Please STOP Buying These: Nuobell Dumbbell Teardown & Drop Test

[@GlucksGym]

We choose death 😈 What do you want to see us destroy next?

[@schattenk]

Ironmaster or Pepin FAST Dumbells.

[@robhughes2629]

Would love to see a similar video of the Reppin dumbbells when they drop

[@buen0excellente837]

Me

[@chrisbowler6382]

Go after Rogue for all their cease and desist orders

[@avinashtyagi2]

Rogue! 😉 No, but seriously, Try to destroy the old Pepins, so we can see how strong the Reppins will be

[@grega8334]

Dude, I'm not in the market for adjustable dumbbells, but I can't tell you how much I appreciate videos like this when your wife lets you make them. Subscribed!!!

[@marvellstarks2434]

When his wife let's him make them? What kind of dumb stuff is that to say.

[@GlucksGym]

Thank you! They aren't cheap but the hope is they save someone else the money we spent.

[@Donramapas]

Hey iron master

[@kenpaeth199]

@@GlucksGym which adjustable dumbell would you recommend beyond the Nuobells?

[@GlucksGym]

@lalalal8111 the entire video is about the fact they'll break regardless of drops... Perhaps watch it before you call someone a clown?

[@chrisbowler6382]

Respect for posting this. It’s about time a reviewer did this. Start up a gofundme for you legal costs 😀

[@AverageJoeInnovationsLLC]

Fantastic overview, man. Love, love, love the production quality of your videos. I wish I had the skill and patience to do the same. Thank you for the shout out! I appreciate it. It was a pleasure going back and forth with you to discuss the Nuobells. I know there are folks out there who love theirs, and that's great. But I agree 100% that it isn't a matter of if but when they'll break. I'm thrilled to see a much better known channel like yours getting the word out before people throw away their hard earned money. One thing I want to emphasize here is that not dropping Nuobells may prolong handle life, but it will not eliminate the issue of the cam followers shearing off. It's the twisting motion of the adjustment mechanism that forces those followers along the aluminum rod, which is why we see those plastic shavings. So those cams will eventually begin to shear even if the dumbbells are never dropped, and as one or more shear off the remaining followers are forced to pick up the slack until they also fail. I suspect it *might* be one reason why these handles pack 4 cam followers per side...an attempt at redundancy. I also found it comical that Nuobell suggests hammering the rod back in using the method in their own video. That would absolutely destroy that side of the handle. Here's why: when the dumbbell is out of the base, rotation is locked. So hammering the rod in, while the dumbbell is positioned vertically, means that we'd be forcing the cam inward and shear all 4 cam followers in the process. Anyone who follows Nuobell's advice will, without a doubt in my mind, need to get a replacement handle afterward. Instead, if they find themselves in this situation, I recommend placing the dumbbell on its base to unlock rotation first. Then have one person twist the grip while a second person taps the rod inward to minimize the potential damage to the cam followers. Let's say one follower caused the jam-up, but three on that side are still good. We wouldn't be able to tell with the handle assembled, but why risk potentially damaging the remaining followers? So, it's worth a try for anyone who finds themselves in this situation with a jammed Nuobell. Get as much life as possible out of the existing handles. Nuobell doesn't deserve to make more money off of you. Rock on Gluck!

[@MrGrigs681]

Do not spend too much time "Glucking" around.....you have handles to ship out! I am part of the last preorder and super eager to try out your PowerBlock handles. Also, while maybe not as polished at Gluck, your videos are very informative as well and help a lot of people.

[@gainmachines]

Subscribed to your channel! Thanks a lot for sharing such valuable insights!

[@GlucksGym]

Thank you so much for the help Joe! This video wouldn't exist without you.

[@iserlonia]

I still appreciate my decision to buy Snodes because of your Snodes video about a year ago! Thanks for all the good work!

[@azndynomite1277]

Telling it like it is, that's why I love this channel; integrity.

