Cap Barbell 40-Pound Dumbbell Set Review. This 40 lb dumbbell set is convenient and great for both beginners and the advanced fitness enthusiast. The different plate weights come in a plastic case and dumbbells can be adjusted according to weight preference....
"Decent weight set" 2009-02-06
By Mark
These are decent weights - carry case arrived damaged, it was replaced for us - the weights themselves are solid and easy to handle.
Caveat: a 40 pound set is not much weight - I figured it would be plenty for me as I'm just getting into this, but actually my wife's outgrown them as well.
Thing is, the bar weighs 5 pounds, you get 15 pounds of assorted weight for each of the two bars, total 40 pounds, this allows you to set up from 5 to 20 pound dual dumbbells or a single up to 35 pounds - not quite enough to get there from here.
Plan on adding a few more 5 pounder or 10 pounders to it, is all - they are available separately so no big deal. I've set these bars up with 65 pounds of weights with no problem using 10 pounders.
The bars are good quality and have rubber washers to lock the weights in place.
For some exercises the 14 inch bars get in the way compared to simple hex dumbbells, and it does take a while to change weights between moves, but it's tolerable, especially compared to blowing $500 on adjustable weights with plastic adjustment tabs, no less.
For the price, keep a couple sets around - you get more versatility in weight, and you get the ability to set up 2 sets for yourself at a time - allowing quicker workouts at the weight of your choosing without investing in a zillion separate dumbbells.
Would definitely do again.
"Great deal, good quality" 2009-11-27
By hugh
These dumbbells are perfect for me. I had been considering one of the $400 adjustable sets but decided on these instead, and I'm glad I did. Nothing fancy, but the quality is easily good enough for my purposes. Great price, and they're Prime eligible, which makes me think that Amazon can't be making too much profit on them after they ship a 50 lb. package for free.
edit on 12/8/09: In fact, I like them so much I ordered another set now that Amazon has them back in their warehouse.
"Excellent deal" 2009-12-15
By Dion (Merrillville, IN USA)
For the price, this set simply could not be beat and surpasses any of my expectations. Everything arrived in great condition. I seem to have been lucky, as my set does not have any particular smell to it whatsoever. The only minor thing I've noticed is that the rubber washers on the bars themselves are not glued on or anything so they slide a bit loose, however it's not a problem once you secure the weights on. Everything secures very well and really I have nothing but praise for it. The case is the only thing I have issues with, being that the tabs which lock the case are difficult and there's padding inside the case to protect the weights, however they are in skewed positions and left some glue on the weight. I got mine on sale and do not regret it.
"No Broken Case, No Gas Smell, Best $40 I Ever Spent" 2010-04-30
By Ben Jiang
Shipping: ***** This product arrived 1 day before the delivery date - That's always a nice surprise. My case also came without a cardboard box. Only zip ties around the case. That was nice because that way it doesn't come damaged. Case and latches are perfect.
Quality: **** This set is pure iron: Black painted cast iron plates. Standard iron/chrome plated diamond textured handle grips. And chrome plated screw caps.
Some people have complaint about the rubber washers in between the cap screws and the plates falling out, which is true since they are not glued to the cap screws or plates. This is not a problem however since the rubber washers are completely unnecessary. I removed them and put them back in the case. The caps tighten just as well without the washers.
Some people also complain that the weights become loose and start to "clang" in the middle of your set. I actually have experienced this too, but maybe only 1/10 times I'm working out, and remember this is WITHOUT the washers that I take out. And if it does become loose, I just tighten them when I'm done. IT'S NOT A BIG DEAL. These are light weights and they're not going to fall off the handle. Sometimes I don't even tighten it - I actually like the sound of the iron clang.
Some people also comment that the weights smell like gasoline. Let me set this straight: The weights have no scent. The case, however, has somewhat of a metal/plastic odor - the same type of smell of all the weight machines when you go to the gym. Believe it or not, the smell might actually subconciously help motivate you to work out harder. But it is not a bad smell, like the guy next to you at work.
Functionality: ***** Unlike some reviewers who don't like taking time unscrew the caps and change the plates in between sets, I actually enjoy it. I rest 1:30-2:00 minutes between sets which gives me more than enough time to change the weights. Some people are so lazy...
Some people also complain that the bars hurt their hand. True, the handles are not rubber, plastic, or foam. They are purly smooth chrome finish etched with diamond patterns. However, they don't hurt my hands because I'm used to the feel. The quality and feel of these weights is standard to that of a gym's weights. Above all, if you're thinking about your hands more than you're biceps or shoulders, you're probably not lifting enough.
Price: ***** Best $40 I've ever spent since I use these everyday and they help keep me in shape. How could you possibly go wrong?
My only complaint is that I don't have carpet in my house (all hardwood) so I have to be very careful when I change the weights and set them on the floor.
