My Experience with the SMRTFT NÜOBELL Adjustable Dumbbells After a Year
Personal Introduction
When I first started building my garage gym, I was on the hunt for equipment that was versatile, space-efficient, and able to meet my lifting needs. One of the main challenges of creating a home gym is finding gear that doesn’t take up too much space but still delivers a full range of workouts. I knew dumbbells were a must-have, but traditional sets with multiple weights required more room than I had available.
That’s when I came across the SMRTFT NÜOBELL 80lb adjustable dumbbells. These sleek, Swedish-designed dumbbells were not only a space saver but also offered the versatility I was looking for. I’ve now been using them for a year, and they’ve become a staple in my garage gym.
First Impressions
Right out of the box, I was impressed with the design of the NÜOBELL dumbbells. They boast a sleek, modern look that stands out from most gym equipment. The Swedish engineering shines through, with an innovative design that’s as functional as it is visually appealing.
One of the first things I noticed was the knurled handle. It offers a comfortable yet secure grip, ensuring that even during heavier lifts, my hands wouldn’t slip. The weight selection system is intuitive and easy to use. With a simple twist of the handle, I can choose from weights ranging from 5 lbs to 80 lbs, allowing for a smooth transition between different exercises. The portable cradles that come with the dumbbells add to their convenience, keeping them organized and making them easy to move around the gym.
What Makes NÜOBELL Stand Out
Compared to traditional dumbbells or even other adjustable options I’ve tried, the NÜOBELL stands out for several reasons. Firstly, the smooth weight adjustment is a game-changer. I no longer have to fumble with weight plates or pause my workout to manually adjust weights. The range of 5lbs to 80lbs covers nearly every lift I do, and the compact, all-in-one design means I don’t need a full rack of dumbbells cluttering my gym.
This space-saving feature is especially important in a garage gym, where every square foot counts. The NÜOBELL replaces an entire set of traditional dumbbells, making it one of the most efficient pieces of equipment I own.
Durability & Performance: How Have They Held Up?
Steel Weight Plates and Superior Durability
After a year of heavy use, the steel plates have held up remarkably well. I’ve used these dumbbells for everything from light warm-ups to heavy lifting sessions, and there’s been no noticeable wear on the plates. The matte black finish, which I initially worried might fade or chip, has stayed intact despite constant handling.
Portable Cradles and Perfect Height
The cradles that come with the NÜOBELL dumbbells are an underrated feature. They keep the dumbbells in place, preventing them from rolling around the gym. The height of the cradles is ideal for lifting and re-racking, saving me from unnecessary strain on my back when switching between exercises.
Compared to Traditional Dumbbells
In terms of performance, these adjustable dumbbells match up well against traditional dumbbells. The knurled handle gives me the same secure grip I’d expect from a fixed-weight dumbbell, and the weight distribution feels just as balanced. What’s even better is that I can seamlessly switch between weights without sacrificing performance or taking up valuable space.
Real-life Examples
For example, during a typical upper body workout, I’ll use the NÜOBELL dumbbells for exercises like the bench press, rows, and shoulder press. I often warm up with 35 lbs for my shoulder press (with working sets of about 50 lbs), move up to 60 lbs for my rows, and max out at 80 lbs for bench presses. Being able to switch between these settings in seconds keeps my workouts efficient and focused.
Pros & Cons of NÜOBELL Adjustable Dumbbells
What I Love
- Ease of Weight Adjustment: The ability to quickly change weights with just a twist of the handle means I don’t have to pause my workout or lose momentum.
- Space-saving: One pair of dumbbells replaces an entire rack, which is a huge advantage for someone with limited space in their garage gym.
- Durability: After a year, the dumbbells still look and feel as good as new. Plus, they come with a 2-year warranty, which provides extra peace of mind.
What Could Be Improved
- Price Point: There’s no denying that the NÜOBELL dumbbells come at a premium. While I believe they’re worth the investment, it’s something to consider for those on a tighter budget.
- Re-racking Issues: One of the main challenges users face is aligning the dumbbells back into the base after completing a set. The weights have to be perfectly straight for them to slide into their designated slots. If the dumbbells are even slightly tilted or misaligned, they can get stuck or not seat properly, causing frustration.
Comparison with Bowflex Dumbbells
I’ve used other adjustable dumbbells like the Bowflex SelectTech 552s and while they get the job done, I find the NÜOBELL offers a superior experience. The design is sleeker, and the weight selection process feels smoother and more intuitive. While competitors also offer a range of weights, the overall experience with the NÜOBELL is more seamless and user-friendly.
Final Verdict: Are NÜOBELL Dumbbells Worth It?
Why I Would Recommend NÜOBELL Dumbbells
If you’re a garage gym enthusiast looking for space-efficient, durable, and versatile equipment, the NÜOBELL dumbbells are a top choice. Their innovative design, ease of use, and longevity make them an excellent investment for serious lifters and casual users alike.
Who Should Consider Traditional Dumbbells Instead?
That said, traditional dumbbells might still be a better option for some. If you have the space, prefer fixed-weight equipment, or are working with a tighter budget, traditional dumbbells may be a more practical choice. Additionally, if your workouts involve frequent drops or extreme weights, traditional dumbbells might offer a bit more security in terms of durability.
Conclusion
After a year of using the SMRTFT NÜOBELL 80lb adjustable dumbbells, I can confidently say they’ve exceeded my expectations. They’ve saved space, enhanced my workouts, and held up under heavy use. Whether you’re a serious lifter or just looking to maximize the space in your home gym, these dumbbells are worth the investment.
Check out FitWell Intel for more unbiased fitness reviews!
No, the NÜOBELL dumbbells are not expandable beyond the maximum weight they are designed for. The 80lb version cannot be upgraded to accommodate more weight.
NÜOBELL dumbbells are much more space-efficient than traditional adjustable dumbbells. You get the equivalent of multiple dumbbell sets in a single compact design, saving significant floor space.
The NÜOBELL dumbbells have a smooth adjustment mechanism, making minimal noise when changing weights. During use, they are comparable in noise level to regular fixed-weight dumbbells.
While NÜOBELL dumbbells are designed to be durable, they are not built for frequent drops. Dropping them can damage the adjustment mechanism, unlike fixed-weight dumbbells that are more impact-resistant.