The best adjustable dumbbells solve two issues for athletes — limited space and limited budgets. FLYBIRD Adjustable Dumbbells can tackle both, with an emphasis on the latter. While experienced muscle pumpers may see the relatively low max weight and keep on walking, being able to eliminate up to 10 pairs of dumbbells from your space may be enough to justify digging — not very deeply — into your wallet.
With any budget-friendly piece of home gym equipment, the key is to find the tradeoffs. In this case, swapping a mostly plastic build like FLYBIRD’s for the cast iron or steel construction of higher-priced models might impact its longevity. Also, this model’s limited weight range may disqualify it for experienced athletes — but for many, it could be more than enough. Overall, we think plenty of people lacking the budget for a tricked-out home gym could find value with either of their two available sets. For a deeper dive, check out our full FLYBIRD Adjustable Dumbbells Review. And for more details on how we test products, head over to BarBend’s equipment testing methodology page.
These budget-friendly adjustable dumbbells use five-pound weight increments to replace five pairs of dumbbells. The rotating dial allows quick adjustment between 5 and 25 pounds.
Main Takeaways
- Per our tester, the quick and easy rotating dial adjustment mechanism won’t slow you down during your workout.
- While not as sturdy as cast iron or steel options, our tester says the plastic build feels more durable than might be expected (although that may make them less palatable to consumers trying to avoid as much plastic as possible).
- Compared to traditional knurling for grip, our team feels the small ridges on the handle leave a lot to be desired.
FLYBIRD Adjustable Dumbbells Specs
| Available Weight | 5 to 25lbs in 5-lb increments; 15 to 55lbs in 10-lb increments |
| Shape | Hexagonal |
| Plate Material | Carbon Steel-Coated Nylon |
| Replaces | Up to 10 pairs of dumbbells |
| Price Per Pair | Starting at $209.88 |
Since the point of any set of adjustable dumbbells is to replace multiple pairs of the best dumbbells — regular style — it’s important that you can take on the same movements you would with traditional options. BarBend editorial member Randall Colburn did just that, pumping out biceps curls, triceps kickbacks, overhead presses, and more with the previous, rounded model of this budget-friendly pair. With two major upgrades, we’re chomping at the bit to try out the newer model.
FLYBIRD now offers two options for weight range: 5 to 25 pounds in 5-pound increments or 15- to 55-pounds in 10-pound increments. Also, the formerly rounded weight plates now sport a hexagonal shape, making movements that require you to rest your dumbbell on a flat surface.
Compared to most of the adjustable dumbbells we’ve gripped and ripped over the years, the $209.88 (or $348.88 for the 15- to 55-pound set) price tag sinks lower than your goblet squat, but Colburn notes a few key factors that mostly track with high-end players in the space. “The weight adjustment mechanism is incredibly convenient and easy to use,” he says. “The tray, too, is easy to transport, thanks to hand cut-outs at the bottom.”
After using the old model and scrutinizing the design of the new one, he also highlights the shape as his main coulda, woulda, shoulda. “The hexagonal shape of the new model would probably nudge me to give it a 4 out of 5,” Colburn notes, referring to his overall rating of 3.5 out of 5 for the original model.
If a lack of training space has been limiting your workouts, BarBend expert reviewer Amanda Capritto endorses adding a set of versatile dumbbell weights like FLYBIRDs. “Adjustable dumbbells are the solution for people who want to work out at home with dumbbells, but don’t have the space to dedicate a portion of their floor to a dumbbell rack,” she says. The 5-pound increments available on this pair can be quickly adjusted with the rotating dial, but its 25-pound (or even the 55-pound) max may be a non-starter for experienced lifters.
Traditionalists might also scoff at so much plastic in the build. “The plastic handle is fine, but I don’t love the feel or the grip,” Colburn adds. Instead of the familiar feel reminiscent of the best barbells, traditional knurling is replaced by small grip ridges. All in all, considering the alternative — crowding your home gym and budget with multiple pairs — we think bringing home the FLYBIRD Adjustable Dumbbells could be worth it for some athletes. Check out what else Colburn and his fellow tester, a certified personal trainer, had to say about their time with these affordable adjustable dumbbells.
Who Should Use / Who Shouldn’t Use FLYBIRD Adjustable Dumbbells
FLYBIRD Adjustable Dumbbells can definitely fill a need for a lot of athletes, but they may not be the best fit for everyone. Take a look at who we think can most benefit from these affordable adjustable dumbbells.
Recommended for:
- People building out their home gym on a budget
- Beginners not planning on lifting heavy weights anytime soon
- Those looking to use their training space efficiently
Not Recommended for:
- Experienced lifters seeking very heavy weights
- Anyone who prefers knurled handles
- Someone who needs an expandable weight system
Our Experience Training With FLYBIRD Adjustable Dumbbells
The BarBend team is stacked with competitive weightlifters, weightlifting coaches, and certified personal trainers who know how to build muscle. Two of our testers, one a certified personal trainer themself, put the previous model of FLYBIRD Adjustable Dumbbells to the test performing a wide variety of movements in our gym. For all 15 different pairs of adjustable dumbbells we’ve personally tested, we assign ratings of 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest) across multiple categories, including durability, ease of adjustment, optionality, and more. Join us as we dive into the nitty gritty of our experience training with FLYBIRD Adjustable Dumbbells.
