Best of Adjustable Dumbbells
If one is planning to start regular exercising and wondering which equipment they should start with for the best results, the good news for them is that they don’t need any bulky equipment but even exercise tools as small as adjustable dumbbells can help them meet their fitness goals. Adjustable dumbbells offer a great level of versatility and convenience.
They are very useful for those who have small spaces. What’s more, the new versions of adjustable dumbbells are not noisy, bulky, and with shaky structures like the older ones. Today they come with quick switch-overs, grip enhancements, and high-tech noise buffering with convenient packaging that stows easily.
Updated: September 19, 2022.
What are Adjustable Dumbbells?
As anyone may know, a traditional dumbbell is a small bar with both ends having a set amount of weight. On the other hand, an adjustable dumbbell allows the exerciser to change how heavy the weight should be, with the help of various systems including a dial, lever, or pin. This enables the user to switch between different plates attached to the bar. These plates are available in various weighted increments.
Adjustable dumbbells make a newbie exerciser’s life a lot easier because they are often the size of two large dumbbells but made of a number of removable blocks or plates. This is indeed a better alternative to buying multiple sets of dumbbells which are costlier and occupy more space too.
Adjustable dumbbells have opened the area of weight lifting for everyone that was earlier reserved only for bodybuilders. It has become clear by now that lifting weights has many more health benefits than just building muscles. These benefits include improving metabolism, enhancing bone density, increasing stamina, and improving balance. Adjustable dumbbells offer these benefits to users without cluttering their workout space.
Learning Curve
Although they are convenient, cost-effective, and space-saving, adjustable dumbbells come with some amount of learning curve.
If the exerciser has worked only with traditional dumbbells so far, they’ll have to get used to the adjustable dumbbells.
The distribution of weights varies between brands and designs. Adjusting the weights can take some practice to finally do it properly with some types and brands of adjustable dumbbells. Due to this, exercises that need multiple different weights in a quick sequence can be awkward. For instance, a drop set (where the exerciser lifts less weight as they become eventually more drained) would need them to stop between sets and adjust the weights. This can take time and disrupt the flow of one’s workout.
However, this isn’t a major issue if one does some practice and has a good set of adjustable dumbbells. It’s just not as convenient as keeping aside one set and grabbing another quickly at least in the beginning.
What to Look for while Buying Adjustable Dumbbells?
Shape
It should be made sure that the adjustable dumbbells one is planning to buy don’t have any irregular shapes. The irregularities may not be apparent at the first glance, but when one takes a closer look from all angles, they can be noticed. Thus, the shape should be closely examined.
Size
The size of the adjustable dumbbells should be such that the user should be able to properly hold it.
Grip
The grip of the adjustable dumbbell is the most important factor to consider. It’s essential to check how the dumbbell feels on the user’s palm. For example, some dumbbells start slipping as soon as the user’s hands get sweaty. This is not only annoying but also dangerous. Therefore it should be made sure that the grip is secure.
Plates that are Easy to Switch Out
Since with adjustable dumbbells, one cannot just grab a weight and start a workout, it should be made sure that the set one chooses should allow the user to switch weight plates quickly and without much fuss. If the plates would take a lot of time to switch, it will cut down the workout time or let the exerciser’s heart rate slow down and muscles cool down while they change the mass they’re lifting. It will also need some research to make sure that the plates are held on in a durable way and won’t wear down after a short while of use.
Plates Should Not Slide
It’s important to make sure that the securing mechanism of the adjustable dumbbells works well. If the plates on either side are not secured well, they can cause a “clanking” that could further cause a pinch or can just be annoying. The buyer should make sure that there is a securing object to hold the weights properly in place and they should also make sure that there is a bumper too in between the plates and the fastener that will offer a very little room to wiggle.
Read Reviews
If an exerciser has set their heart on a particular set of adjustable dumbbells, they should not fail to read reviews of the product. While reading reviews, one should consider points like durability, one’s desired thickness of the handles, a comfortable grip and a durable, soft coating. It should also be made sure that the length and size of the apparatus as a whole is workable for the exercises one wants to make the most common part of their routine.
Convenient Storage
Although this is not a very important factor to consider, it should be remembered that adjustable dumbbells are typically space-saving, and thus it’s not wrong to take the benefit of this quality of adjustable dumbbells. Hence, it’s worth considering, how well the adjustable dumbbells one is considering buying store. It’s advisable to make sure that the dumbbells come in a case that can allow the user to conveniently store the weights away.
Reviews of Top Adjustable Dumbbells
Here is the list of some of the best and most popular adjustable dumbbells and workout systems on the market. You may agree or not with us, but when you choose, choose according to your own needs and preferences.
