Strength training is a vital component of any triathlete’s training regime, helping with technique, performance and injury prevention, but too many of us neglect it.
That’s why many coaches recommend following a well-rounded strength and conditioning plan either at home or in the gym.
Alongside resistance bands and kettlebells, adjustable dumbbells are one of the best pieces of kit to help you do exactly that. This is our guide for what to look out for, plus some options you may want to consider.
Picks have been based on in-depth research and analysis of user reviews.
Why buy an adjustable dumbbell?
One of the biggest advantage of gyms is the access you get to different weights, allowing you to progressively overload different movements and develop your strength by increasing how much you’re lifting.
But gyms can be expensive, busy and, if you don’t live nearby, it can take up a lot of time getting to them. That’s where adjustable dumbbells come in, as they allow you to work out at home, while still being able to increase the load you’re lifting.
Plus, rather than a clunky rack of expensive dumbbells, which take up space and mean you have to purchase a new pair every time you want to change weight, adjustable dumbbells fit a range of weights as a set of attachments.
While they may appear expensive at first, the upfront cost will likely save you money in the long run.
Types of adjustable dumbbells
There are a few different main types of adjustable dumbbells, varying based on the mechanism used.
- Dial: The dial mechanism is a contraption that allows you to spin a dial to select the specific weight. While the weight is racked, the correct number of plates will be selected for the necessary load.
- Digital: Is even turning a dial a little old school? The most technologically-advanced dumbbells take adjusting weight to a whole new level. The plates will automatically attach to the bar at the touch of a button, saving you precious energy between sets.
- Screw/Spinlock: The traditional style of these dumbbells is often testament to their reliability and longevity. The task of loading up the plates and spinning on the screws can be arduous, but with a good pair can be versatile and good value for money.
Best adjustable dumbbells for home workouts
Bowflex SelectTech Adjustable Dumbbells
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This popular set of dumbbells from Bowflex has a weight range of 2-24kg, allowing you to build up in increments to find the right weight for your chosen workout.
The dial system is said to switch between the plates dynamically, which the brand says makes transitions between exercises smooth and painless.
The plates are made of aluminium and come with their own stand. Something worth bearing in mind, however, is that the listed price is for one dumbbell, so if you want a pair you’ll need to order two.
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Yaheetech 30KG/20KG Adjustable Dumbbells
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This pair of spin lock dumbbells use sand and cement as an internal filler with a plastic exterior, along with a smart chrome-finish iron bar.
They’re available in an overall weight of 20kg or 30kg, or a max weight of 10kg or 15kg per dumbbell.
This weight is made up of plates that range from 2.5kg to 1.25kg, so they’ll take quite a lot of adjusting, but are able to accommodate for a wide range of strengths and abilities.
They also feature non-slip handles, which Yaheetech claims create enough friction to ensure you have enough grip throughout your workouts.
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Opti Vinyl Barbell and Dumbbell Set
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This weights set from Argos’ Opti line can facilitate a maximum weight of 35kg and come with dumbbells and a barbell for greater workout versatility.
Their plates are constructed with vinyl and concrete in an attempt to deliver a sturdy, high-quality experience, and feature a spinlock adjustment method.
The barbell and dumbbell bars are made from steel, but it’s worth noting that Argos says they cannot facilitate a higher weight if you wanted to add more plates.
Each dumbbell can hold a maximum weight of 17.5kg.
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Powerblock Sport 2.4 Adjustable Dumbells
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These popular dumbbells have been praised by consumers for their stability and compactness, and use a dial system to replace eight different weights.
This specific pair move from 1.5kg-11kg, but if this range and maximum weight is too low, there are other versions at Decathlon that facilitate much higher weights.
They’re colour-coded for easy reference and are adjusted by a pin lock that slides under each weight. It’s a system comparable to sliding a pin into a weight stack in the gym.
This pin lock is designed to make them compact and easy to store.
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JAXJOX DumbbellConnect Adjustable Dumbbell Pair
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This pair of digital dumbbells come fitted with a base that houses an electronic system, allowing you to select the weight at the touch of a button.
The weights range from 3.6kg-22.7kg, rising in increments of 2.7kg and the dumbbells can also be synced with the JAXJOX App, which allows you to track reps, volume, sets, average power and workout duration.
There’s even on-demand workout classes, so you can benefit from an instructor’s input.
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Everlast Adjustable Dumbbell
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This dial-adjusted dumbbell from Everlast allows you to lift between 2.5kg and 25kg, with 10 different weights on offer. The easy-release dial lock is designed to ensure the process of changing the weight is smooth and effortless.
They’re also fitted with a safety lock in the form of a red release button by the dials, which is said to help keep the weights in place so they won’t rattle while in use.
Be aware, these dumbbells are sold individually.
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Mirafit Cast Iron Adjustable Dumbbells
- Buy now from Mirafit (£159.95)
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Mirafit is aiming for pure durability here with a traditional spinlock dumbbell and cast iron plates. The bars include collars to keep the weights in place and have a diameter of 28mm, which is claimed to provide a superior feel when compared to 25mm bars.
This design is reliable and simplistic, with a selection of plates available to leave you with a weight of 2kg up to 25kg per dumbbell.
The benefit of this classic dumbbell is that it’s possible to purchase more plates if you need to increase the load. Mirafit offers extra plates that will fit the bars, either 4x 5kg or 8x 2.5kg.
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Yes4All Adjustable Dumbbell Set
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This set of cast iron dumbbells from Yes4All accommodates a total weight of 18.2kg, or 9.1kg per dumbbell. The set includes the following plates: 4 x 1.13kg and 4 x 2.26kg.
The handle is made from a textured non-slip grip, built for long-lasting quality.
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Looking to stock up your home gym? Check out our list of the best home gym equipment.