[@TheCarterHomeGym]

This video NEEDED to be done! Thanks for doing the community a solid by showing exactly WHY these are so fragile. Otherwise, we just have people arguing back and forth about it. I figure the Rep x Pépins will eat into a big chunk of Nuobell's sales anyway, but this video will properly inform and deter those who value durability and quality.

[@WeiderMystic]

As a mechanical engineer, I appreciate this video. Maybe it will inspire Nuobell to make design improvements. I still think the design is clever, but they clearly made design choices to save cost, when they should have went for a more durable material. IMO those detents should be steel, not plastic.

[@Cameronbic]

As long as people are buying the cheap version as fast as Nuobell can make them, what's the incentive?

[@valkymia3708]

​@@Cameronbic Ideally with poor reviews like this, customers will look into what they are buying first and stay away from their product. Consumers are endlessly reckless and negligent with their product buying decisions though so I don't expect these to go away or improve any time soon unless it hits the company's wallet.

[@JoeCnNd]

I'm 40 and studying to become a mech. engineer. Man, trying to figure out the math is fun, but hard.

[@WeiderMystic]

@Cameronbic Eventually their return or RMA policy will affect their bottom line.

[@WeiderMystic]

@@JoeCnNd hang in their bro. make some friends with your classmates and do the grind.

[@NoFate247]

Your dedication to these videos is probably only surpassed by your OCD! With so many adjustable dumbbells on the market these days competition is high and obviously skipping these might be in people's best interest.

[@GlucksGym]

OCD is a good way to put it 😂

[@sodisheveledcrew]

Can’t wait till the rep/peppin review comes out! Thanks, for your honest work Gluck.

[@minormist]

Great video. I was in the market for adjustable dumbbells when Nuobells first came out, and thinking they looked fragile, I opted for tried and true Powerblocks instead. I clearly made the right choice.

[@JBS7551]

Finally an honest review of these, great video

[@MorethanGUNZ]

I appreciate the honesty on the review and the playlist of options.

[@gurfdog]

This video is classic Gluck!! Love it! Really appreciate the honesty and detail

[@RATEthisrateTHAT]

I truly appreciate this review! Much rather get a thorough review than just a base recommendation.

[@murdog04]

Passed over the Nuobell’s for over a year before I went with PowerBlocks (which I totally love). When you are tired after a hard set it is only natural to think you may set them down in their cradle a bit hard or they slip from your hand. I can’t even believe these are still being sold with all the other options that are out there. I just pre-ordered the REPxPepin adjustable dumbbell. I will sell my powerblocks once I have them late summer. I decided to give them up just because I am not in love with the cage design for certain exercises and am hoping the Pepin’s are a bit better with a little more open area around the handle. Thanks so much for the great review.

[@Spp235.]

I actually like the cage design. It is about the best out there for planked rows. But agree about the RepxPepin and Truplap ones

[@KGBeatzMusic]

Great video! I bought these last year and one arrived broken, with no signs of damage on the box. Best thing to happen to me since I realized immediately these 800$ dumbells are plastic garbage that WILL break, just like you showed in the video. Returned and they made me pay shipping for their broken product.... shows the bad customer support you'll get when they break. I got regular dumbells with a rack up to 50 pounds for the same price and am much happier. The REP x pepin adjustables seem to be great when they come out tho

[@iannelli2448]

Rep Pepins are currently the best adjustable dumbbells in existence. I knew the day Nuobells came out that they were going to be overhyped garbage. Ironmasters used to be the best. Now the Rep Pepins have taken that crown.

[@lucasrezabek-laird719]

I love average Joe innovations! Great colab!

[@GlucksGym]

Very appreciative of Joe for doing the first teardown and helping us with this one. He wanted us to put this out because he hoped a larger channel would help get the info out there.

[@erwin280]

I have nuobell for over two years and no problems. Made so much difference for me.

