7 Best Rubber Hex Dumbbells in 2024
Reviewed by: Oleksiy Torokhtiy (21 years of Oly Lifting experience)
In this article, I’ve extensively reviewed the best rubber hex dumbbells available on the market, taking out the hard work and allowing you to make an informed choice when adding to your home gym. I’ve researched each pick, looking at the features, design, materials, and given the pros and cons of each of my choices.
With so many dumbbells available to buy, it’s hard to know what to choose. Dumbbells can range in features, size, adjustments, and price. In this article I’ve reviewed the best cast iron dumbbell sets looking at weight selection, design, materials, and quality, taking out the hard work and helping you to make a good choice.
So dumbbells are versatile, don’t take up much room, and are relatively cheap compared to other home gym equipment. Let’s take a look at my top picks.
In a hurry?
In a hurry and can’t keep reading? How about you check out the ROGUE Rubber Hex Dumbbell.
Starting our list of the best rubber hex dumbbells is ROGUE Rubber Hex Dumbbells. The dumbbells are standard-sized and can be stored in any standard dumbbell rack. The rubber quality is amazing as it doesn’t flake or degrade over time.
Top 7 Best Rubber Hex Dumbbells Reviewed
- ROGUE Rubber Hex Dumbbell – Top Pick
- TITAN FITNESS Rubber Hex Dumbbells – Runner-Up
- Yes4All Rubber Encased Hex Dumbbells
- XMark Hex Dumbbell Set + Storage Rack – Best set
- CAP Barbell Coated Dumbbell Weights
- WF Athletic Supply Rubber Coated Hex Dumbbells
- Papababe Rubber Encased Hex Dumbbell Set
| Product | Total | Weight Range | Weight Increments | Design | Materials | Quality | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ROGUE | 54.5 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 9.5 | 9 | 9 |
| Titan | 53.5 | 9.5 | 9 | 8.5 | 9 | 9 | 8.5 |
| Yes4All | 53.5 | 8.5 | 9 | 9 | 9.5 | 8.5 | 9 |
| XMark | 53 | 9.5 | 9 | 8.5 | 9 | 9 | 8 |
| CAP Barbell | 53 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 8.5 | 8.5 |
| WF Athletic | 52 | 8.5 | 9 | 8.5 | 8.5 | 8.5 | 9 |
| Papababe | 51.5 | 8 | 9 | 8.5 | 8.5 | 8.5 | 8.5 |
1. ROGUE Rubber Hex Dumbbell – Top Pick
- Weight Range: 2.5-125 lbs
- Weight Increments: 2.5 lbs until 30 lbs; 5 lbs onwards
- Dimensions (LxWxH): Varies by weight
- Materials: Chrome plated steel handle with rubber coating, Rubber encased head
ROGUE Fitness was founded back in 2006, and has built a reputation of delivering high-quality and innovative fitness products. Their goal seems to be to create the best strength and conditioning equipment on the market. And with their Rubber Hex Dumbbell, they’ve again struck the mark of excellence.
The weight range is expansive, and besides quality, is what sets this set apart from its competitors. The range starts as low as 2.5 lbs and goes up to a whopping 125 lbs. All the dumbbells have rubber-encased heads for shock absorption in case they fall, and have their handles chrome-plated. This will ensure longevity and protection from rust.
The dumbbells are standard-sized and can be stored in any standard dumbbell rack. This means that any commercial-grade gym setting or a home gym will easily benefit from this product. The rubber quality is amazing as it doesn’t flake or degrade over time.
ROGUE Fitness was founded back in 2006, and has built a reputation of delivering high-quality and innovative fitness products. The dumbbells are standard-sized and can be stored in any standard dumbbell rack.
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2. TITAN FITNESS Rubber Hex Dumbbell – Runner-Up
- Weight Range: 5-100 lbs
- Weight Increments: 5 lb increments for the full range
- Dimensions (LxWxH): 9.5 – 17.25’’ x 3 – 9’’ x 5.125’’
- Materials: Steel, Chrome finish with black matte hard rubber head
- Warranty: 1-year
Since 2013, Titan Fitness is quite new in the fitness equipment industry, but they’ve definitely already left their print on the gym space.
