Adjustable Dumbbells

cormie · 05-08-2015 10:04pm #1

Hi folks,
I've been going through rehab for a shoulder tendinitis and am happy to say that I've also been good in terms of home exercising. I want to keep it up and have an array of different exercises I can do at home in terms of body weight, resistance bands, suspension training and also weight training. I'm limited on space and have spent a number of hours so far looking up quickly adjustable dumbbells.

I've looked into the most popular ones, bowflex, powerblock etc and am almost settled on The Bodymax Selectabell set:

5-32.5kg: http://www.mcsport.ie/p/bodymax-325kg-selectabell-db-pair----/wtfd2104

2.5-25kg: http://www.mcsport.ie/p/bodymax-25kg-selectabell-dumbells---pair/wtfd2109

As I'm really only starting off and need to do rotator cuff exercises, I'll probably go with the 25kg set as a) they are cheaper and b) I don't think I'll be doing anything higher than 25kg per dumbbell for a good while yet?

Argos seem to have a rebrand of the bodymax here: http://www.argos.ie/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Search?storeId=10152&catalogId=14551&langId=111&searchTerms=dial+dumbell&authToken=#tab3

They work out slightly cheaper (2 for €270) but maybe the bodymax are of slightly higher quality? Also, if anyone has an MCsport 10% code please let me know

These are available on amazon too but the GBP>EUR rate means Mcsport is cheaper.

If anyone has experience of these and some last minute advice, please share as it's an expensive purchase but I do think I'll get my money's worth

Transform · 05-08-2015 10:40pm

cormie wrote: »

Hi folks,
I've been going through rehab for a shoulder tendinitis and am happy to say that I've also been good in terms of home exercising. I want to keep it up and have an array of different exercises I can do at home in terms of body weight, resistance bands, suspension training and also weight training. I'm limited on space and have spent a number of hours so far looking up quickly adjustable dumbbells.

I've looked into the most popular ones, bowflex, powerblock etc and am almost settled on The Bodymax Selectabell set:

5-32.5kg: http://www.mcsport.ie/p/bodymax-325kg-selectabell-db-pair----/wtfd2104

2.5-25kg: http://www.mcsport.ie/p/bodymax-25kg-selectabell-dumbells---pair/wtfd2109

As I'm really only starting off and need to do rotator cuff exercises, I'll probably go with the 25kg set as a) they are cheaper and b) I don't think I'll be doing anything higher than 25kg per dumbbell for a good while yet?

Argos seem to have a rebrand of the bodymax here: http://www.argos.ie/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Search?storeId=10152&catalogId=14551&langId=111&searchTerms=dial+dumbell&authToken=#tab3

They work out slightly cheaper (2 for €270) but maybe the bodymax are of slightly higher quality? Also, if anyone has an MCsport 10% code please let me know

These are available on amazon too but the GBP>EUR rate means Mcsport is cheaper.

If anyone has experience of these and some last minute advice, please share as it's an expensive purchase but I do think I'll get my money's worth

have had clients that have bough those and broke after about a year.

Ive personally used my set of powerblocks for over 10years and no issue at all, just look less sexy but absolutely bulletproof, these ones - http://www.mcsport.ie/p/powerblock-sport-50-adjustable-dumbbells---2-225kgs/pbs50

cormie · 06-08-2015 12:04am

Thanks for the input. I was looking at the power block alright but saw a good few reviews from owners of both the bodymax and the powerblock and they seemed to prefer the bodymax.

There's a load of options for the powerblock and it's a bit confusing and offputting as to which would be best for me.

Would you suggest the set you linked to for someone who's main goal is just strength and toning and not size... and injury recovery overall..

I've seen a few of your posts before and have appreciated the advice given so glad to see that you're endorsing the use of the adjustable dumbbells and not putting them down as a gimmick and of no comparison to individual weights.

Transform · 06-08-2015 2:24pm

cormie wrote: »

Thanks for the input. I was looking at the power block alright but saw a good few reviews from owners of both the bodymax and the powerblock and they seemed to prefer the bodymax.

There's a load of options for the powerblock and it's a bit confusing and offputting as to which would be best for me.

Would you suggest the set you linked to for someone who's main goal is just strength and toning and not size... and injury recovery overall..

