First Look: REP x PÉPIN Fast Series Adjustable Dumbbell (2024)

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The rumors are true–REP is finally releasing an adjustable dumbbell heavier than the original Quickdraw, and they’ve partnered with Pépin to do so.

REP has become a household name in the world of home gym equipment for their quality and value, and while Pépin may not be quite as popular, the Pépin Fast Series Adjustable Dumbbells are some of the best adjustable dumbbells we’ve ever tested.

With this new collaboration, the price of the Pépin design has dropped significantly thanks to the resources of REP Fitness, and it’s no exaggeration to say these new dumbbells may quickly become the undisputed champion of the adjustable dumbbell market.

Nobody has had their hands on a pair yet, as they’re not released, but in this REP x PÉPIN Fast Series Adjustable Dumbbell review, I’ll be sharing everything we currently know about these new dumbbells that will be released later in 2024.

We Know Adjustable Dumbbells

Here at Garage Gym Reviews, we specialize in providing honest, unbiased reviews of equipment we’ve personally tried and tested ourselves. I personally own a pair of NUOBELLs, and I’ve tested multiple pairs of adjustable dumbbells in our testing center, like the Ironmaster dumbbells. I also watched Coop’s full video review, which offers insights I may have missed as I don’t own the original Pépin’s.

We’ve tried over 30 of the best adjustable dumbbells on the market, scoring each according to our testing methodology, which examines things like:

Construction
Durability
Adjustment Speed
Knurling

And more. So, while we haven’t personally tested the new REP x PÉPIN Fast Series Adjustable Dumbbells yet, we know what to look for, and we’ve used the other options from both REP and Pépin.

REP x PÉPIN Fast Series Adjustable Dumbbell

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Product Highlights

Adjustable dumbbells ranging from 10-125 lbs
Durable, all-metal construction that's been extensively drop-tested
Easy adjustment mechanism to change the weight between sets
High value for the durability and weight range

Pros

Weight ranges from 10-125 lbs
Quick and easy weight changes
Durable construction
The design feels like using a regular dumbbell

Cons

Pre-order only that won't ship until September
No stand available at the time of purchase

The REP x PÉPIN Fast Series Adjustable Dumbbell are a new and improved version of the original Pepin Fast Series dumbbells, which are durable and innovative. At this price point, these will be some of the most popular adjustable dumbbells on the market.

A Quick Look at the REP x PÉPIN Fast Series Adjustable Dumbbell

Along with a squat rack, barbell, and bench, adjustable dumbbells are one of the most useful pieces of strength training equipment you can put in your home gym. This new adjustable dumbbell is a collaboration between REP Fitness and Pépin, and is quite similar to the original Pépin Fast Series Adjustable Dumbbells.

The original Pépin dumbbells earned a spot on our 2023 Fitness Most Wanted roundup, due to their unique adjustment mechanism and durability. Many adjustable dumbbells tend to be on the fragile end, but the Pépin Fast series dumbbells are quite durable.

The only problem is that Pépin is a smaller company based in Canada, and the dumbbells are quite expensive to manufacture and ship. Pépin has now partnered with REP, who can produce equipment faster at a lower cost, and the REP x PÉPIN Fast Series Adjustable Dumbbell was born.

These new dumbbells take everything that made the original Pépins great, add a few small improvements, and drastically decrease the price. Let’s take a closer look.

Before You Buy

These have a very similar design to the original Pépin dumbbells with a few improvements, and the cost is significantly cheaper.
You can pre-order the dumbbells now, but they aren’t shipping until September.
At the time of writing, there is no stand available, but REP says the company is working on a stand that works for both the Pépin Series Adjustable Dumbbells and the Quickdraws.

REP x PÉPIN Fast Series Adjustable Dumbbell Video First Look

Is the REP x PÉPIN Fast Series Adjustable Dumbbell Worth It?

