In this article, I've extensively reviewed the 5 best rubber hex dumbbells available on the market, taking out the hard work and allowing you to make an informed choice when adding to your home gym. I've researched each pick, looking at the features, design, materials, and given the pros and cons of each of my choices.
photo by verve_fitness
Dumbbells are versatile workout tools that make a great addition to any home gym set-up. Dumbbells, alongside barbells and kettlebells, are a type of free weight, meaning they move freely depending on the way you move your body. This means they provide a different stimulus compared to fixed path resistance machines which make you move your body in a certain direction.
Dumbbells consist of a central handle, usually made out of steel, with weighted heads at each end that differ in shape, size, and thickness. These characteristics determine the weight of the dumbbell, usually in pounds, half pounds, or kilograms.
Dumbbells can make a great addition when added to your home gym set-up. You can perform a wide range of movements and accessory exercises using your full body or specific muscle groups making them a simple and convenient way to take your workouts to the next level
Dumbbells make you train unilaterally meaning you have to use each limb separately. This helps you to work on specific muscle groups, target muscular imbalances or perform functional training.
Dumbbells can be fixed or adjustable, made from several different materials such as cast iron or steel, and encased in rubber, neoprene, or PVC. They can also be shaped with hexagon or round ends. With so many different dumbbells available to buy, it's hard to know what to choose.
In this article I've done the hard work for you, reviewing the 5 best rubber encased hex dumbbells available on the market, looking at weight selection, design, materials, and quality. Let's take a look at my top 5 best hex dumbbell picks.
Dumbbells are a great addition to your home gym set-up. You can train a wide range of full-body or accessory movements effectively. Dumbbells force you to train unilaterally, meaning you can work on muscular imbalances and target specific muscle groups that you may need to focus on, increasing strength and improving your lifts.
With so many dumbbells available to buy, it's hard to know what to choose. Dumbbells can range in features, size, adjustments, and price. In this article I've reviewed the 5 best cast iron dumbbell sets looking at weight selection, design, materials, and quality, taking out the hard work and helping you to make a good choice.
So dumbbells are versatile, don't take up much room, and are relatively cheap compared to other home gym equipment. Let's take a look at my top 5 picks.
Top 5 Best Rubber Hex Dumbbells Reviewed
1. Yes4All Rubber Encased Hex Dumbbells – Top Pick Rubber Hex Dumbbells
Weight Range: 5-50 lbs
Weight Increments: 5 lb increments for the full range
Dimensions (LxWxH): 23.5 x 6.99 x 6.99 inches (5 lbs), 15 x 7 x 7.5 inches (50 lbs)
Materials: Cast iron core, Steel handle with rubber coating, Rubber PVC casing around dumbbell heads
Warranty: 30 days
Founded in 2010, Yes4All is one of the leading brands selling sporting equipment. The company prides itself on the motto ‘Rebuild Reclaim Redesign’.
Yes4All is committed to providing customers with quality products and services at affordable prices. They provide smart home-sporting goods that are easy to use, quick to install, and available in a range of different colors.
The brand motto states they sell experience rather than products by providing everything for people to get fit at home. They believe health and fitness should be accessible to everybody and are committed to offering high-quality products at reasonable prices.
Yes4All has produced a high-quality set of rubber hex dumbbells and is my top pick, receiving the best score for weight, design, materials, quality, and price.
The dumbbells have a good weight range of 5 - 50 lbs for each dumbbell and go up in 5 lb increments, providing a range of weight options catering to different exercises.
The dumbbell handle is made of steel with an anti-slip rubber casing, designed to work with chalk better than normal metal dumbbell handles. The rubber casing should help to avoid hand blisters which may result from gripping harsh knurling typically seen on other dumbbell types.
The hexagon-shaped dumbbell heads are constructed from a solid cast iron core, made for repeated use over long periods. The hexagon-shaped head design helps to prevent rolling during use, making the dumbbells easy to use and store.
The hexagon weights are encased in PVC rubber making them durable and protecting the dumbbells from damage when dropped during a workout. The rubber casing also reduces noise during use.
The dumbbells are designed to be compatible with most dumbbell racks if you need to store them efficiently.
