Why do people refer to some dumbbells as regular and to some others as adjustable? Regular dumbbells are common in the typical gyms or fitness centers and come in two shapes, hex and pro (circular). The weight of regular dumbbells ranges between 1 pound and 150 pounds on each dumbbell. And most importantly, you cannot adjust or change their weight. If you require a lighter or heavier dumbbell, you will have to pick it from the stand. On the other hand, Best Adjustable Dumbbells have a construction that allows athletes to easily change weights on each side without having to change the dumbbells themselves. That is mainly because they feature different weight plates on each set.
What’s more the adjustable dumbbells provide intensive whole-body workouts, unlike most fixed weight machines in the market. You can use an adjustable dumbbell at your home or office. In other words, there will be no need of registering for paid gym sessions. Individuals have developed various ways of training with weights and have been incorporating them into properly rounded strength programs. For example, you can use them when performing workouts that target the entire body. That alone should help you build more strength, achieve more toned muscles and reduce calories.
Contents
What makes them so desirable?
According to most fitness experts, weight lifting should form part of your current regimen. The right amount of weight will help you enhance your weight loss and improve your balance, bone strength and heart health. In fact, there is a misconception that strength training must involve expensive equipment, extravagant machine and fancy weights. That is not the case with the best adjustable dumbbells.
With the adjustable dumbbells, you will enjoy customized workouts every time you exercise. The simple and efficient strength training solution provides a faster and effortless way of adjusting the total amount of weight to lift.
When working out, you can easily remove or attach the plates to the dumbbell – to reduce or increase the weight. The whole adjustment process is fast and therefore you will have easier time switching from one form of workout to the other without removing weight clips, which are very common with the other similar products. In fact, people have been enjoying numerous benefits. Remember that you will have a wider variety of dumbbells to consider during your purchase.
How to choose the best adjustable dumbbells for you
Even though the adjustable dumbbells are not as expensive as most other workout equipment in the market, they are still among the expensive investments. Great thought is therefore important when making a purchase. When purchasing an adjustable dumbbell, you will have to consider several things. The following are some of the things to consider.
Cost
Even though it is always important to check the price of an item before deciding to purchase, you must also consider the quality. Both quality and cost tend to overlap. The best djustable dumbbells are in the most competitive category of body fitness equipment pieces. Therefore, there is a wide range of styles and types to consider during your purchase. In other words, the market has a wider range of pricing and quality to offer. Mostly, you will get exactly what you pay for. With adjustable dumbbells, highest price does not represent highest quality.
In fact, most of the quality dumbbells are within the low end of price spectrum – around $300. Note that prices vary highly depending on the weight range and you should therefore be ready to decide on the weight range before comparing the quality and price. The market offers various weight ranges and you should avoid comparing a 90 pound set to 50 pound set accidentally.
To compare price and quantity in a better way, compare equal products. At the end of the day, you will get the great value of your money. If you experience any difficulties when selecting between two models, buy one that is likely to provide the best value.
Grip
The grip on the best adjustable dumbbells you are about to purchase should be strong and also comfortable to use. They will be holding up the weights just like you will be doing. Cheaper styles are likely to break or bend over time. Consider the quality styles.
Weight Spectrum
Before your purchase, you must consider the amount of weight you require to begin your workouts. Adjustable dumbbells are available in various weight ranges, the commonest being 5-50lbs. According to world researchers, the average athletes should go for the 50 pounds dumbbells. Honestly, a large percentage of the world population will find that such sets provide every weight option they might need. What if you require more weight?
Most models provide easier-to-install expansion kits, which allow users to increase the weight on their best adjustable dumbbells. If you need more than what the standardized weight, ensure that it is expandable before purchase.
Margin of adjustment
If you are a beginner in the strength training world, you might need to increase your dumbbell weights slowly. Therefore, any set that permits pound increases or decreases in fractions will be more helpful. The wide adjustability margin will also be helpful after you hit your maximum workout points and you need to increase heavy stress points.
