Nov 16, Ironmaster Dumbbells | All About the Ironmaster Quick-Lock Dumbbell System

The Ironmaster dumbbells are one of the best pieces of weight training equipment you can buy for your home gym. They are highly versatile, extremely durable and very simple to use.

If you currently workout with barbells only, or with an incomplete or poor quality dumbbell set, then the Ironmaster dumbbells will give you the ability to do a plethora of new and effective exercises.

In short, they'll give you more productive workouts, which in turn, will accelerate your progress.

On this page, I'll present all the helpful information that I learned from thoroughly researching the Ironmaster Quick-Lock adjustable dumbbells. I was researching these to decide whether or not to purchase them for my home gym...

...And for the record, I did end up buying them.

They arrived in the mail over the weekend (today is 11/16/11), and I am yet to open the packages. I plan on videotaping the unboxing and then doing a full review, as soon as is possible.

So just to clarify, the information on this page is not my personal testimony of these dumbbells; rather, this is my summary and analysis of the information available online for this product, as well as a compilation of relevant resources.

I'm going to be covering a wide range of topics on this page, so let me give you a heads up on how it'll be organized:

First, I'll provide an basic overview of the Ironmaster dumbbell system. Then I'll move on to a discussion of their pros and cons, followed by a listing of insightful review videos made by other owners of the system.

From that point, I'll get into the topics that you may or may not be as interested in: all the nitty-gritty product specifications, details and factoids about the add-on kits and accessory options.

I'll start by briefly discussing the most basic features of this dumbbell set. This way, you'll have a general understanding of the product before I get into too much detail...

...Before I start my spiel, though, I recommend watching the below video as a primer. It covers most of the basic points and gives you the visuals to go along with it:

The main component of the Ironmaster dumbbell system is the base set, which gives you a maximum dumbbell weight of 75 lbs.

But the fun doesn't stop at a measly 75 pounds, folks. There are two optional add-on kits that you can purchase to increase the maximum dumbbell weight...

...The first add-on kit, as shown in the video above, allows you to use up to 120 lbs. per dumbbell. The second kit, which isn't shown or mentioned in the above clip, raises the max weight per dumbbell to a whopping 165 pounds! (The 120 lb. kit is required to use the 165 lb. kit.)

Of course, most people won't need or want the second add-on kit, at least to begin with. Still, it's nice to know that you always have that option on the table.

The other major draws of this adjustable dumbbell set are the many compatible accessories and complementary equipment available (i.e. fat grip adapter, kettlebell attachment, straight bar, EZ-curl bar, Super Bench, dumbbell spotting stand) that enhance and expand its functionality. I'll discuss these options in greater detail, later.

The Ironmaster adjustable dumbbells use the Quick-Lock screws to secure the weights to the dumbbell.

With the dumbbell handle lying horizontally, you place the desired number of plates against the dumbbell handle. Check that each plate is properly aligned; the grooves on the back of each plate should fit securely into the grooves of the plate in front of it...

...Then, take one of the Quick-Lock pins and insert it through the center hole of the plates so that the arrow on the pin is in line with the indentation of the dumbbell handle. Proceed to screw it into the handle until it's tight.

Repeat this process on the other side of the dumbbell, and then again on both sides of the second dumbbell.

The video below shows how simple it is to change the weight:

Having now finished my summary of the Ironmaster dumbbells, I'll get to the part that you probably care about most: the pros and cons of the Ironmaster dumbbells.

