Dude, I'm not in the market for adjustable dumbbells, but I can't tell you how much I appreciate videos like this when your wife lets you make them. Subscribed!!!
Fantastic overview, man. Love, love, love the production quality of your videos. I wish I had the skill and patience to do the same. Thank you for the shout out! I appreciate it. It was a pleasure going back and forth with you to discuss the Nuobells. I know there are folks out there who love theirs, and that's great. But I agree 100% that it isn't a matter of if but when they'll break. I'm thrilled to see a much better known channel like yours getting the word out before people throw away their hard earned money. One thing I want to emphasize here is that not dropping Nuobells may prolong handle life, but it will not eliminate the issue of the cam followers shearing off. It's the twisting motion of the adjustment mechanism that forces those followers along the aluminum rod, which is why we see those plastic shavings. So those cams will eventually begin to shear even if the dumbbells are never dropped, and as one or more shear off the remaining followers are forced to pick up the slack until they also fail. I suspect it *might* be one reason why these handles pack 4 cam followers per side...an attempt at redundancy. I also found it comical that Nuobell suggests hammering the rod back in using the method in their own video. That would absolutely destroy that side of the handle. Here's why: when the dumbbell is out of the base, rotation is locked. So hammering the rod in, while the dumbbell is positioned vertically, means that we'd be forcing the cam inward and shear all 4 cam followers in the process. Anyone who follows Nuobell's advice will, without a doubt in my mind, need to get a replacement handle afterward. Instead, if they find themselves in this situation, I recommend placing the dumbbell on its base to unlock rotation first. Then have one person twist the grip while a second person taps the rod inward to minimize the potential damage to the cam followers. Let's say one follower caused the jam-up, but three on that side are still good. We wouldn't be able to tell with the handle assembled, but why risk potentially damaging the remaining followers? So, it's worth a try for anyone who finds themselves in this situation with a jammed Nuobell. Get as much life as possible out of the existing handles. Nuobell doesn't deserve to make more money off of you. Rock on Gluck!
Do not spend too much time "Glucking" around.....you have handles to ship out! I am part of the last preorder and super eager to try out your PowerBlock handles. Also, while maybe not as polished at Gluck, your videos are very informative as well and help a lot of people.
Your dedication to these videos is probably only surpassed by your OCD! With so many adjustable dumbbells on the market these days competition is high and obviously skipping these might be in people's best interest.
So glad you made this video! I have been looking at some adjustable dumbbells and Nuobell was a top contender.....until I saw this video. Thank you so much!
Great video! I bought these last year and one arrived broken, with no signs of damage on the box. Best thing to happen to me since I realized immediately these 800$ dumbells are plastic garbage that WILL break, just like you showed in the video. Returned and they made me pay shipping for their broken product.... shows the bad customer support you'll get when they break. I got regular dumbells with a rack up to 50 pounds for the same price and am much happier. The REP x pepin adjustables seem to be great when they come out tho
Rep Pepins are currently the best adjustable dumbbells in existence. I knew the day Nuobells came out that they were going to be overhyped garbage. Ironmasters used to be the best. Now the Rep Pepins have taken that crown.
I agree that there are better choices, and I’d maybe not buy them again if I had the choice, but maybe just don’t drop them? I’ve being using mine 4 days a week over a few years and they still work perfectly.
I agree, I've had mine for over a year. They're great to use, but they're very delicate. You have to be extra careful on how your place them back in the cradle. It's always in the back of my mind when i'm working out. I'm thinking I should have purchased the power blocks instead. Well maybe on my next go-around when I decide to replace these.
It is for this exact reason I went with another option when shopping for adjustable dumbells. I was so glad to have stumbled upon the video he mentioned of that guy who took it apart. The Nuobells are an expensive product, so it blows my mind that they make them so poorly.
