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Dumbbell Shopping Guide



If you’ve considered large, expensive workout equipment, but aren’t sure you’ll have the space to store it or even use the equipment to its full potential, a set of dumbbells is a great place to start. At first glance, all dumbbells may appear to be very similar but as we dive deeper into different features of dumbbells, you’ll quickly realize that not all dumbbells are created equal. When searching for dumbbells, some things to think about include the following:

• How many dumbbells do you need?
• What shape should the heads be?
• What are the handles like?
• Should you get dumbbells with a warranty?

How many dumbbells do you need?

It is common for consumers who are just getting into working out at home to purchase a single set of dumbbells, but they tend to get quickly outgrown. If you’re looking for a set of dumbbells that will last you a lifetime, it may be worth looking into a set that comes with multiple increments of weight so that you have a variety of weights to work with from the start.

While there are some great dumbbell options available that come with three or four different sets of incrementally heavier dumbbells, if you’re after variety there may be another solution. Some companies have begun to adapt to the consumer’s need for different weighted dumbbells by creating adjustable dumbbells into their design.

What shape should the heads be?

When you’re looking for the best design for a dumbbell, it’s worth considering the shape of the head of the dumbbell. Some of the most popular dumbbells have hex shaped heads that prevent them from rolling away from you in the middle of a hard workout. A hex shaped dumbbell allows for easy stacking, soft-drop placement, and even takes up less space than steel plate style hand weights. Alternative styles of dumbbell head designs include the traditional circular dumbbell weights that do roll, but sometimes allow for the replacement of weighted plates to increase or decrease difficulty.



What are the handles like?

The makeup and style of a dumbbell handle may not be the first thing that comes to your mind when searching for the best dumbbell, but it can be an impactful feature of any dumbbell set. Some dumbbell handles are made of steel and have bumpy grips, while others are silicon or rubber wrapped to allow for easy sanitizing. It is even possible to find plastic-coated or foam coated dumbbell handles on the market. 

It’s important to remember that once your order has arrived and your dumbbells are set up in your home gym, one of the features that you will interact with every day is the handle. While it is possible to put athletic tape on a steel handle, a soft rubber coated or plastic wrapped dumbbell may be more comfortable for daily use.

Should you get dumbbells with a warranty?

Some companies offer protective warranties that last an entire year, while others offer 30-day warranties or money back guarantees. What you should really be concerned about is build quality and a short-term warranty that covers any damaged outer coatings, loose fittings, or misshapen molding that you notice within a few days of receiving the package. With a traditional steel dumbbell wrapped in rubber coating there are not a lot of moving parts that can break. On the other side of the spectrum are modern, adjustable dumbbells with switches and knobs that can come loose or fall apart. If you have any concern about the build quality or moving parts of the dumbbell set you’re ordering, it may be worth your time to take a quick peek at the warranty section.



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