Their rubber hex dumbbells with chrome handles can be purchased in all kinds of sets and variations, making them ideal for fulfilling specific customer needs.
The weight ranges are quite broad, sitting at 5 – 100 lbs, and they go up in a 5-pound increment which is small enough to accommodate any level of fitness.
The chrome-finished handles with their competition-level knurling ensure a non-slip solid grip. The handle finish will prevent accidental slippage and will not require lifters to compromise their form.
The matte black hard rubber coated heads will be easy on the floors (in case of droppage) and will also produce a low amount of sound.
All of this is backed by a 1-year long warranty, furthering the peace of mind of their customers. Amazing buy!
Titan Fitness rubber hex dumbbells with chrome handles can be purchased in all kinds of sets and variations, making them ideal for fulfilling specific customer needs.
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3. Yes4All Rubber Encased Hex Dumbbells
- Weight Range: 5-50 lbs
- Weight Increments: 5 lb increments for the full range
- Dimensions (LxWxH): 23.5 x 6.99 x 6.99 inches (5 lbs), 15 x 7 x 7.5 inches (50 lbs)
- Materials: Cast iron core, Steel handle with rubber coating, Rubber PVC casing around dumbbell heads
- Warranty: 30 days
Founded in 2010, Yes4All is one of the leading brands selling sporting equipment. The company prides itself on the motto ‘Rebuild Reclaim Redesign’.
Yes4All is committed to providing customers with quality products and services at affordable prices. They provide smart home-sporting goods that are easy to use, quick to install, and available in a range of different colors.
The brand motto states they sell experience rather than products by providing everything for people to get fit at home. They believe health and fitness should be accessible to everybody and are committed to offering high-quality products at reasonable prices.
Yes4All has produced a high-quality set of rubber hex dumbbells and is my top pick, receiving the best score for weight, design, materials, quality, and price.
The dumbbells have a good weight range of 5 - 50 lbs for each dumbbell and go up in 5 lb increments, providing a range of weight options catering to different exercises.
The dumbbell handle is made of steel with an anti-slip rubber casing, designed to work with chalk better than normal metal dumbbell handles. The rubber casing should help to avoid hand blisters which may result from gripping harsh knurling typically seen on other dumbbell types.
The hexagon-shaped dumbbell heads are constructed from a solid cast iron core, made for repeated use over long periods. The hexagon-shaped head design helps to prevent rolling during use, making the dumbbells easy to use and store.
The hexagon weights are encased in PVC rubber making them durable and protecting the dumbbells from damage when dropped during a workout. The rubber casing also reduces noise during use.
The dumbbells are designed to be compatible with most dumbbell racks if you need to store them efficiently.
Yes4All has produced a high-quality set of rubber hex dumbbells and is my top pick, receiving the best score for weight, design, materials, quality, and price.
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4. XMark Hex Dumbbell Set + Storage Rack – Best Set
- Weight Range: 5-50 lbs
- Weight Increments: 5 lb increments for the full range
- Dimensions (LxWxH): 3 tier 46 inch racks
- Materials: Cast iron dumbbells with recycled rubber casing
- Warranty: 30 days
With over 20 years of fitness industry experience, XMark is a trusted American brand, used in gyms and homes across America.
XMark has the motto ‘Equipment for the tough’ and prides itself on making long-lasting quality products that make excellent additions to any gym.
XMark states they lead the way in home and light institutional fitness products that are designed to exceed any expectations. They state their product lines will change the way you think about fitness and upgrade your workout routine to new levels.
If you're looking for a high-quality, premium dumbbell set and storage rack package, the one by XMark gets my pick for the best set.
XMark has produced a high-quality package, getting the best score for weight, design, materials, quality, and price. The package comprises the XMark 3-tier dumbbell rack and a 550 lb set of XMark rubber-coated hex dumbbells.
