Adjustable weights provide varying weights without taking up too much room. They are popular with people who want to do a wide range of exercises but do not have a large area to store a number of different size weights. Adjustable weights also allow convenient resistance settings that the user can easily change. There are many different brands available.
Bowflex SelectTech
Bowflex SelectTech Dial Up Dumbells are adjustable weights that use a dial system, on either end of the dumbell, for selecting the weight you want. These weights allow you to change weight in increments of 2.5 or 5 pounds. They are a little more bulky than standard dumbells. The weight-changing mechanism is generally quick and easy. According to bowflexselecttech.com, the Bowflex dumbells are offered in two different weight sets: The SelectTech 1090, which adjust from 10 to 90 lbs., and the Bowflex SelectTech 552 set, which adjusts from 5 to 52.5 lbs. The cost range is $399 to $599.
PowerBlocks Adjustable Dumbells
PowerBlock is another highly recommended adjustable dumbell. According to powerblock.com, they are made up of nested steel plates with rods on the side and a vertical square plate at the end. The weight is adjusted with a pin that uses a magnet to keep it against the weight. The rods are color-coded to make it easier to align it correctly to selecting the weight you desire. The weight ranges are as follows: the SportBlock is 3 to 24 lbs. in 3 lb. increments and sells for about $149 a pair; the Personal PowerBlock is 5 to 45 lbs. in 5 lb. increments and costs about $330; the Personal Plus is 20 to 60 lbs. and costs about $369 a pair; and the Elite PowerBlock is 5 to 90 lbs. and sells for about $700.
Ironmaster Dumbells
The Ironmaster Dumbbells have been steadily gaining in popularity along with Bowflex and Powerblock. They have rugged construction and are easy to use. According to ironmaster.com, they are more ergonomic than Powerblocks, and more durable than Bowflex. One set adjusts from 5 to 75 lbs. in 2.5 lb. increments and costs about $489. The other set is an add-on set that adds 45 lbs. to each dumbell and is approximately $199.
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