[@bmanhsu]

Joe is awesome! Im glad you shouted him out

[@GlucksGym]

A lot of the credit for this belongs to him!

[@ulrikvonliektenstein9907]

This is your best video yet, well done!

[@GlucksGym]

Thanks! That's what Wynie said too 😀

[@codycale8598]

So glad you made this video! I have been looking at some adjustable dumbbells and Nuobell was a top contender.....until I saw this video. Thank you so much!

[@e-motiontraining8162]

Excellent content, honesty, breakdowns and dad humor. You dont get your deserved praise.

[@rayphsk]

I agree, I've had mine for over a year. They're great to use, but they're very delicate. You have to be extra careful on how your place them back in the cradle. It's always in the back of my mind when i'm working out. I'm thinking I should have purchased the power blocks instead. Well maybe on my next go-around when I decide to replace these.

[@charlieteena]

Thank you for the info, much appreciated

[@binyamj]

Your videos are the best! It’s great to see an unbiased review from someone who is not just trying to sell us junk.

[@prodigy1605]

The other reviewer kept recommending them and for over a year I kept putting them in my cart. I just never could buy them as something didn’t seem right with them. I’m glad I waited and ended up getting the rep dumbbell and another adjustable for my wife for the same price. Been happy with both and the rep has a lifetime warranty so can’t beat it. It I only goes up to 60lbs but I don’t heavier than that for the training I’m doing and when I get up higher will just get dumbbell sets for the higher weights although rep did just release a higher weight limit dumbbell…

[@adamklosterman101]

Much appreciated deep dive on these things. Always seemed like they were just too fragile to be worth the money, and now this is significant evidence to confirm that.

[@killerkhatiby009]

Seems crazy to me that these Nuobells can be so fragile. The integrity and honesty of this channel shows when you're willing to demonstrate the reality of something like this and not just sell out to sponsors and I really appreciate this content! Any chance you could take a look at the new FLYBIRD FB3000 bench? AFAIK it just came out a few weeks ago and looks like a pretty good option under $250 brand new for an FID bench (leg holders included) with a supposed 1,200lb capacity, but us common folk want to know what the bench king thinks of it!

[@Because_alex]

Really appreciate the in-depth teardown. Great video

[@SomeFrenchDude]

With the incoming REP adjustable dumbbells, they make no sense at all. Especially here in Canada, they're only $200 more and they have a lifetime warranty.

[@ewells921]

I haven't had any issues, I'm still going to get the rep peppin dumbbell!

[@paulx7620]

I love my power blocks, expensive but they last forever basically. Extremely simple which when it comes to gym gear is a good thing.

[@jishani1]

powerblocks sketch me out because i don't want my hand fully encased. im sure that's more of a me thing than a legitimate concern most people have, but i think i'll wait on some reviews on the rep x pepins

[@stevesorensen9648]

Purchased the Powerblock Pro 100 EXP about 3 weeks ago. Got them with the knurled grip. Very happy with the purchase. They've been around for over 30 years, they're track record is proven. A lot of new adjustable dumbbells are hitting the scene. They have not as of yet stood the test of time as have Powerblocks ( or Iron Masters for that matter, they're just too slow to change, had them before, sold them). I am interested in seeing what people have to say about the Rep x Pepin. Time will tell.

[@lumbruhjack8888]

​@@jishani1 I promise your hand being encased isn't a problem at all. I thought it would be weird too but it feels like any other dumbbell to me. And they are tanks. Only problem can be wearing a watch while using them.

[@MushookieMan]

@@lumbruhjack8888 Wrist breaker though

[@lumbruhjack8888]

@@MushookieMan If you were to let go of them they would just fall. That's definitely a fake concern.

[@LukesGarageGym]

The fact that they have a video hammering it to get it off shows all you need to know. I will stick to Powerblocks or Snodes 👊

[@brianmccrum299]

Trulaps are great

[@LukesGarageGym]

@@brianmccrum299 I gotta try! I’ve heard great things!! Going to test the pepins at home gym con!

