A key ingredient to leading a healthy lifestyle is regular workouts. Personally, I work out just as much as the next guy. But whether you call it laziness, or a busy life schedule, there are days when I couldn’t bring myself to get up and go to the gym.
Finally, I decided to make myself a home gym so that I don’t have an excuse to skip my exercise days. And getting the best adjustable dumbbell set with a case was the brightest idea I had.
Buying individual fixed dumbbells for your home gym is not very practical. It is also quite expensive, and for your home gym, you are probably on a budget. In this article, we will give you a thorough rundown of some of the finest units available on the market that you can buy to make your very own gym at home.
Top 5 Best Adjustable Dumbbell Set with Case Reviews
Adjustable dumbbell sets are the perfect fitness equipment whether you go for heavy exercises or lighter exercises. Here are our top picks for some of the better choices out there that promise excellent performance and value.
01) Bowflex SelectTech D-Bell ST552
There is a reason why Bowflex SelectTech ST552 claimed the number one spot in our lists and why I have one sitting at my very own home gym. The quality it offers is unmatched in the market. Understandably, it is also quite expensive. But if you are a regular workout person, it is worth every penny.
Last update on 2024-11-17 / Ads
Adjustable Weight Range: Each of the dumbbells in the set can go from a minimum weight of 5 pounds to 52.5 pounds. Although some might say that it comes with a lighter weight compared to other units on the market, it is completely viable if you are not doing anything too intensive. Besides, its 2.5 pounds of increment value means it essentially gives you access to 15 sets of weights.
Grip Quality: If you are looking for premium grips quality, the unit will not disappoint. The textured grip in the unit is designed to give you the best handling experience anytime you pick it up. You do not need to worry about sweat from your hand messing up your grip during a workout, even if you do not wear gloves.
Connector: The connector design in the unit is a thing of beauty. You get an adjustable dial that you can rotate to select your desired weight almost instantly. And once you set it up, it will not move away unless you manually change it depending on your needs. Its excellent weight switching performance is one of its best features.
Design and Build: The overall quality of the unit is quite impressive, which is not that surprising considering the hefty price tag. It features a strong metal construction that allows for smooth lift-offs eliminating any noise during your workout. If you want the best, this is the set you need.
Pros
- Access to 15 different weights
- It comes with a weight plate locking mechanism
- Versatile weight range
- Strong and durable
Cons
- A bit too expensive for some people
02) PowerBlock Sport 24 Adjustable Dumbbell
PowerBlock is a brand that caters to a large group of people when it comes to gym equipment. Not only do they sell a decent variety of fixed dumbbells, but they also have a pretty expansive collection of adjustable one’s for you to browse. The Sport 24 by them is a fantastic choice for people who want to do some light dumbbell exercises from time to time.
Last update on 2024-11-17 / Ads
Adjustable Weight Range: Since this dumbbell set is aimed towards light strength training, its upper weight limit is only 25 pounds. But the three-pound increment starting from three pounds of minimum weight makes it versatile. Personally, the low weight limit bothers me, but I have many friends who regularly train with this set without complaints.
Grip Quality: The quality of the handle is where this unit outshines the rest of the models, in my opinion. It has an ergonomic shape ensuring you have a firm grip when you want to pick it up. The handle is made of hard rubber and will ensure you have a non-slip grip regardless of how intense your workout gets.
Connector: When it comes to the connector, the quality is still quite good. You can easily switch to different weights using a selector pin. The good thing about this design choice is that it is no different than using weight stacks that you find on any commercial gym. So using it should not be a hassle for anyone.
Design and Build: This set of adjustable dumbbells features an efficient design that takes up minimal space in your room. It is built with welded steel and should survive any abuse you throw at it. If you want to do some cardio workout or build up your muscular strength, you cannot go wrong with this option.
Pros
- An affordable entry-level choice
- Compact and balanced design
- Quick and easy weight switching options
- Strong and durableStrong and sturdy construction
Cons
- Low upper weight limit
03) BIZBON Adjustable Dumbbell 52.5 lbs.
