Not everyone loves plates, especially for dumbbells.  And if you’re lucky enough to have the space to store them they can be the much simpler option  over messing around adding and removing plates mid workout.  There’s some good value dumbbells around at the moment, just have a think about the kind of exercises you’re going to be doing with them to decide if you want them round or hex shaped.  The hex shape is great as it means the dumbbells won’t roll away but can also be used for push ups (this will protect your wrists), tricep extensions iin plank (a great all rounder that works your core as well as your triceps).  Round dumbbells though can also be used for ab rollouts.  Don’t get too hung up on the shape though, both shapes will allow you to have great weight training sessions that will really hit all the muscle groups.

York Fitness Rubber Hex Dumbbells

Yet again York are top of the list because simply they are some of the best.  York have been around for over 80 years and continue to produce quality weight training equipment that does exactly what it advertises.  These dumbbells are sold in pairs from 1.25 kg to 12.5 kg and are then available as single dumbbells from 15 kg to 25 kg.  They are hex shaped so won’t roll away and are rubber coated which help to reduces noise and protect your floor.  An all round sound bit of kit and you can pick and choose which weights you want as you aren’t limited to a ‘set’.

Bodymax Rubber Dumbbells

Bodymax are another name that is big when it comes to weight training.  Again, they produce sound, quality products that  will get the job done.  Their dumbbells come in either the round of the hex shape with the hex shape being available from 2kg to 30kg and the round dumbbells being available up to a massive 60kg.  They are cast iron with a rubber coating which will ensure they stay in great condition and the knurled handle will give you great grip during your workouts.  Price wise, the hex shaped are slightly cheaper than the York set, though the round shape is pricier.  There isn’t much between them though really so it comes down to personal preference.

TNP Accessories Rubber Hex Dumbbells

If you are looking at getting more for your money then these are definitely worth a look.  One of the cheapest dumbbells on the market at the moment but still fantastic quality.  Made of solid cast metal and encased in rubber these dumbbells also have an ergonomically designed grip, making it more comfortable to hold them during an excercise.  Available from 12kg to 45kg, they are meeting the bar set by the big boys but at a smaller cost.  If having a big name on your weights is not something you’re bothered about, you seriously need to check these out.

Bodypower Rubber Hex Dumbbells and Rack Set

If you are after a ready made set this is a great one.  Coming in either a set made up of pairs of 2kg, 4kg, 6kg, 8kg, 10kg, 12.5kg and 15kg or pairs of 10kg, 12.5kg, 15kg, 17.5kg, 20kg, 22.5kg and 25kg they’ve catered for both the lighter and heavier option.  These weights again are solid cast with rubber casing so are a quality construction that will last you.  The rack is also heavy guage steel so will store your weights safely.  With ergonomically designed handles they are as good as any of the other dumbbells we’ve looked at.