Buying dumbbells and weight plates: a no-nonsense guide

Free weights get used more than any machine in the building. Buying them well means choosing a durable finish, the right weight steps and enough total weight for your busiest hour.

Rubber hex dumbbells

Hex dumbbells have flat sides, so they do not roll away and they work as push-up handles. A rubber coating protects floors and racks and keeps noise down. Our rubber hex dumbbells come in individual weights, so you can fill gaps in a set instead of buying everything twice.

Which weights to buy first

• Home gym: a few pairs that cover your main lifts, then add heavier pairs as you progress.
• Studio or small gym: a continuous run in 5 lb steps for the light and middle range.
• Commercial gym: a full run in 5 lb steps, with duplicates of the most used pairs.

Weight plates

Rubber plates such as our 45 lb rubber weight plate are quieter and kinder to floors than bare iron. Grip cut-outs make them easier and safer to load. For each barbell station, plan enough plates for your strongest members — and remember that machines like the Smith machine and leg press load the same plates.

Storage is part of the budget

Racks and plate trees keep weights off the floor, protect your flooring and make the room look organized. Place them close to where the weights are used so members re-rack them.

Need help sizing a full free-weight area? Talk to our team and we will put together a list and a single freight quote.