Hey all, I heard from Pepin and they're planning on releasing an add on magnet sets that will allow you to evenly add 2.5 or 5lbs to the dumbbells for those of you who don't want to have one extra plate per side like I showed on how to do 5lbs jumps.
So it'll be slide two rails, making sure you hit right marks, then squeeze in two magnetic plates. I can imagine that might end up being an off-putting hassle, like changing weights on iron masters. We're getting closer to the holy grail, this probably isn't it though I think.
I really like the fact that you are reviewing Canadian products! Finally some stuff for us Canucks that we dont get rob with custom fees and shipping...up to you now! Great review
I have added these dumbbells to a phantom cart so many times. I really want to pull the trigger because as you stated, small space + value. I like a lot of what Pepin has been making and the Fast series is solid and fast. Thanks for the video
@@jaycherno1141 whoaaa shipping is $600?!? I just bought a 300 lbs treadmill and shipping was $160. These dumbells are much easier to maneuver than a treadmill! $600 for shipping is absurd.
First day impressions:It arrived in a waist high box. ru-vid.comUgkxP26Tir6n60vUkdtn4mbwhRO8cwuJQNy2 Each dumbbell was in its own foam box within the shipping box. Everything was secure and in good shape. No weird smells. The weight changing mechanism is really smooth and straight forward. Changing weight is really fast and easy. Though the handle is plastic, I don't think it will be breaking anytime soon. So far pretty impressed after my first session with them. I was afraid they were going to be too wide at first, but I didn't have any issues with them while doing upright rows.
Great review! I wish these were available when I bought my original Pepin set about 18 months ago. I don’t like changing them out as much anymore but spending $1700 to replace is hard to justify. The knurling on them is the best of any adjustable dumbbells I have tried. Pepin makes quality products for sure!
I've enjoyed my HDs as well, but agree they do get tiresome to change. I've upgraded equipment in the past by selling what I have to help offset the cost of something new.
I have been waiting for this, I bought the Nuobells just because I was tiered of waiting. It looks like the V2 of these will be worth waiting for mainly for refinements to the handle/ adjustment bar and hopefully balanced 5 pound adjustments.
@@alexbenzler5327 they work perfect. Can change quick to do supersets, never had a failure, feel like real DBs. I had the Bowflex before and the Nuos are significantly better. I bought some 85 and 95 fixed DBs as well
If memory serves me right 5-50 in dumbbell pairs is 550 pounds, 55-100 is 1500 or 1550, and 105-125 is 1150 pounds. Adjustable dumbbells make the most sense the heavier you go.. I prioritize durability and quick change but I sacrifice feel with my power blocks going to 125 and use DB Olympic handles for heavier than that. Not a fan of the the giant power U175 blocks just too wide for me.
Great point on the drop test, it doesn’t make sense to drop them any other way. The only thing I’ve ever spent that much money on is my functional trainer and even 2 years later I still guide the weights down carefully
I'm pretty old school when it comes to lifting. I've been doing it since 1978. I was taught never to drop the weights. The weights back then were very high quality (like everything else) but dropping them was simply out of the question. Cross fit style training with all of the Olympic lifting has really opened the door to dropping weights. No matter how well something is made its not going to last as long if you feel the need to keep dropping the equipment. Even with bumper plates I still wouldn't be inclined to drop my weights. It's just too ingrained in me not to do so.
dropping dumbbells can be completely involuntary or a good thing to do to avoid an impending injury. Think flat/incline DB press/flys. There are times when dropping them from height would absolutely be the right thing to do and trying to guide them down would be stupid as you'd risk worse injury. By all means if you never push anywhere close to failure and only use light weight, then dropping is probably not going to be a consideration
@@trulsrohk1 I have dropped a db while failing on a db bench press. Arm started to "wander" and that was it. My set up was not very good. Obviously, it is not up head high, but it is higher than Brandon is doing here.
Having owned the standard old school spin lock dumbells for about 1.5 years, I can definitely say that I don't do dumbell exercises sometimes because it takes longer time to set up. The good thing about it is that I can drop those and not been my wallet screaming. I tired power blocks and didn't like them. Nubell and these I would look into as a potential upgrade. I really like those interlocking plate design. It definitely makes the plates more secure and gains my trust to do exercises over my head.
