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If you’re shopping around for the best loadable dumbbells to fire up your workouts, look no further. We’ve scoured the market and compared specs, features and prices to bring you the definitive list of the best loadable dumbbells out there. These dumbbells are tried, tested and approved by users, and we’ll only recommend equipment that’s safe for both a gym and home environment. Our top pick is a very reasonably priced set of Amonax dumbbells whose feature list is longer than your arm, but first, let’s discuss why dumbbells are so effective for your training.
Why Choose Loadable Dumbbells?
Loadable dumbbells have many advantages over other free weights. They offer multiple weight options and, therefore, more variety in terms of the exercises they can be used for. They’re also the most cost effective option if you have limited space but would like to have a variety of weights for different exercises. Lastly, the convenience of having the full weight range in one easy setup is also a big plus. For beginners who want to increase the weights gradually, they lift as they progress; loadable dumbbells are the most sensible investment.
The market is rife with options, so it’s important to understand the features of each product and match them to the type of workouts you want to do. Here’s our lowdown of the current top picks for all training styles and budgets.
1. Amonax 20kg or 30kg Cast Iron Adjustable Dumbbells Weight Set
A sturdy, versatile weightlifting set that allows for a decent weight range at an excellent price.
Features:
- Includes a variety of disks to achieve a combined total weight of 20 or 30kg (according to the set you pick)
- Stainless steel bars and anti-rust cast iron plates
- Rubber-coated dumbbell handle for enhanced grip
- Comes with 40cm steel connector pipe to make a barbell
Pros:
- Best value for money
- Can be used as dumbbells or barbell thanks to the connector
- Rubber handle for more comfortable grip
Cons:
- Doesn’t come with a carry case
- Spinlock collars are not very secure
Whatever way you turn it, this loadable dumbbell set comes out on top, ticking the most boxes without setting you back a fortune in the process! Thanks to the different weight ranges, it’s a good option for both beginners in want of a low weight range and more seasoned lifters who are well-versed in pumping iron at home.
The connector pipe is a great added feature as it brings a whole load of options and diversity to your training. Whilst the dumbbells might be better for bicep curls and flys, the barbell option is more comfortable for squatting or deadlifting. This set makes sense for anyone who wants to follow a general strength programme as the small disks allow you to increase the weight periodically as you progress without having to splash out on another set of weights.
On the other hand, this option isn’t as convincing for high-intensity high-rep workouts as the spinlock collars have been known to come loose during dynamic movements, and you could run the risk of flying disks.
Our favourite feature of this set over similar competitors is its rubber coated handle. Affordable dumbbells are often scrappy on the finishing touches, and the handle can be coarse, so the cushioning here is much appreciated!
Overall, this is a great piece of kit for beginners and veterans, which won’t push you into the red but will raise your lifting game.
2. Bowflex SelectTech Adjustable Weights and Dumbbells
Changing weights mid-workout made simple with Bowflex’s innovative dial mechanism, but the convenience comes at a price.
Features:
- Comes as single or pair of dumbbells
- Two weight ranges available: 2 – 24kg or 4.5 – 41kg
- Combines 15 weights into one dumbbell with a dial system
- Each dumbbell is 40 x 20 x 23 cm
- Comes with a fitness App called JNRY, which offers trainer-led classes for Strength, Core, Yoga and Pilates.
Pros:
- Elegant design and robust product
- Dial system makes switching between weights during a workout very simple
- Compact design perfect for those with limited space
- 12 months access to fitness App included
- Compares favourably in terms of price if you need a large weight range
Cons:
- Most expensive option upfront
- Compares unfavourably in terms of price if you need a small weight range
On the face of it, this set might seem disproportionately expensive compared to some of the other options, but what you have to bear in mind is that the price includes a very broad weight range. This effectively gives you the possibility of having 15 different pairs of dumbbells in your gym, so although the upfront cost is greater, it still works out miles cheaper than buying all those weights individually. That’s why this is our number one pick in the premium price category.
You should go for this option if you appreciate the details and want a finer, well-finished piece of kit that feels robust and made to last. We’re not going to lie, there’s something empowering about the smooth, elegant design of this equipment which makes you push that bit harder in your workout.
The best feature of these dumbbells is the ease with which you can switch the weight during your workout. The dial allows you to choose between 15 weight options at the simple click of a button so techies will definitely appreciate this design. It also means you don’t have to waste time stopping to change disks as you do with conventional loadable dumbbells so you can maintain a higher intensity throughout your training session.
It’s certainly the tidiest option on our list as it comes in a neat little case that you clip the dumbbell into when you’re done. Since it doesn’t come with as many extensions and plates as the Amonax dumbbells, the whole set is much more compact than some of the cheaper options, making it a great space saving solution for those training in their living rooms!
Having said that, those who also wish to do barbell lifts will miss that option with this set since it doesn’t have a barbell connector.
3. Top Power Lube 20kg Dumbbell Set
A budget option for those wanting to incorporate some strength work into their fitness regime.
