Best Adjustable Dumbbell? Snode Comparisons to Nuobell and Trulap

In today's video we take a look at the Snode AD80, which are a mostly metal adjustable dumbbell with a max capacity of 80lbs. They have some similar looks and features to other popular dumbbells in this segment, but offer the most robust build of any on the market. However there are a few things to be mindful of, let's talk about it...
Nuobell Video: • Nüobell - The Best Ad...
Trulap Video: • Trulap 92lbs Adjustabl...
HGHR Video: • Snode AD80 Adjustable ...
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[@Jeremy-mc8ee]

You can actually place the magnets on the inside of the plates. That way you don't have to take them out of their holder to put them on/off and they don't get in the way when setting them on your thighs. I would still prefer if they had 5lb increments built in, but it is nice being able to adjust in even smaller increments since the magnets are only 1.25lbs each.

[@BasementBrandon]

I don't have them to test, but wouldn't the be too big?

[@Jeremy-mc8ee]

@@BasementBrandon They do stick out of the sides some, but there's enough contact between the plates and magnets that they stay in place. I've been using them for a couple of months and haven't had any problems.

[@scooobyj8714]

The adjustable dumbbell market has gotten so much better than when I got my power blocks in 2017.

[@BasementBrandon]

Lots of options... and lots of copies/rebrands lol

[@EJH-jn6mo]

As someone who owns Nuobel's - dont do it.

[@BasementBrandon]

😅

[@steven3517]

I have the Snodes,what do they have Snodes doesn't.Less noise?.Same price 745.00 zone.

[@jw_25]

Why?

[@BRExteriorPro]

Why

[@StephColbertsonStrength]

That’s mighty inconvenient to add 5lbs. And when we think about adding 5lbs to a barbell a 5lbs increase on dumbbell is quite high.

[@BasementBrandon]

Yes, hoping they come out with a V2 that addresses it.

[@HomeGymHacksandReviews]

Very well done and thanks so much!

[@BasementBrandon]

I feel like this was a lot longer than it had to be and not as insightful as your video 😅

[@pipozZz]

I feel more confident in my choice to buy Nuobells now. I've had them for two years, no issues, and would pick them again over the competitors.

[@BasementBrandon]

Right on!

[@kgsvv1975]

If snode had just cut their plates in half, they would have the 5 lb increments. Likely they did not do this due to the radial selector dial Another improvement could be the use of a selector dial that is metal with high contrast anodized laser etched numbers. For the adder plates, they could have just used thin rubber coated plates that insert onto the handle or can add to the outside of the plates. I went with the trulap 2.0 they just released based on coop's video after Jan 1 2024 because of the 2.2 lb increments (1 kg) and other corrections they made includign more aggressive handles and 3 year included warranty. I am just hoping someday we can get rubber coating (not plastic) on the plates so we can not worry about scratching.

[@BasementBrandon]

Nice! I feel like there are tradeoffs no matter what, just depends on what you're willing to give up!

[@austinjoseph2881]

As someone with nuobells... couldn't recommend them more

[@BasementBrandon]

Right on

[@nuoathletics]

Music to our ears! Great feedback. 😍

[@BRExteriorPro]

I'm am between.. I don't want to break them so that's why I am drifting towards snode

[@austinjoseph2881]

@@BRExteriorPro I've had nuobells for 3 years now. Not a scratch. The quick change is perfect for dropsets. I do not drop them though and I'm careful putting them back in the cradle

[@TrainerBigMike]

Bro you are a master of your craft 🙌🏼 Also I got the Nuobells on your recommendation and they have held up very well, one of my best purchases. Maybe one day they'll come out with a 100+lbs version

[@BasementBrandon]

Great to hear!

[@robinc.9845]

Got the Nuobells just recently and didn`t regret it. They are well made and i beleive they will hold (provided proper handling). The Snode look good, but the increment was just to less and i don`t wanna mess with extra weights. Also, Snode is hard to get in Europe from what i have seen. Honestly, Snode with 5lbs increment and they would be a nobrainer... P.S. The Nuobells have Kg sizes as well, as you know, we use metric system in Europe... and in the rest of the world 😂 Do you know if the Snodes come with kg as well?