The other reviewer kept recommending them and for over a year I kept putting them in my cart. I just never could buy them as something didn’t seem right with them. I’m glad I waited and ended up getting the rep dumbbell and another adjustable for my wife for the same price. Been happy with both and the rep has a lifetime warranty so can’t beat it. It I only goes up to 60lbs but I don’t heavier than that for the training I’m doing and when I get up higher will just get dumbbell sets for the higher weights although rep did just release a higher weight limit dumbbell…
As someone who picked up a pair of Bowflex SelectTech 560's when they first came out. The over engineering and complexity with plastic parts is a real thing and a gimmick. They worked well for about a year until they completely stopped adjusting. The handles froze solid. It was suggested to spray some WD40 into those same prong button holes until everything was thoroughly coated, which also dripped WD40 all over the DB cradle and floor. They did work for another few years after that without much issue, but that shouldn't happen. At all. Sold them and picked up a full set of Power Block Sport 90lb exp dumbbells.
@@MushookieMan Gimmicks in the fitness industry to make things easier on you and save a few minutes sounds great and I got hooked at the beginning of my journey. All of these new mechanical dumbbells are the same. They might save space in the beginning, but they'll be taking up way more space when they inevitably break.
@@MushookieMan Not saying the durability is the same. More so, the engineering, and thought that goes into their build. Should a mechanical DB that you paid hundreds of dollars for, stop working, to the point where the handles are completely frozen, 1 year after purchase? Basically leaving you with a pair of $400 30lb dumbbell and feeling like one too. Nowhere on their site or manual does it say that they will also need oiling and upkeep to perform reasonably. I could be wrong but at some point I'm sure Nuobell will need the same. With my personal experience and preference, I'd take an extra minute to slide the selector pin over covering my DB's with WD40 again. If that pin breaks, I can buy a 15 dollar replacement and be good to go. I think there is a reason why the 560's got discontinued though and why there's quite a few reddit threads and RU-vid videos on how to fix the stuck handles. It wasn't a one off incident.
I think that your cautionary reviews, including this one, should encourage even *more* equipment manufacturers to send you equipment. Because if they send equipment to you, it means that they're confident of their quality. You are the most thorough and trusted reviewer. It's not that Coop is untrustworthy but he's more of a tire kicker compared to your full-blown "looking under the hood" investigative skills.
I've had Nuobells (version 1 with up to 32kg per dumbbell in 4kg increments) in my home gym since 2020 and I couldn't be happier with them. I've been using them almost daily for almost four years and had no issues so far. I understand that they may not be suitable for commercial gyms and/or dropping. But for a home gym where you use your equipment with care, they are amazing and seem to be more than durable enough. Though the new/upcoming Nuobell S240 seem to be quite an upgrade in terms of the internals.
With the incoming REP adjustable dumbbells, they make no sense at all. Especially here in Canada, they're only $200 more and they have a lifetime warranty.
Great review! I’ve been pretty lucky with my Nuobells. I’ve had them for about 4 years now. It’s been solid but I have been gentle with it. Never been dropped. I use the full range of the weight, 5-80 lbs. I admit Nuobells do not feel solid that’s why I never drop mine.
You are helping so many people here. I bought these and recently bought the Rep-Peppin dumbells awaiting my shipment. They are due to ship in Sept so i dont thing my nuobells will break in that time span. I have a extended warranty on them so the handles will be covered.
Thanks for making this video! I definitely feel validated now for not having bought these dumbbells. Can't wait to see what your thoughts are on the upcoming Rep/Pepin adjustable dumbbells. Cheers!
Hey Gluck. First off, I really appreciate the time, effort and costs that you have put in to create this video. I think its one of your best to date. That being said, I have a number of other adjustable dumbbells including Powerblocks and Bowflex and my Nuobells from a performance and flexibility perspective can't be beat. I have had them for about 2 years and I'm super careful with them but its great to know all of the potential risks. Side note: I recently purchased a stand alone portable (ish) belt squat from a company called Gearforfit in Toronto. It's unique and I haven't seen anything similar and I love it. I would be interested in seeing you doing a review of it. Cheers
But like he showed, a small drop off a bench can render them useless. Not a good trait to have in an adjustable dumbbell that has been toted by many as the best.
