Types of Adjustable Dumbbells
Though there are some obvious exceptions (namely, these Northdeer and Powerblock pairs), most adjustable dumbbells fit into one of three categories: digital, dial and spinlock.
Digital
The latest evolution of the humble dumbbell, these innovative bits of kit allow you to change the resistance of your weights with minimal effort (just what you want between energy-sapping sets).
They come with clever holding docks that have a small screen and buttons on the side. When the dumbbell is racked, you can use the buttons to select your chosen weight (displayed on the screen). Then, the relevant plates will attach to the bar, while any unused plates remain in the rack.
The docks have to be plugged in to work, and the dumbbells tend to max out at about 20kg, but those are the only real downsides.
Dial
Looking like the lovechild of a free weight, a high-security safe and a Transformer, these nifty training aids can help you look your (Optimus) prime — sorry.
They have the traditional dumbbell design — plates attached to a central handle — but each end is capped with a rotating dial that can be used to select how much weight you want on the bar. You’ll need to re-rack it into its holding dock before changing the resistance. Then, similar to digital dumbbells, any excess weight plates will be left behind while the necessary load will remain attached to the bar.
Some will have a dial on each end, while others save time by only requiring you to turn one dial to switch the resistance. We also like the addition of security locks to a few models, making sure the plates stay in place.
They can rattle a bit in use, but we tested one pair that can load up to 41kg on a single dumbbell, making these a good option for at-home heavy lifters.
Spinlock
Commonplace in teenage bedrooms the world over, these classic bits of kit will no doubt be familiar to you. Usually comprising two bars, a selection of smaller weight plates, and four spinlock collars that twist into place on the grooved ends of each dumbbell to secure the load, these old school lifting implements offer everything you’d want from a pair of weights.
Yes, it can take a while to change the weight as you have to spin each individual collar on and off each time, and the plates can clang when you press them overhead. But their no-frills build makes them a darn sight cheaper than their tech-heavy counterparts.
Benefits of Adjustable Dumbbells
Ergonomic and compact, adjustable dumbbells offer up to 24 different weight options in one, replacing a decadent dumbbell rack with a single, space-saving piece of kit. That leaves more room for full-body dumbbell exercises (think thrusters, lunges and deadlifts) and other fitness gear (that’s your barbell, skipping ropes, kettlebells and squat rack).
Sure, the price of some sets may raise a few eyebrows at first glance, but these dumbbells are cost effective. Hear us out. The cost of gym memberships is rising and may soon surpass the singular fee of an adjustable dumbbell. Plus, with fixed free weights, you’d have to splash out every time you made decent progress and need to challenge yourself with something heavier. No such pain with the adjustable variety; simply push a button/twist a dial/slap a couple more plates on and feel the burn.
Below we’ve compiled a list of the best adjustable dumbbells for building muscle, strength, endurance and power from the relative comfort (if you’ll allow us to call it that) of your living room.
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