[@BasementBrandon]

I believe they may have in the past as they had weird increments, but not sure!

[@NoFate247]

Not sure if that plate sag would constantly bother me

[@BasementBrandon]

Sag is just something we deal with as we get older.

[@NoFate247]

@@BasementBrandon don' t i know it

[@DerekG]

I’m using PlateMate 2 1/2lb magnets (2 per AD80) to get 5lb increments and it works great! They are a lot flatter than the Snode magnets and stick better too, so they don’t shift if you drop the dumbbell. Would love if they natively adjusted in 5lb increments and I also wish the adjustment ring was metal (or at least felt less cheap) but I’ve watched the complete teardown of the AD80s on KZbin and internally I just trust them more than the competition!

[@BasementBrandon]

Thanks for the info!

[@chipdouglas1079]

Which would you pick out of the Snode, Nuobell, or Trulap if you had to pick just one?

[@BasementBrandon]

That's a tough question. I prob would go Nuobell b/c of the normal jumps and the fact I tend to baby my stuff.

[@ront2457]

I despise sytrofoam once it starts to break up that $hit is like sand up your azz on the beach ...nice DB's

[@BasementBrandon]

Yeah I'm not sure which I detest more, brittle big blocks of styrofoam or packing peanuts.

[@babygiantbarbell1014]

I like these, but those magnets are not it for 5lb adjustments. Just feels like there has to be a better way, Snode. The quick change adjustable dumbbell market is evolving so quickly. Exciting times. Great review good sir.

[@BasementBrandon]

Need to have these 3 brands get a collab going lol

[@twistedbarbell3950]

This still seems like a tough challenge for MFRs and not sure why, given the price of some of them. To make something robust and durable but skimp out and use some weak plastic somewhere is disappointing.

[@BasementBrandon]

Snode has been really good about communicating their timeline post video. New magnets will be out soon and new DBs in 2024 likely with 5lbs increments.

[@coldsoldier313]

I was leaning Nuobell, but I've heard too many horror stories that I don't want to risk for the money. I'm not hard on my equipment, however the nuobell seems too delicate for me

[@BasementBrandon]

They def have the most plastic of the ones I've used.

[@Type-IIx]

Is there any documented failure condition with these adjustable dbs where the plates start falling off the ends and like smash you in the face?

[@BrandonSchwartz1]

You’d have to have total failure of both the dovetails in the plates to interlock them *and* the support rod breaking simultaneously. Not impossible but haven’t seen it even with Nuobells.

[@BasementBrandon]

I have not seen any... yet.

[@joecowan3719]

So many options today in this style of db, but as you stated at the end, no one has made the perfect marriage of all the features we are looking for with zero tradeoffs. I am still happy with my 90lb PB Elites from 2019.

[@BasementBrandon]

Right on!

[@JimmyHuynhdesign]

Just picked up the trulap today for about $680 total on their site. Excited to try them out.

[@BasementBrandon]

Not a bad deal! Let me know what you think.

[@101revtech]

How did you get it for that price?

[@JimmyHuynhdesign]

@@101revtech got it on their website. Looked up a coupon code and got a discount. Just google trulap promo code and try some out. I wouldn’t recommend if you’re hoping to get them anytime soon. Placed my order Feb 15th and I’m still waiting for them to arrive almost 2 months later. If I would have known it would take this long I would have bought Nuobells.

[@johnd1764]

I don't see why they couldn't make these with 5lb jumps. Maybe there will be a 2.0 version. I have powerblocks, the small weights that go in the handles are annoying to use, the magnets for these would be even worse.

[@BasementBrandon]

Seems like an easy enough adjustment to make

[@marcashbock6278]

I know you aren’t a big dumbbell user (at least not in your videos) to begin with. But with having a fixed set, would you recommend having an adjustable set as well?

[@BasementBrandon]

I would not unless your adjustable covers a range of weights you don't have. For instance you could get an adjustable that covers you up to 80lbs like these, then have fixed heavier ones, or vice versa.

