The Snode adjustable dumbbells use a similar concept to Nuobell dumbbells but they wanted to make theirs better.

So they made the Snode AD80’s out of cast iron and mostly metal parts.

Heck, they even made the dumbbell cradle out of cast iron (others I’ve reviewed are made out of hard plastic).

And Snode went a slightly different route by keeping the weight adjusting dial out of the handle.

Let’s check them out!

Unboxing

Table of Contents

I was very impressed with Snode’s packaging.

Every part of the dumbbells has their own foam covered slot so nothing shifts during shipping.

It came with an assembly instructions manual but it’s self explanatory.

Snode even added numbered stickers to the plates but I took those off.

Specs

Dimensions (80 lbs dumbbell only): 18.11″ L x 6.68″ W x 6.68″ H

Assembled Dimensions (Adjustable Dumbbells With Base): 19.29″ L x 7.48″ W x 7.87″ H

Handle: 4.53″ length, 1.42″ diameter

Packaging: I received each adjustable dumbbell in two separate boxes very neatly packaged in foam

Features

Cradle

I’m very impressed by the dumbbell cradle.

It’s all made out of cast iron so I can see this lasting forever.

The ends have the Snode branding on them.

Here’s what the bottom looks like.

And here’s what the dumbbells look like when I have them on the cradles.

Dumbbell Plates

The dumbbell weight plates are completely made of cast iron and use a dovetail weight-bearing system.

There’s a male piece that fits into the adjacent’s plate female piece.

In the pic above you can see the male piece on the top and the female piece at the bottom.

This male to female piece connection works like a puzzle and keeps the plates together.

It’s similar to how the plates on Nuobell and Trulap dumbbells work.

This works so well that I can take the plates out of the cradle and they stay together.

Once I make my weight selection, the weight plates stay connected to the handle via a metal rod that goes through the center of the plates.

Whatever weight I don’t select stays on the cradle.

Later on I’ll show you how this mechanism works.

I like that the plates are flat so they feel comfortable when I set the dumbbells on my lap when doing shoulder presses or bench press.

And yes, they have the male piece that sticks out but I can easily turn the adjustable dumbbells so that part doesn’t sit on my lap.

Weight Increments

One thing about the Snode AD80 is that each selection is in 10 lbs increments (10 – 80 lbs).

For some people the big jumps may be too much and this is why Snode also sells 1.25 lbs magnetic weight plates.

The magnetic weight plates come in 8 pieces (4 per dumbbell).

Seems like a good way to add 2.5 lbs and 5 lbs increments for most exercises.

One issue I see with this is when resting the dumbbells on my lap before pressing exercises.

Those magnets would dig into my thighs and it wouldn’t feel comfortable.

One way I would work around using those magnetic plates would be with Mad Spotter hooks.

I hang the dumbbell hooks on my barbell and they hold my dumbbells just like J-cups do for barbells.

This way I can still go heavy without the magnets digging into my thighs.

Another way I can add increments to the Snode dumbbells is by using Micro Gainz fractional dumbbell plates.

I can easily clip them on to the handle and they stay in place while exercising.

This is my favorite way to add increments to the Snode adjustable dumbbells.

Of course, the ability to use these dumbbell fractional weight plates will vary depending on your hand size.

Handles

The handle length on the Snode AD80 is 4.53″.

I like that the handle has a thicker than normal diameter of 1.42″

Knurling is mild-medium and gives me good grip.

One end of the handle has a black plastic dial and a display window where I can see the weight I’m selecting.

Snode’s handle is fixed and doesn’t turn which is different than similar adjustable dumbbells (Nuobell, Trulap, Core Home Fitness).

The dial feels kinda cheap but the reason it’s made out of nylon plastic is because it won’t be impacted under any circumstances.

What’s important is that it keeps working if you accidentally drop the dumbbells.

Dumbbell Stand

I don’t own the Snode dumbbell stand and this is optional so it’s sold separately.

But from experience I can tell you these ergonomic stands come in handy especially as you go heavier in weight.

As you can see from the pic above, the cradles are clamped down to the stand so they’re stable.

Once I started using a stand, it made a huge difference on my back versus picking up and re-racking from the floor.

Snode also offers a dumbbells set and stand combo and they even throw in a free bench when you buy the bundle.