I've seen a few of your posts before and have appreciated the advice given so glad to see that you're endorsing the use of the adjustable dumbbells and not putting them down as a gimmick and of no comparison to individual weights.

yup recommend for all that and you can always use bands for anything you want lighter than 4kg which is the lightest load on those.

Im sure you're doing all of this? - http://www.dominicmunnelly.ie/2011/04/improving-shoulder-mobility/

get yourself a kettlebell and pull up bar and you have a darn good home gym set up and if they were the only tools i had access to to train 90% of the clients i work with i would do just fine.

cormie · 07-08-2015 1:34pm

Thanks again for the input. Are you sure you linked me to the correct power block, you mention the lightest load is 4kg, but it's 2kg on the pair you linked to?

Thanks for the links to the videos too. What foam roller is that? Is it decent? I know a lot of them lose their shape after a while and that one looks nice and compact too, but maybe a longer one would be better for vertical use to give head support?

My physio has been using kettlebells with me a lot, I was thinking to get these but they don't seem available in Europe: http://www.amazon.com/Rocketlok-RKB-36-24-36-Adjustable-Kettlebell/dp/B006Q8TYAW/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1438950717&sr=8-2&keywords=rocketlok

I have a door pull up bar and I can use this with bands too. The kettlebell and dumbbell would pretty much give me everything I need for proper recovery and more I'm sure. Still tempted with the bodymax though

cormie · 07-08-2015 2:25pm

Oh sweet, was just looking at the rocketlok kettlebell on amazon again and saw this one suggested:

http://www.amazon.com/Stamina-36-Pound-Adjustable-Kettle-Versa-Bell/dp/B003DQSTCY

Has very good reviews and a good weight range and the way the weights are stored means it doesn't change the outer shape of the bell, adjusting looks really quick too so I spent about 20 minutes looking how to get it to Ireland at the best price and bought it here:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/350955181378

$149 + $21 shipping (for 16kg that's a fantastic price, I hope they don't cancel the order on me due to any mistake in shipping price) + $37 import duties. The total charged to my card was €198.

Checked all the EU amazon's, google.co.uk, all the Amazon.com sellers and checked more sellers on eBay so I think the above is probably amongst the best deal you'll get on this. Pricey for a Kettlebell but I'm almost done building a pretty versatile home gym that will fit into a small suitcase!

Transform · 10-08-2015 1:44pm

cormie wrote: »

Oh sweet, was just looking at the rocketlok kettlebell on amazon again and saw this one suggested:

http://www.amazon.com/Stamina-36-Pound-Adjustable-Kettle-Versa-Bell/dp/B003DQSTCY

Has very good reviews and a good weight range and the way the weights are stored means it doesn't change the outer shape of the bell, adjusting looks really quick too so I spent about 20 minutes looking how to get it to Ireland at the best price and bought it here:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/350955181378

$149 + $21 shipping (for 16kg that's a fantastic price, I hope they don't cancel the order on me due to any mistake in shipping price) + $37 import duties. The total charged to my card was €198.

Checked all the EU amazon's, google.co.uk, all the Amazon.com sellers and checked more sellers on eBay so I think the above is probably amongst the best deal you'll get on this. Pricey for a Kettlebell but I'm almost done building a pretty versatile home gym that will fit into a small suitcase!

thats a bunch of cash for a 16kg kettlebell that you could buy a 12 (€30) and a 16kg(€45) bell for far less

im still suggesting powerblocks

foam rollers here - https://www.facebook.com/pages/Foamrollersbydesign/595722267113242?fref=ts

mdwexford · 10-08-2015 2:50pm

Have powerblocks sport 9.0s myself and did a lot of research before buying them. I love them and highly recommend them.

Ironmasters were the only others I considered but the hassle to change weights put me off.

cormie · 10-08-2015 6:56pm

Transform wrote: »

thats a bunch of cash for a 16kg kettlebell that you could buy a 12 (€30) and a 16kg(€45) bell for far less

im still suggesting powerblocks

foam rollers here - https://www.facebook.com/pages/Foamrollersbydesign/595722267113242?fref=ts

My place is tiny so every inch of floor space is valuable, there's 16, 20, 24, 28, 32 and 36lb choices in the one kettlebell on that one and I'm using lower weights than 12 and 16kg at the moment so it'll be good to be able to use them and increase as I get stronger

ended up getting the bodymax 5-32.5kg sets today from McSport, happy enough with them so far, they do stick a little on changing the weights but a little wiggle sorts it.

