In the dynamic world of home fitness, adjustable dumbbells have emerged as a game-changer, offering the functionality of an entire rack of weights in a compact, space-saving design. Among the leading innovators in this sphere, Mx Select Adjustable Dumbbells stand out, redefining what serious lifters can expect from their home gym equipment. They’re not just about saving space; they’re about delivering a “pro-style” lifting experience, engineered for durability and precision.
The Evolution of Adjustable Dumbbells and MX Select’s Innovation
The journey of adjustable dumbbells began with a simple need: to condense a bulky set of free weights into a single, manageable unit for home users. Early designs were often clunky, slow, or lacked the authentic feel of traditional dumbbells. MX Select entered this market with a clear vision, pioneering a “rapid weight change system” that prioritizes both efficiency and an authentic lifting experience.
What truly sets MX Select apart is their foundational philosophy: “Built Like Tools… Not Toys.” This isn’t just a slogan; it’s evident in their construction. Unlike many competitors that rely on plastic components for their adjustment mechanisms, MX Select utilizes 100% metal gears and shafts. Their weight plates feature a robust steel core, ensuring longevity and reliable performance, truly embodying a commitment to quality that serious fitness enthusiasts appreciate.
Unpacking the MX Select Advantage: Features That Set Them Apart
MX Select adjustable dumbbells are packed with innovative features designed to elevate your training. They combine smart engineering with user-centric design, making them a top choice for dedicated home gym owners.
Models and Weight Ranges
MX Select offers a range of models to suit various strength levels and training goals:
- The MX55 Adjustable Dumbbells provide a weight range of 10 to 55 lbs, adjustable in precise 5lb increments. This single pair effectively replaces 10 sets of traditional dumbbells, a true space-saver. At its minimum weight, the MX55 measures approximately 9.84 inches long, extending to 15.94 inches at its maximum, maintaining a relatively compact profile.
- For those seeking heavier lifts, the MX85 Adjustable Dumbbells offer a range from 12.5 to 85 lbs, typically adjusting in approximately 8lb increments.
- The MX30 Dumbbells are also available, though generally offered with only the contoured grip option.
- MX Select’s newer Evolution Series, including the MX70, MX100 dumbbells, and the MX125 barbell system, push the boundaries further, sometimes offering fractional weight add-ons for even finer micro-loading progression.
The Patented Rapid Change System
At the heart of every MX Select adjustable dumbbell is its patented Dual Dial Adjustment System. This intuitive mechanism allows for incredibly fast weight transitions. Users simply push a release button, rotate the selector dial to their desired weight, and then push the dial back in to securely lock the plates. This entire process can take as little as 5 seconds for a full-range adjustment on the MX55, making supersets and drop sets smoother than ever. A key design element is that the selector dials recess neatly into the dumbbell collars once the weight is chosen, preventing any protruding parts that might interfere with your workout.
Offset Weight Capability: A Unique Edge
One of the most innovative features of MX Select adjustable dumbbells is their ability to perform offset training. Thanks to the dual-dial design, you can set different weights on each side of the dumbbell handle. This allows for specialized micro-loading or targeting specific muscle groups, adding a new dimension to your workouts. “It’s an incredible tool for addressing strength imbalances or introducing novel stimuli to your muscles,” explains Alex Thorne, a veteran strength and conditioning coach. “This kind of precision isn’t commonly found in other adjustable systems.”
Superior Handle Options
Comfort and grip are paramount for effective lifting. MX Select understands this, offering two distinct handle options for their MX55 and MX85 models:
- Premium Knurled Handle: Crafted from steel and typically 29mm thick, this option provides the familiar, high-end feel of traditional gym dumbbells, ideal for those who prefer a solid, textured grip.
- Contoured Rubber Grip: Measuring approximately 36mm thick, this rubberized handle features antimicrobial polymers, offering excellent comfort and a secure grip even when your hands get sweaty.
Plate Construction and Unmatched Durability
MX Select’s weight plates are constructed with a polymer-coated steel core. This design ensures that the plates are rust-free, smooth, quiet during adjustments, and exceptionally easy to clean. The polymer coating also protects floors and other equipment. Crucially, the plates incorporate patented dual locking tabs that structurally integrate into the entire plate, ensuring secure attachment to the handle assembly during every lift.
Built to Last, Designed to be Repaired
MX Select adjustable dumbbells are known for their robust build, but what truly distinguishes them in the market is their repairability. While the 24-month home-use warranty primarily covers defects in materials and workmanship, MX Select openly acknowledges that accidents happen. Should your dumbbell suffer non-warranty damage from misuse or a drop, the internal adjustment mechanism can often be easily rebuilt. Inexpensive rebuild kits, ranging from $9.99 to $29.99, are available, and most first-timers can complete the repair in 10-15 minutes using basic tools and a provided video guide. This commitment to repairability is a significant advantage over many competitors, where damage often necessitates replacing an entire handle or even the whole set.
