Dumbbells may not be the largest piece of fitness equipment, but I would argue they pack the biggest punch.
Sure, a barbell, rack, and weight plates allow you to do a TON - and by ton, I’m talking about your total, not the number of exercises. Only joking, a 2000 lb total is absurd. If you are newer to lifting, that equates to a sum of 2000 lbs across the three major lifts - bench press, squat, and deadlift, which is just wild strength.
Anyways, back to the point.
If your home gym has a barbell, rack, and weight plates, you are crushing it. However, for many people, starting with dumbbells is huge. Now, of course, lifting solely with dumbbells looks a little bit different, but they are incredibly versatile for their size. Want to lunge? Check. How about press? Of course. Row? Mhmm. Curl, crunch, extend, and raise? Yep, yep, you get the point.
The options when training with dumbbells are essentially limitless. And the best part, you can start building muscle all while taking up the space of a nightstand.
Now, of course, dumbbells have downsides when compared to a full gym, but as a starting point, the functionality and versatility can get you great results when used effectively.
Now, since you are reading this article, I’m assuming you already knew that. After all, you are pretty much sold on buying dumbbells; you just want to know how and how to save money by purchasing used dumbbells, of course.
You are on your way to becoming a fitness, exercise, workout, training expert. Who knew you could be all that? We need to create a certification for that.
So let’s start with one of the essential questions - where to look?
Where to Buy Used Dumbbells
There are a few main options to consider here.
First, Facebook Marketplace for your home gym.
Facebook Marketplace is a great spot to look for used dumbbells for training. With Marketplace, you can sort by distance to find options that make sense for you. You can also easily compare prices, as you can see what other weights are listed for. Typically, there are quite a few options listed at once, depending on your area of the country.
When on Marketplace, be sure to look for positive signs from the seller.
Some of these things include multiple pictures or videos of the dumbbells, a description that matches the picture, a 4+ star rating, and a profile that looks credible. Videos are huge here - a great way to ensure the features of the dumbbell match the description. Remember, especially with Marketplace, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
One last recommendation with Marketplace, be sure to set notifications on for specific keywords like “dumbbell”, “dumbbells”, “dumb bell”, and “weights”. This will help ensure you are among the first notified when a new listing is posted, giving you the best odds of getting a really great pair or pairs of used weights.
Second, for an easier customer experience, you can go through fitness equipment companies.
We offer new and used dumbbells. Other companies that typically only sell new fitness and workout equipment often have a slightly damaged or refurbished category on their site or store as well.
One consideration here is the shipping cost. Obviously, Marketplace won’t have shipping costs as you are picking up the item. At Freedom Fitness, we offer free local pickup as well. This is huge as shipping dumbbells and other free weight equipment is typically one of the largest costs associated with the product.
Many fitness equipment companies don’t have the option for local pickup at their store, which is another reason to consider used or local equipment.
Finally, you may have luck if you know of any local gyms undergoing refurbishment or even closing.
All of that workout equipment has to go somewhere, so if you are aware of any commercial, high school, college, or even apartment fitness spaces making some big changes, it could be worth a stop by or a phone call.
Alright, now that you have a better sense of where to look. Let’s talk more about what to look for. Let’s begin with the most common types of dumbbells you will see.
Most Common Types of Dumbbells
There are four types of dumbbells you will most likely see as you are looking for used dumbbells.
They are:
Urethane Dumbbells
Rubber Hex Dumbbells
Metal Dumbbells
Adjustable Dumbbells
Urethane dumbbells are typically smooth and look “polished”. These are the dumbbells you will likely see in college and professional sports weight rooms or fitness centers, as well as higher-end commercial gyms. They feature a metal handle with metal heads coated in urethane. Urethane is a man-made substance that is more durable than rubber. Because they are coated in urethane, these weights are able to be customized with logos of fitness centers, teams, etc.
Rubber hex dumbbells look similar. They feature a metal handle, metal heads, and are coated in rubber. The heads are hexagonal-shaped. These are the weights you typically users performing with in home gyms, CrossFit gyms or boxes, and some commercial gym workout areas.
Metal dumbbells are made entirely of metal with no rubber or rubber-like coating. These are the weights you typically see in old-school weight rooms.
Adjustable dumbbells come in many different forms. However, they can largely be boiled down to two different styles. The first is plate-loaded like a miniature barbell - seriously, these plates are tiny with a bar in the middle. The second is a center handle with plates that can be loaded on or off from some variation of a pin system linking it all together, making them easy to store. These are almost exclusively found in home gyms or occasionally in professional/college sports settings.
