11 Best Adjustable Dumbbells Reviews and Guide
Table of Contents
Why Do You Need an Adjustable Dumbbell?
Being fit is the new normal of the present times. The constantly changing environment, lifestyle, global health, etc. have made it clear to humanity that being fit is the sole way to survive any maladies that are yet to come our way and it is on this backdrop that the sales of fitness equipment have skyrocketed. Adjustable dumbbells were such pieces of equipment that received high popularity in recent times due to the sheer convenience that it offers to carry out exercises even inside the comfort of your home. Dumbbells are now available in both online and offline markets at a reasonable price and it is extremely important to find the best quality product for it to be an asset in your fitness regime.
A Brief Summary
Adjustable dumbbells cost a bit more than traditional or regular dumbbells due to the advanced features that they provide to the customer. As the customer is spending a reasonable amount of money and as it is a fitness product that could make or break the health of the user, it is of utmost importance to find a reputed and reliable product and manufacturer when it comes to purchasing a dumbbell. The following list features the best adjustable dumbbells presently available in the market and a review with the pros and cons of each of them. The customers can refer to the following list to find out the adjustable dumbbell that suits the most to your budget and needs.
- Easy-to-use adjustable dumbbell: Bow flex Select Tech Adjustable Dumbbell 552
- Best cast iron dumbbell: Yes4All Selectorized/ Adjustable Dumbbell
- Best adjustable dumbbell with auto-lock feature: POWERBLOCK Elite EXP 2020 Model Adjustable Dumbbell
- Adjustable dumbbell set for a full-body workout: Keppi Adjustable 25lb dumbbells
- Anti-slip adjustable dumbbell set: FLY BIRD Adjustable Dumbbell for Men and Women 25/55lb Single Dumbbell
- Best adjustable dumbbell with premium grip: Bow flex Select Tech Single Dumbbell 1090 Adjustable
- Safest adjustable dumbbell: Life pro Adjustable Dumbbell
- Best space-saving adjustable dumbbell: ATIVAFIT Fitness Dial Dumbbell Adjustable Dumbbell Weights
- Comfortably designed adjustable dumbbell: Core Fitness® Weight Set Adjustable Dumbbell
- High-quality adjustable dumbbells: One Pair of 200lbs Adjustable Dumbbells Kits
- Ergonomically designed adjustable dumbbell: LEADNOVO Weights Dumbbells Set Adjustable
Adjustable Dumbbell – Detailed Reviews with Pros and Cons
1. Bow flex Select Tech Adjustable Dumbbell 552
The adjustable dumbbell set from the brand Bow Flex is extremely popular in the market due to the choices that it offers regarding the choosable weights between 5lbs and 52.5lbs. These multiple options for weight adjustment make it an ideal choice for full-body workouts. The premium grip offered by this dumbbell ensures a safe and secure workout session for the customers. The ergonomic design of the product is one of the major reasons why it gains much attention. Despite the weight and sturdiness of the product, the weight selection dial present in it makes it possible to choose the ideal weight with just the click of a dial. The molding of this dumbbell is done with high stability in mind and thus, it does not loosen up or cause any clanging sounds in it. This ensures a quiet and peaceful workout session for the user. the compact design of these dumbbells makes them suitable for both gyms and homes. The manufacturers also offer a two-year warranty on the product.
Pros
- Easy-to-use
- Ideal for a full-body workout
- Better grip
- Ideal for multiple workouts
- High durability
- Compact design
Cons
- The hand design in the block position of the dumbbell is not so popular with the customers
2. Yes4All Selectorized/ Adjustable Dumbbell
The adjustable dumbbell from the Yes4All brand is made of cast iron material and thus, offers high durability and strength. The package comes with a single dumbbell that can be adjusted up to 52.5lbs. Multiple removable cast iron plates with different weights are combined to form this product and each of the plates is given a black paint coating so that they can all resist rust and corrosion even after a long time. The handle of this dumbbell has a length of 14 inches and is designed with a diamond pattern both for grip and aesthetic purposes. The ends of the handle are secured with a star-shaped lock that ensures safe and secure exercise for the customer. The compact design and the easiness to disassemble and assemble make it an ideal product to be stored and used in small spaces. The connector provided along with this product can help convert this dumbbell into a barbell without any fuss. The surface of this dumbbell is smooth enough for it to roll around if placed on an even surface. The manufacturers offer a one-year warranty for this product.
