Review Dumbbells Gym Equipment

Flybird Adjustable Dumbbells Review (2024)

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Adjustable dumbbells provide many benefits when added to your home gym collection. Alongside coming at a fraction of the cost of purchasing each dumbbell individually, they help to save valuable gym space and make switching between different weight amounts effortless. 

I’ve provided an in-depth Flybird adjustable dumbbells review, a budget-friendly set of adjustable dumbbells that are taking the health and fitness market by storm. 

With so many different adjustable dumbbells to choose from, it’s good to know exactly what they can offer in relation to their competitors so you’re able to make the correct purchase for your home gym. Let’s take a look at them in more detail!

Training with Flybird adjustable dumbbells in gym

Flybird Adjustable Dumbbells Review Quick Summary

Founded in 2016, Flybird aims to bring high-quality, affordable workout equipment to the health and fitness industry. They believe that everybody deserves a healthy life without distinction of budget, training experience, and location in the world. 

They manufacture and sell a wide range of equipment including adjustable dumbbells, weight benches, and pull-up bars. 

Flybird Adjustable Dumbbells

FLYBIRD Adjustable Dumbbells
  • Number Of Settings: Five
  • Weight Range:
    – 5-25 lbs,
    – 11-55 lbs
  • Weight Increments:
    – 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 lbs,
    – 11, 22, 33, 44, 55 lbs
  • Dimensions: 14.6″ L x 7.9″ W x 6.7″ H
  • Adjustment Mechanism: Twist Dial Lockdown Mechanism
  • Materials:
    – Aluminum Alloy (Handle),
    – Plastic (Plate Casing, Handle, Cradle),
    – Cast Iron (Weight Plates)
  • Additional Features:
    – Weight Tray for Adjustments,
    – One-handed Adjustment Design,
    – Frosted Powder Weight Coating
  • Warranty:
    – 30-Day Full Return,
    – 1-Year Manufacturer Warranty

The Flybird Adjustable dumbbells have been manufactured as a space-saving, budget-friendly dumbbell alternative that’s designed to replace multiple dumbbells.  

Instead of searching for the correct dumbbell weight between sets, the Flybird adjustable dumbbells come with adjustment cradles that keep the dumbbell secure and allow you to change the weight with a quick turn of the central dial.

The 25-pound dumbbell includes 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 pounds increments. The 55-pound dumbbell version includes 11, 22, 33, 44, and 55 pounds increments. 

The lockdown adjustment design means the dumbbells can only be changed in the weight tray, with a buckle structure on each weight plate to keep them attached to the handle. 

The dumbbells come with a black frosted powder coating, with the Flybird branding in white on the front of the cradle. The 25-pound dumbbells can be purchased as singles or a pair whilst the 55-pound dumbbells need to be purchased separately. 

37.5 EXPERT SCORE

The Flybird Adjustable dumbbells have been manufactured as a space-saving, budget-friendly dumbbell alternative that’s designed to replace multiple dumbbells.


Weight Selection:0
Ease of Use:0
Design:0
Materials and Quality:0

Positives:

  • The lockdown dial adjustment mechanism is built into the handle, allowing you to change the weight single-handed once in the safety cradle
  • The lockdown dial adjustment mechanism is built into the handle, allowing you to change the weight single-handed once in the safety cradle
  • The compact 14.6" L x 7.9" W x 6.7" H dumbbell footprint means they take up no space at all and have less chance of catching your body during overhead movements

Could be better:

  • The large 11-pound weight increments on the 55 lb dumbbell might be a too big jump for some exercisers

Flybird Adjustable Dumbbells Review

Now that I’ve given you a quick overview of the Flybird dumbbells, let’s take a look at the key features in more detail:

Man training with dumbbells in gym

1. Materials and Quality

The Flybird adjustable dumbbells are marketed as budget-friendly weight options. However, this doesn’t mean to say they can’t be constructed using quality materials like some of the more expensive choices out there.

The plates are made from durable cast iron with a frosted black powder coating. This helps to protect them against repeated impact, temperature changes, and different environments. Compared to more expensive options, this is the standard for adjustable dumbbell weight plates.

