Standard Dumbbells vs Variable Dumbbells

wolf39us
wolf39us Posts: 163 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
So I'm thinking about investing into some Dumbbells and I'm not quite sure what I should get. For the most part, I am an apartment dweller, so physical room is not always something I will be privy to. That being said, I do have enough room at the moment for a full dumbbell set on a stand.

I'm wondering if buying a fancy selectorized set is worth the extra convenience. Any thoughts?

I'm a beginner so I'm not going to be doing any crazy weights for a little while until I get used to it. 5-25 lbs is all the range I'll need for now

Replies

  • nordlead2005
    nordlead2005 Posts: 1,303 Member
    A healthy (overweight or otherwise) 29 year old male should easily be able to use well more than 25lb dumbbells for the most basic exercises like Lunges, Squats, Bench Press, etc... If not, he should be able to surpass that within a couple weeks.

    I would not buy individual dumbbells again (my parents bought a bunch for me when I was younger), as they are way more expensive than just a bar and plates. A set from 5-80lb in 5lb increments would cost ~$1300. If you have the space, they are the most convenient (grab and go).

    A bar and plates is also significantly cheaper than those fancy sets. You can buy ~200 in plates plus two dumbbell bars for a little over $200 and be able to go from 0-80lb in each hand. The downside of plates is that they are the longest to swap out.

    If you want faster switching, and easier storage (not smaller storage, they take about the same space) than plates and bars, then get a fancy set, but those will run $400 or more depending on what you buy. They are nice and convenient, but they are more expensive.
  • jemhh
    jemhh Posts: 14,261 Member
    nordlead2005 wrote: »
    A healthy (overweight or otherwise) 29 year old male should easily be able to use well more than 25lb dumbbells for the most basic exercises like Lunges, Squats, Bench Press, etc... If not, he should be able to surpass that within a couple weeks.

    I would not buy individual dumbbells again (my parents bought a bunch for me when I was younger), as they are way more expensive than just a bar and plates. A set from 5-80lb in 5lb increments would cost ~$1300. If you have the space, they are the most convenient (grab and go).

    A bar and plates is also significantly cheaper than those fancy sets. You can buy ~200 in plates plus two dumbbell bars for a little over $200 and be able to go from 0-80lb in each hand. The downside of plates is that they are the longest to swap out.

    If you want faster switching, and easier storage (not smaller storage, they take about the same space) than plates and bars, then get a fancy set, but those will run $400 or more depending on what you buy. They are nice and convenient, but they are more expensive.

    Good advice.

    I have these handles and plates, the 105# set so that's 52.5 in each hand. Finding additional weights is pretty easy (you can get 1" plates for around $1/lb at Walmart and sporting goods places but cheaper on Craigslist, secondhand stores, garage sales, etc.) They do take a bit more time to switch out but as long as you aren't doing a bunch of pyramid-type sets it's not that bad. You get used to it and it's kind of fun acting like your own little pit crew trying to switch them as quickly as possible.
  • wolf39us
    wolf39us Posts: 163 Member
    Like I said, I'm pretty new to weights. Some exercises I can only do 10-15lbs. Others, usually different types of presses, I can do significantly more.

    Is the general consensus then that I should go with 50lb variable Dumbbells?
  • jemhh
    jemhh Posts: 14,261 Member
    wolf39us wrote: »
    Like I said, I'm pretty new to weights. Some exercises I can only do 10-15lbs. Others, usually different types of presses, I can do significantly more.

    Is the general consensus then that I should go with 50lb variable Dumbbells?

    I would get as heavy as you can afford and if that's 50 lbs, it's a good starting point.

    You may only be able to do 10-15 pounds now but your strength will improve quickly as a beginner if you are following a solid program. Don't underestimate yourself. BTW, here are two full body dumbbell programs:

    * Fierce 5 (note that there are several variations from beginner to advanced, 3-5 day, plus a dumbbell program) - http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?p=1267226191#post1267226191

    * Full body dumbbell routine (note: women and men can use the same rep range, if you want to go low do it, if you want to go high do it. I promise that neither will make you gain or lose a Y chromosome.) - https://www.muscleandstrength.com/workouts/dumbbell-only-home-or-gym-fullbody-workout.html
  • nordlead2005
    nordlead2005 Posts: 1,303 Member
    wolf39us wrote: »
    Like I said, I'm pretty new to weights. Some exercises I can only do 10-15lbs. Others, usually different types of presses, I can do significantly more.

    Is the general consensus then that I should go with 50lb variable Dumbbells?

    If you stick with a good structured program for beginners you'll progress much faster than you imagine and 100lb will be insufficient for your major lifts.