Positives:
Steel handle with rubber grip
Solid cast iron dumbbell heads encased in PVC rubber
Wide range of weights
Could be better:
Need to be bought individually
2. XMark Hex Dumbbell Set + Storage Rack – Best Set
Weight Range: 5-50 lbs
Weight Increments: 5 lb increments for the full range
Dimensions (LxWxH): 3 tier 46 inch racks
Materials: Cast iron dumbbells with recycled rubber casing
Warranty: 30 days
With over 20 years of fitness industry experience, XMark is a trusted American brand, used in gyms and homes across America.
XMark has the motto ‘Equipment for the tough’ and prides itself on making long-lasting quality products that make excellent additions to any gym.
XMark states they lead the way in home and light institutional fitness products that are designed to exceed any expectations. They state their product lines will change the way you think about fitness and upgrade your workout routine to new levels.
If you're looking for a high-quality, premium dumbbell set and storage rack package, the one by XMark gets my pick for the best set.
XMark has produced a high-quality package, getting the best score for weight, design, materials, quality, and price. The package comprises the XMark 3-tier dumbbell rack and a 550 lb set of XMark rubber-coated hex dumbbells.
The dumbbell pairs go from 5 - 50 lbs and go up in 5 lb increments, providing a good range of options for lifters of all abilities.
Each hex dumbbell features a knurled, chrome-plated handle designed to keep a strong grip when performing high-intensity, long-duration workouts.
Each dumbbell is one piece of cast iron with a rubber casing made from recycled rubber. This makes the dumbbells durable and able to withstand repeated impact over a long period of time.
The hexagon-shaped heads help to keep the dumbbells in place when not in use, making them user-friendly and easy to store if needed. The dumbbell heads are encased in new and recycled rubber, protecting them from getting damaged over time and reducing the noise made if dropped.
Each dumbbell features the X brand mark on one head and fits comfortably on the 3-tier rack included.
The heavy-duty 3-tier rack weighs 75 lbs and can handle the full set of 550 lb dumbbells included. The rack features angled shelves to make loading and unloading easier.
The rack is designed to save space in the home eliminating crowing in your home gym.
Positives:
Solid cast iron Dumbbells with rubber casing
Heavy duty, space saving rack design
Available as a full set
Could be better:
Quite a large investment needed
Weight Range: 3-115 lbs
Weight Increments: 3, 8, 10, 12, 15 lb dumbbells, 5 lb increments from 15-70 lbs, 25 lb increment from 70-95 lbs, 20 lb increment from 95-115 lbs
Dimensions (LxWxH): 3 lb: 8.74 x 2.6 x 2.25 inches, 115 lb: 17.7 x 9.2 x 9.2 inches
Materials: Cast iron free weights with rubber casing, Steel handle
Warranty: 30 days
Founded in 1982, CAP Barbell has produced a wide range of exercise and fitness equipment for over 25 years. Starting with just free weights and benches, CAP barbell now produces over 1000 products.
The brand has heavily focused on producing high-quality products at affordable prices. They strategically place distribution centers to make purchasing simple and cost-effective.
CAP Barbell produces good quality fitness equipment, making these dumbbells another good option when deciding which ones to pick.
The dumbbells range from 3-115 lbs for each dumbbell. They have a range of smaller weight options from 3 - 15 lbs, after which they go up in 5 lb increments until 70 lbs. After this, they go up in 20 or 25 lb increments depending on the weight, providing a huge range of weight choices for lifters of all levels and needs.
The hexagon-shaped dumbbell heads are made from solid cast iron joined together by a cold rolled steel chrome handle. The materials used are designed to last a lifetime meaning the dumbbells are extremely durable if used correctly.
The medium-depth knurling on the handle provides a strong grip and security during use. The hexagon-shaped dumbbell heads are designed to prevent movement when using or storing, making them easy to use and store when needed.