Thanks for sliding these up to the front of your review queue, they definitely seem to be heavy adjustables everyone is talking about. I would be curious about what movements are a bit awkward with the slides, like db goblets.
I was wondering what number you got! I'm number 4! I also got the stand and heavy handle kit. Because I ordered it with the heavy handle they etched the numbers appropriately so it reads 30-130 on the rails. They feel like the best of all worlds adjustable dumbbells to me.
I should clarify, production was taking longer than anticipated, so he emailed me about a discount and informed me of a future stand and heavy handle add on. I asked what it might look like, and he sent a prototype photo and its really 2 additional plates that bolt to the inner plates of the handle. There is less handle room now but I've got fairly meaty paws and they fit just fine, no rubbing. Not sure if you need to email him for the add on kit??
@@garrettsolberg9100 thank you for responding! I Definitely should contact him. Been wanting adjustable dumbells over 100lbs these seem to be a good fit.
They’re probably the best out there. That price is honestly justified given the manufacturing I would imagine they take - but there is no way I could do that. It’s just too much.
I'm buying these for sure. I have the bowflex 1090s and the most infuriating thing is that they're the same width whether you're using them as 20s or 90s and they generally suck otherwise. So I got a nuobell 50 for the lighter weights, but that gets stuck in its cradle. The thing I'm loving about these- apart from the fact they go up to 120- is that the weight selection mechanism isn't integrated with the cradle. It's all in the dumbbell. Great design. Much respect as an engineer.
I think it may take some slight adjusting on the cradle with these. You have about 1/2" of adjustability per side. Once you find the perfect spacing it makes racking much easier when fully loaded.
I got the Pepin fast dumbbells too after owning the 1090s one of the plates chipped and doesn't adjust anymore ...one time I was pressing and some of the plates slid off as well which freaked me out. The Bowflex quality is terrible long term and a safety hazard.
@@aynrandfan7454my question is are you able to use versa gripz or straps with the pepins? Seems like the rail might be too in the way. Do you find the rail to be an issue when trying to use straps?
If Nuobell released an all metal version with metal internals they could crush the market. Anecdotally I'm scared to drop mine, but they've survived a few so far. The worst one being when I was doing incline AMRAP, my balance got messed up towards the end and instead of crushing my face, I threw one of them with 80lb on it, and it's been fine I also found some urethane 90s, 100s, and 110s locally for 450$ total so I'm set for years and happy
I sprained the F outta my wrist when i was younger trying not to drop the 120s after a chest press; trying to slowly lower them to the floor as best i could. I felt my wrist translate across my forearm when my wrist had the max leverage on it. It swelled up immediately, lost ROM and hurt for 3 months. Now I always make sure i save enough to bring them to my knees and swing myself back up. These dumbbells look really cool. I've had power blocks for over 10 years and like them.
These look great. Probably the only pair of adjustable dumbbells that would make me want to upgrade from my powerblocks, especially with an add on magnet. I love the powerblocks since switching weights is super simple, but I never take out the add on weights in between. I also don't like how they don't look / feel like real dumbbells.
Funny thing about drop tests.. I have seen fixed dumbells 100+ lbs that were bent up from idiots throwing them on the horsestall floors. These things seem pretty sturdy, I like them.
I'm really surprised by all of the comments on pricing for these. No, it's certainly not what I would call cheap but for what you get I think the value is great. I have a set of 5-75 rubber hex dumbbells from Rep. I recently looked into expanding up to 100, the 80-100 set is currently $1,550. So I thought I would just buy a pair of 80s, 90s, and 100s and get a set of the 2.5lb Microgainz (I already have the 1.25s); but I was quoted $1,200 for just those 3 pairs from Rep and then it'd be another $145 for the Microgainz. Or I could get a set of the Fast dumbbells which go up to 130lbs for $2,020 shipped. I don't really need them but I have been incorporating more dumbbell work into my programming and man am I on the fence about it.
wouldnt it be de nice if the side pieces (where you adjust the weight) in between plate would be rounded, that would potentielly give you more options on how you grip the weight, like say a DB pull over. That could be awkward otherwise?
@@JBS7551 I ended up selling my Iron Master 5-120lb dumbbells for the same reasons mentioned in the video. They don't take THAT long to change, but long enough for me to not want to mess with them, especially when training with limited time. I bought individual DBs up to 65lbs, but really want the Peppin Fast Series -- I just don't think I can justify the cost.
