When it comes to versatility in your workouts, there isn’t a better piece of equipment to have at your disposal than dumbbells. In fact if you had nothing else other than a bench and some dumbbells you can have a great workout. With that being said the question that many people run into when they want to build their own home gym is, what are the best dumbbells of 2017? To answer that question there are 2 ways you can go about answering this question. You could buy a bunch of different dumbbells, try them all out to then figure out which ones work the best… or you can read this article where we did just that and we talk about about and rank the top 5 out on the market today.
In our best dumbbells review of 2017 we rank dumbbells that are perfect for a commercial gym as well as the best dumbbells for home use as well. Below you will find our review and the reasons for their rankings as well. Enjoy!
5. Titan Fitness Rubber Coated Dumbbells
Adjustable dumbbells come with a lot of perks. These save space and are cost efficient if you are exercising alone. However, these are also less durable compared to their fixed counterparts. Countless dumbbell reviews and unfortunate stories alike warn buyers about lost and damaged parts due to wear and tear. You will have to change the plates now and then, loosening the holder in the long run. Hence, we choose Titan Fitness Rubber Coated Dumbbells as the best dumbbell set on this list.
Titan Fitness designed this set of traditional dumbbells with your comfort in mind since the handles are chrome plated and are textured for a comfortable and firm grip. You can choose from ten pairs with varying weights, ranging from 5 to 50 pounds. Storage is also not an issue because Titan Fitness Rubber Coated Dumbbells come with a stand where you can place these when not in use.
It is technically the most expensive on this list, but it also provides the best value as this can be utilized by your workout companion at the same time. These are also weather resistant, ensuring it will not be subjected to wear and tear upon daily use. Similar to its fixed dumbbell counterparts, durability is its greatest trait.
4. Ironmaster Quick-Lock Adjustable Dumbbell System with Stand
Ironmaster’s latest dumbbell system further cements its reputation as one of the best dumbbells for home today. Do not be fooled with the company’s choice for traditional aesthetics because ordinary is the last thing you will say about its excellent features.
The dumbbells are well made, and it is the most durable we have tested in this list. Hence, you can be assured that this will last for years for its chrome-plated steel.
Ironmaster Quick-Lock Adjustable Dumbbell System comes up with a weight range from 5 to 75 pounds, which saves you money from buying a different set of dumbbells. While it does not have the automatic weight adjustment of the Bowflex, it compensates with its Quick-Lock Feature.
You will still have to add or remove the bars, but Ironman made the process insanely easy and fast. The Quick-Lock unlocks the weights, creates changes and securely locks them again for just 15-20 seconds. An add-on kit is also available up to 120 pounds, yet you may not need this if you are a newbie.
However, these specifications come up with a hefty price tag. The storage stand is also a tad bulky, which may pose a problem if you have limited space in your house. Nonetheless, it is convenient in safe keeping this Ironmaster dumbbell.
3. Titan Fitness Chrome Dumbbells
These familiar-looking dumbbells suit best for those who want an adjustable kit but do not have enough space for storage. Titan’s first entry in our best dumbbell list features a chrome-plated gizmo you can work with, whether you are just starting in the gym or are an exercise veteran.
Moreover, Titan Fitness Chrome Dumbbell is also the most affordable here, making this a gateway dumbbell kit for those who are interested in working out. The weight plates can be adjusted from 5 to 50 pounds in each handle. While these are manually added or removed, the process is done easily since you only have to secure the locks. The bar themselves are durable and boast a smooth finish.
However, Titan Fitness has to cut some corners to make these dumbbells affordable. The locks get loose if you adjust the weights too frequently although this can be replaced given the product’s warranty. It also lacks the sophisticated features of other entries in this list. Lastly, it does not come with a bag for storing the good bars upon purchase. Nonetheless, these cons are only minor and will not dampen your weightlifting experience.
2. Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells
You may mistake late night Bowflex’s infomercials as junk commercials but SelectTech 552 backs their aggressive campaign as our pick for the best dumbbell brands in this article. Well, Bowflex is known for fitness aficionados, and this adds to their reputation as manufacturers of terrific equipment.
While PowerBlock Elite Dumbbells prioritizes functionality over comfort, Bowflex SelectTech 552’s impressive trait is its robust and comfortable design. The steel construction and the textured rubber grips are ergonomically designed for your workout. Moreover, the molding surrounding the metal plates provides comfort.
It also boasts an adjustable dumbbell where you can lift from 5 to 52.5 pounds. The dumbbell weight is changed in 2.5-pound increments for the first 25 lbs. However, SelectTech 552 is superior for its style, where you only need to select the weight you prefer and the system will automatically pick the new bars for you.
It gives you a wide range of adjustable weight, albeit the weight range may not suit for athletes or for those who perform heavy workouts. SelectTech 552 suits best for beginners and intermediate users who are just starting to build their muscles. Lastly, this is relatively expensive for its limited weight adjustment, but your convenience as you will not have to add weights manually.
1. PowerBlock Elite Dumbbells
Our first entry takes a departure from your usual pair of dumbbells with its appearance. PowerBlock Elite Dumbbells is an adjustable kit that has selector pins which allow you to choose the weight you want on the bars. Fortunately, you will not need to purchase another set of dumbbells thanks to these expansion kits. These add weight to your preferences up to 70 or 90 pounds.
PowerBlock Elite Dumbbells are made of durable steel except for the plastic selector pins. The grips are your traditional style that may not be comfortable for new users. Nonetheless, this feature protects the user’s wrist from injuries. Its compact weight design also lessens the chance that you will hurt yourself in your workout from dumbbell-related accidents. The dumbbell set is also durable, although the selector pins may wear out through continuous use.
We said earlier that the PowerBlock Elite Dumbbells are one of the best dumbbell sets today because of their expansion kits. However, this can be tricky to use. Adjusting the weights in increments of ten pounds is easy but moving up or down in fewer pounds takes a while. You may find this inconvenient if you are used with regular dumbbells, but this proves helpful once you get familiar with it.
If you liked this article you should check out our article on the best bumper plates of 2017 as well, we think you’ll love it!
