Adjustable weights?

pjlippert

pjlippert

Cathlete
So, I'm not even really sure the proper term for these- but you know those weights that you can dial up or down or some such technology... does anybody have an recommendations for this type of system?? And does it make any sense what I'm talking about?:p

I'm doing STS now and I know I'm going to need some heavier dumbbells... rather than having to buy a bunch of individual ones I thought this might be a space saver.

Thanks!
Pam
 
Select Tech by Bowflex are probably the best quality ones out there. That's what I have. I've seen others in Target live as well as advertised on the web. They are a lot cheaper but they look cheesey. They also only go up to about 25# per DB from what I've seen. The ST's I have go up to 52.5# and there is a set available that is twice as heavy as that!

The ST's seem to go on sale quite often. I had a hard time justifying the cost but caught a sale on Amazon and also signed up for their credit card (which I promptly cancelled after the purchase) and was able to get them for a goodly amount cheaper then they usually go for.

Good luck with your decision..HTH some!
 
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There are several brands (one is made in my hometown! I thin they were the first to make them, but I forget their name).
I highly recommend trying out any adjustable weight system in person. Some of them can be clunky, and awkward or unusable for doing some moves (like bicep curls).
 
I use the power blocks, which go from 15-50lbs. I did a lot of research before I purchased my adjustable weights. The biggest thing that turned me against the select techs was the fact that so many people had them break just by dropping them or having other weights run into them. I've been using the PB since summer and love them. They look like they might be awkward, but I haven't experienced that at all. If anything, they make you have better form when it comes to keeping your wrists straight. But I agree, adjustable weights are a must for STS.

http://www.powerblock.com/blocks.php
 
I have SelectTech and really like them, however, they are too awkward for several exercises. They are longer than standard dumbbells and if you have narrow shoulders, you can't do a complete range of motion (with certain exercises) as the ends of the dumbbells bump into each other. A second disadvantage is if you need to go rapidly from one weight to another. It takes time to drop the weights into the carriage and dial in a new weight. For most weight work, however, they are great.

Cathy
 
CathydsRNA said:
I have SelectTech and really like them, however, they are too awkward for several exercises. They are longer than standard dumbbells and if you have narrow shoulders, you can't do a complete range of motion (with certain exercises) as the ends of the dumbbells bump into each other. Mine go up to 52.5 lbs/ dumbbell. There is a SelectTech that has lower weights and perhaps these are shorter, I don't know. A second disadvantage is if you need to go rapidly from one weight to another. It takes time to drop the weights into the carriage and dial in a new weight. For most weight work, however, they are great.
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Thank you all very much! I see that it is quite a financial committment so I think Kathryn- your idea to try them out in person is probably pretty wise! I'll snoop around for some sales as well.

Pam
 
Pam,
You might want to look into Pace Weights. They are magnets in 1/2 lb increments that attach to your iron dumbells.(or plates for your barbells) I think they are an effective and efficient alternative to buying new weights if you have already invested in quite a few cast-iron dumbells.

www.paceweights.com
 
I have turbo bells. I don't know how much they are now, but they were quite a bit less than ST when I bought them. I have had them for about 5 years. They are slightly clunky, but I can do everything with them that I can do with regular dumbells. The ones I have go from 3-24 lbs. They also have a set that goes to 50 lbs. Some of the increments are kind of odd, but come in handy sometimes. They are 3, 4.5, 6, 7.5, 9, 10.5, 12, 13.5, 15, 16.5, 18, 19.5, 21, 22.5, and 24. If you use the half pound increments, the dumbell will be uneven with an extra 1.5 lbs on one end. I also have my 5, 8 and 10 lb dumbells to go with them since they don't have those exact increments. I haven't had any problems except one of the levers on one dumbell is a little sticky and sometimes I have to push it hard. I get a lot of use out of them and they were definitely worth the money.
 
I was just at Costco and I saw that they has Nautilus Select Tech dumbbells...they look identical to the Bowflex. For $400 you get the stand and the dumbbells. They go up to 52.5#.
 
I just ordered the BowFlex Select Tech dumbbells, can't wait for them to get here. They had a deal with free shipping and get the stand for free. I hope they work well. Had good reviews.
 
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