Ease of adjustability
Fumbling with a clumsy workout equipment piece can make your daily exercise frustrating. Having to fiddle with pins or to unscrew locks might not be a big problem if you have adequate time. However, if you are among the busy people who hardly get time to exercise, you might need the best adjustable dumbbells, which increase and decrease weight levels automatically with simple switch or dial. It will save you more time.
Warranty
Product warranty is another important feature that you should check when shopping for the best adjustable dumbbells. The best adjustable dumbbells are typically solid products but they are also complex in nature. Therefore, a good warranty will offer you the peace of mind you need and make everything worry-free if problems arise down the road.
Adjustable dumbbells. Which is better to buy?
During your purchase, keep in mind that the market has various styles to offer. Each style you select will have its range of convenience and affordability. Therefore, you will have to make your purchase decision depending on your budget and situation. Before moving forward, you should try to understand each available type.
The dial
A significant percentage of the dumbbells in the market feature a dial, which the user can turn in a number of ways. Obviously, the purpose of the dial is to help select the desired amount of weight within the shortest time possible. The weights typically sit on a stand with the convenient holder. After selection of the desired weight, you can start using the best adjustable dumbbells to achieve your goals. All the other weights will remain in place and will not affect your workouts. Even though this is the most convenient dumbbell variety, you should be ready to spend more money during the purchase.
The spinning lock
The spinning lock variety is ideal for individuals on limited budget. The type is the commonest but less convenient. The bar features several circular weights that you can add or remove to alter the weight. To hold the weights in place, you will have to attach the spinning lock. To add or remove the weights, you will start by unspinning the lock. For your safety, you will have to complete the entire process in reserve.
The selector pin
The selector pin sets represent the last type of dumbbells. They are kind of moderate when it comes to convenience and cost. Even though they boast a pin, most of their features are similar to those of the dial dumbbells. After adjusting the weight and putting the pin in place, you can start using the dumbbells immediately. However, the pin mechanism is not as reliable as the dial. Therefore, the plates might come loose from time to time during your workouts. The selector pin variety is not as cheap as the spinning lock variety. However, it is more convenient.
We listed best adjustable dumbbells for your workout
Bowflex SelectTech 552 Dumbbells
The Bowflex SelectTech 552 Dumbbells are among the highly rated and best-selling products in the market. Even though dumbbells have existed for years, the bowflex adjustable dumbbells SelectTech 552 changed the entire game after its introduction. BowFlex applied its existing concepts in designing the dial-a-weight system and as a result they streamlined the entire adjustment process – they made the weight changing process easier and faster than before. Their end result was their best adjustable dumbbells that were both physically appealing and functionally efficient: the bowflex adjustable dumbbells SelectTech 552.
If you are still in the beginner level, the SelectTech 552 provides a wide range of weights that allows adjustment from 5 pounds to 52.5 pounds per every dumbbell. You can adjust the dumbbells in smaller increments of 2.5 pounds, which provides 15 weight settings to select from. The fact that you can easily adjust them in 2.5 pounds increments provides highly precise weight settings and the best functionality, which allows steadier strength increase at the users’ pace. In addition to the weight itself, you will like the fact that the system is easier to adjust.
The SelectTech dial adjustment system is effortless and you will take less than three seconds to switching between the weights settings. The feature has made the dumbbells perfect for busy people or anyone who would not want to mess around when changing weights.
The Bowflex adjustable dumbbells have a unique design and the manufacturer designs the entire structure with durability and safety as their top priority. The product’s inner brackets, which hold the weights, lock each weight plate perfectly into place immediately after the user removes the dumbbell from the tray. In other words, there will be no worries or rattling about the weight coming loose or even falling out after you have started your workouts. That is among the great concerns among individuals who are unfamiliar with the best adjustable dumbbells.
The other feature that you will definitely like is the rubber handle. The manufacturer has contoured it to fit your hand’s natural shape and to provide a more comfortable grip during workouts. The dumbbells are little longer compared to most other products in the market. The longer size will require you to use stabilizers and as result, you will engage your muscles more.