[@RoryEllisMusic]

The really missed a great opportunity to make a magnet that fits within the large center circular groove on the outsides of the dumbbells. They could have made one single 5LB magnet that fits in that center groove and covers the notch so it still maintains a flat outside.

[@BasementBrandon]

I have been told they should have a new flatter magnet out soon, but we'll see!

[@KA-te7nd]

Adjustable dumbbells used to go to 90. Now only 80 apparently. Is everyone getting weaker??

[@BasementBrandon]

I think it's a limiting factor of the design.

[@alintampa]

Out of all three of these dumbbells, which one has the easiest to fix replacement part in case of failure or breakage?

[@BasementBrandon]

None, they all use a similar design and the handle would likely need to be replaced.

[@QuadTap]

mine came today with a flakey chrome finish and spots of rust on them already... contacted snode

[@BasementBrandon]

Hoping they make it right!

[@IIG]

80 pounds is a nonstarter for me, it's just not enough weight. But these look really cool otherwise. I really wish there was a pair of adjustable dumbbells that go up to 120 pounds, 100 at the lowest, that are durable, fairly quick to change, and won't leave me eating ramen noodles for months.

[@Timm129]

Pepin fast series... your wish came true..but you will not have enough money left for ramen noodles...

[@BasementBrandon]

Yeah I think at that weight the design either becomes unstable, or you'd have to increase the plate diameter on these where it may be silly.

[@jamesmitzel8407]

​@@Timm129 the only issue with Pepin....( because I'm impatient) is the 12 week wait time. But definitely the way to go for a heavier option.

[@eszlsk]

I love mine aside from the no 5lbs increment. I dislike the magnets, I got microgainz plates for inside and they fit perfectly, much better and more comfortable to use.

[@BasementBrandon]

Nice!

[@time.4174]

Hey I’m thinking about picking up a set of these with the micro gainz add ons. Since you have experience with them I’d like to know if you think I’d be able to fit two 2.5lb plates and two 1.5lb plates on the handle for a total of an 8 pound increment? Or will there just be no room for your hand? Thanks!

[@eszlsk]

@time.4174 I barely have enough room for my hand with 2x 2.5. Was actually needing that this week to go up to 115. Ended up just putting manget on one side. Sucks with the holder. I wouldn't say I regret getting them, their support is great, but I'd probably only get one that had 5lbs increments and get a few 1.25 microgainz.

[@time.4174]

@@eszlskthanks appreciate the reply. So knowing what you know now would you get the Nuobells even though they’re not as durable as the Snodes?

[@eszlsk]

@time.4174 It's kind of tough. I got them for durability, and aside from the 15 lbs offsets, I love them. Also the stock weight magnets are annoying when the whole point is to have a durable and as normal dumbbell feeling experience as possible. I did just go look and you can use the 1.25lb magnets that come with it on the inner part where the dial is. It won't be the most balanced weight across the whole dumbbell but on stuff like lunges/squats it wouldn't matter. So 2x 2.5 on each dumbbell plus 2 1.25 for 15 lbs. Might annoy you for press movements but up to your preference. I will say I had an issue with the stand and support was one of the better experiences I had. (They shipped two left sided legs) If rep's new set had higher weight and it was between the two I'd probably go that route if I had to do it over.

[@soranhernandez6425]

Quick question! Nobody seems to ever be able to answer this, plz!!! If you did a clean and or snatch could the rotation of the movement actuate the handle causing plates to come crashing down at you?

[@BasementBrandon]

No, there's a small button type system on the handles that are only enabled when in the cradle. So you cannot adjust them when removed.

[@Duskydog419]

I wondered that too thankyou

[@billchurch4460]

This isn't relevant to the dumbbells, but how do you like those scales? I really need to pick up some digital scales.

[@BasementBrandon]

This one is great with one exception and that is I hate the textured surface. I'd prefer a flat one. But for the price, it's hard to beat as it's pretty accurate.

[@billchurch4460]

@@BasementBrandon Thanks. I wondered about the textured surface, but it's certainly priced right assuming it's accurate.

[@carps_gym]

Checking in for drop proof Thumbnail

[@BasementBrandon]

My main mag pin man.

