3 Months Using NÜOBELL Adjustable Dumbbells (My Review 2024)

December 6, 2023

Buying dumbbells for your home gym sucks. I’ve been there. Scouring Facebook marketplace for hours and rarely finding a deal under $1 per pound. Then realizing the full dumbbell set you want to buy requires an entire wall of space to store them.

Not to mention the heavy dumbbells that get buried under the light ones. I have the solution for all these problems, and it's the NÜOBELL Adjustable Dumbbells.

Key Features of NÜOBELL Adjustable Dumbbells

Feature

Value

Brand

SMRTFT NÜOBELL

Weight Ranges

5-50lbs or 5-80lbs

Weight Increments

32mm

Handle Coating

Chrome

Knurling

Medium

Plate Material

Machined Steel

Plate/Handle Options

Black/Chrome, Black/Black, White/Black, Blue/Black, Pink/Black, Red/Black, Green/Black

Warranty

2 Years (when DBs aren’t dropped)

Pros

  • Easily adjustable to change weights between 5 and 80 lbs.
  • Replaces 32 dumbbells saving you space in your home gym.
  • Well-knurled handles so they won’t slip with heavy use.

Cons

  • Can't be dropped so if you throw your dumbbells after a heavy DB bench, you're going to break them quickly.
  • There's no model above 80 lbs or a way to modify dumbbells to add more weight.

Quality

Adjustability

Ease of Use

Cost

NÜOBELL Adjustable Dumbbells

NÜOBELL Adjustable Dumbbells Review

Price

The easiest way to compare prices and see if NÜOBELL's are worth it is to price it per pound.

  • 5-50 lbs is 550 lbs total and costs $600. That’s $1.09 per pound.
  • 5-80 lbs is 1360 lbs total and costs $760. That’s $0.56 per pound.

The value is insane since second-hand dumbbell rates are $1 per pound if you buy off marketplaces like Facebook.

You’re getting brand-new dumbbells for almost half the price of second-hand dumbbells. You can’t get a better deal than this.

Design

Nuobell Dumbbell Review

I've had the chance to gear up my home gym with the NÜOBELL Adjustable Dumbbells, and the design caught my eye.

Their open-handle design and steel weight plates are similar to traditional dumbbells, providing a natural feel. Many adjustable dumbbells feel entirely different, which takes time to adapt.

The knurled handle is like holding a mini barbell instead of the slippery steel on most rubber or metal dumbbells.

Build Quality & Durability

While the machined steel weight plates give it a regular dumbbell feel, they can't be dropped as you void the warranty and can potentially crack the hard plastic covering or destroy the weight-adjusting mechanism.

But the same goes for all adjustable dumbbells, which aren't meant to be dropped. With proper use, the quality and durability are unmatched.

Weight Range

You have two options with weight ranges: 5-50 lbs and 5-80 lbs. The range you choose depends on your use of the dumbbells.

Compare this to Ironmaster Quick-Lock Adjustable Dumbbells, which go up to 75 lbs, Powerblock Elite USA 90, which go up to 50 lbs (unless you buy 2 expensive add-ons), and REP Fitness Quickdraw Adjustable Dumbbells that max at 60 lbs, you're getting heavier dumbbells for a similar price.

Adjustability & Ease of Use

Their adjustability system is a game-changer. With a quick twist of the handle, you can change weights effortlessly, making these dumbbells some of the most user-friendly ones I've ever handled. You can see in the video below how easy it is to adjust them:

I've used other adjustable dumbbells where you adjust the ends, but it's not as easy as turning the handles of the NÜOBELLs.

Convenience and Space Efficiency

The number one reason to invest in adjustable dumbbells is to save space. We have a 2 car garage but use only one side to store our gym equipment.

To have 5-80 lb dumbbells in 5 lb increments, we'd need to have 32 dumbbells lying on the garage floor or a large dumbbell rack. There's no way it would fit with everything else we need.

The NÜOBELL adjustable dumbbells take a small cubic meter of space but give you the versatility of having 32 dumbbells at your disposal.

The dumbbell stand is an extra expense but worth it for easy storage and adjustment. Otherwise, you're adjusting dumbbells on the floor.

Nuobell Dumbbell Stand

Exercise Versatility

You can do every exercise with regular dumbbells with NÜOBELLs. The upside is you have a wide range of weights with a pair of dumbbell handles. One downside is if you have a training partner in your home gym.

It means if you're both using dumbbells, you'll need to adjust the weight every set if you have different strength levels or doing different exercises.

Whereas regular dumbbells mean you have your pair and your partner has another.

Warranty

You have a two-year warranty covering any adjustment or manufacturing defects. Do NOT drop these dumbbells. You void the warranty instantly and will ruin the life of them.

Are the NÜOBELL Adjustable Dumbbells Worth It?

Nuobell Adjustable Dumbbells

NÜOBELL Adjustable Dumbbells are a sleek and innovative addition to your home gym. They're an investment up front but are cheaper than buying separate dumbbells as you scale your gym.

