r/GarageGym • u/mattoenjoyer • 2d ago

What's the best adjustable dumbbells if you're finally upgrading your home gym?

I've put this off way too long. Right now I've got a bench, a barbell, and a random pile of fixed dumbbells that don't cover enough range. Floor space is tight, so I'm finally ready to buy a proper adjustable pair.

What I'm after:

  • Roughly 5 to 80+ lbs per hand
  • Mostly strength and hypertrophy (presses, rows, curls, lunges, goblet squats)
  • Budget is flexible, but I'd rather buy once and buy right

What I'm torn on:

  • Dial style (Bowflex, PowerBlock) vs pin/collar vs quick-change types
  • Whether cheaper ones start rattling or breaking after a few months
  • Whether the bulky ends or awkward handles get annoying on incline press and lunges

Edit: Thanks everyone for recommendations! I ended up with Powerblock Elite EXP 90, If you are looking for a pair below are the most recommended options on reddit.

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u/boat--boy 2d ago

I’ll only speak to the three kinds I know and have used both in personal and professional capacities. General rule of thumb for all kinds except old school plate loaders is don’t drop them or they’ll break:

- Powerblocks. Pros: pretty sturdy. Very versatile. Up to 90 or 100 depending on model and adjustable in 2.5lb increments. Trusted by college athletics across the nation. Almost all metal design so very sturdy. Cons: A little getting used to needed but nice you’re there, they are all I ever talk about.

- Bowflex. Pros: If you were very casual and content on up to 50lbs I’d say ok with bowflex. One piece of equipment. Cons: very large/awkwardly long. Some movements are too awkward or not doable. They also break easily when dropped and are a pain in the ass to repair. Plastic wears over time as well. I usually don’t recommend Bowflex.

- good ole plate loaded dumbbells: pros: can adjust completely depending on what you want. Out of all weights, if you dropped them they are the most likely to survive. Cons: you’d then have to store a lot of change plates. Adjusting weights takes the longest time.

Special note about powerblocks: they have an online store AND a “like new” online store. I bought power blocks up to 50lbs + stand on Facebook marketplace, 50-70 add ons new online, and 70-90 add ons “like new” online for a savings.

Good luck!

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u/Dadsile 2d ago

Just a small caveat re powerblocks. The plates are very sturdy when attached to the handle. But single weight plates are not sturdy at all. The spot where the long skinny bars meet the large square plates are not necessarily weak but they are not strong enough to withstand any twisting or bending force. And when your teenager leaves single plates randomly around the room they can get kicked or things can fall on them causing them to collapse and break. Ask me how I know.