Adjustable Dumbbells Vs. Traditional Dumbbells, Which is Better For You?

Adjustable Dumbbells Vs. Traditional Dumbbells, Which is Better For You?

A Topic For All Dumbbell Lovers To Discuss

When it comes to strength training at home or at the gym, there are a variety of equipment options to choose from. One of the most popular and versatile pieces of equipment are dumbbells. However, there are two main types of dumbbells: traditional and adjustable. In this article, we will compare the benefits and drawbacks of each to help you decide which is best for your fitness goals.

traditional dumbbells attached to a bar with Dualbell

Traditional Dumbbells:

Traditional dumbbells are a classic choice for strength training. They come in a variety of weights, typically ranging from 1 to 100 pounds, in 5 pound increments, and are made of cast iron or steel. They have a fixed weight and size, so you will need to purchase multiple sets if you want to increase your weight range.

Benefits:

Having these at home can give you the closest feel to going to a commercial gym.  One of the benefits of traditional dumbbells is their durability. They are built to last and can withstand years of use. They also have no moving parts. No dials or switches that can wear out, get damaged or fail to secure themselves.  That reduces the risk of injury.  With that, they can also be more versatile.

Drawbacks:

One major drawback of traditional dumbbells is the need to purchase multiple sets if you want to increase your weight range. This can be expensive and take up a lot of space. Additionally, it can be difficult to switch between weights during a workout, which can slow down your progress.  If you're a messy person, you may not enjoy the clean up very much.  Best practice, rerack your weights after each set to create good gym habits.

bowflex 552 adjustable dumbbells attached to a bar with dualbellAdjustable Dumbbells:

Adjustable dumbbells are a modern take on a centuries old tool. They come with multiple weight plates that can be easily added or removed from the handle, allowing you to adjust the weight as needed. 

Benefits:

One of the benefits of adjustable dumbbells is their versatility. With just one set, you can adjust the weight to fit your needs, making them a great choice for a home gym with limited space. Switching between weights is generally quick and easy, making your workout more efficient.  Clean up is equally quick.  They tend to be expensive as a set, but not as expensive as buying a full set of traditional dumbbells.

Drawbacks:

Moving parts.  They should last a long time, but sometimes parts wear down, get loose, don't work as smoothly as they once did, or break.  The mechanism that creates the innovation, can also cause headache or injury.  Additionally, the weight plates can be noisy and may shift during a workout, which can be frustrating.

The Bottom Line

Both traditional and adjustable dumbbells have their own unique benefits and drawbacks. If you are looking for commercial feeling, durability and simplicity, traditional dumbbells may be the right choice for you. If you are looking for versatility and space-saving convenience, adjustable dumbbells may be the better option. Ultimately, it is important to consider your fitness goals, budget, and workout space when deciding which type of dumbbell to invest in.

Regardless of whether you prefer traditional or adjustable dumbbells, Dualbell can help you maximize your investment. By connecting your dumbbells to a bar, Dualbell enables you to perform a wide range of barbell exercises, effectively turning your dumbbells into barbell plates. This means you can get the benefits of both types of equipment without having to invest in a separate set of weight plates. Dualbell is also compatible with most standard 1" bars and collars, making it a versatile and cost-effective solution for anyone looking to add variety and flexibility to their home gym workouts.

To get the best value from your dumbbells, the suggestions are simple.  For adjustable dumbbell owners, the Dualbell Pair is the perfect choice.  For those who own traditional dumbbells or multiple pairs of adjustable ones, the Dualbell Superset is an optimal choice.

dualbell product pictures

Back to blog

Leave a comment

Please note, comments need to be approved before they are published.