Adjustable Dumbbells Yea or Nay?

[112toGuru]

So, after running into this roadblock for the umpteenth time, what to do about ever increasing weights and the dumbbell debacle, is it better to just get the adjustables and use those or get the next set of heavier weights, in a basic cast, I have a set of dumbbell handles & a few York/Troy plates, so I'm good for a while, but they're hard to change quickly, should I just get spring clips for them & use plates? What's the easiest? most economical? for Cathe workouts?

easier? better? Right now I'm thinking cast....hmmm?

Linda

* 1" spring clips don't fit dumbbell bars

 

[regina]

I think that the best solution and the easiest solution for making quick weight changes is to invest in cast iron dumbbells and by plate mates for the in between weights.

The most economical solution would be to buy adjustable dumbbells.

 

[jldx2in2000]

I have the Bowflex SeletTech dumbbells and they are great at increasing/decreasing weights fast but have a few downsides.

Sometimes they are a bit bulky and awkard to use and you can't use weight plates for them. They only increase in increments of 2 1/2 pounds so sometimes when I just can't do that much of a change I have to wear a 1 pound wrist weight in addition to the dumbbell.

Not saying you shouldn't get them because with my limited workout space, I don't regret getting them. I just wanted to let you know what I think of them.

Good luck with whatever you decide!

 

[MidgetDogg]

I got adjustable dumbbells. The fixed weight ones just are too expensive once you get up to a heavier weight. Plus, I can use the plates to add weight to my barbell. I got a cheap set for like $20.

 

[112toGuru]

Thanks for suggestions, was hoping someone would give me a good reason to stick with the cast........I like the Plate Mate idea & 1 lb. hand weights to adjust plus someday I'm going to need this one...

for Slow & Heavy plies...totally Cathe Cool.....Yes that is a 40!

Agree totally with cost (cast) & downsides of adjustables, & boyfriend has to use something!
I don't move up in weights that fast I guess!

 

[melimcn]

I bought DH the Bowflex weights a couple of years ago and use them regularly. But if I had my choice, it would be regular cast iron weights.

The Bowflex are really cumbersome for things like 1 arm rows, pullovers, tricep extensions, etc...
Those are the exercises that I find myself needing to increase the weight in most often (I have dumbells up to 20#), and they are really difficult to use with good form just because of their size. They're just fine for legs. But everything else, when you need to be close to your body for the move, it's awkward.
JMO.

 

[nightowl81]

I was able to check out the Bowflex weights and also the PowerBlocks just last weekend.

I gotta say, wow, they are really bulky. I guess seeing them in ChaleanExtreme they didn't look that big, but in real life they are. I workout in a small space so I can see them getting in the way and knocking things over. I'm thinking a dumbbell tree with regular dumbbells may be the way to go.

Anyway, it's fun buying regular iron dumbbells. It's funny to see the cashiers that can't/won't pick them up to scan them.

 

[lisa_la_machina]

Love the Power Blocks!

DH and I purchased Power Blocks about 5 years ago because we needed dumbbells that would work for both of our weight lifting needs. We also wanted something that would take up less space, as opposed to a lot of dumbbells laying on the floor (and we couldn't find a rack that would hold enough weight increments).

We bought the 90lb / dumbbell set and the stand. It has exceeded our expectations. The grip is comfortable, we can both use the weight amount we need during our workouts, and the set fits nicely into a corner in our apartment. There are downsides because the weight adjusts in 2.5lb increments, but 1lb wrist weights fill in the gap most of the time.

These are definitely an expensive workout investment and are not the best fit for everyone--especially if you have a limited weight range in your weight lifting--, but knowing all the pros/cons I would buy them again in a heartbeat.

 

[ebonynicole]

I bought Gold's Gym adjustable weights from Walmart for $20, it's adjust to 40 lbs. Like for my barbell I'm looking for new spring clips b/c the ones that came with the set do not give enough and they are difficult to pull on and off. I also have cast iron dumbells

 

[RunninTeach]

I tried using the PlateMates, but some of my DBs are rubber-coated, so it wasn't an effective solution for me. I ended up buying the Bowflex Select Techs and am happy I did. I just didn't have any more room to keep buying DBs. The weight ranges from 5 to 52.5 lbs., so it more than covers my needs. I found it to be a good investment, both space and time-saving, and though they are bulkier, I didn't have any trouble adapting.

 

[112toGuru]

I bought Gold's Gym adjustable weights from Walmart for $20, it's adjust to 40 lbs. Like for my barbell I'm looking for new spring clips b/c the ones that came with the set do not give enough and they are difficult to pull on and off. I also have cast iron dumbells

I think I saw a Marcy set like that at Kmart a few weeks ago, I was thinking that would work, thanks......I have one set of Lock Jaw collars that work great for the barbell...especially for Pyramid Lower Body that moves along pretty quick, a little pricey @ 25 dollars I think.

I quite like the idea of the Powerblocks & Bowflex select, I like gadgets & and interesting solutions, they sure fit the bill, I think the price may be the deciding factor, and ease of use with the workouts.

Thanks gang!

 

[gonnabea5]

I wish I had slide n lock. I have the screw on so, I never change weights on my bar during workouts. I sub with dumbbells. Maybe one day I'll be able to splurge on another type, but honestly, my workouts have not been hindered by subbing with dumbbells and leaving my barbell set to the heaviest weight.

Good luck

 

[Mckmain]

I have the Select Tech dumbbells too and feel it was a great purchase. IA they can be kinda bulky, so I do use cast iron weights and other adjustable ones too. I also use Cathe's weighted gloves for when I need another half pound to 2 pound increase.

 

[syzygy314]

I have the same thing and I regret getting it! I hate the screw on locks! They take forever to get on and off! I thought they would be quicker. I plan on getting a new barbell set as soon as I am financially able. I know there are sets that aren't too expensive, relatively, but it has to wait. I can still use the other one, but keep it set at one weight and swap back and forth.

I wish I had slide n lock. I have the screw on so, I never change weights on my bar during workouts. I sub with dumbbells. Maybe one day I'll be able to splurge on another type, but honestly, my workouts have not been hindered by subbing with dumbbells and leaving my barbell set to the heaviest weight.

Good luck

 

[morningstar]

I don't like adjustables. Too bulky, too awkward, I can't get the full range of motion because I have short limbs. However, traditional dumbells are just as expensive as the Selectechs, when you have sets getting up to 45-50#, especially because eventually you need a rack. Just my 40#s and 50#s alone cost me $170 plus tax, and that was at a super cheap price.

 

[morningstar]

I wish I had slide n lock. I have the screw on so, I never change weights on my bar during workouts. I sub with dumbbells. Maybe one day I'll be able to splurge on another type, but honestly, my workouts have not been hindered by subbing with dumbbells and leaving my barbell set to the heaviest weight.

Good luck

I have the screw on barbell, and tried the spring locks on it and it worked! Spring locks are super cheap so you may want to try it just to see if it will work for you. It makes a huge difference.