The Merakinetics dumbbell hangers kicked off a pre-order launch and they look promising.
These dumbbell hangers are like j-cups for dumbbells so they allow you to start bench presses and shoulder presses from a top position vs kicking up dumbbells from your thighs.
I’ve reviewed a similar product, the Mad Spotter dumbbell hooks, but Merakinetics’ product looks beefier and they’re secured to the barbell.
What Are The Merakinetics Dumbbell Hangers
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The dumbbell hangers are strength training accessories that support dumbbells from a barbell kinda like J-cups hold a barbell.
By hanging dumbbells prior to exercising you can preserve energy, prevent injuries, and even train if you already have injuries.
A couple of things that stood out from looking at these dumbbell hangers are: (1) handle width or diameter doesn’t matter and (2) they can be adjusted horizontally.
This makes them extremely versatile so they can work with all types of fixed and adjustable dumbbells.
Top Benefits Of The Merakinetics Dumbbell Hangers
Save Energy
Just like when you start bench pressing from the top, dumbbell hangers help to preserve energy by starting from an advantageous position.
Take the bench press for example, you’re starting on your back with your arms extended instead of kicking up each dumbbell and having to start at the bottom of the press where it’s harder.
This is important if you’re someone who likes to lift heavy and you wanna save every little bit of energy for your set, instead of the set up.
Prevent Injuries
By starting from a static position, I have time to stability my upper body on a bench and set my shoulder blades down.
Having this stability helps to reduce the chances of injuring myself during a lift.
EXPLORE MORE: Snode Adjustable Dumbbells
Best Features Of The Merakinetics Dumbbell Hangers
Adjustable Width
I really like that each piece of the dumbbell hangers is independent of each other.
This way I can set the width to fit any dumbbells.
Locking Mechanism
The dumbbell hangers attach to the barbell via hinge shaft collars.
So the dumbbell hooks are clamped down securely making it possible to hold up to 200 lbs.
Merakinetics Dumbbell Hangers Alternatives
Mad Spotter Hooks
Mad Spotter Hooks work in a similar way but don’t stay to the barbell.
So when I lift the dumbbell, the hooks stay in my hands.
With a 250 lbs per hook weight capacity, these can hold a lot of weight for their small size.
Oak Club Mfg Don
Oak Club Manufacturing recently released the Don dumbbell spotters.
These attach to a weight rack via mag pins and swivel 27 degrees, making it easy to unrack and re-rack in a neutral grip position.
Each saddle has a weight capacity of 120 lbs.
Spot Grips
Spot Grips have a carabiner connect to a retractable strap at the top of each dumbbell hook and can hold 200+ lbs.
You hang it from a pull up bar and set the dumbbell handle on the hooks at the bottom.
On top of the dumbbell handle, there’s a latch that you squeeze and it releases the retractable strap so that the weight is free.
When you’re done, let go of the latch and the straps take on the dumbbell weight.
No more dropping, swinging, or risking injury when lifting heavy dumbbells.
My Thoughts On The Merakinetics Dumbbell Hangers
If the price is right, these could be a contender in the dumbbell spotter hooks market.
Out of the alternatives I showed above, the Mad Spotter is the only one under $100.
The others are $500 or more.
Merakinetics hasn’t set a price for their final product but if they can stay below the $400 mark, I think they could be solid in the home gym space.
RELATED: Mad Spotter Hooks Review