Inch/millennium/#4's

[Roark]

The folks at the Staver Foundry were kind enough to answer

my question regarding how many Inch replicas have been sold:

To date (July 30, 2002):

88 of the 172 pound replicas have been sold

4 of the 158 pound replicas have been sold

Steve Gardener tells me that:

7 Millennium dumbells have been manufactured (plus a special

  handle Millenneum bell) The MB's weigh approx 226-228 lbs.

I called Ironmind and left word that I would like to know a

general number for how many #4 grippers have been sold.

Will let you know if I hear.

Assumptions are dangerous, but it strikes me that a person

would be more likely to encounter a #4 than to encounter

one of the Inch replicas, and certainly a MB would be the

rarest item (assuming more than seven #4's have been sold)

[mobsterone]

The 3 MDB's have arrived in the US. Thats 4 plus one here and 3 plus zero US.

[AnimalCage]

Does it seem odd that so few 158 #'ers have been sold, compared to many 172's?  Maybe the aura of a 172 makes one feel better.  But if one is seriously trying to lift the 172, wouldn't first owning a 158 be a logical step?  

Maybe those who are attempting the 172 can already lift a 158 or equivalent, and don't need to take that middle step.

Random observations.  Alan

[Roark]

Just spoke to Randy Strossen about how many #4

grippers Ironmind has sold. While not wishing to disclose

the exact number, Randy said that it was 'more than 100'

and when I pointed out that 2,000 is more than 100, his

reply was such that I am confident that something close

to over 100 was what he meant- and it was not a

deceptive answer. His policy is not to discuss sales- and

I told him the context of why I wanted the info.

Of course the 'over 100' #4 grippers probably have some

frequent flyer mileage on them and have been tried by

more people than have tried an Inch replica.

The 158 Inch replica was a mistake. The mold was too small

to yield a 172. Later some more 158's were made, but in

general probably most people were unaware that a 158

was available.

[apdwler]

Wow, that's not many 4s. But, I guess, it's hard to find someone, outside of the net, that has heard of the coc grippers...

Did you ask for any figures on the 3?

[Roark]

No, didn't ask about the 3's. Randy was hesitant to reply

to the 4 sales question, but he mentioned that the 4 was

the least of the grippers in sales. Of course, that would be

expected in the logical progression of challenge. If we consider

how few are cetified on the 3 (fewer than 100?), they would compose the group most likely to seek a 4, rather than someone struggling on a trainer. However, some folks like to

have the whole set.

[AnimalCage]

Are there 158's still for sale?  For me, at this point, the 172 is out of the realm of possibility, but maybe the 158 would be different.  I know it's only 14 lbs, but on that size handle (the same, yes?) it could make a world of difference.  Of course, that leaves the possibility of getting my sorry butt kicked by something less than the real InchDB....

Or, if you have ordering info that you could pass on, I could just do the legwork myself.

Thanks, Joe.

Alan

PS.  Any news on your friend in Champaign?

[Roark]

AnimalCage,

If you live within easy driving distance of Virginia, Minnesota,

you can save shipping by driving to the Staver Foundry-call

first. If not, Sorinex Equip (Richard Sorin) and Ironmind (Randy

Strossen) still sell them- so check with them. I assume there

are 172s and 158s in stock but check for sure.

Yes, same size handle, and Kim Wood, who has each size, says it is next to impossible to tell them apart by looking at

the overall bell profile. Slightly less diameter on the 158 of

course.

I called my friend who co-owns the store in Champaign, but

he is out of town until the weekend, so I don't know if the liability problem has been resolved. Hope so, this could be fun.

[OldGuy]

The problem with the Inch replica is not only being able to lift it but that it costs a fortune to ship. Some might be lucky enough to live within driving distance of Ironmind or Sorinex.

[Sybersnott]

When I go to visit Richard at his company, one of the things I'll be getting is the 172# Inch rep.  

[Guest 115-1005574997]

Steve

I know youve been training hard for Saturday but are you any closer on lifting the MDB?

[mobsterone]

Apart from a go on one of the new ones at the foundry when I almost had it (surprised myself) all I have done is roll my one about a bit with my foot. Maybe after the comp I'll do 3 months serious work on it.

[jimwylie1]

Steve

Haven't you been training on the 2 1/2 handle in preparation for the comp?  Seen any increases in poundage on this handle lately?  Also, I know that you use a thumb over technique for the 2 1/2" handle - will you be utilizing this style when lifting the 3 1/2" bell (at the comp) or will you adopt a cupping technique (thumb under)??

[mobsterone]

I have and I may well give both a go. However, when I train on one lift, as before, as opposed to all round grip for the comp I notice a big difference. Sufficent to say I ain't lifting 259 pounds as I have but suspect with a little application I can surpass that easy (maybe not on a 3.5...)

[RSW]

Of course the 'over 100' #4 grippers

        I would have thought the board members here would have accounted for more than that.  I bought mine at the York company store, and they had at least three of them in stock at the time.  I am surprised the number is that close to the number of Inch replicas.

Robert

[Roark]

I was expecting a higher number as well for the #4,

but I suppose that among those customers who buy one

gripper at a time, they proceed thru the logical increases.

Randy mentioned that he informs people that a #4 is like

squeezing a brick, (so he does not hawk them for sales'

sake.)

[apdwler]

I have 10 grippers and 4 plastic grippers but no 4. I've thought about adding another 2 and 3 but not a 4. So I guess, when I think about it the low number isn't that odd.

I mean what would I do with it. It would be like buying a millinum dumbell. Why spend $$ on a doorstop/paperweight?

[mobsterone]

Cos who knows when u might not be able to get one? I have all but the trainer in my collection and just the one set. I see no point buying something I can do easily where as I can aspire to close a Number 4. Not only that, unlike the MDB I'll admit, a 4 is a darn sight cheaper!!    

Someone should tell Randy its a) not that bad and b) Pullums (UK agent) don't say that at all. They don't carry a load in stock mind...