[@alvinphan1617]

Consider the new rep x pepin fast dumbbells

[@alexarteau7353]

I like my iron master

[@LukesGarageGym]

Hoping to review trulaps and pepins down the line! Just those two I have and love and are quality

[@RonnieJamesOsbourne]

(Alternate Title) "Nuobell: A Breakdown Of A Breakdown."

[@GlucksGym]

That's good 😂

[@jacksongrist]

Always happy to Gluck tear up some gear to better help us understand what is best for our home gyms!

[@diggydowdiggydow]

I've had these for two years so far and they're good as new. Still love them so much and have had zero issues, despite using about 3x/week for all of that time.

[@Leveleup543]

Same. Had mine for 2 years and have not had any issues. Use them at least 3 times a week. But I never drop my weights

[@dereklagarde6157]

Same here. Going on 2 years using 5x a week and no issues yet.

[@Leveleup543]

@@dereklagarde6157 I think the durability issue is overblown and find it interesting that there have been a few videos posted the past couple of months going after Nuobell. All in the setting of the rep peppin announcement. Seems a bit fishy

[@davidlakes5087]

I’m not seeing anybody say that they drop their Nuobells. If you never drop the weights, then your anecdote isn’t evidence of much, is it?

[@diggydowdiggydow]

@@davidlakes5087 I dunno, the title of the video is saying don't buy them, and we're saying that, 2-4 years later, we're still happy we bought them, and adding in the context that we don't drop them.

[@martinogrady8577]

Great video. I was about to purchase a set. You saved me a lot of trouble and grief.

[@MonkeyHood]

Hi Gluck, thanks for making this video. It was really interesting to see the nuobell disassembled. I hope you do more videos like this in the future.

[@GlucksGym]

Definitely will

[@airon89toyota]

I've had my Nuobells for almost two years and have had no issues. I do make sure not to drop them and I am cautious when using them in dynamic movements. I get why people overlook them for something more sturdy, like Powerblocks. However, I love the tradeoff of being extremely quick to change weights and it feels like a regular dumbbell. I like them a heck of a lot more than Bowflex lol.

[@diggydowdiggydow]

Same. Have had them for about 2 years, am careful w/ them, and love them.

[@bboy531]

Exactly!

[@tonynurre9713]

Same here!

[@biknjak]

I've had mine several months and love them. I do agree with Gluck that in time, the plastic cam follower will undoubtedly wear down with use and almost certainly fail. But who knows when? Just don't drop them, because then that plastic follower can shear and shut them down. Even knowing that, I am willing to either use my warranty to replace the handles, or even buy new ones if I must - these dumbbells are that great! It's really no different than knowing that you eventually will need to put money into your car's repair. Same thing, to me.😎👍

[@Leveleup543]

@@biknjakthey have some new dumbbells coming out soon and apparently they are working on a pair that don’t have any durability issues

[@BigPantsMurda]

Great and informative video! An engineer explaining home gym engineering is so helpful. Have some friends that likely wish you made this video 18 months ago!

[@brianvilleneuve6982]

Fellow engineers far and wide just had a collective sigh of relief. FINALLY an honest and thorough review. Thanks so much man, I really enjoyed this. Subscribed.

[@DV-dk5hd]

Dang shots fired at Coop! I like it, competition makes everybody better.

[@imadork123]

Thank you Gluckman for your hard work!

[@aquaden8344]

It's a great video to get a closer look at Nuobells. Thanks a lot, it made my choice of adjustable dumbbells easy.

[@zachanderson9649]

I'm impressed how in depth you go on something you aren't a fan of.

[@robhughes2629]

Awesome video as always. Thanks Gluck!

[@hollubaloo]

Thanks for making this video! I definitely feel validated now for not having bought these dumbbells. Can't wait to see what your thoughts are on the upcoming Rep/Pepin adjustable dumbbells. Cheers!