Durability
Which do you think is more durable — metal or plastic? Great job! (You said metal, right?) Obviously, the plastic build of these budget-conscious adjustable dumbbells can’t match the durability of a hunk of iron or steel. However, that doesn’t mean they’re in danger of disintegrating in the middle of a biceps curl. “They won’t necessarily break, but I definitely wouldn’t drop this weight,” one member of our team, a certified personal trainer, says.
Like many traditional dumbbells, pricier adjustable options are typically built with cast iron and steel that would be tough for any human to damage on their own. While most of the FLYBIRD Adjustable Dumbbells consist of plastic, BarBend editorial member Randall Colburn feels better about the plates. “The adjustable weight plates themselves are made of steel and seem durable,” he says.
Despite that durable inclusion, our other tester isn’t convinced of their long-term prospects. “I have to question the durability just because there’s a lot of plastic on this weight,” they say, rating the durability a 2.5 out of 5. However, as long as you set reasonable expectations, a pair of these dumbbells could be a solid option for some athletes. “This weight won’t last decades, but if you want a simple weight for occasional at-home workouts, it would do the trick,” they say.
Adjustment Mechanism
Each dumbbell in your pair of FLYBIRDs can replace five individual weights, which of course saves space in your home or garage gym. But Colburn points out, the adjustment mechanism might also save some of the time you’d spend rummaging through your dumbbell rack. “To switch up the weight, just twist the handle to your desired weight,” he says. “It’s super easy and convenient (so long as the weights aren’t loaded into the tray upside-down).”
“These are so simple to change up,” says another tester who rates the mechanism’s ease of use 4 out of 5. “You can hear the weight click into place. I do think the tray felt a little flimsy, though, as it’s just plastic.”
You’ll have two choices when it comes to weight range — 5 to 25 pounds in 5-pound increments or 15- to 55-pounds in 10-pound increments. Regardless of which option you go with, adjusting the weights works the same. Place the dumbbell on the tray and turn the rotating dial to lock in the appropriate number of plates. Easy, peasy. If you’re thinking that a 25- or 55-pound max might be a bit light — especially as you modify your workouts to get stronger — know that we had the same thought. Our team rates their optionality 2.5 out of 5.
We’d love to see a wider range or smaller increments, but for anyone starting out a new strength training program or aiming for high reps with lighter weights, quickly toggling through these 5-pound increments will likely get the job done. Heavy lifters may want to check out options that reach up to 80 or 100 pounds, like the Ironmaster Quick-Lock or PowerBlock Pro 100 EXP.
Handles
The handles on the FLYBIRD Adjustable Dumbbells match the standard 1-inch diameter seen across the industry, so the size should feel familiar to anyone who has gripped a standard dumbbell. What feels a bit funky for Colburn is the plastic-covered, nylon build.
“The handle is made of plastic with a few ridges to help with grip,” he says, rating these dumbbell handles 3 out of 5. “I prefer a bit of knurling with my dumbbells, but these just have little plastic ridges.”
Wobble, Baby, Wobble
Any adjustable dumbbell will have the slightest bit of space between the weights and the handle or within the adjustment mechanism — this is what makes them adjustable. Colburn and our other tester both acknowledge this reality, but as with a lot of the best budget home gym equipment, a key question is often, “How much does this bother me?”
“Once you’ve selected your weight, they lift easily out of the tray and feel secure during movements,” Colburn says. “As is often the case with adjustable dumbbells, you’ll feel a little wobble if you shake them, but not in a distracting way.”
What to Consider Before Buying FLYBIRD Adjustable Dumbbells
As BarBend expert reviewer Amanda Capritto points out, “Shape, weight range and increment, adjustment mechanism, and construction materials are the major factors to consider when shopping for adjustable dumbbells.” Check out a few key characteristics to keep in mind when you’re sizing up the FLYBIRD Adjustable Dumbbells.
- Weight Range: Like many adjustable dumbbells, one FLYBIRD option reaches 55 pounds, but as Capritto notes, there are many that smash that range and the 25-pound range of the less expensive version. “You can find some that go up to 80, 90, or 100 pounds with various minimum weights,” she says. “It’s ideal to choose a pair that has a maximum weight that’s more than you can currently lift, so you can progressively overload with them.”
- Durability: Sure, compared to pricier options built from cast iron or steel, a pair of FLYBIRD Adjustable Dumbbells may feel a bit flimsy. But with proper care, Capritto thinks plastic builds can last, too. “As long as you don’t drop them or throw them around (please don’t), you shouldn’t run into any real problems with durability,” she says.