Let’s look at the options through a few different lenses, starting with price.
Price
If you are considering used dumbbells, cost is obviously a concern, as it should be. So let’s quickly look at what you can expect for each of the different types of weights.
Urethane dumbbells are most likely going to be the most expensive.
When comparing new dumbbell costs, they typically are 2x the cost of the rubber hex dumbbells. Now, obviously, when considering used things can change, but in general, these will be the priciest. I will say that if the seller or site is unfamiliar with types of dumbbells, they may not list urethane any more expensive than rubber. I could especially see this if a Marketplace seller is listing a hodge-podge of different dumbbells. In that case, you can get a pretty good deal on urethane when compared to new.
Rubber hex dumbbells are typically going to be about $2/lb brand new. Typically, you can find rubber hex dumbbells used for around $1-$1.25/lb.
Metal dumbbells are typically going to be the cheapest. You can expect to find these for $1/lb or less used. Again, these are basic, sturdy, and quality dumbbells. You are getting durability and no outstanding features, but all the same benefits in fitness, stability, range of motion, body composition, etc. that you would expect with any other dumbbells when used appropriately, all at oftentimes a fraction of the cost.
Adjustable dumbbells probably have the greatest variance in purchase costs. These all depend on the brand and type for pricing. If you are looking at adjustable dumbbells, take the new price and current condition into consideration, and base your decision on that. I will say that nice adjustable dumbbells are going to be generally at least a few hundred bucks. Don’t let sticker shock get you. You are essentially getting a full set of weights for one purchase cost; think of it more like buying a rack full of dumbbells.
Okay, now that you have a general sense of each type of dumbbell, let’s consider which is best for you.
Best Used Dumbbells for You
You really can make an argument for each.
Urethane dumbbells are the most durable and the premium option for your gym setup.
They don’t have any smell, which can be a complaint with rubber weights (especially initially). I’m not all that worried about that here, primarily because we are looking at used weights and the smell, if there is any, typically fades over time. Used, these can be a really great option, especially if you purchase them from someone who prices them at standard rubber dumbbell pricing. Highest-quality weights at a value cost, win-win.
While all dumbbells mentioned are great, rubber hex are my personal free weights favorite on the market.
Rubber hex weights are reasonably priced, especially used, and while not as durable as urethane, they still feature incredible durability. Unless you are dropping them consistently and far from high ranges, you have very little reason to worry about them breaking. I also just simply love the shape. The hexagonal shape doesn’t allow the dumbbells to roll. If you’ve ever chased a runaway dumbbell, you know how important this is.
Metal dumbbells are classic.
They will get the job done, and you will look like Arnold or Ronnie Coleman as you use them. These weights also tend to be the cheapest, so if you are on a tighter budget, these are great. Do be aware of rust, as these dumbbells do tend to rust. Also, be even more careful with dropping these dumbbells, as it’s not good for them or for your floors (protect even rubber floors).
Honestly, just don’t drop dumbbells, and you can buy any of these. There really is no reason to drop dumbbells. If you are strong enough to lift them, you are strong enough to set them down and put them away. If you can't tell, it's one of my pet peeves. Anyways, off my fitness soapbox.
Finally, adjustable dumbbells. These are incredible if you have limited space. Hence, why they are most common.
Now, I have yet to meet a user who prefers training with them to the traditional options; however, convenience and space-wise, they are a huge win. Primarily, they just don’t feel quite as secure as traditional dumbbells, and are somewhat annoying to switch the weight options on. Now, those complaints vary considerably based on brand. Some are certainly easier to use than others.
It really comes down to preference, feel, looks, space, and budget as to which type you go with. Essentially, all four types do the exact same thing. They are heavy handles you hold - too simplistic? I'm only half joking, but it is true. The best decision is to buy and use them to build muscle, and less about which specific set is perfect. Shoot, you can purchase kettlebells for that matter. That's a whole different article, but at the base level, kettlebells and dumbbells are very similar.
Getting back on track, each has something to consider as you are looking. If you really don’t care about looks/feel, go with the cheapest, quality set or sets you can find - your bis and tris will thank you for a lifetime.
Sources
“What’s the real difference between rubber and urethane free weights?” Troy Fitness, 27 Dec 2021, https://troyfitness.com/blogs/blog/what-s-the-real-difference-between-rubber-and-urethane-free-weights