Features

• Adjustable hand weights come packaged at their maximum weight. The weight plates are built around the handles. If you want to lift the maximum weight, you merely pick up the weights as they are. To reduce the resistance, you adjust the weight selector and lift the handles out of the unused weight plates. The lightest weight of all is the handle itself.
  
  

History

• PowerBlock was the first company to widely market adjustable hand weights. Their design involves a two pronged pin that slides in and out to secure the desired amount of weight. PowerBlock sells adjustable sets in varying weights as well as accessories, such as stands.
  
  

Types

• Several other companies make adjustable hand weights, using slightly different systems. The Bowflex SelectTech uses the turn of a dial to adjust the weight. Reebok, Weider, Sunny, Bayou and Stamina also make adjustable hand weights. They all use similar dialing selection systems, but they are smaller. The maximum weight per dumbbell is 25 pounds on some and 50 pounds on others.
  
  

Function

• Workouts with adjustable hand weights are identical to workouts with ordinary dumbbells. You can do all the same pressing, pulling and raising exercises. However, it is important to make sure that the selector pins and dials are fulling engaged at the desired weight. If selector pins are misaligned, the weight plates could fall off and cause injuries.
  
  

Considerations

• Adjustable hand weights can be expensive. Small sets of light weights can be purchased for less than $100 but more comprehensive sets that mimic an entire rack of dumbbells can cost close to $1000. Adjustable hand weights are more expensive than traditional dumbbells because of their convenience and efficiency. If you are willing to pay the price for these features, adjustable hand weights are convenient and effective.