Natural Look & Feel. Feels and looks like a traditional fixed dumbbell. Unlike some of the more "creative" adjustable dumbbells out there (e.g. PowerBlock), the Ironmasters actually feel like fixed dumbbells when you handle them. They also look quite similar to fixed dumbbells, with the minor difference of square-shaped weights.Expandable to 165 Lbs. Greatest expandability of (almost) any adjustable dumbbell on the market, of up to 165 lbs. Spinlock or Olympic handles are the only types of adjustable dumbbells that you could expand to more than 165 lbs., though doing so would entail using taller weight plates, which sacrifices functionality on some exercises.Heavy-Duty Durability. Thanks to their simple design and all-metal construction, these dumbbells can take a beating. Even with less-than-gentle use, the likelihood of damaging these dumbbells is minimal. This doesn't mean you should slam the dumbbells on the floor or toss them around just "because you can." That would be careless, and generally stupid behavior. What it does mean, though, is that you don't have to coddle the weights like a newborn baby.Secure Weights. Once the weights are locked in, they stay locked in. There's no rattling, shaking or loosening of dumbbells. This means you can lift them explosively or use them in swinging motions, without fear of the plates flying off.Accessorizabilty! The Ironmaster Quick-Lock dumbbell system has many accessory attachments available, which greatly expand your training options. I'll talk about these attachments later on this page.Included Dumbbell Rack/Stand. An accompanying stand comes standard when you buy the Ironmaster Quick-Lock dumbbell set. It's very compact in size (14.5" W x 19" D x 26" H), yet still large enough to fit a fully loaded pair of dumbbells on its top, and store all of its weights (including the optional 120 lb. add-on kit) within it. Thus, it serves to fulfill the average home gym owner's requirement to maximize space efficiency. Standing at just over two feet tall, it is specifically designed to facilitate racking/unracking the dumbbells in an ergonomically sound fashion.Knurled Steel on Handles & Knobs. Knurled steel on the screw knobs makes it easier to grasp onto the Quick-Lock screws and twist them on or off. The knurled steel on the dumbbell handles ensures you maintain the tightest possible grip on the dumbbells, even if your hands are drenched in sweat. The only catch is that you'll have to endure some minor discomfort while your hands adapt to the rather harsh texture.Customizable Load Distribution. You can load each end of the barbell independently of the other. This means that you can make one end heavier than the other end, if you so desire. Obviously, you would load the dumbbells evenly for the vast majority of exercises. But there are some movements where an uneven load is required (e.g. pronations, supinations, deviations) or desirable (e.g. hammer curls).Plates Compatible with Any Standard Bar. The Quick-Lock plates will fit on any standard (1" diameter) barbells or dumbbell handles that you have in your gym. So if you should ever have the need, you can use these plates on those bars without any issues.30-Day Guarantee & Lifetime Warranty. You get a thirty day money back guarantee, with shipping covered if you decide to return it. The lifetime manufacturer's warranty which includes repairs and part replacements (though you'd pay). See the full terms and conditions.Longer Adjustment Time. The main downside of the Ironmasters is that it takes longer to adjust their weight, compared to "quick change" adjustable dumbbell sets like the PowerBlocks. It typically takes somewhere between 15 seconds to 90 seconds to adjust the weight. It varies depending on the amount of weight you're putting on and/or taking off, and whether you are trying to change it as fast as you can or if you're taking your sweet-ass time. :DUneven Weight Distribution if Using XX.5 Lbs. If you're trying to use a weight that's not a multiple of 5 lbs. (e.g. 22.5, 57.5, etc.) by adding just one of the 2.5 lb. plates, then the dumbbell will be slightly heavier on whichever side you put the plate. This isn't a problematic issue, though, because you can simply hold the weight slightly off-center to make it balanced.Some Organization Required. Unlike the simple and convenient self-containing storage feature of dumbbell systems like the PowerBlock, the Ironmaster Quick-Lock dumbbells require separate storage of the many individual weight plates. Although the included dumbbell stand provides dedicated storage space, you must still maintain some level of organization within it. Otherwise, you waste time sorting through a disheveled mess of weights to find the right one. I personally don't believe that this issue deserve a full-blown "con" status, since the worst case scenario is that you experience a temporary and minor inconvenience. However, I've included it here because the significance of this issue is for you to judge, not me.

Below, I've compiled the most helpful video reviews that I found for the Ironmaster dumbbells.

The first three video reviews are from ordinary weight trainees...

...The forth video review, as you'll see, is from a not-so-ordinary lifter who you may recognize.

Below are three clips of IFBB pro bodybuilder Lee Priest reviewing and using the Ironmaster dumbbells during his chest workout.

