Adjustable dumbbells offer a simple solution to those who need to improve their workouts and total body fitness. The dumbbells allow you to customize the weight you need to lift based on your experience and comfort level. This means that you can start by lifting lighter weights and as you proceed through the levels, you can add the weights. With so many adjustable dumbbells, you need to take your time to choose one that meets your needs. Below is a simple guide to help you choose the best adjustable dumbbells.

Buyer’s Guide

Gone are the days you would buy 20 different dumbbells each with a different weight. With an adjustable dumbbell, you have a single set of bars with different plates. This allows you to customize your workout. If you are a beginner, you start with a single plate and proceed as your body allows. You do not have to spend thousands of dollars working out from the gym if you can choose a good pair of adjustable dumbbells. Unlike having separate dumbbells, an adjustable dumbbell saves space. You can set it up in any small space.

Types and Styles

Adjustable dumbbells are categorized into three – spin-lock dumbbells, dial-a-weight dumbbells, and selector pin dumbbells. Each of these types offers different features to accommodate a group of users.

Dial-a-Weight

These are dumbbells fitted with a dial that allows you to select the weight you want to lift. After you have chosen the weight, raise the dumbbell, and the selected weight will be attached at the end of the bars. Other weights will be left on the holder. While these sets are highly convenient and easy to use, they are the most expensive of all adjustable dumbbells.

Spin-lock

Spin-lock is a dated model designed with multiple weight plates just like on a barbell. The plates are held together by a spinning lock. With this, you will have to manually put the plates from the end of the bars and then twist the metal lock to hold the plates in position. Selecting the weights and locking them into place may be cumbersome, but these dumbbells are relatively inexpensive.

Selector-pin adjustable dumbbells

These dumbbells are more like the dial-a-weight sets. With these, you do not have to add and remove weights manually. Here, you will need to move a pin to select the amount of weight you wish to lift. After you have selected, raise the dumbbell, and the unwanted weight will sit in the holder. These types of adjustable dumbbells offer a great balance between convenience and affordability. However, these sets are more prone to weight plates becoming loose during workouts.

Picking the Ideal Adjustable Dumbbell for you – Factors To Consider

After you have chosen the type of adjustable dumbbell you need, other common factors to select include size, cost, weight, and quality. Adjustable dumbbells are simple equipment, and all you need is to ensure that you get great convenience from them.

Size

A good pair of adjustable dumbbells should be as compact as possible but still, offer enough weight. Professional units might be provided with a host of plates and different handlebars, allowing you a wide choice when you are working out. However, remember that you will store this unit in your home or office when you are not exercising.

Max Weight

When you are shopping, do not just consider the weight you can lift right now, but what you might lift in future. Some dumbbells have a max weight of 50 pounds and others 1000 pounds. The rule of thumb is to choose a dumbbell that you can grow with your strength gains.

Weight Increments

The main advantage of adjustable dumbbells is that they allow weight increments. A good dumbbell should enable small and large weight adjustments. If you choose a set that has increases in 20 or more pounds, you might not get the convenience you need when the weight you are lifting is too light, and 20 pounds is too heavy. Choose a dumbbell that allows increments in 1.5, 2, 2.5, or 5-pounds.

Stand or No Stand

Some dumbbells are offered with a stand for storage while others come in a simple box. Models with a stand accompanying them might be more expensive, but they provide you convenience during storage. This is especially true when you are working out in a tight space, and you have no designated home gym. If you have a basement or a home gym, choose varieties that have no stand.

Other factors

You should consider value for money when you are shopping. How much money are you willing to spend and what’s the quality of the dumbbell? The manufacturer should also offer you a generous warranty for parts and labor.

Bowflex SelectTech 552

If you are looking to bring more bang to your workout routine, you will get a lot of benefits from the Bowflex SelectTech 552. The set of dumbbells is designed to turn any small space into an efficient and productive space. They sport a sleek design and allow adjustment to several weight ranges. You can adjust each of the dumbbells from a meager 5 pounds up to 52.5 pounds. Weight adjustments are in 2.5-pound increments. This option goes until you hit 25 pounds on each dumbbell.

