With a lot of people trying to gradually build up their own personal workout space, the demand for space-saving, multifunctional home gym equipment is on a rise. From foldable treadmills that can be stored under the bed to squat stands that can be pushed against the wall; manufacturers are using a lot of creativity to provide us with things that we can use to do almost every type of workout that we could have probably done in a commercial gym but without cramming our home workout space.
Adjustable dumbbells are also one such innovative products. Instead of having too many dumbbells and a dumbbell rack to hold them, you could just have a pair of adjustable dumbbells! Most of them provide a very wide amount of weight change, so you probably won’t outgrow them any time soon.
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Our Top Picks
- 🏆 Best Value: PowerBlock Elite Dumbbells
- 👑 The Premium Pick: Iron Master Adjustable Dumbbells
- ⭐️ A Great Option: Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells
- ⭐️ Another Great Option: Bowflex SelectTech 1090 Adjustable Dumbbell
- 🤑 Cheap and Reliable #1: Unipack Adjustable Dumbbells
- 🤑 Cheap and Reliable #2: Yes4All Adjustable Dumbbells
📝 The List: Best Adjustable Dumbbells That We Recommend For Home Gyms
🏆 Best Value: PowerBlock Elite Dumbbells
This is probably the most odd-shaped adjustable dumbbell but it is also one of the top-rated ones with 4.8-star rating and thousands of amazing reviews from buyers.
We too ordered a set for ourselves along with the Powerblock Compact Weight Stand. After using it for about a month, we wrote a detailed review, mentioning our first-hand experience and the issues that we could figure out with it. Here is our detailed Powerblock Elite Dumbbells Review.
If you don’t have time to read the whole review, below is a quick version of it:
It belongs to the Elite series
Powerblock is a renowned manufacturer of high-quality equipment such as dumbbells, kettlebells, and weight benches. Currently, it has three series of dumbbells:
- The Pro series
- The Elite series
- The Sport series
These products differ widely in price and usability but all of them utilize the same weight-changing mechanism, which involves a locking pin. All you need to do is to slide the pin into the spot that corresponds to the weight that you want to use.
The Elite series consist of 5-50 stage 1 sets, which can be expanded to 70lbs and 90lbs sets by using respective expandable kits.
Noteworthy features of Powerblock Elite dumbbells
- Dimensions: 12″L x 6″ W x 6″ H
- Sold as a pair
- As mentioned above, these dumbbells can be adjusted between 5lbs to 50lbs each.
- You can buy separate extension kits to further expand their weight range.
- 10-year warranty for home use.
The weights may not be accurate
Numerous buyers have stated that the dumbbells weigh about 5lbs less. So, the gross weight of the set could be 90-95lbs instead of 100lbs. This is something that we don’t like. 0.5-1lb variation is acceptable but more than that can actually make you doubt the brand’s reputation.
But, again, unless you are preparing for competitions, this isn’t a big deal.
The dumbbells are rectangular
That’s obvious from the image. You will take time to get used to their shape, which is again a common issue with many adjustable dumbbells such as the Bowflex ones we will be reviewing here.
There is nothing much you can do about the shape but most people, including us, didn’t really have trouble using them.
The locking pin is made of plastic
When we received our set, we were worried that the plastic prongs would break soon but they have already lasted a year. If you use them carefully, they won’t break any time soon but metal pins would have been better anyway.
Maybe Powerblock has a solid reason for choosing plastic over metal. But then, almost all dial-based, quick-change dumbbells have plastic dial mechanisms that are prone to breakages when used roughly.
They are well-built and deserve to be at the number position in our list of best adjustable dumbbells
The handles resemble the ones that hex dumbbells have, so they are much easier to grip. The weight-changing mechanism is not the quickest and easiest one but it is more reliable than others. Once locked, the plates remain secured and you don’t need to worry about rattling and the plates falling off. No wonder why thousands of buyers have mentioned that this is the one of best investments they have ever made for their home gym.
Our Rating: 4.8/5
👑 The Premium Pick: Iron Master Adjustable Dumbbells
With a lifetime warranty, these are one of the best adjustable dumbbells for people who love to train hard. They do not have any plastic parts that could break when dropped (but you should still not drop them). But, this also means that they require you to manually change the weights by screwing/unscrewing the loading pins.
Changing the weights takes time
Locking and unlocking the pins plus adding respective weights in each side of the dumbbell is not as easy and quick as Ironmaster wants us to believe. You will take time to get used to the process and even then, you will have to spend about 30 seconds to one minute changing the weights.
