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Dumbbell-like devices have been used since ancient Greece to build athleticism and muscle. Today, they remain an effective tool in a man\u2019s strength-training arsenal.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Dumbbells are handy for isolation movements like bicep curls and are easier on the joints than barbells. They can be swapped in for certain barbell lifts if an injury prevents using a barbell for that exercise (e.g., swapping the barbell shoulder press for a dumbbell shoulder press), or they can be one\u2019s preferred equipment for getting a full-body workout.<\/span><\/p>\n There\u2019s just one problem with dumbbells: To build strength, you have to train using the principle of progressive overload \u2014 adding reps or weight each week \u2014 and to add weight to dumbbell workouts, you have to use progressively heavier pairs of dumbbells. But that requires access to a huge set of them, where the first pair starts at around 10 pounds and each subsequent pair is 5 pounds heavier, on up to around 100 pounds. That\u2019s almost 20 potential pairs of dumbbells.<\/span><\/p>\n That\u2019s fine if you belong to a gym, and they provide that big ol\u2019 range of dumbbells on a big ol\u2019 rack for patrons. But if you\u2019re working out at home, a full set of dumbbells can cost you somewhere in the ballpark of $3500 to purchase and will take up a heck of a lot of space. It\u2019s a non-starter for the average guy.<\/span><\/p>\n To solve this dilemma, manufacturers of fitness equipment have created adjustable dumbbells. All you need is a single pair of them, as each dumbbell can be toggled from lighter to heavier weights. Adjustable dumbbells are a lot more affordable than getting a full set of the traditional variety and take up far less room.<\/span><\/p>\n But do adjustable dumbbells really work as advertised, and if so, which of the various kinds available are the best?<\/span><\/p>\n I recently field-tested four models, and below I offer my unbiased, non-sponsored take on each of their pros and cons and which I\u2019d recommend most.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n With the ability to adjust the weight of each dumbbell from 5 to 50 pounds (up to 90 pounds if you buy extension kits), these dumbbells pack the utility of up to 20 traditional dumbbells within a small footprint.\u00a0<\/p>\n Compact design. <\/b>One of the standout features of the PowerBlock Elite EXP is its compact design. The dumbbells have a block shape and don\u2019t sit in a special cradle as other adjustable dumbbells do. Out of all the adjustable dumbbells I tried, the PowerBlock Elite EXP takes up the least amount of space.<\/span><\/p>\n Durable.<\/b> As we\u2019ll see, many adjustable dumbbells are pretty finicky and require you to treat them with kid gloves. When I used the PowerBlock, I felt I could be rougher with them and not worry that they\u2019d break.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Price.<\/b> Right now, you can buy a pair for $430 on Amazon, making it one of the cheaper adjustable dumbbell sets out there. However, the extension kits to increase their weight capacity to 70 and 90 pounds cost $125 and $170, respectively. So it\u2019s a good entry-level adjustable dumbbell, but if you think you\u2019ll quickly max out the weight capacity and have to buy the extensions, then it won\u2019t ultimately be a real bargain.<\/span><\/p>\n Weight adjustment.<\/b> The weight adjustment mechanism on the PowerBlock is kind of annoying. The process involves removing a plastic pin and sliding it into the desired weight slot. Using the pin to adjust the weight will allow you to go up or down by 10 pounds. If you want to adjust the weight by 2.5 to 5 pounds, you remove some metal cylinders from the handle. Compared to other adjustable dumbbells I tried, the weight adjustment process is pretty clunky.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nPros<\/h2>\n
Cons<\/h2>\n