I ended up ordering this foam roller the other day, it has a lot of good reviews: http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00S9LQBRI?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00

Hail 2 Da Chimp · 09-12-2015 2:26pm

mdwexford wrote: »

Have powerblocks sport 9.0s myself and did a lot of research before buying them. I love them and highly recommend them.

cormie wrote: »

ended up getting the bodymax 5-32.5kg sets today from McSport, happy enough with them so far, they do stick a little on changing the weights but a little wiggle sorts it.

Transform wrote: »

Ive personally used my set of powerblocks for over 10years and no issue at all, just look less sexy but absolutely bulletproof, these ones - http://www.mcsport.ie/p/powerblock-s...2-225kgs/pbs50

Hey all,
Just wondering how you're getting on with the Powerblocks / Bodymax?

Transform and mdwexford recommending Powerblocks, but they only seem to go up to 22.5Kg, where as the Bodymax go up to 32.5Kg.

So I'm thinking of going for the Bodymax as I think I'll get a bit more bang for my buck. Also they look a lot better, which doesn't hurt.

Transform mentioned he had clients with Bodymax dumbbells that broke within a year. Has anyone else heard of any issues with these?

It's a bit of a pain looking though online reviews as everyone seems to be pushing whatever brand they either own, or are trying to sell - there doesn't seem to be any neutral advice out there so I appreciate any input

Transform · 09-12-2015 5:34pm

Hail 2 Da Chimp wrote: »

Hey all,
Just wondering how you're getting on with the Powerblocks / Bodymax?

Transform and mdwexford recommending Powerblocks, but they only seem to go up to 22.5Kg, where as the Bodymax go up to 32.5Kg.

So I'm thinking of going for the Bodymax as I think I'll get a bit more bang for my buck. Also they look a lot better, which doesn't hurt.

Transform mentioned he had clients with Bodymax dumbbells that broke within a year. Has anyone else heard of any issues with these?

It's a bit of a pain looking though online reviews as everyone seems to be pushing whatever brand they either own, or are trying to sell - there doesn't seem to be any neutral advice out there so I appreciate any input

just got another set for a client this week as his bodymax ones were falling apart mid set.

the power blocks go as high as you want, you just pay more for the extra weight.

cormie · 09-12-2015 5:48pm

Ashamed to say I haven't really given them proper use yet, been mad busy recently but it's quietening down now so will try get into the swing of things soon. No issues with them anyway, the worst thing about them I've experienced so far is a bit of sticking when changing weights but a little rattle sorts it out. Sorry, I wish I could tell you more but I just don't know yet

Transform · 09-12-2015 7:36pm

cormie wrote: »

Ashamed to say I haven't really given them proper use yet, been mad busy recently but it's quietening down now so will try get into the swing of things soon. No issues with them anyway, the worst thing about them I've experienced so far is a bit of sticking when changing weights but a little rattle sorts it out. Sorry, I wish I could tell you more but I just don't know yet

well thats the kick in the arse you might have needed to get going with them,

15mins of even a light session is better than 0mins of nothing

Hail 2 Da Chimp · 11-12-2015 2:41pm

Transform wrote: »

the power blocks go as high as you want, you just pay more for the extra weight.

How does that work?
I've seen this: http://www.mcsport.ie/p/powerblock-sport-90-stage-2-add-on-kit---23-41kgs/pbs90b?nosto=productpage-nosto-2

It looks like the 22KG Powerblock sits inside this and it brings the weight up to 41KG in total for each dumbbell. However it costs an additional €343?! Ontop of the €433 for the Powerblock's.

The Bodymax 32KG are only €475.

Alkers · 11-12-2015 5:04pm

Do people not find the size of these dumbbells irritating? I much prefer shorter dumbbells for exercises like shoulder press etc?

Alf Veedersane · 11-12-2015 6:01pm

Simona1986 wrote: »

Do people not find the size of these dumbbells irritating? I much prefer shorter dumbbells for exercises like shoulder press etc?