Plus, the set comes with only 2.5lbs and 5lbs weight plates. So, if you have to make 70lbs, you will have to add 10 5lbs plates and 4 2.5lbs plates to each dumbbell. That’s a lot of work!
We don’t want to say that IronMaster’s ‘patented quick-lock technology’ for quick and safe weight-change is just a typical sales pitch. The locking technology and the loading pin are well-designed and they do make the work faster and more hassle-free than what you can expect from cheaper manually adjustable dumbbells. Just that, they do not adjust instantly, like Bowflex dumbbells do.
We still love the IronMaster dumbbells because they are probably the most durable types.
Noteworthy features of IronMaster Quick-lock adjustable dumbbells
- Dimension: 6.7″ x 6.7” x 14.5″
- Sold as a pair. A dumbbell stand is included with the set, so you don’t have to buy one separately.
- Each dumbbell can be adjusted between 5-75lbs. You can buy an add-on kit to expand each dumbbell up to 120 lbs each.
- Covered by lifetime warranty
- Each dumbbell has two locking pins at the two ends. You can add weights to one or both ends as needed.
The locking pins secure the weight plates tightly
Image source: Amazon
No matter which dial-based adjustable dumbbell you choose, you will experience one common problem; the weight plates rattle a lot and make you feel nervous. The plates have enough space between them to wiggle. The above image will help you understand what we want to say.
But, the plates of the IronMaster dumbbells are tightly held by the locking pins. They do not have any gap between them, no matter how many plates you have used. There is absolutely no rattling. You will feel as if you are using a standard dumbbell and not the adjustable one. Look at the below image. There is no way the plates can wiggle.
IronMaster dumbbells are heavy-duty
Due to their all-metal design, these dumbbells do not require you to coddle them like a newborn baby. Of course, you can’t throw them when done. But, even if they slip off or even if you just drop them a bit, they are not going to break. The locking pins may start to get loose if dropped repeatedly from a height. But, you will be surprised to know that Ironmaster actually stands by its lifetime warranty and sends free replacements. Highly appreciable.
They are pretty expensive and often remain out of stock
The price at the time of writing this article was $860+, which is on a higher side. You can find a lot of cheaper alternatives but, IronMaster is definitely one of the best adjustable dumbbells and a lifetime warranty justifies its high price tag.
Another major problem that buyers have faced is that these products are often out of stock. Here is what the website mentions about its availability. You would hate to wait for them for weeks.
Our Rating: 4.8/5
⭐️ A Great Option: Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells
Sold as a pair or single unit, Bowflex SelectTech 552 adjustable dumbbells are by far the easiest dumbbells to adjust. They utilize a simple dial mechanism. All you need to do is to twist the dial and select the weight you want to train with. The selected weights will get locked into the dumbbell rod and the unwanted plates will stay back on the base.
It takes only a few seconds to adjust the weight. So, if you hate spending time screwing and unscrewing the pins, Bowflex has a bunch of options for you.
Noteworthy features of Bowflex SelectTech 552 adjustable dumbbells
- Dimensions: 15.75″ x 8″ x 9″
- Can be adjusted from 5 to 52.5lbs
- Provides 2.5lbs increment up to 25lbs
- The base and dial mechanism is made of plastic
- Stand sold separately
- Covered by 2-year warranty
- You will get 1-year BowFlex app membership, which has several trainer-led workout videos.
Provides instant weight change
We have already mentioned it above, but, since this is its USP, we would like to explain a bit more.
From 5lbs to 52.5lbs, no matter what amount of weight you choose, it will take you less than 10 seconds to adjust the dumbbell. The dials are pretty smooth and quick. Plus, the plates remain on the base, so you don’t have to store them elsewhere and then keep looking for them and picking them up when needed.
Faster weight change helps add more versatility to your workouts. Plus, you can do your supersets much quicker.
When you have selected the weight and have locked the plates, you will hear a clicking noise, which basically indicates that the plates are locked in. This audible noise gives you more confidence to pick up the dumbbell.
They are much more affordable than the other adjustable dumbbells we have listed above
At the time of writing this article, the Bowflex SelectTech552 dumbbells were sold at $300 for a pair, which is quite affordable when compared to the $800 Ironmaster dumbbells. These dumbbells have received a 4.8-star rating and thousands of positive reviews on Amazon. Their affordability is obviously the primary reason for their popularity. But, Bowflex is a renowned brand, known for manufacturing good-quality equipment for years. People like us would obviously choose it over the Chinese or not-so-popular competitors.