Pros
- Cast iron material
- Strong handle
- Safe to use
- Easy to store
- Provides a non-slip grip
- Easy to assemble
Cons
- The claimed weights tend to differ
3. POWERBLOCK Elite EXP 2020 Model Adjustable Dumbbell
The 2020 model adjustable dumbbell from the brand Power Block is made of durable alloy steel material. It comes with the possibility to change weight into multiple weights between 5 lbs to 50 lbs. Unlike many of its counterparts, it also comes with the provision to expand the weights even further. The expandable feature of this dumbbell supports it to be expanded to 70lbs and 90lbs each hand, without any extra equipment. The adder weights come in 2.5lbs weights, which makes it possible for the user to add weight in small increments, making numerous exercises possible. It also comes with an auto-lock feature that makes the exercise extremely safe and secure. The weight stacks are each covered in protective paint coating to resist rust and corrosion. The handle has an inner cylindrical part and an outer foam-padded part for better grip and comfort. The product also comes with a color chart that color codes each of the weight stacks and thus, makes it extremely convenient for the user to identify and choose weight plates accordingly. A polypropylene pin with magnetic features is what supports the easy weight adjustments. The handle of the dumbbell can be tilted back to remove or add weights as and when necessary and the auto-lock will keep the weights in place without any loosening up.
Pros
- Expandable weights
- Handles are equipped with an auto-lock feature
- Comes with two adder weights
- Easy to change weights
Cons
- Only sold in pairs
4. Keppi Adjustable 25lb dumbbells
The adjustable dumbbell set from the Keppi brand weighs 25lbs in total. The weights can be adjusted into multiple positions between 5lbs and 25lbs. the handle of the product can be simply turned to choose the required weight from the dial present in the handle itself. The weights adjustment procedure takes just under a second and this adds to the convenience offered by the product to the user. the eight grooves on the handle lock the weight plate firmly in its place without letting any further movement possible. The adjustment of weights is also very convenient as the users can listen for a click sound to make sure that the weights are in place. The weight plates are made of silicon steel for better durability and strength and to last long. The handle of the dumbbell is created with comfort in mind and thus, it is made with an aluminum alloy material that avoids any kind of slipping from happening. The product comes with a custom-made tray, a user’s manual, and a lifetime warranty from the manufacturer. As it is coming with a custom-made stacking tray and is ergonomically designed, this product takes up very less space to store.
Pros
- Weight can be adjusted in 1 second
- Sophisticated weight dial feature
- High stability
- Ergonomic design
- Safer to use
Cons
- Tends to get a little slippery after several uses
5. FLY BIRD Adjustable Dumbbell for Men and Women 25/55lb Single Dumbbell
The adjustable dumbbell from the brand Fly Bird has more than 3000 ratings and a 4.7-star rating out of 5 on Amazon. This ergonomically designed product is claimed by the manufacturers to have used 80% less space to store than a regular dumbbell. The handle of this product is made of strong metal and has given a plastic coating to increase friction and to ensure a better grip. The shifting between different weights is more comfortable than ever with this product, as the weights can be chosen with a simple rotating motion. The weights are marked in the handle itself and the user can rotate the handle into a particular number to choose the corresponding weight. The locked-down design of the dumbbell ensures a safe and secure exercise session for the user. the buckle-like structure at the end of the handle makes sure that the weight plates are not fallen or loosen up even while the product is being lifted. The weight plates are made of cast iron material for durability and strength, and the surface of the weight plates is painted with black paint to prevent corrosion. Each of the weight plates weighs around 5.5lbs and can be conveniently arranged to carry out a wide variety of exercises. This dumbbell and its tray are very compactly designed and hardly occupy a square meter of the area while storing.