Possibly. But for many people the fact that they're adjustable and mean they don't have to have an increasingly large collection of dumbbells are more important.

Transform · 11-12-2015 6:15pm

Simona1986 wrote: »

Do people not find the size of these dumbbells irritating? I much prefer shorter dumbbells for exercises like shoulder press etc?

the powerblocks are not that wide up to 20kg anyway.

Transform · 11-12-2015 6:16pm

Hail 2 Da Chimp wrote: »

How does that work?
I've seen this: http://www.mcsport.ie/p/powerblock-sport-90-stage-2-add-on-kit---23-41kgs/pbs90b?nosto=productpage-nosto-2

It looks like the 22KG Powerblock sits inside this and it brings the weight up to 41KG in total for each dumbbell. However it costs an additional €343?! Ontop of the €433 for the Powerblock's.

The Bodymax 32KG are only €475.

true that but still stand by the quality of the powerblocks and to be honest if you're going well over 20kg you really should just look at adjustable dumbbells.

massey99 · 11-12-2015 9:03pm

I got the bodymax 25kg adjustable dumbbell set with stand. They cost less than buying a rack of dumbbells which I priced up. They are bulkier but worth it for space saving too.

Defaoite83 · 14-12-2015 11:29am

i got bodymax 25kg adjustable dumbbells and found them chunky at the start as I was used to rubber hexes but I find them really good now.

harperbd · 06-02-2018 12:04pm

I see a company in Ireland is now selling these adjustable dumbbells: https://www.vervefitness.eu/products/mavrik-adjustable-dumbbells.

Has anyone tried them out?

dzh444 · 15-03-2018 9:34am

harperbd wrote: »

I see a company in Ireland is now selling these adjustable dumbbells: .

Has anyone tried them out?

yeah they are reallly good
look and feel same as bowflex selecttech

Alkers · 15-03-2018 9:59am

Was about to buy those but see the price is for one and not a pair...

Tar.Aldarion · 15-03-2018 1:41pm

harperbd wrote: »

I see a company in Ireland is now selling these adjustable dumbbells: https://www.vervefitness.eu/products/mavrik-adjustable-dumbbells.

Has anyone tried them out?

Saw them in a gym recently, quite handy.

harperbd · 19-03-2018 10:57am

Simona1986 wrote: »

Was about to buy those but see the price is for one and not a pair...

yeah I noticed that too

on amazon uk the Bowflex cost £419 pounds for a set + shipping to Ireland

overall it looks much cheaper to buy 2 of these from Irish company. the seem to have them on special offer at the moment
https://www.vervefitness.eu/collections/special-offers/products/mavrik-adjustable-dumbbells

cormie · 19-03-2018 11:22am

That's not obvious at all. I wonder how many people are going to get a surprise when only 1 dumbbell is delivered!

harperbd · 19-03-2018 11:47am

cormie wrote: »

That's not obvious at all. I wonder how many people are going to get a surprise when only 1 dumbbell is delivered!

dunno

loked at webpage again
does say
Dumbbells are priced individually so order two if you need a set.

page is also called adjustable dumbbell not dumbbells

Some sites seem to only sell in 2s and others have option if buying singles if u want. probably handy for someone who loses or breaks one or doing crossfit workouts where you just need one

cormie · 20-03-2018 8:27am

I guess you'd probably read the full description before splashing out €175, but the fact there's 2 in the picture etc is a little deceptive :pac:

Kilough · 19-01-2021 5:53pm

I know this is an old thread but worth a try.

Anybody know of a good adjustable set to buy around 30 - 32.5kG?

MC sport are selling 40kg but really won't ever need anything over 30kg but think the 25kg will be too light - https://www.mcsport.ie/collections/adjustable-dumbbells-1870/products/hit-fitness-adjustable-dumbbells-25kg

I've read about Powerblock and they look good but looks like you need to buy the block up to 24kg and then the add on to get up to 32kg. Doesn't look like there is any Irish supplier so would end up expensive importing them.

gizabeer · 19-01-2021 11:27pm

Kilough wrote: »

I know this is an old thread but worth a try.

Anybody know of a good adjustable set to buy around 30 - 32.5kG?