The base set includes 2 x 5 lb. dumbbell handles, 24 x 5 lb. weight plates, 4 x 2.5 lb. plates and 4 standard-sized Quick-Lock screws5 to 75 lbs.Adjusts in 2.5 lb. increments6.5" W x 6.5" H x 14.5" L (14.5" length when fully loaded)Included stand for racking the dumbbells between sets, as well as for storing plates and pins. Its dimensions are 14.5" W x 19" D x 26" H.Price: $578 ($499 + $79 S&H) You must first have the 75 lb. base unit for the 120 lb. kit to work.The kit includes 4 x 22.5 lb. plates (45 extra lbs. per dumbbell) and 4 extended-length Quick-Lock screws (2 per dumbbell)70 to 120 lbs.2.5 lb. increments6.5" W x 6.5" H x 18.5" L (18.5" length when fully loaded)Fully loaded dumbbells still fits on the standPrice: $260 ($215 + $45 S&H) You must first have the 120 lb. add-on kit, as well as the 75 lb. base unit, to use all 165 lbs.The 165 lb. add-on kit includes 4 x 22.5 lb. plates (an extra 45 lbs per dumbbell) and 4 extra-long screws. These screws are different than the screws used in the 75 lb and 120 lb sets in that they are fully threaded (as opposed to partially).122.5-165 lbs.2.5 lb. increments6.5" W x 6.5" H x 23.5" L (23.5" length when fully loaded)Fully loaded dumbbells won't fit all the way on the rackYou must custom order this kit via phone (US: 800-533-3339, Int'l: 425-408-9040).Purchase is non-returnable and non-refundableExpect delivery to take 2-3 weeksThe original warranty is void if you drop, or otherwise mistreat, the dumbbells when using the 165 lb. kit. This is because the dumbbell set was originally designed to withstand rough use for a maximum weight of 120 lbs using the partially threaded Quick-Lock screws.Price: $283 ($235 + $48 S&H)

Each of the three dumbbell kits (75lb/120lb/165lb) have varying screw sizes, though they share the following commonalities:

The knob size on all three screw size is the same: 4 inch diameter, 0.5 inch thickness.There is knurled steel around the edge of each knob, which allows you to easily grip onto and untwist the screw.The screws are constructed from chrome-plated solid steel

Again, the above are the similarities of the screws. The differences are shown in the images and descriptions below:

As shown below, the screws for the 75 lb. base unit are 4 inches long and weigh 2.5 lbs.

As shown below, the screws for the 120 lb. add-on kit are 6 inches long and weigh 3 lbs.

As shown below, the screws for the 165 lb. add-on kit are 8.5 inches long and weigh 3.5 lbs. Additionally, these screws differ from those from the 75 lb. and 120 lb. sets in that they are fully (not partially) threaded...

...That is, the threading wraps all the way around the screw's circumference, as opposed to only part of the way around it.

Because of this design, these screws aren't actually "Quick-Lock" screws, since you have to screw them in all the way (instead of sliding them in most of the way before tightening them). This provides extra tightness to ensure the weights remain in place with the heavier load.

5 lb. handle6.5" inner handle length7" total handle length w/o plates or screws (8" with screws)1.25" handle diameterThe dumbbell ends have recessed grooves that are designed to hold the first weight plate in place, and prevent it from moving

There are three plate sizes for this dumbbell set: 2.5, 5 and 22.5 pounds. All three have the same length and width dimensions of 6.5" x 6.5". However, they vary in thickness. Below are their respective thickness specifications.

2.5 lb. plates are approx. 0.25" thick.5 lb. plates are approx. 0.5" thick.22.5 lb. plates are approx. 2.25" thick.

Other notable information about the weight plates includes the following:

Standard 1" diameter center holeCast iron construction with a painted black surfaceEach plate is within 3% of its stated weightThe plates have an interlocking design, which keeps them aligned and secure

All of the following accessories can be found here on Ironmaster.com.

If you want to enjoy the benefits of thick bar training, then you're in luck. The Fat Grip Adapters allow you to increase the dumbbell handle diameter so you can improve your grip and accelerate your forearm development.

The Fat Grip Adapter specifications are listed below:

There are two different fat grip adapters available that increase the original 1.25" handle diameter size. One will increase it to 1.5", and the other will increase it to 2".The adapters are made from a high-strength plastic composite material.Just as with the regular dumbbell handles, the fat grip adapters have knurled textures, which facilitates a more secure and better quality grip.Each adapter consists of two halves, which you secure around the handle with small screws. Keep a Phillips screwdriver nearby if you want to take them on and off during your workout.Price: $35 ($29 + $6 S&H)

The Quick-Lock kettlebell is a innovative, yet simple design that uses the same plates and pins as the dumbbells. So if you've already got the dumbbells, then all you need is the kettlebell attachment, itself.