@gtlandis86 Yeah adjusting the iron masters gets to be a real pain, especially when needing to do big changes. I may sell mine and get a solid set of metal adjustables that go from 5-50, I don't know of a good brand for that yet
Yeah shipping needs to be considered but I think the point still remains the same. For the features they offer the price point is still relatively low in context.
@@BasementBrandon For sure, no matter how you look at it, adjustable dumbbells will be cheaper than individual dumbbells. It's just a matter of finding the ones you like the best from a form/function and durability standpoint.
100% agreed on the drop test. The demonstrated drop test is a good example of a natural “drop.” Just throwing the weights around has always felt…obscene to me. I don’t get why people are comfortable doing that.
How is reracking after a hard, heavy set? I find aligning my Powerblocks can be difficult when I'm gassed. Great review brother! These look to be the new standard of adjustable dumbbells.
The 120s can be a bit tough depending on where the cradle is. For me too I think I should play with where the ends bolt on as they allow you to adjust width some. I imagine if it’s dialed in, it would be harder to “miss”.
@@BrandonSchwartz1 The 2 pieces of the cradle that stick up and hold in the end plates bolts on. There's about .5" of adjustability on either side. If you push them both all the way in, it may be too narrow to rerack the handle unless you're 100% dead on.
I prefer the nuobell switching style but the all metal construction on Pepin is more durable. Merry them up get the best of both worlds. That would be the optimal design.
I agree with your position on the dropping of them. I too control the drop whether it’s my own equipment or not. People apply this weird doomsday mindset to their gym equipment like it’s their AK-47.
A realistic drop test would be from chest-press height, to simulate muscle tear/spasm / no chance to control the drop. Dropping from overhead ...uncontrolled, in real-life, your own outcome is destined to far worse than broken dumbbells.
For your follow up video, can you check if it’s possible to put a microgains 1.25 and 2.25 on both sides of the handle and still have room? That’d let you hit the 7.5 increments as well while staying balanced
I'm excited for these. I'll save up, so hopefully ny the time I get enough cash a new revision comes out. The upside for these are going up to 120lbs each. That's a real good weight.
So I know a week ago I said IM was the route I was going but after watching this review 100 times I think you’ve sold me on Pepin! I’ve just got one question that will be the final factor. Money not being a factor, are you picking Pepin over IM for durability and feels “most like” a regular dumbbell? Thanks for giving honest reviews btw!
Money not a factor I would pick pepins b/c I'm more likely to use them due to the adjustability. IM still wins in durability and feel since it doesn't have the rails, but I found myself not using them as often b/c of not feeling like changing weights.
@@JBS7551 thank you! Have you found the bars on the side of the Pepin get in the way for anything? Regardless, I’m sold on Pepin and as soon as I can I’ll be placing an order lol
@Nick I thought I'd hate the rails but really don't mind them at all, they give a lot of rigidity! Plus it's not like a cage, like powerblocks I'm able to do pullovers, OH triceps extensions, etc. Unless you have giant hands, I don't think they are an issue!
Pepins are fantastic. I have the HD'S, and they feel better than any other adjustable or fixed dumbbells that I have used. Given I've never used Watson's. The only draw back to the HD'S is the time it takes to adjust, but if you get the stand with it, it makes it a lot easier, and faster. The handles at 37mm, and 49mm with excellent knurling are great for grip, forearms, pressing, triceps, and biceps. I had high expectations before I received them, and braced myself for disappointment, but they exceeded my expectations.
Very random comment, but these are made in North America, specifically Beauce, one of the great entrepreneurial regions of Canada. It is amazing to see a small company make such an amazing high quality product, very innovative 💪
It is great to see the progress and development of Home Gym equipment. Just jealous that these didn’t exist sooner. too much effort to sell my IMs and Powerblocks.
Wowzers, nearly 24 minutes of a fantastic review! I've got a dumbell set from 5-100lbs as well and I can't see myself getting adjustable, but if I did these Pepin's look like they'd make it to the top of my list to consider. The challenge with the Pepins is you can't do an overhead triceps extension or lat pullovers based on the handle guides. Nuobells can do that based on their design. Pros/Cons to everything I guess. Great review Brandon, I loved it!