MC sport are selling 40kg but really won't ever need anything over 30kg but think the 25kg will be too light - https://www.mcsport.ie/collections/adjustable-dumbbells-1870/products/hit-fitness-adjustable-dumbbells-25kg

I've read about Powerblock and they look good but looks like you need to buy the block up to 24kg and then the add on to get up to 32kg. Doesn't look like there is any Irish supplier so would end up expensive importing them.

I've a set of these coming tomorrow > https://www.adverts.ie/weights/adjustable-dumbells-pair-2-x-32-kg/22576646

Reviews seem good , I think they're the same as these https://www.gymmarine.com/product/nuo-nuobell-adjustable-dumbbells/

just unbranded or else copies , have a look at them on youtube and see what you think

Kilough · 20-01-2021 1:46pm

Look good.. Maybe you can give a quick review of them and just confirm they are good quality and just rebranded Nuobells?

Also just came across the Ironmasters. They look like a quality piece of kit. Wonder is the any supplier in Ireland? https://ironmaster.nl/product/adjustable-dumbell/?lang=en

bambam · 22-01-2021 5:08pm

The price for adjustable dumbells has gone mental.

few years ago I picked up a pair of 'Bodymax 32.5Kg Selectabell' for €380 from mcsport.ie.
now they charge 450 for 24KG ones, which kinda look like worse quality.

Also, there seems to be a glut of them appearing on adverts/donedeal, going for up to €400 for a single dumbell!!!

A quick google image search, brings the same ones up on AliExpress for €100 each for the 40KG ones.
Shipping for a pair is not worth it, but if you wanted to make a few quid, you could sort out sharing a container or something :-)

e.g.
https://www.aliexpress.com/wholesale?catId=0&initiative_id=AS_20210122075607&SearchText=adjustable+dumbbell

gizabeer · 24-01-2021 5:15pm

bambam wrote: »

The price for adjustable dumbells has gone mental.

few years ago I picked up a pair of 'Bodymax 32.5Kg Selectabell' for €380 from mcsport.ie.
now they charge 450 for 24KG ones, which kinda look like worse quality.

Also, there seems to be a glut of them appearing on adverts/donedeal, going for up to €400 for a single dumbell!!!

A quick google image search, brings the same ones up on AliExpress for €100 each for the 40KG ones.
Shipping for a pair is not worth it, but if you wanted to make a few quid, you could sort out sharing a container or something :-)

e.g.
https://www.aliexpress.com/wholesale?catId=0&initiative_id=AS_20210122075607&SearchText=adjustable+dumbbell

The price of a container from china has gone through the roof , it's gone from about €1600 ish to the guts of €8000 in the last 12 months , you can expect the prices to keep on creeping up

cormie · 25-01-2021 2:18pm

gizabeer wrote: »

The price of a container from china has gone through the roof , it's gone from about €1600 ish to the guts of €8000 in the last 12 months , you can expect the prices to keep on creeping up

Damn, really? Is that because of Covid? In fairness though, the prices on these jumped super high way before covid.

Sabre0001 · 26-01-2021 6:20pm

Got an email today to tell me that the set I'd ordered have seemingly gone missing in transit. Anywhere I'm checking online seems to be out of stock for the next few weeks. Never tried Aliexpress, maybe I'll have to give it a go and hope it works out.

Omega28 · 09-02-2021 11:32pm

Anyone know any where I can pick up a pair of these without paying through the nose for them?

Alf Veedersane · 10-02-2021 12:03am

Omega28 wrote: »

Anyone know any where I can pick up a pair of these without paying through the nose for them?

What's your budget?

But, in short, you get what you pay for with adjustable ones by all accounts

The chan chan man · 10-02-2021 1:21am

Excuse my ignorance but what’s the advantage of adjustable? Why not have a few different plates and spring clips?

Abcryan123 · 10-02-2021 12:06pm

I got 40kg ones on powerballs.com a few months back. So far so good but i haven’t given them much use, unfortunately. There’s a lifetime warranty so I’m not too worried about durability since they give one out like that, they’ve reviews on the site. Also shipped quickly from Ireland with UPS.

Omega28 · 10-02-2021 12:13pm

Alf Veedersane wrote: »

What's your budget?

