Ativafit DT1188 Adjustable Dumbbells Review

The Ativafit DT1188 adjustable dumbbells replace 12 pairs of dumbbells in a space saving design.

These dumbbells range from 11 to 88 lbs in 7 lbs increments so they have a nice range for beginners to intermediate lifters.

And with each dumbbell only taking up about as much space as a shoe box, these are ideal for home gyms.

Let’s check them out!

Unboxing

Ativafit sells each dumbbell individually so each one has its own box.

I got two which gets me a little bit of a discount (more on that later on).

I opened up the boxes and all the pieces are fitted into styrofoam blocks and come covered in plastic.

There was a styrofoam cover on top of this base and there’s another one below it, so it’s fully protected.

This is what the base looks like which is similar to bases used by other companies.

It’s made out of hard plastic and has slots to keep the weight plates on the base when they’re not in use.

And below the bases are the dumbbells covered in plastic and sitting on their styrofoam bases.

Here they are out of the boxes.

I dig the octagon shape of the plates because the edges on them keep them from rolling around my garage gym floor.

Specs

• Dimensions: 15.9″ L x 9″ W x 9.4″ H

• Material: Steel

• Base: Hard plastic

• Weight range: 11 to 88 lbs

• Increments: 7 lbs

• Handle: Center rubber grip

What Are The Ativafit DT1188 Adjustable Dumbbells?

The Ativafit DT1188 adjustable dumbbells replace 24 fixed dumbbells (12 pairs) without taking up a lot of space.

They’re made of steel plates and they adjust with a push button lock and dial mechanism.

And before you ask, yes, they are safe!

I’ve never had a plate come off the handles even when doing explosive exercises.

Top Benefits Of The Ativafit DT1188 Adjustable Dumbbells

Space Saving

Even though each Ativafit dumbbell has the equivalent of 12 fixed dumbbells, they are only slightly longer than a shoe box.

Measuring at just shy of 16″ long (15.9″ to be exact), these are perfect in my garage gym where space is limited.

This way I don’t need to buy a dumbbell rack that’s gonna take up a lot of floor space.

Safe

I often get asked “are adjustable dumbbells safe”?

I’ve reviewed at least 15 different adjustable dumbbells and not once have I had plates fall off of them.

The Ativafit DT1188 have a dual lock system where both dials are locked unless I push a red button to unlock them.

If the dial can’t turn, the plates stay on the handle at all times.

RELATED: Snode Dumbbells Review

Best Features Of The Ativafit DT1188 Adjustable Dumbbells

Steel Plates

There’s five octagonal steel plates on each side of the handle and they’re solid.

The only time all of them are on the dumbbell handle is when I select 88 lbs…

If I select anything smaller, some plates stay on the handle, some stay on the base.

They’re odd shaped but that keeps them from rolling around when I set them down (garages have slopes).

Lock & Dial Mechanism

You see that red button I’m pointing to?

It’s only on one side of the dumbbells.

That’s the button I have to press to unlock the dial.

The dials are covered in a grippy rubber so they’re easy to turn once I unlock them.

One thing I like about these dumbbells is that I only need to turn the dial on one side and the opposite dial turns simultaneously.

I don’t have to do turn each dial individually like with my Bowflex adjustable dumbbells.

With these dumbbells having a fixed length, the entire dumbbell is still long even at the lightest weight.

So I don’t get that traditional fixed dumbbell feel where the light dumbbells are shorter than the heavy ones.

Not a huge deal but just something to be aware of.

Handles

The handles are curved with a rubber grip in the middle and 4.5″ wide.

They’re not the widest but there’s still enough space to fit my hands on them comfortably.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Build: Made out of steel, feel very solid

• Quick adjustments: The dial makes it easy to adjust weight from one side

• Dual-lock: Weights don’t come off the handle unless I press the red lock button

• Compact: They don’t take up a lot of space which is ideal for my garage gym

• Replace 24 dumbbells: With 2 dumbbells I replace 24

• Warranty: 2 year warranty gives me peace of mind just in case something goes wrong

Cons

• Dial size: Whenever I set the dumbbells on my thighs, the narrow dial makes it hard to balance them especially when I max them out

• Length: Unlike traditional dumbbells and other adjustable dumbbells, the length remains the same when I make small weight selections

Ativafit DT1188 Price

Ativafit sells each DT1188 as a single dumbbell for a price of $399, which is a good price.

