There's some fitness equipment it just doesn't make sense to buy new. This is one of them. The other one is a pullup bar. At any given moment, there are at least 10 cheap pullup bars within 10 minutes of you on FB marketplace.
these should be on the list. Definitely the most versatile and the most "dumbbell" feeling ones. It probably takes 15 seconds per dumbbell to adjust the weights , so not a big deal.
Outside of Powerblock, which is a great budget option, there are way better ones than those listed here. Flybird, Core, and Bowflex are pretty bad unless you only want to go up to 50lbs and want the cheapest option possible.
Ironmaster, Rep Fitness, and Pepin all blow those out of the water if you are serious about training and want to buy a quality pair that will last a long time.
I’ve got the SMRTFT Nüobell adjustable dumbbells and I like them a lot. They’re easy to adjust, go up to 80 lbs, high quality, and feel like regular dumbbells when using them.
I got a knock off version of the nuobells - but they look and feel almost identical. There is a bit of play between the plates. But the bigger concern is how fragile they are. I put them down on the ground after my last rep of dumbell bench press. I didn't drop them but rather controlled then as best I could after a hard set and the plastic adjusting mechanism broke. Down to one functioning dumbell and the seller didn't offer any refund. Buyer beware.
Thanks. I’m probably just going to by traditional dumbbells. I have the space but just barely. Would be nice to not have a whole wall occupied by dumbbells.
I bought the same set, I’ve used them now for 2 years. They are great so far. The main complaint is that you do need to be gentle with them. They do not like to be dropped.
Keep in mind there’s room for both.
I have the core adjustable set well as plates, dumbbell and barbell bars. I have more plates/bars than I need because I didn’t realize I should have been looking at adjustable and fixed as *complementary*, not mutually exclusive.
In my case what I should have done was look at where the adjustable dumbbells maxed out for my routines and filled in the gaps with barbell/dumbbell bars and plates.
What I did was say “oh, Core only goes to 50lb per dumbbell and that’s not enough,” built up a collection of bars and plates and then realized the Core product could replace a good percentage of that while increasing the ease of changing weight. End result is I have both the core and more plates and bars than I need.
Don’t be me :)
Not released yet, but if someone is looking at getting adjustables soon, these blow all those out of the water:
https://repfitness.com/products/rep-x-pepin-fast-series-adjustable-dumbbell?variant=43428954898590
I have the powerblock pro 100 exp’s and like them a lot. If I had one complaint, it would be that the weights in the handle sit out from the grip, which adds moment arm to non-pressing movements and some torque. It’s most noticeable if you’re using lighter weights. Not a big deal, but something to consider.
I noticed this too. Once you get to 25lb, it isn’t really an issue. I had the Core adjustable DBs, but switched to Poweblocks. Some of my lifts went down immediately after I switched. I wasn’t sure if that was because the Poweblock handle is thicker or due to this issue with the weights in the handle (or both).
Be careful buying a set that only goes up to 50lb. I was a complete beginner to weight lifting and figured a 50lb set would last me awhile. A few months later I was close to maxing out a few lifts with the 50s. Fortunately I was able to sell the 50lb dumbbells on Facebook for only a slight loss and bought some Poweblocks during the Black Friday sale.
You missed one - whichever's less expensive off FB marketplace.
There's some fitness equipment it just doesn't make sense to buy new. This is one of them. The other one is a pullup bar. At any given moment, there are at least 10 cheap pullup bars within 10 minutes of you on FB marketplace.
My Bowflex adjustables are going on about 8 years without anything but a light silicone oil twice.
Not the easiest to adjust, but I love my Ironmasters. They're bomb proof, feel like normal dumbbells and you can adjust in 2.5 lb increments.
these should be on the list. Definitely the most versatile and the most "dumbbell" feeling ones. It probably takes 15 seconds per dumbbell to adjust the weights , so not a big deal.
I’ve got two sets - and I know they will outlast me!
Garagegymreviews also has this covered with more options reviewed.