It’s hard to say if anything is worth it until we get our hands on a product to see the quality for ourselves. However, as the design is very similar to the original Pépin Fast Series that we loved, and REP always makes high-quality equipment, it’s hard to imagine these will be any different.

You can purchase the lightest set, 85 pounds, for only $899 and add on more weight later as needed by purchasing additional weight plates, and even this light set will be more than enough for many lifters. The most expensive option is $1,299, which includes the full 125 pounds.

Great for:

Those who want adjustable dumbbells that range to 125 pounds
Anyone looking for a durable adjustable dumbbell
Those who don’t mind ordering now, and waiting until September for their order to arrive

Not recommended for:

Anyone on a tight budget
Those who need adjustable dumbbells sooner than September

REP x PÉPIN Fast Series Adjustable Dumbbell Specs

Price	$899 – $1,299
Weight Range	10-125 lbs
Expandable	Yes
Weight Increments	10-lb increments with 2.5 micro-adjustment plates
Material	Full metal construction
Maximum Length	18.3”
Handle Diameter	34mm
Warranty	Lifetime

Using the REP x PÉPIN Fast Series Adjustable Dumbbells

While we haven’t used these dumbbells yet, the design is very similar to the original Pépin Fast Series dumbbells, which we’ve extensively tested and reviewed.

The dumbbells are designed to change very quickly, easily allowing you to execute quick weight changes between sets. The adjustment mechanism uses a pin that slides between weights, so it’s not quite as fast as something like the NÜOBELL Adjustable Dumbbells, but it’s still quick and easy.

While the dumbbells have side rails, similar to PowerBlock adjustable dumbbells, the original Pépins still feel like using a normal dumbbell, even though the knurled handle is slightly larger than a barbell.

On the original Pépins, the weight markings were a little hard to see in bright light, but GGR founder Cooper “Coop” Mitchell pointed out that in the new REP collaboration, the video demonstration appears to use a black coating with bright lettering, which should be easy to see.

The 34mm dumbbell handles feature volcano knurling for maximum grip and security, and while we haven’t been able to test the durability ourselves, REP claims the dumbbells have been extensively drop-tested, so you don’t need to baby these dumbbells the way you might with some other brands.

RELATED: What Is Knurling?

At the time of writing, there’s no stand for sale, but REP claims to be working on a dumbbell stand that will work for both the REP Quickdraw Adjustable Dumbbells and the REP x PÉPIN Fast Series Adjustable Dumbbells, and you may be able to rig up a DIY stand in the meantime.

Weight Adjustments

The weight adjustment works by sliding a pop-pin in the side rail, allowing you to quickly adjust the weights in 10-pound increments. REP also says that you’ll be able to use the 2.5-pound micro-adjustment plates to move in smaller increments.

On the original Pépins, Coop noted that one of his is stuck, as the pop-pin is stuck and no longer functions. However, the REP design looks different, so we’re excited to see how the adjustment functions on the newer version.

One great feature is that the dumbbells are upgradeable. You can start with the 80-pound dumbbells, and buy heavier expansion kits in the future once you outgrow your dumbbells. The starting weight is 10 pounds, which may be a bit heavy for rehab exercises and beginners, but that’s the only critique we have from our early preview.

Footprint and Dumbbell Length

Each dumbbell comes in a cradle that’s 18.9 inches, and the dumbbell length ranges from 14.5 inches to 18.3 inches depending on the weight you’re using. This means that even if you start with the lightest weight, the cradle is large enough to accommodate extra weight if you upgrade in the future.

Durability and Construction

Considering both the Pépin Fast Series and REP Quickdraw dumbbells are extremely durable, we expect these to be the same. REP claims that the dumbbells and cradle are constructed entirely of metal and have been drop-tested from nearly every angle.

When using heavier dumbbells, it can be hard to set them down gently without dropping them, so durability is a must-have, even if you have some of the best home gym flooring installed.

