Adjustable dumbbells let one pair stand in for a full rack. Turn a dial, twist the handle or swap plates to change the load, and one lifter can press, row and curl through many weights in the space of two dumbbells. We carry BowFlex, Body-Solid, Matrix Fitness, Sunny Health & Fitness and York Barbell.
| Quick fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Brands in this category | BowFlex, Body-Solid, Matrix, Sunny, York |
| Adjustment styles | Dial, twist handle, spin-lock plates |
| Pair or single | Pairs, except Sunny SF-DB01-55 (single) |
| Storage | Matrix DBSR rack; SDBX132 with stand |
| Free shipping | Body-Solid |
| Suits | One lifter, limited floor space |
Ranges are per dumbbell for the dial and twist models; York is sold by set weight.
| Model | Weight range | Steps | Adjusts by |
|---|---|---|---|
| BowFlex SelectTech 552 | 5 to 52.5 lb | 15 settings | Dials |
| BowFlex SelectTech 1090 | 10 to 90 lb | 5 lb, 17 settings | Dial |
| Body-Solid SDBX132 | 11 to 66 lb | 5 lb, 12 settings | Dial Tech selector |
| Matrix DB50 | Up to 50 lb | 5 lb | Twist handle |
| Matrix DB80 | Up to 80 lb | 5 lb | Twist handle |
| Sunny SF-DB01-55 | 15 to 55 lb | 10 lb | Twist-handle dial |
| York Black Contour | 30, 50, 70 or 90 lb sets | Plate swaps | Spin-lock collars |
The SelectTech 552 starts lightest, which suits shoulder raises.
The Body-Solid SDBX132 goes heavier and comes with or without a rolling stand.
They differ in change speed, length and what can go wrong.
The dumbbell rests in its base while you turn the dial, then lifts out with only the plates you picked. BowFlex says to lift it straight up.
On Matrix and Sunny models you twist the handle in the cradle until it clicks. Matrix lists the DB50 at 13 3/4 in long, against 16.9 in for the BowFlex 552, which leaves more room on curls.
York's set uses 14-inch handles, 1-inch standard plates and collars you spin tight. Changes are slower, but nothing can jam. Sunny's light 33 lb chrome set uses star-lock collars and a carry case.
Run any pair through these checks:
Still weighing a rack of single weights? See our adjustable vs fixed dumbbells guide.
They suit solo training in small rooms far better than busy shared floors.
Every dial and twist model here is tagged Residential Only, and BowFlex says commercial use voids its warranty. Gyms should look at fixed-weight pairs instead.
Rubber, urethane and hex pairs sit in our full dumbbell range.
Yes, if one person trains at a time and space is short. One pair replaces a row of fixed pairs, but sharing it slows everyone down.
No. BowFlex warns that dropping a SelectTech dumbbell damages the plates or the locking mechanism, so set every selector model down under control.
Yes, when the lock is fully engaged. Seat dial models in the base before turning the dial, and retighten spin-lock collars after every plate change.
Only as much as the top setting. Pick a model that tops out above your heaviest lift today; spin-lock handles hold whatever plates fit between the collars.
An adjustable weight bench adds incline presses and supported rows. Planning a whole room? Ask about our free 3D home gym design.
Orders ship from Tennessee to all 50 states, with 30-day returns on working, undamaged equipment. Questions? You can call or text 423-458-2453, or shop Hamilton Home Fitness.