PowerBlock Elite Dumbbells
The PowerBlock Elite Dumbbells are among the best adjustable dumbbell sets in the market. In addition to high customer rating, the dumbbells are popular for their wider weight range and differentiated 4-bar design. PowerBlock was among the first few companies to introduce the best adjustable dumbbells in the market after releasing the PowerBlock “Selectorized Dumbbell” in the year 1993. Within the last few years, they have refined and perfected the design to develop an ultimate adjustable dumbbell, the PowerBlock Elite Dumbbell series.
The PowerBlock Elite Dumbbells provide a wide range of weights through the expansion kit – not on the standardized set. The standardized product offers a weight range between 5 pounds and 50 pounds. In addition to that, you will have the opportunity of adding 70 pounds or 90 pounds per dumbbell. And to expand the weight, you do not have to buy an additional dumbbell set. You just need the Powerblock Elite 50 (Sold separately PowerBlock Series’ Stage 1), which will help you add the expansion kits whenever need arises. It will take you less than 30 seconds to add the expansion kits. That alone makes the products versatility better than that of most adjustable weights and helps land it in the list of the best adjustable dumbbells.
Speaking of adjustability, the product features a U-shaped magnetic weight selection pin that should help you increase or reduce the weight. Even though the system is not as fast as dial systems, it is easier to use. You just need to slide the pin to select your desirable weight setting. The pin system allows weight adjustment in 2.5 pounds increments. You will therefore choose highly precise weights and select between the available settings.
Another interesting thing about the PowerBlock Elite Dumbbells is the 4-bar support design. Every PowerBlock dumbbell features 4 bars that surround the grip handle and connects the two ends. You can use the bottom bars to hold the adder weights – they allow 2.5 pound increment jumps. The top bars are wrist guards that allow your hands to rest comfortably.
Ironmaster 75 lb Quick-Lock Adjustable Dumbbell System With Stand
The Ironmaster Quick-Lock Dumbbells System with Stand boasts a traditional appearance and feel. Actually, the manufacturer has designed the dumbbells perfectly and beneath their iron weight plates and the knurled steel grip, they feature a patented locking-screw mechanism. The mechanism holds weights in place securely and allows faster adjustability. You do not have to worry about the traditional appearance. The product will look great in your home.
When deciding on the weight range, remember that the Quick-Lock Dumbbells from Ironmaster are the only competitor to PowerBlock, particularly when it comes to the best adjustable dumbbells. The standardized Ironmaster adjustable dumbbells provide a weight range between 5 pounds to 75 pounds, which is impressive for standard sets.
However, things get crazy when it comes to the expansion kits. The available add-on kit increases the weight range to massive 125 pound. If you want to experience another level, you can try the Ironmaster personalized add-on kit that expands the weight range up to ridiculous 165 pounds per every dumbbell. You might agree with me that no other set in the market can match the weight range. The feature has made the adjustable dumbbells a better choice for people in need of the largest weight range. Mostly, best adjustable dumbbells allow adjustments in 2.5 pound increments up to 50 pounds and from there you can switch to the 5 pound increments.
To add weight to the dumbbells, you will have to do that manually, you will not slide weights in and out as you expect with most other products. Obviously, the manual weight adjustment is little slower than selector pin system or dial pin designs. However, with the 2.5 pound increments, you can achieve any weight you desire regardless of the level.
The Ironmaster set comes with both 2.5 pound and 5 pound weight plates. So, you can mix-and-match the two types of plates together to achieve a precise weight setting whether you are lifting 100 pounds, 50 pounds or 150 pounds.
Universal Selectorized 445 Dumbbells and Stand
The Universal Selectorized 445 Dumbbells and Stand will fit in almost any room. It is a great product from Nautilus Company, a leading producer of gym equipment pieces. The product consists of 2 sets in every package and therefore you will perform workouts on both your hands. It also comes with a stand to help you keep all the weights in the right place.
Each dumbbell can easily adjust from 4 pounds to 45 pounds in 5 pounds increments allowing the user to switch between workouts faster. The equipment, which is among the best adjustable dumbbells in the market, has a length of f14 inches, a height of 7 inches and a width of 15 inches. The product provides 18 different sizes at a great price.
