It can be quite easy to just think of the dumbbell as this free-weight cast-iron or plastic-coated concrete block that has little to no technological merit other than being heavy and hand-held. To that end, it’s rather easy to fall into a trap of sorts and just assume that a dumbbell is a dumbbell is a dumbbell. According to this mindset, if there really isn’t much that goes on in terms of making a dumbbell, why would there be anything that sets one dumbbell apart from another?
While dumbbells in this classical sense obviously are still on the market – and they may all indeed look the same apart from having different color schemes at first glance — they are not the lone representation of what dumbbells are all about. Specifically, the kind of dumbbell that provides those seeking a workout with as much versatility and flexibility possible is the adjustable dumbbell. As the name might imply, an adjustable dumbbell allows you to slide and lock different weights onto the dumbbell, gradually allowing you to increase resistance in a manner that is efficient and relatively easy to do. This makes for a great piece of workout equipment for those that are interested in building up their muscle mass, but is a bit reluctant to do so because of the various bits of equipment that may be involved.
The way these adjustable dumbbells are made plays a huge role into why they are worth consideration. The higher-end versions all have systems in place that allow you to essentially carry large weights all at once, as opposed to having you deal with several dumbbells of various sizes lying about. This alone makes the workout process more efficient, helps keep your workout space tidier, and ultimately helps you remain in a much more positive mindset when it is time to hit the gym.
Who Has the Best Adjustable Dumbbell Set on the Market?
Even with a concept as seemingly simple and basic as adjustable dumbbells, there are many different options to choose from. And as is the case with any product on the market, there are a few products that could be deemed to be the best adjustable dumbbells out there. As you start sifting through your choices, you’ll start coming across names that are pretty familiar to those that are into weight training, such as Weider, Ironmaster, Bowflex, or Powerblock. If you’ve been around the block a few times, you may already gravitate to the brand of your choice. Yet if you’re a novice, these names may be vaguely familiar, but chances are you’re not all that well-versed into what they’re all about.
This is what these adjustable dumbbell reviews are designed to help you with. The world of adjustable dumbbells is surprisingly complex, and these reviews aim to lessen that complexity even if it’s just by a little bit. Along the way, these reviews not only serve to dispel the thought process that all dumbbells are the same, but they also aim to demonstrate that as far as workout equipment goes, they are some of the smartest items that you can purchase.
Reviews of the Top 3 Adjustable Weighted Dumbbell Sets
PowerBlock Elite 5-90 lb. Set
Price: $807.00
These don’t look like your typical dumbbells. They don’t have a traditional bar in between two sets of weighted discs or pre-made spheres. But don’t let their somewhat unorthodox shape fool you. This Powerblock Adjustable Dumbbell set is built to be tough even as it helps you get tough. Indeed, their durability is one of the aspects that those that have purchased this product seem to really enjoy.
In fact, if you’ve ever worked out with weights in a gym, you’ve probably come across the shape of these particular dumbbells. They are essentially designed to look like the weights that you would see resting behind a weight stack machine. The good news here is that they are just as easy to use. The weights can be adjusted from 5 lbs to 90 lbs in 2.5 lb increments by adjusting an easy-to-use selector pin, giving the set as much as 180 lbs of dumbbell power that you can use to get in an efficient workout.
The shape of the PowerBlock Elite 5-90 lb set also provides them with a distinct advantage over traditional dumbbells. Its design allows for a wider variety of gripping points makes it easy for you to utilize them for other types of muscle-building exercises beyond the realm of mere arm curls. Plus, they tend to be smaller in size compared to other dumbbells that hold a similar weight capacity, which makes it much easier for you to put together a satisfactory workout in smaller spaces.
When you add all of these elements up, the PowerBlock Elite 5-90 lb set is the finest set of dumbbells you can purchase. They might look a little unorthodox – and they may take some getting used to if you’ve worked extensively with traditional dumbbells — but they are well worth any adjustment you have to make.