Pros
- Anti-slip handle
- Compact design
- Space-saving
- Anti-rust feature
- Cast iron material
Cons
- Many of the components are made of plastic
6. Bow flex Select Tech Single Dumbbell 1090 Adjustable
The single adjustable dumbbell from the brand Bow Flex comes with a free JRNY membership for one year. JRNY is a digital fitness platform and the free membership would have originally cost the customer a minimum of $149. The dumbbell weighs around 90lbs in total and the weights can be shifted between 10lbs to 90lbs conveniently. The handle of this product is equipped with a dial that helps in choosing the right weight. In total, about 17 weight settings are available on the dial and the user can easily choose any one of them by simply rotating the dial to the required weight point. Weight can be adjusted with a 5lbs increment from 10lbs onwards. The strong lock feature of this dumbbell makes sure that no clanging sound is made and the weight plates are held firmly on to their places.
Pros
- Adjustable
- Easy-to-use
- Ideal for full-body strength training
- Multifunctional
- Numerous weight settings
Cons
- The plastic locking mechanism of the dumbbell tends to break easily
7. Life pro Adjustable Dumbbell
The adjustable dumbbell from Life Pro is made of materials like alloy steel, aluminum, and toughened plastic. They weigh 25lbs in total and the weight plates can be adjusted in multiple positions between 5lbs to 25lbs to achieve different weights. These dumbbells are ergonomically designed and also space-saving for the comfort and convenience of the user. The weights can be changed easily while the dumbbells are placed on the rack. All that it takes is for the user to keep the dumbbells on the concerning rack and then slide off the weights accordingly. But once the dumbbell is lifted for use, the weights are automatically locked in their place with the advanced locking system employed by the dumbbell.
- Built-in weight adjustment feature
- Space-saving design
- Weights can be easily adjusted
- Comes with a built-in safety lock
- Ergonomically designed handle
Cons
- The weights tend to get a bit loose from the handle while using
8. ATIVAFIT Fitness Dial Dumbbell Adjustable Dumbbell Weights
The adjustable dumbbell from the Ativa Fit brand weighs around 72 pounds in total and is made of alloy steel material. The dumbbell can be used in twelve different weights. The shifting between weights is extremely quick and easy with this product. It is estimated that it would only take around three seconds for this dumbbell to shift between weights. The handle of this dumbbell is ergonomically designed with a soft and textured surface for better grip and friction.
Pros
- Strong alloy steel material
- Space-saving design
- Weight can be switched easily
- Can carry out multiple exercises
- Textured handle grip
Cons
- Gets just a single dumbbell
9. Core Fitness® Weight Set Adjustable Dumbbell
The affordable and adjustable dumbbell set from the brand Core Fitness comes as a pair of dumbbells and also contains a couple of cradles for the dumbbells to be placed safely. It weighs 50 pounds in total and multiple shifts in weight are possible within this total weight. The weights can be adjusted and arranged accordingly without much effort. It only requires the user to place the dumbbell on the concerned cradle and then twist the handle to choose the needed weight. This technology named twist-lock technology is the most highlighted advantage of this product. It gives the user extreme convenience and the provision to change weights with just a single hand. The dumbbell is designed ergonomically with compact weights for better storage and textured handles for better grip.
Pros
- Easy to assemble
- Safe to use
- Easy to change weight
- Safe twist-lock technology
Cons
- Tends to get a bit flimsy after repeated use
10. One Pair of 200lbs Adjustable Dumbbells Kits
With more than 1000 ratings, the adjustable dumbbell from the brand Unipack has earned a rating of 4.5-star out of 5 on Amazon. It is made of cast iron that offers high durability and strength. This set of dumbbells that comes as a pair weights 100lbs in total. The handles of the dumbbells are made of solid chrome and the weight plates can be adjusted into multiple positions from 5lbs to 100lbs on each dumbbell.
