Which dumbbell weight to buy

Men should start somewhere between 8kg - 20kg while women usually start between 4 to 12kg. This depends on fitness level, weight and which exercise is done for which goal to pick the right dumbbell.

Dumbbell training

Dumbbell training comes in many forms. Some use them for gaining muscles, others to lose some weight by adding resistance to their home routine. It all fronds on your training style and which goals you want to achieve which dumbbell is the best for you.

What is important is to hold on tight to the handle while you are training. This increases strength and minimizes injury risk. Bodybuilding.com has a wide variety of dumbbell exercises targeting almost any muscle group. If you are in doubt about how to execute a certain movement this is a good source to check.

Dumbbell weights

Dumbbells come in sizes ranging from 5LB to 150lb. The most common dumbbells are rubber in hex or round shape. There are also stackable systems available like the loadable dumbbell from Rogue or the Power Elite stack.

You can also get dumbbells from many local supermarkets. These are usually a bit lighter and not as rough to the touch. These are more aimed at women who want to exercise at home. Weight is weight so these are also good if you have a program you want to follow on YouTube or you have subscribed to.

Dumbbells for strength

If you are aiming to build more strength use dumbbells you can lift for 4 - 8 repetitions per set. Once you can do 4 - 5 sets at 8 repetitions easily it is time to go up in weight. You can experiment in your local gym but always err on the side of caution to keep your shoulders and arms healthy.

Dumbbells for toning

If you want to use your dumbbells for toning have a look at all the exercises you have in your circuit. There is usually one exercise which is the hardest to do with weight. Use this as the limiting factor to determine how heavy the dumbbell is you use. For the easier exercises just do more, faster, when it get stronger until you reach your goal on the hardest exercise. Once that is done it is time to move up in weight or that you try to finish faster or more deletions in the same time.

Pros of dumbbell training

Dumbbells give you more freedom of movement than machines and barbells. They are also smaller and can, therefore, be a good start for a home gym.

Cons of dumbbell training

Going heavy usually becomes a challenge with dumbbells as they don’t provide the stability and balance of barbells or machines. They can also get rather bulky in high ranges which makes them awkward to move.

What dumbbell weight should I buy

Depending on your size, fitness, exercise selection, and goals women can usually start with 4 - 12 kg while men usually start with 8- 20. For your first buy, I would recommend a set of 8kg 12kg 20kg. That usually covers most scenarios with the ability to scale. If you only want to buy one dumbbell make it an 8kg for women and 12kg for men.

Which dumbbell to get from Rogue

My personal favorite is the Rogue loadable dumbbell as it combines space savings with good design. For a big gym, you probably want to go for the Rubber hex dumbbells, unless you want to go fancy and get a full set of the Urethane version. If you are a strongman competitor you will find a good option in the Thompson fatbells. The power block is, in my opinion, an outdated design unless you really have no space available whatsoever.

Rubber Hex dumbbell

Price: $7.50 - $309

Overview of the Rogue Rubber Hex dumbbell

The rubber hex dumbbell is a classic which you find in many gyms around the country. They are a good, versatile low budget version of dumbbells that have stood the test of time. The Rogue rubber dumbbells are black and have rogue embossed on the rubber. The specifications are:

Weight range: 2.5LB to 125LB
Tolerance: +/- 3%
Handle Diameter: 25MM up to 10LB, 35MM for 12.5LB and above

Which will cover every need. Dumbbells are good in small spaces, athletes who can not lift a barbell and to put resistance on ranges of motion which can’t be reached with a barbell. To make a complete set in a gym they are a necessity, especially for accessory work.

Pros of the Rogue rubber hex dumbbell

Rogue takes pride in its products which shows in these dumbbells. One of the main concerns with dumbbells is that they come loose over time between the handle and grip which Rogue has addressed by paying special attention to this part of the dumbbell. A full rack of dumbbells is also great in any gym to leave options to train when the racks are taken. If you want to address beginners or rehab clients dumbbells are also a good go-to option.

Cons of the Rogue rubber hex dumbbell

Compared to barbells dumbbells are not used in many competitions. Powerlifters and weightlifters are therefore better off to train with a barbell than with a dumbbell. If you want a wide range of weights the rubber dumbbells will also take up a lot of space and have more cost than a barbell. A kettlebell might also provide the same amount of exercises with the benefit of also being able to do Turkish get-ups and kettlebell swings.

Alternatives to the Rogue Rubber hex dumbbell

Alternatives to the Rubber Hex dumbbells are

The Rogue loadable dumbbell is basically a shortened barbell that can be loaded with weights. Rogue also offers smaller weights to go with the loadable dumbbell. This is a great option when you want to be able to have a load of different weights on one dumbbell without eating too much space. Ideal for home gyms. For a commercial gym, it might be better to stick with a rack of dumbbells as they are more convenient to use and cover more clients at the same cost.

The Rogue Urethane dumbbells are slightly higher quality than the rubber hex. As the name suggests they are made of urethane instead of rubber which makes them more durable. Personally, I think the main reason would be aesthetic and functional to get them over hex dumbbell. They are round instead of a hexagon. I never liked that design myself.

