If you’re in the market for high-quality, durable adjustable dumbbells, you’ve likely come across the Snode and Rep x Pepin options. Both are excellent choices, offering long-term durability. In this article, we’ll compare the Snode vs Rep x Pepin dumbbells to help you choose the best option for your needs based on the following criteria:
- Material Quality & Durability
- Weight Capacity
- Size
- Price
- Warranty & Drop Resistance
Material Quality, Durability, and Drop Resistance
Both dumbbells feature significantly more metal construction than most adjustable dumbbells on the market. With full metal dumbbells and cast iron cradles, they address the biggest issue with adjustable dumbbells—fragility.
This is especially important for the cradle, which will endure thousands of racking and unracking repetitions. I’ve personally broken the plastic cradles on both my Trulap and Nuobell dumbbells, so the improved durability of the Snode and Rep x Pepin models is a major step up.
Rep x Pepin edges out Snode in this category due to its full metal construction, which also includes a light plastic coating to reduce long-term wear on the dumbbells.
Both brands emphasize their drop resistance, and both outperform other adjustable dumbbells in this regard. However, Rep Fitness’ drop testing demonstrated that the Rep x Pepin model has a clear advantage over Snode.
🏆 Winner: Rep x Pepin
Weight Capacity
Both options offer impressive weight capacities, but they cater to slightly different needs:
- Snode: Ranges from 10 to 80 lbs in 10-lb increments. Optional micro-weight magnets allow for 2.5- or 5-lb jumps, though their shape can be awkward when resting the dumbbells on your thighs before kicking them up for movements like bench and overhead presses.
- Rep x Pepin: Available in sets with maximum capacities of 85 lbs, 105 lbs, or 125 lbs. Weight increases by 10 lbs, but included microplates allow for 5-lb increments.
🏆 Winner: Rep x Pepin which offers a higher max capacity (up to 125 lbs) and more practical micro-adjustment plates.
Overall Size
Dumbbell size is often overlooked but is crucial when analyzing adjustable dumbbells. As the selected weight increases, so does the dumbbell length. If the dumbbell gets too long, it can limit the range of motion for certain exercises.
The image below highlights Rep x Pepin’s significant advantage in this category. At 90 lbs, it is inches shorter than the Snode at the same weight. Even when fully loaded at 125 lbs, the Rep x Pepin remains similar in length to the Snode (and that’s without factoring in the magnet weights).
🏆 Winner: Rep x Pepin
Price
- Snode: $795 or $854.90 with four 1.25-lb magnet weights
- Rep x Pepin: $999 for the 85-lb set, $1,199 for the 105-lb set, and $1,399 for the 125-lb set
🏆 Winner: Snode
The Snode is the more budget-friendly option, especially for those who don’t need extremely heavy dumbbells.
Warranty
- Snode: Two-year warranty, including drop protection up to 32 inches.
- Rep x Pepin: Lifetime warranty.
🏆 Winner: Rep x Pepin
However, it’s worth noting that Snode’s warranty is more impressive than most competitors on the market.
Final Verdict
Of the six adjustable dumbbells I own, the Snode ranks as my second favorite. Its durability is far superior to most adjustable dumbbells available—but it still falls short compared to the Rep x Pepin.
The Rep x Pepin adjustable dumbbells win in almost every category:
✔️ Higher weight capacity
✔️ More compact size
✔️ Superior drop resistance
✔️ Unmatched lifetime warranty
If price isn’t a major concern, Rep x Pepin is the clear winner , but most home gym owners would be thrilled with the performance of both options.
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