Pros
- Cast iron material
- Textured handle grip
- Secure design
- Easy to assemble
- Multiple weight adjustments are possible
Cons
- The outer layer of paint tends to chip off after several uses
11. LEADNOVO Weights Dumbbells Set Adjustable
The Leadnovo brand’s adjustable dumbbells weigh 44lbs in total. This multifunctional product can be adjusted with weights into multiple weight points and can also be converted into a barbell without having any extra equipment or tool. The ergonomic design offers comfort and convenience to the user whereas the safety lock ensures a safe and secure workout session for the user.
Pros
- Ergonomically designed dumbbells
- High durability
- Does not cause any scratching on other materials
- Non-slip handles
Cons
- The connecting rod that comes with it is a bit longer than required and thus, sometimes causes practical difficulties
What is an adjustable dumbbell?
Generally, there are two types of dumbbells available in the fitness market – fixed dumbbells and adjustable dumbbells. Adjustable dumbbells are those devices that come with a rod that can be adjusted in length and the weight can also be changed according to the requirement of the user. The net weight of an adjustable dumbbell can be adjusted by adding or removing various weight discs to both sides of the handle rod. It is considered an excellent option for people with limited space to have a dedicated dumbbell rack and appropriate discs. An adjustable dumbbell is convenient to be used for both easy and hardcore workouts.
The working procedure of an adjustable dumbbell is extremely simple. Each weight disc that comes with the dumbbell will be marked with its corresponding weight. Whenever needed, the user can unlock the dumbbell and remove or add the required number of weight discs or plates and then lock them in position. The adjusting of weights is usually done on the dumbbell stand for better support. Several other types of adjustable dumbbells come with spinnable dials on the dumbbell on the spinning of which, the desired weights can be chosen. They are called Selectorized adjustable dumbbells. Another category within the adjustable dumbbell is the Loadable dumbbells that require the user to physically load and unload the weight plates to adjust and achieve the desired weight.
There is no set weight with which every adjustable dumbbell comes. The minimum weight, maximum weight, and addable weight plates are all dependent on the model and manufacturer of the dumbbell. Although the adjustable dumbbells often come under skeptical eyes for the price of them, a compromise on the weight range of the dumbbells could bring down the price by a serious gap. Another criticism often faced by adjustable dumbbells is that they take quite a long time for the users to get accustomed. But the fact is that the operating procedure of an adjustable dumbbell is straightforward and once the user gets a swing of it, it would offer the best possible workout experience for the user.
How does an adjustable dumbbell work?
Adjustable dumbbells are made of very minimum components. Most of the components are similar to a traditional dumbbell and just a couple of parts have undergone some changes. Although these dumbbells are simple tools, it is ideal for the user to understand every part of them to make better use of them. The major parts with which an adjustable dumbbell is made are listed below with a brief description as to the roles that they serve in the proper working of the dumbbell.
Weight discs
The core components of an adjustable dumbbell are the weight discs or weight plates present in it. The weight discs are mostly made of cast iron material for better durability and longevity. The number of weight discs differs from model to model. The discs are also given an outer paint coating that resists the discs from being affected by corrosion or rust.
Handle
The soft-grip handle is a common feature of all the models of dumbbells. But what makes the handle of an adjustable dumbbell different from the rest of its counterparts is the feature with which it can be extended. The handlebar of the adjustable dumbbell can be elongated as and when required, to include a greater number of weight discs. There are even models that can extend the handlebar to an extent with which it can be used as a make-shift barbell. The handle is usually made of any strong and sturdy material like steel and is mostly given a foam padded covering with patterns to ensure a better grip for the user’s hands.
Adjustable dial
An adjustable weight dial is not a must in the build of the dumbbells. There are several models which use manual intervention to adjust the weight discs whereas several others use the service of an adjustable weight dial which is located at the joining part of the handle and the weight discs. The user can choose the required weight on the dial after placing it in the accompanying dumbbell stand and the dumbbell chooses the prescribed weights only for that time.