The rubber head casing helps to protect the dumbbells from damage and reduce noise during use
Positives:
Huge range of weights available
Well priced
Solid steel and cast iron dumbbell construction
Could be better:
Big increments at heavier weight choices
Weight Range: 5-120 lbs
Weight Increments: 5 lb increments for the full 5-120 lb range
Dimensions (LxW): Depends on weight
Materials: Knurled chrome steel hand grips, Cast iron dumbbell heads encased in rubbed
Warranty: 30 days
WF Athletic supply produces a wide range of high-quality fitness equipment, aiming to improve fitness, develop discipline and achieve success with a well-trained body and mind.
The brand is committed to providing the best strength, conditioning, speed, and agility equipment to help athletes succeed in sports at all levels.
The dumbbells made by WF athletic supply are a great choice if you're looking for a high-quality product from a proven brand.
The dumbbells have a very large range, going from 5-120lbs. The 5 lb increments throughout the full range are small enough to provide a wide range of options for beginners and elite-level lifters looking to improve their lifts.
The steel handle is finished with medium depth knurling to help keep a strong grip during use. The dumbbell heads are made from cast iron encased in rubber, designed to protect the dumbbell heads from the environment and repeated use.
The rubber casing helps to protect the dumbbells and your floor at home and reduce the noise if dropped when using them. The hexagon-shaped heads help to prevent rolling during use and allow the dumbbells to be stored safely and efficiently.
The dumbbells can be purchased with 2 or 3-tier rack options depending on weight, to safely and securely store the dumbbells when not in use. The rack packages also come with a mat to put everything on.
Positives:
Huge range of weights available
Small 5 lb increments throughout the whole range
Good range of different packages
Could be better:
Big investment needed for the cheapest option
Printing on weights is hard to read
Weight Range: 60, 90, 150, 270 and 300 lb weight packages
Weight Increments: 5 lb increments for all packages
Dimensions (LxWxH): N/A
Materials: Knurled chrome steel handle, Cast iron heads encased in rubber
Warranty: 30 days
Papababe manufactures and sells a large range of gym equipment for commercial and at-home use. The brand values are easy to start, highly efficient to workout, and energize your energy.
Papababe offers another good-quality set of rubber hex dumbbells and rounds out my top 5 dumbbell picks.
The dumbbells are offered in 60,90,150,270 and 300 lb packages and go up in 5 lb increments for each one, providing a large range of weight choices for lifters of all abilities.
The dumbbell heads are made from cast iron, a durable metal designed to last. The heads are encased in rubber, helping the dumbbells to last for longer, protect the floor at home and produce less noise during use.
The dumbbell heads are joined by a knurled chrome steel handle to improve grip during high-intensity, long-duration workouts. The hexagon-shaped head design prevents the dumbbells from rolling around and makes them easy to store.
Positives:
Good range of complete dumbbell packages
150 lb option includes a rack
Could be better:
No smaller weight packages
No information on dumbbell dimensions
Subscribe!
Get more reviews about training equipment, special offers and discounts from different stores.
What Are Rubber Hex Dumbbells?
Dumbbells are one of the most widely used tools in the gym due to their versatility and ability to build strength and power, work on muscular imbalances or improve sports performance.
There are many different options available to buy online which can make choosing one a tough choice. Dumbbells are usually made from either cast iron or steel and encased in rubber, neoprene, or urethane.
Cast iron is the most common metal used to construct dumbbells. It's been used for generations and is still widely used in gyms and for products sold online.
During the initial casting process, the iron is melted and poured into a mold to create a solid cast. The metal is then left to cool and well tested before being sent out or encased in protective material.
Adjustable dumbbells allow the weight to be adjusted as needed, with the cast iron weight plates mounted on a handle with movable screw locks at each end. Fixed dumbbells feature a handle with a hexagon or round cast iron weight at each end. The amount of cast iron or steel used determines the dumbbell’s weight.
Rubber hexagon dumbbells are made by encasing the cast iron dumbbell heads in thick protective rubber. The rubber casing is designed to be rust-proof, protecting the dumbbell heads from temperature changes. The casing also helps protect the dumbbells when being dropped and reduces the impact on the floor, making them friendly for use at home.
photo by rubberdumbbells
Rubber Hex Dumbbell Benefits – Why Use Them?
Durable core and casing material
The high-quality manufacturing process used to make cast iron dumbbells makes the rubber hex dumbbell a good choice if you're looking for good performance and durability. During manufacture, the dumbbells are checked for defects meaning as long as the dumbbells are used correctly, they will last forever.