The notable information about the kettlebell includes:

Handle weighs 22.5 lbs.Adjustable in 2.5 lb. increments1.375" diameter gripSolid steel construction; no knurling.Maximum weight is 57.5 lbs. when using 32.5 lbs. worth of plates (i.e. 6 x 5 lbs. + 1 x 2.5 lbs.), along with an accompanying standard-sized Quick-Lock screw (i.e. the kind used in the 75 lb. base set).Maximum weight is 80 lbs. when using 55 lbs. worth of plates (i.e. 1 x 22.5 lbs. + 6 x 5 lbs. + 1 x 2.5 lbs.), along with an accompanying extended-length Quick-Lock screw (the kind used in the 120 lb. add-on kit).Price: $108 ($89 + $19 S&H)

While I've personally never done any kettlebell work, I am certainly tempted to buy this nifty attachment so that I can start learning. That said, I wouldn't seriously consider this purchase until after buying the 120 lb. add-on kit.

Watch the clip below for a general outline of the kettlebell attachment, its uses and how it works.

The Ironmaster Quick-Lock kettlebell attachment introduces a whole host of new and different exercise options. In this video, professional MMA fighter Lyle Beerbohm demonstrates many of the movements made possible by the kettlebell attachment.

A personal trainer does a quick review of the kettlebell attachment and then performs a workout using it.

An EZ-curl bar gives you a few more options for biceps and triceps exercises.

The major specs and measurements for this accessory include:

7" ends (i.e. space available on each side for plates)48" total bar length34" inside grip lengthSolid steel construction with knurled gripUses spinlock collars to secure platesIf you have the four 22.5 lb. plates from the 120 lb. add-on kit as well as the weights from the 75 lb. set, then the maximum load is 165 lbs. (15 lb. bar plus 75 lbs. per side).If you have only the plates from the 75 lb. set, then the max bar weight is 145 lbs. (15 lb. bar plus 65 lbs. per side).Adjustable in 2.5 lb. incrementsPrice: $92 ($75 + $17 S&H)

The major specs and measurements for this accessory include:

11.5" ends (i.e. space available on each side for plates)66" total bar length42.5" inside grip lengthSolid steel construction with knurled gripUses spinlock collars to secure platesIf you have the four 22.5 lb. plates from the 120 lb. add-on kit as well as the weights from the 75 lb. set, then the maximum load is 228 lbs. (18 lb. bar plus 105 lbs. per side).If you have only the plates from the 75 lb. set, then the max bar weight is 160 lbs. (18 lb. bar plus 65 lbs. per side).Adjustable in 2.5 lb. incrementsPrice: $100 ($75 + $25 S&H)

The Super Bench is better categorized as being a separate piece of equipment that is complementary to the Ironmaster dumbbell system, than as an accessory to it...

...That said, I've nonetheless included it in this section because of its compatibility when used with the dumbbells and other dumbbell accessories (e.g. the spotting stands).

However, I won't delve into details on the bench, as that would require a page of its own. Instead, the two videos below are sufficient for this page.

See the video below for an overview of the Super Bench.

The video below shows the several exercises you can do on the Super Bench.

As with the Super Bench, the dumbbell spotting is most precisely categorized in a class of its own, rather than as an accessory or attachment specific to the Quick-Lock dumbbell system...

...As such, I'll skip over the specific stats, and instead provide the following summarizing video clip:

To gain a better understanding of how the dumbbell spotting stand works, take a look at the video below.

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Apr 1, Dumbbell Lateral Raise | How to Do Lateral Raises

The dumbbell lateral raise is a classic isolation dumbbell shoulder exercise. It targets the lateral deltoid, and is therefore most effective for adding mass to the outer shoulders to make them broader and more "capped."

On this page, you will find out exactly how to perform this movement and learn if it is an appropriate exercise choice for you.

The video below shows proper dumbbell lateral raise technique.