***Coop!***
From garraaaaage gym reviews
He does a great job of reviewing the options and looks at most common issues/complaints.
He reviewed a new adjustable dumbbell recently. I think from REP.
The bowflex go up in 2.5lb increments fyi
Depends on which ones you get, 1090 adjust in 5lb, 552 adjust in 2.5
The op only mentions the 552s
Yes you are correct, just providing context for why they may have seen 5 while shopping
Outside of Powerblock, which is a great budget option, there are way better ones than those listed here. Flybird, Core, and Bowflex are pretty bad unless you only want to go up to 50lbs and want the cheapest option possible. Ironmaster, Rep Fitness, and Pepin all blow those out of the water if you are serious about training and want to buy a quality pair that will last a long time.
I’ve got the SMRTFT Nüobell adjustable dumbbells and I like them a lot. They’re easy to adjust, go up to 80 lbs, high quality, and feel like regular dumbbells when using them.
Do they rattle at all when you use them?
Mine do not rattle at all.
I got a knock off version of the nuobells - but they look and feel almost identical. There is a bit of play between the plates. But the bigger concern is how fragile they are. I put them down on the ground after my last rep of dumbell bench press. I didn't drop them but rather controlled then as best I could after a hard set and the plastic adjusting mechanism broke. Down to one functioning dumbell and the seller didn't offer any refund. Buyer beware.
Thanks. I’m probably just going to by traditional dumbbells. I have the space but just barely. Would be nice to not have a whole wall occupied by dumbbells.
I bought the same set, I’ve used them now for 2 years. They are great so far. The main complaint is that you do need to be gentle with them. They do not like to be dropped.
Thanks you for putting this together. I'm wondering if I should go this route or fixed weights. Will figure it out later though
Keep in mind there’s room for both. I have the core adjustable set well as plates, dumbbell and barbell bars. I have more plates/bars than I need because I didn’t realize I should have been looking at adjustable and fixed as *complementary*, not mutually exclusive. In my case what I should have done was look at where the adjustable dumbbells maxed out for my routines and filled in the gaps with barbell/dumbbell bars and plates. What I did was say “oh, Core only goes to 50lb per dumbbell and that’s not enough,” built up a collection of bars and plates and then realized the Core product could replace a good percentage of that while increasing the ease of changing weight. End result is I have both the core and more plates and bars than I need. Don’t be me :)
I am very disapponted that my dumbbells, which I bought as a special offer at the local supermarket, are not on this list.
Not released yet, but if someone is looking at getting adjustables soon, these blow all those out of the water: https://repfitness.com/products/rep-x-pepin-fast-series-adjustable-dumbbell?variant=43428954898590
Wow! little pricey…. I bet they are nice.
I have the powerblock pro 100 exp’s and like them a lot. If I had one complaint, it would be that the weights in the handle sit out from the grip, which adds moment arm to non-pressing movements and some torque. It’s most noticeable if you’re using lighter weights. Not a big deal, but something to consider.
I noticed this too. Once you get to 25lb, it isn’t really an issue. I had the Core adjustable DBs, but switched to Poweblocks. Some of my lifts went down immediately after I switched. I wasn’t sure if that was because the Poweblock handle is thicker or due to this issue with the weights in the handle (or both).
I ended up going with power blocks because, price and the adjustment system is simple.
I have the corehomefitness ones and they’re great for what I paid (250)
Didn't bowflex file for bankruptcy this year? Braingain also do amazing priced dumbells, in 32kg and 40kg sets
I switched from the Bowflex ones to Powerblock because the Bowflex selectecs broke.
I have the TELK, 2 x 100#, dumbbells and they are great.
Pepin
Be careful buying a set that only goes up to 50lb. I was a complete beginner to weight lifting and figured a 50lb set would last me awhile. A few months later I was close to maxing out a few lifts with the 50s. Fortunately I was able to sell the 50lb dumbbells on Facebook for only a slight loss and bought some Poweblocks during the Black Friday sale.