The dumbbell pairs go from 5 - 50 lbs and go up in 5 lb increments, providing a good range of options for lifters of all abilities.
Each hex dumbbell features a knurled, chrome-plated handle designed to keep a strong grip when performing high-intensity, long-duration workouts.
Each dumbbell is one piece of cast iron with a rubber casing made from recycled rubber. This makes the dumbbells durable and able to withstand repeated impact over a long period of time.
The hexagon-shaped heads help to keep the dumbbells in place when not in use, making them user-friendly and easy to store if needed. The dumbbell heads are encased in new and recycled rubber, protecting them from getting damaged over time and reducing the noise made if dropped.
Each dumbbell features the X brand mark on one head and fits comfortably on the 3-tier rack included.
The heavy-duty 3-tier rack weighs 75 lbs and can handle the full set of 550 lb dumbbells included. The rack features angled shelves to make loading and unloading easier.
The rack is designed to save space in the home eliminating crowing in your home gym.
If you're looking for a high-quality, premium dumbbell set and storage rack package, the one by XMark gets my pick for the best set.
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5. CAP Barbell Coated Dumbbell Weights
- Weight Range: 3-115 lbs
- Weight Increments: 3, 8, 10, 12, 15 lb dumbbells, 5 lb increments from 15-70 lbs, 25 lb increment from 70-95 lbs, 20 lb increment from 95-115 lbs
- Dimensions (LxWxH): 3 lb: 8.74 x 2.6 x 2.25 inches, 115 lb: 17.7 x 9.2 x 9.2 inches
- Materials: Cast iron free weights with rubber casing, Steel handle
- Warranty: 30 days
Founded in 1982, CAP Barbell has produced a wide range of exercise and fitness equipment for over 25 years. Starting with just free weights and benches, CAP barbell now produces over 1000 products.
The brand has heavily focused on producing high-quality products at affordable prices. They strategically place distribution centers to make purchasing simple and cost-effective.
CAP Barbell produces good quality fitness equipment, making these dumbbells another good option when deciding which ones to pick.
The dumbbells range from 3-115 lbs for each dumbbell. They have a range of smaller weight options from 3 - 15 lbs, after which they go up in 5 lb increments until 70 lbs. After this, they go up in 20 or 25 lb increments depending on the weight, providing a huge range of weight choices for lifters of all levels and needs.
The hexagon-shaped dumbbell heads are made from solid cast iron joined together by a cold rolled steel chrome handle. The materials used are designed to last a lifetime meaning the dumbbells are extremely durable if used correctly.
The medium-depth knurling on the handle provides a strong grip and security during use. The hexagon-shaped dumbbell heads are designed to prevent movement when using or storing, making them easy to use and store when needed.
The rubber head casing helps to protect the dumbbells from damage and reduce noise during use.
CAP Barbell produces good quality fitness equipment, making these dumbbells another good option when deciding which ones to pick.
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6. WF Athletic Supply Rubber Coated Hex Dumbbells
- Weight Range: 5-120 lbs
- Weight Increments: 5 lb increments for the full 5-120 lb range
- Dimensions (LxW): Depends on weight
- Materials: Knurled chrome steel hand grips, Cast iron dumbbell heads encased in rubbed
- Warranty: 30 days
WF Athletic supply produces a wide range of high-quality fitness equipment, aiming to improve fitness, develop discipline and achieve success with a well-trained body and mind.
The brand is committed to providing the best strength, conditioning, speed, and agility equipment to help athletes succeed in sports at all levels.
The dumbbells made by WF athletic supply are a great choice if you're looking for a high-quality product from a proven brand.
The dumbbells have a very large range, going from 5-120lbs. The 5 lb increments throughout the full range are small enough to provide a wide range of options for beginners and elite-level lifters looking to improve their lifts.