Dumbbell stand
Most adjustable dumbbells come with a dumbbell stand which can be used to store and properly arrange the dumbbell. The traditional dumbbell sets usually come with racks to arrange the dumbbells and as an adjustable dumbbell does not require such a rack as it doesn’t come with multiple dumbbells, this dumbbell stand acts as the supporting mechanism of it. The stand is usually made of sturdy materials that can support the net weight of the dumbbell and also is made of a protective layer to avoid any scratching from happening with the contact with the weight discs.
What are the benefits of an adjustable dumbbell?
The adjustable dumbbells, despite being introduced recently, have conquered the fitness markets across the world. The users are quite impressed with the benefits offered by these devices and the positive feedback and high ratings on e-commerce platforms are the biggest validation. Despite its popularity, a potential buyer should be completely aware of the positives and possibilities of adjustable dumbbells before proceeding to buy them. By understanding the benefits of owning an adjustable dumbbell, the user can make the most out of both the product and the money spent on it. The following list comprises brief descriptions of some of the most celebrated benefits or advantages of an adjustable dumbbell.
Saves space
The biggest and most noted advantage of an adjustable dumbbell is its essential space-saving feature. Unlike the other dumbbell sets which come with an arranging rack, an adjustable dumbbell does not occupy much of a space. It is a single dumbbell that can be used with varying weights in the place of multiple dumbbells. Thus, this product only requires the space to place a single dumbbell, not multiple ones. These are an ideal option for people who have limitations with space.
Convenience
With adjustable dumbbells, the user is lifted off the complication of keeping all the necessary dumbbells handy during a workout session. Instead, he or she can simply use a single product for almost all purposes. Also, the easiness to transport an adjustable dumbbell is extremely higher than a traditional dumbbell. The easiness with which the weights can be shifted in the dumbbell offers extreme convenience to the user. It only requires the user to do a click or a turn to shift between weights.
Comes with smaller weight additions
One of the biggest advantages that the adjustable dumbbells provide is the availability of smaller increments of weight discs. This provision to choose smaller weight increments allows the user to use numerous combinations of weight discs. There are even half-pound weight discs available with the adjustable dumbbells which make numerous combinations possible. This also allows the user to improve in weight training with proper increments of weight.
Extensive options
The adjustable dumbbells offer a wide array of options for users to choose from. Unlike the regular traditional dumbbells, these products contain various subcategories like the Selectorized dumbbells and the Loadable dumbbells. These options give the buyer a chance to identify the product most suited for his or her liking and requirement.
How to choose an adjustable dumbbell?
Choosing an adjustable dumbbell may or may not be a daunting task depending on how aware are the buyers regarding the basic features of the product. The adjustable dumbbells, unlike the traditional dumbbells, come with several iconic features that the buyers are expected to be aware of to have a better purchase. As a dumbbell is something that essentially interacts with the user on mostly a daily basis, it is extremely important to make user that the buyer is not ending up with a subpar product. Following are some of the most discussed features of an adjustable dumbbell and these should be paid enough attention to while making a purchase.
Selectorized or Loadable
The adjustable dumbbells are of two kinds- selectorized and loadable. Any potential buyer needs to understand these types of dumbbells before choosing one of them. The major feature with which they are differentiated is how the weight discs are chosen and loaded onto the dumbbell. A loadable dumbbell is supposed to be loaded with weight discs by the user itself one by one. The user will have to unlock the dumbbell and then manually place or remove the necessary weight plates and then lock it again. A selectorized adjustable dumbbell, on the contrary, comes with a built-in dial or knob that is marked with the available weights of the plates. The user can simply turn the knob or the dial to choose the needed weight and the weight will be chosen by the dumbbell itself thus, the user need not worry about manually carrying out all the changing functions. Both these models vary in the price range also, and thus, even though one of them appears to be more advanced and better, the budget of the buyer should also be considered.