The Power block dumbbell is a classic design for home use. It follows the same idea as the loadable dumbbell to save space in a home setting. This is the most compact it can get for lifting dumbbells with many options in denominations. The only downside is the clicking mechanic to change between weights which is prone to break and that the block can a little too big when moving big weights. Here the loadable dumbbell might be less error-prone if you have the space to store the change plates.

Kettlebells are always a good alternative to dumbbells. You can do almost all dumbbell movements with kettlebells while kettlebells also offer the Turkish getup and kettlebell swing as great conditioning exercises. The only negative with kettlebells is that I haven’t seen a great loadable Design for them yet to save space. If I was in the market for a big set I dumbbells I would get a wall of kettlebells instead. Especially if you have very heavy kettlebells it will set you apart from other gyms. It all depends on the clients you want to target as bodybuilders usually prefer dumbbells.

Summary for the Rogue Rubber hex dumbbell

The rogue rubber hex dumbbells are an ideal solution for a gym with many clients at peak time and a lot of space. There is no setup time to get started and if they break they are easy to e the place. For most home gyms rubber dumbbells might not be the most cost and space-effective option Rogue has to offer. For this application, you might want to look into the loadable dumbbells before making your final decision.

Rogue loadable dumbbell

Price: $135

Overview of the Rogue loadable dumbbell

The Rogue loadable dumbbell is basically a shortened Rogue Ohio bar. The Rogue Ohio bar is the best selling backbone of the Rogue barbell portfolio. The loadable dumbbell is available in a 15 and 10 lb version. The 15 lb version doubles the available sleeve space so you can add more weights. The Rogue loadable dumbbell is compatible with your barbell plates. You can also get specially fitted dumbbell weights with a smaller diameter which I recommend. The big plates are usually in the way when they get close to your body. On a barbell, they are further away as the shaft is longer. The specs of the Rogue loadable dumbbell are:

Sold Individually, NOT in Pairs
Made in the USA
DB-10 - 200,000PSI

DB-15 - 200,000PSI or 190,000PSI Tensile Strength Steel
28.5MM diameter knurled handle
Bronze Bushings & Snap Ring Design
Length:14.25" (DB-10) 20.5 (DB-15)
Load Capacity: ~100LB (DB-10)
Rogue branded endcaps
Available as package with set of Rogue OSO Collars
Compatible with any standard Oly plates and/or Rogue Dumbbell Bumper plates

A solid combination of a barbell, dumbbell and the idea of the power block to save space. Probably one of the best executed of its kind in the market in terms of design and finish.

Pros of the rogue loadable dumbbell

They look great and the finish is a high standard. The loadable dumbbell will also save a lot of space in a home gym setup compared to a whole wall of kettlebells or dumbbells. Compared to the power block the mechanism to change between weights is easier and a lot more durable. They are functional, nice to look at and can be dropped without risking to break them.

Cons of the Rogue loadable dumbbell

In a commercial gym setup, I think they are too expensive as they are not sons in pairs and not user-friendly enough. I can already see the mess when purple start loading their own dumbbells and leaving all the little parts scattered on the ground. In most gyms, it’s bad enough with plates and the usual rubber dumbbells. Imagine if all of the dumbbells also have multiple parts to them.

Alternatives to the Rogue loadable dumbbell

Alternatives to the Rubber Hex dumbbells are

Rubber Hex dumbbells
Rogue Urethane dumbbell
Power block classic elite dumbbell
Rogue Kettlebells

The rubber hex dumbbell is pound for pins the cheapest dumbbell with a rogue logo on it. They are also sold in pairs. If you like the hex design for your commercial gym I think this is the one to go for in bulk.

The Rogue Urethane dumbbells are slightly higher quality than the rubber hex. As the name suggests they are made of urethane instead of rubber which makes them more durable. Personally I think the main reason would be aesthetic and functional to get them over hex dumbbell. They are round instead of a hexagon. I never liked that design myself.

Summary for the Rogue loadable dumbbell

The Rogue loadable dumbbell is a great option for the dedicated home gym owner who wants to save space and doesn’t mind the cost per dumbbell. This is a purchase that will make you happy and doesn’t make you look cheap. If you have to buy in bulk to cover the needs of more than five people you are probably better off with the hex dumbbells to save cost. Unless you are a rich university or NFL team who can afford to only buy the best for your athletes. You pay them millions, don’t be cheap on the equipment. Sends the wrong signals to your best athletes.

Rogue urethane dumbbell

Price: $37 - $7500

Overview of the Urethane dumbbell

The Rogue Urethane dumbbells are the Ferrari of the dumbbell world. They are available from 5lb to 150lb and are sold in pairs. Compared to other dumbbells they have a round instead of a hex design. Urethane is also a more durable material than most other dumbbells which are made of rubber. The handle is made of chrome which is 31mm to 34mm depending on the weight of the dumbbell. The specifications of the Rogue Urethane dumbbells are:

Sold in Pairs
Weight Increments: 5LB – 150LB
Solid Steel Heads with Black Urethane Plating
Straight 6” Hardened Chrome Handle
Medium-grade knurling for optimal grip
Fully welded as single-piece unit
Tolerance: +/- 3% of claimed weight
Black matte finish for clean, sleek look
Rogue logo and weight measurement in white print on black

These are great when you prefer a round design or if you want to give your gym a top-notch feel for clients who are willing to pay the extra price in membership.