Pros:
- Stacked weight-type adjustment makes switching weights easy
- Design allows for more workout versatility
- Compact shape does not require you much room to use
Cons:
- May take a while to get used to using because of its design
- Not entirely cost-effective
- Instructions are sometimes difficult to follow
Ironmaster Quick-Lock Dumbbell System: 45 lb. Set
Price: $359.99
Efficient use has always been one of the main elements that makes dumbbells an alluring workout option. After all, you just simply need to pick it up to start working out. While adjustable weight dumbbells aren’t going to give you precisely that amount of efficiency unless it is already pre-loaded with the weight that you want, this Ironmaster adjustable dumbbell set arguably mimics the efficiency of a traditionally designed dumbbell best. The weigh’s efficient Quick-Lock handle design makes it very easy to add or take off plates. All you need to do is find a flat surface to set the weights down on, and partially turn the locking screws on the weight; you’ll be able to adjust from 5 lbs to 45 lbs via 2.5 lb increments in seconds. You won’t have to worry about them coming loose or rattling around.
You won’t have to worry about them degrading either. These heavy duty dumbbells are made with chrome plated steel handles and diamond knurled grips, providing you with a consistent feel every time you use them, regardless of how many times you put them to use. Plus, the Ironmaster Quick-Lock Dumbbell System does not contain any fragile or plastic parts, so it’s really no big deal if you do accidentally drop them.
The set itself comes with 2 dumbbells, so you can start pumping 90 lbs right out the gate. And there is add-on kits that are available should you want to push the weight up to 120 lbs. The beauty of these dumbbells is that they can handle the extra weight you tack on without much of an issue.
The Ironmaster Quick-Lock Dumbbell System is an outstanding adjustable dumbbell to consider. However, they are slightly behind the PowerBlock Elite 5-90 lb set because they aren’t quite as versatile, nor do they allow for the amount of weight that the PowerBlock allows. However, if you aren’t looking to use dumbbells that go up to nearly 200 lbs when used together, these make a rather fine addition to your home gym.
Pros:
- Chrome plated steel handles and diamond knurled grips give you a consistent feel every time
- Design allows you to go from the minimum weight to the maximum weight in mere seconds
- Extremely durable – no plastic or fragile parts to be found
Cons:
- Weight capacity not as great as some of the other dumbbells on the market
- Not as versatile as other dumbbells
- Takes a little time to build up efficiency in adjusting weight
Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells
Price: $549.00
Bowflex is a name that even those that have never set foot inside of a gym can recognize. While some may argue this is just the result of a big marketing budget, the fact of the matter is they have that kind of clout because they make terrific products. The Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells is certainly no exception to this.
One of the more alluring aspects of these adjustable dumbbells is that they have a nice design. The metal plates that are found on these sleek-looking dumbbells are shrouded in durable molding. These not only make them look good, but they also help to muffle the sound as you work out. This is a definite plus if the sound of clanging metal gets on your nerves after a while.
The range that these dumbbells have to offer is pretty solid. You can crank your resistance in 2.5 lb increments from 5 lbs to 52.5 lbs, giving you as much as 105 lbs to pump during your workout. The higher workout increments will allow you to the freedom to do heavier exercises should you feel inspired to do so. And when you feel that urge to take your weight training to the proverbial next level, the dial system that are found on the end of each dumbbell will help you do so with relative ease.
These dumbbells are a great choice for your workout – especially if you are interested in seeking out dumbbells that resemble the look of a classic dumbbell. Granted, the additional weight and compact design of the PowerBlock Elite 5-90 lb set still makes it a superior product. Plus, these weights do utilize plastic in their design, so it may behoove you to handle them with a little extra level of care during and after your workout session. Still, those that insist on having their dumbbells more traditionally dumbbell shaped will most likely find this Bowflex product to be right in their wheelhouse.
