The Pepin Adjustable Dumbbells are a good-value adjustable dumbbell set that hits the mark in a lot of areas. The knurling is great, the machining is precise and consistent, the chrome plating is quality, and the plates are fantastic.
And now that Pepin has improved their dumbbell handles and plates, our Pepin Adjustable Dumbbells review can confidently state that we recommend these adjustable dumbbells for anyone looking for high-quality strength training equipment for their home gym.
20 Adjustable Dumbbell Sets Tested
In the quest to find the best adjustable dumbbells, the team of experts at Garage Gym Reviews has tested 20 sets and judged them based on their construction, weight range, ease of use, and how quick you can adjust the weights. Yes, that’s a lot of high-quality dumbbells to test but how else are we going to give the best and most thorough recommendations for you to know which ones are the best for your home gym?
And as certified personal trainers and CrossFit coaches, we don’t just use these dumbbells for one curling session and call it a day. We’re using them for an extended period of time to see how they feel during strength and muscle-building workouts.
High-Value Loadable Dumbbells
Pepin Dumbbells
Product Highlights
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Pros & Cons
Bottom Line
A Quick Look At The Pepin Adjustable Dumbbells
The Pepin Adjustable Dumbbells set includes two handles, with different plates ranging from 5 pounds up to 120 pounds per handle. You get the functionality of a full set of hex dumbbells, without the need to store them all, making them ideal for people trying to build a home gym in a small spare room or cluttered garage.
Adjusting the weight is relatively simple. You just need to unscrew the end cap, slide on the right plates, and screw it back up again. It may not be quite as intuitive and easy as some other adjustable dumbbells on the market, but it’s easy enough and the mechanism is simple to work out. The bars are compatible with any plate with a 1-inch hole, so if you already have some at home, they’re not wasted if you invest in the Pepin Adjustable Dumbbells.
Coop’s Tips
- Although Pepin has improved the durability of these dumbbells, we still don’t recommend intentionally dropping them.
- Already have some plates with 1-inch holes? You can use them with these dumbbell handles.
- Want to save money on the Pepin dumbbell stand? Use code “GGR5” to save 5 percent.
Pros:
- Same weight set as 24 pairs of fixed dumbbells, and takes up a lot less space
- Goes up to 120 pounds per handle
- Chrome plating on handles is excellent
Cons:
- Knurling is on the passive side
- Takes a while to load and unload plates
- Quite expensive, even if it’s less than an entire set of fixed dumbbells
Video Review
Are Pepin Adjustable Dumbbells Worth It?
Pepin Adjustable Dumbbells have gone through a lot of changes over the years, and at first we didn’t recommend them for most home gym owners. However, thanks to the company listening to customer feedback, we can now say they’re a high-value set of adjustable dumbbells.
Regarding price, you’re looking at around $925 for the full set not including shipping, which might seem expensive but that includes all of the weights from 5 pounds up to 120 per handle, so they’re actually pretty affordable. When you compare that to the price of buying a full set of standard dumbbells, it’s a lot less.
Plus, the company has improved the durability of the handles and plates, used engraved logos instead of stickers, and started using calibrated plates with a new powder coat finish. They’re much nicer than the adjustable dumbbell sets we initially reviewed years ago, and while they’re not the quickest to adjust, they still beat having to have an entire wall of dumbbells in your home gym.
Great for:
- Those looking for compact exercise equipment
- Anyone who already has 1-inch hole plates
- Trainees looking for knurling on their adjustable dumbbells
Not recommended for:
- Anyone who wants quickly adjustable dumbbells
- People who are prone to dropping their workout equipment
- Those looking for the best-of-the-best
Pepin Adjustable Dumbbells Vs.
We have tested dozens of the best adjustable dumbbells. Here’s a look at how the Pepin dumbbells stack up against top competitors like Snode and NÜOBELL.