[@richardmather1906]

Three pound jumps is a feature, not a bug, IMO. I have a bunch of 1.5 lb. plates I use with spinlock handles and it is helpful to be able to go up less than 5 lbs., IMO. As for these,10 lb. adjustments is way too much. Though the magnets are a pretty good workaround.

[@BasementBrandon]

I think if there wasn't so much history with most people being accustomed to 5lbs jumps then it wouldn't be an issue. We're just so engrained in that being the norm that the 3lbs throws it off for a lot IMO.

[@richardmather1906]

@@BasementBrandon Lol, I am not too ashamed to admit that, when I can't quite go up another 5 lbs., I prefer adding 3 lbs. to just squeezing out a couple of extra reps.

[@traderhines76]

You can use the micro gainz on them. I have big hands and it works. Not a lot of room but it works. I also have plate mates. So I get these bad boys up to 90lbs😊

[@BasementBrandon]

You could, but with the mechanism to change weights it would be tough to get a great grip and have them flush.

[@traderhines76]

@@BasementBrandon it’s not tough to get a grip at all. Do you have the micro gainz? I have them and they are flush. It works. It’s just a little tight but it definitely works.

[@BasementBrandon]

@@traderhines76 what I mean is b/c the mechanism is tapered they won't be flush against the weights like they would with a traditional dumbbell.

[@traderhines76]

@@BasementBrandon This is true. However, it doesn’t prohibit functionality. It’s a nuisance more than anything.

[@markhalstead2386]

The Pepins I assume are still the best, but at a price.

[@BasementBrandon]

If you don't mind the manual adjusting Iron Masters are also very good.

[@markhalstead2386]

@@BasementBrandon True. I have the 75 lb iron masters and the 120 expansion for them. The Pro Stand is great; sold the smaller stand.

[@stevensecondo1103]

I wish someone would make a adjustable dumbbell that started at say 35lbs and went to 100 or even 125. Once you get about 40-50lbs the dumbbells really start costing alot and taking up a ton of room. But the lower weight ones don't take up too much room and are better "crossfit style" movements. And building a heavy adjustable dumbbell would give more room for robustness. Maybe I'm the only one who thinks this, but that's just my two cents. Stay big!

[@BasementBrandon]

Similar to what the Pepin Fast Series are!

[@Legion-404]

how have the pepin fast dumbbells held up?

[@BasementBrandon]

I actually sold them to so that I could get the updated version, which should be here soon.

[@DarinCepeda3gun]

intriguing@@BasementBrandon

[@hayesdelezene4590]

True gentlemen enjoy power block, iron master, and eisenlink adjustable dumbbells

[@hayesdelezene4590]

You can get 80lb eisenlinks for $500 and they are likely more durable than most alternatives

[@BasementBrandon]

I am a gentleman and a scholar!

[@hayesdelezene4590]

@@BasementBrandon when your dissertation is on barbell knurling, with a focus on macro photography of said knurling

[@groundunder12]

Love your videos Brandon. Question: In your opinion, are these adjustable dumbbells (nuobells) durable enough to do exercises like man makers on a padded floor over an extened period of time of weekly use? I know you can't drop them, but the bodyweight on the dumbbell along with the constant on and off the floor movements is what would concern me, and for $800 I wouldn't want them to obviously break. Thank you for any insight you could offer.

[@BasementBrandon]

It's hard to say. A movement like that I don't think would cause issues, but there are a lot of moving pieces on adjustables like this. At least with the snodes you get a one free drop kind of warranty where others might not.

[@yangtroy1]

13:15 u silly bastard lol

[@BasementBrandon]

🫡

[@jollygreen9377]

Best review I’ve seen of these. I think I’m going to try the new ones by REP instead.

[@BasementBrandon]

Right on!

[@DoubleDMechE]

The platemate magnets are a better solution for these. Still keeps the ends flat and they don’t move much or fall off when I drop them. They do add 100 to the over all cost though. There is a KZbin video by Danes in Texas showing that combo.

[@BasementBrandon]

Yeah Danes in Texas is a great, I think he was the first person to buy these.

