Thursday, December 26, 2024
Dumbbells: Compare
Price
Report Card Grade
Pros
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
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
Cons
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."
Limited weight resistance choices; slightly more expensive than just cast iron dumbbells (like CAP Barbell ones)
Type
Adjustable Dumbbells (automatic dial adjustment system)
Dumbbells (sold individually)
Dumbbells (sold as a pair)
Weight Range
5 - 52.5 lbs
1 -50 lbs
2 - 10 lbs
Number of Weight Resistances
15
15
5
Price (MSRP)
$549 MSRP (available for around $299 - $349)
Available for around $9.49 - $69.99
Available for around $11- $29.99
Warranty
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."
There is a 1-year limited warranty against manufacturing defects and some websites offer a 30-day satisfaction guarantee.
Weight Options
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.)
Dumbbells are available in the following weights: 2, 3, 5, 8, 10
Product Design
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.
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.
Dumbbell Shape
Round (but has flat dumbbell holders)
Hexagon
Slight Octagon
Dimensions
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
Varies depending on weight
Extras
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
A free wall diagram is included with your purchase and will show you how to use the hand weights with the proper form.
Made In...
China
China
China
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