Compact Footprint and Essential Stand
MX Select dumbbells are always sold in pairs and include a sturdy stand. This stand is not merely for storage; it’s essential for the seamless adjustment of the weights. The system’s compact footprint—for example, the MX55 stand measures approximately 18.74 inches long by 22 inches wide by 30.675 inches high—makes it an ideal choice for home gyms where space is often at a premium.
The Transformative Benefits of Training with MX Select Adjustable Dumbbells
Integrating MX Select adjustable dumbbells into your workout routine can revolutionize your fitness journey in numerous ways.
Unparalleled Space Efficiency
For anyone with a home gym, space is a precious commodity. A single pair of MX Select adjustable dumbbells replaces a full rack of traditional weights, freeing up significant floor space and eliminating clutter. This compact design allows you to create a functional gym even in the smallest of rooms.
Optimized Workout Efficiency
The rapid weight change system is a boon for workout efficiency. Gone are the days of fumbling with multiple fixed dumbbells or slow-adjusting mechanisms. With MX Select, you can quickly transition between exercises or perform supersets and drop sets without breaking your rhythm, maximizing your time and intensity.
Versatility for a Full-Body Regimen
With a wide range of weight options, MX Select adjustable dumbbells open up a world of exercise possibilities. From light toning to heavy strength training, they support a comprehensive full-body workout. Their traditional dumbbell shape also makes them compatible with nearly any dumbbell exercise you can imagine.
Precision Training and Progressive Overload
The ability to adjust in 5lb increments, coupled with the unique 2.5lb offset capability, allows for highly precise progressive overload. You can gradually increase resistance as you get stronger, ensuring continuous muscle growth and strength development. This fine-tuned progression is critical for breaking plateaus and achieving long-term fitness goals.
A Professional, Natural Feel
Many adjustable dumbbells sacrifice feel for convenience. MX Select, however, excels in providing a balanced, natural feel akin to traditional free weights. The open handle design and evenly shortening length of the weight stack as you select lighter weights contribute to a comfortable and biomechanically sound lifting experience, inspiring confidence in every rep.
Maximizing Your Potential: Using and Maintaining MX Select Dumbbells
To ensure your MX Select adjustable dumbbells serve you well for years, proper usage and maintenance are key.
Seamless Weight Adjustment
Adjusting your MX Select dumbbells is straightforward:
- Place the dumbbell firmly in its cradle on the stand.
- Press the release button on each dial.
- Rotate the selector dials on both ends of the handle to your desired weight.
- Push the dials back in to lock the chosen weight plates securely. You’re now ready to lift!
Essential Care and Maintenance
While built tough, these premium tools benefit from regular care:
- Cleaning: Keep the weight plates clean. Spilled liquids or dirt can cause plates to stick or adjustments to feel less smooth. MX Select suggests using automotive wipes, like Armor-all, to clean the plates and maintain a low-friction finish.
- Cradle Adjustment: If you notice an extra plate sticking to your dumbbell when you lift it out of the cradle, it might be a sign that the cradle ends are too tight or out of alignment. Refer to your owner’s manual for instructions on how to use the included 4mm Allen wrench to adjust them.
- Avoid Dropping: While MX Select dumbbells are repairable, they are not designed to be dropped. Repeated impacts can damage the internal mechanism or plates. Treat them like the precision instruments they are to avoid unnecessary repairs.
Versatile Workouts: Exercises with MX Select Adjustable Dumbbells
The beauty of MX Select adjustable dumbbells lies in their versatility. They can be used for a vast array of exercises, catering to all muscle groups and fitness levels.
Upper Body Power
- Chest: Bench Press (flat, incline, decline), Dumbbell Flyes, Pullovers.
- Shoulders: Overhead Press, Lateral Raises, Front Raises, Bent-Over Reverse Flyes.
- Back: Dumbbell Rows (single-arm, bent-over), Renegade Rows.
- Arms: Bicep Curls (hammer, concentration), Tricep Extensions (overhead, kickbacks), Skullcrushers.
Lower Body Strength
- Legs: Goblet Squats, Lunges (forward, reverse, lateral), Romanian Deadlifts (RDLs), Calf Raises.
- Glutes: Glute Bridges, Hip Thrusts (with dumbbell on hips).
Core and Full Body Integration
- Core: Russian Twists, Side Bends, Plank Rows.
- Full Body: Dumbbell Thrusters, Man Makers, Farmer’s Carries.