They are not meant for rough use
Since most of it is made of plastic, including the locking pin that holds the plates, it is obvious that you need to be very careful with these. You have to place them back on their plates gently. Although the plastic is pretty durable, we don't expect these to last beyond a couple of years.
They have a bulky design
As you can see in the product image above, the Bowflex SelectTech 552 adjustable dumbbells have an oblong shape, which is a couple of inches longer than the standard dumbbells. It will take a couple of days for you to get used to their shape.
Our Rating: 4.5/5
⭐️ Another Great Option: Bowflex SelectTech 1090 Adjustable Dumbbell
These dumbbells have almost the same build and mechanism as the Bowflex SelectTech 552 dumbbells. But, they can be adjusted between 10-90 lbs, with a 5lbs increment, making them suitable for advanced trainers.
Noteworthy features of Bowflex SelectTech 1090 adjustable dumbbells
- Dimensions: 10” x 17.5” x 10”
- Weight range- 10lbs to 90 lbs
- Provides 5 lbs increment
- Utilizes a simple dial mechanism for weight change
- Base and dial mechanism are made of plastic
- Stand sold separately
- You will get 1-year complimentary membership of Bowflex’s own fitness app
- Warranty: two years
Please note: the Bowflex SelectTech 1090 dumbbells are sold as a single unit. The price you see on Amazon is for one unit only; not for one pair.
They provide the highest possible weight change using a dial mechanism
Usually, dial-based adjustable dumbbells provide 50-75 lbs of weight change. But, this one can go up to 90lbs, which is more than enough for dumbbell workouts. Just like the SelectTech 552, changing the weights takes just a few seconds.
They are probably the bulkiest adjustable dumbbells
That’s obvious from their dimensions. You will take some time to get used to the huge oval shape. Plus, if you are a short person, you might not be able to do some exercises with absolute ease. This could be a deal-breaker but do not hesitate to try it out and see if it suits you.
The tabs that hold the plates are made of plastic. In 552 model, they are made of metal
We have highlighted this issue in our detailed Bowflex 1090 Dumbbells Review article.
See the tabs above. They are made of plastic, so it is obvious that buyers will doubt the durability of these Bowflex SelectTech 1090 adjustable dumbbells. Just a small drop and these tabs could break, making the plates fall on your feet. You have to handle them carefully, which could be tough because you will be training hard.
Image Source: Amazon
See the image above. This is what the tabs of BowFlex SelectTech 552 look like. They are made of metal.
We are not sure why BowFlex chose to have plastic in its premium product. Nevertheless, adjustable dumbbells are meant to be handled with care.
Our rating: 4/5 (only because of plastic tabs)
🤑 Cheap and Reliable #1: Unipack Adjustable Dumbbells
These are the best adjustable dumbbells for intermediate to advanced trainers. They provide up to 100lbs weight change per unit, making a total of 200lbs. They provide a 5lbs increment. If you are not comfortable with that, you can go with Yes4All adjustable dumbbells that we will review next. Yes4All dumbbells provide a minimum of 2.5lbs weight change.
Although these are manufactured and sold by a brand that most of us haven’t heard of, the Unipack adjustable dumbbells are one of the top-selling products on Amazon with a 4.5 star rating and hundreds of positive reviews from satisfied buyers. That’s why we have chosen it to be on our list of best adjustable dumbbells. Otherwise, we are very skeptical about choosing products from unknown brands.
Noteworthy features of Unipack adjustable dumbbells
- Set consists of two bars, 4 collars, and 24 plates.
- Sold as a pair and provides a total of 200lbs weight change
- Provides 5lbs weight change increment
- The plates are made of cast iron and the handles are made of chrome
- No information on warranty
The star collars can loosen up with time
That’s a common issue and it usually happens if you throw the dumbbells when done or if you use them roughly. All you need to do is to retighten them frequently. Or maybe you can use barbell collars or spring clamps instead.
If you buy clamps, make sure you buy the 28mm i.e. 1.1” ones. That’s because the bars that you get with these dumbbells have a 1.1” diameter, not 1”.
The paint could start chipping off faster than expected
As mentioned above, these dumbbells have cast iron plates that are painted with black paint. They do not have any polish or powder coating. The cheap paint that they have is prone to chipping and the plates could get some rust if you leave them in your hot and humid garage. All you need to do is to spray them with an anti-rust spray or coating.
