Overview
Valeo Neoprene Hand Weights are lightweight dumbbells that are designed for shaping and toning and aerobic training at home or on the go. The dumbbells are cast iron and coated in a colorful rubber (neoprene) that provides an exceptionally comfortable and secure grip. The rubber coating also means that the dumbbells clank together and won’t damage floors or other surfaces in your house like metal ones do. The dumbbells come in five possible weight resistances, including 2 pounds, 3 pounds, 5 pounds, 8 pounds and 10 pounds. As a bonus, Valeo will include a helpful wall diagram with your purchase that will show you how to use the hand weights with the proper form to maximize your workout.
You can purchase Valeo Neoprene Hand Weights online and prices vary depending on the weight you need. The 2-pound weights are about $12, and the 10-pound weights are about $30. These dumbbells are sold as a pair.
Product Report Card Grade
We give the Valeo Neoprene Hand Weights a B+ because they are excellent dumbbells for women who are looking to trim and tone at home. They come in fun colors and have a comfortable, secure grip since they are rubber-coated. We had to deduct some points however because they are more expensive than average dumbbells and are only available in 2-, 3-, 5-, 8- and 10-pound weight intervals.
Date Reviewed
May 2012
May 2012
May 2012
Pros
Rubber coating provides a comfortable and secure grip; rubber coating means that dumbbells are less noisy; rubber coated dumbbells are less damaging to floors and other surfaces; weights are available in bright, fun colors; durable; subtle octagon shape means weights won't roll around
15 weight settings in 1 dumbbell set provides great functionality and saves space; can increase weight resistance in small increments, which helps prevent muscle strain and is better for building muscle strength and endurance; durable design; dial adjustment system does a good job of securing the plates to the handle, which eliminates clanking noises and pinching; comfortable grip, so weight lifting gloves are optional; great for P90x enthusiasts
Very affordable traditional dumbbell set for home or small gym; handles have comfortable and secure grips; hexagon shape keeps them in place when put down; great for P90x enthusiasts
Cons
Limited weight resistance choices; slightly more expensive than just cast iron dumbbells (like CAP Barbell ones)
Relatively expensive; a few complaints about the dial adjustment system sticking or catching on plates; stand is sold separately and expensive ($149) but somewhat necessary to avoid back strain
Manufacturing quality is reportedly average (ex. paint chips really easily and metal burrs in grip that were never polished down); some reviewers were annoyed that you had to buy dumbbells individually; takes up a lot of space depending on how many dumbbells you buy; noisier than rubber coated dumbbells; Warning: "This product contains one or more phthalate chemicals known to the state of California to cause birth defects and other reproductive harm."
Type
Dumbbells (sold as a pair)
Adjustable Dumbbells (automatic dial adjustment system)
Dumbbells (sold individually)
Weight Range
2 - 10 lbs
5 - 52.5 lbs
1 -50 lbs
Number of Weight Resistances
Price (MSRP)
Available for around $11- $29.99
$549 MSRP (available for around $299 - $349)
Available for around $9.49 - $69.99
Warranty
There is a 1-year limited warranty against manufacturing defects and some websites offer a 30-day satisfaction guarantee.
Bowflex® SelectTech® offers a 2-year limited warranty on all parts and a 6-week satisfaction guarantee to allow you to try the 552 Dumbbells in your home. If you don't like them, you can return them for a full refund (less shipping and handling).
If you purchase from CAP Barbell or from an authorized retailer, the dumbbells have a 30-day warranty that only covers manufacturing defects. It does not cover "paint peeling, rust, rips, cuts and tears, dents, bent handles, loose heads if dropped or any other signs of misuse such as knocking dumbbells together."
Weight Options
Dumbbells are available in the following weights: 2, 3, 5, 8, 10
Dial adjustment system allows you to change weight in 2.5-lb increments up to 25 lbs. Between 25 lbs - 50 lbs, you can adjust the weight resistance in 5-lb increments, and then the last weight setting only increases by 2.5 lbs.
Dumbbells are available in the following weights: 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 10, 12, 15, 20, 25, 50, 35, 40, 45 and 50. (While not listed on the CAP Barbell website, Amazon has 55 and 60 pound weights as well.)
Product Design
The dumbbells are cast iron and are all coated in a different colored rubber. The 2-lb weight is pink, the 3-lb weight is light purple, the 5-lb weight is blue, the 8-lb weight is red and the 10-lb weight is black.
The dumbbells are black metal with red detailing and have plastic tabs that hold the weights in place.
The dumbbells are 100% cast iron and have solid steel handles for weight over 15 pounds. They are coated with a semi-gloss finish that helps to prevent rusting.
Dumbbell Shape
Slight Octagon
Round (but has flat dumbbell holders)
Hexagon
Dimensions
Varies depending on weight
The 552s are 15.75" x 8" x 9" (L x W x H). The optional stand measures 27.75" x 20.5" x 24.5" (L x W x H).
Varies depending on weight
Extras
A free wall diagram is included with your purchase and will show you how to use the hand weights with the proper form.
A free DVD ("Secrets of the 4-Step Rep") is included with your purchase and will teach you over 30 different exercises with 80 variations.
N/A
ProductReportCard Editors' In-Depth Review
Pros And Cons
Pros
- Rubber coating provides a comfortable and secure grip
- Rubber coating means that dumbbells are less noisy
- Rubber coated dumbbells are less damaging on floors and other surfaces
- Weights are available in bright, fun colors
- Durable
- Subtle octagon shape means weights won’t roll around
Cons
- Limited weight resistance choices
- Slightly more expensive than just cast iron dumbbells (like CAP Barbell ones)
Key Features
Product Size
Each of the dumbbells will have different measurements according to their weight.
Product Design
The cast iron dumbbells have a slight octagon shape and are all coated in a different colored rubber. The 2-pound weight is pink, the 3-pound weight is light purple, the 5-pound weight is blue, the 8-pound weight is red and the 10-pound weight is black.
Weight Resistance
Valeo only comes in lower weights (lb): 2, 3, 5, 8, 10
Warranty
Manufacturer’s warranty against defects and some websites offer a 30-day satisfaction guarantee
Reputation
Valeo Neoprene Hand Weights have received excellent reviews from customers online. The 5-pound weights received a 4.8/5 on Amazon.com (57 reviews), and the other weights received similarly high marks on Amazon.com as well. Free weights are incredibly versatile and allow you to target more muscle groups, so they are one of the best ways to strengthen, shape and tone your body. Valeo Neoprene Hand Weights are clearly designed for women and are ideal for light to moderate workouts at home or on the go. They are slightly more expensive than CAP Barbell’s Solid Dumbbells and don’t have as many options in terms of weight resistance, but the Valeo Neoprene Hand Weights are very durable and sound like they have a higher manufacturing quality than CAP Barbell. Unfortunately, since the highest weight is only 10 pounds, you might need to purchase additional dumbbells elsewhere to advance your training. It depends on how you want to use the weights, but, if you think you may need to buy heavier weights, you might want to consider another brand or adjustable weights (if you are space constrained). If not, the Valeo Neoprene Hand Weights come highly recommended by other customers and appear to be an excellent buy.
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