Plate Mates --OR-- Pace Weights

[ShyWolf]

Ok after starting to test my 1RM; it was suggested I get something to increase weight between the DB's namely my 15# DB's are too light for shoulder work but 20# I can only get to 7 reps using good form.

After testing I noticed I will be needing odd number weights

I'm in need of either of these items or both?

I have hex metal dumb bells starting at 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30

I also have the Fitness Gear plastic coated dumb bells that Cathe and crew are using in the STS clips. I was actually going to start replacing my hex db's for the plastic coated version as I really like the grip on these. I have a set of 12# and lower in this version.

I also have two barbells one the trusty Troy Lite (my absolute favorite) and another padded barbell I got eons ago when I used to do The Firm (I rarely use that one but on occasions do if I want to padding across my shoulders)

I have a bunch of plates varying from 1 1/4 # - 10 #


So which do I get ?

The platemates or the Pace Weights?

Whats the main difference?

Ermmm I could use some help before I go ahead and order them.

I honestly thought I could get away from getting them but after I started testing I found I could use them afterall.


Thanks in advance for any tips, opinions & or advice about these items

 

[deanie]

Hey Vilma

I have the plate mates and LOVE them. I use them on my 12's -35's ( lighter weights are not hex metal) I use one to up my weight 1.25#, or one on each end of the dumbell to up my weight to 2.5#. By the time I'm ready to go up again, the regular weight of the dumbell of the next weight is right for me. ( for example: I use one on my 15# weight and make it 16.25#, next time I want to increase I put a plate mate on each end of the dumbell and make it 17.5#, by the time I'm ready to increase, I can go to the 20# easily) For me, one pair of 1.25# plate mates are perfect; they are very versitile. I really debated over the platemates and the pace weights, and for me, I knew 1.25# is a better increment to increase my weights than the smaller increments of the pace weights.
I use the platemates on the barbell too!

Hope that all made sense

 

[meowracer]

I am beyond tired, and hope this makes some semblance of sense I bought the plate mates and took them back because, for instance, to go from 15lbs to 20lbs, I could go with the 2.5 each and move in that increment, but for some work (mostly shoulder for me), that would be too much and those would be useless for the 5 lb increment weights. And besides, if I was moving from 12 to 15, the 2.5 would be worthless for the most part. So then, I thought about the 1.25 weights but that would mean buying 8 of them to equal 4 of the 2.5's and while that would give me more flexibility, it is cheaper to get the pace weights and I will have the option of .5 increments up to whatever the weights will hold. For my BB, I have the plate weights starting at 2.5 so will build my own DB or supplement the BB weights with those but for shoulders and some tricep and a little bicep work, I decided that the pace weights made the most sense for me. I haven't ordered them yet but will before STS. That said, if the 1.25 each would be good increments for you, then that would certainly be easier to use. Mostly, with some shoulder and elbow problems, I will appreciate the .5 increment of pace weights.

 

[CollinsMom]

I have pace weights and I really enjoy being able to increase one pound at a time (or even .5). Like the above poster said (and Cathe says in some workouts), going up 1# is especially good when working shoulders.

 

[fit_fairy]

I have 2 sets of plate mates. One set weights 5/8# (together wt 1.25#) and the other 1 1/4 pound(together wt 2.5#). They weren't cheap, but I use both sets all the time.

At times I wish I had pace wts too. But I think I'll just make due with what I have.

Remember too that neither stick very well to the rubberized DBs. I have tried and they do stick, but not very securely.

 

[NinjaMom]

I have the platemates and a pair of 1lb wrist weights. So I can take a 15lb DB to 16, 16.25. 17.25, 17.50 and 18.50 just by using different combinations of my platemates and wrist weights. For me personally, one pound is the smallest increase I would start with

JJ

 

[LeanneM]

Hi Vilma,

I have the Pace weights, too, and really love them! The 1/2-pound increments may seem small, but, like Shana said, they are perfect for smaller muscle groups. When I do a series like GS or S&H for a few weeks, I always push myself to go up 1/2 pound each week, and feel like I make good progress that way.

Hope this helps!

 

[meowracer]

I have 2 sets of plate mates. One set weights 5/8# (together wt 1.25#) and the other 1 1/4 pound(together wt 2.5#). They weren't cheap, but I use both sets all the time.

At times I wish I had pace wts too. But I think I'll just make due with what I have.

Remember too that neither stick very well to the rubberized DBs. I have tried and they do stick, but not very securely.

I forgot that the increments were like that. I wondered why I tried the 2.5 lbs for a total of 5 as I wrote that! The choices I had were the same - 5/8 each or 1.25 each. Thanks for clarifying that.