[@jordanandrei2307]

I agree that there are better choices, and I’d maybe not buy them again if I had the choice, but maybe just don’t drop them? I’ve being using mine 4 days a week over a few years and they still work perfectly.

[@exlusivekid]

I was thinking to get a pair of Nuobells. Thank you so much for this vid. I Decided to just wait on the Rep heavey dumbells.

[@chelious1973]

You are helping so many people here. I bought these and recently bought the Rep-Peppin dumbells awaiting my shipment. They are due to ship in Sept so i dont thing my nuobells will break in that time span. I have a extended warranty on them so the handles will be covered.

[@Gadgetoholic]

Really useful. Thank you Gluck - because of your video (which I was searching for) I'm definitely going with the standard dumbbells instead.

[@reubenterry7623]

Best gym equipment review channel bar none. Stellar content.

[@GlucksGym]

Thank you so much 😁 glad people appreciate the honesty

[@stevesorensen9648]

​@@GlucksGymI second that notion. Can't believe some big wig reviewers are rating these dumbbells as number one. I got the Powerblock Pro 100 exp about 3 weeks ago. Completely satisfied with the purchase. Carry on Gluckster.

[@vuvuzela691]

Thank you for making this!!!

[@zaineridling]

Absolutely brilliant video. Very informative and deeply appreciated!

[@tazRenegade]

Every time I watch one of your adjustable dumbbell videos I always am glad I listened to you and bought straight handle fixed dumbbells. Blah blah blah space blah blah money. Whatever. They were worth every penny. I ended up going with giant rather than Rep because their Black Friday deal was better but it was a good experience and I don’t know the difference. Thanks for what you do Gluck!

[@miketroj3728]

As someone who picked up a pair of Bowflex SelectTech 560's when they first came out. The over engineering and complexity with plastic parts is a real thing and a gimmick. They worked well for about a year until they completely stopped adjusting. The handles froze solid. It was suggested to spray some WD40 into those same prong button holes until everything was thoroughly coated, which also dripped WD40 all over the DB cradle and floor. They did work for another few years after that without much issue, but that shouldn't happen. At all. Sold them and picked up a full set of Power Block Sport 90lb exp dumbbells.

[@MushookieMan]

Jesus, all the Bowflex SelectTech floor display models don't even work. Worst design ever.

[@miketroj3728]

@@MushookieMan Gimmicks in the fitness industry to make things easier on you and save a few minutes sounds great and I got hooked at the beginning of my journey. All of these new mechanical dumbbells are the same. They might save space in the beginning, but they'll be taking up way more space when they inevitably break.

[@brianmccrum299]

...sold them?

[@MushookieMan]

@@miketroj3728 It would be hard to argue that a Powerblock is the same durability as a Nuobell. That's simply not true.

[@miketroj3728]

​@@MushookieMan Not saying the durability is the same. More so, the engineering, and thought that goes into their build. Should a mechanical DB that you paid hundreds of dollars for, stop working, to the point where the handles are completely frozen, 1 year after purchase? Basically leaving you with a pair of $400 30lb dumbbell and feeling like one too. Nowhere on their site or manual does it say that they will also need oiling and upkeep to perform reasonably. I could be wrong but at some point I'm sure Nuobell will need the same. With my personal experience and preference, I'd take an extra minute to slide the selector pin over covering my DB's with WD40 again. If that pin breaks, I can buy a 15 dollar replacement and be good to go. I think there is a reason why the 560's got discontinued though and why there's quite a few reddit threads and KZbin videos on how to fix the stuck handles. It wasn't a one off incident.

[@rasmuspedersen3563]

I agree! Get ironman dumbells! Maybe not the fastest to switch compared to others but the quality is incredible!