Handle

The handle is 34mm, which is wider than a traditional dumbbell, but a size many prefer. Coop said that wider handles generally feel great when performing pressing movements, and the volcano knurling should provide added grip on all movements. This is slightly larger than a traditional barbell, and very close to the 33mm handle you’d find on competition kettlebells.

Once our pair arrives, we’ll let you know how they really feel in the palm of your hand, but from the initial images, they look great.

Comparison to REP Quickdraw Adjustable Dumbbells

Considering REP already makes the Quickdraw, one of the most popular options on the market, it may seem strange that they’re introducing a new option. The Quickdraw is still a great option for many users, especially beginners who aren’t ready to invest nearly $1,000 in dumbbells, but know that the Quickdraw dumbbells only go up to 60 pounds.

For many lifters, this may be enough, and if you don’t plan to ever need more than 60 pounds, the Quickdraw is a great choice. However, if you’re a stronger lifter who will need heavier weights, the REP x PÉPIN Fast Series Adjustable Dumbbells will likely be the better option.

For more, check our comprehensive REP Quickdraw Adjustable Dumbbells Review.

	REP x PÉPIN Fast Series Adjustable Dumbbells	REP Quickdraw Adjustable Dumbbells
Price	$899 – $1,299	$279 – $499
Weight Range	10-125 lbs	5-60 lbs
Expandable	Yes	No
Weight Increments	10-lb increments with 2.5 micro-adjustment plates	5 lbs
Material	Full metal construction	Steel and nylon composite
Maximum Length	18.3”	18.5”
Handle Diameter	34mm	32mm
Warranty	Lifetime	Lifetime

Ordering and Assembling the REP x PÉPIN Fast Series Adjustable Dumbbells

The REP x PÉPIN Fast Series Adjustable Dumbbells include free shipping, which is a fantastic deal built into the price, but they’re only available on pre-order.

At the time of writing, if you order today, your dumbbells will ship by September 3, but the times will vary as more orders come in. When the sales page was first published, pre-orders were shipping in August, so the longer you wait to order, the longer you’ll have to wait to receive your dumbbells.

Obviously, waiting 4+ months to receive your dumbbells isn’t ideal, one of Coop’s main callouts, but we trust the quality and durability of these dumbbells will be well worth the wait.

Customer Reviews

This product hasn’t been released yet, so there are no customer reviews to share. Based on the reviews of the current Pépin Fast Series and REP Quickdraw dumbbells, we expect these to have positive reviews, but we’ll need to wait and see.

Final Verdict of Our REP x PÉPIN Fast Series Adjustable Dumbbell Review

As we haven’t tested these ourselves yet, it’s hard to be 100% certain, but we suspect these will quickly dominate the adjustable dumbbell market once released—if not much sooner.

In the words of Coop, “Other manufacturers of adjustable dumbbells should be scared because these are going to take the market share.”

REP x PÉPIN Fast Series Adjustable Dumbbell: FAQs

Can you drop Pepin dumbbells?

Yes, Pepin dumbbells are very durable and extensively drop-tested, though any adjustable dumbbell may wear down over time with regular drops.

Is an adjustable dumbbell set worth it?

Yes, especially for home gym owners. Adjustable dumbbells can replace multiple pairs of standard dumbbells, saving space and providing workout versatility.

What are the downsides of adjustable dumbbells?

Many adjustable dumbbells aren’t quite as durable as standard dumbbells, as the adjustment mechanisms may break. Some adjustable dumbbells also use designs that don’t feel like standard dumbbells, which may bother some.

Matt Dustin, CES, PN1-NC

Matt is a writer and fitness coach who's been working in the fitness industry for 11 years. Before joining the GGR team, Matt was a freelance health and fitness writer for 11 years, writing for dozens of fitness websites, influencers, and wellness brands. He's also the author of three nutrition books published through Simon & Schuster. He currently lives in Las Vegas, NV.

First Look: REP x PÉPIN Fast Series Adjustable Dumbbell Review (2024)