The ability to quickly change weights makes it easy to incorporate these exercises into circuits, supersets, or high-intensity interval training (HIIT) sessions, keeping your workouts engaging and effective.
Navigating the Market: Choosing and Optimizing Your MX Select Investment
Investing in MX Select adjustable dumbbells is a decision that can significantly impact your home training experience. Consider these tips to make the smartest choice:
- Assess Your Weight Needs: Are you primarily focused on strength building that requires heavy lifts, or are you looking for a versatile tool for general fitness and conditioning? The MX55 is excellent for most home users, while the MX85 or new Evolution Series caters to those needing more weight.
- Handle Preference: Do you prefer the classic feel of a knurled steel handle or the comfortable, grippy texture of a contoured rubber handle? MX Select uniquely offers both.
- Understand the Investment: MX Select adjustable dumbbells are a premium product, and their price reflects their quality, durability, and unique features. While they may be a higher initial investment than some budget options, their longevity and repairability often provide better long-term value.
- Maximize Performance: Pair your MX Select dumbbells with a high-quality adjustable bench to unlock a wider range of exercises. Regular maintenance, as discussed, will also ensure optimal performance and extend their lifespan.
MX Select Versus the Rest: A Comparative Edge
When considering adjustable dumbbells, MX Select often draws comparisons with other popular brands. Understanding their unique advantages is crucial.
Against Traditional Dumbbells
The comparison here is straightforward: space, cost, and convenience. A full set of traditional dumbbells takes up immense space and can be very expensive. MX Select adjustable dumbbells solve both these problems, offering a wide weight range in a fraction of the footprint and often at a lower overall cost than buying individual fixed pairs.
Against Other Adjustable Dumbbell Systems
- Bowflex SelectTech: While popular for their wide weight range, Bowflex models often incorporate more plastic components in their adjustment mechanisms, which can be less durable and sometimes lead to issues. MX Select’s 100% metal gearing offers a distinct advantage in terms of build quality and repairability.
- NÜOBELL: These are also highly regarded for quick changes and a traditional dumbbell feel, making them a strong competitor. However, MX Select often highlights its superior repairability and the unique offset weight capability as key differentiators.
- PowerBlock: Known for their extreme compactness, PowerBlock dumbbells have a “caged” design that, while space-efficient, doesn’t offer the traditional, open-ended dumbbell feel that many lifters prefer. MX Select provides that familiar feel while still being highly compact.
“From a design perspective, MX Select’s commitment to internal metal components and user-friendly repairability truly sets a new industry standard,” remarks Dr. Lena Singh, a biomechanics specialist. “They’ve managed to blend a classic aesthetic with modern engineering, offering a robust solution that caters to longevity.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How quickly can I change weights on MX Select adjustable dumbbells?
You can change weights incredibly fast, often in just a few seconds. For example, the MX55 can be adjusted from its lightest to heaviest setting in around 5 seconds.
What happens if I accidentally drop my MX Select dumbbell?
While MX Select dumbbells are durable, they are not designed to be dropped. Dropping them can cause damage to the internal mechanism or plates, which is typically not covered under warranty. However, MX Select offers inexpensive rebuild kits, and many users can perform repairs themselves in about 10-15 minutes using basic tools.
What are the available weight ranges for MX Select adjustable dumbbells?
The most popular models include the MX55 (10-55 lbs in 5lb increments) and the MX85 (12.5-85 lbs, with approximate 8lb increments). Newer Evolution Series models (MX70, MX100) are also available, and some systems offer fractional plate add-ons for even smaller increments.
Why do MX Select adjustable dumbbells have two dials?
The dual-dial system serves multiple purposes: it allows for a fully integrated, solid handle unit with robust metal gears, enables the unique “offset” training capability where you can select different weights on each side, and reinforces the overall structural integrity with 100% metal components.
Are MX Select dumbbells sold individually or in pairs?
All MX Select dumbbells are sold as pairs and always include a dedicated stand. Each dumbbell ships in its own box, ensuring you receive a complete set for your training needs.
Elevate Your Home Gym Experience with MX Select
MX Select adjustable dumbbells offer a compelling blend of premium quality, innovative design, and practical functionality. They address the core needs of home gym enthusiasts: saving space without compromising on the authentic feel and versatility of traditional free weights. With their rapid weight change system, durable steel-core construction, unique offset training capability, and repairable design, MX Select adjustable dumbbells represent a smart, long-term investment in your fitness journey. If you’re serious about your home workouts and demand equipment that’s “Built Like Tools… Not Toys,” then the MX Select system is poised to revolutionize how you train, helping you achieve peak performance right in the comfort of your home.