Coming up next, we have a popular alternative to the Bowflex ST552. As we have already said, the ST552 is a bit expensive, and not everyone is willing to shell out that much money for a set of dumbbells. This unit by BIZBON is a good choice for people on a budget who still want a decent quality for their investment.
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Adjustable Weight Range: It has a lower weight limit of 5 pounds and can go up to 52.5 pounds in 2.5 pounds increments. So you get fifteen different weight options which is a lot considering what you are paying for the unit. Its versatile weight range makes it a good choice for almost any sort of workout routine.
Grip Quality: The unit also features a non-slip grip and comes with smooth side pads to prevent any rolling or skid when you put it on the ground. Since it is made with metal, you do not need to worry about any warping of the dumbbell handle, which is a common issue with many budget sets.
Connector: The weight plate connectors are made quite well and designed to make your workout sessions easier. You get an adjustable dial that lets you select the proper weight instantaneously. So you will be able to get to your desired weight without any hassle. To be honest, the design is almost the same as that of the Bowflex ST552.
Design and Build: Personally, I will always vouch for my Bowflex. However, if I was on a tight budget, this is a unit that I could picture myself buying. The overall construction and design of the unit are impressive, and the included dumbbell transport strap and cradle base seem like a decent addition to your investment.
Pros
- Fifteen different weight options
- An affordable option for light to mid-workout
- User-friendly dial adjustment system
- Excellent construction quality
Cons
- The dial starts to lose its smoothness after a while
04) ATIVAFIT Adjustable Dumbbell for Workout Strength Training
An adjustable dumbbell set is typically a hefty investment. However, with this option by the brand ATIVAFIT, this should not be an excuse anymore. It is one of the least expensive units I could find and considering the price it comes at; I was quite amazed at its features and qualities.
Last update on 2024-11-17 / Ads
Adjustable Weight Range: I would not recommend this unit for people looking to use it for intensive body workouts because of its low upper limit of only 27.5 pounds. However, it can easily replace four different fixed dumbbells giving you decent increments which can help you make a custom workout routine for yourself.
Grip Quality: The comfortable handle design features a custom texture less stressful to grip for extended workouts. It has a good level of friction and will stay secured to your hand without any risk of slipping. And for those of you who worry about that sort of thing, it also looks quite cool.
Connector: In terms of the connector design, honestly, I have seen better. But considering the price of the unit, it does not seem like enough of an issue to take away a point. It features a simple push and slide mechanism and keeps the weights secured enough for lightweight exercises. The design is quite straightforward and easy to use, and also quite fast.
Design and Build: Overall, it can be a solid investment if you are on a tight budget and looking for a cheap way to start a home gym. Sure, it will not deliver performance on par with that of a Bowflex or PowerBlock, but as long as you have a realistic expectation, this adjustable dumbbell set will serve you just fine.
Pros
- A highly affordable price tag
- Easy to use for anyone
- Good investment for a home gym
- Quite an impressive handle design
Cons
- Very limited weight adjustment options
05) EMAIS Adjustable Dumbbell Fitness Dial Dumbbell
To wrap up my list, I decided to go with my old dumbbell set by the brand EMAIS. While I did outgrow this set when I got my trusty pair of Bowflex, it served me quite well for a good long while. This is a unit that I trust and can safely recommend, which is saying a lot considering my skeptical personality.
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Adjustable Weight Range: I always was a fan of the versatile range of weight that this unit allows the user. You can switch from 5 pounds to 52.5 pounds at an increment of 2.5 pounds. This means you will be able to go from a light cardio workout to intense muscle strength building exercises in seconds.
Grip Quality: The quality of grips is also fantastic, thanks to the non-slip design of the handle. It even features a side pad to prevent slipping and a protective base to ensure it does not damage your flooring. The handle feels easy on the hands and will not introduce any unnecessary stress to your training.
Connector: The connector quality in the unit is also excellent, ensuring you have a balanced experience with it. IT features adjustable dials to switch the weights, and you have easy access to it whenever you need it. Switching from light to heavyweight is almost instantaneous, and the dial itself moves very smoothly.
