Dumbbell type reccomendation?
- Thread starter rose2boys
- Start date
Aquajock
Cathlete
Rose2boys, I personally would recommend your going exclusively with metal hex dumbbells, for the following reason:
A smart and easy way to keep upping your dumbbell weightloads is to purchase PlateMates, magnetized attachments to the ends of your hex dumbbell that come in sets of 5/8-lb each (for a total of 1.25 lbs per dumbbell) and 1.25 lbs each (for a total of 2.5 lbs per dumbbell). Many lifters, myself included, cannot or prefer not to go from, say, 5 lbs to 8 lbs, or 12 lbs to 15 lbs each per dumbbell because the neither the working muscles, the supporting muscles or their associated joints are ready for that much of an increase. With PlateMates (found on several online catalogs specializing in sophisticated training equipment) you can incrementally increase the weight and thus your strength manageable and safely. PlateMates, however, do not work on rubber or vinyl/Neoprene-covered dumbbells.
So, my rec is to invest in metal hex dumbbells AND sets of PlateMates in the above increments. If continual strength-building is your long-term goal you will have to get heavier dumbbells at some point, but these little gizmos are a wise investment.
JMHO -
A-Jock
A smart and easy way to keep upping your dumbbell weightloads is to purchase PlateMates, magnetized attachments to the ends of your hex dumbbell that come in sets of 5/8-lb each (for a total of 1.25 lbs per dumbbell) and 1.25 lbs each (for a total of 2.5 lbs per dumbbell). Many lifters, myself included, cannot or prefer not to go from, say, 5 lbs to 8 lbs, or 12 lbs to 15 lbs each per dumbbell because the neither the working muscles, the supporting muscles or their associated joints are ready for that much of an increase. With PlateMates (found on several online catalogs specializing in sophisticated training equipment) you can incrementally increase the weight and thus your strength manageable and safely. PlateMates, however, do not work on rubber or vinyl/Neoprene-covered dumbbells.
So, my rec is to invest in metal hex dumbbells AND sets of PlateMates in the above increments. If continual strength-building is your long-term goal you will have to get heavier dumbbells at some point, but these little gizmos are a wise investment.
JMHO -
A-Jock
Hello Rose2boys,
I have hexagonal cast iron dumbbells and I absolutely love them. They are cheapest and most versatile. If you work out on carpets like I do, they don't roll around when you put them down. However, the rubber coated ones are probably better for your floor if you have wooden or other types of flooring as they won't scratch the floor. I've had mine for 5 years now and I find that they are very durable. If you look after them they will look good for a long time, whereas the rubber tend to wear out after a while and those types of dumbbells will eventually look shabby and tacky.
I don't like the round shiny steel set even though they look prettier because they are not as practical and they are more expensive than the ordinary cast iron. If you are seriously into weight training then you will want to purchase heavier sets in the future so you could save and have a uniform set.
I don't have PlateMates but A-Jock is right that these little gadgets are very useful in helping you to build poundage. I am considering getting some.
Yen
I have hexagonal cast iron dumbbells and I absolutely love them. They are cheapest and most versatile. If you work out on carpets like I do, they don't roll around when you put them down. However, the rubber coated ones are probably better for your floor if you have wooden or other types of flooring as they won't scratch the floor. I've had mine for 5 years now and I find that they are very durable. If you look after them they will look good for a long time, whereas the rubber tend to wear out after a while and those types of dumbbells will eventually look shabby and tacky.
I don't like the round shiny steel set even though they look prettier because they are not as practical and they are more expensive than the ordinary cast iron. If you are seriously into weight training then you will want to purchase heavier sets in the future so you could save and have a uniform set.
I don't have PlateMates but A-Jock is right that these little gadgets are very useful in helping you to build poundage. I am considering getting some.
Yen
SirenSongWoman
Cathlete
>I don't like the round shiny steel set even though they look
>prettier because they are not as practical and they are more
>expensive than the ordinary cast iron. >
Mine are the round shiny and they're awful. They roll all over when I set them down and they're tough to hold onto when doing triceps extensions. When I can afford to, I'm switching.
>prettier because they are not as practical and they are more
>expensive than the ordinary cast iron. >
Mine are the round shiny and they're awful. They roll all over when I set them down and they're tough to hold onto when doing triceps extensions. When I can afford to, I'm switching.
debbydarestobefit
Cathlete
The vinyl wears off the dumbell eventually also (at least mine have). In addition, I can only find vinyls up to 10#. I'd go with the metal ones also.
Stephanie0523
Cathlete
I like the rubber-coated ones because they have a thicker handle area. My metal ones are harder to grip, and when my palms sweat they get kind of slippery. Maybe I'll buy some cool gloves like Cathe wears...