The steel handle is finished with medium depth knurling to help keep a strong grip during use. The dumbbell heads are made from cast iron encased in rubber, designed to protect the dumbbell heads from the environment and repeated use.
The rubber casing helps to protect the dumbbells and your floor at home and reduce the noise if dropped when using them. The hexagon-shaped heads help to prevent rolling during use and allow the dumbbells to be stored safely and efficiently.
The dumbbells can be purchased with 2 or 3-tier rack options depending on weight, to safely and securely store the dumbbells when not in use. The rack packages also come with a mat to put everything on.
The dumbbells made by WF athletic supply are a great choice if you're looking for a high-quality product from a proven brand.
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7. Papababe Rubber Encased Hex Dumbbell Set
- Weight Range: 60, 90, 150, 270 and 300 lb weight packages
- Weight Increments: 5 lb increments for all packages
- Dimensions (LxWxH): N/A
- Materials: Knurled chrome steel handle, Cast iron heads encased in rubber
- Warranty: 30 days
Papababe manufactures and sells a large range of gym equipment for commercial and at-home use. The brand values are easy to start, highly efficient to workout, and energize your energy.
Papababe offers another good-quality set of rubber hex dumbbells and rounds out my top 5 dumbbell picks.
The dumbbells are offered in 60,90,150,270 and 300 lb packages and go up in 5 lb increments for each one, providing a large range of weight choices for lifters of all abilities.
The dumbbell heads are made from cast iron, a durable metal designed to last. The heads are encased in rubber, helping the dumbbells to last for longer, protect the floor at home and produce less noise during use.
The dumbbell heads are joined by a knurled chrome steel handle to improve grip during high-intensity, long-duration workouts. The hexagon-shaped head design prevents the dumbbells from rolling around and makes them easy to store.
Papababe offers another good-quality set of rubber hex dumbbells and rounds out my top 5 dumbbell picks for 2022.
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What Are Rubber Hex Dumbbells?
Dumbbells are one of the most widely used tools in the gym due to their versatility and ability to build strength and power, work on muscular imbalances or improve sports performance.
There are many different options available to buy online which can make choosing one a tough choice. Dumbbells are usually made from either cast iron or steel and encased in rubber, neoprene, or urethane.
Cast iron is the most common metal used to construct dumbbells. It's been used for generations and is still widely used in gyms and for products sold online.
During the initial casting process, the iron is melted and poured into a mold to create a solid cast. The metal is then left to cool and well tested before being sent out or encased in protective material.
Adjustable dumbbells allow the weight to be adjusted as needed, with the cast iron weight plates mounted on a handle with movable screw locks at each end. Fixed dumbbells feature a handle with a hexagon or round cast iron weight at each end. The amount of cast iron or steel used determines the dumbbell’s weight.
Rubber hexagon dumbbells are made by encasing the cast iron dumbbell heads in thick protective rubber. The rubber casing is designed to be rust-proof, protecting the dumbbell heads from temperature changes. The casing also helps protect the dumbbells when being dropped and reduces the impact on the floor, making them friendly for use at home.
Rubber Hex Dumbbell Benefits – Why Use Them?
✅ Durable core and casing material
The high-quality manufacturing process used to make cast iron dumbbells makes the rubber hex dumbbell a good choice if you're looking for good performance and durability. During manufacture, the dumbbells are checked for defects meaning as long as the dumbbells are used correctly, they will last forever.
The rubber finish helps to protect the dumbbells from the environment and changes in temperature. The casing helps to protect the dumbbell heads and the floor when being used at home or in the gym, making them more durable and user-friendly.
✅ Increased muscle stabilization and activation
Compared to fixed path resistance machines, dumbbells move freely meaning they need greater stabilization to perform the movement correctly. This added stabilization means your muscles need to work harder, recruiting a greater number of muscle fibers and increasing muscle activation. This makes rubber hex dumbbells a good choice if this is what you're looking for.
