Equipment Review: Ironmaster Quicklock Dumbbell System

As you can see the Ironmaster weight rack is actually very compact. Baby not included.

All of the weight plates in the 75 lb. kit can be stored on the top shelf.

Dumbbell shown with loadout of 75 lbs. on one side, and the threaded screw which goes on the opposite end.

Dumbbell shown with loadout of 75 lbs. on one side, and threaded screw which goes on opposite end.

The threaded screws weigh about 2.5 lbs. a piece and are heavy duty. I’ve seen zero wear and tear on them in over a year of use.

Shown with baby for size reference.

You have your choice of three height adjustments for the seat attachment.

The seat attachment for the bench. As you can see, it’s a simple process of hooking it into place.

Attachments latch on at the “top” end of the bench.

The port for attachments to be used on the bench.

I currently own the Ironmaster Quick-Lock dumbbell system which maxes out to 75 lbs. on each side, and is expandable up to an eye-popping 120 per (or even 165 but isn’t covered by warranty).  I also own their workout bench (aka “Super Bench) as well as several optional accessories that attach to it, namely the crunch situp attachment, the bar dip handles and the pull-up bar.

In short, I think the Ironmaster system is just about the best set of weights you can get for your home gym.  Back when I was researching who to go with it seemed to come down to a standoff between Ironmaster and Powerblock’s adjustable dumbbells.  I also looked at Bowflex’s SelectTech dumbbells but at the time theirs only maxed out to 52.5 lbs. (since then they’ve now made ones that go up to 90).  After a fair amount of comparison and reading other people’s reviews, I found that Ironmaster seemed the side to go with for several reasons that have been confirmed to me since buying from them:

1. While they aren’t cheap, Ironmaster does produce good value for your money.  Currently the Quick-Lock dumbbells sell at $489.00 before shipping.  This includes the rack.  You will not find a better price for dumbbells that go out to 75 lbs. a piece.
2. Included with their value is Ironmaster’s craftsmanship, which is simply superb.  The weights themselves are extremely durable, and feel and look a lot better in real life than they do in photos.  You’re unlikely to find better feeling or sturdier weights even in a commercial gym.  In the beginning I was a bit reluctant in looking at adjustable dumbbells for my home gym – too many memories of my dad’s worn out weights with the concrete/plastic plates and the rusty thumbscrews.  Also, the adjustable weights produced by the other brands like Bowflex and Powerblock appeared so intricately engineered, with more moving parts that to me imply greater potential for rattling and breakage.  But with Ironmaster you get simply designed weights that are precisely machined to form rock solid dumbbells.  And while I wouldn’t recommend heaving them around like beer kegs in a World’s Strongest Man competition (you’ve seen these guys at the gym, or you are one), I also wouldn’t have any problem at all with dropping them.
3. And on that point I’ll stress it again – with Ironmaster you know you’re getting longevity.  As I’ve said before I’ve had my Ironmasters for a little over a year, and while they may have picked up a few scratches along the way, I’m pretty confident they’ll last me for as long as I can still lift ‘em.  And then I can give ‘em to my kids.  They’re that good.
4. The handles on the weights are nice and long, and yet not too long.  For those few exercises that require two hands on one dumbbell, you’ll never be pressed for room.  The handles also ride nice and high off the ground, perfect for double duty as push up bars.

To sum up, Ironmaster makes an excellent product.  I generally can’t say enough good things about ‘em.  If I did have to produce one possible con to the Ironmaster system it’s that it does take a bit of time to switch out your weights.  I know the video on their website shows a guy changing weights in a snap, which is true if you’re switching out from say, 20 lbs. to 25.  But if you’re going from 20 lbs. out to 75, it’ll take you about under a minute to get set up on both dumbbells.  The only time this’d pose a real problem is if you’re really into supersetting (or really impatient), but in my opinion this one weakness is far outweighed by Ironmaster’s strengths.

So if you’re considering laying down a sizable amount of money on this particular investment, I’d say absolutely go with it, and if in the end you don’t like ‘em you can always send ‘em back and get a complete refund (including shipping, which is obviously pretty hefty).

If you are looking for the review that sold me on the Ironmaster system and gave much much more info than is contained here, I recommend checking the one at totalphysiqueonline.com.  It’s really good.