[@DonKoenig2]

Thanks Gluck. This video is about a year too late to save me from making the mistake of buying these, but it does make me feel better that you are confirming my disappointment in this product and the company. My first handle failed probably within 6 months of use doing dumbbell only workouts with NO dropping. Nuobell did replace it under warranty, but were sure to tell me that it was my fault for dropping them and that they were replacing as a one-time courteously... so basically i am screwed when the 2nd one fails... I strongly believe that these will fail under normal usage from exercises like goblet squats, kettlebell swings, or hip thrusts because of the direction of the force of gravity on the weight plates relative to the handle... and how the weights may be set down from an awkward position that the exercise may have you in. Last point... the price point on a replacement handle is outrageous... just to get another defective handle that will fail. I might be more likely to agree if they sold an upgraded handle that doesn't have the same flaws... Oh well, these will be replaced by the Reppin soon enough.

[@rickwatts8373]

As much as I wanted these, I held off on my purchase based on reviews like yours. Your review is spot on, they wont last, there is now way these are worth the money they charge with low quality internals. Yes it would be more expensive to use quality parts but in the long run worth the extra dollars and piece of mind that your product will last. Not sure why they don't do an upgrade, with so much new competition in adjustable dumbbells. If they did it would probably be one of the best.

[@artmac9181]

Great review! I’ve been pretty lucky with my Nuobells. I’ve had them for about 4 years now. It’s been solid but I have been gentle with it. Never been dropped. I use the full range of the weight, 5-80 lbs. I admit Nuobells do not feel solid that’s why I never drop mine.

[@Jorgefuente904]

Great video bro 💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾

[@HughLeFitness]

Thanks for going full nerd mode on these. I'm not a fan of easily breakable dumbbells too but I think it's still the best choice for 'most' lifters who are careful with their dumbbells and don't drop them.

[@McNultyMoreland]

Great work, Gluck. Keep it up sir!

[@Bro-siah]

Nuobells, the only home gym product as fragile as my ego.

[@brianhopkins5251]

LOL

[@GlucksGym]

I wish I used that joke in this video 😂

[@Donramapas]

They're not even that muxh better than the Ali baba knock off ones😅

[@InternetChatter]

They are a nice set piece for instagram personalities, not so good for people who really work out. My biggest regret purchase in 45 years of buying fitness equipment.

[@AgentOfLogos]

I've had my nuobells for over a couple years and they still work great

[@2DRINKSMINIMUM]

It is for this exact reason I went with another option when shopping for adjustable dumbells. I was so glad to have stumbled upon the video he mentioned of that guy who took it apart. The Nuobells are an expensive product, so it blows my mind that they make them so poorly.

[@pierce-the-veil8305]

@Gluck, I’m most impressed that you were able to remember all of that. A+! But seriously, great job! I wanted one of these for the longest time then realized weights are (should be) simple and meant to be dropped (meaning durable). Another example of our trajectory-form over function. I remember when a family friend rebuilt the engine of his 1979 chevy impala. He could literally go inside the engine bay. Try doing that with modern cars.

[@davidchapman5853]

Hey Gluck. First off, I really appreciate the time, effort and costs that you have put in to create this video. I think its one of your best to date. That being said, I have a number of other adjustable dumbbells including Powerblocks and Bowflex and my Nuobells from a performance and flexibility perspective can't be beat. I have had them for about 2 years and I'm super careful with them but its great to know all of the potential risks. Side note: I recently purchased a stand alone portable (ish) belt squat from a company called Gearforfit in Toronto. It's unique and I haven't seen anything similar and I love it. I would be interested in seeing you doing a review of it. Cheers

[@McNultyMoreland]

But like he showed, a small drop off a bench can render them useless. Not a good trait to have in an adjustable dumbbell that has been toted by many as the best.

[@BaldurNorddahl]

@@McNultyMoreland it is more like a drop can be a $149 expense for a replacement handle. Some of us do not drop the weights and if an accident were to happen, we will not be broke by replacing the handle.