It features nine different weight settings that increases the 5 pounds and ranges between four and forty five pounds. With the other weights, you will move its dial twice to adjust the dumbbells on both ends but with this product, you will move the dial once. That alone eliminates the need of having a shelf full of dumbbells. What’s more, the product comes with a workout guide, a stand and one year warranty.
The durability of this product is another important feature. Unlike most products in the market that feature plastic parts, the Universal Selectorized 445 Dumbbells do not break easily and will never need replacement. Anyone can easily assemble the weights. The different settings make the product suitable for both pros and amateurs alike. The grip is stronger and does not slide during workouts. You can use it to do a number of workouts – use the workout guide.
On the downside, the Nautilus Universal Dumbbells slide during use. The resulting noise may irritate the user and provide them with an insecurity feeling during workouts. In addition, the size is slightly large compared to most traditional dumbbells and the shape is more hexagonal than round – it is somehow unappealing. Overall, it is among the best adjustable dumbbells in the market.
PowerBlock Sport 24 Pound Dumbbell Set
Weird! Unusual! Those are some of the things that might get into your mind immediately you see the PowerBlock Sport 24 Pound Dumbbell Set. But how should you use it? How should you switch between the weights?
After a short time, the best adjustable dumbbells set will start feeling normal and natural despite its initial weirdness. With the selector pin, you will easily change between the weights like you would do with the weight stacks available in gyms. However, some people are laid back by the funny colors, which should help you differentiate between weights. It might not be a big deal.
The rubber handles are more comfortable and offer a firmer and secure grip. The dumbbells overall size is somewhat menacing though, you will have to exercise carefully and avoid moving your hands too much. Otherwise, you will risk damaging some of your furniture pieces.
To a large percentage of body fitness enthusiasts, the 24 pounds (as the maximum weight), might sound like a joke. Even though kids and women will find the weight enough for their daily workouts, the weight set is not suitable for seasoned lifters. The 3 pound increments and the weight switching system are amazingly fine. The price is also reasonable.
PowerBlock Sport 24 Piece Dumbbell Set is ideal for individuals who want to create more affordable in-house gym equipment pieces with original design. If you are a serious athlete, the product is not an ideal choice due to the lower maximum weight – only 24 pounds on both ends. However, it is a great choice for female fitness athletes, kids and beginners. It features a well-balanced ergonomic design and comes at an affordable price. What’s more, you will also take time to adjust to the unusual construction. With the best adjustable dumbbells, there will be no need of going to a gym.
How These Dumbbells Work
Due to their design, you can easily change plates on adjustable weights. Adjustable dumbbells feature a bar at the middle and weights on both sides. As the user you can replace the weights depending on the maximum amount of weight you require. Before starting a workout session, you will have the option of changing the weights. After changing, ensure that you have properly locked and stabilized them. Now, proceed with your exercise. It is that simple.
To facilitate weight adjustability, the best adjustable dumbbells feature a dial, a spinning lock or a pin. Those featuring dials may require special care during the adjustment. That is the primary reason why most users get stands for that type of dumbbells. Moreover, their weights will take more space, which is a major concern.
Considerations if you want to lift heavy
If you need to lift heavy weights, the Bayou Fitness Adjustable Dumbbell is more convenient and you can use it in any apartment or home. The weight increment is somehow limited because you can only change 5 pounds at a time – from 10 pounds to 50 pounds. In fact, the weight adjustment process is easier and you can do it using the adjustment knob.
How do I know which one to get?
Adjustable dumbbells are now popular due to their versatility. However, there is a wide variety of models to consider during your purchase. What’s more, the models are not created equal because of the many varying factors such as durability, adjustability and quality. Each dumbbell set in the market has its pros and cons. The following are a few reviews of the best adjustable dumbbells in the market. They should help you make an informed decision.
The Benefits of Using Adjustable Dumbbells
People buy adjustable dumbbells for various reasons. But to help you know whether it is the best route to follow, the following are some of the benefits you will enjoy after purchasing the dumbbells for your workouts.