@@McNultyMoreland it is more like a drop can be a $149 expense for a replacement handle. Some of us do not drop the weights and if an accident were to happen, we will not be broke by replacing the handle.
Every time I watch one of your adjustable dumbbell videos I always am glad I listened to you and bought straight handle fixed dumbbells. Blah blah blah space blah blah money. Whatever. They were worth every penny. I ended up going with giant rather than Rep because their Black Friday deal was better but it was a good experience and I don’t know the difference. Thanks for what you do Gluck!
This is why I got powerblocks. My father in law has had the same pair for like 10 years. And I borrowed them a lot it’s just a tried and true design. So I got my own. I’d rather simplicity and reliability.
I've had mine for probably 3 years now or so and use them 4 to 6 times a week. No real issues. If they break, you can just get a replacement handle. It's not like they cost as much as a car, lol. They only go to 80 pounds, so it's not like I would need to drop them or throw them around. They are good for accessory movements and you really shouldn't be dropping weights on accessories, IMO. If you are worried about ultimate durability, then sure, look at others or get a set of fixed weight dumbbells. I still think they are a great product, and would get them again, but I also agree that there is nothing wrong with showing potential problems as no adjustable is going to be completely indestructible.
The REP x PEPIN seem like the clear winner now. Maybe QuickDraws if you want something under 60lbs. And iron master if you have a lot of time on your hands. Good warranties. And I remember you dropping the QuickDraws off your roof lol.
Good video Gluck I like the concept of those nuobells, but the long-term durability was always the question mark, I already had 2 pairs of ironmasters, but they took too long to change over plus the heavier they got they didn't feel as good in my hands, so I ended up selling the ironmasters and going all in on a fixed hex set in 2.5kg increments upto 45kg and I ain't complaining
I ended up going with Powerblocks when I built my home gym. At the time, they were really the only compelling option on the market. Shortly after, all the newer options starting coming out, like the Nuobells. I was honestly a bit upset because the Nuobells just looked so much cooler and so much easier to use, but after some time my Powerblocks are proving to be the most reliable option I could have picked, and I expect them to last me many more years.
I’ve been telling people this for months now since mine broke and dopes out there say they haven’t had any issues, what they fail to understand is it’s just a matter of time before they have issues.
As someone who already owns powerblocks and won’t be switching, the fact that I love watching any video you make regardless of if I’m in the market for that item or not is proof that you’re better than the puffy vest man 😎
I can pick up a replacement handle for not crazy money in a day to two. I believe that should solve most of the issues you have with them. Yes, I will be getting the RepPepins in the future, but these work fine for now...
@Gluck, I’m most impressed that you were able to remember all of that. A+! But seriously, great job! I wanted one of these for the longest time then realized weights are (should be) simple and meant to be dropped (meaning durable). Another example of our trajectory-form over function. I remember when a family friend rebuilt the engine of his 1979 chevy impala. He could literally go inside the engine bay. Try doing that with modern cars.
Thanks for the video, man. I had heard a couple of anecdotes about people’s Nuobells breaking, but I was still interested in buying them because they’re so dang pretty lol. After this video, will definitely be staying away. Thanks again!
I have had nuobells for a little over a year. So far I have gone through two new cradles and a new handle and I have babied them. No idea how the cradles and handle broke but nuobell was nice enough to send replacements for free since it’s under warranty but I am definitely getting rid of them before my warranty is up and getting the rep pepins.
Interesting teardown. I ended up picking Snodes because of videos like this one and combination of more stated durability with the parts availability to repair the dumbbells with should something happen to them. I'm not unhappy with my purchase, though I do find myself wishing I'd been a little more patient and went with Ironmasters and I usually recommend those between the different adjustable dumbbell options.
Appreciate the video, was interesting seeing the teardown and maybe videos like this could lead Nuobell to upgrade their handles in the future. Having said that I still think there are plenty of valid reasons to buy these dumbbells over others in the space. Yes, even over those new REP dumbbells.
