Dumbbell Bench

ThirdMan

Can anyone recommend a good folding dumbbell bench? And perhaps the actual dumbbells as well. I've seen some of the York models, and they don't look great to be honest. They also have a maximum load of 15 stone or thereabouts. I'm currently clocking in at an unfortunate 17 stone, so they're not an option either way.

My budget is about €300.

Thanks.

ThirdMan

I realise a folding bench may not be an option for me. So I'm open to a 'fixed' bench as well. As long as it's not too large. Space is an issue.

Thanks again.

The Guvnor

I think folding is as you rightly assess of no use to you.

A good adjustable bench is much better and they are not that big but can easily be pushed up against a wall and used as a shelf or couch if space is that tight!:D

I'd go heavy duty- something that is solid - last thing you need is an unstable surface upon which to do your lifting - it is a recipe for an injury!

A member on here does lifting equipment - Mickk - his site is irishlifting.com IIRC.

ThirdMan

The Guvnor wrote: »

I think folding is as you rightly assess of no use to you.

A good adjustable bench is much better and they are not that big but can easily be pushed up against a wall and used as a shelf or couch if space is that tight!:D

I'd go heavy duty- something that is solid - last thing you need is an unstable surface upon which to do your lifting - it is a recipe for an injury!

A member on here does lifting equipment - Mickk - his site is irishlifting.com IIRC.

Thanks for the advice, and the good humour

This seems perfect!

http://www.irish-lifting.com/heavy-fid-bench-pe-166.html

marathonic

Yeah, in my opinion, you should always buy quality or buy second hand.

If you buy second hand, at least ya can always get a similar price when selling again. If you buy the cheap stuff they have in argos or the likes, you'll outgrow it in a matter of months, if not weeks.

A bench like the one you've linked to will NEVER need replaced and will ALWAYS have a good resale value. Cheap equipment is all over the place second hand so you could have difficulty getting rid of it.

Regarding the dumbbells, whatever you do, don't go vinyl. They're a waste of time. The dumbbell sets on irish-lifting are quite expensive but you could go with the bar and plates as follows:

http://www.irish-lifting.com/dumbell-handles-pe-244.html
http://www.irish-lifting.com/standard-iron-plates-pe-243.html

The handles and a combination of, for example, (4*1.25), (4*2.5) and (4*5) plates will cost €99. That's a 39kg set that's easily upgradeable which is much better than the likes of this set from Argos (http://www.argos.ie/static/Product/partNumber/3008243/c_1/1%7Ccategory_root%7CSports%2Band%2Bleisure%7C14419152/c_2/2%7Ccat_14419152%7CHome%2Bgym%2Bequipment%7C14419293/c_3/3%7Ccat_14419293%7CWeights%2Band%2Bdumbbells%7C14419310.htm)

ray jay

marathonic wrote: »

Regarding the dumbbells, whatever you do, don't go vinyl. They're a waste of time. The dumbbell sets on irish-lifting are quite expensive but you could go with the bar and plates as follows:

http://www.irish-lifting.com/dumbell-handles-pe-244.html
http://www.irish-lifting.com/standard-iron-plates-pe-243.html

The handles and a combination of, for example, (4*1.25), (4*2.5) and (4*5) plates will cost €99. That's a 39kg set that's easily upgradeable which is much better than the likes of this set from Argos (http://www.argos.ie/static/Product/partNumber/3008243/c_1/1%7Ccategory_root%7CSports%2Band%2Bleisure%7C14419152/c_2/2%7Ccat_14419152%7CHome%2Bgym%2Bequipment%7C14419293/c_3/3%7Ccat_14419293%7CWeights%2Band%2Bdumbbells%7C14419310.htm)

there's no significant difference between the argos and irish lifting dumbbells. Argos will sell you 5kg plates too if you want to bump up the weight. Unfortunately 14" dumbbell handles will only fit three 5kg plates on each side (despite what the description might say), so you're limited to 30kg. I've seen 18" handles before but only with spring collars, and frankly I'd prefer spinlocks for dumbbells. If anyone has seen where to get oversized dumbbell handles for standard plates, I'd love to know

ThirdMan

I've decided on the FID bench, dumbbell handles, and the standard iron plates (4 x 1.25kg, 4 x 2.5kg, 8 x 5kg)

€398.98

marathonic

That's a good choice and you won't go far wrong. Email them first and see if you can get free delivery thrown in.

Westwood

ray jay wrote: »

there's no significant difference between the argos and irish lifting dumbbells. Argos will sell you 5kg plates too if you want to bump up the weight. Unfortunately 14" dumbbell handles will only fit three 5kg plates on each side (despite what the description might say), so you're limited to 30kg. I've seen 18" handles before but only with spring collars, and frankly I'd prefer spinlocks for dumbbells. If anyone has seen where to get oversized dumbbell handles for standard plates, I'd love to know

http://www.fitness-superstore.co.uk/standard_bars/bodypower_spinlock_18_dumbbell_handle_x1/3238_p.html

The Guvnor

ThirdMan wrote: »

Thanks for the advice, and the good humour

This seems perfect!

http://www.irish-lifting.com/heavy-fid-bench-pe-166.html

That bench looks perfect mate. The fact that it weighs 35kg itself if a good sign - solid and stable.

As for the db's well as you said space was tight so maybe some olympic db handles and loose plates would work.

What sort of weight do you lift in your strongest db lift?

I would suggest rubber plates for db's - some will disagree but if you are on your own last thing you need is iron plates pinching you as they can do if there is any movement!

I would say that Mick probably has more items available than what is listed on the company website so my advice would be definitely give him/them a call first to discuss.