They are affordable
No other adjustable dumbbells that we have reviewed here can beat their price and usability. 200 lbs weight change is exceptionally good for its price. The handles are made of chrome and they have a good knurled grip. The star collars that you thread in to lock the weight plates ensure that there is minimal wobble between plates, so you don’t feel insecure as you do when you use Bowflex adjustable dumbbells.
Even if you use them roughly, you could still expect these dumbbells to last for at least a decade!
Our Rating: 4.4/5
🤑 Cheap and Reliable #2: Yes4All Adjustable Dumbbells
In our recent review of Yes4All Silencer drop pads, we had mentioned why Yes4All products are a good choice for people who want affordable alternatives to the more expensive competitors.
Its adjustable dumbbells are available in a wide range of weight capacities, so you can choose the one that best suits your workout needs. No matter which one you choose, you will get a minimum of 2.5lbs weight increment.
A major problem with most adjustable dumbbells is that they provide a minimum of 5lbs weight increment, which may be good if you are an absolute beginner. But, if you are already training with a decent amount of weight, adding 5lbs could be a major challenge, especially for some specific exercises. 2.5lbs increment will be much easier and that's what Yes4All adjustable dumbbells provide.
Noteworthy features of Yes4All adjustable dumbbells
- Available in various weights.
- Sold as pair and as single units
- Dimensions vary according to the set you buy
- Max weight change offered by Yes4All adjustable dumbbells is 105lbs in total i.e. 52.5lbs for one hand.
- You can buy a connector rod that can be used to convert the dumbbells into a barbell.
- The plates are made of cast iron and can fit in any 1.15 inch handles.
Not the finest quality dumbbells but they work as expected
The handles and plates could have splinters. You might even find the handle too rough. The star collar may start loosening after some drops. These are common issues with almost all affordable home gym equipment.
Even squat racks chip and leave splinters. So, don’t let these minor issues be a dealbreaker because this adjustable dumbbell by Yes4All is a good alternative to having multiple sets of dumbbells in your already cluttered home gym.
A few buyers have reported that the weights are not accurate
They could weigh a few lbs less than their stated weight. The difference in weight is minor plus it doesn’t really matter unless you are preparing for competitions.
Our Rating: 4.3/5
📖 Buying Guide and FAQ
How Do Adjustable Dumbbells Work?
The above GIF will give you a rough idea on how they operate.
Most of them come with their own stand/base and a bunch of weight plates that can be loaded on a rod. Most of them utilize a dial mechanism that you can use for changing plates i.e. for loading or unloading the plates. And the process takes only a few seconds!
Some of them, however, may require you to manually add or remove plates. Usually, they are the ones that provide you with the highest weight capacity.
And, you will hate us for saying this but, the ones that utilize manual mechanism, are more durable than the dial-based ones. This is obvious because the dial mechanism will fail after a few years but the old-school screw-on mechanism can last for decades.
Adjustable Dumbbells Are More Expensive And Less Durable Than The Standard Dumbbells
Adjustable dumbbells require a very high upfront cost. Good quality ones like Bowflex dumbbells could cost more than $400 for one piece, which means a pair could cost you more than $800! The manual ones like the Yes4All adjustable dumbbells are cheaper but they use manual mechanism, which is time-consuming.
Further, adjustable dumbbells are made of breakable parts, especially the dial mechanism. So, you can’t throw them on the floor when you are done. You will have to use them very carefully and, even then, the dial mechanism could fail.
Standard dumbbells are cheaper. They can even be passed on to your generation when used and stored properly. If you have ample space in your home gym, you should probably go with them.
But, if you do not have too much floor space to accommodate a dozen dumbbells and a rack, adjustable dumbbells are a good alternative.
Many Adjustable Dumbbells Are Sold As Single Units
That’s usually the dial-based ones. The manual ones are sold as pairs.
Now, this is strange. The price that you see in the product listing is for one piece; not one pair. A lot of buyers who didn’t bother to read the description thoroughly felt cheated when they received just one of them!
Dumbbells are meant to be used as pairs, so we really don’t understand why the manufacturers are selling them as single units.
While placing your order, make sure you check if you are buying a pair or a single unit.
Adjustable Dumbbells Are Usually Bulkier Than The Standard Dumbbells
Image Source- Prohomegyms
The above image pretty much explains what we want to say.
Not all, but many adjustable dumbbells are wider and broader than standard dumbbells. You have to use them carefully, so you don’t smash your head or shoulders. Their size shouldn’t be a deal-breaker though because they are still absolutely safe to use.