- Snode Adjustable Dumbbells – Better quality
- NÜOBELL Adjustable Dumbbells – Faster weight changes
- PowerBlock Elite Series Adjustable Dumbbells – Similar weight at a lower price
- NordicTrack Adjustable Dumbbells – Smaller incremental weight changes
- FLYBIRD Adjustable Dumbbells – Beginner-friendly
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| Pepin Dumbbells | Snode Adjustable Dumbbells | NÜOBELL Adjustable Dumbbells | PowerBlock Elite Series Adjustable Dumbbells | NordicTrack Adjustable Dumbbells | FLYBIRD Adjustable Dumbbells | |
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Rating
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| Weight Range | 5 to 120 lbs | 10 to 80 lbs | 5 to 80 lbs | 5 to 50 lbs | 10-55 lbs per dumbbell | 5 to 25 lbs/ 11 to 55 lbs |
| Dumbbells Replaced | 24 | 8 sets | 16 sets | 28 | 15 | 5 sets |
| Increment | 5 lbs | 10 lbs | 5 lbs | 2.5 lbs | 2.5/5 lbs. | 5 or 11 lbs |
| Mechanism | Unscrew end cap and slide on the weights | Dial | Dial | Magnetic polypropylene selector pin | Slide pin selectors | Dial |
| Expandable? | — | — | — | — | — | |
| Caged Handle? | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Warranty | 2 years, includes drops | 2 years | Not disclosed | 1 year | ||
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Pepin Adjustable Dumbbells Specs
| Weight range | 5 to 120 lbs per handle |
| Weight increments | 5 lbs |
| Replaces | 24 pairs of fixed dumbbells |
| Plate size | 1” diameter holes |
| Construction | Metal handle, cast iron plate |
| Knurled handle? | Yes |
Lifting With The Pepin Adjustable Dumbbells
There are a lot of things we were impressed by in training with the Pepin Adjustable Dumbbells.
First off, the amount of weight you can put on these dumbbells is one of the biggest bonuses because you have the option of going all the way up to 120 pounds or down as low as 5 pounds. So, whether you’re just getting started with your home gym and you’ve never lifted a dumbbell in your life, or you’ve trained for some time, this set should be adequate for most anyone’s needs…unless you row or press or squat with dumbbells heavier than 120 pounds on the regular.
The time it takes to adjust the weight is one of the most important things to think about when buying a set of adjustable weights. If I’m in the middle of a workout, I don’t want to spend half an hour messing around with fiddly mechanisms while I set up for my next set. The good news is, thanks to a simple mechanism, adjusting between weight increments isn’t too laborious.
It’s not as quick as Powerblocks or Ironmasters, but it’s also not awful.
I would not suggest these for super sets as they take too long for that purpose, but for most, it should be fine.
Overall, the design and finish on the plates is great. All of the plates have the 5-pound increments engraved into them, so you don’t have to do any guesswork when you’re increasing the weight. Some of the competitors use stickers or paint, which either gets rubbed off or starts to peel and neither looks as good.
The finish on the plates should prevent premature corrosion. I’m not positive on the coating, but it feels like an E-Coat, which is used by quite a few in the industry including on the Rogue Deep Dish Plates and some of the best kettlebells, such as the Rogue Kettlebells.
The weight accuracy is pretty spot-on as well, so if you’re swapping over from a different adjustable dumbbell or a set of standard dumbbells, you shouldn’t notice too much difference.
Unlike a lot of other dumbbells, which use a rubber handle, the Pepin Dumbbells come with a metal, knurled handle, similar to what you find on a barbell. This is a huge plus and one of the biggest benefits to Pepin’s.
The knurling has a medium depth. Not too aggressive or passive. I do wish they were a bit more aggressive, but with the chrome finish, it does make the knurling a bit less sharp due to the plating. If you’re used to using barbells, you’ll feel right at home with the well-knurled handle, which provides plenty of grip and is comfortable to hold. Many adjustable dumbbells use plastic or rubber, like Powerblock adjustable dumbbells, but there’s little that replaces the feeling of a metal knurled handle.
