Nuobell Adjustable Dumbbells: Are They Really the “World’s Smartest Dumbbell”? (2024 Update)
Rogue Fitness
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The Nuobell Dumbbells by SMRTFT have a reputation for being premier adjustable dumbbells, and Rogue Fitness even goes so far as to call them the “world’s smartest dumbbells.” The main feature to get our attention is an adjustable handle that clicks into your desired weight, rather than using a fragile pin system. Each dumbbell contains steel plates with a weight range of five to 50 or 80 pounds, depending on the pair you buy, thus eliminating the need for 16 pairs of dumbbells. Still, there are a handful of quality adjustable dumbbells on the market, so in this review, we’re calling out why you should—or shouldn’t—consider the Nuobell dumbbells for your home gym in 2024.
Nuobell Pros
- Relatively fast weight change system
- Two weight range options—five to 50 or 80 pounds
- Easy-to-grip knurled (textured) handle
- Sleek, compact, pancake-style weight plates
- Replaces the need for 16 sets of dumbbells
- High-quality steel weight plates
- Sold as a set of two and includes portable cradles for each dumbbell
Nuobell Cons
- Plates are connected with plastic pieces that aren’t as durable as desired for the price
- No expansion packs, so won’t work for those wanting to lift over 80 pounds
- Extended one- or three-year warranty costs extra
How do you use Nuobell Dumbbells?
SMRTFT
The weight of each Nuobell dumbbell can be adjusted by twisting the handle clockwise to increase weight and counterclockwise to decrease weight. The handle clicks as you turn through five pound increments, from five to 50 or 80 pounds. Once you see your desired weight displayed above the handle, lift the dumbbell off its cradle and you’re good to go.
Nuobell Dumbbell specs
Weight range
You have the option of buying the 50- or 80-pound Nuobell pairs, with both versions starting at five pounds and increasing in five-pound increments. The Nuobell dumbbell weight range is on par with competitors, but they don’t offer expansion packs for weights above 80 pounds.
Dimensions
At 17 inches L x 7.5 inches W x 7.5 inches H, the Nuobell dumbbells are pretty average in size relative to other models on the market. In comparison, the NordicTrack adjustable dumbbells are 16.5 inches H x 7.3 inches W x 7.3 inches H, and the Bowflex SelectTech 552 dumbbells are 15.8 inches L x nine inches W x eight inches H.
Weight increments
The Nuobell dumbbells are adjustable in five-pound increments, which is on par with options from most competitors. Those just starting to lift weights may want even smaller weight increments, like the 2.5-pound increments available with the Bowflex SelectTech 552 dumbbells. Advanced lifters who want more weight will need dumbbells with expansion packs, like the PowerBlock Elite Series dumbbells, which max out at 90 pounds per dumbbell.
Material
Nuobell dumbbells are made from steel weight plates, giving them the feel of a traditional dumbbell and an overall clean aesthetic. The connecting pieces between the plates are plastic, which makes the Nuobells more susceptible to wear and tear than others on the market that use metal.
Price
At $745 for two dumbbells with portable cradles, Nuobell is pricier than most of the other adjustable dumbbells on the market. Other brands range from $150 to $450 for a pair, with the price usually reflecting the weight range, material quality, ease of use and other miscellaneous offerings (for example, an included tray, voice commands, a fitness app subscription, etc.).
Who will love the Nuobell Dumbbells?
Those who need to save on space can really benefit from the Nuobell adjustable dumbbells. A full dumbbell rack can take up anywhere from 3.5 to five feet of space, making them difficult to fit into smaller rooms or apartments. The Nuobell dumbbells can fit in the corner of a closet or under a coffee table. They’re also a good match for those who like a traditional round dumbbell shape.
Who should skip the Nuobell Dumbbells?
The Nuobell dumbbells don’t exceed 80 pounds, so users who want to lift heavier than that will want to look for dumbbells with a higher max weight or switch to a weighted barbell. And while their price is lower than that of a full set of traditional dumbbells, not everyone will want to fork out $745 at once versus slowly adding to their traditional dumbbells over time.
Nuobell alternatives
Bowflex SelectTech 1090 Dumbbells
Both the Bowflex 1090 and the Nuobell dumbbells have five-pound weight increments, but the Nuobell’s click-lock system is easier to use when changing the weight than the spin dials on the Bowflex 1090s. If you have smaller hands, the Nuobell dumbbells may be easier to handle. The Bowflex dumbbells are a bit larger, which may make it difficult for smaller lifters to maintain a good grip. Also, the Bowflex dumbbells are made with a lot of heavy-duty plastic, which may be less durable over time, so they may not be the best choice for someone who is hard on their equipment.
For more information, check out our in-depth Bowflex SelectTech 1090 Dumbbells review.
PowerBlock Elite Series Dumbbells
Nuobell’s weight range tops out at 80 pounds, while the PowerBlock Elites go up to 90 pounds, with both offering five-pound increments. A big difference between the two is how they change their weight: Nuobell has a simple clock-lock dial handle, and the PowerBlock Elite uses a pin system where the user must remove a pin and slide it into a new weight slot. While both are solidly built with competitive price tags, heavier lifters will likely prefer PowerBlock for the extra 10 pounds, and those who prefer a fast weight change should go with Nuobell.
Ironmaster Adjustable Dumbbells
Right off the bat, Ironmaster adjustable dumbbells offer twice the weight that Nuobell dumbbells do—though you have to buy weight expansions in order to reach the full 165 pounds. Ironmaster dumbbells also have 2.5-pound increments, making them a good option for those just starting to lift. Like the Nuobells, Ironmaster dumbbells are strictly metal plates, though they are square-shaped versus circular, making them easier to set down.
For more information, check out our in-depth Ironmaster Dumbbells review.
Nuobell Dumbbell FAQs
Rogue-Fitness
Are Nuobell dumbbells durable?
Because Nuobell dumbbells are constructed with steel plates, they’re heavy but durable. That being said, Nuobell uses plastic connecting pieces between the plates, which makes them more prone to cracking with heavy or aggressive use. To maximize the lifespan of these dumbbells, be careful while placing them back in the stand or on the ground.
How long do Nuobell dumbbells take to ship?
Orders received before noon will ship the same day, and orders received after noon will be shipped the next day. However, processing your order can sometimes take one to three days.
Are Nuobell dumbbells worth it?
If you use three to four different sets of dumbbell weights in one workout, then yes, we think the Nuobell dumbbells will be worth it. They won’t take up as much space in your home gym, and offer a wider variety of weights at a lower price versus buying multiple heavy traditional dumbbells.
Check out our in-depth overview of all of Rogue Fitness' best kettlebells.
Final Thoughts
The big selling point of adjustable dumbbells is the fact that they’re, well, adjustable. Rather than needing multiple pairs of different weights, just one set of adjustable dumbbells gives you the same weight ranges—sometimes more.
Nuobell dumbbells are one of the more expensive pairs of adjustable dumbbells on the market, but they stand out with their easy-to-use handle-lock weight change system. They also give you a traditional feel with knurling on the handles, and have a wide range of weight options. While they may sport more plastic components than other adjustable dumbbells on the market, the heavy steel plates make these dumbbells generally durable. We think the Nuobell dumbbells would make a great addition to any home gym.
Prices are accurate and items in stock as of publish time.
