Adjustable dumbbells are such an underrated fitness product, they are perfect for home gyms or fitness studios that are short on space.
Instead of requiring 50 sets of different dumbbells you just need one set.
This will save you a small fortune and (perhaps more importantly) will save you a tonne of space.
In this article we are going to look at five of the best adjustable dumbbells that are currently on the market.
Adjustable Dumbbells #1: Core Fitness Adjustable Dumbbells
Core Fitness specialize in adjustable dumbbells, and this set is an excellent introduction to weight training for new lifters.
Each dumbbell uses a quick and easy system for adjusting the weights, using twist lock technology.
The weights start from 5lbs and can be increased to 50lbs (around 22kg).
This makes them excellent for new lifters, however, experienced lifters may find them a little light after a while.
Of course, what is great about adjustable dumbbells is that you can just purchase a couple of heavier dumbbells to compliment them, you’ll have loads of space.
The handles for these dumbbells are excellent, with a soft grip and contoured design, the length of the dumbbells is a little long, but this is understandable as you need the space for the heavier weights.
If you want you can also purchase a Core Fitness stand, to place your weights on. But this isn’t really necessary.
The dumbbells have a 2 year parts warranty and are highly durable.
Overall, these are some seriously good weights.
They feel and look just like traditional dumbbells, they are easy to adjust, take up little space, and are very reasonably priced.
Their durability is great, and the 2-year warranty on parts is a great feature.
Adjustable Dumbbells #2: Powerblock Elite Dumbbells
Powerblock were one of the first adjustable dumbbells around and have by and large stuck to their original design.
This is both a positive and a negative.
On the plus side, these dumbbells are sturdy, durable, and easy to adjust. On the negative side, newer adjustable dumbbells (such as the ones mentioned on this list) have begun to outperform them.
The major downside of Powerblock Elite dumbbells is the design, while many exercises can be performed using blocky weights, certain exercises such as the bench press suffer from overly large weights.
The dumbbells go up to 50lbs in weight, starting at 5lbs just like the Core Fitness dumbbells. You can purchase a version that goes up to 70lbs or even 90lbs!
The Powerblock Elite dumbbells have one of the best warranties out there, they are covered for 10 years!
This just shows how confident Powerblock are about the durability of their weights.
Powerblock also have one of the easiest to adjust weights, with a clever color-coded system that can identify which weight you are currently using.
Yes, they are a little old school in their design, but they are well-made, easy to adjust, able to increase in weight from 5lbs to 90lbs (depending on which sets you buy) and have a very generous warranty.
A really decent set all round.
Adjustable Dumbbells #3: ATIVAFIT Adjustable Dumbbells
What’s amazing about ATIVAFIT’s adjustable dumbbells is that they are so much cheaper than the similar adjustable dumbbells (i.e. Bowflex), while still being high in quality.
Seriously, don’t let the price tag fool you. These dumbbells will last you a long time (provided you treat them well).
They have a weight range from 11lbs to 71.5lbs which can be increased in increments of 5.5lsb.
Please bear in mind that the ATIVAFIT adjustable dumbbells are sold individually rather than in pairs.
You’ll need two if you want to perform normal bench presses, shoulder presses etc (though both exercises can be performed one arm at a time).
The grip on these dumbbells is superior to almost any other dumbbells and are non-slip.
They are easily adjustable and take up very little space.
There is a one-year parts warranty on them, and aesthetically they are hard to beat.
Adjustable Dumbbells #4: NordicTrack Speed Weights
NordicTrack have a reputation as one of the best treadmill makers out there, their adjustable dumbbells are a continuation of that high-quality product line.
They have a weight range from 10lbs to 55lbs and come in a set of two (compared to the ATIVAFIT weights which are sold separately).
They are easily adjusted using a push and rotate system, and they look amazing.
Our favourite part of these dumbbells is their great space-saving design.
Unlike some adjustable dumbbells, the NordicTrack speed weights are designed to take up as little space while you are lifting them as possible, allowing you full range of motion for any exercise.
The only real downside is the lack of any upgraded weights (a 90lbs or even 70lbs set would have been nice).
Perfect for newer lifters, female lifters (though of course many females may be too strong for them), and people who are performing high rep sets.
Adjustable Dumbbells #5: Bowflex SelectTech 1090 Adjustable Dumbbells
Having a list of adjustable dumbbells without mentioning Bowflex is like naming your top ten sprinters of all time and neglecting Usain Bolt.
Bowflex revolutionized the adjustable weights industry, and their products are the gold standard that all other competitors are measured against.
Sadly, this does make them the most expensive on this list, but they are well worthy of their price tag.
The SelectTech 1090 has the largest range of different weights of any on this list, starting from 10lbs and going up in increments of around 5lbs up to 90lbs, there are 17 settings that you can use.
They are simple to adjust, highly durable, they look amazing, and they are well designed, meaning that you can perform any exercise without being hindered by bulky weights.
Please note that just like the ATIVAFIT weights, the Bowflex SelectTech 1090 adjustable dumbbells are sold individually, you will need to buy two if you are looking for a pair.