| Unit | Max. Dimensions | Type | Weight range | Weight increments | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Body Solid Hex Dumbbells Check Discounted Price | L:40" W:20" H:30" | Hex, rubber coated | 5-50 lbs | 5 lbs | Lifetime |
Hex dumbbells are some of the most reliable free weights that you can find at the moment. In fact, most users prefer them to adjustable dumbbells, in case storage space and price is not an issue. That’s because you can quickly select the required set of weights for a certain exercise, and their construction is extremely sturdy, less likely to fail in any way.
Body Solid offers several sets of free weights including barbells, dumbbells, or kettlebells. In this post, we’ll cover one of their hex dumbbell sets, the one that comes with the GDR363-RFWS dumbbells rack, and a free PVC mat.
Technical Details and Specifications
- Rack dimensions: 40L x 20W x 30H inches (101.6L x 50.8W x 76.2H cm)
- Weight range: 5-50 lbs (2.26 kg – 22.6 kg)
- Weight increments: 5 lbs (2.26 kg)
- Accessories: PVC mat
- Warranty: Lifetime
Dumbbells construction and weight increments
This is actually the Body Solid SDRS550 dumbbell set, which includes 10 pairs of dumbbells, with the following weights (per dumbbell): 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50 lbs (2.26, 4.5, 6.8, 9, 11.3, 13.6, 15.8, 18.1, 20.4, 22.6 kg). They’re all hex dumbbells, featuring solid, cast iron weight heads, and steel handles.
The weight heads feature a rubber coating which not only keeps them from rusting, it also offers superior stability for certain exercises, such as pushups for example. In other words, when you do pushups holding these dumbbells, you won’t have to be extra careful or focus on holding them still. They won’t roll over and they won’t slide on your floor, no matter what type of floor it is. The rubber finish also protects your floors from nicks in case you might drop the weights, or in case pressure is to high.
The weight heads feature an extremely secure connection system to the handles. They have steel inserts, they’re pinned, press-fitted and welded, which means the weight heads can’t possible fall from their axles. Also, you can be sure that these weights won’t rattle or make any sounds during use, such as some of the adjustable dumbbells that involve multiple weight plates.
The handles are knurled and arched in the middle, in order to supply a secure grip and maximum comfort. They also have a chrome finish which prevents corrosion even when in contact with perspiration from the hands. The knurling is far from being sharp. Even a non-seasoned user shouldn’t have any problems with it.
Rack construction
First of all, the weight rack supplied with this dumbbell set is the Body Solid GDR363-RFWS.
It’s a 3-tier dumbbell rack, made of steel tubing and featuring precision welded connection points. Evidently, since it has to sustain 550 lbs (250 kg), it’s really sturdy, it doesn’t wobble or move around. Also, it’s coated with anti-corrosive gray paint. It doesn’t have an extremely large footprint, taking only 40″ x 20″ (101 x 50.8 cm), and reaching approx. 30″ (76 cm) high.
The rack requires some assembly. You will have to attach the shelves with the supplied screws. The shelves are positioned at an angle, not horizontally, which make the picking and placing of the dumbbells much easier. All the weights fit and hold perfectly on the rack, hanging to the middle metallic angles. You can be sure they won’t roll over or fall off.
Accessories
The only accessory supplied with this dumbbell / rack set, is a PVC mat. This mat is 48″ (122 cm) long, and 36 (91.4 cm) wide, offering enough space to place the rack and several dumbbells on it, when working out. It’s not an industrial quality mat, but with 0.125″ (3 mm) of thickness it should prevent any damage to the floor due to the weight of the rack plus dumbbells.
One last aspect to mention here regarding this free weights set, is their packaging. Each set of two rubber hex dumbbells is packaged in its own box, and all the boxes are contained in a larger, wooden box, along with the rack parts and the mat. If there aren’t possibilities to unload the whole container and carry it into your home, you can get the dumbbell sets box by box.
The Pros
- Reliable hex dumbbells, with extremely secure connection points between weight heads and handles;
- Weight heads don’t wiggle, rattle or make any sounds during the use of the dumbbells;
- Rubber-coating on weight heads, prevents rust, and offers superior stability for the dumbbells during certain exercises;
- Knurled, arched handles for a secure grip and maximum comfort;
- Extremely easy to select the required weight set for a specific exercise;
- No adjustment involved;
- 10 sets of 2 dumbbells in one, with a weight range between 5-50 lbs, great for users of all levels;
- Small footprint, 3-tier rack which can accommodate all 10 dumbbell sets, included;
- Rack is easy to assemble;
- PVC mat, 48 x 36 inches, 0.125″ (3 mm) also included;
- Lifetime warranty.
The Cons
- The coating on the weight heads has a faint rubber odor which may be a inconvenience for some users.
Final Word
The Body Solid SDRS550 dumbbell set includes 10 sets of dumbbells with a weight range between 5-50 lbs, which makes them perfect for users of all levels. They’re all hex dumbbells, some of the most reliable dumbbells that you can find at the moment. The set also includes the GDR363-RFWS 3-tier rack which accommodates all the dumbbells, giving you the possibility to keep them organized, and a PVC mat as a bonus. The whole package weighs approx. 550 lbs (250 kg), and considering that it costs less than $1,000, you’ll actually be paying less than $2 for pound of iron. Therefore, the price for the whole set is quite acceptable, even though it’s not exactly the most affordable dumbbell set.