Why We Now Recommend Pepin Adjustable Dumbbells
When we initially published our Pepin Dumbbells Review, we didn’t recommend them. Here’s why:
“I really like most everything about the Pepin Dumbbells. I think the price is reasonable. The knurling and machining on the handles and pins is great. The weight plates have etched weight increments and logos and a nice finish.
Previously, Pepin’s handles would snap if dropped and that was a major safety concern.
Luckily, that is no longer a concern as Pepin has come out with a new handle design that won’t break if and when (dumbbells will be dropped, even if it’s not intentionally), you let go of them mid-workout.
We still wouldn’t recommend dropping them, but I don’t think doing so is a major safety hazard.
Other Things We Dislike
There’s a lot of good things to say about these dumbbells, but they do also have a few additional flaws that are worth mentioning.
Even though it’s not that difficult to adjust the weight, it does take a few minutes, and if you’re hoping to use these dumbbells for supersets, you will probably be disappointed. In that case, it may be better to look at some of the alternatives, like the NUOBELL Adjustable Dumbbells that use a quick-locking mechanism.
The set we used also has a lighter, passive knurling which, although still good, might not provide enough grip for some people. Having said that, I have been told that there’s an aggressive option available as well. So, just be careful when you’re ordering them and make sure you get the right one.
Pepin Adjustable Dumbbells vs. PowerBlock Elite Series
Pepin vs. PowerBlock
PowerBlock Elite Series Adjustable Dumbbells
Product Highlights
- Change the weight in 2.5- or 5-lb increments
- Up to 70 lbs per hand
- Add extension kits for up to 90 lbs per hand
- Extremely durable
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Can change weight in increments of 2.5 or 5 pounds
- Weight goes up to 90 pounds with add-ons
- More durable than most adjustable dumbbells
Cons
- Rectangular shape might throw some people off
- Returns subject to 20% restocking fee
- Not as comfortable as using fixed dumbbells
Bottom Line
PowerBlock Elite dumbbells go up to 70 pounds (90 pounds with the extension kit), can be changed in 2.5- or 5-pound increments, and replace 16 pairs of dumbbells. These adjustable dumbbells are also priced under $500. PowerBlocks are ideal for anyone seeking a durable adjustable dumbbell for at-home workouts.
When I first reviewed a set of PowerBlock adjustable dumbbells back in 2015, I said that they were the best set available on the market. Even though new contenders may have knocked them off the top pick, they’re still one of the best options.
The standard set goes up to 90 pounds, so not as high as the 120 pounds you get with the Pepins, but if 90 pounds is enough for you, the PowerBlocks might be the better option. You can also get the Commercial Pro Series that goes up to 175 pounds, but they can be quite bulky to use.
The simple pin mechanism to fix the weights in place makes changing them over quick and easy compared to the screw mechanism on the Pepin. As long as you can get used to the rectangular shape, the PowerBlocks are a great option.
Check out our PowerBlock Adjustable Dumbbell review to learn more about one of our favorite pieces of home gym equipment.
Pepin Adjustable Dumbbells vs. Ironmaster Quick-Lock Adjustable Dumbbells
Pepin vs. Ironmaster
Ironmaster Quick-Lock Adjustable Dumbbells
Product Highlights
- Quickly adjustable in under 15 seconds
- Adjustable from 5 to 75 lbs
- Patented quick-lock design
- Includes a stand
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Shaped like a traditional dumbbell
- Quick-Lock system makes weights are easy and quick to change
- Lock does hold tight
- Comes with a stand
- Change weights in 2.5-lb increments
- Weight range 5 to 75 lbs
- Knurled handles
- Compact design
- Flat ends make for ease in resting weights on legs
- Fits a number of accessories like fat grip adapters and kettlebell handles
- Plates marked in kgs and lbs
Cons
- Not quite as easy to change as other options
- Priced just under $900
- Cast iron plates could crack if dropped
- Not designed for movements like snatches
Bottom Line
The Ironmaster Quick-Lock Adjustable Dumbbells are some of the best adjustable dumbbells available. I personally prefer Powerblocks due to how quickly the weight can adjust, however, there are many who prefer Ironmasters and for good reasons. They're the most similar adjustable dumbbell to traditional fixed dumbbells, they have a wide weight increment range, and they're priced very affordably. If you own a home gym and want a set of dumbbells that doesn't take up a ton of space, Ironmasters are a great option.