Weight range
Adjustable dumbbells are available in numerous weight ranges. It is totally up to the buyer to decide the suitable weight range from the given options. Some models start at a weight range of 5 kilograms and go up to 50 kilograms. There are even models that claim an extendable weight range and they offer that weight discs can be purchased separately and can be added to the handlebar of this product. The price of the product also increases with an increase in the weight range. So, it is not always ideal to pick the product with the maximum weight range. Instead, the right take would be to consider both the need and the budget before proceeding to buy any one model.
Locking mechanism
The adjustable dumbbells feature two types of locking mechanisms for almost all of their products. They are the quick-lock mechanism and the spin-lock mechanism. Both have their fair share of pros and cons and the decision should be based on the liking of the user. The spin-lock mechanism is the basic locking mechanism that requires the user to manually tighten the bolt at the end of the weight discs after arranging the necessary ones. It gives the user total control over the procedure but the downside is that it tends to loosen up after an intense workout. A quick-lock mechanism is much more advanced than a spin-lock. The quick-lock mechanism employs smart pins to hold the weight discs in place and it is considered the safest and most secure locking mechanism. The only flaw with this mechanism is that they come in an expensive range of machines.
Grip of handle
The grip of the handlebar of the dumbbell is extremely important for the safety of the user. as a dumbbell is a piece of heavy equipment, chances are high for it to slip out of the hand of the user if the handle is slippery. So, it is imperative to keep the handle with a better grip for the user. It is ideal to have a knurled grip on the handle so that the user can hold the dumbbell tightly. Also, it is better to avoid a glossy or smooth finishing to the handle as it could encourage slipping.
Shape and material of the dumbbell
The adjustable dumbbells are available in various shapes and materials. It solely depends on the usage and purpose of the purchase. If the purchase is for a gym, where a high number of usages will be happening every day, it is better to buy a circular or hexagonal dumbbell made with rubber. As gyms are mostly carpeted or have a hard floor, the circular dumbbells won’t roll away, and also, as the dumbbell used in gyms could get subjected to sweat and other moisture content, chances are high for a cast iron dumbbell to get affected with corrosion. When it comes to household uses, a non-circular dumbbell of cast iron material would be ideal.
Conclusion
Fitness and weight training are some of the newest obsessions with the general population around the world in the new normal environments. Dumbbells are being depended on worldwide for the sheer flexibility that they offer to anyone’s exercise regime. Being a weight training equipment, it is more than enough for a dumbbell to have a basic quality. Having a dumbbell with quality construction, accurate weights, advanced safety features, etc. can remarkably aid your fitness goals. To make sure that you are being ended up with the right product, it is extremely necessary to depend on a reputed player in this field. As the inflow of unreliable manufacturers is very high in the fitness field, the above list intends to pave the path for the customer to some of the best players and the best products in the market presently. Now, to further narrow down the search into the best of the best, a handpicked shortlist of the best products in the dumbbell section is given below. The customers are advised to at least check out the shortlist before proceeding to buy a dumbbell from the market, be it online or offline.
- Auto-lock feature enabled adjustable dumbbell: POWERBLOCK Elite EXP 2020 Model Adjustable Dumbbell
- Bets adjustable dumbbell with anti-slip feature: FLY BIRD Adjustable Dumbbell for Men and Women 25/55lb Single Dumbbell
- Safest adjustable dumbbell: Bow flex Select Tech Single Dumbbell 1090 Adjustable
- Best adjustable dumbbell for compact spaces: ATIVAFIT Fitness Dial Dumbbell Adjustable Dumbbell Weights
- Best adjustable dumbbell with ergonomic design: Core Fitness® Weight Set Adjustable Dumbbell
Amongst many other things, the quality of the material, accuracy of the weights, supporting features, safety features, etc. should be given utmost importance while purchasing a dumbbell set. As they are reasonably well-priced, it is imperative to ensure they are worth the money. So, make sure you do your research before proceeding to settle on any particular product. Make sure that you use the above lists in finding out the most ideal dumbbell set for you and make the upcoming exercising sessions a positively memorable one.
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