These are dial-a-weight adjustable dumbbells designed with a simple interface, making them easy to use in all conditions. Their ease of use allows you to improve your workouts and maximize your strength training slowly. Each of the dumbbells come encased in a long-lasting molding. The metal placed attached to each dumbbell give you a quiet workout and enhances the smoothness of each lift. The total weight of the dumbbells is 118.2 pounds. The dumbbells are space efficient and reduce clutter during storage. You are offered a 2-year manufacturer’s warranty on parts.

PowerBlock Elite

The PowerBlock Elite are high-grade designs. They sport a unique construction and deliver exceptional results. They are offered with a block design. You can choose them if you have limited space in your home or office. Each dumbbell adjusts from 5 pounds to 50 pounds. The square ergonomic design weighs up to 56.4 pounds, but you can expand them up to 70 pounds. You can make 2.5-pound increments to the weight. Adjusting the bars is easy thanks to their flat design, and they rest on your body with ease. The dumbbells are coated with rubber, and they have comfortable handles.

You are offered 10-year home manufacturer’s warranty. The USA made dumbbells can adjust up to 16 levels, meaning you save storage space for 16 dumbbells. They are designed with a compact, durable, and superior design. They deliver great balance during a workout. The rubber coating on the bars makes these dumbbells easy to grip. Adjusting weights takes no effort, each bar sports a padded top. The dumbbells are highly durable thanks to their metal construction.

PowerBlock Personal Trainer

The PowerBlock Personal Trainer is one of the highest rated adjustable dumbbells. It has a host of features and an innovative design that makes it versatile and easy to use. If you need to develop your strength training, this dumbbell set will give you excellent results. You can adjust the dumbbell from 5 pounds to a maximum 50 pounds with 2.5-pound increments. These dumbbells use a hybrid system that makes them easy to change from one weight to the next. Each of the weights is designed balanced and compact, making them easy to handle.

The entire dumbbell weighs 50.7 pounds. These dumbbells are easy to use and take the space of 16 different dumbbells. It uses an innovative selector pin mechanism to shift weights in 2.5-pound increments. The padded handles keep your wrists protected to keep handling easy. You are offered a 10-year manufacturer warranty for parts. If you are looking for easy to use adjustable dumbbells, these units are designed just for that. They are highly durable and highly versatile.

IronMaster Quick-Lock Adjustable Dumbbell System

The IronMaster Quick-LockLock sports a heavy-duty construction and lets you adjust from 5 pounds to about 75 pounds in 2.5 pounds increments. Unlike other units on this list, this model is offered with a stand for easy storage. You can decide to buy a set from the same company at a lower price but without a stand. The unit has a quick lock adjustment system, which takes only 15 seconds to adjust. The set offers you flexibility with the amount of weight used. You can increase the weight up to 70 pounds through an add-on kit.

The dumbbells are a great investment, helping you stay in shape. Changing weights is easy thanks to the quick lock technology.

Universal Selectorized 445 Dumbbells and Stand

The Universal PowerPak sports a simple dial-a-weight system that lets you adjust from 5 pounds to 45 pounds. Increments are in 5 pounds. Its handle has a no-slip grip, offering you comfort and safety when you are working out. This dumbbell set has a space-saving storage shelf and a detailed workout guide, so, you can get the most out of your investment. The pricing of the dumbbells makes them a good option for different exercises.

You are offered a one-year manufacturer’s warranty. Though the design of the weights is excellent, it only accommodates up to 45 pounds whereas some are adjustable up to 70 pounds. It has nine weight settings – it stands in for nine dumbbells. If you are starting out and need a lightweight unit to build your strength, this might be a good option.

The Bowflex SelectTech 552 stands as one of the best adjustable dumbbells. It allows you to adjust weights from 5 to 50 pounds. Its simple dial-a-weight design makes it highly convenient and easy to use. It sports a stellar and innovative design.