Ativafit Adjustable Dumbbells Review – My Honest Opinion

My Experience And Review Of The Ativafit Adjustable Dumbbells

Garage Gym Pro Note: The Ativafit Adjustable Dumbbells come in several weight options: 27.5, 44, 55, 66, and 88 pounds. I tested out the 66 lb set for this article.

Who Are The Ativafit Adjustable Dumbbells Best For?

The Ativafit Adjustable Dumbbells are great for people who need a quality workout on the move or in tight spaces.[1] Being able to adjust from 11 to 66 lbs means I can lift heavy no matter where I am.

I don't have a lot of room at home, but these dumbbells only take up the space of two shoe boxes, so they can be easily tucked away. That also means that they can easily be put in my trunk when I travel so I can get a workout in on the road.

There are no excuses when you own these!

Packaging and Initial Setup

Ativafit gives you the option to buy just one dumbbell or a pair. To me, buying a single dumbbell is as strange as buying one shoe, so I got the pair.

They each come in their own box. The only things in the box are the simple instructions, the dumbbell, and the tray; no extras.

Don't forget they weigh 66 lbs when you take them out of the box like I did - your lower back will thank you. They came securely packed in styrofoam with no damage, a testament to the thoughtful packaging.

There's virtually no assembly required with these. All you have to do is set each dumbbell on the included tray, and you're good to go. The tray is made of hard plastic, and it feels sturdy. There shouldn't be any issues repeatedly setting the weights on it.

Design

These dumbbells look and feel the part. I've used some adjustable dumbbells that felt cheap, but not these. They feel heavy and durable, like they belong in Mighty Mick's Gym.

I love the look of the black metal plates paired with a black and chrome handle and a black rubber grip. They're aesthetically pleasing and look almost too good to use (at least, that's my excuse to skip leg day). 

When you select your weight and remove the handle, the plates stand up perfectly, making it easy to set them back in at the end of your set. Additionally, the satisfying analog clicking sound as you adjust the weight provides a tactile feedback, ensuring you've locked in your desired setting.

The plates fit snugly in the handle for the most part, but I have noticed a bit of wiggle doing certain exercises. Overall they seem secure, and I'm not worried about a plate ever falling out.

The only thing that really threw me off with these dumbbells initially is that the weight selections aren't in numerical order. It takes a little bit to get used to where the weights are.

However, the adjusting mechanism is one of my favorite parts of these dumbbells, and I'll talk about that below.

Adjustability

With most adjustable dumbbells, like the NordicTrack Speed Weights, you pick your weight on one side; then, you use the weight-changing mechanism to do the same on the other side of the dumbbell. Here's where Ativafit adjustable dumbbells shake things up with their weight selection.

With the Ativafit dial system, you switch both sides simultaneously with the push of a button. With their "Dial-Tech" technology, you hold down the red button, turn one dial to the desired weight, let go of the button, lift the dumbbell, and start your workout.

This might not seem like a huge deal, but I can't tell you how many times I've forgotten to change the weight on one side of the dumbbell. This lessens the hassle of adjusting weight between sets so I can stay focused on my workout.

The weight range starts at a manageable 11 lbs and goes all the way to 66 lbs in simple 5 lb increments. Even the best adjustable dumbbells, like the Cap Barbell Adjustable Dumbbell, top off at about 50 lbs, so I appreciate the extra 16 lbs that allow for more intense workouts.

Performance

I've been using these dumbbells for a few months now, and I'm really enjoying them. They feel heavy and durable, so it feels like I'm getting a good workout.

The plates stay put aside from a little wobble when I'm really getting into it, so I always feel safe when I'm working out. The ability to quickly change weights has enhanced my workouts, and I'm doing more in less time.

I love that the weight begins at 11 lbs. My workouts seldom involve weights below 10 lbs, so the weight range of 11 lbs to 66 lbs is perfect. The 5 lb increments also offer flexibility, so I can perform various exercises and target each muscle group.

Durability and Build Quality

The sleek design and build quality of these dumbbells are excellent as well. Not only are the plates made of steel, but the inner discs are also crafted from the same durable material. I've used other adjustable dumbbells, like the Bowflex Select Tech, and most have inner rubber plates, so the Ativafit dumbbells feel solid in comparison.

If you take care of these dumbbells - don't drop them (you should never drop adjustable dumbbells), slam them on the ground, or leave them in the elements - I don't foresee any durability issues.

Although some users have reported issues with the red button used for adjustment, my personal experience so far has been great. Everything still works smoothly and feels strong. The only thing I have noticed is that the paint has started to chip on the plates, but that is purely cosmetic.

If any issues arise, they come with a 1-year warranty.

Value for Money

The Ativafit Adjustable dumbbells are listed at $599, but you can usually get them on sale. Currently listed on Amazon and the Ativafit website for just $399, the Ativafit adjustable dumbbells provide exceptional quality and performance at a very competitive price.

These Ativafit allow you to lift up to 66 lbs for just $399. That aligns with its competitors, but it offers more weight. Their robust construction, the quality of the materials used, and how they've held up through my intense workouts make them a solid selection at their price point.

They also have my favorite adjustment system out of all the other models mentioned. It's easy to use, swift, and hassle-free so that I can focus on my workout.

Convenience

The convenience of adjustable dumbbells cannot be understated. Not having a full rack of hex dumbbells (a traditional dumbbell with hexagonal-shaped heads you commonly see in gyms) saves a ton of space and storage.

Even two sets of adjustable dumbbells won't take up a fraction of the space needed for a complete set of dumbbells, especially if you lift heavy. That means you can go all out on your bicep curls and dumbbell deadlifts.