When these first came out I was for sure getting these but now I’m thinking about just going with iron master. These are amazing but Id rather save the difference and buy something else for my gym
These are so sick. Just hard to justify dropping 2k for me when dumbbells would just be secondary work for me (I do think the pricing is fair because they replace an entire set) I think I am going to get the bolt fitness octobells that go to 80 lbs in the coming months.
I have those. Love them. Literally just like nuobells except in a octagon shape. Knurling is very passive though if you care about that. I have the bolts for accessory and then for heavy db work I have a pair of loadable dumbells but since I powerlift most of my workout is barbell with dbs being accessory work... If I could do it all over and get either these or the setup that I already have, I would probably still get the set up that I have since I saved close to a grand.
I have the same set. Valid concerns for peoples comments on the plastic but I haven’t seen any reports of major or minor failure of Nuobell style dumbbells but time will tell. I love my set. My only regret is not getting the military green versions lol
Would these work on a slanted surface? I have the Titan dumbbell rack that I really like how it’s angled to lift my ironmasters from, and I’m curious if these Pepin’s only work on a flat surface. These dumbbells would be an instant buy if Pepin could figure out the 5lb increments. Sure, you just tack on 10 on one side, but I feel like for the money, should have designed it with 5lb increment dials
He suggests flat surface only. They are in the process of coming out with magnet plates for both ends if you don't want to do the 5lbs jumps the way I show.
I really hope they adjust the handle weight so that it's closer to 20lb than 21lb. At the measured 20.75lb that's +3.75% of the stated weight. I expect more accurate tolerances at this price.
Wow, they look really good! I would say that the lower weights are too expensive but these 120's are priced competitively with powerblocks - I am impressed!
Thanks for the video. I've wanted a pair of these since I first saw the design, and this video only further sold me on them. Pepin seems like a very straightforward, honest company.
@Basement Brandon That matters to me a lot. Obviously I want items that match my needs the most perfectly, but I also want to support businesses that listen to feedback and adapt accordingly.
Don't know how much shipping will be. Yes, the 60 lbs pair are expensive.But for those who need 120 lbs pair, price is not bad at all for what you get.
The market sets the prices. Now that REP will be producing the price is much lower as it's outsourced and mass produced. However I still wouldn't say it's overpriced at the original MSRP.
Iron Masters can go to 180 lb with heavy handle kit and the 120 and 165 lb upgrades. The heavy handle kit does make them more like a regular dumbbell due to the long handle dropping to a regular handle length. I have the 5-50 lb pairs of Rep Fitness urethane dumbbells and have no space for more. I use the Iron Masters for in between weights and greater than 50 lb weights. I don’t mind the change times. I would probably get the Pepins if I didn’t already have Iron Masters, which was my first weight lifting equipment.
@@BasementBrandon saw it, like ur channel more. I just find him at least on yt, don't know him to be a goof ball, presence on yt is where it matters when ur watching.
Once that tax and shipping hits, that $1.7k is a little out of range. Maybe, I'll buy these when the time is right. Don't need them- but, you know how it goes: convenience and more training options
Good review. Thanks. But the argument that fixed dumbbells would be so much more expensive, ergo the $1700 price is a "bargain", isn't convincing. They're overpriced for what they are. They could have (and should have) been $800-$900, which would still be a premium above other adjustable dumbbells.
I get the cost thing, obviously a set for each pair from 5 pounds to 120 will be like 10k lol. But for most people started home gym. A barbell with 500 pounds and maybe a 15, 30, and 60 pound pair. I just won’t be DB presses and rowing the 100s which is why a barbell is for. A home gym my definition and comparison is a compromise
I think it just depends on the individual. A lot of people may say they can’t train at home bc they miss dbs or they can’t fit them in their home. This prob caters towards that crowd.
I don't think that's fair. I try to frame everything as I know people have different preferences. This could potentially replace a rack of DBs, which if you're considering doing, is going to be quite an investment.
20+ min video means you can sneak in enough double entendre’s to get demonetised haha. Finger the edges, putting it in the female end 😂. Plz talk to Mr Pepin about getting someone in Aus to stock them (cough *gym and fitness*) so I can replace my Iron Masters cos these look sick! Love the long form content my man!
