Which Dumbbells Do You Recommend?

[LoneSilver]

Our state has a tax free weekend and I want to take advantage of this tax break and buy some dumbbells.

Now I know you have the bar and plates types and then you have the non plate types that are 5 10 25 and up etc., but which are more cost effective or better in your training in your opinion to those whom have been training for awhile?

Thanks

LoneSilver

 

[Warboss Alex]

I'm not sure if you're asking about a brand, in which case I can't help.

if you're asking about barbell vs. dumbbell then I firmly believe you need both to get the most out of your training. I'd get a set (or sets) of adjustable dumbbells up to a heavy weight (say 150-200lbs).

 

[LoneSilver]

You answered my question not interested in brand just as long as they are good quailty but I'll look into the adjustables.

The reason for my question is I have noticed they have set weight dumbbells some from 5 all the way up to 50 pounds and maybe more they don't have plates or anything like that just the dead weight of the dumbbell and wasn't sure if this was the way to go or go to the adjustables dumbbells but I like the adjustables seems to be more cost effective as I can buy the plates as I go up in strength.

Hope I made sense.

Thanks Alex

LoneSilver

I'm not sure if you're asking about a brand, in which case I can't help.

if you're asking about barbell vs. dumbbell then I firmly believe you need both to get the most out of your training. I'd get a set (or sets) of adjustable dumbbells up to a heavy weight (say 150-200lbs).

 

[Warboss Alex]

No, get adjustable ones, they'll be cheaper in the long run. And unless you're exceptionally strong you probably won't ever need anything heavier than 150lbs, simply because it gets impossible to actually position them, let alone do the exercise.

You might get a better deal if you bought adjustables up to 150lbs or so in one go, as shipping costs bite with weights.

 

[LoneSilver]

Will do.

Thanks again

LoneSilver

No, get adjustable ones, they'll be cheaper in the long run. And unless you're exceptionally strong you probably won't ever need anything heavier than 150lbs, simply because it gets impossible to actually position them, let alone do the exercise.

You might get a better deal if you bought adjustables up to 150lbs or so in one go, as shipping costs bite with weights.

 

[blinkwatt]

Buy a pair of 10,15,20,....50lb. dumbbells and buy heavier ones as you need them. Something else to consider,some dumbbells have rubber around weights and it's a real pain when you lift heavy,the dumbbells when they touch will bounce a little. Good idea if you lift at home(protection of the floor),not soo good idea when you wanna lift 100+lb. dumbbells. The downside to the non-rubbered ones is that they can crack a floor when they are dropped if the floor isn't padded.

 

[shaunuk]

No, get adjustable ones, they'll be cheaper in the long run. And unless you're exceptionally strong you probably won't ever need anything heavier than 150lbs, simply because it gets impossible to actually position them, let alone do the exercise.

You might get a better deal if you bought adjustables up to 150lbs or so in one go, as shipping costs bite with weights.

lol yeah, it starts to look funny after the dumbbells get past a certain weight. A fairly big guy in our gym incline presses the 166lb dumbbells, and it's now gotten to the point where each set is fairly dangerous. He needs 2 guys to pass him a dumbbell each, and his spotters always look pretty nervous Also, since the dumbbells are pretty big, he can't get a full lockout in his press.

To be honest it looks to me like a barbell would be safer (easier to grab off him if you're strong). Alex - do you recommend moving away from dumbbells after a certain point (i.e. after you can no longer kick them to your shoulders with relative comfort/safety)?

cheers,
-shaun

 

[Warboss Alex]

To be honest it looks to me like a barbell would be safer (easier to grab off him if you're strong). Alex - do you recommend moving away from dumbbells after a certain point (i.e. after you can no longer kick them to your shoulders with relative comfort/safety)?

yes, whenever an exercise gets less safe/comfortable it should be changed up - safety first. that said, it's not too hard to put the bells on your knees and kick them up to your chest, or clean them if it's for a shoulder press.. but if you're not 100% comfortable, don't do it.

 

[Kerpal]

I got 2 pieces of 14" long 3/4" diameter iron pipe, 10 lb weight plates with 1" holes, and a bunch of automotive hose clamps. Then I wrapped duct tape around the handles and then covered the duct tape with a baseball bat grip to make thick handles. It's not pretty, but it gets the job done and is cheap

 

[LoneSilver]

Creative guy huh?

Sometimes a mans gotta do what a mans gotta do.

LoneSilver

I got 2 pieces of 14" long 3/4" diameter iron pipe, 10 lb weight plates with 1" holes, and a bunch of automotive hose clamps. Then I wrapped duct tape around the handles and then covered the duct tape with a baseball bat grip to make thick handles. It's not pretty, but it gets the job done and is cheap

 

[djSlvt]

For dumbbell workout I have 20 lbs each adjustable dumbbells, and then fixed weight hex dumbbells.

It be best if I have four 20 lbs adjustable dumbbells, cheap varaety, so that I can adjust them for even more weight, i.e. make 2 out of 4, goes up to 40 each that way. It's useful for working tricepts, lateral frontal raises, etc...

Then, I buy pair of fixed weight hex dumbbells. Usually in 10 lb increments, but as you go further up the weight it's hard to increase weight 10 x2 lbs each time..


I say don't buy those in the store, since you want a set, I suggest you buy them on eBay. They usually sell for local pick up only, and come with bench and a set of weights ranging from 20 to 80 lbs each dumbbell. Plus some might have a curl bar as well. That's all you need. Price wil be cheaper if buying all those things separate. I saw a nice set for $300, came with bench, dumbbells, and curl bar with weights. They also incluse dumbbell racks, some of them. Very useful if you have many dumbbells, my are just laying on the floor in a big pile.


If you buying a bench, don't go for space efficent one, like I have the dank skin, a chick bench, which only support up to 250 lbs, load up me on it and 100 lbs of weight, and that thing is starting to bend, not cool.

 

[LoneSilver]

Thanks djSlvt for the info.

LoneSilver

For dumbbell workout I have 20 lbs each adjustable dumbbells, and then fixed weight hex dumbbells.

It be best if I have four 20 lbs adjustable dumbbells, cheap varaety, so that I can adjust them for even more weight, i.e. make 2 out of 4, goes up to 40 each that way. It's useful for working tricepts, lateral frontal raises, etc...

Then, I buy pair of fixed weight hex dumbbells. Usually in 10 lb increments, but as you go further up the weight it's hard to increase weight 10 x2 lbs each time..


I say don't buy those in the store, since you want a set, I suggest you buy them on eBay. They usually sell for local pick up only, and come with bench and a set of weights ranging from 20 to 80 lbs each dumbbell. Plus some might have a curl bar as well. That's all you need. Price wil be cheaper if buying all those things separate. I saw a nice set for $300, came with bench, dumbbells, and curl bar with weights. They also incluse dumbbell racks, some of them. Very useful if you have many dumbbells, my are just laying on the floor in a big pile.


If you buying a bench, don't go for space efficent one, like I have the dank skin, a chick bench, which only support up to 250 lbs, load up me on it and 100 lbs of weight, and that thing is starting to bend, not cool.