After reading other folks reviews on this article i decided to purchase item. It is an excellent starter pack, not to sure about the two piece barbell though? A lot of weight to put on a split joint, you will have to be careful when assembling not to cross thread it as threads look vulnerable. Plastic carry case/storage is not up to the job, mine came smashed as well. Not cracked but smashed, so if you intend using it beware. Postage price a wee bit costly but will put that down to weight of package? But arrived in plenty of time it took 4 Days.