    50lb variable dumbbells would be a good starting point. Preferably if the ones you buy are expandable (plates, power blocks, etc...). Either that, or just buy them and know that you'll likely have to upgrade within 1 year of solid use.
  • SonyaCele
    SonyaCele Posts: 2,841 Member
    i personally don't like those adjustable dumbbells, i had a set years ago and it was more trouble than it was worth to switch the weights, and i ended up never using it. what i have at home now, is a TRX hanging in my living room and i can do way more exercises on it than i could with a set of dumbbells. And its so convienent to use, that i use it way more than any hand weights i have. I actually have a whole rack of dumbbells at home that i never touch.
  • pondee629
    pondee629 Posts: 2,469 Member
    I use the Powerblock adjustable dumbbells. For 10 pound changes the time is 3 seconds. To make a 2.5 or 5 pound switch the time is about 3 or 5 seconds. Adjustable from 5 pounds to 50 pounds, in 2.5 pound increments. Been using them for several months with no issues. They kinda look funny, but are used just as the hex dumbbells found in any gym for any of the exercises you would use a dumbbell. they also come is a set of 3 pounds to 24 pounds, or so, in 3 pound increments. these I have not tried.
  • jemhh
    jemhh Posts: 14,261 Member
    pondee629 wrote: »
    I use the Powerblock adjustable dumbbells. For 10 pound changes the time is 3 seconds. To make a 2.5 or 5 pound switch the time is about 3 or 5 seconds. Adjustable from 5 pounds to 50 pounds, in 2.5 pound increments. Been using them for several months with no issues. They kinda look funny, but are used just as the hex dumbbells found in any gym for any of the exercises you would use a dumbbell. they also come is a set of 3 pounds to 24 pounds, or so, in 3 pound increments. these I have not tried.

    Can you buy extension kits to add more weight to those? I've wondered that about that type of dumbbell.
  • ndj1979
    ndj1979 Posts: 29,136 Member
    i would suggest joining a gym then you have access to all the equipment...
  • workout_junkee
    workout_junkee Posts: 473 Member
    Defineyly go 50lb adjustable for long term usability. I love mine and they are very easy to adjust.
  • wolf39us
    wolf39us Posts: 163 Member
    Should I got with the selector type Dumbbells or plates?
  • jemhh
    jemhh Posts: 14,261 Member
    wolf39us wrote: »
    Should I got with the selector type Dumbbells or plates?

    That comes down to personal preference and budget. If you think you may, at some point, add a standard barbell, the 1" plates will be able to be used on that. If that doesn't matter to you, it's really just personal preference.
  • kshama2001
    kshama2001 Posts: 28,052 Member
    edited January 2016
    ndj1979 wrote: »
    i would suggest joining a gym then you have access to all the equipment...

    Cosigned. I have a small apartment and paying less than $20 a month for a gym membership is well worth it to me.

    @wolf39us maybe join a gym and take a few sessions with a trainer to get you comfortable with the gym and lifting? You should get at least one session for free when you join.
  • DopeItUp
    DopeItUp Posts: 18,771 Member
    I'd get some adjustables that can be expanded (like the Iron Master ones). Or get much bigger adjustables. 50lbs is going to be nothing for an average male in a very short amount of time.

    When I first started out all I had were DBs up to 65lbs, I was using them within just a few months. I'd get something up to at least 75lbs, if not 100lbs.
  • pondee629
    pondee629 Posts: 2,469 Member
    jemhh wrote: »
    pondee629 wrote: »
    I use the Powerblock adjustable dumbbells. For 10 pound changes the time is 3 seconds. To make a 2.5 or 5 pound switch the time is about 3 or 5 seconds. Adjustable from 5 pounds to 50 pounds, in 2.5 pound increments. Been using them for several months with no issues. They kinda look funny, but are used just as the hex dumbbells found in any gym for any of the exercises you would use a dumbbell. they also come is a set of 3 pounds to 24 pounds, or so, in 3 pound increments. these I have not tried.

    Can you buy extension kits to add more weight to those? I've wondered that about that type of dumbbell.

    Yes, up to 90 pounds. Two add on sets 60 & 70 and 80 & 90. Each add on set add two 10 pound brackets.
  • sunnybeaches105
    sunnybeaches105 Posts: 2,831 Member
    You can do quite a bit with a set of dumbbells, but as you progress you will find you're limited, particularly with lower body work. If you only need 50 pounds or less, and you can afford them, go ahead a buy the selector type. Some are better than others and the good ones don't come cheap, but the cheap ones can be dangerous. I've seen some drop plates. That can suck if your head or feet are underneath the plates when they fall. I personally prefer using a set of dumbbell handles and several 10 pound plates. Standard dumbbell handles can hold up to 110 1 120 pounds if you use the right collars. In any event, if you get the dumbbells stick with it and make sure you look up "goblet squats" and do them so you get some lower body work. In the end, you may want to eventually expand into a barbell and power cage or join a gym.

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