Keep reading and I’ll show you how to get a 20% discount on the dumbbell stand.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Shredded Dad | Garage Gym Equipment Tester (@dadshredded)

I have a stand for both my Nuobell and Core Home Fitness adjustable dumbbells and I can easily slide my body in between both dumbbells.

This is easier for me than having to bend down consistently to pick up heavy weights (see clip above).

Snode Dumbbells Mechanism

Snode dumbbells use a male to female interlocking mechanism.

The plates slide into each other’s male/female pieces.

Combine the interlocking mechanism with the handle’s telescoping metal rod going through the center of the plates and the plates have nowhere to go.

I took the handle out of the cradle so you can see the metal rod right in the middle.

When I start turning the dial to 20 lbs you can see the metal rod sticking out a little bit.

Here’s what it looks like when I select 60 lbs.

And here it is at 80 lbs.

Are Snode AD80 Adjustable Dumbbells Safe?

With the dumbbell plates interlocking and the metal rod going through them, I feel confident saying Snode dumbbells are safe to use.

Snode has drop tested them from a 32″ height and not only does the dumbbell stay together but the dial continues to work without a problem.

Of course I had to drop test them myself and sure enough they live up to the hype.

And just in case you were wondering, the dial can’t turn when it’s off the cradle.

Right on the bottom of the handle there’s a button that unlocks the dial.

When I set the handle on the cradle, the button is pushed in by one of those two metal pegs on the cradle.

This is the only way I’m able to change weights.

So I have no reason to worry about the weights falling on me while I’m exercising.

Traditional Dumbbell Feel

What’s good about the Snode AD80 dumbbells is that I get a traditional dumbbell feel.

They’re made out of cast iron and get bigger as I select more weight.

I previously reviewed the Bowflex SelectTech and they have one set length whether I’m picking up 5 lbs or 50 lbs which I don’t like.

Snode AD80 vs Nuobell Adjustable Dumbbells

So now I’ll compare the Snode dumbbells with the Nuobell dumbbells.

At a quick glance these look very similar but I’ll show you the differences between the two.

Weight Range

Both go up to 80 lbs but they do so in different weight increments.

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

And Nuobell’s range is from 5 – 80 in 5 lbs increments (replace 16 pairs of dumbbells).

Plates

Both dumbbells plates use a similar interlocking mechanism.

The difference is in the materials that make up the plates.

Snode (left) is all cast iron and Nuobell has some hard plastic where the plates connect.

I’ve had Nuobells for quite some time and have never had issues with the plastic pieces.

As far as the plate size goes, they’re about the same.

Nuobell plates (right) have a flat part that keeps them from rolling on the floor.

Handles

Both handles are knurled but I prefer Snode’s.

Snode’s handle (left) is thicker, slightly longer, and has a more aggressive knurling than Nuobell’s.

The handle of Snode is fixed and weight is adjusted with a black plastic dial.

Whereas the handle on Nuobell rotates to select weight.

Size

Lengthwise, Snode dumbbells are 19″ long vs Nuobell’s 17″.

Both take up little space which is great for a home gym.

Snode AD80 Dumbbells Pros & Cons

Pros

Build: The cast iron build is solid (even the cradles are made of iron)

Drop tested: I’ve dropped these multiple times and haven’t had any issues. Snode also claims these are drop proof from their testing.

Handle: Fixed handle, has mild-medium knurling which feels secure

Compact design: These are only 19″ long and 7.5″ wide so they take up minimal space in my garage gym

8-in-1: Snode AD80 dumbbells replace 8 pairs of dumbbells (more if you use fractional dumbbell weight plates)

Warranty: Comes with a 2 year warranty and additional warranty periods can be purchased

Cons

Dial: The nylon plastic dial feels cheap but it’s durable and keeps working even after drops

Weight Increments: 10 lbs jumps may be too much for some people

Rattle: Like the majority of adjustable dumbbells, there is a slight rattle but it doesn’t interfere with exercises

Snode Adjustable Dumbbells Discount Code

Snode AD80 adjustable dumbbells currently retail for $795 and currently there are no discounts for the dumbbells but…

I was able to get them to give me a 20% discount code on the dumbbell stand which saves you $51.80

On top of that, they do offer FREE shipping which is always a good thing with heavy equipment.

Click here and use coupon code SHREDDEDDAD when you buy the dumbbells and stand together.