Dumbbells have been a crucial part of training for as long as gyms have existed. They allow you to train a wide range of unilateral movements effectively, helping to work on muscular imbalances and target specific muscles and muscle groups.
With so many options available on the market, it's hard to know where to begin. Dumbbells can range in features, size, adjustments, and price.
In this article, I've done the hard work for you. I've reviewed the 5 best neoprene coated dumbbell sets looking at weight selection, design, materials, and quality.
photo by photo_life_1
Top 5 Best Neoprene Dumbbells Reviewed
1. Portzon Neoprene Dumbbells Set – Top Pick Neoprene Weight set
Weight Range: 1-15 lbs
Weight Increments: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 lbs
Dimensions (LxWxH): 8 x 2.5 x 2.5 inches, Hexagon Shape
Materials Cast: iron core, Neoprene Coating
Warranty: N/A
Color: Available in 10 different colors
Portzon sells products in the sports apparel and equipment category mainly including swimming and lifting accessories.
Portzon aims to provide high-quality equipment and service with the motto ‘Make Life to the Full’.
If you're looking for a high-quality durable dumbbell design, the Portzon Neoprene dumbbells could be a good choice and are my top pick.
The dumbbells have a big range of 1-15 lbs and go up in 1lb increments, making them ideal to use in a wide range of movements.
The hexagonal dumbbell design makes the dumbbells safer to use and store meaning you don't need to worry about the dumbbells moving around. The unique smaller head gives the dumbbells a more compact, practical design.
The dumbbells are made with a cast iron core dipped in Neoprene. The stainless steel handle is non-slip and comfortable to grip. The neoprene coating doesn't rust making the dumbbells durable compared to other materials.
With the dumbbells being available in 10 different colors, you can make a colorful dumbbell set of your choice.
Positives:
Solid cast iron construction
Wide range of weights
Smaller hexagon shaped heads
Small weight increments
Could be better:
Some color options are out of stock
2. Signature Fitness Neoprene Hand Weights – Runner up
Weight Range: 1-15 lbs
Weight Increments: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 12, 15 lbs
Dimensions (LxWxH): Hexagon Shape
Materials Cast: iron core, Neoprene Coating
Warranty: 2-year warranty
Color Set: colors based on weight
Signature fitness was founded in 2020. It aims to make the highest quality products available to athletes and trainers everywhere.
The brand 3 core values are to create the highest quality products from the best materials available, combine innovation and aesthetics, and offer products at affordable pricing.
In the runner-up position are the dumbbells by signature fitness.
The dumbbells range from 1-15 lbs and go up in 1 lb increments until 9 lbs after which they change to every 3 lbs. If you're wanting a neoprene dumbbell set with a rack, they have sets of 20 and 32 lb dumbbells which come with 3 different dumbbell weights and a dumbbell tree stand.
They feature a hexagonal dumbbell head design making them easy to use and store without any worry. The dumbbells are made from cast iron with a neoprene coating, making them durable and user-friendly.
Positives:
Solid cast iron construction
Can be bought as pairs or a set
Could be better:
Only available in small weight increments up to 9 lbs
No color choice; set colors for each weight
3. Fitness Republic Neoprene Dumbbell Set with Rack – My Premium pick
Weight Range:
• 3 tier racks: 1) 2, 3, 4 lbs, 2) 5, 10, 15 lbs, 3) 8, 12, 14 lbs, 4) 10,15,20 lbs.
• 5 tier racks: 1) 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 lbs, 2) 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 lbs
Weight Increments: 1, 2, 4, 5 lbs at different weight ranges
Dimensions (LxWxH): 3 tier rack: 32 x 29.5 x 44.2 cm, 5 tier rack 36.1 x 32 x 66.6 cm
Materials: Stainless Steel rack, Neoprene Coated dumbbells
Warranty: 12 months
Colors: black rack, dumbbell set colors based on weight
If you're looking for something more premium, Fitness Republic offers a premium option at a much higher price point.
Fitness republic aims to provide high-quality products and has the motto ‘Stay Home Stay Fit’.
If you're looking for a premium option with a dumbbell rack included, the ones by Fitness republic are my premium pick.
They offer 3 and 5-tier sets with dumbbells ranging from 2 - 20 lbs. The dumbbells go up in 1, 2, 4 or 5 lb increments depending on the set you choose.
The A-frame dumbbell rack is constructed of steel and can hold up to 120 lbs for the 3-tier and 200 lbs for the 5-tier sets. The racks are easy to assemble and can hold neoprene, vinyl, or rubber dumbbell sets.
The dumbbells that come with the set have a hexagonal head design and are made with an iron core and neoprene coating.
Positives:
Solid steel, easy to assemble dumbbell racks
Space saving, house friendly rack design
Could be better:
Only available in certain weight increments depending on rack size
Quite expensive
Weight Range: 1-15 lbs
Weight Increments: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 15 lbs
Dimensions (LxWxH): N/A
Materials: Iron core, Neoprene Coated dumbbells
Warranty: 30 days
Color: Black
Founded in 1982, CAP Barbell produces a wide range of fitness equipment.
Cap strives to produce high-quality products at competitive prices and places its distribution centers at strategic locations to cut production costs.
Another good dumbbell choice is the CAP Barbell brand. The dumbbells have a good range of 1-15 lbs and go up in 1lb increments until 10 lbs, providing many different weight options. They are available as a single dumbbell or a pair.
The original hexagon-shaped heads prevent rolling and make the dumbbells easy to store.
The dumbbells are made with an iron core and dipped in 3 mm of Neoprene giving a good finish. They are only available in black for each weight increment.