Design and Build: This set of adjustable dumbbells is an excellent investment for anyone who has a moderate budget. It delivers a similar performance to the PowerBlock Elite at a fraction of the cost. Construction-wise you will find nothing to complain about, and if you take care of your equipment, this will last you a lifetime.
Pros
- Sturdy and long-lasting
- Excellent weight adjustment options
- Stable and balanced set of adjustable dumbbells
- It offers a great value for the price
Cons
- Nothing worth nitpicking about
Benefits of Using Adjustable Dumbbells
Getting a set of adjustable dumbbells over regular fixed ones or barbells is always a good idea. If you are like me, hitting the gym every day consistently is not really an option. With an adjustable dumbbell set, you do not have to skip your workout.
The major benefit that adjustable dumbbell offers are:
Perfect for Home Gym
For a home gym, adjustable dumbbell sets are the best option. Adjustable dumbbells are essentially a single steel bar. You can put on different weights based on the intensity of your training. So you do not have to invest in multiple units as long as you have a set of adjustable ones at home.
Versatile
With a fixed dumbbell, you need to invest in multiple ones at different weights. However, this is not an issue with adjustable dumbbells. It is much more versatile, and you can easily switch to different weights depending on your requirements.
Safe for Solo Workout
At home, you are probably working out alone. Since adjustable dumbbells are easy to manage, you do not need the help of a spotter during your exercise. It is a safe piece of gym equipment to handle alone.
Portable
Adjustable dumbbells are also quite portable compared to fixed dumbbell sets. For instance, I was going on a weekend retreat with a couple of friends but didn’t want to skip my workout day. Since I had an adjustable dumbbell set, I could pack it up in my car and exercise at night when my friends fell asleep.
Less Clutter
Adjustable dumbbells take up a lot less space and are much easier to put away compared to a regular set of barbells. You can put away the weights on a rack after you are done with your exercise. This means less clutter and a lot more flexibility during your workout.
Why You Should Avoid Using Fixed Dumbbells
Even though most gyms out there stand by their set of fixed dumbbells, it doesn’t mean you should invest in one yourself. Sure, fixed dumbbells are hard to beat in terms of durability and performance, but they fall short quite hard when it comes to value for the money.
Investing in a complete fixed dumbbell kit is quite expensive. Since you have to buy separate units if you want different weights, it makes no sense to go for fixed units for your home gym. With adjustable sets, you get a wider range of weight options at a fraction of what you would have to spend if you buy fixed dumbbells.
For professional gyms, fixed dumbbells are a decent investment since a lot of people will be using them. They can easily recover the money they spend on different weights, which you cannot if you are building a home gym.
When I was trying to figure out the perfect investment, I remember struggling quite a while between adjustable and fixed dumbbells. But now that I have a complete set of adjustable dumbbells at home, I know that I have made the right choice. In the long run, it ended up saving me a lot of money and offering a lot of value.
Weight Range in Adjustable Dumbbells
If you want to train up those muscles, you need to work with a lot of different weights. Working with a 10lb weight all the time will only get you to a certain level. The best Adjustable dumbbell sets will give you enough increments of weight for the most intense workout.
Fixed dumbbells come in as much weight as you might ever need. That much is a given. However, since adjustable dumbbells allow you to cover a lot of different weights, there is a limit to how much they can handle. However, the limit depends on the model that you are buying.
For example, I had an Ironmaster adjustable dumbbell standard set that could go up to 75 pounds without any trouble. For a while, that was enough for me. But when I felt that I needed more, I switched to Bowflex, which can go as high as 90 pounds. The Bowflex is obviously a bit pricier but still worth every single penny.
Power Blocks is another brand that manufactures units with 90 pounds of maximum weight. But if you are shopping on a tight budget, you might have to compromise in terms of the range of weight you get with the set. Typically, you can expect a weight range of at least 5 pounds to 50-plus pounds with almost any adjustable dumbbells.
Which Type of Dumbbell is the Best?
If I had to choose only one piece of equipment for my workout routine, I would probably go with a dumbbell. This is the single most important element in any gym environment. But depending on the environment, the best choice when it comes to the type of dumbbell varies wildly.