Would love to get these but just bought a pair of Snodes which I hope are as good as they sound. Pepins do seem like they are the best, but price seems a bit high.
I don't really get adjustable dumbbells. You're paying so much per lb for them it's eye watering -- like $7/lb for this vs $1.5/lb for standard weight plates and it saves you want, a few seconds? I understand not wanting to use threaded dumbbells; they take forever, but smooth dumbbells with spring clips take no longer than barbells, and I never see anyone wanting an adjustable barbell because it takes too long to get plates on and off :S
@@BasementBrandon thats true- i have 12 of them. And 4x5 and 4x2.5. Cost about $300 inc a stand. Putting 120lbs on each is the only real difficulty with 10lb plates - you need very long handles. Happily I don't need more than 85lbs on anything I do yet
To each their own. BTW - if possible, I am sure adjustable barbells would be popular too. To give some insights, loadable handles are probably similar to Ironmasters and people complain how slow those are all the time. The other thing is, a lot of people with adjustable dumbbells use them as their main weights (i.e. they don't have a barbell). Thus, they don't have extra weight plates (or weight plate storage) and they need to change weights frequently - so the adjustment feature is extra valuable (I used mine like that for years).
@@steverapos3904 Absolutely, and I'm not saying people shouldn't like them. I only use dumbbells and would definitely have adjustable ones rather than plate ones, except for the cost. When you start getting up to 4x the cost it just seems a little over the top for the added functionality/timesaving. The resale value isn't as good as it is on plates either. And with most pairs (though probably not these at 120lbs each) there's a good chance of outgrowing them, as where you can always buy more plates. It's just a price for me to justify to myself.
Kudos on the review and esp. in the drop test. Dropping aggressively, as some criticized you to do, is for gym bros trying to impress someone. And no one is impressed. Take care of your equipment, even if it is not yours.
These look great, and I certainly agree on the value proposition of them. That railing on the sides is not ideal, but they are heavy, quick changing and steel. That has been a unicorn in the adjustable dumbbell arena. Great review man!
Yeah the rails are not ideal, but it's better than Nuobell's plastic cam followers that are practically guaranteed to break sooner or later and are not serviceable.
my question is are you able to use versa gripz or straps with the pepins? Seems like the rails might be in the way. Do you find the rails to be an issue when trying to use straps?
I dont think you can fairly compare pricing of an adjustable dumbell to a full set of commercial individual dumbells. It comes down to the sum of all parts. An adjustable dumbell consists of nothing really compared to the cost to build a whole rack of individual dumbells. Also you get a lot more with a full set of dumbells. They are designed for commercial gyms where 10 people may be using the full set of dumbells. Forget the context, compare like to like not to a full set of dumbells. But now that Pepin merged with Rep they are much more affordable. What I dont like about these is the increments, 10 lb increments is high. You can use the small weights for smaller increments but it is a bit of a hassle. I dont have a problem with the 21 lb starting weight but it would be better if it started lower. Pepin on a later interview said it would cost too much to start with aluminum weights of a lower weight to get the starting weight down. At the price of these he should absorb the additional cost to do this.
I think you can compare the prices pretty easily TBH. You can make a case for individual sets in some cases, but you can also make a case for adjustables. It's a question many consider when looking at getting DBs for their space.
These adjustable dumbbells are perfect for people who don't have the space for 5-100 urethane sets. I really like how these look compared to powerblocks and the amount of metal on there plus its Canada made. I already own 5-75lb vulcan urethane dumbbell set for $2700 shipped which is a steal so for me if I were to pay $700 more I would still pick the urethane set since I have the room in my garage. If I didnt have the space in the garage or budget I would go for the Pepins. I wished they would design it in a way where its closer to nu bell but with more metal because I don't like caged adjustable hands for more comfort so my wrists wont hit anything. Just remember the more dumbbells means you are able to work out with partner or buddy during dumbbell sets. These pepins look quality so I might change my mind one day.
I would feel worried the adjustment plate would go through my forearm/slam or hyperextend my wrist if something bad happened on a heavy rep / if something slipped ... probably why I've never liked the powerblocks either. They look great, just worried about too many spots for catching your hand/forearm if it goes bad...
I think if it came down to me wanting more pieces that may be a route I'd explore too. But right now I love my fixed set and the versatility of the Iron Bear.