The Ironmaster Quick-Lock Adjustable Dumbbells are another heavyweight on the home workout scene. They have a great mechanism for switching weights and, even though their claim of being able to switch weights in 15 seconds might be a bit of an overstatement, you can still do it in 30 seconds to a minute.
One of the things that I really like about the Ironmaster dumbbells is that they feel like fixed dumbbells, which you don’t get with most other adjustable sets. Compared with the Pepin Adjustable Dumbbells, the overall quality is pretty similar, but due to the Ironmasters being cheaper, more proven, and easier to adjust, I’d suggest them over the Pepins.
That said, the Ironmaster Quick-Lock Adjustable Dumbbells sell out quickly so if you need a pair of dumbbells like right now, Pepin might be the better choice.
For more, check out our full Ironmaster Quick-Lock Adjustable Dumbbell review.
Warranty, Financing, Returns
The Pepin Adjustable Dumbbells come with a limited lifetime warranty that covers the structural integrity of the dumbbells only–in other words, if your dumbbell handle breaks during regular use (again, you shouldn’t drop these dumbbells). The coating and painting on the handles and cast iron plates are only covered for a year.
Pepin doesn’t specify how long you have to return any of their items, but if you wish to send anything back it must be in new condition.
At checkout, you can select Sezzle to qualify for monthly installments to finance your purchase.
Customer Reviews
Pepin doesn’t have any customer reviews on its website, and the products are not available on Amazon. If the website does add customer reviews in the future, we’ll be sure to update this page.
Final Verdict Of Our Pepin Adjustable Dumbbells Review
At first, we were skeptical about the Pepin Adjustable Dumbbells due to their lack of durability and use of sticker logos. But since they’ve used higher-quality materials and switched to engraved logos, we’re confident in recommending them to home gym owners.
Are they our favorite adjustable dumbbells on the market? No, but they’re pretty budget-friendly compared to buying an entire set of traditional dumbbells and if you already have 1-inch-hole iron plates, then you’re halfway there. These are a great set of dumbbells for anyone looking to get a heavy-duty set of free weights without taking up too much room; for those who want knurling on their handles; and for those who don’t mind taking a bit to adjust the weights.
Pepin Adjustable Dumbbells Rating
Pepin Adjustable Dumbells
If you’re wondering whether these adjustable dumbbells are for you, our Pepin adjustable dumbbells review will let you know if they belong in your home gym.
Product Brand: Pepin
Product Currency: USD
Product In-Stock: InStock
4.3
Pepin Adjustable Dumbbells FAQs
Are Pepin dumbbells worth it?
The Pepin Adjustable Dumbbells have a lot to offer, such as a knurled handle, the ability to go up to 120 pounds per handle, and the ability to use 1-inch hole plates you may already have on hand. They’re not the quickest to adjust, and they’re not the most durable, but for most home gym owners they’re a high-value pair of adjustable dumbbells.
Is it worth getting adjustable dumbbells?
Yes, for many reasons. For one, you’ll probably spend a little bit less money than if you were to buy an entire set of traditional dumbbells. More importantly, adjustable dumbbells take up much less space than a whole rack of fixed weights.
What are the cons of adjustable dumbbells?
Most adjustable dumbbells are typically less durable than their fixed counterparts. So if you’re someone who constantly drops their weights, first of all—stop it—but secondly, make sure any adjustable dumbbell you’re considering is not made with a lot of plastic and has high-quality parts.
