Intro
After launching the 15 x 15 Dumbbell Challenge, I had an idea to create a quick dumbbell guide. I did my research, asked other professionals and workout enthusiasts, and tried different dumbbells myself. Well, this turned out not at all to be a quick thing to do. However, I did my best to keep it simple and to include only the most important aspects you need to know when choosing dumbbells.
I believe that when building a home gym and investing in equipment, dumbbells are one of the most practical options. Since it is easier to do kettlebell exercises with dumbbells than the other way around, it is due to how kettlebells are built. And the barbell is just too big to start with that, though I really love picking up the heavy weights while at the gym.
Disclaimer:
This guide is created with links and references to the Swedish market. However, the general types of dumbbells are the same everywhere; you just may need to search to find your local supplies.
3 types of dumbbells
Adjustable dumbbells
Ironmaster adjustable dumbbells – Justerbara hantlar 2 x 20,5 kg – Ironmaster
This company sets the standard high with a 10-year guarantee, which is exceptional for a pair of dumbbells. Although the company was originally founded in the USA, it is now a Swedish local provider with its storage facilities located in Sweden.
Price: 2 x 20,4kg = 6 918 SEK
+ Adjustable, really easy to make adjustments
+ Weights can be used even in an adjustable kettlebell, so you would need to buy only a kettlebell handle to expand your home gym even more
+ Easy to buy add-ons if you want to increase weights even more
+ Free shipping in Sweden
– Price
– Weight plates are 2,2kg each (or 1,1kg), which sometimes makes uneven weights, like 6,6 kg dumbbells (in my world, that doesn´t make sense)
– Manufacturers are in China, though the storage is in Sweden
CAUTION: Bowflex SelectTech 552i – Bowflex SelectTech 552i | Gymgrossisten
Though this is a little bit cheaper version, you have to check carefully, since some similar models have been recalled due to instability and parts being dislodged.
Price: 2 x 24 kg = 6 580 SEK
+ Saving space
+ Fast and easy adjusting
– Eith time, they could start clinging which is pretty annoying to hear when you are performing the exercise
– Even recalled in some countries due to injury risks when plates have been dislodged
NÜO Athletics Nüobell – Nuo athletics nuobell set
Better quality based on reviews. These are heavier and more useful for already experienced lifters. If you are just beginning your journey with dumbbells, these could be too big and heavy.
Price: 2 x 32 kg = 7 390 SEK
+ Space saving
+ Easy to adjust
– Price
– Usually bigger in size than a fixed pair of dumbbells, which in some exercises can cause injuries
– Stability. You have to be careful when putting them down, no throwing around.
Buildable dumbbells
These work similarly to a barbell with their weight plates. And they even look like small barbells.
Byggbart hantelset – 2 X 19,5kg järn
Price: 2 X 19,5kg = 1 655 SEK
+ Much friendlier price
+ Saving space
– With time, weight plates start clanking against each other and get looser and looser. You may even need to adjust the screws in between sets.
– Screwing. If you are doing a circuit workout (which is included in the 15×15 Dumbbell Challenge) and you need to switch between exercises where one is light weight and the other heavy weight, it will take time to screw the plates on and off. This would be more suited when you do all the sets of one exercise and then go to the next one.
Fixed dumbbells
Classical dumbbells are found in most gyms. Here you can choose freely depending on your criteria. There are rubber ones, there are round ones, hexagon-shaped, etc.
+ Stable
+ Easy to use – no changing weight plates or screwing anything, just pick up the right ones
+ Durable. These you can drop down after the set (if you have a proper floor, of course) and do not have to worry that they could break or get damaged
– Price
– Takes a lot of space
Recoil – Recoil Hexagonhantlar 1-10kg Gummi Svart – Köp här!
Price: 1-10kg dumbbells from 49 SEK – 469 SEK
Remember: Price is shown per dumbbell, so when you buy a pair of dumbbells, do not forget to change the amount
If you buy, for example, 3 pairs of the most often used weights, like 5 kg, 7kg, and 10 kg, that would cost you around 2 054 SEK.
Complete set of 1-10kg dumbbells with dumbbell rack – Complete set Recoil hexagon dumbbells
Price: 5 942 SEK
+ Complete set and a lot of choice
– Price
– Usually, a lot of these dumbbells stay untouched, you would probably be using 3-4 most common weights
Set of 10 pairs of dumbbells from 2 – 17kg – Hantelsats 2-17,5 kg/10 par Inkl. Pelarställ
Price: 7 995 SEK
This set suits better if you want to have a wider range of dumbbells since it includes not all steps from 1-10kg, but skips some weight increments and comes instead higher up, till 17,5 kg dumbbells (which you can use for farmers carry walks for example).
Afterword
The choice is hard. There are so many options, and there is no one-fit for all. I hope this guide will help you understand which dumbbells are the best ones for you, based on what are your needs and options right now.
I am planning to build a complete home gym, so I am looking forward to a complete set of classical hexagon-shaped dumbbells. Meanwhile, I know what I am ordering for me and my girls to practice: A colorful set of 1-3kg dumbbells* This set is so cute with its own stand that I can´t resist. And 3kg dumbbells will be useful even for yourself, for example, for Reverse flies on Day 12 of the 15 x 15 Dumbbell Challenge. If you have elastic bands at home, you can increase the resistance and use the 3 kg dumbbells even for other exercises, like Bent-over rowing.
And of course, do not forget to check the local second-hand options, for example, blocket.se
Good luck, and let me know your favorite ones!
*I am a proud Amazon Associate, so this is an ad link for which I may earn commission.
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