The rumors are true–REP has released an adjustable dumbbell heavier than the original Quickdraw, and they’ve partnered with Pépin to do so.
REP Fitness 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. The Fast Series continue to be GGR founder Coop Mitchell’s favorite dumbbells and are a constant staple in his garage gym.
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.
Coop has gotten his hands on a pair of the latest collab, and he has thoughts, good and bad. In this REP x PÉPIN Fast Series Adjustable Dumbbell review, I’ll be sharing his thoughts about these new dumbbells and who might get the most out of these high-quality dumbbells.
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. We know what to look for, having used these dumbbells as well as the other options from both REP and Pépin.
REP x PÉPIN Fast Series Adjustable Dumbbell
REP x PÉPIN Fast Series Adjustable Dumbbell
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 & Cons
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
Bottom Line
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. REP Fitness claims that these are the best adjustable dumbbells, and say there was no sacrifice in creating them. 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.
- There’s no compatibility between Pépin’s original Fast Series and the new REP x Pépin design. Coop tried adding the kettlebell handle onto the new dumbbells, and it wouldn’t work.
- At the time of this writing, there are weight cradles but 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?
I might start sounding like a broken record, but we really loved the original Pépin Fast Series, and REP came out with another high-quality piece of equipment. There are minor changes to the new Fast Series, the biggest ones being a lighter start weight of 10 pounds, and a cerakote coating on the cage’s bars.
You can purchase the lightest set, 85 pounds, for only $999 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 $1,399, which includes the full 125 pounds.
These dumbbells slash the price of the original Pépin Fast Series. And the 85-pound dumbbell is a little pricier than NÜOBELLs, but the durability and construction makes the value so much more. “It blows just about everyone else out of the water,” Coop says about the value of these dumbbells, rating them a 5 out of 5.
Great for:
- Those who want adjustable dumbbells that range to 125 pounds
- Anyone looking for a durable adjustable dumbbell
Not recommended for:
- Anyone on a tight budget
- Beginners who don’t need as heavy of a weight range
- People who already own the original Pépin Fast Series
REP x PÉPIN Fast Series Adjustable Dumbbell Specs
| Price | $999 – $1,399 |
| Weight Range | 10-125 lbs |
| Expandable | Yes |
| Weight Increments | 10-lb increments with 2.5-lb micro-adjustment plates |
| Material | Full metal construction |
| Maximum Length | 18.3” |
| Handle Diameter | 34 mm |
| Warranty | Lifetime |
Using the REP x PÉPIN Fast Series Adjustable Dumbbells
The design is very similar to the original Pépin Fast Series dumbbells, which we’ve extensively tested and reviewed. In use the REP x Pépin Fast Series are very similar, albeit with some slight changes.
On the original Pépins, the weight markings were a little hard to see in bright light, but GGR founder Cooper “Coop” Mitchell point out that in the new REP collaboration uses a black cerakote coating with bright lettering, which is easy to see. However, the numbers are reversed on the other side, which may be confusing while making weight changes. “I would’ve liked it if the numbers were facing me on both sides,” Coop explains.
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.
RELATED: What Is Knurling?
The 34-millimeter dumbbell handles feature volcano knurling for maximum grip and security, although it’s not as aggressive as the original Fast Series. REP claims the dumbbells have been extensively drop-tested, and Coop did his own drop-testing as well, so you don’t need to baby these dumbbells the way you might with some other brands.
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.
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. The weight cradle is expandable, able to grow if your expand your adjustable dumbbells to the 105- or 125-pound weights.
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. There’s also two 2.5-pound micro-adjustment plates to move in smaller increments. While it’s not the fastest, it gets a 4 out of 5 for its adjustment speed, as it’s still a simple process.
On the original Pépins, Coop noted that one of his is stuck, as the pop-pin is stuck and no longer functions. Unfortunately, the REP design looks very similar; this is one spot where Coop says there could’ve been more innovation from REP Fitness. “It just feels like an afterthought,” says Coop. “It doesn’t feel integrated into the dumbbell.”
One great feature is that the dumbbells are upgradeable. You can start with the 85-pound dumbbells, and buy heavier expansion kits in the future once you outgrow your dumbbells (or your budget increases). The starting weight is 10 pounds, which may be a bit heavy for rehab exercises and beginners, but it’s an improvement from the original Fast Series dumbbells, which started at 20 pounds.
