Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

I am in my late 40's and have been lifting weights for years, but mostly at a gym. Recently, kids and such have made it increasingly difficult to get to the gym daily so I decided to work out at home, but there is precious little room to spare. Being the type who researches things to death before buying, I began looking into adjustable dumbells. I checked out the Bowflex SelectTech, PowerBlocks, Gold's Gym SwitchPlate, and Ironmaster Quick Lock Dumbell system. In brief: SelectTech felt flimsy and rather expensive for what you get. I think they are probably the most popular simply because they are the most advertised; after trying them out in the store, I would not buy or recommend them. The Gold's Gym SwitchPlates appear to be a low-priced knockoff version of the already flimsy SelectTech. The PowerBlocks are sturdy contenders and worthy of consideration, although the odd design may be distracting. Powerblocks seem to be fairly solid, and really do change weights very quickly and are also expandable up to around 130lbs per dumbell! They are however, pricey. Finally, the product I decided upon and purchased were the Ironmaster Quick Lock Dumbells. All metal, compact, and as solid as any dumbell you can pick up off the rack at your local gym. The downside, the weight changing system is fairly quick & easy but not as fast as SelectTechs or PowerBlocks. Unlike turning a knob (SelectTech) or switching a guide pin (PowerBlock) you have to unscrew a locking pin (only 1/4 turn to unlock), and then add or remove plates as desired, and reinsert the pin and turn 1/4 turn to lock. They have a video on their website demonstrating this (ironmaster.com). For the price, the Quick Lock system is the best going. A standard set goes from 5-75lbs per dumbell in 5lb increments, and the stand is included with the set. Also, they come with a lifetime guarantee and there is an add-on set available that will bring each dumbell up to 120lbs. I have been using the Quick Lock System for about 3 months now, and I believe it is one of the best products I have ever purchased.