Buying plates in Michigan.

[conklinb]

Hi guys, I am having a hard time finding decent plates up here in Michigan (live near Flint). Most of the places around have cheapo +- 7 pound plates. Having plates shipped is pretty ridiculous also.

I was hoping one of you guys had a line on a place with some precision Troys or Yorks.

Thanks.

[Jonathon Sullivan]

I eventually had to by all my stuff online. Dick's and Dunham's were a bust. Sorry. If you find someplace suitable in MI or anybody knows of one, I'd be happy to hear about it.

[Steve Hill]

Try to find a gym equipment wholesaler. They are the ones that buy all the equipment from gyms that go out of business, and then sell it to the people who are going into the gym business. You might get Lucky.

Also: Craigslist.

[Nic Lane]

If nothing else pans out, you could drive down to Columbus and pick up an order from Rogue or Elite.

[conklinb]

If nothing else pans out, you could drive down to Columbus and pick up an order from Rogue or Elite.

This was my plan. Found a place in Plymouth though. They sell VTX for $1.13lb. Does anybody have any experience with these plates? How is the accuracy on them?

[Tom Campitelli]

This was my plan. Found a place in Plymouth though. They sell VTX for $1.13lb. Does anybody have any experience with these plates? How is the accuracy on them?

John Janececk has quite a bit to say about Troy bumpers. Here's a start:

http://startingstrength.com/resource...ad.php?t=31867

Bumpers aren't iron, but you may want to look elsewhere based on John's experiences. York iron is now made in China and Rogue hasn't had any in stock for months for some reason. Ivanko makes some nice iron plates, too.

[Thundrdan]

I found slightly used plates for $0.50/lb at Play it Again Sports. You never know what you might find there. Some locations are hit or miss. I found mine at the Centerfield location.

[conklinb]

John Janececk has quite a bit to say about Troy bumpers. Here's a start:

http://startingstrength.com/resource...ad.php?t=31867

Bumpers aren't iron, but you may want to look elsewhere based on John's experiences. York iron is now made in China and Rogue hasn't had any in stock for months for some reason. Ivanko makes some nice iron plates, too.

I am actually looking at the VTX iron
http://www.allproexercise.com/catalo...showprevnext=1

Ivanko are pretty pricey from what i understand.

Hopefully, the vtx bumpers are of different quality. Thanks for the link to the thread. WIll try to find some more reviews.

[Mr_Rogers]

I'd avoid the Troy bumpers just because of John.

Have you tried Dynamic Fitness? They sell DHS equipment. I got a DHS bar that was used at last year's junior nationals, I think it was about $300-400 shipped to Minnesota from Michigan. It's a weightlifting bar with 6 bearings (I think) per sleeve. They also sell various qualities of bumpers (training, competition, etc).

http://www.dynamic-eleiko.com/

If you see something you like I'd give Bud a call. He's in Livonia, MI (no idea where that is in relation to you). I've order from both him and Todd and have had nothing but positive experiences.

If you're in the market for York equipment, this thread may be useful:

http://startingstrength.com/resource...ad.php?t=35829

[Tom Campitelli]

I am actually looking at the VTX iron
http://www.allproexercise.com/catalo...showprevnext=1

Ivanko are pretty pricey from what i understand.

Hopefully, the vtx bumpers are of different quality. Thanks for the link to the thread. WIll try to find some more reviews.

You are unlikely to regret your purchase of York or Ivanko iron. They are milled to within 2% of the stated weight, fit snugly on the bar, and are generally a pleasure to use.