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
Very highly-rated and affordable weight set for home gym; case is compact and convenient for storage; 7 weight settings replaces need for buying 7 pairs of dumbbells
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."
Multiple complaints around poor manufacturing quality and that the plastic carrying case cracked very easily; many reviewers stated that the dumbbells had a really strong chemical smell; Warning: "This product contains one or more phthalate chemicals known to the state of California to cause birth defects and other reproductive harm."; not great for speed circuits because you can't change weight very quickly; 20 lbs isn't very much weight for full body workouts even if you are only shaping and toning, so you'll most likely have to purchase additional plates; more than a few reviewers noted that their dumbbells weighed a few pounds less than advertised.
Type
Adjustable Dumbbells (automatic dial adjustment system)
Dumbbells (sold individually)
Adjustable Dumbbell Set (manual adjustment system)
Weight Range
5 - 52.5 lbs
1 -50 lbs
5- 20 lbs
Number of Weight Resistances
15
15
7
Price (MSRP)
$549 MSRP (available for around $299 - $349)
Available for around $9.49 - $69.99
$99.99 MSRP (available for around $49.60 - $64.99)
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."
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
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.)
Each dumbbell handle weighs 5 lbs and it comes with four 2.5-lb plates and four 5-lb plates.
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' handles and plates are cast iron, and they have rubber-trimmed collars to keep plates in place. They also have a semi-gloss finish that helps to prevent rusting. The carrying case is black plastic with rack storage.
Dumbbell Shape
Round (but has flat dumbbell holders)
Hexagon
Round (but has carrying case)
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
The dumbbells are 17.32" x 8.66" x 6.69" (L x W x H).
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.
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Made In...
China
China
China
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