Flybird has changed the handle material based on the dumbbell weight you choose. I’m not sure exactly why this is, but both handle materials are good enough for the price you pay.

The 25-pound dumbbell uses an aluminum alloy handle with textured grip lines throughout the shaft. The 55-pound dumbbell is made from plastic, with raised notches in the center to help provide extra grip.

Due to the large plastic construction, these dumbbells won’t feel the same as gripping commercial ones. However, they do exactly what’s needed for a pair of budget-friendly home adjustable dumbbells. 

The handle dimensions haven’t been provided by Flybird, but they seem to be in line with standard dumbbell handles, with a slightly larger center. 

2. Weight Selection

This is where the dumbbells excel or fall short depending on your goals and ability level. Both the 25-pound and 55-pound dumbbell choices offer five weight choices.

Initially, this may seem small, but for most gym users it provides a great range of lower-weight options in one budget-friendly dumbbell. 

The Flybird 25-pound dumbbell goes up in 5-pound increments from 5 to 25 pounds, catering to the lower weight ranges. The 5-pound increments should provide the right jump for suitable progressive overload without being too much of a change in difficulty. 

The 55-pound adjustable dumbbell goes up in 11-pound increments from 11 to 55 pounds, which is less commonly seen in adjustable weight products. Whilst this is quite a jump and may be too much for some athletes, it does offer some advantages for certain situations.

Imagine you want to perform some chest presses or one-handed rows using a normal set or even triple drop set method. The 55-pound dumbbells make a great fit, allowing you to finish your first set, quickly click the next weight into place, and keep going with little downtime between. 

Weight Selection Dumbbells

3. Weight Adjustment

Flybird has used a simple dial adjustment mechanism that’s built into the handle, allowing you to change the dumbbell weight single-handedly. 

To change, you simply place the dumbbells into the adjustment cradle until you feel them fully slide in. Following this, you twist the handle to select the desired weight and listen for the click. 

Once you’ve heard the click, the weight plates should be firmly attached to the handle meaning you're ready to go. The tray and adjustment mechanism are made of mainly plastic, which shouldn’t be an issue when used correctly.

4. Design

One thing you notice straight away is the compact and streamlined dumbbell design. The rectangular cradle is simple but nicely designed with the Flybird branding at the front. 

The dumbbell itself fits nicely inside without sticking out, with each plate measuring the same length to help stop the dumbbell from getting in the way of certain exercises or catching your foot on it when walking around. 

The Flybird dumbbells are slightly smaller than most comparable options, measuring 14.6" L x 7.9" W x 6.7" H for both choices. The handle is long enough to give you a comfortable grip and balanced feel without restricting your movement. 

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5. Value for Money

If you’re looking for a pair of dumbbells that don’t cost too much and perform the basics well, the Flybird adjustable dumbbells tick all the boxes. They can be bought individually or as a pair and come with a one-year warranty despite the budget-friendly price.

They may offer fewer weight options than their more expensive counterparts, but this shouldn’t matter if you don’t need the extra weights the others offer. The two weight range options still provide plenty of weight for a wide range of dumbbell exercises including curls, rows, presses, and weighted carries. 

6. Set Up and Ease of Use

The Flybird adjustable dumbbells come ready to use, with no setup required to get started. The dumbbells come in their tray with the weight plates securely locked throughout the shipment. 

Customization and ease of use of the dumbbell

7. Overall Verdict 

The Flybird adjustable dumbbells feature a compact design, a built-in adjustment handle dial, and a weight cradle that allows you to change the weight with one simple click.

The dumbbells are easy to use, have a decent amount of weight choices at the lower end, and come ready-made in the box.

Overall, I think Flybird have done an excellent job at designing a simple pair of reliable dumbbells that cost much less than most of their competitors.

They do feature a large amount of plastic, so take care to use them correctly and not throw them around like you may be able to with other weights. 

Who Will Benefit From Flybird Dumbbells the Most?