[@KevinKaneCanada]

I think that your cautionary reviews, including this one, should encourage even *more* equipment manufacturers to send you equipment. Because if they send equipment to you, it means that they're confident of their quality. You are the most thorough and trusted reviewer. It's not that Coop is untrustworthy but he's more of a tire kicker compared to your full-blown "looking under the hood" investigative skills.

[@Clay-i7y]

Great video, thank you. I'm happy with my new powerblocks.

[@cepterone]

I started watching this looking for a reason to disagree and not like you. i recently bought some of the nuobell 580s... So far, they've been great. I'm impressed. You came at the problem from an engineering standpoint- and what you say is hard to argue with. Now I just gotta make sure my son never touches them. Wish me luck. and i subscribed.

[@thisguyrighthere4634]

I just like that its not a cage design handle like the peppin, Reps first draw and the power block.

[@coreyandj]

I have these and agree completely. Mine were broke from shipping and the they broke again on a 4” drop. I think if you use them up to 40lbs they are probably ok. Anything over that and the break pretty easily. Since the break so easily and they don’t want to redesign them they should work on reducing the replacement handles costs under $100

[@TheFirearmada]

Great video, love the breakdown of why and how they will fail. Never understood plastic in places that WILL have friction and force applied from time to time.

[@stephencanter8947]

This is why I decided to go with the time tested Ironmaster quick lock adjustable dumbbells.

[@JT-mf6ey]

Excellent. Really like these videos

[@richardmather1906]

The great thing about this video is that you took them apart and filmed what they look like. People can disagree with your conclusions. But they can't deny the reality you are showing. (Well, some people will believe whatever they want to believe, but there is no helping that.)

[@GSMatch]

Likewise, I am in the market for adjustable dumbbells and own a set of power blocks and a set of iron masters and was excited about the Nuobells as they seem so convenient, but thank you so much for this review because it’s totally turned me off to them and help me realize it’s much better to sacrifice some inconvenience for safety and robustness with my existing sets.

[@tonya7699]

The REP x PEPIN seem like the clear winner now. Maybe QuickDraws if you want something under 60lbs. And iron master if you have a lot of time on your hands. Good warranties. And I remember you dropping the QuickDraws off your roof lol.

[@shift3389]

You’re the only channel on KZbin that has the guts to post honest reviews like this. Thank you from all of us.

[@michaelcharbit953]

Super interesting! Thanks for the deep review into this product.

[@thesummoning14]

I have had nuobells for a little over a year. So far I have gone through two new cradles and a new handle and I have babied them. No idea how the cradles and handle broke but nuobell was nice enough to send replacements for free since it’s under warranty but I am definitely getting rid of them before my warranty is up and getting the rep pepins.

[@LifetimeLearner4Ever]

I purchased the Elite USA (Made in USA) Powerblocks back in Dec 2023 and even then looked at Nuobells and others similar and went with the Powerblocks due to rock solid reliability record of 20+ years. I have zero regrets and planning on buying the Stage II to move them to a 90lb dumbell set.

[@graham1034]

Digging around online, the only complaints I could find are about them breaking when dropped. I haven't found anyone that has had them break from normal use. There are plenty of people speculating on how they MIGHT not be durable, but they don't seem to actually be breaking on people, outside of drops. I get how all the complex fiddly plastic parts are concerning but considering the huge volume of these sold it is surprising that there are so few complaints.

[@rocksmo3384]

Luckily the new REP X Pepin dumbbells will make them obsolete anyways.

[@BoiseTriathlete]

You mean the Reppin dumbbells 😂

[@plmn93]

Not quite. With their adder plates and cages they have the same downsides as Powerblocks, to some extent. With the additional downside, like Nuobells, of requiring a cradle. Probably the best for most people, but still room for improvement.

[@juanp1089]

@@plmn93thanks for the input, I’m reconsidering, whether I want to purchase the RePiN and that’s a good thing.

