Review: With the REP x Pepin Adjustable Dumbbells, Less Is Less

REP X Pepin adjustable dumbbells definitely track the promise of a space-saving solution for purchasing a traditional rack full of multiple pairs of fixed dumbbells. Rep X Pepin with this approach is not the only system, but it is different from its competitors ( Bowflex or Power Block) It has a more traditional dumbbell shape and a faster weight change process. To make these quick changes, pop in and out of the pop and side magnetic pop pins. Each weight fits firmly to the next weight and slides nicely into the side support at the edge of the cradle. If the plate does not fit firmly inside the side support (because it produces neurological rattles), try to rebuild the cradle to eliminate any extra space. Most of the time.

I’m writing now from the cramped boundaries of a Brooklyn apartment, so I can see that this compact design is attractive for small spaces. However, I have experienced persistent problems with rattle sounds and the difficulty of re-racking. These adjustment abilities get the job done, but I cannot confidently say that it is worth such a large price range.

Space-efficient design Perfect for small apartments

In my Teen Sea Brooklyn apartment, the efficiency of the space is more than just amazing. That’s what you need. Here, Rep X Pepin Dumbbells delivers and features minimal real estate compared to the complete Dumbbell set. Their relatively compact design means they can be hidden under corners or furniture when not in use.

According to the rep’s website, adjustable dumbbells that start at 10 pounds and can reach up to 125 pounds while staying only 18.3 inches in length are pretty unprecedented. However, these dumbbells hit it when the dimensions are from the cradle and in the cradle, close to 18.9″x5.3″x7.2″; for reference, the rep’s quick draw is 20.6″x8.45″x7.9″.

Durable without sacrificing style

These dumbbells earn aesthetic points. Soon they have an undeniably premium vibe that boasts the following features mentioned on their site:

• Nickel-plated handle Volcanic style cry

• Functional side rails with comfortable, rounded outer edges

• UHMW protective liner to prevent scratches caused by steel-on-steel contact

• Laser Etching Weight Marking

And with their all-steel design (and cradles too), these weights are more compact than the most adjustable dumbbells on the market.

If you are skeptical about the promise of adjustable dumbbells in the first place, you can guarantee that they will work for the moves you make on a more traditional set. To test these, I turned to my colleague Beth Home workout video here And then I did the following exercise:

• Bulgaria split squats (quad and glut section)

• Curls and Press-1 Curls + 2 Press (Arms and Shoulders)

• Single Leg Dead Lift (hamstrings and back)

• Floor press (chest and arms)

• Row of boards (upper back, arms, core)

These exercises worked fine for 2-3 GOs at a time. But when I repeated them, anything happened, especially with a quick blast of movement.

Distracting rattles and the difficulty of re-racking

To be clear: I’m a fan of the rep as a brand. QuickDraws Adjustable Dumbbells. So, what is the hassle? It all comes down to a mechanism to change weight. QuickDraws uses the Lock-N-Load switch. Here you can flip one switch or multiple switches at once at a time. The Rep X Pepin uses magnetic pop pins, which quickly became a source of stress for me.

My knuckles brushed pop pins frequently.
Credit: Meredith Dietz

In the photo above you can see how to brush my knuckle brush onto the handle of the pop pin mechanism while lifting. (What looks like a keychain is that small circle.) This is because pulling that pin handle will attract and remove the weight. It’s like how you pull the knob to adjust the weights on a gym machine. As you can imagine, the constant risk of messing around with this mid exercise is a bit in your head without accidentally removing the weight while actually lifting.

Another angle where you can see the push pin protruding out.
Credit: Meredith Dietz

It can make the problem worse for others too. Frankly, I have pretty small hands. I can imagine bigger hands feeling uncomfortable and uneasy about jumping pins out of place. meanwhile Some users on Reddit Explain how this was not a concern for them. For me, this design element simply doesn’t inspire confidence.

In the same vein, the rattles of each other frequently do not mean they are falling down and trying to crush your legs, but when you ask me it creates an air of anxiety. The crank sounds were a source of distraction during my training, especially during the rapid explosion of movement.

Weight increments often incorrectly align and get stuck

The remaining quick change mechanisms should be simple in theory. Add or remove the plate and choose the weight you want. But in reality, they were frustrated with the weight increment being off, and stuck together at the wrong angle. It felt like Poppin didn’t always “catch” the weights I added. It should be a quick weight change between exercises.

The extra space causes frustration and difficulty re-racking.
Credit: Meredith Dietz

Certainly, you can rebuild and re-adjust the cradle to eliminate the extra space that misaligns the weight. That being said, the rebuilding process is not exactly a breeze.

Additionally, re-racking one dumbbell straight into the cradle proved consistently challenging. I’m not the one who breaks the contract, but it’s a nuisance that gets worse over time, especially when you’re tired after a set.

It’s not easy to use for beginners

As a beginner’s content lifter in a small apartment, I am looking for a relatively seamless training experience so I can focus on shapes and progress. Unfortunately, the side rails of these dumbbells provide stability, but sometimes they hit my forearms like they worried my form and missed out on the more traditional fixed set designs.

The side rails uncomfortably pound my forearm.
Credit: Meredith Dietz

Again, I would like to thank you for the flat spots of these dumbbells here. Creates stability when weight hits your feet during a particular exercise. Simply rotate them to make concentration curl-like movements more comfortable, so that flat surfaces come into contact with your legs.

However, despite this thoughtful design element, the overall experience has not reached expectations. That rattle becomes more and more distracting as you train. And concerns about proper alignment of weight plates never leave your mind.

The price tag is too high

Adjustable dumbbells are generally a familiar and economical movement. When you consider buying an individual pair of 5-75 pound dumbbells in a 5-pound increment, you’ll find that it will exceed $1,500 (and take up a significant amount of space) you’ll find a value proposition. Still, these dumbbells are more expensive than other adjustable dumbbells.

For context, Nuobells 80 pound set Starting at $745. Compared to the person in charge’s own QuickDraw adjustable dumbbells, the Pepin model is lacking despite its higher price. If you need to go up to £125, Rep X Pepin may be the best option on the market right now. But if you’re a beginner intermediate lifter, you QuickDraws. Unless you’re willing to reduce the slightly larger design and maximum weight capacity, they offer significantly better ease of use along with value.