✅ Helps to correct muscular imbalances
Rubber hex dumbbells can help to correct muscular imbalances or work on specific muscle groups you may need to target. Dumbbells are designed so your limbs need to work unilaterally to perform each movement. This means your body needs to work evenly for both sides to perform an exercise correctly.
✅ Hexagon-shaped head design
The hexagon-shaped head design used on rubber hex dumbbells prevents them from moving around during use or when wanting to store the dumbbells away. This makes them easier to store at home and safer to use around small children and animals.
✅ Easier to grip
The anti-slip handle design used on rubber hex dumbbells makes them easier to grip and safer to use. When you're in the middle of a working set at home, the last thing you need to focus on is keeping the dumbbells from falling onto the floor. This makes the dumbbells easy to grip and safe to use.
Who needs dumbbells?
The versatile nature of dumbbells makes them a great choice for beginner to elite level lifters looking to increase their strength and power, work on muscular imbalances or improve sports performance.
This makes the addition of unilateral movements to your gym program a great idea. Rubber hex dumbbells can complement compound movements using free weights of fixed path machines, provide an added stimulus with a more challenging movement pattern and range of motion, or be used for more sports-specific functional training or used as fitness dumbbells.
6 Criteria on how to choose the best rubber hex dumbbells
Going in blind into a market might not be the best idea. When it comes to rubber hex dumbbells, the situation is no different. Here are six key things to look for when looking for the perfect product for you.
1. Ideal weight
Beginners might want smaller ranges while more advanced lifters will likely look for a wider or higher weight range. When it comes to personal wants and needs, I’d suggest looking for a wide range regardless of your fitness level. The reason is that you might want to use different ranges for different muscle groups and exercises. Also, while warming up, having the option of low weights is good. Having a wider range will also enable you to increase your weight as your body gets stronger.
2. Progression potential
As your body grows stronger, depending on what you want to achieve, you might want to go for bigger weights. Thus having a dumbbell that is too light might become a roadblock in such a scenario. But if you take one that is too heavy it will also prove a challenge as such a dumbbell will limit you in the variety of exercises that you’ll be able to perform. Try to pick the “golden ratio” when picking the weight of the dumbbell.
3. Material quality
Most Rubber Hex dumbbells will be either iron cast or steel made with chrome plated handles with hard rubber encased heads. The quality of those materials will determine how long the dumbbells will last you. Take a close look at the rubber material, since if it is of low quality, the rubber will start to chip or flake away, making it aesthetically unappealing, as well as making them less balanced and secure. The rubber is there to protect the user and the floor in case the dumbbell drops. And it is there to absorb the loud sound that the drop would otherwise produce. The longer the rubber stays intact – the better.
4. Grip
Having good, but not too aggressive knurling is usually a safe way of ensuring a no-slip grip. This design is also superior to no knurling since it is almost impervious to sweaty hands. You don’t want slippage to compromise your form. A proper technique alongside the form will produce superior results and will ensure maximum safety.
5. Warranty
Having the peace of mind that the dumbbells will be replaced in case of a faulty delivery or a manufacturer's fault of any sort is bliss. This way you won't have to stress about these issues, but will instead focus your energy on training.
6. Price
Unless you are swimming in money, you can’t ignore the price tag. Do your research to look for the best rubber hex dumbbells that you can find and then pick the best one in terms of pricing without having to sacrifice on any of the above-listed criteria.
FAQ
Are Rubber Dumbbells Toxic?
The natural rubber used to encase the dumbbells is derived from rubber-containing plants, making natural rubber safe and non-toxic.
Synthetic rubber contains phthalates, which are regarded as harmful to health. Synthetic rubber is not commonly used in most dumbbell designs and shouldn’t be an issue as long as the dumbbells are used correctly.
Can Hex Dumbbells Break?
Hex dumbbells are designed to last a lifetime. The cast iron core used in the rubber hex dumbbells reviewed above goes through a rigorous testing process where it is checked for any defects which may impact performance.
The rubber head casing is designed to protect the dumbbell heads during use and prevent rust or corrosion.
