Plate mates

E

Ela

Cathlete
Just checked out some questions and answers regarding the pace weights and plate mates. I know where to find the pace weight but where do I look for the plate mates? What is the difference and what do you recommend?

Also, what do you recommend in terms of STS. The 6 or 3 month cycle? And why?

Thanks,
Ela
 
You might also be able to find them locally, at a store that sells weight training equipment (and save shipping costs). Or do a search for "platemates sale".

I have both Platemates and Pace weights. So far, I use the Platemates much more, because they are just easier to grab. I also think the magnets are stronger on them. However, if you want to increase weights by 1# increments (or even 1/2 pound) then Pace Weights would be better.

Neither one work very well on vinyl-coated weights (though some people say they use them, I find the hold isn't strong enough for safety on mvoes where the weights would be above the head or over the face).
 
I have both too and I probably use the pace weights more than the plate mates. I like the pace weights because they increment in 1/2 lbs increments.
Each place mate is 1 1/4. So a ten lb weight becomes 11 1/4 lbs. I never use 1 buy itself. I always use them in pairs - one on each end of the dumbell so for a ten lb dumbell I would make it 12.5lbs.
Also I have neoprene and vinyl dummbells and they do not work for me. In fact I had to go out and buy 12lbs hex dummbell because neither placemate or paceweight would stick to neoprene 12lb weights.


Saundra
 
crm549 said:
I have both too and I probably use the pace weights more than the plate mates. I like the pace weights because they increment in 1/2 lbs increments.
Each place mate is 1 1/4. So a ten lb weight becomes 11 1/4 lbs. I never use 1 buy itself. I always use them in pairs - one on each end of the dumbell so for a ten lb dumbell I would make it 12.5lbs.
Also I have neoprene and vinyl dummbells and they do not work for me. In fact I had to go out and buy 12lbs hex dummbell because neither placemate or paceweight would stick to neoprene 12lb weights.


Saundra
Click to expand...
I have both and I prefer the Pace Weights as well. I have found that the Pace Weights have a stronger magnet. They stick securely to my vinyl coated barbell plates and the Plate Mates do not. However, as Saundra pointed out, Pace Weights do not stick to the neoprene DB's.
 
I wasn't sure which to order, or whether anything would work with vinyl plates - this is a helpful thread!

A very low tech option I've begun using is to take my velcro'd ankle/wrist weights and strap them to the barbell. I bought a cheap pair of these on sale. The velcro is easy on/off and it isn't that hard to keep them balanced on the bar. Admittedly, this is a pretty cheap and short term solution, but it works! By wearing a pair of one pound gloves and attaching a pair of pound and a half ankle weights, I can add: one and a half pounds (ankle wt), two pounds (gloves), three pounds (both ankle weights), three and a half pounds (two gloves plus one ankle weight), or five pounds (both gloves, both ankles) this way. The velcro makes it fast. I got tired of awkwardly trying to quickly velcro the wrist weights on my arms one handed, and it finally dawned on me that when I'm using a barbell, attaching them to the bar is every bit as good as attaching them to my wrist, and it's faster. When using two, I push them to the outer edge, and when using one ankle weight, I push it to the middle of the bar.

I suppose I could go with even a single pound, if I went with the Michael Jackson look :)
 
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I just bought the Plate Mates from a local gym supply store (great fun schlepping those around Manhattan on my way home!). I got two pairs of the 1.25. They didn't have the 5/8, but I may order them from Amazon (they are harder to find), depending on how things go with the 1.25s.
 
Alternative to plate mate

Shadowpup, I did not want to spend the money on the plate mates. So I impvised too. I got a pair of two pound weights that attatch around the wrist, but also they go around the hand. They are easy to put on. I can't remember what they are called. Also, I like your idea of attaching to the barbell. Melissa
 
If you can suggest an easy-on pair, I'd love to know what brand. The gloves are so simple, but I can only barely fasten one set of ankle weights on my wrist, pull out new weights, put away old weights. Two ankle weights or one ankle weight plus two gloves mean pressing pause!

I am eying a pair of used ankle weights, the kind where you insert lead weights, so you can adjust those by one pound increments up to ten pounds total ... that plus a few more plates may get me through Mesos 1 and 2.:D

Did you ever think you'd buy exercise equipment based on how quickly you can get in/out of it???
 
I have both and love both, it just depends on what I'm trying to do. Shoulders, pace weights are a god send for getting over the 5-8 barrier. Lower body or strong upper body muscles, plate mates save the day. I havent had them long but I'm glad I made the investment
 
Hand Weight

<<If you can suggest an easy-on pair, I'd love to know what brand. The gloves are so simple, but I can only barely fasten one set of ankle weights on my wrist, pull out new weights, put away old weights. Two ankle weights or one ankle weight plus two gloves mean pressing pause! >>

Mine are from Target. They are Reebok. Your thumb fits in a little whole and then it is pretty fast to wrap it around your wrist with velcro. Melissa
 
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