Dropsetters™ turn a weight stack into an automatic drop set. You load the drops before you start, then just lift. Each time you set the stack down at failure, the weight gets lighter on its own.
What you need
- A selectorized machine: the kind with a weight stack and a pin (cable stations, pulldowns, rows, leg extensions and so on).
- The machine's regular pin.
- Your Dropsetters. One pair = 2 Dropsetters = two drops.
Step 1: Put the regular pin at your lightest weight
This is where the set ends. Put the machine's normal pin in the plate for your final, lightest weight.
Step 2: Put Dropsetters in the heavier plates
Put a Dropsetter in each heavier weight you want to use, below the regular pin. The lowest Dropsetter is your starting weight.
Example: regular pin at 40 lb, Dropsetters at 70 and 90 lb. Your first reps are at 90 lb.
Step 3: Lift to failure, set it down, keep going
Do your reps. When you can't get another one, set the stack down under control. The lowest Dropsetter pops out, so your next rep picks up the next weight up the stack. Keep going until you finish your reps on the regular pin.
In the example above, that's 90 → 70 → 40 lb without ever letting go of the handle.
Want more drops?
Each Dropsetter adds one drop. With two pairs (four Dropsetters) and the regular pin, you get five weights and four drops in one set. That's why most people grab two pairs, and two pairs also ship free in the US.
Tips
- Space the drops out. Dropping about 20–30% each time works well. On most stacks that's one to three plates.
- Only set it down to drop. Setting the stack down is what releases a Dropsetter, so keep the weight up between reps and lower it under control when you are ready for the next drop.
- Check before you lift. Make sure every Dropsetter and the regular pin are pushed all the way in.
- Keep hands clear of the stack while it moves, like on any machine.
- Toss them in your bag. They're small enough to carry to any gym. A CarryCase keeps a pair together.
Dropsetters fit most standard weight-stack selector holes. If you're unsure about a machine, send us a message with the brand and model and we'll help.
