Customer Reviews

Stamina Versa-Bell II Dumbbell

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

the lock-on mechanism is a little wobbly, but if your plan is to simply start at one weight and then gradually graduate to a heavier weight month by month, these are great.

But if you intend to make daily changes to the weight (for different exercises, for example), you might find yourself getting slightly annoyed at having to slightly wiggle & jiggle the weights and knobs around to get them to fit onto the bar.

also, the lightwieght plastic tray tends to get wedged to the weights, so don't in a million years imagine yourself "plugging in" the dumbell, flicking a switch, and then picking it up (with less weight or more weight on it) in one smooth quick fashion... You need two hands and at least 10~15 seconds to get anything changed on these.

These were purchased as a gift for my husband. He has been working with them for about 4 weeks now, and continues to comment on how much he likes them. I was concerned about the coments of other reviewers about the indicator being hard to read (we don't find it hard at all) and the necessity to move four dials to change the weight (would you want all the weight on one end?) and don't find any problems with either of these issues. These work great, are more reasonably priced than other comperable sets, and have a nice look and feel, which was important to my spouse. He gives them a whole-hearted stamp of approval.

I wanted these because I wanted real dumbbells as opposed to the seemingly weird Powerblocks. It was between the two, but I wanted to have the ability to use these and to avoid modifying my exercises due to the weird design of the aforementioned Powerblocks. Okay this is not a review of the PBs but they loom large in the background.

I like the feel of these. They are solid and don't clink when using them. These are not cheaply made. The dials on this work well but they are hard to read and you have to adjust them for both sides rather than merely one dial for the whole thing. If you're shifting down 2.5 lbs or one increment it's fast, but if you want to drop from 17.5 to 10 lbs on both dumbbells you have to spin four dials rather than two and you might spin them the wrong way. In other words, unlike the Bowflex dumbbells it is not clear which direction increases and which decreases. Overall, it is fast but if you are working out to a DVD (or any timed circuit training type regimen), as I am, then it can get you out of rhythm and also counteract the intensity of the workout. In other words, I still keep my 10 and 5 lb dumbbells kicking around!

I was also concerned about the balance on these dumbbells, and maybe it's because of this, but I am bothered by the fact that if you choose 7.5 or 12.5 or 17.5 lbs, etc... then one side of the DB is 2.5 lbs heavier than the other. Not a big deal if you're in the 30 lb range I guess but we're not with these babies. I am kind of thinking that I should have got the Powerblocks since I have seen them demonstrated on Youtube to great success and they don't require a stand. Oh yeah, the tray that holds the weights are cheap and sometimes it takes a few seconds to get the dumbbells to sit right in order to readjust the weight.

Man, it sounds like I hate these things, but they are not bad. I think I'll adjust to them (I've only worked out with them three times). The weights themselves are well made, and aren't cheapo, but they are not the top of the line. They are not bulky like the Bowflex things, and you won't need to worry about whether or not your hands are too big for them (not that I would have to but that has been a concern about the PBs). You also can use them as you would use any dumbbells.

If you are just lifting at home and not to a video or anything, they should be fine. If you are doing circuit training and want to maintain the pace and intensity, you might want to consider dropping the extra $20 for the PBs. I mean we're talking seconds here but it does matter.

Addendum: NOW, I have used these for a few weeks in circuit training and still feel they take way too long to adjust weights esp if you have to go way down... say from 25 to 10 lbs on both of them.

I was also mistaken. They rattle and clank more than I thought. I still like them alright. They are not junk. I do regret buying the Powerblocks though, and my faulty reasoning was the funky look of them. Ooops. I would give them 3 stars tops.

Unable to go to the gym with twin babies at home, these weights have allowed me to stay tone and fit. They store nicely in small spaces and gives the ability to do multiple excercises in the comfy of your own home.

I purchased these after going to my local sports supply chain and found I spent almost $100 on just 3 individual dumbbells... how ridiculous! These replace 9 SETS of dumbbells. They are not overly bulky like it's competitors are. I love that you can increase by 2.5lb increments. It takes a little mathematical thinking at first because the bar alone weighs 5lbs and you adjust each side independently. Each plate is 2.5lbs. If you are working out to a video, you need to be fast when adjusting the weight because you have dial each side (so 4 adjustments if working with 2 dumbbells). Sometimes it takes a little finesse to get the bar back in, but once you get the wiggle giggle figured out, they are great. Also, there is a little(very little) window which shows you the weight selected. This is a little bothersome when trying to adjust quickly to follow a video. Again, once you get the hang of the math and wiggle giggle, these are GREAT!! I really love them and totally happy with my purchase! Especially since they were about 1/2 the price of the competitor!!

Good barbell set, I have used them for about 2 months now.

Sturdy, compact, about the same size as a regular 20-25 lb dumbell.

As other reviewers mention, you have to turn the ends to dial in the weight.
It is hard if not impossible to see the weight numbers.

However, for the cost, and pretty decent quality, I recommend them.

TIP: Turn the ends in the opposite direction as the other side until you hear it click.

Turning your hand clockwise adds the weight, and counter-clockwise removes it. Each click is 5 lbs.

So with one bar on each side, it's 10lbs, 2 bars on each side is 15 lbs, 3 is 20 and 4 is 25.

Pretty easy.

Fast shipment. Love the weights. It was exactly what I was looking for. Would recommend to everyone that's interested in buying and those that are not. ;-)

Compact-which I like. My only complaint is that the weights sometimes stick to the bar so you have to shake or rattle it to get the weights to seat or unstick. Perhaps this will get better with use. (Like my muscles)

I purchasing these weights in an effort to cut cost in comparison to the Bow-Flex select tech weights. Pros: They are $200 less than Bow-flex. They actually work and get the job done. Cons: The dial changes DONOT have numbers on them. It's kind of confusing when choosing your weight. You have to guess and click and click until you get the correct weight that the chart shows shows. It's def not convenient :-(

I was somewhat skeptical with these weights because I though I need significantly more weight. If you are into high rep workouts these are excellent. They are also versatile for the entire family. I would certainly recommend these for anyone at any fitness level.