In my experience, these are the best dumbbell deal you’ll find and are worth it for a small home gym.

I have individual dumbbell pairs from before having the NÜOBELLs. I hadn’t added to the pile as I didn’t know where I’d store them and the price adds up quickly as you start adding 50+ lb dumbbells since a pair will cost you $100 and more.

It’s what makes the NÜOBELLs worth it.

NÜOBELL Alternatives

As you navigate the landscape of adjustable dumbbells, you'll find alternatives that might align more closely with individual training styles and budgets. Having delved into the world of weightlifting equipment, I've had my fair share of experiences with various brands and models.

PowerBlocks

PowerBlocks stand out as a popular alternative to NÜOBELLs. One issue with PowerBlocks is the unnatural feeling I get when using them.

They don't feel like traditional dumbbells, so there will be a learning curve. Here's other things to note:

  • Adjustability Range: The base Elite 90 model is 5-50 lbs. But to get to 90 lbs, you must buy 2 more add-ons.
  • Durability: Made predominantly of metal, they can withstand the occasional drop without the same risk of damage that NÜOBELLs carry with their plastic connectors. I still wouldn’t recommend it.
  • Warranty: PowerBlocks have a 5-year warranty vs 2 years for NÜOBELLs.
  • Price: Price is comparable to NÜOBELLs, costing $797 for the full 90 lb setup, coming to $0.47 per pound.

Ironmaster Quick-Lock Dumbbells

Another worthy mention is the Ironmaster Quick-Lock Dumbbells. They provide the natural dumbbell feel but with square plates so they don't roll when placed on the floor.

  • Robust Build: They boast steel and iron construction, so they can take more abuse. This is their main selling point, as you can even drop them.
  • Weight Range: These range between 10-75 lbs but have add-on kits to increase to 120 and 160 lbs. They have 2.5 lb increments instead of 5 lbs, giving you more versatility.
  • Adjustability: These can be more of a pain than the NÜOBELLs since you must add and remove the plates yourself.
  • Warranty: Ironmaster comes with a lifetime warranty. There's not much more to say to that.
  • Price: This is where it gets interesting. Because the load is adjustable by 2.5 lbs, you have more pairs of dumbbells, bringing the price down to $0.30 per pound.

Bowflex SelectTech 1090

The Bowflex 1090 model is also a popular contender. However, they feel like cheaper plastic and are clunkier than NÜOBELL's.

  • Adjustment Mechanism: The SelectTech 1090 has a clunky dial system for weight adjustment. You adjust from the end instead of the handle.
  • Weight Range: 10-90 lbs gives you plenty of headroom.
  • Build: The plates are made with rubber and plastic, which aren't as durable as other dumbbells.
  • Warranty: 3-year warranty on parts.
  • Price: You're looking at $0.47 per pound, similar to most adjustable dumbbells.

REP Fitness Quickdraw Adjustable Dumbbells

REP Fitness Quickdraw Adjustable Dumbbells are a new player in the adjustable dumbbell market. They’ve copied a similar design and system to NÜOBELLs.

  • Adjustment Mechanism: Instead of twisting the handle, they’ve created switches between each plate you want to add. It’s a neat system that allows you to quickly go from 5 to 60 lbs if necessary.
  • Weight Range: These dumbbells go from 5-60 lbs as their max weight, which may not satisfy stronger lifters.
  • Build: These dumbbells are constructed with high-grade materials, ensuring durability and a robust feel during lifting sessions.
  • Warranty: The lifetime warranty on home use is a nice touch, which only the Ironmaster provides.
  • Price: REP Fitness Quickdraw Dumbbells are the most expensive of the lot, priced at $0.64 per pound. But adding the 2.5 lb plate for more options comes to $0.33 per pound.

Frequently Asked NÜOBELL Adjustable Dumbbell Questions

Are NÜOBELL Adjustable Dumbbells Durable?

NÜOBELL adjustable dumbbells are durable if handled properly. Avoid dropping them, as they contain plastic parts that can break. Most issues arise from misuse rather than design flaws.

What Are The Downsides Of Adjustable Dumbbells?

Adjustable dumbbells may be less durable than traditional fixed dumbbells, can take extra time to adjust weights, and might rattle if plate-loaded. They also may not mimic the feel or shape of conventional dumbbells unless they are built like NÜOBELLs.

What Company Makes NÜOBELL Dumbbells?

NÜOBELL dumbbells are made and sold by SMRTFT. However, they can frequently be out of stock, so this article sends you to Bells Of Steel, who have them in stock often when SMRTFT runs low.

Summary

NÜOBELL Adjustable Dumbbells are awesome for home gym use. They take up little space but give you up to 80 lbs. Further, they feel like actual dumbbells, so there's no adjusting to a different feeling when lifting heavy weights.

NÜOBELL Adjustable Dumbbells

About the Author

I am a professional strength & conditioning coach that works with professional and international teams and athletes. I am a published scientific researcher and have completed my Masters in Sport & Exercise Science. I've combined my knowledge of research and experience to bring you the most practical bites to be applied to your training.

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