Does the cradle have to be flat or can you use an angled stand? Seems like with the stand at an angle the extea weights would fall over when you take the handle out.
Nice review as always. I have the first version of their screw-in (HD is the name now?). It was one of their early orders before things went banana and I still love them today. The knurling is amazing and I got their fat version afterwards. Yes it takes a bit of time to setup and you can't drop them from car chase, but it's still one of my precious gym possessions. I can't recommend them enough. Buying these new shiny ones would be a stretch with wifey though... However, I'm very happy to see that David updated the design numerous times and now just released the most advanced adjustable model. Very happy to see too that we're from the same Canadian province and that we can encourage our people here with crazy nice local made stuff ;) Go Poutine GO!
@@BasementBrandon The first version is "hand made", not CNC. They looks good in a picture, but in real life those are very beautiful... When the delivery man came and put the box in my hand, he said : That is heavy... ;) I purchase used the fat handles afterwards, and those ARE FAT. I've tried fatgrip on the normal one, but since the handle is bigger, they could not fit well. The guy that sold my the fat handles was a welder and he told me that David, that handmade all the handles before, made one of the best welds he ever seen and it will never fail "that guy makes arts"... (I'm no welder, just reporting what he told me). At first, I didn't had any uhmw donut inside, I had to purchase it afterwards so the tightness were not "there" at first. They are also a bit slower when you screw it than the new model (same version but enhanced and better made). It was still evolving a lot at the time. Also, I have to check before and after each sets that the screw are tight. It annoys my wife, but I got used to it, I don't even thinks about it now. The knurling on the normal handle is not TPB, but close. For a DB it's definitely very high end... I don't know what Coop got, but mine is quite sharp... The fat version has a milder knurling, but not bad at all, but maybe closer to what Coop described.. Not the typical DB thing however and nothing to complain about really... What I've found, is that you need to ensure that you have at least 1 inch of screw inside the handle to have a safe set, I've stretched my luck one time, but hopefully nothing bad happened and the weight came of. You just need to be aware. Other than this, the DB is great and I'm still figuring out how I could load them faster, like the IM... I might build a rig at some point. The stand that Pepin's sell dream great, but man that's big for a homegym... And when you load a 80-100 DB, you don't want to bring them on a high table... However, when you get used to it (2y), you can definitely be quick at building your DB. If you prepare your things in your resttime you can make it smooth and quick. On the ground is the best IMO, and it's really fast with experience though it was not the case when I got it... Magnetic weight attachments are a great assets, I might invest in microgains or other gadgets like this to load even faster. About the plating, even after two years of everyday use, I got a couple of scratches, but nothing that really attacked the plating itself. The nickel is still looking crazy great... Really, I bought them before it went banana and I'm glad I did and this is something I will probably keep forever. My wife told me she would like another sets for her... Eh boy... It sure that if I had the money I would get the fast one right away, but I'm extremely satisfied with what I have and getting those would be a luxury. And my wife needs to learn to enjoy what we have!!!
I bought the bow flex adjustable ones like 3 years ago. They still are as good as day 1. That being said I’ve always been careful not to be rough when putting them down. Edit: that being said, when I bought them they were not as marked up as they are now. I would not pay over $250 for them again.
Great review! I've been loving my set. My only real issue is the offset adjustment isn't ideal, but it hasn't been a major problem so far. I've also been looking into either the MicroGianz or PlateMate (magnetic) adder plates for both 2.5 and 5 lb adjustments. The bonus of getting those is I can also use them on my lat pull down/low row. I definitely agree on the value of these. They are expensive, but well worth it compared to the alternatives for a similar weight range. The adjustment speed is worth the extra $600 to me versus the iron masters.
I was thinking the same thing with the 2.5lbs micro plates.. I just don't know if it would fit well with the side rail.. looks like the 1.25 micro plates just fit. But if the 2.5lbs ones fit that would fit the counter balance problem
Was going to get these but now going to wait for version 2.0 if that is coming out. I prefer thinner handles for dumbbells so wish they had 28mm or less. For dumbbell drop tests I would say slightly above the knees with is the max height they should be dropped from.
Ah you know I had a clip of my doing overhead tricep extensions but forgot to show it. It's doable, a bit awkward, but the thing for me (who has terrible shoulder mobility), the the metal plates don't feel great if you whack yourself in the neck.
