Are you wondering how the Nuobell Adjustable Dumbbells stack up against other DBs on the market? Here’s a detailed review, including things to love, things to not love, and how the Nuobells compare to other popular adjustable dumbbells.
The Nuobell Adjustable Dumbbells are the best-looking DBs on the market.
Simple as that.
But they are also heavy on function, too.
Including multiple weight options, the best grip for adjustable DBs, and they change weight faster than any other adjustable dumbbell.
In this guide, we are going to take a deep dive into the Nuobell’s, why they are probably the best adjustable dumbbell on the market for you, and include reasons why it might NOT be for you.
Let’s jump right in.
Things That I Love About the Nuobell Adjustable Dumbbells
Alrighty, let’s get into the awesomeness with the things that I REALLY like about this adjustable dumbbells.
Best looking adjustable dumbbell on the market.
While aesthetics should take a second seat to function, there’s no denying that we want sleek equipment in our home gym.
While some adjustable dumbbells are on the clunky side, the Nuobells are the closest you get to a “true” dumbbell in terms of looks.
The design of the dumbbells is the winner when it comes to pure looks.
Fastest weight change.
Being able to change weight rapidly when working out is crucial for doing circuit training, drop sets, and working out with a partner.
The handle is the primary means of changing the weight. Place the dumbbells in the cradle, rotate the handle to select your desired weight, and off you go.
It’s literally that fast and is significantly faster than the pin and lock system on Powerblocks and light years faster than the “load and screw” dumbbells that require adding individual plates (like the IronMasters).
Knurled handle that is like a regular dumbbell.
Grip is everything when you are using free weights. Despite the importance of being able to properly handle the dumbbell, this is something that often gets overlooked when home gym enthusiasts are searching through comparable options.
The knurling on the handle—usually a diamond-shaped pattern that increases points of contact on your hand, giving you more grip—is a medium knurling.
This is significantly better than the rubber handled dumbbells that get slippery the moment your palms get a little sweaty.
Space saving deluxe.
One of the main benefits of adjustable dumbbells is that you can save a heaping ton of space.
One pair of adjustable DBs can replace up to 20 sets of dumbbells.
While the Nuobells doesn’t have as many weight offerings as some other adjustable dumbbells on the market, they come pretty darn close, with up to 16 different weights (on the 80lb model) and ten different weight options with the 50lb model.
Different color options.
This is something none of the other dumbbells on the market offer—different color options for your weights!
There is the classic black, but now the Nuobells also come in matte black (yup!), tactical green, and ash. The different color dumbbells are available exclusively through their website.
Cheaper than buying dumbbells.
The perks of adjustable dumbbells are obvious—reduced footprint for equipment and a dumbbell-experience when lifting. But the upfront investment required stops a little people short.
And that is understandable. With the Nuobell (80lbs) Dumbbells costing $765, which is the same price as a basic Rogue squat rack, the cost can seem prohibitive.
Which makes sense. But when you balance that out against the cost of purchasing all of those dumbbells separately, (a Rogue 5-50lb dumbbell set, for example, costs over $1,000), you actually do end up coming ahead.
No rattling.
One of the key things that happen with adjustable dumbbells—and this is something that is typical of the type of product with a lot of moving parts—is that they can rattle quite a bit.
Plates bumping against each other is a common issue with less-than-quality dumbbells. The Nuobells are one of the quietest dumbbells I’ve ever heard…
Optional stand.
The stand, custom made for the Nuobells, is a bit pricey, at around $190, but gets the dumbbells and cradle off the ground and makes it easier for you to grab them when it’s time to get some gains.
The added height is also great for us taller folks who don’t have a counter in our exercise area, which means that we don’t have to put the weights all the way down onto the floor and into the cradle in order to adjust weight.
Things that Some Lifters May Not Like About the Nuobell Dumbbells
No expansion packs.
The Nuobells, unlike the IronMasters, Powerblocks, and even the Bowflex DBs, aren’t expandable. That said, for most lifters, however, a 50lb or 80lb max is more than sufficient. Additionally, you cannot upgrade from 50lb to 80lb using the same handle.
Related: What Weight Dumbbells Should I Buy?
In other words, if you are trying to decide between the two weight options, it might be a better idea to plunk down the extra few dollars for the 80lb model if you plan on getting after those gains in a big way.
Weight increments are 5lbs.
For more experienced lifters, this won’t be an issue. 5lb increments are typical for most dumbbells, whether you are talking about rubber hex dumbbells or commercial-grade urethane dumbbells.
But for beginner lifters, or those who simply want more flexibility in weight options, there are adjustable dumbbells that increase/decrease weight in 2.5lb increments vs the 5lb increments with the Nuobells.
Nuobell Adjustable Dumbbells — FAQs
Can you drop Nuobell adjustable dumbbells?
This advice usually goes for any dumbbell, but you should really not drop these dumbbells. Like, ever.
The combination of exposed metal plates and the plastic components inside the locking mechanism makes them a terrible choice for dropping. Unlike other types of dumbbells, like rubber hex dumbbells, that have coated weight heads that protect the weights, the floor, and racks for storing your equipment, the weight plates are exposed.
Additionally, there are some plastic components within the connecting mechanism that locks the plates onto the handle.
While Nuobell backs up the dumbbells with a minimum two-year warranty (you can purchase an additional three years of warranty for about $60), they do not cover damage from dropping the dumbbells.
The warranty itself says that it does not cover “damage to the product due to dropping or slamming the dumbbell.”
The mix of plastic components and iron plates should you give you pause if you plan on body-slamming these bad boys.
While I’ve read plenty of anecdotal stories on Reddit and other home gym forums of lifters dropping these dumbbells without incident, it’s simply not worth dropping ‘em.
Where can you buy Nuobell dumbbells?
One of the things to look out for when shopping for these is the countless knock-offs and fakes on the web, especially on Amazon.
Stick with trusted and verified resellers like Rogue or Bells of Steel, who sell them through their official websites.
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