Rep x Pepin Adjustable Dumbbell Review
If you’re looking for an adjustable dumbbell that combines a wide weight range with exceptional durability, the Rep x Pepin Adjustable Dumbbell deserves your attention. In this review, we’ll dive into its standout features, potential drawbacks, and how it stacks up against competitors like Snode, Trulap, and Nuobell.
Why the Rep x Pepin Adjustable Dumbbell Stands Out
This product is the result of a collaboration between Rep Fitness and Pepin. Pepin’s original adjustable dumbbells are often regarded as the gold standard in adjustable dumbbells, but come with a massive price tag of C$2,637.00. The partnership with Rep Fitness aimed to maintain the Pepin dumbbells’ premium quality while reducing the price for home gym owners.
Superior Adjustable Dumbbell Build Quality
One of the most impressive aspects of the Rep x Pepin dumbbells is their all-metal construction. Both the dumbbell and its cradle are crafted from high-quality metal, with a protective plastic coating for added durability.
So many other adjustable dumbbells use plastic components, especially in the cradle. Over the course of a DBs lifetime, you can expect to rack and unrack your DBs thousands of times. You don’t want to have to worry about a plastic cradle not holding up long term. I’ve broken the plastic cradles of both my Trulap and Nuobell dumbbells.
With the Rep x Pepin, you can confidently rack and re-rack your dumbbells thousands of times without worrying about structural integrity. This durability is further backed by drop tests performed by Rep Fitness’s website, where these dumbbells outperform many of their competitors.
The cradle does take some assembly to get perfect. The book ends that hold the plates in place allows for micro-adjustments. This may take a bit of adjusting to get the perfect fit, but once dialed in, racking and unracking is a smooth process with these dumbbells.
Compact Design
Adjustable dumbbells often struggle with length as the weight increases, limiting range of motion for certain exercises. However, the Rep x Pepin design manages to stay relatively compact.
With a weight capacity significantly higher than our three comparison dumbbells, the Rep x Pepin manages to be only slightly longer. When we measure its’ length at submax weights to match the competitors, you’ll see the Rep is shorter than others.
While this may seems like a minor detail, it is a crucial consideration. Longer dumbbells tend to limit the range of motion of some exercises. With its’ superior design, Rep x Pepin has a significant advantage over the comparison dumbbells.
Adjustable Weight Range
Available in 85, 105, and 125-pound sets, the Rep x Pepin dumbbells feature a spring-loaded magnetic pin for weight adjustments. This mechanism, paired with a dovetail connection between plates, allows for smooth and secure changes. While adjusting weights on both sides takes slightly longer than some competitors, the trade-off is well worth it for the superior build quality.
Increments start at 10 pounds, with two 2.5-pound microplates per DB for smaller weight adjustments. A minor downside is the lack of storage for these microplates when not in use.
Exceptional Performance
The cage design, housing arms on either side of the handle, does not interfere with exercise execution. Whether you’re performing heavy goblet squats, overhead tricep extensions, or chest presses, the dumbbells remain comfortable and functional.
The cage and compact design does impact balance, especially at lighter weights, though it may feel slightly different from traditional dumbbells during rotational movements like bicep curls. This isn’t a negative, just worth noting.
Rep x Pepin Adjustable Dumbbells Price and Value
High quality comes at a cost. The Rep x Pepin Adjustable Dumbbells are priced at:
- $1,000 for the 85-pound set
- $1,200 for the 105-pound set
- $1,400 for the 125-pound set
Compared to competitors like the Snode ($750), Trulap ($730 for 92 pounds), and Nuobell ($745), these are more expensive. However, Rep Fitness offers free shipping, and the lifetime warranty ensures long-term value. If durability and performance are your priorities, this investment is well justified.
Final Thoughts
The Rep x Pepin Adjustable Dumbbell is a premium product that delivers unmatched quality, durability, and performance. While the higher price may deter some, the robust build and thoughtful design make these dumbbells a standout choice for home gym enthusiasts. The Rep x Pepin Adjustable dumbbell just elevated the game with their design.
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