"Great deal for a usually overpriced product" 2009-09-22
By Donald Copeland (CA)
The quality was better than expected considering this was the least expensive 40lb set on amazon. Everything was fresh and oiled (no russting) and the case is pretty handy if it doesn't come damaged like some reviewers reported. Very pleased overall
By Mark
These are decent weights - carry case arrived damaged, it was replaced for us - the weights themselves are solid and easy to handle.
Caveat: a 40 pound set is not much weight - I figured it would be plenty for me as I'm just getting into this, but actually my wife's outgrown them as well.
Thing is, the bar weighs 5 pounds, you get 15 pounds of assorted weight for each of the two bars, total 40 pounds, this allows you to set up from 5 to 20 pound dual dumbbells or a single up to 35 pounds - not quite enough to get there from here.
Plan on adding a few more 5 pounder or 10 pounders to it, is all - they are available separately so no big deal. I've set these bars up with 65 pounds of weights with no problem using 10 pounders.
The bars are good quality and have rubber washers to lock the weights in place.
For some exercises the 14 inch bars get in the way compared to simple hex dumbbells, and it does take a while to change weights between moves, but it's tolerable, especially compared to blowing $500 on adjustable weights with plastic adjustment tabs, no less.
For the price, keep a couple sets around - you get more versatility in weight, and you get the ability to set up 2 sets for yourself at a time - allowing quicker workouts at the weight of your choosing without investing in a zillion separate dumbbells.
Would definitely do again.
By hugh
These dumbbells are perfect for me. I had been considering one of the $400 adjustable sets but decided on these instead, and I'm glad I did. Nothing fancy, but the quality is easily good enough for my purposes. Great price, and they're Prime eligible, which makes me think that Amazon can't be making too much profit on them after they ship a 50 lb. package for free.
edit on 12/8/09: In fact, I like them so much I ordered another set now that Amazon has them back in their warehouse.
By Dion (Merrillville, IN USA)
For the price, this set simply could not be beat and surpasses any of my expectations. Everything arrived in great condition. I seem to have been lucky, as my set does not have any particular smell to it whatsoever. The only minor thing I've noticed is that the rubber washers on the bars themselves are not glued on or anything so they slide a bit loose, however it's not a problem once you secure the weights on. Everything secures very well and really I have nothing but praise for it. The case is the only thing I have issues with, being that the tabs which lock the case are difficult and there's padding inside the case to protect the weights, however they are in skewed positions and left some glue on the weight. I got mine on sale and do not regret it.
By Ben Jiang
Shipping: ***** This product arrived 1 day before the delivery date - That's always a nice surprise. My case also came without a cardboard box. Only zip ties around the case. That was nice because that way it doesn't come damaged. Case and latches are perfect.
Quality: **** This set is pure iron: Black painted cast iron plates. Standard iron/chrome plated diamond textured handle grips. And chrome plated screw caps.
Some people have complaint about the rubber washers in between the cap screws and the plates falling out, which is true since they are not glued to the cap screws or plates. This is not a problem however since the rubber washers are completely unnecessary. I removed them and put them back in the case. The caps tighten just as well without the washers.
Some people also complain that the weights become loose and start to "clang" in the middle of your set. I actually have experienced this too, but maybe only 1/10 times I'm working out, and remember this is WITHOUT the washers that I take out. And if it does become loose, I just tighten them when I'm done. IT'S NOT A BIG DEAL. These are light weights and they're not going to fall off the handle. Sometimes I don't even tighten it - I actually like the sound of the iron clang.
Some people also comment that the weights smell like gasoline. Let me set this straight: The weights have no scent. The case, however, has somewhat of a metal/plastic odor - the same type of smell of all the weight machines when you go to the gym. Believe it or not, the smell might actually subconciously help motivate you to work out harder. But it is not a bad smell, like the guy next to you at work.
Functionality: ***** Unlike some reviewers who don't like taking time unscrew the caps and change the plates in between sets, I actually enjoy it. I rest 1:30-2:00 minutes between sets which gives me more than enough time to change the weights. Some people are so lazy...
Some people also complain that the bars hurt their hand. True, the handles are not rubber, plastic, or foam. They are purly smooth chrome finish etched with diamond patterns. However, they don't hurt my hands because I'm used to the feel. The quality and feel of these weights is standard to that of a gym's weights. Above all, if you're thinking about your hands more than you're biceps or shoulders, you're probably not lifting enough.
Price: ***** Best $40 I've ever spent since I use these everyday and they help keep me in shape. How could you possibly go wrong?
My only complaint is that I don't have carpet in my house (all hardwood) so I have to be very careful when I change the weights and set them on the floor.
By Donald Copeland (CA)
The quality was better than expected considering this was the least expensive 40lb set on amazon. Everything was fresh and oiled (no russting) and the case is pretty handy if it doesn't come damaged like some reviewers reported. Very pleased overall