Pros:
- Sleek traditional design provides familiarity to those seeking a more conventional dumbbell style
- Molding around metal plates provides a quiet layer to your workout
- Dial system makes it easy to adjust weight
Cons:
- Weight capacity is not as great as some of the other models
- Suspect to degradation and wear if not handled carefully
- Handle is thicker than the average dumbbell, which may take some getting used to
Why Should You Buy an Adjustable Dumbbell in the First Place?
If you’re an old-school gym kind of person, you may initially scoff at adjustable dumbbells, just because they don’t fit in with the classic, traditional aesthetic that you may be used to seeing or using. Admittedly, there is a certain charm to the old kind of dumbbell; a charm that tends to tie into the raw, rugged nature of working out in the first place. Yet if you are turning your nose up at adjustable dumbbells simply because they don’t fit the vintage dumbbell narrative, you are quite honestly missing out on some really nice benefits.
The most obvious benefit – other than providing you with a great workout tool – is space saving. One of the toughest things to maintain in a home gym space is organization, and one of the bigger culprits in creating a mess is dumbbells. After all, they are smaller and therefore easier to miss than some of the bigger, bulkier items that you need to tend to; as such, they tend to be overlooked. Yet the great thing about adjustable dumbbells is that you essentially have multiple dumbbells included in one convenient, easy to clean-up package. For example, the PowerBlock Elite 5- 90 lb set essentially is 28 dumbbells in one, and they contain an aggregate weight of over 2500 lbs in free weights. Just sit back for a moment and realize how much time and effort you may need to exert post workout to clean all of those weights up.
Another benefit is that the adjustable weight dumbbells tend to be crafted with a little better care. While this could obviously be translated into something that looks sleek and elegant, it also means that they can be designed to be a little more durable than you traditional plastic-coated I-shaped bar of cement. This is a good thing, as being dainty with the equipment is oftentimes something that isn’t at the forefront of a person’s mind during or after a workout.
Plus, an adjustable dumbbell has the power to help you out from a completely psychological standpoint. Specifically, they tend to spruce up your home gym. This may sound like a minor if not totally inconsequential benefit at first, yet it’s really a lot more important than one may want to give it credit for. We’ve all been faced with a scenario when we go to a gym, be it our home gym or a fitness facility, and we get deflated because we see a space that is cluttered with remnants of workouts past. This may put us in a no-so-great mental space as we prepare ourselves for a workout. Yet an adjustable dumbbell when put away properly – which is easy to do – can help greatly lessen this potential for a depressing gym aesthetic. In turn, this means that the chances of you walking into your home gym, seeing a mess, and be placed into the throes of a disenfranchised mood will also be greatly lessened. And if you approach your workout session with the right frame of mind, you’ll definitely go through your workout in a better disposition, which has its own terrific benefits.
More Adjustable Weight Dumbbells to Consider
- Best cheap adjustable dumbbell – Yes4All Adjustable Dumbbells typically run into the $100 to $150 range, and they don’t necessarily have all of the sleek features that some of the high-end models possess. For example, the adjustment on the weights comes from adding and removing discs on the bar, which is something decidedly old-school compared to the locked-weight models. Still, if you are looking for a no-nonsense dumbbell that is durable and will get the job done, this is a good model to consider. These dumbbells adjust from 40, 50, 52.5, 60, and 105 pounds, so you can use them as elements for workouts beyond arm curls.
- Best adjustable dumbbells for speed reps – If you want a special set of dumbbells that will help you do a few quick curls, the Weider Speed Weight Adjustable Dumbbell – 5-25 lbs is right up your alley. This Weider adjustable dumbbell is silver, sleek, and simply designed. Easy to grip and just as easy to adjust, its 25 lb maximum weight means you can comfortably grab hold of its power and sneak in a quick session whenever the mood strikes. It is metal, so you can expect a little bit of a clang when you use them. However, you’ll be able to use them so efficiently the clamor that they make will seem like a minor quibble.
