Where can we buy used adjustable dumbbells in NYC?

February 26, 2010 8:25 AM

My boyfriend and I want to purchase used adjustable dumbbells that go up to 75lbs each (150lbs total) in the NYC area. We'd prefer to avoid shelling out $500. They're quite expensive, and Craigslist isn't dredging up much in the NYC area. Where else should we try?

We're looking to spend less than the $500 price tag, but it seems the only people selling used adjustable dumbbells live in CT or Nassau County. We're renting a car to pick them up, but we don't want to drive out of state. Should we just bite the bullet and get them new?

posted by Viola to Sports, Hobbies, & Recreation (11 answers total)

You have a "Play It Again Sports" in that area? They sell second-hand sports equipment around here.
posted by unixrat at 8:26 AM on February 26, 2010

These should run you maybe $200 tops with a set of olympic plates.
posted by electroboy at 8:38 AM on February 26, 2010 [1 favorite]

Have you tried Craigslist's Wanted Section? Dumbells strike me as the thing that sit around in the back of people's closets.
posted by bottlebrushtree at 8:54 AM on February 26, 2010

Could you make them? I mean, its just weight right? Go to a junk store or hardware store and find random usable heavy things to attach to a handle.
posted by ian1977 at 10:12 AM on February 26, 2010

Nassau County isn't out of state. You can take the LIRR from Penn and ask the seller to meet you at their local LIRR station. Bring rolling luggage so you don't have to carry them.

$300 and there is a train every 20 minutes through this station. $250, same town, maybe same person. It will take you about 45 minutes from Penn. There is also a taxi stand at the station in case you need to take a cab there because their house is too far or they won't meet you.

googlemaps
posted by Brian Puccio at 10:37 AM on February 26, 2010

Just a datapoint.. I shelled out the $$$ and bought Powerblock dumbells. I'm very happy with them. Can't remember exactly what I paid, but it was less than retails - I went to a brick-and-mortar Precor fitness store and they gave me a little discount. I have the Sport 9.0 with the add-on that brings them up to 90 lbs each. If you're not in a huge rush, keep checking craigslist. After I bought mine, I actually saw some used ones turn up on craigslist.
posted by jclovebrew at 10:53 AM on February 26, 2010

Depending where it is in Nassau County (and where you are), it could be closer than driving to somewhere in the city. Manhattan to my house in Nassau is way faster than Manhattan to parts of Brooklyn. And even inside Manhattan, driving can take 30-40 minutes, which is how long it takes to get to my house on a good day on the LIE (and the Northern State is usually even better).

Where in Nassau are we talking? I can give you shortcuts/time estimates.
posted by thebazilist at 10:56 AM on February 26, 2010

Yeah if you're renting a car anyway, the drive to Hicksville is 30-40 minutes (real-life time) from Manhattan, straight shot on the highway, as long as you don't go during rush hour.
posted by thebazilist at 11:09 AM on February 26, 2010

True, if you're going to rent a car, you can drive to almost Western Suffolk within an hour. I made it from Westbury (central Nassau) to the Cloisters (181st street) in 35 minutes last Sunday afternoon.
posted by Brian Puccio at 12:26 PM on February 26, 2010

You might try freecyle in your area, couldn't hurt.
posted by BoscosMom at 3:49 PM on February 26, 2010

Also, have you tried the free section of craigslist?
posted by BoscosMom at 5:05 PM on February 26, 2010