Don’t get us wrong here. Although we have listed so many negative things about adjustable dumbbells, we absolutely love using them and we highly recommend them too. We just want you to clearly understand what you are buying and what you should expect from it.
Where To Buy Adjustable Dumbbells?
If you are looking for affordable adjustable dumbbells such as the Unipack Adjustable Dumbbells or the FLYBIRD Adjustable Dumbbells, you can buy them from Amazon or Walmart. Dicks Sporting Goods and Academy Sports and Outdoors also sell almost all popular adjustable dumbbells.
High-end products such as the Rogue Adjustable dumbbells are sold directly by the manufacturers. Bowflex adjustable dumbbells, Titan Fitness adjustable dumbbells, etc. are sold on many online stores as well as their own websites. The price is not always the same across all these stores, so make sure you buy from the place that gives you maximum benefits.
What Are The Best Adjustable Dumbbells?
That's what this blog is all about!
After evaluating and testing a lot of adjustable dumbbells, we have come up with this list, so we believe the options we have selected for you are some of the best ones. REP adjustable dumbbells, Titan Fitness adjustable dumbbells, and Fringe Sport loadable dumbbells closely missed being a part of our list. So, do not hesitate to check them out as well.
When Will Adjustable Dumbbells Be Back In Stock?
Adjustable dumbbells gained a lot of popularity when the pandemic began and people started looking for versatile but compact home gym equipment to keep themselves fit even when they had very limited space. Due to their excessive demand, most of them, even the averagely-built ones, went out of stock. They should be back in stock now but if they aren’t, you can email the seller asking about their availability.
What Are The Heaviest Adjustable Dumbbells?
At the time of writing this article, Powerblock dumbbells and Bowflex SelectTech 1090 adjustable dumbbells are the heaviest ones that can be adjusted up to 90lbs each, making a total of 160lbs for a set. We don’t think this will change anytime soon because there is not much demand for heavy adjustable dumbbells. Heavier dumbbells are too bulky to hold and the chances of failure of the locking mechanism are too high.
How To Fix/Repair Bowflex Adjustable Dumbbells?
We have found this trending video where the vlogger has claimed that you can successfully repair Bowflex dumbbells that get stuck or stop working.
The replacement discs are available only on ebay till the time of writing this article. So, we can’t guarantee their authenticity but numerous people have thanked the vlogger in their comments and have stated that they were able to successfully repair their dumbbells, which they were about to discard.
If, however, any of the plastic parts have broken, there is no way you can repair it. You will have to buy new ones.
How To Loosen Adjustable Dumbbells?
The weights or the clamps on the adjustable dumbbells may get stuck if you don’t change them for a long time. Rusting is probably the most common reason why it happens.
Spray WD40 or any liquid thread loosener of your choice and let the liquid soak in for 15-30 minutes. Then, use a plier and wrench to unlock the clamp. You may have to apply some force initially. But, if it seems too hard, spray the liquid again and leave it overnight. Repeat the same process after a day. It should work.
Which Bowflex Adjustable Dumbbells Are Better?
Just in case you don’t know, Bowflex manufactures just two models of adjustable dumbbells, the SelectTech 1090 and SelectTech 552. Both of them are almost equal except for their max weight.
We like the SelectTech 552 model because it allows 2.5lbs of weight increment which means a total of 5lbs on both hands. The 1090 model has a 5lbs increment, so you will add/remove at least 10lbs in one go, which could be too much for some of us.
Who Makes The Adjustable Dumbbells For Athlean X
Athlean X workout videos are made using Athlean blox adjustable dumbbells. See the image below.
They look and function almost the same as Powerblock dumbbells.
Jeff Cavaliere, the creator of the Athlean X programs, sells these dumbbells through Athlean X’s website.
What Material Are The Bowflex Adjustable Dumbbells Made Out Of?
The weight plates are obviously made of metal, probably steel. The frame and the stand are made of hard plastic.
Where To Buy Ironmaster Adjustable Dumbbells?
You can buy them directly from Ironmaster’s website because they often remain out of stock on Amazon. As far as we know, it doesn’t sell its products through any other online store.
How To Maintain And Care For Adjustable Dumbbells?
If you are using adjustable dumbbells that have a dial mechanism for changing plates, you need to be very careful not to drop or mishandle them, or else the mechanism will break because it is made of plastic parts.
