Adjustable Dumbbells/Kettlebells?

snowynock

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Aug 19, 2024
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Hey, I've decided I'm in the market for a good adjustable Dumbbell and good Kettlebell set. I just don't have the space for more solid dumbbell/kettlebells.

I'm just looking for what people here have and what brands people like/don't like?

Right now I'm eyeing Powerblocks or Snode. I'm looking for adjustables up to 70 lbs minimum.
 
We have some power block dumbbells that are pretty good. I have no idea about the kettlebells, seems like that could really hurt when doing snatches, TGUs and cleans.
 
I got a good deal on a used 90lb powerblock pair, just needed to buy new pins. Deals are out there on used equipment if you are patient. Not all sets are expandable, so pay attention to that. I completely agree being able to get them to 70 lbs or more.

I hadn't really used powerblocks until these, and they really do everything I need of them. People have complaints about the form factor and the support bars, but i just don't find it to be much of an issue. These are super simple and durable. The extra cost savings of finding some used was worth the tradeoff.
 
They are very expensive, but the SMRTFT nuobells are extremely nice. Can regularly find them on sale for $200 off. So fast an easy to adjust. I do circuit workouts so that was huge for me.
 
Hey, I've decided I'm in the market for a good adjustable Dumbbell and good Kettlebell set. I just don't have the space for more solid dumbbell/kettlebells.

I'm just looking for what people here have and what brands people like/don't like?

Right now I'm eyeing Powerblocks or Snode. I'm looking for adjustables up to 70 lbs minimum.
I have a set of Iron Master dumbbells and like them. They also have a KB that is adjustable. I went with a set of adjustable KBs from Titan Fitness. I wish I had gone with the Iron Master KBs.
 
I have the old-school Powerblock Urethane with the expansion up to 70lbs. I have been looking for the next expansion up for years, (not very serious looking but every once in a while I search) and they are not easy to find. If you are buying an older set, they work great still, but do not count on being able to get an expansion after the fact.
 
I have power blocks. EXP I think. Mines are only up to 70.. haven’t got into the need for the 90 expansion set. I did full body workouts with only dumbbells. Though I haven’t touched them in a few years lol. Job changes and switching to graveyard shift has messed up my schedule and sleep. I also got a set of 10, 15, & 30 as I use those often for the various workouts I do.


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A guy I work with uses the Bowflex ones and says they're great. It looks like they make a set up to 52lbs and one to 90lbs.
I plan to get a set eventually. I haven't looked into any others yet.
 
Thanks for the recommends.

I've heard Bowflex is a brand to stay away from. I'm scouring FB marketplace daily for deals.
 
I have Bells of Steel adjustable KBs and they are great. A little slow to adjust, so wouldn't want to be changing the weight during workouts, but they feel like using a regular KB.

The Snode DBs look to be the best, but I don't have them.
 
Thanks for the recommends.

I've heard Bowflex is a brand to stay away from. I'm scouring FB marketplace daily for deals.

I had a pair of Bowflex model 552 (5-52 pound) adjustable dumbbells. I bought them 3 years ago.

I didn’t have any problems with them and thought they worked well.

They were recalled recently due to concerns about the weights coming off when in use.

Thankfully, I bought them at Costco and they gave me a 100% refund due to the recall.

They have since come out with an updated and I assume safer model, fwiw.

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I have Bells of Steel adjustable KBs and they are great. A little slow to adjust, so wouldn't want to be changing the weight during workouts, but they feel like using a regular KB.

The Snode DBs look to be the best, but I don't have them.
Funny you mention Bells of Steel as I was watching their tutorial on using their adjustable kettlebells just last night.
 
Well, the REP x Pepin ones look better than the Snodes, now that this thread has me looking at adjustable DBs again.
 
I would just pick up a couple regulars kettlebells. You can find the amazon basic brand or ones from Walmart for a reasonable price, if finish is to slick put some wad wax on. Get a 35 and 45 and that will hit most of your workouts. No worries when doing swings, snatches, etc.
 
Core Fitness adjustable dumbbells

Quick to adjust the weight and feel close to a real dumbbell. The sides are flat so you don't have to worry about it digging into your leg like some other adjustables. I've had mine for 8 years and they've held up well.
 
I have a set of Powerblocks. They are easy to use and feel secure with the locking pin. The only issue is that they can get bent and the weights stick at times. I have a brother-in-law that had a set of Bowflex and the weight lock came undone and dropped some weight on him.
 
I’ve got an older pair of Powerblocks with the 90lb expansion. Once in a while the next 10lb weight will stick when I pull them out. They only real complaint is the two tubes on the top of the handless hit my wrists depending the the workout.
 
Get the adjustable dumbbells if you like, most dumbell movements work fine with them.

For the kettlebells though, if you do any of the classic KB stuff, most of the adjustable suck. Having the weird shapes of plate pieces against your arm when doing TGU would be annoying, doing snatches or C&J, I could see it being dangerous or at least painful. So consider that if you actually use KBs for classic KB movements. If you don’t use them for that, you can probably get away with just going with DB only.

Also don’t feel like you need some kind of huge set. Get 35, 53, and 70 pound KB and call it good. Pairs if you are truly into them. And if you truly are into them, and have those three pairs, you probably wouldn’t miss the adjustable DBs much.
 
Get the adjustable dumbbells if you like, most dumbell movements work fine with them.

For the kettlebells though, if you do any of the classic KB stuff, most of the adjustable suck. Having the weird shapes of plate pieces against your arm when doing TGU would be annoying, doing snatches or C&J, I could see it being dangerous or at least painful. So consider that if you actually use KBs for classic KB movements. If you don’t use them for that, you can probably get away with just going with DB only.

Also don’t feel like you need some kind of huge set. Get 35, 53, and 70 pound KB and call it good. Pairs if you are truly into them. And if you truly are into them, and have those three pairs, you probably wouldn’t miss the adjustable DBs much.
So right now I KB wise I have 2 20s, 1 35, 1 43, 1 52. DB wise I have 2 20 and 1 30. I wanted some heavier options to continue to work towards building some muscle as lifting weights overall is just something I've never really done at all and it's time to push myself. I don't really have space for any more hence my thought to get adjustables. Based on youtube videos I've seen I agree on the KB side so I'm abandoning the idea of adjustable KBs.

One night when I get time I'm going to attack the closet and see if I can make space for 1 more KB and go for a 70 pounder.
 
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