Just wondering why some olympic collars are so damn expensive while others aren't. Why is that? They both hold the plates in position so why buy expensive ones? (except for the fact that they look cooler [img]tongue.gif[/img] )
I can't speak about other collars that are cheap, but the ivanko collars are expensive as they are forged out of a solid block of steel, and are a true wedge lock with a spinlock on the plate side. Expensive collars lock on the bar and don't budge.
Here is some info for compare..
COX-2.5KG & COXC-2.5KG series forged wedgelock/spinlock collars are specifically designed for competition where the rules require the use of extremely accurate kilogram collars. The wedgelock design allow the collars to lock quickly and securely against the bar sleeve, requiring only a partial turn of the lever. This important feature helps minimize down time between competition lift attempts. For added durability and aesthetics, COX-2.5KG & COXC-2.5KG series collars are forged from solid steel, not cast from a mold. These are the same series of collars used previously at the I.P.F. World Championships.
Completely machined from one solid block of steel
Utilizes positive, fast acting, moving wedge locking principle
Extremely accurate weight - 2 1/2 kilos each
Spin-Lock feature "locks" plates tight against inside collar of bar
Bronze and black oxide finish
This collar is especially designed for the rigors of competition; that is when the conditions demand a collar that locks fast, holds tight and weighs exact. This is the collar if you have such a need, or if you just want the best.
International Powerlifting Federation (I.P.F.) approved
A novice's opinion, but if you're not dropping the barbell, like in Oly Lifts, inexpensive should be fine. You just want the plates to not wiggle around, right?
Because of the physics involved, they don't have to be all that strong to keep the plates in one place, unless the bar is dropped or you leave the plates too far apart so they might slide around.
I've only used a few different types, in person, but they all kept the plates "steady" the same.
Some were easier and quicker to remove when changing plates. Some looked like you could toss them on to the ground for years without a problem. Some looked like they'd bend if you stepped on them. Some are so inexpensive that you could have plenty around as spares, too.
I wasn't really talking about Ivanko, I consider that VERY expensive [img]tongue.gif[/img] I don't have the money for that kind of equipment.
How can the collars slide off when dropping the weight? Or do you mean that they might break or something? But I guess that doesn't really matter since I never drop my weight with oly lifts.
I'll just go with the cheaper ones then [img]smile.gif[/img]
also, other question: what would you buy?
an olympic bar with a max load of 1500lbs for 280$ (shipping included)
or an olympic bar with a max load of 1000lbs which is heavier(3lbs) and shorter(an inch) than the standard olympic bar for 120$?
Collars to me a like tires. You don't need good ones, but they really make a difference.
I would purchase the 1500lbs one. Or, I would save another $80 and buy a real bar. [img]tongue.gif[/img]
Remember, unless you quit, your buying this for life. Let say a pr of collars cost $140 from ivanko. Let say you lift 4 times a week and do that for 5 years.
That is 28 cents per lifting session and that would be getting a new set every 5 years.
Same with the bar. $360 shipped..5 years of use, is 72 cents per session. Thats a total of $1 a day for 5 years of use of the best bar/collar combo you could ask for.
Buy the best equipment you can afford up front I guess is my point.
If I could I would, believe me!. But I can't Ivanko is also expensive to get in to Belgium [img]tongue.gif[/img] Importing from US is too expensive and the bar from UK already costs 500$ or something without shipping. So that only leaves Germany, around 400$ for a bar without delivery.
I'll just go for the 1500lbs bar [img]tongue.gif[/img]
New life, same it true over here. A 1 inch Ivanko curl bar is almost $200!! When I started I went with a 1inch bar rather than olympic because 45 pounds seemed awful heavy for a bar (mistake) and I needed a shorter bar. I have slowly added plates etc, so I have passed the point of no return and willnot shift to Oly bars.
I do use Ivanko collars and there IS a big difference. 1 inch callars were $20. ( I do not drop my weights so I have found the 1 inch bar an collars to be fine) unfortuneately, I do not dead lift 400 so my bar isn't bending.
Peter
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Peter
After all, diamonds are a girl's best friend…
:p 
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