The Runwe adjustable dumbbells are something I was excited to get because of their unique adjusting mechanism.
I hadn’t seen a set of adjustable dumbbells like these before so they peaked my interest.
They adjust by matching weight plates like puzzle pieces and twisting them to interlock with each other.
Very cool idea especially because they don’t require a base to change weight like most adjustable dumbbells do.
Let’s see what they’re all about.
Unboxing
The Runwe dumbbells came packed nicely and protected in styrofoam blocks.
Once the top layer of styrofoam is removed, you have the dumbbells wrapped in plastic.
Inside the box there’s a pair of 32.5 lbs, a replacement part, and an instructions manual.
There’s 4 weight plates on each side of the handles.
Here’s what the instructions manual and replacement part look like.
The replacement part is for the locking/unlocking tab that the dumbbell uses.
Keep reading and I’ll cover in detail how that works.
Specs
- Weight per dumbbell: 32.5 lbs
- Max weight capacity on a single dumbbell: 56.5 lbs
- Handle weight: 8.5 lbs
- Adjustable weight plates: 4 lbs each (6 on each dumbbell)
- Handle length: 8″
- Dumbbell length: 14″
- Weight plate diameter: 5.3″
- Weight plate thickness: 1″
Runwe Adjustment Mechanism
The Runwe adjustable dumbbells weight plates fit into each other like a puzzle.
Each weight plate has a yellow tab with a spring that locks them in place when matched with another weight plate.
Each weight plate has a center hole on one side.
On the other side, there’s a male piece that fits into another plate’s center hole.
Adding Weight
Insert weight plate’s cylinder into the other weight plate’s center hole
Match the male piece to the female piece on the side of the weight plate.
Twist clockwise until you hear a click to make sure it’s locked securely.
Yellow tabs should be even when the weight plates are locked.
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Removing Weight
Push the yellow tab up to unlock the weight plate
Turn the weight plate counter-clockwise.
Yellow tab should be uneven from the other tabs.
You can now pull the weight plate off the dumbbell.
Weight Plates
Each Runwe adjustable dumbbell comes with an 8.5 lbs handle.
The handle has a pair of weight plates attached to it that cannot be removed.
Then you have 6 adjustable weight plates (3 on each side).
Each weight plate weighs 4 lbs and is made of metal coated in a PVC like material.
I tested to see if they were metal using my stud finder and sure enough, it stuck to the plates.
Handle
The handle is 4.72 inches long.
It is partially rubberized on each side with ridges for a solid grip.
From this angle you can see the ridges from both sides of the handle.
Each handle is screwed to the first weight plate by 4 screws.
There’s no wiggle when lifting the dumbbells.
Merge Two Dumbbells In One
The weight plates on the Runwe dumbbells are interchangeable.
So you could take off all the weight plates from one handle and add them to the other.
This gives you the option to use one dumbbell at a maximum weight of 56.5 lbs.
Because the weight plates are 4 lbs and 1 inch thick, the dumbbell becomes very long.
It’d be great if Runwe could make the weight plates thinner with a bigger diameter to decrease their width.
Having the option to buy two 56 lbs dumbbells would also be more practical.
Runwe vs Other Adjustable Dumbells
Here’s a size comparison of the Runwe dumbbells right next to 3 popular adjustable dumbbells.
From left to right you see the PowerBlock (40 lbs), Nuobell (40 lbs), Core Home Fitness (40 lbs), and Runwe (32.5 lbs).
Because Runwe has 1″ thick plates and the adjusting mechanism is on the weight plates, the Runwe dumbbells are longer .
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Runwe Dumbbells Pros & Cons
Pros
- Fast weight adjustment without the need for a base
- Flat ends so there’s nothing sticking out on the sides
- Locks securely in place without any plate play
- Outer covering protects the weight plates from rusting
- Great space saver
Cons
- Light weight range (when each handle is loaded equally)
- No numbers on the dumbbell so you have to add the weight in your head
- Can only load one dumbbell up to 56.5 lbs with the weight plates you get
Are Runwe Adjustable Dumbbells Worth It?
If you’re just starting to lift or a casual lifter, these dumbbells are a great choice because they’re light and save space.
The dumbbells replace 4 pairs of dumbbells, up to 32.5 lbs, when the weight plates are distributed equally on each handle.
I’ll keep an eye on the longevity of the spring loaded tab but with the dumbbells being light, I don’t see why anyone would drop them to cause a failure in that mechanism.
Runwe Adjustable Dumbbells Review
The pair of Runwe dumbbells are light weight but very solid.
There is no weight plate play at all when using them.
They adjust quickly without the need for a base.
And the steel plates are covered so they won’t rust.
I’ll keep testing and using them for light dumbbell work.
If anything changes, I’ll come back to this post and update it.
Check Out The Runwe Adjustable Dumbbells
Runwe Adjustable Dumbbells
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