As long as you're not deliberately trying to break the dumbbells, they can be used at a high daily intensity and last a lifetime.
Which Weights are Better Rubber or PVC?
PVC dumbbells are usually made from either concrete or sand and coated in synthetic plastic. Despite this, PVC dumbbells often wear down over time, especially with repeated regular use. High-intensity sweaty exercise may also make them hard to grip.
Rubber dumbbells are usually made with a cast iron core encased in rubber. The cast iron is designed to last, with the rubber encasing rust-resistant and able to withstand changes in weather and temperature. This makes rubber weights the better choice.
Which Rubber Hex Dumbbells Are the Best?
The versatile nature of dumbbells makes them a great addition to any home gym set-up. Dumbbells can be used to perform a wide range of unilateral movements suitable for beginner to elite level lifters. If you want to increase your strength and power, work on specific movement patterns or muscular imbalances or improve sports performance, dumbbells are an excellent choice.
Rubber Hex dumbbells are designed to last. The iron core with rubber encasing makes them very durable and the hexagon head shape makes them easier and safer to use at home.
Rogue sells the best rubber dumbbells from the products I've reviewed and is my top pick. Rogue has designed a high-quality, durable set of dumbbells and got the highest overall score for weight selection, design, materials, and quality.
What do you think of rubber hex dumbbells? Have you got any at home? Share your experiences and ask me questions in the comments below.
Also read:
- Best Rogue Dumbbells
- How Much Do Dumbbells Cost
- Urethane vs Rubber Dumbbells
- Metal Dumbbells vs Rubber
- Kettlebells vs Dumbbells
- How to Add Weight to Dumbbells
- Adjustable Dumbbells vs Fixed
References:
- How Are Dumbbells Made? (Manufacturing Process Explained) // GarageGymPro:
https://garagegympro.com/how-are-dumbbells-made/ - Phthalates // Wikipedia:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phthalate - 12 Best Dumbbells in 2022 // Top Fixed & Adjustable Dumbbells : garagegymlab.com
- The 10 Best Dumbbells // Tested by Experts in Our Lab: verywellfit.com
- PVC Vs Rubber Vs Urethane Dumbbells // Compared For Home: garagegympro.com
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With over 20 years in Olympic Weightlifting, our team does its best to provide the audience with ultimate support and meet the needs and requirements of advanced athletes and professional lifters, as well as people who strive to open new opportunities and develop their physical capabilities with us.
All products we select are primarily approved and tested by the Olympic Weightlifting Champion Oleksii Torokhtiy. Under his guidance, we provide honest and reasonable assessments of the products we review by checking their characteristics, packaging, design, comfort and durability features, and general product rating. We select products from only high-quality and trusted sports brands, thus vouching for their quality.
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Author: Ihor Shymechko
Pro Olympic Weightlifter, Coach
Best Results: Snatch – 208 kg,
C&J – 240 kg
Ihor has been a professional weightlifter since 1996, boasting over two decades of competition experience. His notable achievements include clinching the European Championship in 2009 and securing a silver medal in the 105kg division at the Senior World Championships in 2011. Ihor represented his country in the 2008, 2012, and 2016 Summer Olympics. After retiring from competitive weightlifting, he transitioned to coaching, leveraging his vast experience to guide athletes who now compete on both national and international stages.
Reviewed by: Oleksiy Torokhtiy
Olympic Weightlifting Champion
Best Results: Snatch – 200 kg,
C&J – 240 kg
Oleksiy Torokhtiy is a professional athlete boasting 20 years of experience in Olympic weightlifting. With multiple European and World titles under his belt, he has showcased his prowess in two Olympic Games (Beijing 2008 and London 2012). Upon concluding his illustrious career, Oleksiy dedicated himself to coaching. By 2022, he had conducted over 200 weightlifting seminars worldwide. He is the visionary behind an international sportswear and accessories brand known for its motto, “Warm Body Cold Mind.” Additionally, he is an esteemed author and the creator of a series of training programs and eBooks.
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