The rubber finish helps to protect the dumbbells from the environment and changes in temperature. The casing helps to protect the dumbbell heads and the floor when being used at home or in the gym, making them more durable and user-friendly.
Increased muscle stabilization and activation
Compared to fixed path resistance machines, dumbbells move freely meaning they need greater stabilization to perform the movement correctly. This added stabilization means your muscles need to work harder, recruiting a greater number of muscle fibers and increasing muscle activation. This makes rubber hex dumbbells a good choice if this is what you're looking for.
Helps to correct muscular imbalances
Rubber hex dumbbells can help to correct muscular imbalances or work on specific muscle groups you may need to target. Dumbbells are designed so your limbs need to work unilaterally to perform each movement. This means your body needs to work evenly for both sides to perform an exercise correctly.
Hexagon-shaped head design
The hexagon-shaped head design used on rubber hex dumbbells prevents them from moving around during use or when wanting to store the dumbbells away. This makes them easier to store at home and safer to use around small children and animals.
Easier to grip
The anti-slip handle design used on rubber hex dumbbells makes them easier to grip and safer to use. When you're in the middle of a working set at home, the last thing you need to focus on is keeping the dumbbells from falling onto the floor. This makes the dumbbells easy to grip and safe to use.
Who needs dumbbells?
The versatile nature of dumbbells makes them a great choice for beginner to elite level lifters looking to increase their strength and power, work on muscular imbalances or improve sports performance.
This makes the addition of unilateral movements to your gym program a great idea. Rubber hex dumbbells can complement compound movements using free weights of fixed path machines, provide an added stimulus with a more challenging movement pattern and range of motion, or be used for more sports-specific functional training or used as fitness dumbbells.
photo by jackie585
Rubber Hex Dumbbells FAQ
Are Rubber Dumbbells Toxic?
The natural rubber used to encase the dumbbells is derived from rubber-containing plants, making natural rubber safe and non-toxic.
Synthetic rubber contains phthalates, which are regarded as harmful to health. Synthetic rubber is not commonly used in most dumbbell designs and shouldn’t be an issue as long as the dumbbells are used correctly.
Can Hex Dumbbells Break?
Hex dumbbells are designed to last a lifetime. The cast iron core used in the rubber hex dumbbells reviewed above goes through a rigorous testing process where it is checked for any defects which may impact performance.
The rubber head casing is designed to protect the dumbbell heads during use and prevent rust or corrosion.
As long as you're not deliberately trying to break the dumbbells, they can be used at a high daily intensity and last a lifetime.
Which Weights are Better Rubber or PVC?
PVC dumbbells are usually made from either concrete or sand and coated in synthetic plastic. Despite this, PVC dumbbells often wear down over time, especially with repeated regular use. High-intensity sweaty exercise may also make them hard to grip.
Rubber dumbbells are usually made with a cast iron core encased in rubber. The cast iron is designed to last, with the rubber encasing rust-resistant and able to withstand changes in weather and temperature. This makes rubber weights the better choice.
Which Rubber Hex Dumbbells Are the Best?
photo by profitstrength
The versatile nature of dumbbells makes them a great addition to any home gym set-up. Dumbbells can be used to perform a wide range of unilateral movements suitable for beginner to elite level lifters. If you want to increase your strength and power, work on specific movement patterns or muscular imbalances or improve sports performance, dumbbells are an excellent choice.
Rubber Hex dumbbells are designed to last. The iron core with rubber encasing makes them very durable and the hexagon head shape makes them easier and safer to use at home.
Yes4All sells the best rubber dumbbells from the 5 I've reviewed and is my top pick. Yes4All has designed a high-quality, durable set of dumbbells and got the highest overall score for weight selection, design, materials, and quality.
What do you think of rubber hex dumbbells? Have you got any at home? Share your experiences and ask me questions in the comments below.
Also read:
References:
- How Are Dumbbells Made? (Manufacturing Process Explained) // GarageGymPro:
https://garagegympro.com/how-are-dumbbells-made/ - Phthalates // Wikipedia:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phthalate
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.