Which Adjustable Dumbbells Should I Buy? An Overview of the BEST Adjustable Dumbbells

Let’s cut to the chase. There are basically three contenders when it comes to the best adjustable dumbbells. These are Ironmaster, Bowflex, and Powerblock. They are each leading the pack when it comes to quality and innovation. The following is review of these top systems.

Ironmaster Quick-Lock Dumbbell System

This is an adjustable dumbbell system in which the weight can be adjusted from 5-75 lbs. in 2.5 lb. increments. The bar is made of chrome plated steel and the bar as well as the plates contains no plastic. The weights lock into place with a 4 inch locking screw.  This system has received 30 perfect reviews on amazon.com. Price: around $500

Pros

• Take up very little space
• Add on kits allow for 120lbs+
• Provide more variety
• Very durable
• Lifetime warranty
• Stand Included

Cons

• Takes time to swap the weights

The word on the street is that this product looks and feels like fixed-weight dumbbells-with no rattling or movement when lifting, made in the USA, time it takes to change the dumbbell is worth the stability, built to take a beating, attractive look, definitely better than the competition. However: Does take longer to change the weight than with selectorized dumbbells.

Where to get this product: Amazon.com, Ironmaster.com

Bowflex SelectTech Dumbbells (552 and 1090)

This is a selectorized dumbbell system (system in which remaining weight is left on the floor or plate when you pick up selected amount of weight) where the weight is adjusted by turning a dial to the desired weight. There are two systems available, the 552 and the 1090. The 552 model ranges in weight from 5-52.5 lbs. and can be adjusted in 2.5 lb. increments. The 1090 model ranges in weight from 10-90 lbs. and can be adjusted in 5 lb. increments. It is consistently one of the highest rated dumbbells on user review sites and has even earned recommendations from several fitness publications. Price ranges from $400 -$600.

Pros

• Adjustable dial system quick and easy to use
• No time wasted pulling weights on and off
• 2 year limited warranty (5 years on weights)
• Compact

Cons

• Somewhat awkward to lift
• Internal plastic pieces can break if dumbbell is dropped
• Warranty limited when weight is dropped from specified height
• Expensive

The word on this product is that weight adjustments are incredibly easy to use, great space saver-especially for small apartments, can be a big saver over gym memberships. However: When at its highest weight- the length is long, plastic pieces that attach the weights to the handles are not strong enough, sometimes the size can get in the way, and it is important hear the click when dialing to a new weight to make sure you are on desired weight.

Where to get this product: Amazon.com, BowFlex SelectTech, Bowflex Treadclimber, Zoostores.com, Ebay, Weight Machine Guide, and Fitness Equipment Superstore.

Powerblock Sports Series (2.4, 5.0, 5.5, 9.0)

This too is a selectorized dumbbell system that works using a sliding pin to select desired weight.  (2.4 model ranges from 3-24 lbs. and can be adjusted in 3 lb. increments, 5.0 model ranges from 5 to 50 lbs. and can be adjusted in 5 lb. increments, 5.5 model ranges from 2.5 to 55 lbs. and can be adjusted in 2.5 lb. increments, and the 9.0 model ranges from 2.5 to 130 lbs. and can be adjusted in varied increments). It has a somewhat boxy design. This system is preferred by serious weightlifters and bodybuilders when compared to Bowflex SelectTech.  Price ranges (depending on Series) from $150 -$900.

Pros

• Easy to adjust
• Expandable
• Compact
• 10 year warranty (if not dropped from specified height)

Cons

• Selector pin must be placed precisely
• Using on carpet can be a challenge
• Some users say plates rattle loudly when lifted

What folks are saying is that it is really easy to change the weights, padded handles are comfortable, easy to maneuver, and weightlifters appreciate expandability. However: at highest weight, the dumbbell is pretty long and hard to maneuver on certain exercises, weight selection can be finicky-especially on carpet, magnetic pin seems a bit scary, weight can seem flimsy-feeling like the pin could slip out, be careful of inserting the pin crooked-the weight can be altered, and awkward pillars to stick your hand between.

Where to get this product: Ebay, GTech, BigFitness, Powerblock.com

So there you have it. Adjustable dumbbell reviews for the best of the best. Now go put your muscles to the test!

Consumersearch.com. (Updated Jan. 2010). Dumbbells: Full Report. Retrieved on Oct. 12, 2011 from http://www.consumersearch.com/dumbbells/adjustable-dumbbells

About Holly

"Any change requires an initial period of discomfort until the body adjusts to the new demand." - Author unknown