Consumer Reports Tests Adjustable Dumbbells for Home Gyms

Consumer Reports evaluated four adjustable dumbbell sets for home use, focusing on adjustability, ease of use, and the number of weight settings. The Core Home Fitness Adjustable Dumbbell Set ($350) earned a recommendation for its smooth one-handed twisting adjustment and automatic balance, though testers found it harder to seat in the cradle at certain settings and required holding the cradle down at heavier weights. The Flybird Adjustable Dumbbell ($280) also earned a recommendation but is sold as a single unit, requiring two for both arms; testers noted difficulty replacing weights and a fixed length that made bench exercises uncomfortable. The NordicTrack Select-A-Weight 55 Lb. ($600) received the top rating for its wide variety of small weight adjustments, though the independent dialing on each side risked unbalanced loads. The PowerBlock Pro Series ($480) earned a recommendation for its slug-based system with 2.5-pound increments, expandable to 90 pounds, but testers found two-handed exercises difficult and weight increments inconsistent. All sets shared solid handgrips, with some models shortening at lighter weights for easier handling. The tests were conducted by Consumer Reports, a nonprofit organization known for product testing.