Pros of the Rogue Urethane dumbbell

The Rogue Urethane dumbbells are round which makes them easier to handle. Hex dumbbells can get problematic on the stance when people start stacking them or place them in appropriate places. You can also roll them around which can make it quicker for staff to set up circuits as they don't have to carry everything one by one. Apart from the design is slick and Urethane gives you that extra durability. When you are just buying for yourself or for a shiny gym, this is a great option.

Cons of the Rogue Urethane dumbbell

Dumbbells can be had for a lot less money. Those might be used or don't look as nice. In addition, you need a lot of space to have all options from 5LB to 150LB stored. If you have a lot of space and clients, you probably want so many barbells and options. If you have a home gym with limited space you might

get the same quality and effect while saving space and money with Rogue loadable dumbbell.

Alternatives to the Rogue Urethane dumbbell

Summary for the Rogue Urethane dumbbell

The Rogue Urethane dumbbell would be my personal favorite when I open my own gym as I don't like hex dumbbells. If you have the money and space invest in something a little better to make yourself feel good and your clients more appreciated. For a home gym, I personally think that the loadable dumbbells from Rogue are a better investment to save space.

Rogue Thompson fatbell

Price: $27 - $215

Overview of the Rogue Thompson fatbells

The Rogue Thompson fatbell has been designed by powerlifter Donnie Thompson. This design places the handle of the kettlebell inside the body of the weight. This creates a hybrid design between a kettlebell and dumbbell. You can do all of the swings and Turkish get-ups of a kettlebell, while still also being able to use them as a dumbbell. The Rogue Thomson fat bell is available from 9lb to 150lb. Additional specs are:

Based on an original design by Donnie Thompson
Interior Handle and Center Mass reduce shearing force, add more load distribution on muscle & connective tissue
Solid Cast Iron construction
9LB - 18LB Bells: 32MM diameter Ergo Handle
26LB - 88LB Bells: 37MM diameter Ergo Handle
97+LB Bells: 40MM diameter Ergo Handle
Flat machined base (open-ended on 18LB bell)
Black Powder Coat Finish
Rogue and Thompson branding w/ color-coded stripe for quick recognition
Applications: Presses, Swings, Lunges, Snatches, Cleans, Rows, and more

Pros of the Rogue Thompson fatbell

The Rogue Thompson fatbell saves you to buy a full rack of dumbbells and kettlebells as long as you like the idea of them or you think that your clients will actually like them. To have your hands in the center of mass also creates a different experience for the lifter. The fat bell puts different strains on the hands and moves differently from dumbbells and kettlebells. All good when you want to offer a variety of training options for your clients or for yourself to keep things interesting. I do see these working well in a gym with a lot of clients who are interested in to strongman and powerlifting exercises.

Cons of the Rogue Thompson fatbell

The fat bell will take up more space on a standard dumbbell rack than regular dumbbells or kettlebells. You will also not be able to stack them as well on an angled surface. So if you want to replace your current rack with fat bells, make sure you can actually store them on the surface. There is also no loadable option so the fat bells might not fit into a home gym if you want a wide variety of different weight options in a small space. The look and feel of them is very strongman. I think it will be unlikely that average customers will use them regularly as they might be intimidating and dumbbells are preferred. People usually don't like sticking their hands into something which they don't know.

Alternatives to the Rogue Thompson fatbell

Summary for the Rogue Thompson fatbell

The Rogue Thompson fatbells are a good alternative to very heavy kettlebells as they can also be used as a dumbbell in these ranges. Kettlebells just get too big. In lower ranges, I don't see a lot of people preferring the fatbells to dumbbells.

Power block classic elite series

Price: $299

Overview of the Powerblock

The Powerblock dumbbells are a classic design to save space and cost. The design is nested. Think of it like the russian dolls in dolls. The handle fits in each higher weight set and there it gets bigger and bigger. The good thing about this is that you only have two sets of handles. The power block sets are available from 5lb to 90lb. Some of the features include:

Black Powder Coat painted steel weight plates in classic square shape
Snap on color band applied to rails on one side of each block.
Handle has padded wrist supports
Straight Center Handle (hand grip)
Welded construction (non flexing)
Limited 10 year home use warranty. Home use products are warranted only for home use and warranty is void if used commercially.

This is a good alternative for people who do not want to pay too much and want their home dumbbells to be as compact as possible.

Pros of the powerblock

The power block design is hard to beat on space savings. Even the rogue loadable dumbbell needs more space as you need the special plates to make it work. In terms of price the power block also is not too bad.

Cons of the powerblock

The mechanics of the power block can become annoying when changing weights and are prone to break. In the higher weight ranges, the dumbbell can also get very cumbersome based on its rectangular design.

Alternatives to the powerblock

Summary for the Powerblock

Great for the occasional, recreational lifter to have a full set of dumbbells at home.

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