You don't have to spend hundreds of dollars to lift weights when discount weight sets are available for less than $50. Discount weight sets give you the same workout you'd get with a traditional set but at a drastically lower price. The price can be a huge advantage, but the sets may come with a few drawbacks.
About Discount Weight Sets
Discount weight sets are inexpensive versions of exercise weight sets. Sets can consist of any number of weight plates and bars to create a variety of barbells or dumbbells. Barbell sets come with a standard barbell bar while dumbbell sets come with two standard dumbbell bars. Sets can also include one barbell and two dumbbell bars to create weight using both. Weight clips are generally included to keep the weights secure on the bars.
Construction
Here's where you get what you pay for. Discount weight sets have a few differences that make them cheaper to manufacture, which reflects on their price. The weight plates are generally concrete slabs covered in a thick vinyl, rather than a solid cast iron or other heavy material. The vinyl shell and the concrete are prone to cracking if you drop them. They are nowhere near as durable as a solid plate. The bars in discount sets are generally smooth, unlike the more expensive bars that can come with a handgrip texture. The clips, too, are the least expensive variety, generally spring clips that are not as secure as other clip types.
Cost Comparison
A discount weight set can be drastically cheaper than a traditional set. A barbell set with a single bar and 100 lbs. of concrete weights cost $49 in March 2011 while a barbell set with 110 lbs. of cast iron weight cost $99. A dumbbell set with two bars and 20 lbs. of concrete weights for each dumbbell, or 40 lbs. total, cost $20. A single 20-lb. solid dumbbell cost $30, which translates to $60 for a set of two. Solid dumbbells are generally sold separately or you can create a set with two bars and weight plates, also sold separately.
Considerations
Looking for a used weight set can expand your possibilities. You could end up with a high-end set for a discounted price. Sports retailers sometimes offer used equipment traded in by their customers. Places to try include local classified ads, postings at your local gym, garage sales and thrift stores. Because the weights are heavy, large and can be difficult to move, you might be able to score a deal if you are doing someone a favor and getting the unused set out of their garage or basement.
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