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Best Hex Dumbbell Sets

Updated April 2023
Bottom line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
XMark Fitness Dumbbell Set and Heavy Duty Dumbbell Rack
CAP Barbell
150 LB Dumbbell Set with Rack
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Customer Favorite
Bottom Line

The quality design and space-saving rack of this option earn praise from our fitness expert.

Pros

Comes with a pair of 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25-pound weights. Steel rack with an A-frame design built to save space. Great sizes with a good grip. Fairly simple to assemble. Has an incredibly durable feel. The rubber grips are very easy to hold even during high-intensity workouts.

Cons

Some complained that it came with a rubbery smell, but others said it was easy to wash off.

Best Bang for the Buck
CAP Barbell 150-Pound Dumbbell Set with Rack
WF Athletic
5-25 lb Rubber Coated Hex Dumbbell w/ Two-Tier Storage Rack
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Portable Convenience
Bottom Line

WF Athletic's padded weights make your tonint routine that much thanks to the included storage rack.

Pros

The set includes a pair of weights in 5-pound increments from 5-25 lbs. These dumbbells help you target specific muscle groups with affordable and reliable rubber-coated dumbbells. The rack provides a compact storage solution.

Cons

They don't go up as high as comprehensive sets built for muscle-building.

AmazonBasics Neoprene Dumbbells
AmazonBasics
Neoprene Dumbbells
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More stores

Best for Home Gyms
Bottom Line

A very affordable set of standard neoprene dumbbells that are great for home use.

Pros

Includes 2-pound, 3-pound, and 5-pound weights and a stand. The hexagonal shape prevents rolling, and the neoprene coating makes them comfortable to hold. The included rack has a unique design that allows for easy storage.

Cons

The coating can damage the finish on wood if left there too long and the stand breaks easily.

Rep Fitness Rubber Hex Dumbbell Set
Rep Fitness
Rubber Hex Dumbbell Set
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Trusted Brand
Bottom Line

Our fitness expert recommends this heavy-duty set of dumbbells for more experienced lifters in the gym.

Pros

Arrives as a set of 10 dumbbell pairs, ranging from 5 to 50 lbs. Designed with a straight handle with knurled texture, which allows for a sturdy grip while lifting. Thick rubber prevents odor from remaining sweat and moisture.

Cons

Does not arrive with a rack, so users may have to purchase it separately.

Body-Solid Rubber Coated Hex Dumbbells, 5-50 lbs
Body-Solid
Rubber Coated Hex Dumbbells, 5-50 lbs.
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Most Versatile
Bottom Line

Our experts praised these dumbbells for their wide range of weights, durable design and the trusted brand behind them.

Pros

You'll love the secure dumbbell system, which fuses one-piece cast heads with pinned, fitted and welded steel inserts for maximum control and durability. The expert-approved weight system is easy to handle and built to last.

Cons

Doesn't come with a stand which makes them a little harder to store.

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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

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Buying guide for Best hex dumbbell sets

Looking to lift in the comfort of your own home? It’s hard to choose which fitness equipment to get for a home gym setup, especially considering all the variables of space, cost, and needs. The ideal solution is to invest in free weights — namely, a quality hex dumbbell set.

Hex dumbbell sets are essential fitness equipment since they lend themselves to so many styles of training and lifting. They’re also an ideal choice for those who are new to working out and are just beginning with basic curls. Since they come in graduated sets, often in 5-pound increments, it’s easy to track progress and graduate to the next level.

The materials, weight range, and included accessories vary greatly from one set to the next. As you shop, you should consider your exercise needs to find a comprehensive set for your home routine.

Perhaps best of all, hex dumbbell sets bring the workout to you. Wake up and start your day with gains.

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Avoid dropping or throwing your dumbbells on the floor after exercises to prevent damage to floors. Depending on your environment, this could also be hazardous and may injure others — or yourself.

Key considerations

Perks of hex dumbbell sets

Transitioning between exercises: Hex dumbbell sets are a top pick for one main reason: stability. Unlike other weight sets, hex weights won’t roll when you set them down. They’re an ideal feature for those who do CrossFit, HIIT, or circuit training. As you transition between exercises, especially those that require quick lifting and replacing, you’ll appreciate dumbbells that stay put so you can focus on precision and coordination.

Ideal for floor exercises: Since they have six flat sides, hex dumbbells are ideal for floor-based exercises, such as push-ups and planking. While you need a bit of wrist stability and upper body strength to tackle these types of advanced exercises, for the most part, the hex dumbbell won’t roll as you exercise.

Easy to hold: Some people also find hex dumbbells easier to hold and manipulate than other styles because of their flat sides. When holding each dumbbell by the end (instead of the grip), the flat sides make it easy to control the weight during your workout. If you’re working on balance, there are a number of exercises in which you have to balance the dumbbell longways as you bend over or reach with one arm or leg.

Expert tip
Dumbbells, compared to barbells, require more stabilizer muscles to work in joints such as shoulders and hips and should be a key piece of equipment in everyone’s strength training routine.
BestReviews Fitness Expert

Weight range

Simple, lightweight sets include dumbbells from 2 pounds through 8 pounds. Given their limited weight range, these dumbbells increase in 2- or 3-pound increments. Medium-weight sets range from 10 pounds to 25 pounds, and heavyweight sets include dumbbells up to 50 pounds. These sets usually include dumbbells in 5-pound increments.