Positives:
Hex shaped heads
Available as single dumbbells or pairs
Could be better:
Only available in certain weight increments past 10 lbs
Only available in black
Weight Range: 10-20 lbs
Weight Increments: 10, 15, 20 lbs
Dimensions (LxWxH): N/A
Materials: Iron core, Neoprene Coated dumbbells
Warranty: 30 days
Color: Blue, black and green dumbbells
Epic Fitness was founded in 2008 by two personal trainers and aims to elevate the experience of working out at home.
They strive to offer a complete collection of high-quality home workout equipment.
Epic fitness is a good choice dumbbell set if you're looking for some heavier weight increments. The dumbbells range from 10-20 lbs and go up in 5 lb increments for a set of 3. The weight set weighs 90 lbs.
The hex-shaped dumbbells are made with an iron core and coated with Neoprene.
Positives:
Heavier weight choices
Hex shaped head design
Could be better:
Only available in 3 weight increments
The set is shipped in 3 different boxes
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What Are Neoprene Dumbbells?
Dumbbells are classed as free weights. They are constructed with a centralized handle with weighted heads at each end. The heads can be in a variety of shapes, diameters, and thicknesses. These characteristics dictate the dumbbell weight, which is usually in pounds, half pounds, and kilograms.
Neoprene dumbbells are made by dipping the metal frame, usually cast iron, into a synthetic polymer known as neoprene. This gives the dumbbells various benefits over just using pure metal.
photo by kbfitofficial
Why Use Them?
Increased stabilization and muscle activation
Dumbbells require greater stablization to perform a given movement correctly. This activates a greater number of muscle fibers, ideal for hypertrophy and general muscle activation patterns when lifting.
Helps to correct muscular imbalances
Dumbbells force limbs to work unilaterally. They help you perform a wide range of movements without overcompensating with a particular muscle group or side of your body. This allows you to target a particular muscle group or movement and work on muscular imbalances.
Increased range of motion
When pressing or rowing using a barbell, you are often limited by the barbell touching your body. Using dumbbells allows you to increase the range of motion when needed to provide extra overload during training.
Who needs dumbbells
If you're looking to address any muscular imbalances or weaknesses you may need to correct, dumbbells are a good option.
Dumbbells are ideal for normal gym movements if you're looking to increase range of motion, muscle activation, or just simply looking for different exercises.
Dumbbells are ideal for accessory movements to complement other compound training, for example, if you want to work on stablizing your bar path during a movement, switching to dumbbells may be the answer.
Dumbbells can also be used for functional more sports-specific movements to improve sports performance.
photo by photo_life_1
Neoprene Dumbbell Benefits
Construction
Neoprene dumbbells are made using a cast iron core dipped in different colored Neoprene, a synthetic polymer. The handles are usually made from stainless steel providing a solid structure for repeated use. This construction prevents the dumbbells from bending or breaking over time.
Durability
Neoprene is a synthetic polymer able to resist extreme weather and temperature fluctuations much better than other materials. This makes Neoprene dumbbells more durable and longer lasting.
Design
Neoprene dumbbells have a well-designed handle with round or hexagon-shaped heads. The hexagon shape makes the dumbbells easy to use and store without worrying about them rolling around. The pliable nature makes the dumbbells more comfortable to use and more friendly if dropped on the floor.
Material
The matte finish makes the dumbbells easier to grip when sweating during a training session. This makes the material ideal for high volume or intensity training where you don't want to worry about the dumbbells slipping out of your hands mid-set.
Neoprene Dumbbells: FAQ
Are Neoprene Dumbbells Toxic?
The neoprene coating on the dumbbells contains chloroprene. Chloroprene is a toxic chemical that can cause cancer, dizziness, irritation, and reproductive issues but only when ingested. The only way Neoprene dumbbells can become toxic is if you decide to chew on them whilst lifting. Use them properly and keep them away from small children and pets to avoid any potential issues.
Are Neoprene or Rubber Dumbbells Better?
Both Neoprene and Rubber Dumbbells can be used successfully for lifting but the materials used give some key differences. Neoprene is pliable making them more comfortable to use. The neoprene coating makes the dumbbells rust-proof making them more durable and likely to last longer than rubber dumbbells. As rubber dumbbells are usually made from recycled rubber, they can have an odor at first.
Do Neoprene Dumbbells Last?
Training with dumbbells is a great option to address muscular imbalances, increase muscle activation and stablization, or for sport-specific functional training. Neoprene-coated dumbbells are well constructed, more durable, and easier to use and store compared with other materials and make a great addition to at-home gym equipment.
The Portzon Neoprene Dumbbell set is my top pick, receiving the highest score for weight selection, design, materials, and quality.
Share your experiences using my top pick in the comments and ask me any questions you may have down below.
Which Neoprene Dumbbell set is the best?
photo by nikipedia93
Training with dumbbells is a great option to address muscular imbalances, increase muscle activation and stablization, or for sport-specific functional training. Neoprene-coated dumbbells are well constructed, more durable, and easier to use and store compared with other materials and make a great addition to at-home gym equipment.
The Portzon Neoprene Dumbbell set is my top pick, receiving the highest score for weight selection, design, materials, and quality.
Share your experiences using my top pick in the comments and ask me any questions you may have down below.
Also read:
References:
- Chloroprene // Wikipedia:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chloroprene - Neoprene // Wikipedia:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neoprene
My name is Ihor and I have been a professional weightlifter since 1996. With over 20 years of competition experience, my resume includes European Champion in 2009 and the silver medalist at 2011's Senior World Championships – 105kg division.
I competed at the 2008, 2012 and 2016 Summer Olympics.
After hanging up my own competitive lifting shoes, I decided to share my huge background as a coach. I am currently coaching multiple athletes who are competing at national and international competitions.