[@DoubleDMechE]

@@BasementBrandon thanks for all the reviews man, keep up the content!

[@Kaimml]

I also have AD80s and platemates. It's probably the best solution for getting 5lb jumps on these.

[@donaldricher8815]

​@Kaimml how long have you had your Snodes and did you get the stand. Any dislikes.

[@iGotMySniperSticky]

Good video. I would love to see a comparison video with Pepin Fast DB’s.

[@BasementBrandon]

I should have an updated pair soon.

[@ClarksvilleBarbellClub]

Solid review, B!

[@BasementBrandon]

Thanks my man. UPS couldn't take these away from me.

[@ClarksvilleBarbellClub]

I had to deal with UPS today to send 3 bars, and they were pissed when I walked in. 🤣@@BasementBrandon

[@rheadrick2010]

Did someone mention that perhaps there will be a 5lb. increment design for 2024?

[@BasementBrandon]

That's in their roadmap I believe.

[@time.4174]

I doubt it since they are coming out with a redesigned 2.5lb magnet plate that will attach on the ends. They told me this should be out in a couple months.

[@condorb7756]

Color grading has left the chat lol

[@BasementBrandon]

WE DO IT RAW

[@thecappy]

What about the magnetic plate-mates?

[@BasementBrandon]

Could work

[@JohnSmith-jg4rq]

Moms don’t always tell the truth

[@BasementBrandon]

So you're saying I'm not the best around and that something may in fact keep me down?

[@courrierdebois]

PowerBlocks (Sport EXP) rule.

[@BasementBrandon]

Not a fan, they feel to funky in the hand to me.

[@courrierdebois]

@@BasementBrandon I think that has to do with a weak grip.

[@BasementBrandon]

@@courrierdebois Not at all, its the fact you're using a big block that surrounds the hands vs a dumbbell.

[@courrierdebois]

@@BasementBrandon The weight of the dumbbell on the palm/back of the hand sides is negligible. The main weight doesn't surround your hand anymore than regular dumbbells.

[@BasementBrandon]

@@courrierdebois I disagree.

[@brettbond3620]

I'm rocking the Ironmaster dumbbells, but the time to change plates for warm-up sets and drop sets is a pain in the arse. I'm trying to decide between getting an additional set of IM handles vs. buying the Snode set for quick changes for warm-up sets and drop sets (current IM set would be used for working sets and 80+ pounds). As a former IM user, what would you suggest?

[@BasementBrandon]

I think from a space constraint and cost perspective the extra handles prob makes more sense.

[@gregors00]

Why they didn’t just make the magnets a disc the same size as the plate, and you stick your finger in the little slot cutout to remove them, and it would be flat, I’ll never know. Basically just make another plate exactly the same as the current ones, but thinner and with magnets

[@BasementBrandon]

So they reached out and said they have a new magnet releasing soon which is larger and flatter

[@bigk2080]

This video couldn't have come at a better time, I'm looking to buy a set of adjustable dumbbells🏋‍♂️

[@BasementBrandon]

Let me know if I can help

[@bigk2080]

@@BasementBrandon Thank you

[@kznsky14]

35lb GANG!

[@BasementBrandon]

🫡

[@HughLeFitness]

They don't ship to Canada as per their website. So of the three, Nuobell, Trulap, or Snode, who wins?

[@CripplingDuality]

Where are you in Canada? I bought mine from a local (Toronto) brick and mortar, Maxum Fitness. They do have a site and do delivery, not sure of the details though.

[@BasementBrandon]

Let me preface again by saying I don't think any of them are perfect, but for me I'd prob go Nuobell b/c I tend to not drop my DBs so breaking isn't as big of a concern, and although the trulap go heavier, I would prefer standard 5lbs jumps.

[@jamesmitzel8407]

​@@BasementBrandonBut you would go Pepin vs all of those others?

[@BasementBrandon]

@@jamesmitzel8407 I think if you're looking for the heaviest duty adjustables either the Pepins or Iron Masters still win.

[@jamesmitzel8407]

@@BasementBrandon Thanks again for the reply....you complete me. 😂