Features

Materials

Stainless steel: These hex dumbbell sets usually have stainless steel grips and rubber-coated weights. They’re popular since they are rust-free and easy to clean. Rubber-coated stainless steel weights are ideal when working out at home, as the rubber softens the impact when you place the dumbbells on the floor.

Cast iron: This traditional style strips down to the bare bones — literally. These dumbbells are entirely made of cast iron and have a rustic, throwback style. They get the job done without looking pretty, but they’re susceptible to rust and require meticulous cleaning. You may also need a pair of weightlifting gloves to use these dumbbells comfortably.

Neoprene-coated: Neoprene-coated sets come in bright colors and feature a softer, non-slip grip. They are completely covered and minimize damage when they come into contact with floors and furniture. They’re ideal for lightweight and medium-weight dumbbells, but it’s harder to find heavy-weight ones that are neoprene-coated.

Expert tip
Most people can reach optimum fitness by building lean muscle and strength with just a hex dumbbell set since the variety of exercises is virtually limitless.
BestReviews Fitness Expert

Textured grips

Hex dumbbell sets texturize their grips in a variety of ways. Neoprene-coated styles are naturally grip-friendly, and won’t slip out of your hands easily, even sweaty ones. Stainless steel and cast iron dumbbells have small textured areas, which could be grooves or knurled patterns. These tiny but important design features provide a little bit of friction by varying the points of contact, which in turn results in less slippage.

Inclusive sets

If you’re all in when it comes to lifting, choose a hex dumbbell set that comes with a bench, rack, or both. While the added equipment drives up the price, it’s a more cost-effective option than buying each item separately down the line. The rack and bench will require assembly, so if it’s not something you’re doing yourself, expect to spend more money on paying a professional to assemble the set.

Accessories

While you’re on the hunt for a dumbbell set, consider picking up some other accessories to fully equip you for your home workout routine.

Weight benchTake your lifting to the next level with a weight bench.

Weightlifting glovesCut down on calluses by wearing gloves when you lift.

Exercise mat: If you expect to do a variety of floor-based exercises with your hex dumbbells, invest in an exercise mat. If you have ample gym space, consider installing a mat with interlocking tiles that you can leave in place between workouts. If you're working with minimal space, use a yoga mat, which you can store easily in a closet or under a bed between workouts.

Hex dumbbell set prices

Depending on the weight of the set, you can expect to pay between $20 and $1,800 for a set.

Inexpensive

For less than $50, you’ll find lightweight sets with fewer than six pairs of weights. They occasionally come with simple racks.

Mid-range

Sets between $50 and $250 include medium-weight dumbbells, which usually begin around 10 pounds and can go up to 25 pounds. There are normally between six and ten pairs of dumbbells in these sets. Some of these sets come with racks, and when they do, they’re usually well-built.

Expert Tip
After finishing your dumbbell exercises, I highly recommend wiping the handles with a disinfectant wipe.
BestReviews Fitness Expert

Expensive

For $250 to $500, there are some premium medium-weight sets as well as some heavyweight sets that may reach up to 50 pounds. Some sets in this category come with their own racks as well as benches or bars.

Premium

For $1,000 and up, you’ll find fitness-center-quality weights as well as a specialty rack. They’re considered premium since they include the largest range of weights.

Tips

  • Invest in hex dumbbells instead of a gym. If you’re not into group fitness classes and prefer privacy when you exercise, a full hex dumbbell set will meet most of your training needs.
  • Purchase a set as a housewarming gift. If you have friends who are fitness gurus, purchase a dumbbell set for a gift they’ll use daily and appreciate.
  • Keep sanitizer nearby. Make sure your equipment sanitizer is near your dumbbells so you can wipe them down after each session.
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If you and a friend lift together, consider picking up a second pair of dumbbells so you don’t need to wait for one another to complete reps.

FAQ

Q. What’s the best way to pack my hex dumbbell set if I move?

A. Your best bet is to place the set in a sturdy box in the moving truck. While you shouldn’t carry the box while the whole set is in it, the box will prevent the weights from rolling around in transit. Depending on your moving company, it might be easier to simply load weight racks and benches fully built instead of taking the time to break them down.

Q. How do I clean my hex dumbbells?

A. It depends on their material and finish. Before using any cleaning products, check with the manufacturer for their recommendations on proper maintenance. For regular surface cleaning, you can use sanitizing spray that is similar to those used to wipe down machines and equipment in gyms. Neoprene can be washed with soap and water, but stainless steel and cast iron are a bit trickier to prevent rust.

Vinegar and baking soda are natural cleaning solutions. Some fitness pros recommend using dedicated equipment oil weekly to keep rust at bay. If your dumbbells are already rusted, soak them overnight and then clean them with a wire brush to remove any rust.

Q. Do I have to get a rack and a bench too?

A. Not necessarily. The beauty of hex dumbbells is that they’re free weights, so you’re “free” to use them on their own without additional equipment. Racks help with storage and organization, but some people simply keep their dumbbells on the floor. Benches are ideal if you’ve progressed with free weight training and mastered a number of techniques, and are ready to graduate toward more advanced ones.

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