The compact design of the Ativafit adjustable dumbbell only takes up the space of two shoe boxes! They free up the space that would be taken by 12 sets of fixed-weight dumbbells.

This is why adjustable dumbbells are a no-brainer for me. I can lift heavy with the Ativafit set without sacrificing space, and they can even travel with me. In addition to being compact, these dumbbells are incredibly durable, so it'll be a long time before I have to worry about buying another set.

Customer Service

While I personally have not had the opportunity to interact with Ativafit's customer service team, my online research suggests they're easy to deal with. If you ever need to contact them, they can be reached at services@ativafit.com, or you can fill out a form on their website.[2]

Safety

So far, nothing I've experienced with an Ativafit adjustable dumbbell has made me feel unsafe. They feature metal-made plate-holding inner discs and steel-weight plates, so they feel indestructible.

Despite countless workouts and the occasional accidental drop, they've shown no signs of wear or damage, aside from a few scratches. I'm completely comfortable doing any exercise with these - even skull crushers.

Overall, I wholeheartedly recommend these Ativafit dumbbells to anyone who needs a good dumbbell workout with limited space. I love them because I can use them at home and load them up when I travel. Admittedly, hauling around dumbbells may garner a few quizzical glances, but it's a small price to pay for fitness at your fingertips.

Ativafit has done a great job with these adjustable dumbbells. If you're in the market, I'd certainly suggest giving them a shot.

Pros & Cons Of Ativafit Adjustable Dumbbells

These dumbbells have grown on me after weeks of use, and they will definitely become a regular part of my exercise routine. There’s a lot of good with these dumbbells, but nothing’s perfect.

Here's a quick list of the things I love about the dumbbells and a couple of things that could be improved.

Comparing With Similar Adjustable Dumbbells

The adjustable dumbbell market isn’t overly saturated, but there are definitely some solid competitors, including Bowflex adjustable dumbbells.

Ativafit Vs Bowflex SelectTech 552

I also use Bowflex Select Tech dumbbells.[3] They sell at a similar price of $379, but they only adjust to 52.5 lbs. (Their weight range is 5 to 52.5 lbs.) I've used them for years, and they've withstood a lot of use and abuse. I can definitely attest to their durability.

They are also simple to adjust, but I prefer the adjustment system in the Ativafit adjustable dumbbell. Only adjusting one end of the adjustable dumbbell is so nice when you're in a hurry.

Over the years of use with the Bowflex Select Tech dumbbells, the weight plates now tend to get jammed if they aren't placed in the tray just right. I've had to whip out a hammer to free the dumbbell from the tray a few times. That's a hassle. However, they always go back together so I can finish my workout.

Despite the durability of the Bowflex dumbbells, the Ativafit adjustable dumbbells feel even more durable. I expect these to last just as long as the Bowflex pair.

While Ativafit may not be as widely recognized as Bowflex, they shouldn't be underestimated. Right now, their product stands shoulder-to-shoulder with my Bowflex SelectTech adjustable dumbbells in terms of quality and durability.

Ativafit Vs PowerBlock Adjustable Dumbbells

PowerBlock dumbbells are another well-regarded brand that offers a unique design and a wide range of weights. The Powerblock costs around $375, and they do up to 50 lbs.

A great thing about the Powerblocks is their expansion kits. Expandable models start at 50 pounds with the option to expand with two 20-pound kits. The 'Stage 2 Kit' takes a 50 lb set to 70 lbs, and a 'Stage 3 Kit takes a 70 lb set to 90lb.[4]

This makes them the heaviest dumbbells that are still adjustable. That's a fantastic feature I wish the Ativafit dumbbells had.

The Powerblock Pro EX series can also be converted into a kettlebell or barbell using the Pro Series Kettlebell Handle, EZ Curl Bar, and Straight Bar attachments. That will really allow you to expand your workouts, but the extra fitness equipment will take up extra space and make them less portable.

I've never used the dumbbells, but they are trusted in training facilities of pro teams across all leagues and in NCAA training facilities, so they must be doing something right.

Ativafit Vs Yes4All Adjustable Dumbbells

Yes4All stands out as a more budget-friendly option (for as little as $50) compared to its pricier rivals with a different design. However, although they work differently, they still offer a wide weight range depending on the set. The $50 set gets you one 40 lb dumbbell or a 20 lb pair.

With Ativafit, Bowflex, and Powerblock adjustable dumbbells, you're provided a tray and an adjusting mechanism to select your weights. With the Yes4All Dumbbells, you get two bars and weight plates, and you manually add and remove the plates to adjust them.

While the manual adjustment of the Yes4All Dumbbells is time-consuming and can interrupt the flow of the workout, as I've experienced with similar models, it's a trade-off for the budget-conscious.

Nevertheless, they are good dumbbells and remain a viable budget option for people who don’t need expensive models. With thoughtful planning of your workouts to minimize switching weight, you can still squeeze a solid workout out of these dumbbells.

Conclusion

In the world of adjustable dumbbells, there's no one-size-fits-all solution. It ultimately comes down to what you value most – convenience, seamless home workouts, or your budget.

I value all three of these things, and the Ativafit DT1166 adjustable dumbbell set checks all the boxes. They are perfect for people with limited space who still want to lift heavy.

Ativafit has ensured that they provide a quality product, and Ativafit's adjustable dumbbells deliver on this promise. I hope my Ativafit Adjustable Dumbbell review has helped you decide if this is the right item for your home gym.

References: 

1. https://www.ativafit.com/products/66lbs
2. https://www.ativafit.com/pages/contact-us
3. https://www.bowflex.com/selecttech/552/100131.html
4. https://powerblock.com/product-category/expansions/