CORE FITNESSAdjustable Dumbbell Weight Set by Affordable Dumbbells - Space Saver - Dumbbells for Your Home

Expensive but worth it.Biggest benefit is the compact nature of the design, whether in storage or in use. Unlike most adjustable dumbbells, these are only as long as the outermost plate. The design leaves the unused plates on the storage rack, so a lighter weight is a shorter dumbbell and a heavier weight is a longer dumbbell. No more awkward, overly long dumbbells when using a lighter weight. The engineering and fit/finish is top notch so they feel very stable and quiet when in use.The grip is also a very comfortable diameter and made from a rubber like material so it feels solid.The complaint about the heavier weights sticking to the storage rack is semi-valid but is easily overcome by storing the weights on the ground and putting your foot on the rack to remove the weights. People just need to get over that issue because it’s not a big deal.

I own a Bowflex home gym, but it can't accommodate some exercises I wanted to do. Rather than ditch the Bowflex and buy a complete set of free weights, I decided on dumbbells. I did a lot of research and knew I wanted a set that was adjustable. While Power Blocks are very popular, I found them difficult to adjust and use as my forearms kept hitting the cross bars around the handle. I also looked at Bowflex SelectTech, Weider Core, XMark, Universal PowerPak and any others that offered quick adjustability. The thing about all of them was the size. You pick up the entire length of the dumbbell no matter what weight you select. The Iron Master Quick Lock is an exception and although I liked them, they were cost prohibitive.I first found these dumbbells under the Stairmaster label (which were also cost prohibitive) and I liked how the weight stacks, i.e. the length of the dumbbell adjusts for the weight you select. Then I saw the same set under the Core Fitness label at Dick's Sporting Goods. They were $399 at the store, but a quick search on Amazon got me to the (affordable) price of $299.After my first workout, I know I made a good decision. The plates are encased in plastic, so they don't clink and clank while using them. The action to change weight is simple and very easy to use. I also like that the bottom of the plates are flat to prevent them from rolling off if you put them on the floor. The way the plates lock together makes them feel like one solid piece while using. The handles are large and ergonomic with a rubber coating in the middle which makes them very comfortable to hold. I'm very pleased with the purchase and believe they will last for some time to come..UPDATEOver a year later and with 3 to 4 workouts a week these are holding up great. I even dropped one onto the hardwood from about 3 feet up when I got over extended on a fly and it suffered no damage. They'l probably last longer than I will.

I never do anything half-*ssed regarding significant purchases, i.e., I research professional reviews and also get a take for personal reviews, especially the negative ones. Essentially, I gather my information and determine what is and what isn't important. Same deal with these weights . . . So, this is what I determined about what was really important to me: 1. All parts were sturdy and well made/constructed; 2. Similar to number 1, that the weights had zero to minimum movement while working out; 3. The weight set was "compact" even when using maximum load of 50lbs; and, 4. The company supported their product with excellent customer service (note: I do not know this personally, but from what I have read, they do a good job of this).All of the aforementioned were answered positively by what I read and reviewed. So, what was my first impression? The delivery was on time and the packaging was excellent. Two boxes were delivered to my door, and I had zero issues with the boxes/packaging. Assembly was simple. Fast forward to working out everyday (upper body one day and lower body the next) the last few weeks and I am extremely impressed with my weight set. Why? First and foremost, I discovered for myself what others had already discovered - this is a quality weight set, with little to no movement of the weights while in motion; and the set is compact, where someone lean like myself can easily maneuver the weights while doing various exercises. For example, when you are doing overhead tricep extensions with one weight at maximum weight (50 lbs), it is very important that you have a good two handed grip while maneuvering into the overhead position. I was concerned before buying the weights that the adjustable mechanism would interfere or not be comfortable either during the process of getting into the position or actually doing the tricep extension exercise. NO WORRIES . . . IT IS QUITE COMFORTABLE - BOTH GETTING INTO THE POSITION AND DOING THE ACTUAL EXERCISE. Regarding the actual adjustment mechanism, it is well made and so simple to use. One turn of the wrist and you move the weight dial up or down. Simple.The only issue - a minor one - is removing the weights from the floor rack when you exceed approximately 25 or more lbs. This is simply rectified by using your foot on the side bar of the rack. Quite frankly, more times than not, it never happens if you remove the weights in a firm and deliberate manner.Conclusion? I am quite impressed with this adjustable weight set. Price was outstanding, as I only paid $249.91 and I am fairly confident that this weight set will last the rest of my life due to the quality of materials used to make this set.