Yes! I understand, It all depends on the budget. That is why I have written this article by keeping the budget in mind. Let me first begin the article by listing the types of Dumbbells you can buy for your Home Gym. Not all Dumbbells are the same and won’t work the same way.
Table of Contents
Dumbbell Classification
In general, Dumbbells are classified into 3 main categories. The rest are their own variants.
Fixed Weight Dumbbells
Loadable Dumbbells
Adjustable Dumbbells
If you find any other Dumbbell on this planet, it is nothing but the variation of the above. So let’s understand in detail and later we will give you options as to what you need to buy according to your need. This is the only Dumbbell Buying Guide you ever need.
Fixed Weight Dumbbells
You know them already. They are probably the first ones you used. You will buy a pair for each weight category. You cannot add extra weights to the existing dumbbell. These are the ones that are used in all Local Gyms or Crossfit Classes.
As an example, if you own a 5 lb Dumbbell, and you are also looking to buy a 10 lb one, you can’t just add another 5 lb to the existing one and be happy!. You must buy a separate 10 lb dumbbell. In short, you cant add weights. As the name indicates, the weights are fixed.
Loadable Dumbbells
These dumbbells let you add more and more weights for the same dumbbell rod. You will purchase them in kit or buy loose. I mean, you can buy dumbbell rods and weights separately too.
For each workout or a set, you have to loosen the end screws (if it is a threaded rod) or loosen up the clips (if it is an Olympic-type rod) and add/remove weights according to your workout plan. Let’s say, you did a Bicep Curl with the 5 lb dumbbell and now you want 10 lb for your next set, in this case, you simply add 2.5 lb plates on each side to the same rod. You can add more weights depending on the dumbbell rod’s maximum holding capacity.
Adjustable Dumbbells
If your home garage shed doesn’t have enough space, you may buy these adjustable dumbbells. You can set multiple weight variations by just rotating the dial on them. Different adjustable dumbbells have different weight switching mechanisms.
Most of them have a bottom tray/ rack. You will rotate the dial on the mechanism, set the weight according to your workout, and lift the dumbbell straight. Finish your workout and then place it in the same place. If you want to switch weights again, you will again make adjustments on the dial. The weights which you don’t use are left on the rack itself.
So, now you understood the basic types, all have their own advantages and limitations which are discussed accordingly.
Fixed Weight vs Loadable vs Adjustable Dumbbells
Space Consumed
Fixed Weights consume a lot of gym space. You need to own a rack in order to organize them. Without a rack, you will waste much of your time searching for the right one when you own multiple dumbbells.
Loadable Weight Dumbbells won’t consume much space, but they also need to be kept organized. Overall, they consume very less space compared to fixed-weight ones.
Adjustable Dumbbells are the best ones one can choose keeping space in mind. They consume very less space than all other types. Most manufacturers ship them with a rack. The weights which you don’t use for your workout set are stored in the rack and won’t be misplaced.
Dumbbell Size
Fixed Weight Dumbbells are compact among all since there isn’t any mechanism involved. They achieve a full range of motion during workouts. I mean, the length of the Dumbbells is kept short so that they won’t collide with each other during workouts. If the length is large, you may not be able to perform Chest Press with a full range of motion. For Chest Flys, the length doesn’t matter.
Loadable Weight Dumbbells, depending on the plate material, add a lot of bulk to the dumbbell rod. This restricts the full range of motion during workouts. Also due to their large length (14″ minimum length), wider grips need to be maintained. When different weight plate materials are used, their size also varies. A PVC plate has the largest size of all. A Steel plate is the only compact-sized plate you can buy. It makes a lot of difference which dumbbell rod you use, screw or barbell type. Generally, barbell-type rods support Olympic Plates with a 2-inch inner diameter which adds a lot of bulk to the rod.
In the case of Adjustable Weight Dumbbells, depending on the brand and make, wider grips need to be maintained. As an example, The BOWFLEX brand Dumbbells have fixed lengths, while the NÜOBELL Dumbbell length varies according to the weight selected. So, select the right ones.
Convenience
Fixed weight Dumbbells have the smoothest edges among all types of dumbbells. You can place them on your thighs to assist you to lift them.
Loadable Weight Dumbbells have screw ends or Clip ends depending on the type of Dumbbell rod. As the weight gets higher, you cannot place them on your thighs. They feel sharp.
Adjustable Dumbbells, most of them have smoother edges. Still not as plain as Fixed Weight ones.
Time Consumed
Fixed weights don’t have any assemblies to be made. You just pick one from the rack and place it back. Just use it and store it.
Loadable Weight Dumbbells consume some assembly time. Once a set is completed, for the next set, you will unscrew/ unclip the end nuts/ clips/ locks, add or remove weights and screw the nuts or lock the clips back. This requires time and patience. The assembly time is also dependent on the time required to fetch the plate from its storage area.
Adjustable Weights also need some time for selecting the right weight combination. Most models have a dial or rod switch mechanism. In the case of dials, there are 2 dials on each adjustable dumbbell. You will rotate both dials on each dumbbell and set the required weight. In the case of the rod switching mechanism, you will just rotate the rod and the weight. However, this process consumes time, still 70% faster than Manually loading Dumbbells.
Maintenace
Fixed Weight Dumbbells have absolutely no maintenance except you prevent them from rusting if made of metal.
Loadable Weight Dumbbells too don’t need any maintenance. Even the screw mechanism doesn’t need any extra care. If it is an Olympic-type rod, make sure the locks are proper and hold the weights.
