6 Best Neoprene Dumbbells in 2024

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 best neoprene coated dumbbell sets looking at weight selection, design, materials, and quality.

Top 6 Best Neoprene Dumbbells Reviewed

1. Signature Fitness Neoprene Dumbbells – Top Pick
2. Sunny Health And Fitness Neoprene Dumbbells – Runner Up
3. Portzon Neoprene Dumbbells
4. Fitness Republic Neoprene Dumbbells + Solid Steel Rack Holder – Premium Pick
5. Cap Black Neoprene Coated Dumbbells
6. Epic Fitness Neoprene Dumbbell Weights

Product	Total	Weight Selection	Design	Materials/Quality
Signature Fitness	29	10	10	9
Sunny Health and Fitness	28.5	9	10	9.5
Portzon	28	9	9	10
Fitness Republic	28	9	10	9
CAP	27	9	9	9
Epic Fitness	26	8	9	9

1. Signature Fitness Neoprene Hand Weights – Top Pick

• Weight Range: 1-15 lbs
• Weight Increments: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 12, 15 lbs
• Materials Cast: Iron core, Neoprene Coating
• Warranty: 2-year warranty
• Color Set: Colors based on weight

Kickstarting this list is our Top-pick — Signature Fitness Neoprene Dumbbells.

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.

2. Neoprene Dumbbell - Pair – Runner Up

• Weight Range: 2-10 lbs
• Weight Increments: 2, 3, 5, 10 lbs
• Materials Cast: Iron core, Neoprene Coating
• Warranty: 1-year
• Color: 2 lbs, 5 lbs (pink); 8 lbs (blue); 10 lbs (black)

As the runner-up, Sunny Health & Fitness brings us their neoprene dumbbell pair set.

While the weight range is slightly limited (2-10 lbs), as well as colors that are tied to specific weights, it still offers a top-quality neoprene coating on top of an iron core. The neoprene coating is of amazing quality, and it is known to withstand punishment without conceding damage or wear marks.

The design is very functional and is a great choice for small or limited spaces. The non-grip, rust-resistant neoprene coating will ensure product longevity.

Great set of dumbbells to get with excellent value for the money spent. A well-deserved runner-up position!

These dumbbells are great for beginners and advanced athletes alike.

3. Portzon Neoprene Dumbbells Set

• Weight Range: 1-15 lbs
• Weight Increments: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 lbs
• Materials Cast: iron core, Neoprene Coating
• 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.

4. 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
• 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.

5. CAP Barbell Dumbbell Weights

• Weight Range: 1-15 lbs
• Weight Increments: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 15 lbs
• 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.

6. Epic Fitness Dumbbell Weights Set

• Weight Range: 10-20 lbs
• Weight Increments: 10, 15, 20 lbs
• 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.

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.

Why Use Them?

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

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.

6 Tips on How to Choose the Perfect Neoprene Dumbbells for Your Workout Needs

If you want to browse for and purchase your own set it is good to know which criteria to consider to ensure you’re getting a great deal balanced between functionality and value.

1. What are your fitness goals?

This is the first question that you need to tackle. Depending on your goals and needs you might opt for different neoprene dumbbells. If you’re a newbie, you should not overdo it and start with smaller weights. Be sure to move to heavier ones as your strength ability increases. If you’re able to lift the weights without compromising technique, consider upping the ante.

2. Grip

Neoprene-coated dumbbells are known for the comfortable and non-slip grip they provide. This feature can be especially useful if lots of movement is involved. Having a stronger grip is useful, but with non-slip handles, you can solely focus on your technique and lifting instead of spending energy on maintaining grip.

3. Shape

While at first glance the shape might seem irrelevant, you quickly come to realize the advantages of hexagonal dumbbells as they are unable to roll while on the floor. Non-hexagonal-shaped dumbbells can be detrimental in small or cramped spaces as they prove to be a safety hazard in case you trip over one or they roll and cause potential injury. Also, keep in mind that the dimensions of the dumbbells will vary with size, and that will affect how much space the dumbbells occupy.

4. Durability

If you want to buy a product, it would be ideal if it lasted you for as long as possible. Getting a full-iron-cast dumbbell might seem like the best choice, but getting a neoprene-coated dumbbell with an iron core is just superior. The reason is the benefits that the neoprene coating provides — rust protection, non-slip grip, and impact absorption because of the softer nature of neoprene compared to pure iron. 

5. Aesthetics

If you want to satisfy your needs for personalization, adding a bit of color to your workout equipment can be fun and motivational.

6. Value For Money

Buying the best is simple enough. But the best can sometimes be way too expensive for the Average Joe. Consider all the factors which are important to you personally, and try to get the best bang for your hard-earned buck without compromising much on quality.

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?

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 Signature Fitness Dumbbells 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:

• Best Cheap Dumbbells
• Best Rogue Dumbbells
• Best Rubber Hex Dumbbells
• Best Urethane Dumbbells
• Heaviest Adjustable Dumbbells
• Urethane vs Rubber Dumbbells
• What Size Dumbbells Should You Buy
• Best Dumbbells

References:

1. Adam Hensley, "9 Best Dumbbells in 2023: Rubber Hex, Adjustable, Iron, and More" GarageGymLab, https://garagegymlab.com/best-dumbbells/ (October 29, 2023)
2. J.P. Brice, "Buying Dumbbells – Residential and Commercial Dumbbells" IronCompany, https://www.ironcompany.com/blog/dumbbell-purchasing-guide (MAY 26, 2020)
3. "The Benefits of Neoprene Dumbbells" McSport, https://www.mcsport.ie/blogs/buying-guides/the-benefits-of-neoprene-dumbbells (April 20, 2023)
4. Jolie Johnson, "Is Neoprene Better Than Vinyl for Dumbbells?" LiveStrong, https://www.livestrong.com/article/458384-is-neoprene-better-than-vinyl-for-dumbbells/