I wouldn't turn my nose up at either, but given the choice, Ironmaster. The design is stronger, and they feel more like traditional high quality dumbbells. The Powerblocks are a tiny quicker to change weight though.
ironmaster does take a while to change -- not sure how practical it is if you're the kinda guy who has to pyramid up 30 sets. everything else is great, best dumbbells i ever used. perfect feel and look.never used the powerblocks.
I love my powerblocks. Been using them for years. Very well balanced feel and instant weight changes. Just don't drop them.
Cheaply made?
Craigslist. Buy a big set of dbs
Got my iron masters off CL for 350, and paid for the upgrade kit to get them to 120. That's $580 bucks for DBs that go 10-120.Rarely, you can find someone who has to move and dumps their stuff, but it takes a lot of luck and timing. Plus, there's the space issue.Overall, you're better of going with the Ironmasters.
Powerblocks are dead on regarding weight. Iron Master can be off. Does it really matter if your 75lb pound dumbbell is actually 75lbs or is actually 74lbs? I guess only you can answer. IronMaster is a traditional dumbbell with real knurling to grip. Power blocks have a rubber handle sleeve that looks like it could wear out. Anyone have any experience with this?Power blocks are lightening fast to change the weight. IronMaster isn't as fast but it's not a big deal. Powerblocks the traditional model is made in the US and I believe the other models are China made. I wouldn't drop power blocks. I don't drop dumbbells but I know the majority love to drop dumbbells. If this is you then go with the IronMaster.I know the traditional powerblocks have some rattle to them. I think their new models have the plates coated to make them more quiet. I don't think the IronMaster has a rattle to them. This noise factor might make a difference to guys living in a townhouse or condo. Ironmaster has an amazing bench with a ton of attachments. Powerblocks has a bench with a dipping and chin attachment. On a side note with some training knowledge you can work your whole body great with just dumbbells. If you want to do drop sets then Powerblocks are the way to go. Super sets of stuff like bicep and bicep then the quick change powerblocks is an asset.
I liked the iron masters until I saw some YouTube video of a guy bitching about the safety issues
Yeah I have Dumbbells I'm trying to down size, I no long have the space All I want is dumbbells and a simple bench, I will hit legs and other shit at the gym. I ending up going with the powerblocks because I found a good deal. Iron master doesn't sell their Dumbbells anywhere but on their website, so deals are hard to find. Well atleast for me it was.
I have the IronMaster DBs and also a full set of individuals that I slowly bought off of craigslist. I bought the add on set as sell to make each DB 120 pounds. It's not hard to change the weights and they stack up in a small space, but they aren't good for drop sets. They are completely safe. Only a retard who doesn't know how to use them might have issues. The only problem I'm finding after about 8 years of owning them is some of the plates are warping a bit and these dumbbells are built on precision so unless the plates rest perfectly into each other it's hard to tighten down the "screw" to hold them in place. They do have a lifetime guarantee and they did replace some plates for me already. Was a bit of a hassle but they lived up to their guarantee.I remember having it delivered. They came in these small 1 foot by 1 foot boxes that weighed something like 50 pounds each, just wrapped in package ties. The UPS guys fucking hated me that day. haha
Which one is better?
Depends on what you prefer, if you are a power bottom type of guy who likes to get pounded hard then I recommend powerblock on the other hand if you are the type of dude who pops a cialis to get hard like iron then bend somebody over to smash then iron master would be perfect for you.