To know which type of dumbbell is best for you, consider your workout environment. In the following section, we will give you a quick rundown of the different types of dumbbells that you can buy, along with their strengths and weaknesses, to help you make the perfect choice.
- Fixed Dumbbells
Fixed dumbbells are the most common ones available on the market. The design of this type of dumbbell is pretty straightforward. You get a horizontal steel bar with weights on both ends. Typically, fixed dumbbells come as a set of two and can weigh anywhere from 5 pounds to upward of hundreds.
The weights on the fixed dumbbells can also feature different shapes like circle, hexagonal, or even square, in some cases. In terms of construction, they are quite durable, featuring materials like rubber or urethane on the weights to protect them against daily abuse.
Typically, fixed dumbbells are better for commercial gym environments. Since you cannot switch up the weights, it makes a poor choice if you are planning to use it at home. If you want to buy it for yourself, you need to invest in a few different pairs at different weights to get the most out of it.
- Adjustable Dumbbells
Adjustable dumbbells are the most versatile piece of home gym equipment available. They do not have a fixed weight like fixed dumbbells. Instead, you can increase or decrease the weight of this type of unit to suit the intensity of your workout routine.
The obvious advantage of this option is the flexibility. One set of adjustable dumbbells can replace 10 to 25 regular fixed ones depending on which model you are buying. They are also quite portable and offer a greater value for your investment.
If you are planning to work out at home, then adjustable dumbbells are the clear winner. The versatility you get out of them is unmatched, and they are also quite durable. Since you do not have to buy individual dumbbells for different weights, you will save a lot of money in the long run.
- Studio Dumbbells
Studio dumbbells are similar to fixed dumbbells meaning they have a fixed weight that you cannot change. However, these dumbbells are considerably lighter and typically not a good choice for commercial gym environments. They have a cover of neoprene or rubber around them to protect against any bumps or collisions.
In addition, the studio dumbbells typically have an anti-rolling design, which means the weights on its end are not fully round. This is to prevent them from being a trip hazard in a lightweight workout studio. Similar to fixed dumbbells, they are sold in pairs, but you can also buy them in bulk quantities.
If you are looking to do some light resistance workouts, going with a studio dumbbell might not be a bad choice. These are quite inexpensive; however, the cost is considerably lower when you buy them in larger quantities. Mostly, these dumbbells are used in studio classes, as the name suggests.
Do Adjustable Dumbbell Sets Break?
A question I get asked often is, are adjustable dumbbell sets durable? There is a fear going around that the dumbbell might break and fall on someone during an exercise like skull crusher or chest press. Well, as scary as it may sound, there is a somewhat valid reason behind it.
Whether your set of adjustable dumbbells will break or not depends on the one, you are buying. If you are going with the cheapest unit on the market and your only concern is to save money, you really cannot complain about the quality of the product that you are buying.
With this type of product, going with a cheap one is not the right idea. The quality and durability of adjustable dumbbells depend on the weight adjustment system that comes with them. If you are going with a premium unit, you will probably get steel or chrome plates that can handle any weight you attach to it.
However, cheaper products will usually leave you with a plastic plate, and it does pose a lot of safety concerns, especially if you are working out with heavier weights. There is always a chance that the dumbbell will break under the excessive pressure of the weights if the plate is made of plastic.
So when you are investing in an adjustable dumbbell set, make sure to take a lot at its weight locking mechanism. As long as you make sure that the locking system is high quality, it should not break during your workout.
Are adjustable dumbbell sets worth it?
Are adjustable dumbbells good for beginners?
How heavy should adjustable dumbbells be for beginner?
Can you do overhead exercises with adjustable dumbbells?
Final Thoughts
For working out at your home, adjustable dumbbell sets are a godsend. They eliminate a lot of the costs of gathering individual dumbbells and offer you a decent range of weights at a better price. Sure, some people have reservations about it, but after trying it out myself, I never looked back.
We hope our extensive article on the best adjustable dumbbell set with case could help you figure out which unit would make a good addition to your home workout space.
