Adjustable Dumbells - Worth It?

Hi All,

Does anyone here use adjustable dumbells as part of their workout?
I dont live in a house so looking for space-saving dumbells but not sure if adjustable dumbells are worth it given its price can be high for something like Bowflex ($800+) though sure it's convenient.

If you do use it, please share your experience and if there are any recommendations.
I dont mind to get something like Bowflex if it's worth it and will take it as one-off investment..

Thanks

Comments

  • I used to have Ironmaster adjustible dumbbells for a few years. Really great quality, but had a tendancy to seize up so I was having to regularly lubricate them, otherwise it was quite the pain removing the threaded ends. One great thing about the Ironmasters is how well they work with leverage on the top of your thighs when you are getting in position (eg for chest exercises). Bowflex would be similar since the bar doesn't really jut out, just a little less convenient.

    One thing I would be concerned with from most brands if they have any plastic parts in particular is the safety aspect. These days I just buy the hex dumbells from kmart which have a decent range of increments up to about 12kg, then can source higher elsewhere of course. Depends on how heavy you plan to lift and if you intend on using any other equipment like a barbell.

    Also will depending on how you like to train, drop sets are near impossible to do properly with a single adjustable set.

  • +2

    Whenever I see adjustable dumbbell sets at someones' house, they've been sitting unused for years.

    Seems like the extra faff required to use them needs a lot of dedication to overcome. I can see the appeal, but personally just pay a small amount for a gym membership as I know I would never use anything short of a 'proper' barbell setup.

    • +1

      Whenever I see adjustable dumbbell sets at someones' house, they've been sitting unused for years.

      I can confirm this is true

      • +2

        I can confirm this is true

        Pfft mine have only been sitting unused since August last year

  • My wife uses Weider power switch, owned for 15 years.
    Light version 1kg empty, half kg increments up to 5kg per dumbbell
    Spring loaded pull up pin
    All works as per new
    .

  • Hi I have 2x24kg and 2x40kf fortis set. I got them on mega sale. Worth rrp? Nah.

    Don’t drop them and don’t hit them together and you will be fine.

    Bit bulky imo for small frame people but can’t argue on space saving and price.

  • +2

    Another option is resistance bands/pull-up bands. They're quite thick. Usually come in 4 different thicknesses. With each band you can vary the resistance with how you use it. With furniture or somewhere to tie up to (pole, railing) you can do a lot of exercises.

  • I found your thread and have been looking at the same thing. The 5kg hexagon dumbbells are 5kg at Kmart & Big W for $20 now.

    What did you end up buying @OzFrugie?

    • +1

      i ended up buying bowflex from amazon. not cheap but during a sale so soften the blow a bit…

      • That's awesome! Hope you're working out and getting your money's worth :D

  • Dumbbells are more for accessory exercises. For main lifts, you should be using a barbell and power rack since it is safer, far more effective and time efficient.

    $800 is a lot to spend on something you can only perform light exercise. For $800 you can grab a reliable power rack and barbell. Then you can spend $400 more on a bench + plates.

    I get that some people lack the space for a power rack, but it is easy to overestimate the footprint required. A typical power rack + barbell + bench setup only requires roughly a 1.8m by 2.4m rectangle (allowances included).

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