Video credits: YouTube user "fatlosspro"

Set Up. Fetch a pair of dumbbells that you can actually handle (most guys use entirely too much weight and then wonder why they can't feel their delts working). Then, find an clear space to perform the movement; preferably in front of a mirror so you can monitor your form. Hip-Width Stance. Stand with your feet hip-width apart.Lean Forward Slightly. Flex your knees and lean your torso forward slightly. This allows you to have the room needed to hold the dumbbells in the proper position (see next bullet).Hold Dumbbells in Front of Your Thighs. With dumbbells in hand, let your arms extend down. Hold the ends of the dumbbells in front of your thighs (they can make contact).Bend Arm Slightly. Bend your arm at the elbow joint, no more than 30°. (You will maintain this position for the entire movement.) This is the starting and ending position.Positive Repetition. Begin the movement by raising your arms up, as outlined below. Raise Arms. Raise your arms up laterally (i.e. to the sides) in a smooth arching motion until your elbows are aligned with your shoulders and your upper arms are parallel to the floor.Don't Use Momentum. Use your delts to do the lifting. It's cheating if you generate momentum by pushing through your legs or swinging your torso. Only once you've mastered the exercise is it okay to use a little momentum to use heavier weight for overloading the muscles the lateral delts to a greater extent (aka "controlled cheating"). But until then, don't do it.Elbows Above Wrists. Be sure that your elbows remain slightly higher than your wrists throughout the movement. If you allow your wrists to go above your elbows, then you'll be focusing more on the anterior deltoid than on the target muscle (lateral deltoid).Pinky-Side Up. Throughout the motion, you should be tilting your hand slightly so that the pinky-side of your hand raised higher than the thumb-side. Imagine that the dumbbell is a beer bottle and you're pouring it out with your hands.Tempo. Aim for about 1 second or less on the positive repetition.Midpoint. Once your arms are parallel to the floor, you will have reached the midpoint. Flex & Pause. Once at the midpoint, pause briefly while flexing the lateral deltoids.Tempo. Aim for a tempo of between a half-second and a full second.Negative Repetition. Finish the movement by lowering the weight back down to the starting position, in the same path as the positive rep. Tempo. Lower the weight at a controlled pace. Aim for no less than 1 second on the negative repetition.Repeat. Repeat the movement for a given number of repetitions. Dumbbell lateral raises are generally most effective with moderate reps of 8-12 or higher reps of 12-15. However, once you really get the hang of the exercise, you might find that lower rep ranges of 6-8 or even 4-6 are helpful in spurring growth.

This Exercise Is Best for Intermediate & Advanced Lifters, Not Beginners. The dumbbell lateral raise is no doubt a useful shoulder exercise. But it's important to remember that it's only an isolation movement, not a compound movement; meaning that its benefits are constrained to a specific area. And so, it only makes sense to do this exercise when you have the specialized need of targeting the outer deltoid for muscle building purposes...

...And to be quite blunt, if you're a raw beginner, you don't have any business doing this exercise because there's no reason for you to build mass on an itty-bitty part of your physique when your entire physique is lacking. Instead, your focus should be on mastering technique of major compound lifts, gaining strength as fast as possible and building a base of muscle over your entire body. You'll hit your outer delts sufficiently with big coupounds like the overhead press and bench press.

On the other hand, intermediate and advanced weight lifters are among the appropriate candidates for this exercise. If you're an intermediate or advanced weight lifter, you've developed your technique, size and strength to the point where:

Your outer deltoids may actually be lagging compared to other muscles (this isn't possible for a beginner, whose entire physique is lagging).Training the outer delts is actually time effective; whereas, beginners would basically be wasting time doing this exercise because they could make much faster progress by trading an isolation movement for a compound movement.

So if it sounds like the dumbbell lateral raise may indeed be a good addition to your training regimen, then go ahead and give it a shot. Although your gains may not be immediately noticeable, I think you'll be satisfied with the longer term results.

One final point: It's important to realize that if you have naturally sloping shoulders, your potential for capped, "bowling ball-esque" outer deltoids is limited since sloping shoulders are largely a product of your genetically-determined bone structure. Obviously, this isn't some magical exercise that can alter your DNA, so it can only do so much for your shoulder aesthetics. That said, it can still make a noticeable difference and is a worthwhile investment of training time for the right person.

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