Their incredible versatility makes dumbbells suitable for all exercises, workouts and fitness goals. You can use them in conjunction with most other calorie-blasting exercise equipment or as a weight-building tool all on their own. Commercial-grade dumbbells are also durable and can last for years when cared for properly.

All this makes the dumbbell an essential piece of weightlifting equipment. Whether you’re a fitness fanatic or exercise newbie, you may have considered buying them for your home gym. Here is everything you need to know.

How Do You Know What Weight Dumbbells to Buy?

When looking for durable dumbbell weights online, you’ll come across a hundred options on the market and many different types. How can you know which ones are best for you? To make the best buy, you must consider several important factors like the different dumbbell types, materials and shapes available, your personal fitness goals and how you plan to use them.

Types of Dumbbell Weights

There are two main types of dumbbell weights: fixed and adjustable. Based on your needs and goals, either one or both may be a good fit for your home gym.

Fixed Dumbbells

This dumbbell type has a handle and two weights on each side at the end of it, completely attached to the middle grip bar. Usually sold in pairs, fixed dumbbells are very common, coming in various shapes, weights and materials. They can’t be adjusted or removed and often come as dumbbell weight sets. The main advantages of these models include:

• Convenience. Fixed options are convenient to use – you just need to grab whichever weight you prefer and begin your exercise without adjusting the weights.
• Safety. There is no risk of weight plates falling off and hurting you, which makes them the safer option.
• No protruding ends. You can set them on your thighs without getting stuck in your clothing during exercise.
• Durability. Fixed dumbbells are more durable – you can drop them on the floor when you finish without damaging them. Some adjustable weights easily break when dropped off.
• Versatility. Fixed dumbbell sets allow more people to work out and use them simultaneously.

Adjustable Dumbbells

Adjustable dumbbells are like standard barbells, consisting of a metal handlebar and two weight plates that you can secure on either side of the bar with collars. Unlike their fixed counterparts, you can change the weight of adjustable dumbbells by adding or removing weight plates.

You can find different adjustable dumbbell types, including plate-loaded, selectorised and spin-lock dumbbells. Regardless of which ones you choose, you can expect several benefits, including:

• Cost-effective. Having a set of adjustable dumbbells, including a range of weights, you don’t need to buy another one, which will save you money.
• Space-saving. Separate weight plates don’t take as much space as fixed weight dumbbell sets.
• Less shipping fees. Since they take less space, adjustable dumbbell sets are easier and cheaper to ship than the fixed set options.

Dumbbell Materials

The particular material of your dumbbell weight will affect a few things. Most importantly, it will determine the feel of the weight when you’re using it. It can also dictate how long your weights will last as well as their overall appearance.

Rubber

Usually fixed, these dumbbells come in a complete rubber cover, or their ends are rubber while the handle grip is metal. They’re durable as the rubber protects the dumbbell from chips, dents, rust and scratches. It also protects the storage racks and the floor surfaces. Whether made of natural, synthetic or recycled rubber, they’re completely waterproof, making them the perfect options for water aerobics.

Urethane

Similar, but not quite like rubber, urethane is a material falling somewhere between rubber and plastic. As durable as the rubber ones, urethane dumbbells are common at commercial gyms.

Chrome

Silver and shiny, chrome dumbbells have a polished look that makes them sleek, attractive and smooth. They usually come in a light to medium weight range, perfect for home gyms. Although chrome dumbbells are rust-resistant, it’s best to keep them indoors to prevent UV and weather damage.

Cast Iron

Commonly coming in a hexagonal shape, cast iron dumbbells are popular among lifters. They’re durable and versatile as you can use them for almost all exercises. It’s recommended not to drop these on the floor as it can damage the dumbbell and the floor.

Dumbbell Shapes

The way that a dumbbell is shaped has a few implications. The first is how evenly the weight is distributed. This will affect how the dumbbell feels when you’re using it and may also cause some muscles to work harder than others. Second, the shape of a dumbbell can make some exercises more or less difficult. Third, the shape may also be a factor in how easy it is to grip the weight.

Hex Dumbbells

As the name implies, hex dumbbells have a hexagonal shape, standard for at-home and commercial use. This shape provides stability and prevents from rolling away, making them ideal for push-ups and renegade rows where you need to place the dumbbell on the floor. Hex weights offer convenient storage as you don’t need a rack. Instead, you can simply stack them on top of each other.

Round Dumbbells

Circular-shaped dumbbells have a shorter bell and total length than the hex ones. Unlike their hexagonal counterparts, they’re comfortable when placed on the thighs and shoulders for doing presses. The round form is better for exercises like curls, and you can roll them on the floor, which is convenient when you don’t feel like carrying them.

Square or Specialty Shape Dumbbells

Square and other specialty-shaped dumbbells, such as a teardrop, aren’t as common as round and hex ones. They’re similar to hexagonal-shaped weights in terms of use and storage.

Tips on Buying the Right Dumbbells for You

How Will You Use Them?

If you want dumbells as an addition to your cardio training, you need a lightweight option with a good sense of grip. You may need various sizes for weight training to work your way up. For example, you’ll need a heavier dumbbell for shoulder presses and bicep curls to feel the shoulders and the arms working.

How Much Space Do You Have?

Dumbbells may not require as much space as barbells, a bench or other equipment. But, if you don’t have a dedicated home gym space, you must consider the dumbbell size and where will you put them. On the other side, if you have designated storage for them, consider other factors like rolling and materials.

How Heavy Should They Be?

Different exercises and fitness goals require different weights. Your fitness level is also important – if you’re a newbie, you’ll probably need lighter weights. It’s always better to start small and work your way up; a general rule of thumb is to increase your dumbbell weight every one to two months, depending on your exercise regime.