If you’re a budget-conscious shopper, the Flybird adjustable dumbbells make a fantastic investment. Most gym goers looking for a decent workout will find that the dumbbells work just fine. 

Despite the lower weight range, the five weight choices on each dumbbell offer plenty of weight options for building muscle and strength. 

For those who don’t need the extra weight options, the extra money saved can be put towards other useful home gym equipment or saved up for emergencies. 

What makes the Flybird dumbbells stand out is the ease of adjustment compared to their competitors. With the dial built into the handle, you’re able to adjust them easily with one hand. 

With these points in mind, I believe the Flybird dumbbells are great for:

  • Home gym owners who are on a budget or want to save money 
  • Home gym owners with smaller gym spaces or who need room for other equipment 
  • Those who are looking for a compact adjustable dumbbell that has less chance of getting in the way when lifting 
  • Gymgoers who don’t need the heavier weight choices that other adjustable dumbbells can provide 
  • People who don’t like using the separate dial adjustment mechanism on comparable dumbbell choices

Flybird Adjustable Dumbbell Alternatives

If you’re looking for alternatives, here are a few decent competitors. Take a look at what pros and cons they can offer compared to the Flybird Adjustable Dumbbell.

1. Flybird Adjustable Dumbbells vs Bowflex Dumbbells

Both adjustable dumbbells offer similar durability with largely plastic construction and cast iron weight plates. Both feature the same plastic adjustment cradle where the weights lock into place, allowing you to change the weight by turning the dial.

Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells

Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells
  • Item Weight: 105 Pounds
  • Special Feature: Adjustable
  • Use For: Hands
  • Adjustable Weight: 5 to 52.5 lbs. per dumbbell
  • Space-Saving Features: Replaces 15 weights with 1
  • Color: Black, Red, Grey. Version 2

Besides these similarities, there are also some big differences. The Bowflex SelectTech 552 dumbbells have the adjustment dial on the outside, meaning you need to use two hands or fully let go of the handle to change the weight. 

The Bowflex dumbbells don’t go as heavy as the 55-pound Flybird ones but they feature a much larger selection of weight increment options, replacing 15 sets of dumbbells. 

Demonstration  Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells
Photo by @kevrog87

When it comes down to price, the Flybird dumbbells are a much cheaper option. The Bowflex SelectTech dumbbells have an adjustment dial on the outside, and don’t go quite as heavy as the Flybird ones. 

2. Flybird Adjustable Dumbbells vs SMRTFT Nüobell

SMRTFT’s Nüobell is a great alternative and these dumbbells are packed with excellent features. First off – the design. It’s sleek, space-saving, and the dumbbells look awesome in any kind of setup.

SMRTFT Nüobell

smrft nuobull adjustable dumbbells
  • Max Weight Versions: 50LB and 80LB
  • Color: Black, Ash, Tactical or upgraded to full Matte Black w/ aluminum handles and cradles
  • Warranty: 2-year

The construction is robust and they’ll be able to withstand years of intense use, even if it’s on a regular basis. The weight plates are secure and there’s no loose components or those annoying rattling noises that are much too common with adjustable dumbbells.

The adjustment mechanism is their best feature because it’s super fast – all it takes is a twist of the handle. The weight ranges from 5 to 80 pounds. The handles are ergonomic, so the grip is both secure and comfortable. The knurling is just right – not too aggressive, but still textured enough so you don’t have to worry about slipping. 

They’re excellent in all aspects, except for the price. Although you can count on using them for a long, long time, they’re certainly an investment.

3. Flybird Adjustable Dumbbells vs NordicTrack Adjustable Dumbbells

At first glance, the NordicTrack Adjustable dumbbells look fairly similar to the Flybird ones. They have the same plastic storage cradle and hardened plastic casing around the weight plates.