[@tonya7699]

True. They are the best right now.

[@iannelli2448]

​@plmn93 nah, they feel WAY better than PowerBlocks. Yes, there's room for improvement, but Pepins are currently the best adjustable dumbbells in existence. No other dumbbell on the market compares when you factor in all 4 of the main criteria... the weight (up to 120), durability (metal), speed of adjusting (Ironmasters are way, way slower) and ergonomics (again, PowerBlocks are worse).

[@RobertOprisko]

I know Ironmaster DBs aren’t the fastest, but I’m thankful I have them when watching videos like this.

[@B-rad80]

Good video, very informative!

[@vicenteochoa6498]

This is why I got powerblocks. My father in law has had the same pair for like 10 years. And I borrowed them a lot it’s just a tried and true design. So I got my own. I’d rather simplicity and reliability.

[@enrikoalfaro6724]

I have had mine for 4 years and no issues! :)

[@WeiderMystic]

how many layers of dust are on them? xD

[@enrikoalfaro6724]

@@WeiderMystic LOL i use them 5 times a week xD

[@draxxx_exe]

I love my nuobells, not everybody throws their dumbbells around. If you’re using a proper weight with good form there’s no reason to be throwing your shit on the ground.

[@hollubaloo]

@PaulW-ks2ng How does not eating flesh reduce a person's ability to control weight? I was in 100% agreeance with you until you became negative.

[@enrikoalfaro6724]

⁠@@draxxx_exeagreed. No reason to throw them at all. I’ve never had the need to.

[@earlteigrob9211]

I can pick up a replacement handle for not crazy money in a day to two. I believe that should solve most of the issues you have with them. Yes, I will be getting the RepPepins in the future, but these work fine for now...

[@EJH-jn6mo]

I’ve been telling people this for months now since mine broke and dopes out there say they haven’t had any issues, what they fail to understand is it’s just a matter of time before they have issues.

[@BloopsnBleeps]

Yup. Dopes that don't drop shit and take care of things. Suckers...

[@lumbruhjack8888]

I always recommend good ole powerblocks. Easy and fast to switch weights and built like a tank.

[@coreytaggart128]

Fun tool for keeping track of round things or small screws, cut down a paper cup, or take some twine and tie it so you have a circle-ish shape. Both of those will keep things from rolling away, and are cheap.

[@Two_Names]

Interesting teardown. I ended up picking Snodes because of videos like this one and combination of more stated durability with the parts availability to repair the dumbbells with should something happen to them. I'm not unhappy with my purchase, though I do find myself wishing I'd been a little more patient and went with Ironmasters and I usually recommend those between the different adjustable dumbbell options.

[@bovver6092]

I just ordered a pair of new Nuobell grips because one of the grips seized to work. I just don’t know how to remove the plates from the grip. 😅

[@paulweissenstein1256]

End of the day if you can find the space having a complete set of dumbbells is the best option I love my rep rubber coated set and never worry about rust or damage from dropping.

[@tomwozne]

Bought these couple years ago, theyre pretty fragile. Im consistently aware of whether or not im dropping them from any height greater than 3 inches. I say 3 inches because thats the distance. Ive dropped then and they locked up and popped out. I was fortunately able to out them back together but ill have you know in talking to customer service they immediately told me the warranty is not valid as "they could tell i dropped it"

[@AntoLeNice]

Cool video, great explanation !! It's what people were worried about from the start with these dumbbells. At least they sells replacement handles, but I wonder if someone could produce (or already does) bootleg handles that are better than the Nuobells. Obviously, unless they have a factory, they'd probably be more expensive to produce, but if they never break, it could be worth the price.

[@BluegillGreg]

My cast iron dumbbell plates are 77 years old and my hard-chromed spinlock handles are 18 years old. No breakage so far.

[@toddmckay5013]

I used average joe for new/upgraded Bowflex dumbbell handles. Highly recommend.