Convenience – all-in-one weight solution
Adjustable dumbbells are among the most versatile pieces of body fitness equipment. They allow the user to adjust one dumbbell between various weight amounts. A large percentage of the sets in the market adjust from 5 pounds to 50 pounds and boast 10-15 weight settings. That alone should provide you with the flexibility you need to exact the amount of weight you desire. A few years ago, people who needed dumbbells for their home or office gyms had to buy separate sets of dumbbells for every amount of weight they needed. That means you would sacrifice a lot of your storage space for the weights. The best adjustable dumbbells provide a compact and convenient way of having an entire dumbbells set in a smaller space. You do not need 15 different dumbbell sets. Go for the 15 sets packed in one.
Workout variety
Free weights (or more dumbbells) are vital when it comes to body fitness. They offer many physical benefits that no other system or machine can match. Because all the weights are free and unrestricted, you can use them in almost all your workouts to exercise all your body muscle groups. You will have the chance to use them in your strength training exercises such as presses or curls or combining them with some workouts like kickboxing or cardio. They provide an endless variety.
And considering the fact that you can adjust a single dumbbell between 15 weight settings, you will have more opportunities. You do not have to reach for different weights when switching your workouts. Just change the weight to get a different dumbbell. The fast adjustment nature of the dumbbells makes them ideal for the fast-paced routines, regardless of whether you are following pre-set workouts or doing a unique thing.
When performing heavyweight workouts such as rows or bench press, you just need to adjust the dumbbell’s weight up. If you need something light such as kickbacks or concentration curls, just adjust the equipment to get the right weight. Up to now, adjustable dumbbells are the easiest and best way of adding free weights variety to a workout routine.
Cost effective
Before the introduction of the best adjustable dumbbells, people used to purchase separate sets of dumbbells for every weight amount the needed. In other words, they would purchase a single set for 10 pounds, another set for 15 pounds, another for 20 pounds and so on. Today, the average set will provide you with weight options ranging from 5 to 50 pounds.
For comparison purposes, let us say that you wanted to purchase a traditional set consisting of 5 to 50 pounds dumbbells variety. Did you know how much that would cost you? It would cost you over $1000. Now, how much will the best adjustable dumbbell set cost you? It will cost you around $300. Due to their cost-effective design, you will enjoy all the benefits of traditional sets for a lesser cost.
Suitable for different experience levels
Whether you have ever worked out before or you are just a beginner, the best dumbbells are suitable tools for every experience level. As a beginner, you will find the faster weight adjustability helpful in building leaner muscles and strength. You will also take advantage of the precise small weight increments. Stronger advanced weightlifters can use the all-in-one solution for all their daily workouts, whether they are focusing on isolated lightweight workouts or rigorous heavyweight workouts. Due to the many opportunities associated with the best adjustable dumbbells, you can start benefiting from them today.
Highly portable
Adjustable dumbbells are typically small in nature. Put differently, you will have an easier time moving your system from one place to the other. You do not have to buy multiple dumbbells for your home workouts.
Maximum muscle development
The best adjustable dumbbells will help you maximize your muscular development. Compared with machine weights, they are less stable. Therefore, you will use more muscles – the stabilizing muscles – to support the weights and exercise in the right form. If you are among the individuals who have relied on both dumbbell press and traditional bench press, you already know that dumbbells are harder.
Wrapping it up
So, which are the best adjustable dumbbells to go for? Well, it will depend on your needs. The Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells are the best overall. They provide a wider weight range for advanced and beginner users alike and they are also the easiest and fastest dumbbells to adjust. However, their user-friendly design has made them both safe and durable, and they are covered by a money-back guarantee – you can get your money back if you are unhappy with the product. You will also benefit from the warranty. The SelectTech 552 is ideal for people who want to lift heavy. They are easier and faster to adjust beyond the 52.5 pound mark. If you are a beginner, you might need to consider the PowerBlock Elite Dumbbells. With the magnetic selector pin, you will have an easier time reducing or adding weight to the adjustable dumbbells.