Features
- Made of steel, aluminium and rubber
- Round disks
- Optional connector to make a barbell
Pros
- Rock bottom price
- Can be used as dumbbells or barbell
- Free resistance bands, wrist guards and gloves!
Cons
- Materials are nowhere near as resistant as more expensive brands
- Barbell connector is flimsy
The price of these loadable dumbbells is too appealing not to include them in our ranking. If you’re just starting out on a strength programme or have to stick to a tiny budget, these loadable dumbbells will do the trick, and you’ll barely bat an eyelid at the miniscule price.
Even if it’s just for the giveaways that come with the weights, you’re getting a steal whichever way you look at it. Alongside your dumbbell order, you’ll receive five different resistance bands, a pair of gloves to protect your hands, and some wrist wraps. It doesn’t really get much better than that in terms of freebies!
Users especially like how easy these dumbbells are to use and set up; the mechanism is simple and won’t have you ruining your workout flow to change disks mid grind.
It should be noted that whilst these weights get great user feedback in the dumbbell setting, the reviews aren’t as positive when used as a barbell, so those wishing to load up the bar and lift heavy should look into more durable items at a higher price bracket.
4. Proiron 20kg Cast Iron Adjustable Dumbbell Set
A solid loadable dumbbell that has a weight range of up to 20kg. An affordable option for those who don’t mind stopping to change disks during their workout.
Features
- Set includes two handles, four 0.5kg plates, four 1.25kg plates, four 2.5kg plates, 4 collars, and an extended bar.
- Comes with a connection tube to change the dumbbell to a barbell.
- Cast iron plates.
- Knurled handle grip.
Pros
- Wider-than-normal handle for better grip.
- Loadable and extendible dumbbells are great for saving space
- Reasonable price tag
- Can purchase additional weights
Cons
- The weight change mechanism is slow
- Screw-on collars can come loose during dynamic workouts
- Round plates are not as stable for some exercises
- Only goes up to 20kg as standard
Similar to the Amonax Loadable dumbbells, Proiron brings us another well-priced option for those not in need of very heavyweights.
These Proiron dumbbells have almost all the same features as the Amonax set but lack a couple of the perks. Whilst the set is reasonably priced for the weight range it offers (up to 20kg), it would be better to have higher weight options come as standard. It’s true that you can order more disks to load the bar up heavier, but we have to warn you that a couple of users had bad experiences doing this as the additional disks didn’t seem to be cut the same way and wouldn’t fit.
For those who know they’ll want to lift more than 20kg from the get go, we recommend opting for another set. This one is best for beginners who perhaps don’t want to commit by splashing out on more expensive options or are initiating into weightlifting and need only light loads.
Those are our top 4 loadable dumbbell picks on the market right now. Are you still unsure whether loadable dumbbells are even what you need? Here are a few pointers to help you make up your mind and inform your decision.
How to Choose between Fixed or Loadable Dumbbells
Deciding whether to go for a pack of loadables or get a series of fixed-weight dumbbells can be tricky, but we maintain that your fitness regime should be the deciding factor. Each type of free weight has specific features which are better suited to some types of training than others. The factors you need to bear in mind are:
Shape
Dumbbells with rounded heads or loadables with circular plates are great for pure strength-based work such as bench or shoulder pressing, flys, deadlifts and squats. However, if you want to incorporate other high-intensity, full-body movements into your routine, especially those where you support your weight on top of the weight, you may find hexagonal dumbbells more comfortable. Doing a devil press or renegade row with a round weight is not as stable or effective as with a hexagonal one which won’t roll out from underneath you!
Your Home
Dumbbells are made of various materials, so you should bear this in mind when selecting products for the home. If your floors are parquet, you might want to go for a rubbery hexagonal dumbbell over a metal loadable one to avoid scratching or damaging the floor. On the other hand, if you have very limited storage space, you might lean towards a loadable option that can be tidily packed away into the carry case when you’re not using them.
Safety
Though most of our recommended loadable dumbbells are tried, tested and approved by users, there can sometimes be a risk of accidents with loadable dumbbells. The spinlocks can come loose, allowing disks to fly off and potentially injure or break things. Having said this, this is more of a concern for those who want to do high-rep full body workouts with their free weights than for bench pressers. Make sure you get your elbow sleeves ready before starting a workout with free weights.
If you like the idea of a large weight range but need a space saving solution, you can always opt for a loadable without spinlocks, like the Bowflex option.
Best for…
To refresh your memory, here’s a quick lowdown of our top picks by feature. The best loadable dumbbells for:
Beginners: Amonax
Tight Budgets: Top Power Lube
Serious iron pumpers: Bowflex
These are our top picks catering to all kinds of users and budgets. Whilst our favourite is the Amonax set, thanks to its very reasonable price tag and lengthy features list, you should choose the best material for you based on your own training style, space and preferences. Don’t let a lack of material hold you back from hitting your workouts hard wherever you are.
