Amazon Basics Rubber Encased Hex Review

Unlike most dumbbells purchased in pairs, Amazon Basics Rubber Encased Hex hand weights can be purchased individually. This is a great way to save costs and space as you add to your fitness training equipment. These dumbbells fall into our standard dumbbell category, providing a reasonable balance of versatility, durability in design, and sturdy construction.

Performance Comparison

Exercise Versatility

These rubberized Amazon Basics Hex dumbbells are versatile enough to fulfill all your free weight needs. What exercise versatility boils down to is this: how many different workouts can a dumbbell be used for, and does its shape, size, or design impede movement or full range of motion during training? As a standard dumbbell, this Amazon Basics free weight works well. We completed all our test exercises without impingement to our movements or range of motion.

We used these dumbbells for various exercises, including static ones like biceps curls and bench presses. We followed with dynamic exercises like the snatch and then finished by dropping the dumbbells to the ground. Given their design, the rubberized Hex-shaped free weights from Amazon performed well across all activities with no issues.

Ease of Use

One of the ways we cross-compare the relatively similar designs of standard dumbbells is through a nuanced analysis of the features that make them easier or more challenging to use. These rubber-coated, hex-shaped Amazon Basics scored pretty average in this metric.

We deducted points from the Rubber Encased Hex weights in this category for a few reasons. They have the sharpest and most aggressive knurling of any ergonomically shaped handle we tested. While aggressive knurling can provide a more secure grip, it can also dig into your hand during a workout, chew up skin, and be generally uncomfortable and unpleasant to use. Still, knurling preferences are a matter of opinion, and some users may be drawn to this style. We also noted that the length of the handle on this Amazon Basics weight is the shortest of any we tested. Though none of our testers had any issues grabbing it with large hands, two-handed exercises proved more challenging. Our final complaint about this dumbbell, albeit minor, is that the weight markings on either end of the dumbbell are relatively thin, small, and not as straightforward to read as many other similar weights that we tested.

Weight Options

These rubberized Amazon Basics Hex dumbbells come in nine different weight sizes, which is about on par with offerings from other weight-makers we tested products from. This range will work fine for most users; however, if you're looking to build a more extensive collection of free weights in your home gym, you'll be limited if you stick with this brand.

These hand weights are available starting at five pounds and increasing in five-pound increments up to 50 pounds each. Many other dumbbell brands come available in two-and-a-half-pound increments at the lower end of the spectrum, only rising in five-pound increments after 25 pounds. That means you'll have less flexibility when choosing weights among the lighter options. In contrast, the heaviest Amazon Basics Rubber Encased Hex dumbbell weighs 50 pounds — less than half the maximum amount of other dumbbells we tested. Again, you will have less available variety if you seek heavier weights.

Construction Quality

Given the budget price-per-pound cost of these Amazon Hex weights, when compared against other high-scoring dumbbells, we were pleasantly surprised with the overall construction quality. While they don't stand out as impressively bombproof as some others we've tested, we have no major concerns with their overall construction. These dumbbells were some of of the most accurate we tested; only 0.02 pounds under their list weight.

Amazon Basics Hex dumbbells are standard steel weights with rubber-coated, hex-shaped heads that provide durability and protection to the weight and the floor during training. We noticed no movement, jiggling, or other design vulnerabilities during our extended testing period that might call the integrity of the weights into question. We felt reasonably confident during our drop tests that these dumbbells would likely last through years of intense workouts.

Storage

With a shorter handle length, Amazon Hex dumbbells come with one of the smaller footprints of any standard hex dumbbells we tested. And, like the other others in our lineup, they can be stacked — using some caution.

Though they are sold individually without a stand included, these Amazon dumbbells will more than likely fit on just about any after-market rack or stand if you choose to purchase one. And while they were not designed with portability in mind, they are still reasonably portable — at least in the lighter sizes. Our testing team stored a ten-pound pair in a closet and then carried them to the exercise area with a single hand by crisscrossing their two handles. This frees up your other arm to carry more gear, a mat or stool, or even a drink.

Should You Buy the Amazon Basics Rubber Encased Hex Dumbbell?

The most significant appeal to the Amazon Basics Rubber Encased Hex dumbbell is its low cost (price-per-pound) and the option to purchase individual weights. Still, when you factor in the classic design of these standard dumbbells, including sturdy rubber heads, ergonomic (if a bit short) handles, and good construction quality, they make a compelling purchase for the budget-conscious home gym, especially when you only need a limited size range, and even if you're purchasing them as a pair.

What Other Dumbbells Should You Consider?

If you seek budget-friendly dumbbells but want multiple pairs with varied weights, the CAP Coated Hex Set With Rack offers standard-style dumbbells at a reasonable price. It comes with five pairs of weights ranging from five to 25 pounds, plus a stand for storage and organization. On the other hand, if you want the best standard dumbbells you can find, the Rogue Rubber Hex Dumbbells were one of our favorites during testing. These impressively built and well-designed weights offer unrivaled quality in construction, exercise versatility, and available weight ranges. We tested a handful of standard dumbbells and are confident that you'd be happy with most of them. For our favorite home gym dumbbell, we recommend the REP Rubber Coated Hex. As the name implies, it's completely coated in rubber and slightly more compact than other free weights, making it ideal for cold, humid, and cramped garage gyms. There's also the REP Straight Handled Hex that has a straight versus ergonomically shaped handle. Other brands or options to consider, should you have a specific preference on brand name or price, are the BalanceFrom Rubber Encased Hex or Signature Fitness Sporzon Rubber Encased Hex. There's a variety of other types of dumbbells that we tested too. The Core Home Fitness Adjustable Set is a completely encapsulated adjustable set from 5 to 50 pounds and is very easy to use, while the Titan Fitness Loadable Olympic Handles is another adjustable style that relies on separate plate weights to adjust the weight, but can range up to 400 pounds. For a little less weight, beginner-friendly dumbbells like the J/Fit Set with Rack or Amazon Basics Neoprene provide a variety of options under 20 pounds that are perfect if you're just starting on your fitness journey.