Core Home Fitness Adjustable Set Review

The Core Home Fitness Adjustable Set contains a premium pair of dumbbells offering versatility, ease of use, and a space-saving design. By leveraging interlocking plates, they deliver all the advantages you'd get with ten pairs of individual weights with the footprint of just one. Not only is this a space-efficient design, but the set also comes at an excellent price per pound and proves great for various workout options. A simple twist of your wrist is all it takes to adjust the weight on each dumbbell so you can spend more time working out and less time re-racking weights.

Performance Comparison

Exercise Versatility

The Core Adjustable free weights displayed a just-above-average performance for versatility. Despite being larger than other dumbbells of equal weight, we had no issues with our range of motion tests across all exercises — one of the main ways we evaluate dumbbells for versatility.

Two other primary criteria for determining dumbbell versatility are its capacity to withstand being dropped on the ground during dynamic lifts (such as jerk and clean) and its functionality as a grab bar for push-ups. The Core Adjustable Set incorporates both moveable and plastic pieces into its design, which makes it more vulnerable to shifting when you don't want it to. This means you would want to avoid dropping them on the ground repeatedly. Similarly, unlike many other standard dumbbells we tested, the heads of each mobile weight are not covered in a rubber coating. This means there is little protection for the dumbbell or your floor if they fall. The Core weights are rounded rather than hex-shaped, making them prone to rolling. Although we did use them as grab bars for push-ups, we felt unstable during these exercises. This reduced the set's overall score in this metric.

Ease of Use

Core dumbbells are incredibly easy to use thanks to a combination of ergonomic features. We had no trouble identifying and selecting the correct weight between exercises. Their ergonomic handle shape offered a secure grip while in use. And, it was straightforward to re-rack them back into their stand after we were through.

The primary factor we consider for ease of use with adjustable dumbbells is how quickly and easily the weight can be changed. Each Core Adjustable dumbbell can be set to a new weight with just a twist of the handle while it is racked in its stand. This step either adds or removes a plate to each end. Since selecting the weight only takes one hand, we were free to adjust both dumbbells simultaneously in only a few seconds, a drastic improvement over other adjustable models.

The selected weight for each dumbbell is visible in a small window at the top of each head. This design allows you to double-check your choice mid-workout since the label is called out on the dumbbell itself rather than on the stand (like some other adjustable weights we tested). We found these numbers easy to read at a glance. Our only complaint is that their small size can make it harder to determine each weight's amount from a distance.

The grips on the Core Adjustable Set differ from what we see on other standard options. They do not feature metal knurling. Instead, this model comes with heavy-duty plastic and rubber handles that rely on a sticky rubber grip to provide a secure hold during exercises. Each handle is wide enough to accommodate large hands, though we wish the rubberized section were extended to better utilize the ends of each handle. We also noted that the plastic can become slippery when drenched in sweat. Nevertheless, we still felt we had secure control over the dumbbells throughout testing.

Re-racking the Core Set was a breeze. We liked that the overall size and length of the dumbbells correlated to the selected weights. The V-shaped grooves on the ends of the plates helped guide the dumbbells back into place when placed on the stands. This made putting them away significantly less difficult than other models, even when the weight was heavy and we were tired.

Weight Options

As these are adjustable dumbbells, the set provides all the advantages you would expect from ten different pairs of weights in one single-dumbbell design. This means folks short on space only have to buy a single pair of Core dumbbells to enjoy the same range of choices a set of ten sizes of hand weights would offer.

The variety of weights you can choose from in the Core Adjustable Set is fantastic. For those who don't have a dedicated home gym, this pair saves an incredible amount of space while providing ten unique weight options. Ranging from five to 50 pounds each and adjustable in 5-pound increments, they deliver a broad range of weight options to accommodate different exercises and strength levels — everyone in your home could use the same dumbbell. The only downside to the Core Set's weight selection is that each dumbbell maxes out at 50 pounds. This makes them still heavy enough for most people, but if you're looking for anything more, you'll need to consider other dumbbell styles.

Construction Quality

Each Core dumbbell is made from steel weight plates with a thin plastic coating and a plastic handle with rubber coating. Although there was some movement among the parts while in use, it was minimal, and we found their overall construction to be of good quality. The weight difference between measured and stated was less than 1%, a negligible variance.

One of the most significant risks to adjustable dumbbells comes from their moving pieces and parts. Any equipment that goes through a bit of abuse with each use will inevitably face the possibility of broken or jammed components. On Core Adjustable dumbbells, all moving pieces are designed to be hidden inside the handle, offering them some protection from falls or drops. Although some of these parts are plastic, their overall design seems hardy. We noticed no issues or flaws during testing. So, while the Core set may be less durable than what we'd expect from a collection of all-steel dumbbells, we're confident it will still last for many years of exercise.

During workouts, we noticed a slight jiggle between the weights and plates. Given that each dumbbell is made of many different parts, some movement is to be expected. But it didn't interfere with our workouts in any way. The jiggling proved only rotational (versus forward and back), which further boosted our confidence in the design of the Core dumbbells.

Storage

We were very pleased with the storage and portability of the Core Home Fitness Adjustable Set. Although these dumbbells are sold with moveable racks, there is also the option to purchase a storage stand separately for those who prefer something taller. Alternatively, the set can be stored on the ground, on a bench, or on a very sturdy shelf.

Resting side by side in their racks, a pair of Core dumbbells occupies a 16-inch by 18-inch footprint. The advantage of using these racks is that you can pick one up and move it even when a dumbbell rests inside. Moving both will take two trips, but it is still possible. Although the dumbbells don't lock into place within the rack, they are stable enough for transport.

Should You Buy the Core Home Fitness Adjustable Set?

The Core Home Fitness Adjustable is one of our favorite pairs of dumbbells and one of the best choices we've seen for a set of adjustable hand weights. A high-quality option that is good for almost any exercise in the gym, they offer the many benefits of a multi-dumbbell collection in just a single pair of weights. Though there is a significant upfront investment cost, these weights still provide great value over comparative options when considering their price per pound. Overall, the Core set is an excellent option for adjustable dumbbells.

What Other Dumbbells Should You Consider?

If you're looking for multiple dumbbells but aren't sold on the adjustable style, the CAP Coated Hex Set With Rack is a budget-friendly pick that provides five dumbbell pairs with a matching stand for your home gym. These standard dumbbells are durable and easy to use and are also available for purchase in a wide range of additional weight choices beyond the original set. If you're set on getting a pair of adjustable weights, the Bowflex SelectTech 552 is another sturdy pair that allows you to adjust in 2.5-pound increments below 25 pounds. They're a little more expensive, though, and a little less convenient to adjust and use than the Core Adjustable Set. If you're looking to outfit the ultimate home gym, the Rogue Rubber Hex Dumbbells were one of the best pairs of free weights we tested. These were among the most versatile and durable dumbbells in our lineup and are sold individually in a wide range of sizes from 2.5 to 125 pounds each.