Great breakdown video. Always enjoy how brutally honest you are. I really like the green set. But not getting it #1 because my wife would literally kill me if I spent d anymore $ on my gym. #2 this video. Haha
I've been rocking the USA elites for years. Now they supply metal knurled handles (which swapped in)... No you can't drop them, but they have been troopers
I'm not fighting you, I agree with you all the way on these. I saw a video on the inner workings and the design of them and I knew then I would never buy them. They are so fragile, I feel sorry for the people who did buy them!!!!!!
In Germany you can get the same Dumbell with the Miweba Branding for 200$/Euro. They are advertised together with the Nüobell Brand. At least the price is more reasonable, but still a shame they do not use metal cam followers, that would last multiple times longer.
I paid $1000 for some 10lb-90lb adjustable dumbbells and one of them broke within a few weeks by being put back into their thingamajig. Not Nuobells, but they convinced me that all adjustable dumbbells are pure garbage. I'm looking at loadable handles now, I'm liking the price of the Bells of Steel ones and with their 10lb Mighty grip plates I should be able to get them nice and heavy. Annoying thing is I'll be spending that $1000 again 😭
First time watching a video from you, such good quality for the amount of subs you have. Keep it up! Btw, loved the detailed engineering explaination. I had my suspects that this satisfying handle mechanism would come with a price later on..
I own a pair. I like them. I don’t toss them around and I am careful with putting them back into the cradle. However…..seeing how these are constructed causes me great concern. I will use them till they break and then buy Pepins. Also, they sell replacement parts. Even all new handles. So…..while the handle may break, they are replaceable. I think under normal usage and tossing them about like a gorilla these will last a good long time. Also, they have a V2 that addresses most of these issues. Also…I don’t think they’re “over - hyped”. Seemed like an unnecessary jab at NuoBell.
I've said this multiple times. Ironmasters are more durable than any other adjustable dumbbell significantly. I have it upgraded to 165lbs, and i have dropped them them repeatedly. Ive also owned these for almost 2 decades. They are slower to adjust, but they are true dumbbells without all the limitations of use.
When I bought mine 3 and a 1/2 years ago, there was no other options. That went up to 80 pounds that were. That easy to use. I have not had any problems but I could certainly see having problems.. There are better options on the market now
You got to be delicate with them. Especially when taking it off the rack. If you dont pull it straight up one of the weights will fall and could hit your foot.
Had a DB fall off something I shouldn’t have set it on and onto my foot. Broke a toe and the DB. Getting the plates off the broken side was the most excruciating process ever. Hopefully they’ll come up with better design that work with existing plates.
I'm not a fan of any dumbbell, where the handle isn't fixed (so that would be Nuobell, Snode, Core Homegym dumbbells etc. etc.). I did however, have my Nuobells for 3 years and not a single issue what so ever. They worked as new when I sold them. But I do see your points though, for sure. I do prefer Powerblocks with knurled handles, my Pro Exp (90 lbs) is the perfect dumbbells (almost). Only dumbbell I would even think about getting along with my Powerblocks, are the Pepins (Rep version, as it has a thinner handle and better design aspects). P.S Nuobell are showing their new dumbbells off at Fibo right now.
The proven powerblocks and Ironmaster DBs design that will stand the test of time. Seriously, I use buy and sell old ass powerblocks, a lot of them from the 80s. This was to fund my garage gym. This was when it was only Craigslists for local online personal sales and classified. No offer up nor FB marketplace existed then. And the old ass powerblocks were still in working condition, just chipped paint, and the color coded plastic it that was worn down.
I doubt that Nuobell is too thrilled with this video. Good luck with the blowback from them. The day before the covid shutdown in 2020 I walked into a Dick's Sporting Goods. I asked if they had any Bowflex adjustable dumbbells left. They had one pair left, but they also had a pair of PowerBlocks. The sales guy told me that I would be happier with the PowerBlocks because they didn't have plastic parts that would eventually wear down, so I bought them. I am glad he put me onto the PowerBlocks. I think that the plastic parts in the Bowflex's would have eventually failed.