But, in short, you get what you pay for with adjustable ones by all accounts

Budget of around €300. Thanks

Omega28 · 10-02-2021 12:15pm

I need to source adjustable dumbells (30kg or more) and a bench for €500. Is it possible?

world class wreckin’ cru · 10-02-2021 2:22pm

Omega28 wrote: »

I need to source adjustable dumbells (30kg or more) and a bench for €500. Is it possible?

Same. Could probably stretch to 600 though.

Abcryan123 wrote: »

I got 40kg ones on powerballs.com a few months back. So far so good but i haven’t given them much use, unfortunately. There’s a lifetime warranty so I’m not too worried about durability since they give one out like that, they’ve reviews on the site. Also shipped quickly from Ireland with UPS.

They only seem to have the 20KG ones at the moment.

Not sure on the McSport.ie ones:
https://www.mcsport.ie/collections/adjustable-dumbbells-1870/products/hit-fitness-adjustable-dumbbells-25kg

Alf Veedersane · 10-02-2021 2:44pm

Omega28 wrote: »

Budget of around €300. Thanks

What weight do you want them to go to?

Kilough · 10-02-2021 3:55pm

I just received delivery of a set of Powerblock Stage 1&2 from Meijers in Holland. They were easy to deal with and gave me a good price, some sellers take the p1ss with Powerblock! Quality piece of kit and glad I stretched the budget.

https://www.meijers.com/merken/fit/powerblock/powerblock-pro-exp-stage-1-1-23-kg

Also bought a bench from homegymstore recently. Got a good quality bench for €170.

https://homegymstore.ie/

Omega28 · 10-02-2021 7:59pm

Alf Veedersane wrote: »

What weight do you want them to go to?

Around 30kg upwards would be perfect.

cormie · 10-02-2021 8:40pm

The chan chan man wrote: »

Excuse my ignorance but what’s the advantage of adjustable? Why not have a few different plates and spring clips?

Space, speed, convenience

11-02-2021 1:01pm

Kilough wrote: »

I just received delivery of a set of Powerblock Stage 1&2 from Meijers in Holland. They were easy to deal with and gave me a good price, some sellers take the p1ss with Powerblock! Quality piece of kit and glad I stretched the budget.

Also bought a bench from homegymstore recently. Got a good quality bench for €170.

That HomeGymStore looks great. Holy f has it been difficult to find anywhere in stock of anything other than barbell collars.

So I got a nice set of York Fitness 20kg dumbbell set last year and I've maxed out the weight, I can add more wight plates now. I'd like to get a barbell and a bench too. York is American or Canadian I think? They're popular in the UK which I'm avoiding because of the messy deliveries, import duties and documentation not being filled out on the sender's side. York doesn't seem popular on the continent. I'm trying to avoid investing in a second brand (incomaptible weights, accessories?).

Jellybean question - the barbells from the shop above don't seem to have a brand name. Would York cast iron 1" spinlock weight plates fit on them or no? Anyone know?

Black Sheep · 11-02-2021 4:25pm

cormie wrote: »

Space, speed, convenience

Also, it gets expensive and impractical to use loadable ones.

If you have DB handles and they are 4.25kg each and you want to load them to 30kg then you would need 8 5kg plates and 4 2.25kg plates...

Tot up the cost of that and the hassle of storing all the change plates and it gets less attractive.

To be honest if I had DB handles I would also want to go up to 40kg... might as well... so that’s more 5kg plates. I don’t think it works out great value, might as well get hex DBs.

The power blocks do make sense to me if some is short of space in particular

MetzgerMeister · 12-02-2021 12:25pm

Folks, there's a company based in Tipperary who sell adjustable dumbbells. Their website is www.powerballs.com

They're local to me hence why I'm posting here.

world class wreckin’ cru · 12-02-2021 4:13pm

MetzgerMeister wrote: »

Folks, there's a company based in Tipperary who sell adjustable dumbbells. Their website is www.powerballs.com

They're local to me hence why I'm posting here.

Good to know they're based in Ireland. They only have 20kg's at the moment.

I've sent them a message to see when they'll have something heavier available.

Omega28 · 16-02-2021 12:06pm

No 40kg adjustable dumbells any where

Adjustable Dumbbells

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