Compare one adjustable dumbbell replacing 12 fixed dumbbells at $399 to ONE PAIR of 85 lbs hex rubber dumbbells from Rep Fitness selling for $380.

You can see how these adjustable dumbbells are a no brainer.

Ativafit Discount Code

I couldn’t find any active Ativafit discount codes but there is a way to save some money…

If you buy a pair of 88 lbs dumbbells like I did, you’ll save $20 (they’re charging $779 instead of $800).

On top of that, they’ll ship them for free which saves a ton since they’re heavy.

Ativafit DT1188 Alternatives

Snode AD80 Adjustable Dumbbells

Snode dumbbells range from 10 – 80 lbs in 10 lbs increments (replace 8 pairs of dumbbells)

These are made of cast iron and are one of the few “drop-proof” adjustable dumbbells in the market (drop tested up to 32″).

So as far as durability goes, these will last (heck, even the base is cast iron).

I’ve had these for a while and they are one of my favorites but you don’t get small jumps so you’re forced to go up in 10 lbs increments.

Trulap 8592 Adjustable Dumbbells

Trulap adjustable dumbbells range from 8.5 to 92 lbs in 3.5 lbs increments (replace 26 pairs of dumbbells).

These have very thin weight plates and for that reason they’re able to hold up to 92 lbs, which is crazy considering they to don’t take up much space.

I like the chrome finish on the plates and thick handles (34mm).

Weight adjustments are quick with the twist of a handle so I can easily go up and down in weight in a matter of seconds!

Powerblock Pro 100 EXP Adjustable Dumbbells

The Powerblock Pro 100 EXP dumbbells have a weight range of 5 to 100 lbs (replaces 30 pairs of dumbbells).

One thing I like Powerblock expandable dumbbells, is that I can buy them in stages so I can start with a 40 lbs set then buy extensions later.

This helps me out financially and I can add more weights to the same dumbbell as I get stronger.

Rep Fitness QuickDraw Adjustable Dumbbells

The Rep QuickDraw adjustable dumbbells are the lightest dumbbells out of all these with a weight range of 5 to 60 lbs.

In total, there’s 15 weight options in 2.5 lbs o 5 lbs increments.

QuickDraws are also “drop proof” and have a lifetime warranty.

Rep Pepin Fast Series Adjustable Dumbbells

The Rep Pepin dumbbells are the heaviest (up to 125 lbs!) and newest of this bunch.

Rep sells them in 85 lbs, 105 lbs, and 125 lbs pairs, and they are also expandable.

So I can start with an 85 lbs set, then add more weight plates to keep moving up to the other two tiers.

Dumbbells and cradles are all metal so these are durable and have a lifetime warranty.

My Experience Using Ativafit DT1188 Adjustable Dumbbells

I like these dumbbells because they’re built tough and quick to adjust.

There is a small rattle to them but nothing that throws me off my balance when using them.

My least favorite thing about them, is the narrow dial…

When I have to set them on my thighs for bench press or seated shoulder press, the narrow dial makes it hard to balance them.

Are Ativafit DT1188 Adjustable Dumbbells Worth It?

With these dumbbells being metal, not taking up much space, and replacing 24 fixed dumbbells, you get a lot of value for the price.

If you’re a home gym owner with limited space and looking to get a big bang for your buck, this is a good set of adjustable dumbbells to consider.

Ativafit DT1188 Dumbbells

4.5

Build

4.5/5

Quick adjustments

4.5/5

Dual lock

4.5/5

Space saving

4.6/5

Warranty

4.6/5

Check Out Ativafit Dumbbells

Shredded Dad

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