1. Bowflex SelectTech 552
Each of the Bowflex SelectTech 552 adjustable dumbbells adjusts from 5 to 52.5 pounds in the increments of 2.5 pounds up to the first 25 pounds and then in 5-pound increments up to 52.5 pounds, with just a turn of a dial and thus let the user quickly switch from one workout to another. 15 sets of weights are combined into one with the unique dial system with 15 settings, and thus these dumbbells eliminate the need of a large space to store multiple dumbbells.
A durable molding encases the metal plates to extend their life and prevent the clinking to get a quieter workout experience. What’s more, users can sync it with a free SelectTech app and save their strength training. The weight plates are a bit apart from each other resulting in a feeling of wobbling. However, it also results in easier addition and removal of the weights which takes just around 5 seconds.
Moreover, these dumbbells are less pricey than many other leading brands. Some users find them too bulky to let them perform certain exercises properly. Bowflex SelectTech 552 adjustable dumbbells come with a two-year warranty on weight plates and parts.
For the most up-to-date prices and offers, feel free to check Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells Amazon link (link opens in the new window).
2. Ladeyi Water-Filled Dumbbells
Ladeyi has brought unique adjustable dumbbells with adjustable water weights made with high-quality ABS material that is soft, durable, and with no odor. Due to the high-quality pliable material, the dumbbells can be used for long, without breaking or deforming; thus there is no risk of leakage of water.
These portable adjustable dumbbells are perfect for busy users because they are easy to carry and adjust to the user’s physical condition. They can be conveniently folded and weigh just 2.2 lbs. thus very convenient for travel. They are equipped with a stronger extension bar and are upgraded to hold 0 to 45 lbs. Water should be injected into the bag and adjusted to 15kg-20kg as per the user’s preference. Since they are water dumbbells, they are safer than iron weights, as they won’t damage the floor or hurt people.
If the exerciser has Parkinson’s, MS, or similar conditions resulting in grip issues, the Ladeyi water-filled adjustable dumbbells are perfect as they glue to the user’s hands and don’t fall down.
For the most up-to-date prices and offers, feel free to check Ladeyi Water-Filled Dumbbells Amazon link (link opens in the new window).
3. AmazonBasics Adjustable Barbell Lifting Dumbbells
AmazonBasics Adjustable Barbell Lifting Dumbbells are very solid, especially for their price. They are real metal dumbbells and not plastic that many other sets at the same price are. This is a 38-pound adjustable weight set in a 2-pound rugged PP plastic case and comes with two barbells (3 pounds each), four collars (0.5 pounds each), four 2.5 pound plates, and four 5-pound plates.
Plates are perfectly secured to barbells with threaded collars and grips are textured for comfortable, safe hold. They are also coated with black paint and rust- and chip-resistant semi-gloss finish which eliminates the need of maintenance.
They are supported by AmazonBasics limited one-year warranty.
For the most up-to-date prices and offers, feel free to check Amazon Basics Adjustable Dumbells Amazon link (link opens in the new window).
4. PowerBlock Sport 24 Adjustable Dumbbells
The PowerBlock Sport 24 Adjustable Dumbbells adjust from 3 to 24 pounds in increments of 3 pounds. Thus maximum weight for each hand is 24 pounds. Weights can be easily changed using the selector pin.
However, it should be noted that the weights cannot be changed that easily on a carpeted area. Users have to choose a hard or rough surface to change weights easily. The handle is padded for the protection of wrists. These weights come with a limited 10-year warranty.
For the most up-to-date prices and offers, feel free to check PowerBlock Sport 24 Adjustable Dumbbells Amazon link (link opens in the new window).
5. Yes4All Adjustable Dumbbells
Yes4All Adjustable Dumbbells have an innovative design that provides a variety to the workout by quickly and easily turning two dumbbells into one barbell in just a few seconds. They come with 40, 50, 52.5, 60, 105 to 200 lbs. with connector options.
The connector of the dumbbells is 12” in length and weighs 3 pounds that add more challenge to the training. They are also compatible with spin-lock dumbbells of 1” diameter, allowing users to choose the bars suitable to their connectors and vice versa.
They are made of solid steel with a chrome finish and are thus durable. For better grip and added safety, the connector’s handle is knurled which also facilitates easy installation and removal. If a user is prone to developing corns, they should use gloves while using these weights.
For the most up-to-date prices and offers, feel free to check Yes4All Adjustable Dumbbells Amazon link (link opens in the new window).
Bottom Line
Adjustable dumbbells are a nice addition to one’s home gym as they allow users to exercise effectively at home without needing a lot of space, unlike other bulky exercise machines.
They definitely have a learning curve and need some practice until users get comfortable using them for a hindrance-free workout. But once one is comfortable with them, they are sure to help one improve their cardio strength, muscle tone, and overall fitness level significantly.
