don’t you endorse ironmasters any more?
Just interested cause I think their weights are the best out there.
Thanks!
Hi Mike.
Rather than go into much detail, I will just say that the reason for my choice not to endorse Ironmaster was a personal one having to do with customer service.
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hmm I wonder about the shape resting/swinging into the forearm. If it is comfortable and not painful compared to normal kbells. Also how they balance if used like a pushup bar and are they ok for kbell juggling.
Dave, I wondered the very same thing. Oddly enough, I wondered if they would be even more uncomfortable that traditional KB’s. The price sure seems good though.
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im glad to see that they changed the handle to a more rounded shape than what the prototype (pictured above) had.
Ironmaster Quick-lock Kettlebells ARE suitable for curls, rows, light swinging, squats, etc…
Ironmaster Quick-lock Kettlebells are NOT suitable for the more advanced/dynamic KB exercises like juggling/flipping, push-ups (base it not flat, obstructed by the screw base), various snatches, punches etc.. Instead of one whole iron mass like in a solid KB falling, you have the potential of the screw loosening and ALL the parts flying off or ONTO you. Regardless of how secure the screw maybe, it is still prone to failure. So hundreds of dollars saved by buying these, or your buy traditional KB’s to save your life. You choose.
I am an actual owner or the Ironmaster KB and the Superbench. I’m returning the former.
Monkey thanks. It is always good to hear from everyone, especially those that are not 100% satisfied. Thanks for the good description.
other than juggling and pushups (due to the aforementioned knob of the screw on the bottom of the bell), i and my friend (owner of the IM kettlebell handle) have been doing all moves with his kettlebell for the past 2 months. the screw stays just as secure as it has on my IM dumbbells over the last 2+ years (that is to say very secure). i have no worries of anything coming loose. besides, if a screw even started coming loose, you would notice a looseness in the plates. the screw would then have to work its way to the “open” position before anything would actually fall off.
I am glad to see this. Matt Dawson’s company makes such good products, and while I have not been able to get my hands on their new kettlebell handle, I liked the concept and design. So, this comment of yours is encouraging news.
By the way, several of us have been dying to know if something in product design and/or quality control had anything to do with you no longer endorsing IM products (especially the Quick Locks) or if it was something more on the business side of the relationships. my only qualm with them is that the consistency with which the plates are casted also affects the consistency with how well they fit together. i theorize this also affects how “finicky” the locking pin can be when pushing it in and trying to get it to grab as well as how far the knob has to be turned to lock up tight. ive had 3 sets of IM dumbbells, and all 3 acted differently enough that it makes me feel IM has yet to settle on a method for making their plates to a more consistent standard (since the handles,screws have all seemed identical in each of my sets).
i guess i am just ranting because IM is so so close to having a really polished product, but for $500 there does seem to be some QC issues with the plates and how consistently they lock up with minimal “fiddling” by the user. (without even mentioning their inability to cast plates that actually weigh 5 lbs)
RE: the reason you no longer endorse IM. i see from one of the posts above it was apparantly due to customer service issues, not a product quality issue.
Derek, all these issues were addressed to my satisfaction. And you are right, my issues had nothing to do with the products or their quality. All disclaimers have been removed. All is well.
This looks like a great exercise tool! I think I’ve seen this in the market already, am I correct? But after reading the other comments, I think I should reconsider getting the adjustable kettlebells…