300 lb Rubber weight set, $219

[FrankH]

What do you guys think about this deal at Sears? I went and had a look; they aren't high-end, but seem like they might do the job. The extra plates I saw weren't on sale, but were about $1/pound. http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1260 ... ord=weider

[Rich McClain]

Frank, did you see these weights in person. I saw the smaller plates at the Sears near me and was not impressed. I would not relate these to bumper plates rather than to keep them from banging together and scratching floors. Bumper plates to me are for zero negatives like those in Ryan's lifting videos.

My two cents.

[barbe705]

I'm pretty sure that dicks and dunhams have 300# sets for around 140 all the time. The plates aren't rubber coated though.

Brent

[miked]

those weights are gonna be pretty low quality. And the bar will be worse. But, weight is weight. Only time you may have an issue is if you drop them.
My advice would be to find a decent bar that is rated to at least 700 #s and then borrow a couple of plates from old man McClain. He has a whole room full of them. You just have to sweet talk him a little.

Then, keep your eye open for a sale. The other thing to check is craigs list. I found my squat rack there for $40. Nice deal.

[FrankH]

Yes, I saw them in person. Picked up a 45 pound plate, bounced it on the floor a few times, etc. They had 3-4 kinds of plates-- cheap iron, better iron, iron with rubber rims and rubber coated. Seemed decent to me, but I'm no expert. I have a cheap iron set, but I have to set them down pretty carefully.

Anyway, they're Weider weights, made in China. I will probably replace the bar with something stronger if I get them, though.

[Clancelt]

Hey Frank, I have used that very set and it's not too bad. I think it's a buy at that price. I don't like the spring collars, but the ones I used the guy replaced them with clamps. I don't even think the bar is that bad. It's not Eleiko, but it's ok. Seems to average 4 out of 5 stars in most online reviews.

-E

[Sheaf daddy]

those weights are gonna be pretty low quality. And the bar will be worse. But, weight is weight. Only time you may have an issue is if you drop them.
My advice would be to find a decent bar that is rated to at least 700 #s and then borrow a couple of plates from old man McClain. He has a whole room full of them. You just have to sweet talk him a little.

Then, keep your eye open for a sale. The other thing to check is craigs list. I found my squat rack there for $40. Nice deal.

The bar is the key - I have a bent bar - not like a "U" of anything but I have a vivid imagination and the image of the bar shattering and razor sharp slivers flying through my groin, throat, eyes, etc. And no you cannot sweet talk me anymore. I need to feel the love baby.

[agm]

I have that set. Definitely not something you want to be dropping - the plates aren't bumpers, just rubber coated, and the bar would probably bend. But the rubber will provide some protection for a wood floor, and works for me to keep the plates from rusting outside. The bar's a piece of crap, and if you're planning to put 400+ pounds on it, or do cleans with over 275 or so, don't use it. For lighter stuff, the bar's adequate, and it's cheap enough that if it's bent or otherwise damaged (or in my case, rusting) you won't feel bad about tossing it and getting a new one.

[bjketchem]

just a thought. Frank..if the bar stinks and starts to break down on you...use it to throw...literally...release it outside in a field, ie. push press...a friend of mine and I used to do this in the summer time during high school. seemed to help, but it was fun and you could get creative. Plus, as i learned later it allows you to focus on a movement concentrically.
just a thought.

[Jeff Storey]

Uh BJ, maybe you should suggest a weight for Frank.
Otherwise, He'll be out in his yard throwing 300lbs for distance.

you think I'm kidding....

[Clancelt]

Come on Jeff, anything less than 300lbs and he'd be putting craters in the neighbor's yard!

[randy]

i was lookin at this set just 2 days ago. liftin at home is lookin better and better.

rking

[FrankH]

I think I'm gonna pass on these. I don't see an advantage as opposed to iron weights. I use them indoors, I can't drop them, noise isn't an issue (except for the dog, who who would pee her pants if she wore them) I have concrete floors with 1/2 inch rubber mats-- iron will work just fine for me, and is cheaper to boot. If you have wood floors, a baby, keep your weights outdoors, etc.-- this might be a good way to go. Thanks to all for the input!

P.S. Pretty sure I can't do a whole lot with 300 pounds except squat it or DL it!

[S McCracken]

I'm pretty sure that dicks and dunhams have 300# sets for around 140 all the time. The plates aren't rubber coated though.

Brent