Adjustable Dumbbell Weight Set by Affordable Dumbbells

I never do anything half-*ssed regarding significant purchases, i.e., I research professional reviews and also get a take for personal reviews, especially the negative ones. Essentially, I gather my information and determine what is and what isn't important. Same deal with these weights . . . So, this is what I determined about what was really important to me: 1. All parts were sturdy and well made/constructed; 2. Similar to number 1, that the weights had zero to minimum movement while working out; 3. The weight set was "compact" even when using maximum load of 50lbs; and, 4. The company supported their product with excellent customer service (note: I do not know this personally, but from what I have read, they do a good job of this). All of the aforementioned were answered positively by what I read and reviewed. So, what was my first impression? The delivery was on time and the packaging was excellent. Two boxes were delivered to my door, and I had zero issues with the boxes/packaging. Assembly was simple. Fast forward to working out everyday (upper body one day and lower body the next) the last few weeks and I am extremely impressed with my weight set. Why? First and foremost, I discovered for myself what others had already discovered - this is a quality weight set, with little to no movement of the weights while in motion; and the set is compact, where someone lean like myself can easily maneuver the weights while doing various exercises. For example, when you are doing overhead tricep extensions with one weight at maximum weight (50 lbs), it is very important that you have a good two handed grip while maneuvering into the overhead position. I was concerned before buying the weights that the adjustable mechanism would interfere or not be comfortable either during the process of getting into the position or actually doing the tricep extension exercise. NO WORRIES . . . IT IS QUITE COMFORTABLE - BOTH GETTING INTO THE POSITION AND DOING THE ACTUAL EXERCISE. Regarding the actual adjustment mechanism, it is well made and so simple to use. One turn of the wrist and you move the weight dial up or down. Simple. The only issue - a minor one - is removing the weights from the floor rack when you exceed approximately 25 or more lbs. This is simply rectified by using your foot on the side bar of the rack. Quite frankly, more times than not, it never happens if you remove the weights in a firm and deliberate manner. Conclusion? I am quite impressed with this adjustable weight set. Price was outstanding, as I only paid $249.91 and I am fairly confident that this weight set will last the rest of my life due to the quality of materials used to make this set.

The bells are rather large -- no tapering as with Bowflex -- and I do wish I could add weight in 2-1/2 lb increments, at least up to 25 lbs, as with Bowflex, but as the Bowflex bar remains the same length, no matter how many weights are on it while the CF bars grow incrementally with the number of 5-lb plates attached. For lower weight exercises such as for my shoulders (after having had 4 rotator cuff surgeries, I use a set of non adjustable dumbbells and I no longer do ab exercises while hanging from a chin-up bar. Exercise is addictive. My last ortho surgeon, a "sports medicine" doctor, admitted that after breaking his arm, he was back doing curls after a week and broke the arm again, proving that even medical doctors can be as stupid as the next guy. His office is always filled with patients -- most of them, these days, young women. Dumbbells can be especially dangerous, as unlike with a barbell, your arms cannot train or help each other. So, it is important to have a good set of dumbbells, and keeping in mind the dangers, unless you have the room and want to invest in a set of single dumbbells, these from Core Fitness may suit your needs and fancy. As with all good tool, you must them with respect in hopes of not dropping them and damaging the mechanism. But let's see how long they last. Update: NOT QUITE A YEAR. One the set did not pick up the 5 lbs weight and now will not go back into the rack. Unless I can figure our how the mechanism works and fix it, I have just thrown about several hundred bucks. Not sure if there is a warranty. Quit a SCARE. But I figured out how the mechanism worked and solved the problem. Now can use my dumbbells again. BUT BEWARE! I was on my own. So others who purchase this set don't get discouraged and toss the out or get frustrated and damaged the mechanism, just remove the 5# weights from the cradle, reinsert the empty bars correctly, and twist. That will release the dumbbell mechanism in the dumbbell and allow you to twist it until all the weights are off. Then reload the 5# endplates and -- voila! -- you are back in business. UPDATE: Had these since July 2019 -- almost three years -- and used them regularly 3-days a week. Still just as good as new. Great investment. I've been exercising with weights since I bolstered my Charles Atlas exercises with those of Mr. America (1947) Steve Reeves, and I can tell you that these are the greatest development since Atlas introduced the "dynamic tension" for fast and convenient and cheap muscle building. Update: 6/24/22. Still going like the Energizer Bunny! I have to admit, I dropped one and thought it broke. But I fixed it in minutes by taking it back to no plates, then adding plates. Contrary to some raters, I would rate these as tops. As for the company that makes them, I can't say, as I have no complaints. Nor can I make a comparison, with similar dumbbells by other makers. All I know is these do everything claimed and more.

I've had this set for more than a year and use it regularly. It's showing slight wear on the inside of the plates where they interlock. They continue to work really well. Weight selection is really smooth and the mechanisms within are functioning optimally even after repeated use. This is a fantastic set!