The regular manually adjustable dumbbells are, however, pretty easy to maintain. You need to regularly clean them with a disinfectant wipe because your sweat can make them stink. You can also spray WD-40 lubricating solution on them to protect against rust.
The manually adjustable dumbbells do not have any breakable parts. Yet, you should avoid dropping them or else the loading bar, or the clamp may bend, making them unusable.
How Much Do Adjustable Dumbbells Cost?
The manually adjustable ones could cost as low as $60. They usually do not come with plates. You need to use your own cast iron plates that you use in your barbell. If you don’t have plates, you can buy the whole set but that could cost you more than $200.
The dial-based adjustable dumbbells are significantly expensive. The cheaper ones cost as low as $120 for one piece (not a pair). The good-quality ones could cost you up to $400 or more for one piece. High-end ones can range up to $1000 for more for a set.
How Big Can You Get From Just Using Adjustable Dumbbells?
It doesn’t matter whether you are using adjustable dumbbells or fixed ones. What matters is how you use them i.e. what types of exercise you do, how much you train, and how hard you train. If you keep setting new PR frequently, you will get bigger and stronger day by day.
However, one thing you need to know here is that 90lbs is the max weight you can get from an adjustable dumbbell, which means the max weight you can train using adjustable dumbbells is 160lbs.
If you want to train harder than this, you will have to use barbells. That’s because heavier dumbbells are bulkier too. They are not comfortable to use. Plus, you could end up hitting your head or shoulder due to their extra length.
What Muscles Do Adjustable Dumbbells Work?
It depends on the type of exercise you are doing.
Dumbbells, whether they are fixed or adjustable, can be used to target almost all major and minor muscle groups of your body. That’s why they are one of the most inexpensive workout equipment (compared to exercise machines) for people who want to get into better shape.
How To Make Adjustable Dumbbells?
There are some videos on Youtube that you can refer to but we strongly recommend you not to try making your own dumbbells or, for that matter, making any home gym equipment.
When the pandemic began, such DIY videos started trending. Some people approached us to find out if they are reliable. We were shocked to see how popular those videos have become overnight!
No matter what the videos claim, we are totally against DIYing home gym equipment because the risk is too high. Read our article on ‘DIY Squat Rack – Is It Worth The Effort?’ to learn more about the risks.
When Were Adjustable Dumbbells Popular In History?
There is no reliable documented history mentioning the origin of adjustable dumbbells.
But, as per this website, the first adjustable dumbbells were created at the beginning of the twentieth century. However, it was very light and not very useful. Bob Hoffman, the founder of York Barbell was the one who created the first-ever adjustable dumbbell that could be used for intermediate to advanced training sessions.
Flex Adjustable Dumbbells When Set To 15 On Both Sides Is It 15 Lb Or 30 Lb?
If you select 15 lbs, it will be 15lbs in total.
Having two different dials on one piece of adjustable dumbbell creates a lot of confusion. The manufacturers should have created just one dial. But we are not engineers and we don’t know the reason behind coming up with two dials. All we know is you have to adjust both the dials to the same specific weight and the final outcome will be the weight that you have selected (not double of it).
What Are The Disadvantages Of Adjustable Dumbbells?
We have already mentioned the disadvantages above. In case you missed that, here is a brief:
- Adjustable dumbbells are bulkier than standard dumbbells and may not feel very comfortable.
- If the plates are not secured correctly, they could rattle causing noise, inconvenience, and even imbalances.
- The dial-based adjustable dumbbells have plastic parts that could break with time.
- Adjusting the dumbbells takes time and effort. If you are short of time, you may not want to spend a minute or two adjusting the weight in the middle of your workout and letting the heart rate drop.
- Adjustable dumbbells are expensive. Whether you buy the dial-based ones or the manually adjustable ones, they could cost you much more than the regular dumbbell sets. But, if you already have metal plates, you can just buy the handle and that would be an affordable option.
Nevertheless, they are still a great option for space-crunched home gyms.
Wrap Up
If you are a beginner or casual trainer who has no intentions of lifting heavy you can check out FLYBIRD Adjustable Dumbbell. It is available in 25lbs and 55lbs weight capacity and sold as a single unit. We recently tried it out and we are impressed!
Before you go, do check out our list of best adjustable kettlebells and best fractional weight plates that you can use for your progressive weight training workouts. If you need workout benches, we have selected some of the best flat benches and best adjustable benches for you.
Need any other product recommendations? Please leave a comment or email us. We will be happy to help.