Adjustable Dumbbells need care. In order for the weight switching mechanism to work properly and smoothly, regular greasing may be required. Some parts may wear off and may need replacement. However, finding spares is not an easy task.
Build Quality
Fixed Weight Dumbbells depending on their build material are rugged in most cases, except PVC ones. If dropped, they will crack and let the sand mix out.
Loadable Weight Dumbbells also depending on the build material are rugged in most cases. Just like the Fixed weight ones.
Adjustable Weight Dumbbells have the weakest build quality among all. The mechanisms should be properly and carefully used. Lack of patience may break it. Remember, if you drop them, you break them.
Investment Cost
Fixed Weight Dumbbells, depending on the build material may not be heavy on the pocket in the long run. However, the initial investment is high. You can start with less weight and buy the larger ones after you progressively reach that point.
Loadable Weight Dumbbells, also depending on the material can be comparatively cheaper than fixed weight ones. Here you buy extra plates for more weight needs, whereas in the case of fixed ones, a whole dumbbell needs to be purchased. If you are a beginner, invest in Loadable dumbbells. You can later purchase more weights.
Adjustable Weight Dumbbells are expensive in the long run. Though they are marketed as a 15 dumbbell pair replacement, they can still be expensive compared with fixed-weight ones. You can buy traditional dumbbells for the price of adjustable ones.
Reliability
Fixed Weight Dumbbells, will last a lifetime if you know exactly what you are buying.
Loadable Weight Dumbbells will also last a lifetime depending on the quality. If made of metal, will last forever.
Hmm! You already know Adjustable Weight Dumbbells are very less reliable. If handled single hand may last longer. Technically the problem is with the mechanism, not with the weights.
Usage Risk
Fixed Weight Dumbbells can be used by anyone who is mature enough not to drop them on their feet. While usage, they will not break. If dropped, they may. Overall depending on the material, there is absolutely Zero risk in using fixed-weight dumbbells.
Screw-type loadable Dumbbells are also risk-free if the fastening nut is made of metal. Plastic nuts wear sooner. Also, every dumbbell rod is tested up to a specific weight. If loaded extra may break and can cause injuries. If you are using an Olympic-type rod, make sure the clips hold the weights. If unclear, use double locks on each end, 4 locks per Dumbbell rod.
Adjustable Weight Dumbbells, if not in good shape and condition, are the most dangerous ones to use. I repeat, extremely dangerous. There are people who complain that while using, weights drop on themselves due to malfunction of the locking mechanism, and also due to wear and tear.
Workout Sessions
Fixed Weight Dumbbells, since they are individual, multiple people can work out at the same time. Not all will be using the same weights altogether. Absolute Freedom. You can even lend the weights which you don’t use.
Loadable Weight Dumbbells can be use used by a single person only. However, if you own an extra pair of dumbbell rods, you can use them with weight plates that you don’t use. In general, people buy the Loadable Dumbbells for their home gym.
Adjustable Weight Dumbbells? Absolutely single-person usage only. You already know how they work!
FAQs
Which is Better? Fixed or Adjustable Dumbbells?
It is not always about price. If you have workout partners, you should go with Fixed Weight Dumbbells as others can also work out together. Not all use the same weight at the same time. If you are the only one using Dumbbells, you can go with Adjustable ones which have their own benefits and limitations.
Are Adjustable Dumbbells Heavier?
Technically Yes!. When you want to carry them around, you will carry the whole rack and not the individual plates or the weight setting. For example, Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells weigh about 55lbs each. When you carry them, you carry the whole rack of 55 lbs. If in pair, it will weigh 110 lbs. While fixed-weight dumbbells can be carried and moved individually.
Which Type of Dumbbell is Best for Beginners?
For Beginners, Manual Loadable Weight Dumbbells are the best compared to Adjustable or Fixed Weight Dumbbells. Manual Screw Weight Dumbbells are inexpensive and more weights can be purchased in the future according to progressive overloading.
Which is better Kettlebells or Dumbbells?
Dumbbells are better than Kettlebells in most cases. Kettlebells are more used in Cardio/ CrossFit workouts. Some exercises like Kettlebell Swings can also be performed with Dumbbells. You can also get Kettle Grip Handle to Convert Dumbbells into Kettlebells for Workouts. For Muscle Building, you should choose Dumbbells over Kettlebells.
Do Adjustable Dumbbells Break?
All Adjustable Dumbbells have a plate locking mechanism which can sometimes malfunction or Break due to wear-tear or improper usage. Make sure the locking mechanism is working properly and none of the plates are mounted loose.
Can you Build Muscle with Adjustable Dumbbells?
Of Course, You Can! Weights are weights. The problem is with the range of motion. Fixed weight dumbbells provide a better range of motion than Adjustable Dumbbells. As an example, for any Pressing exercises like the chest press or shoulder press, larger dumbbells collide with each other restricting the range of motion.
Our Verdict
Fixed Weight Dumbbells are the best ones money can buy. If you have a proper budget and space in the garage, you must not look for any other options. Fixed weight dumbbells give you the freedom and range of motion that no other dumbbells provide. This would be a one-time investment for all.
If you are too tight on space, you can buy Adjustable Dumbbells. However, they are expensive. Make sure to frequently check on the mechanism that works properly.
If you are a beginner and really tight on budget, don’t look further than the Loadable Weight Dumbbells. They are totally Value for Money. More plates can be later purchased and added to the same dumbbell rod. Each rod can support about 40 kgs (90 lbs). If you buy steel ones, they last a lifetime.