Everybody uses dumbbells, they're simple, basic, and there's no real difference between them, right?
Actually, that's very wrong.
The reason that you end up with dumbbells is inexpensive as $2 a pound now, and as expensive as $18 or $19 a pound is because there are huge differences between the quality and design of dumbbells. We actually also represent a more expensive brand that is tailor-made to go to hotels and luxury spas, which can be almost 30$ a pound. That means a pair of 20-pound dumbbells can cost $80, or it can cost $720, or anything in between. Or even $1100, for a super-premium pair with wood and bronze.
That isn't meant to say that everybody needs to spend thousands of dollars on dumbbells. But like all things, it's nice to know what you are buying so you know what you might need or what you might not. And that's where ConnectFit shines.
And some of these differences are biomechanical, which literally means that many people purchase dumbbells without knowing how it affects the workout quality. Worse, they don't know that some styles might be harder on parts of their bodies than they know. Like their wrist, the weakest point in a lift.
The three major areas we focus on with dumbbells go in order of basic design, handle design, and material. And there is the bonus area of racking.
Basic Design
In terms of basic design, dumbbells, in three basic styles. Hexagonal dumbbells, beauty bells, and pro-style dumbbells. Hexagonal dumbbells have a large hexagonal head on both sides, and have weight that is distributed further away from the wrist, because they are longer. Beauty bells generally have round heads but are still somewhat distributed from the wrist, though not as much as hex heads. Prostyle dumbbells are characterized by having a denser material and circular head, which creates a much narrower profile.
In terms of basic design, dumbbells, in three basic styles. Hexagonal dumbbells, beauty bells, and pro-style dumbbells. Hexagonal dumbbells have a large hexagonal head on both sides, and have weight that is distributed further away from the wrist, because they are longer. Beauty bells generally have round heads but are still somewhat distributed from the wrist, though not as much as hex heads. Prostyle dumbbells are characterized by having a denser material and circular head, which creates a much narrower profile.
This actually affects the lift quite a bit, especially as you get to medium size weights, but becomes critical as you get to bigger sizes. The further the weight is distributed away from the wrist, the harder the 'levering effect' of the weight is on the wrist. In other words, hexagonal dumbbells are much harder on the wrist, and are likely to tire out the wrist more, than the other styles of dumbbells. Conversely, pro-style dumbbells are much easier on the wrist, and allow you to focus on the other muscles you're trying to work. On top of this, hexagonal dumbbells will hit each other on any converging motion far sooner than beauty bells and especially pro-style dumbbells. And nearly any press lift is a converging motion. This means that you actually go through a larger range of motion and use more muscles with better-style dumbbells. They are literally a better workout. You also have less impedance with your body. When you're trying to do a bicep curl or a tricep motion that goes by your body while you're lifting, a hex head is far more likely to be impeded by your body.
That's why all your gyms have pro-style dumbbells. And that's why better quality pro-style dumbbells are made of better materials. Because the denser the material, the smaller the head while providing the same workout. And, just as we talked about with the different styles, denser materials mean a smaller head, and a smaller head means the weight is more concentrated towards the wrist.
Material and Coating
Almost nobody makes metal hexagonal dumbbells anymore, as they chip, and flake. And that can be dangerous when those metal chips fall in your eyes. That's why you barely see those anymore, and you will never see them in the school or a facility. Conversely, you sometimes still see some metal pro-styled dumbbells at the highest level, because of the quality of the metal. Sometimes they also have metal and urethane mixed.
Almost nobody makes metal hexagonal dumbbells anymore, as they chip, and flake. And that can be dangerous when those metal chips fall in your eyes. That's why you barely see those anymore, and you will never see them in the school or a facility. Conversely, you sometimes still see some metal pro-styled dumbbells at the highest level, because of the quality of the metal. Sometimes they also have metal and urethane mixed.
But there are different levels of covering material as well. Vinyl is the worst because it does eventually wear off. A lot of cheaper, short-warranty dumbbells use a poly-rubber covering on their dumbbells, it wears very quickly and has a lot of odor. Low-grade, internet dumbbells use this trick a lot to pretend to be higher quality than they are. That's the beauty of the internet, it always looks better than it is when it shows up at your house. Pure rubber is a decent material, but better dumbbells, whether hexagonal, beauty bell or pro-style, will put a urethane coating on the dumbbell.
Handles
Handles can be very different, and you again run into material differences, as well as differences in the width and shape of the handle. Two very high-level quality dumbbells from Grace and Eleiko actually rotate like a quality bar does, removing inertia from the motion. Hampton also makes a gel grip handle that's very nice. TKO and a few other companies make planed dumbbell handles, that some people like a lot because during those pressing exercises they actually rest comfortably in your hand. Other companies use what's called an ergonomic grip, that is thicker around the center but that tapers toward the sides, which allows the long fingers in the middle as well as the side fingers to actually all do the same amount of work. People with smaller fingers and smaller hands actually often appreciate the ergo grip.
Handles can be very different, and you again run into material differences, as well as differences in the width and shape of the handle. Two very high-level quality dumbbells from Grace and Eleiko actually rotate like a quality bar does, removing inertia from the motion. Hampton also makes a gel grip handle that's very nice. TKO and a few other companies make planed dumbbell handles, that some people like a lot because during those pressing exercises they actually rest comfortably in your hand. Other companies use what's called an ergonomic grip, that is thicker around the center but that tapers toward the sides, which allows the long fingers in the middle as well as the side fingers to actually all do the same amount of work. People with smaller fingers and smaller hands actually often appreciate the ergo grip.
So, between these factors, you will get a safer, less stressful workout with better dumbbells, and literally, get a better workout with them. So always go in and try the dumbbells you're buying, and compare them to the data here to see how that fits into your workout.
Dumbbell Racks
Oh, yes. I did talk about the bonus of racking. Racking dumbbells is the hidden price when you buy dumbbells. Dumbbell racks can be anything from a couple of hundred dollars to thousands of dollars for pro-style saddle racks.
Oh, yes. I did talk about the bonus of racking. Racking dumbbells is the hidden price when you buy dumbbells. Dumbbell racks can be anything from a couple of hundred dollars to thousands of dollars for pro-style saddle racks.
Dumbbells are heavy and require well-made racking. It's always funny to me when I watch some online company selling sheet metal as dumbbell racking, knowing that it won't last very long. There's also vertical versus horizontal racking. Vertical racking normally requires a lot less space, and is less expensive. But the dumbbells may not be at an easy height to get to, and worse, it's much easier to pinch your fingers.
Horizontal racking comes in a few styles as well, but you want to avoid ones that pinch your fingers again, with separated trays. You either want full tray racks or for pro-style dumbbells, you want to get what's called a saddle rack, with each dumbbell resting in a pair of saddles. Those take up the most space, but it's the best thing for pro-style dumbbells.
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