IGX

http://www.powerblock.com/urethane.php

Had these (the U-90 stage II) for about a month now. Had the Classic 45's before, but "out-grew" them.

General impressions: These blocks are also very well made. Balance is excellent, contrary to appearance. They are assembled with fasteners vice welded like the classic series, and with much tighter clearances than my classics had between the outboard plates. The result is negligible shift during any type of motion, even a swing. I've also noticed that the company's description of the urethane being "self-lubricating" is also true, as I had my classics stick many times during weight changes if I was less than cautious about the angle I put the handle into the set.

At the 90# increment, they are rather long, in part due to the added volume from the urethane, but I am pleased with the feel, lack of sound and solid construction. A stage 3 is available that takes it up to 125# for an additional 300 clams. They are rather pricey, but the space-savings made it worth it for me.

We'll have to see how the "flex" technology holds up over the long haul, but the lifetime home warranty makes me unconcerned.

Purchased through the exchange system, so shipping was a bit slow (they shipped direct from the maker), but otherwise, no issues.

They're actually pretty cost effective when you consider what it would cost if you bought each pair of dumbbells from 2.5 lbs up.

I've had my eye on these for a while but can't bring myself to do it so far. You may have put me over the edge.

You think it's worth the extra $50 or so for urethane vs classics?

Was worth it for me. I always hated the rattle from the classics - but then I'm pretty noise sensitive. When I look at the % difference in cost vs overall cost, it seemed minor to me. YMMV.

FWIW, I have a pair of the 90# originals my wife bought me for a birthday gift in 1995 that are still perfect. I use them all the time but I don't abuse them, bang them around or drop them. Great investment. Some on here don't like them but for home use they can't be beat. I'd like to buy the add-ons up to 125 but that shit is expensive.

I only want to buy them if I can drop them and scream light weight and punch a hole in the wall. They won't hold up to that?

I wouldn't. They specifically say not to drop 'em, and there's some discussion that that behavior will void your warranty.

And then there's the fact that that behavior makes you a douche, so there's that too I suppose.

Worst equipment decision I ever made was to sell my powerblocks. Bought KBs with the $ and was glad to later sell those.

The Crawdaddy wrote:I wouldn't. They specifically say not to drop 'em, and there's some discussion that that behavior will void your warranty.

And then there's the fact that that behavior makes you a douche, so there's that too I suppose.

Hmmm, good call.

I need to look on Craigslist to see if i can find them cheaper.

Peach, were those DD bells or something else? I felt like R@nt when I got rid of mine. I couldn't wait to see them go.

I had a DD 35, 53 and two of the US Kettlebells adjustables.

The Crawdaddy wrote:Was worth it for me. I always hated the rattle from the classics - but then I'm pretty noise sensitive.

*face palm*

Hey dipshit- I wear hearing aids for volume amplification since I am 60-80 dB down across audible frequency ranges in both ears. Makes loud metallic noises kind of annoying. Probably almost as annoying as the rocks rattling around in your head.