- Adjustment Mechanism: A clunky adjustment mechanism can quickly become a headache, especially during a speedy 10- or 15-minute workout, so consider whether the quick-locking rotating dial on the FLYBIRDs can provide the smooth transitions you need.
- Weight Increments: One set of FLYBIRD Adjustable Dumbbells can be adjusted in 5-pound increments, while the other uses 10-pound plates. But as Capritto says, there are more specific weight options out there. “Consider whether the dumbbells adjust in 2.5-pound-, 5-pound, 7.5-pound, or 10-pound increments,” she notes. “This will greatly impact what you’re able to do with the set.”
FLYBIRD Adjustable Dumbbells Vs. Competitors
We lined up the FLYBIRD Adjustable Dumbbells against three of our other top picks to show you what else is out there. You’ll see a few key differences in available weights, shapes, material, and of course, price. Check out how FLYBIRD’s budget-conscious adjustable dumbbells stand up to these high-quality competitors, including one of our team’s favorites, the NÜOBELL Adjustable Dumbbells.
| FLYBIRD Adjustable Dumbbells | Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells | NÜOBELL Adjustable Dumbbells | REP QuickDraw Adjustable Dumbbells | |
| Available Weight | 5 to 25lbs in 5-lb increments; 15 to 55lbs in 10-lb increments | 10 to 52.5lbs in 2.5-lb increments | 5 to 80lbs in 5-lb increments | 5 to 30lbs, 5 to 40lbs, 5 to 50lbs, 5 to 60lbs in 2.5- or 5-lb increments |
| Shape | Hexagonal | Round | Round | Round |
| Plate Material | Carbon Steel-Coated Nylon | Plastic and steel | Steel | Cast iron and steel |
| Replaces | Up to 10 pairs of dumbbells | 15 pairs of dumbbells | 16 pairs of dumbbells | Up to 18 pairs of dumbbells |
| Price Per Pair | Starting at $209.88 | $425 | $745 | Starting at $279.99 |
Ordering and Assembling FLYBIRD Adjustable Dumbbells
Ordering the FLYBIRD Adjustable Dumbbells is simple enough (add to cart, then checkout) but assembling is even simpler — there is none. At checkout, you can also apply for financing through Klarna to help spread out the purchase over time.
Places to Buy FLYBIRD Adjustable Dumbbells
The previous model of FLYBIRD Adjustable Dumbbells was available on Amazon, but it seems like the easiest place to find the updated option is on flybirdfitness.com.
Brand Reputation and Customer Reviews
Founded in 2016, FLYBIRD aims to provide quality fitness equipment at affordable prices. Perusing their website will uncover some of the best weight benches, barbells, and of course, adjustable dumbbells for people working with limited budgets. Despite our skepticism of the mainly plastic build, customer reviews on their website highlight the quality and durability of these adjustable dumbbells.
Warranties
FLYBIRD Adjustable Dumbbells come with a 1-year warranty. We’ve seen warranties up to 5 years on other adjustable dumbbells, so the single year of coverage is underwhelming.
Final Thoughts on FLYBIRD Adjustable Dumbbells
Whether you’re stocking a home gym with the best compact exercise equipment or are sick of your dumbbell collection infringing on your floor space, FLYBIRD Adjustable Dumbbells might be the answer. Depending on which of the two available weight ranges you choose (or both?) you could replace up to 10 individual pairs, but the max on either might not be enough for experienced strength athletes. It’d be nice if we could both save money and get a wide weight range, but even with a mostly plastic build, we think this pair could be a good fit for some people.
Anyone new to strength training or just learning about progressive overload will likely find plenty of value here. Like our team did when we tried them out, you can still perform classic dumbbell exercises, plus the hexagonal shape of FLYBIRD’s newest model makes it easier to tackle movements that require resting it on a flat surface. If your major barriers to lifting weights are cash and space, the FLYBIRD Adjustable Dumbbells could be the solution you’ve been seeking.
FLYBIRD Adjustable Dumbbells Review FAQs
Do adjustable dumbbells actually work?
Yes. Although there may be some slight wobbling, our testers point out that this common concern is likely overblown — at least in the case of these space-saving FLYBIRD Adjustable Dumbbells.
What is the disadvantage of adjustable dumbbells?
Rounded adjustable dumbbells could limit some movements that require placing a dumbbell on a flat surface, like dumbbell push-ups. There is also likely going to be minor wobbling of the different weight plates during use, but in our experience, that hasn’t been a major issue.
How heavy should adjustable dumbbells be?
The maximum weight you look for in an adjustable dumbbell set should be informed by your goals. If you’re trying to build muscle and get stronger, opt for a weight set that will allow you to follow the principle of progressive overload. If you anticipate hitting the maximum 25- or 55-pound weight of the FLYBIRD Adjustable Dumbbells rather quickly, look for a pair that reaches up to 80 or 100 pounds.
