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The adjustable dumbbells are compact and take up a fraction of the space of traditional dumbbells. They also feature a simple weight change mechanism and are expandable to high weight ranges.
They’re made of all iron and can handle more abuse than most selectable dumbbells. However, they’re still fairly delicate and shouldn’t be thrown around.
Weight Selection
Whether you’re looking to do lightweight lateral raises or max out on your dumbbell bench press, these adjustable dumbbells are versatile enough for most people. They’re also space-saving, and they take up half the size of a traditional set.
Their all-iron construction makes them more durable than the plastic inserts found on new selectable dumbbells sets. They’ll handle more abuse than those, but they’re not indestructible – drop them on the floor and you could risk damaging the adjustment mechanism.
A single pair of Snode adjustable dumbbells can replace up to eight pairs of traditional dumbbells, with weight increments ranging from 10 to 80 pounds. But if you purchase the optional magnetic plate adders, that number increases to 24 pairs. The only drawback is that you can’t adjust them in smaller increments than 10-pound jumps, and the flat cast iron dumbbell heads may be too imposing for accessory exercises like Y raises. Fortunately, the addition of magnet weights will remedy that.
Adjustment Mechanism
The AD80s are a heavy-duty dumbbell with a design that is built to last. Their cast iron plates are molded into one piece, which makes them more durable than other adjustable dumbbells that use metal sleeves and bolts. They also have a dovetail groove pattern that allows them to lock into place on the metal handle, which eliminates the need for collars and speeds up loading/unloading between supersets or drop sets.
The handles are chrome-plated and fully knurled to help you maintain a firm grip. They’re also about 35.5 millimeters in diameter, which is thicker than the handles on other adjustable dumbbells.
The weight range for these dumbbells is up to 80 pounds in 10-pound increments. While that’s a great range, some people may find it difficult to adjust between such large weight changes. To solve this problem, Snode offers magnet plate adders to increase the weight in 2.5- or 5-pound increments. However, these are an additional purchase and don’t come with the base set of Snode adjustable dumbbells.
Durability
The all-iron design of Snode’s dumbbells is one that’s made to last. The plates and cradles have dovetail grooves built right in, and they don’t use the plastic notches that you find on other selectable dumbbell sets.
This makes them less prone to jamming when you’re in the middle of a lift. Plus, you can rest the ends of the weights on your thighs between sets without worrying about them digging into your knees like many other loadable dumbbells do.
The flat ends also provide a comfort level that you don’t get with other dumbbells, particularly if you’re performing push-ups or burpees with them. The handle is knurled, too, providing a good grip. The only thing that might be a drawback for some people is the 6.5-inch length of the handle – that’s longer than most standard dumbbell handles and might take some getting used to if you’re working up to heavier weights. Luckily, you can purchase add-ons to extend the length of the handles.
Warranty
With products like adjustable dumbbells, warranties are important. And while they may not be required by law, most reputable fitness brands offer them for peace of mind. The Snode dumbbells one-year warranty includes drops up to 32 inches. Their nearly all-metal construction makes them more durable than most other adjustable dumbbells on the market, and their knurled handles ensure you can hold onto the plates.
Another unique feature is their flat cast iron dumbbell heads, which can help prevent injuries that can occur during exercises like push-ups. The rounded heads of other loadable adjustable dumbbells can dig into your hands during certain movements.
Snode’s dumbbells are compatible with two-inch Olympic weight plates, and they accept up to 50 lbs per handle. However, if you want to increase your weight range, they can only be adjusted in 10-pound increments. The manufacturer is planning to add magnetic plate adders in the future, which will allow smaller increases in weight.