Adjustable Dumbbells. Yay or Nay?

TylerDurden389 · 02-10-2008, 11:53 AM

What's up everyone? I'd like your opinions on those adjustable dumbbells that change the weight by turning the dial (or something similar). The most commonly known is usually the "Seletech Bowflex" dumbbells that go up to 52.5 pounds. Do they sound like a better investment than buying dumbbell handles or Hex dumbbells? Does anyone have experience or heard stories about them being flimsy and breaking easily? Are the comfortable enough that they don't affect ROM when doing exercises (like presses)?

**chrispghmuscle** · 02-10-2008, 11:58 AM

They have them at the gym i go to,, there a little cumbersome.. If your not use to the boxy style.. The other concern I have is how accurate is the weight in lbs. You cant roll them like conventional dbells, or the Hex style.. I just leave them on the stand and laugh.. ( thinking ) what will they think of next.................

Chris

**robbyybt** · 02-10-2008, 12:29 PM

I wouldn't buy them. Its much better and easier imo to just buy normal dumbbells and use them. Itll take longer to change the weight but its atleast something to do between sets.

**under construction** · 02-10-2008, 12:32 PM

If your short on space they arent bad they just dont go heavy enough they actually remind me a lot of the fixed hex DB.

KM · 02-10-2008, 12:36 PM

You can fit very little weight on them also. I'd go for the ones with the Hexagon shaped weight at the end. Cheap, safer and more effective. Also the screws can fall off the adjustable ones.

mperk · 02-10-2008, 12:44 PM

I have a set of the "powerblock" dumbells that I like quite a bit they are veryu safe etc. I got the 1st set (up to 50lbs per dumbell) at a garage sale cheap - but when i added the next 40 lbs (up to 90 per dumbell) it cost like $200. So in the end I would say they are very expensive but the big advantage is that they take no space in your garage, or bedroom, etc. Look on craig's list for used ones.

Having said that the standard free weights are pretty cheap at Sport mart and they are definately easier to use.

BTW the power block goes up to 130 per dumbell but at that weight they are so big they are difficult to handle.

Hope that helps.

**under construction** · 02-10-2008, 01:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mperk

I have a set of the "powerblock" dumbells that I like quite a bit they are veryu safe etc. I got the 1st set (up to 50lbs per dumbell) at a garage sale cheap - but when i added the next 40 lbs (up to 90 per dumbell) it cost like $200. So in the end I would say they are very expensive but the big advantage is that they take no space in your garage, or bedroom, etc. Look on craig's list for used ones.

Having said that the standard free weights are pretty cheap at Sport mart and they are definately easier to use.

BTW the power block goes up to 130 per dumbell but at that weight they are so big they are difficult to handle.

Hope that helps.

wow never seen them that heavy. I stand corrected 130 is plenty for me

**Freak** · 02-10-2008, 02:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mperk

I have a set of the "powerblock" dumbells that I like quite a bit they are veryu safe etc. I got the 1st set (up to 50lbs per dumbell) at a garage sale cheap - but when i added the next 40 lbs (up to 90 per dumbell) it cost like $200. So in the end I would say they are very expensive but the big advantage is that they take no space in your garage, or bedroom, etc. Look on craig's list for used ones.

Having said that the standard free weights are pretty cheap at Sport mart and they are definately easier to use.

BTW the power block goes up to 130 per dumbell but at that weight they are so big they are difficult to handle.

Hope that helps.

My friend has a set of powerblocks and they are nice. If you compare the price of the powerblocks with buying every dumbell that is replaces you are saving tons of $$$.

monkeybiker · 02-10-2008, 03:53 PM

When I used to train at home I had adjustable dumbells with a spin lock. They have a thread at each end and you put a large bolt on each end and spin it on. They are a lot cheaper than the dial turn dumbells that you discibe. They will take longer to change the weight however you will need to rest a minute or so between sets so you will have time to change the weights. They are also quite safe.

**chrispghmuscle** · 02-10-2008, 07:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by monkeybiker

When I used to train at home I had adjustable dumbells with a spin lock. They have a thread at each end and you put a large bolt on each end and spin it on. They are a lot cheaper than the dial turn dumbells that you discibe. They will take longer to change the weight however you will need to rest a minute or so between sets so you will have time to change the weights. They are also quite safe.

I have that kind in my basement, I can load 7 per side. That's a 140 lb dbell..

bulk then cut · 02-10-2008, 09:33 PM

id prefer regular hex dumbells