I just received my dumbbells today 2/2/18. They arrived in 4 days as opposed to the 6-7 day estimation. They were very easy to “assemble”. Sliding the weight plates into the base (they stack and connect by sliding one into another) and then the handle. After that you are ready to roll. The weight adjusts by 5 pounds from 5 (just the handle) up to 50 pounds (all plates engaged), by simply rotating the handle and putting the desired weight amount into the window. When getting into the mid to higher range of weight, you may need to place one foot on the side of the cradle to get the weight to smoothly come out of the cradle. I didn’t buy the stand. For an additional $150 if i were to buy the stand for the cradles, I’ll just stand on the cradle. But if you have the money, I’m sure the stand is helpful. I LOVE the fact that all I have to do to change weight is to put the dumbbell into the cradle and simply turn the handle. This saves such precious time during my work out. It also eliminates the pain in the butt of unscrewing and removing weight plates, putting weight plates back on, and screwing the locking lugs back down. Not to mention that now I can use all of my lose weight plates on my barbells without having to switch off between barbells and dumbbells. This really allows me to focus on my work out not running back-and-forth changing plates. The dumbbells themselves are solid and should last for a very long time. All in all I feel that it was a fantastic buy, especially at the price point they were. The manufactures even went so far as to put in good basic dumbbell based exercises for beginners. I am not a beginner but that just shows me that they care more about just collecting your money. These came with a 2 year parts warranty.

Pros: VERY easily and quickly adjustable. I wanted a single mechanism (compared to other brands I saw where you’d have to dial in EACH side of a single dumbbell), and these fit the bill. Also, they seem relatively sturdy so far. They are decently compact and don’t have the empty frame sticking out at the ends like some other brands do. Cons: as you start getting heavier, they stick in the crates. Not just a little or sometimes. A lot, every time... 20 lbs and under, it’s not an issue. 35 lbs and up, it’s super annoying. At around 25-35 lbs, if you grab the dumbbell, the whole thing starts to come up, but if you hold it just an inch or two up and give it a little shake, the crate still has enough weight/plates left on it, that it will eventually slip off and fall. At 40-50, more of the weight is obv on the dumbbell and the crate isn’t heavy enough to slip off, so the shaking it off “trick” doesn’t work. You have to hold the crate down with your other hand to free the dumbbell. You can’t pick up both dumbbells off the crates at once, need to do one, set it down, then do the other. Guess I should try out their stand and see if that holds them down enough, but it’s kind of obnoxious that that’s almost a requirement to have a smooth workout. Overall, glad I got them. I was looking for something simple to get back in shape. Bought these, an adjustable bench, some (heavy duty) resistance bands, and a pull-up bar. They get the job done. My only regret is that I wish I got something heavier for the DBs. But those options start getting pretty pricey. So, for a basic home gym, these are pretty decent. If you’re looking to get a jump start on your fitness, do it. Get these. If you’re more intermediate, I’d guess that it’s probably worth getting their stand too in hopes that the weights sticking in the crate isn’t as obnoxious. If I get the stand, I’ll update this review. If you’re more advanced, probably skip these and invest in getting heavier ones.

One of the best purchases I've ever made on Amazon. I researched all the adjustable dumbells I could find and these had the best of everything. They adjustable from 5 to 50lbs in 5lb increments with a firm, positive twist and click. They are the perfect size, not as long as the bow flex ones. Nice and compact. Grips feel great. The stand is a must have in my opinion, bc it makes the adjustments much easier and the stand is the perfect height.

I just used these for the first time today and i can tell you they are worth every penny penny. First they are easy to put together. The design in my opinion is flawless. I love the fact that it switches weights in 5lb increments. One of the best features is the handle grip is perfectly shaped for my hands. I recommend these highly!

I own a Bowflex home gym, but it can't accommodate some exercises I wanted to do. Rather than ditch the Bowflex and buy a complete set of free weights, I decided on dumbbells. I did a lot of research and knew I wanted a set that was adjustable. While Power Blocks are very popular, I found them difficult to adjust and use as my forearms kept hitting the cross bars around the handle. I also looked at Bowflex SelectTech, Weider Core, XMark, Universal PowerPak and any others that offered quick adjustability. The thing about all of them was the size. You pick up the entire length of the dumbbell no matter what weight you select. The Iron Master Quick Lock is an exception and although I liked them, they were cost prohibitive. I first found these dumbbells under the Stairmaster label (which were also cost prohibitive) and I liked how the weight stacks, i.e. the length of the dumbbell adjusts for the weight you select. Then I saw the same set under the Core Fitness label at Dick's Sporting Goods. They were $399 at the store, but a quick search on Amazon got me to the (affordable) price of $299. After my first workout, I know I made a good decision. The plates are encased in plastic, so they don't clink and clank while using them. The action to change weight is simple and very easy to use. I also like that the bottom of the plates are flat to prevent them from rolling off if you put them on the floor. The way the plates lock together makes them feel like one solid piece while using. The handles are large and ergonomic with a rubber coating in the middle which makes them very comfortable to hold. I'm very pleased with the purchase and believe they will last for some time to come.. UPDATE Over a year later and with 3 to 4 workouts a week these are holding up great. I even dropped one onto the hardwood from about 3 feet up when I got over extended on a fly and it suffered no damage. They'l probably last longer than I will.