I am glad I am not the only one with this problem. I did receive an email back, and this was the reply. He seems very honest, and concerned with the issue.
Hi Melissa,
The reason I asked is that we've discovered some of the first Pace Weights were improperly assembled by a subcontractor, with the result that some magnets have come loose from their castings. This problem generally shows up pretty quickly, however, and fortunately, the intact magnet can be easily reattached.
Chipping, flaking, or cracking of attached magnets is caused either by sharp impact or by sliding or scraping the internal magnet directly against another object, which can include the metal surface of another Pace Weight. This could be happening without your really realizing it, such as when stacking Pace Weights together. Accidents happen, of course, but if the chipping or flaking is only slight, it will not affect the functionality of the weights.
Pace Weights were designed for Paced Weight Training, which generally involves the use of larger weights having adequate space for attaching the magnets. You'll notice our instructions say to "Gently place Pace Weight against metal surface with both flanges against the surface to protect the internal magnet." The magnets are recessed between the flanges for this reason.
Some of our customers have discovered, however, that Pace Weights are handy for "microloading" small dumbbells, which involves placing the internal magnet directly against a dumbbell surface. If you use the weights in this way, we suggest you apply 2 or 3 layers of tape (such as matte finish Scotch tape) to the exposed surface of the magnets. This will not make the magnets impervious to impact, but it should help protect their surfaces from damage due to sliding. Then just be careful when you use them.
We're happy to hear you're still using your Pace Weights, for we want all our customers to enjoy the full benefits they have to offer. Please tell me how many of your weights have been damaged to the point of becoming unserviceable.
Thank you again, and I look forward to hearing back from you.
Regards,
Lou Winans, President
Winans Athletic Company
www.paceweights.com