Footprint and Dumbbell Length
Each dumbbell comes in an expandable 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 were expecting these to be the same, and they did not disappoint. The dumbbells are made of an entirely metal construction, aside from some plastic lining to prevent metal-on-metal wear and tear. The quality of both REP Fitness and Pépin are shown in the dumbbells, which Coop rates a 5 out of 5 for its construction.
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. Coop tested the REP x Pépin Fast Series Dumbbells with drops at different weights, from the 10-pound starting weight all the way up to 125 pounds. There wasn’t any issue, earning the dumbbells a 5 out of 5 for durability.
Handle
The handle is 34 millimeters, which is wider than a traditional dumbbell, but a size many prefer. Coop says that wider handles generally feel great when performing pressing movements, and the volcano knurling provides added grip on all movements. This is larger than a traditional barbell, and very close to the 33mm handle you’d find on competition kettlebells.
The knurling is a medium volcano knurl. Coop mentions that it’s a less aggressive knurl than the original Pépin Fast Series. “They probably lessened the knurl to cater to a broader audience,” Coop adds, “as I could see some people say that the Pépins are a bit too sharp for their liking.” He rates the handle a 4.5 out of 5.
REP x Pépin Fast Series Vs REP Quickdraw Adjustable Dumbbells
REP Quickdraw Adjustable Dumbbells
REP Fitness QuickDraw Adjustable Dumbbell
Product Highlights
- Adjustable dumbbells ranging from 5 to 60 lbs
- Patented Lock-N-Load steel switches for quick weight changes
- Can be bought as 30-lb, 40-lb, 50-lb, or 60-lb pairs
- Fully knurled handle
- Durability tested for drops
- Lifetime warranty
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Very durable and tested for drops
- Lifetime warranty
- Can be expanded from 30 lbs up to 60 lbs
- Quick weight changes
Cons
- Adder weights can be a bit slower to add or remove
- Longer dumbbell at max weight
- Max weight is only 60 lbs
Bottom Line
The REP Fitness QuickDraw Adjustable Dumbbell is the latest piece of innovative equipment for the company, with patented Lock-N-Load switches for quick weight changes. The dumbbells can go up to a maximum weight of 60 pounds, although they can be purchased at lighter weights and expanded from there. These dumbbells are extremely durable as well, tested for drops at various heights and angles; plus, they’re backed by a lifetime warranty.
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 the REP x Pépin Fast Series. 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.
Either way, both dumbbells are made with a solid construction and are backed by a lifetime warranty. For more, check our comprehensive REP Quickdraw Adjustable Dumbbells Review.
| REP x PÉPIN Fast Series Adjustable Dumbbells | REP Quickdraw Adjustable Dumbbells | |
| Price | $999 – $1,399 | $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 | 34 mm | 32 mm |
| Warranty | Lifetime | Lifetime |
Customer Experience
REP has solid customer service in our experience, and the REP x Pépin Fast Series Adjustable Dumbbells are no different. The Fast Series are backed by a lifetime warranty, which is a huge bonus for an adjustable dumbbell. You can return your items in 30 days as well, but items that are used or damaged may be denied a refund.
Ordering and Assembling the REP x PÉPIN Fast Series Adjustable Dumbbells
The REP x PÉPIN Fast Series Adjustable Dumbbells include free shipping and financing options. Free shipping is a fantastic deal built into the price, but they’re only available on pre-order. The next batch of pre-orders should begin shipping in early 2025.
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
Since this is a new product, there aren’t too many reviews yet, with only five reviews out so far. However, they are all 5-star reviews, saying that the dumbbells were well worth the wait. We’ll continue to update this as reviews come in, though.
Final Verdict of Our REP x PÉPIN Fast Series Adjustable Dumbbell Review
“Do they live up to the hype? Definitely,” Coop says about the new Fast Series Adjustable Dumbbells. The construction and durability are much better than most competitors. “These are the adjustable dumbbells to beat now,” he says.
While these are likely the best dumbbells for most people, there are a few things to consider:
- The price starting at $1,000 may make them outside of some people’s budgets.
- Not everyone needs a 125-lb dumbbell in their home gym. For those people, the QuickDraws may be a better option.
- While there’s no stand yet, REP Fitness is promising a stand which will work for both the REP x PÉPIN collab and the QuickDraw adjustable dumbbells.
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.