NordicTrack 55 Lb. Select-A-Weight Dumbbells

Nordictrack Select-A-Weight Dumbbells
  • Dimensions: ‎8.5” H x 11.4” W x 19.4” L
  • Product Weight: Around 115 pounds (two weight + trays)
  • Assembly: No
  • Weight Setting: 10-55 lbs
  • Best Use: Resistance training
  • Additional Features/Attachments: Storage trays, iFit compatible
  • Warranty: 90 days
  • Package:  Dumbbell set, user manual, warranty

The handle material is slightly different. NordicTrack uses stainless steel, while Flybird has used an aluminum alloy or plastic material on their dumbbells. 

The biggest difference is the adjustment mechanism. The NordicTrack dumbbells have two adjustment selector pins - one on the inside next to the handle and the other one on the outside. The outside adjustment selector pin allows you to change the weight range from 10 to 50 pounds whilst the inner slide pin lets you add or take off 2.5 pounds. 

Demonstration Nordictrack Select-A-Weight Dumbbells Instagram
Photo by @mav_moti

With these two adjustment pins, you have 15 different weight options going up in 2.5-pound increments, giving you a huge range of choices. Compared to the Flybird dumbbells, the adjustments require more time and both hands.

Overall, they offer an excellent range of adjustment options but take much longer to change and cost slightly more than the Flybird dumbbells. 

FAQ

Do Adjustable Dumbbells Break Easily?

Adjustable dumbbells are made using a large amount of plastic, which means they won't be as durable as traditional metal dumbbells.

However, when used correctly, adjustable dumbbells can last your entire lifting career. Make sure to avoid dropping the dumbbells or aggressively changing the weight plates to ensure the intended life expectancy.

Are Cheap Dumbbells Worth It?

Cheap dumbbells can provide excellent budget-friendly weight options if you want something that covers the basics well and doesn't break the bank.

If you want something in the lower weight range that isn't going to be used 24/7, cheap dumbbells can be well worth the initial investment when used correctly.

Summary - Flybird Adjustable Dumbbell Set

The Flybird adjustable dumbbells offer a fantastic budget-friendly addition to your home gym setup. They are constructed using a cast iron and plastic combination, with an aluminum alloy handle on the heavier pair.

Some of the dumbbell's big selling points include the adjustment dial that’s cleverly built into the handle, allowing you to change the weight using one hand. They are also much more compact than comparable options, measuring 14.6" L x 7.9" W x 6.7" H. 

The weight range choices of 5-25 pounds and 11-55 pounds are on the lower end of some of their competitors but should provide plenty of options for normal at-home use.

Now it’s time to ask you some questions! Have you used any of the dumbbells I mentioned above? What do you think of the designs? I’ll be answering any questions you have down below!

Also read:

References:

  1. What to Know About Adjustable Dumbbells // Webmd: https://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/what-to-know-about-adjustable-dumbbells
  2. About FLYBIRD // Flybirdfitness: https://flybirdfitness.com/pages/about-us
  3. 27 Best Dumbbell Exercises for Building Muscle // Menshealth: https://www.menshealth.com/uk/building-muscle/a755117/the-10-best-dumbbell-exercises/
  4. Photos made by Torokhtiy Media Team, by Flybird Fitness.

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All products we select are primarily approved and tested by the Olympic Weightlifting Champion Oleksii Torokhtiy. Under his guidance, our team provides honest and reasonable assessments of the products we review by checking their characteristics, packaging, design, comfort and durability features, and general product rating. We select products from only high-quality and trusted sports brands, thus vouching for their quality.

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Ihor Shymechko

Author: Ihor Shymechko
Pro Olympic Weightlifter, Coach

Experience: 26 years
Best Results: Snatch – 208 kg,
C&J – 240 kg

Ihor has been a professional weightlifter since 1996, boasting over two decades of competition experience. His notable achievements include clinching the European Championship in 2009 and securing a silver medal in the 105kg division at the Senior World Championships in 2011. Ihor represented his country in the 2008, 2012, and 2016 Summer Olympics. After retiring from competitive weightlifting, he transitioned to coaching, leveraging his vast experience to guide athletes who now compete on both national and international stages.

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Still have questions after reading our article? Unlock your full potential by engaging with our experts and community! Don’t hesitate — leave a comment below and Ihor Shymechko will provide a personalized answer and insights to help you reach your goals.

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