I never do anything half-*ssed regarding significant purchases, i.e., I research professional reviews and also get a take for personal reviews, especially the negative ones. Essentially, I gather my information and determine what is and what isn't important. Same deal with these weights . . . So, this is what I determined about what was really important to me: 1. All parts were sturdy and well made/constructed; 2. Similar to number 1, that the weights had zero to minimum movement while working out; 3. The weight set was "compact" even when using maximum load of 50lbs; and, 4. The company supported their product with excellent customer service (note: I do not know this personally, but from what I have read, they do a good job of this). All of the aforementioned were answered positively by what I read and reviewed. So, what was my first impression? The delivery was on time and the packaging was excellent. Two boxes were delivered to my door, and I had zero issues with the boxes/packaging. Assembly was simple. Fast forward to working out everyday (upper body one day and lower body the next) the last few weeks and I am extremely impressed with my weight set. Why? First and foremost, I discovered for myself what others had already discovered - this is a quality weight set, with little to no movement of the weights while in motion; and the set is compact, where someone lean like myself can easily maneuver the weights while doing various exercises. For example, when you are doing overhead tricep extensions with one weight at maximum weight (50 lbs), it is very important that you have a good two handed grip while maneuvering into the overhead position. I was concerned before buying the weights that the adjustable mechanism would interfere or not be comfortable either during the process of getting into the position or actually doing the tricep extension exercise. NO WORRIES . . . IT IS QUITE COMFORTABLE - BOTH GETTING INTO THE POSITION AND DOING THE ACTUAL EXERCISE. Regarding the actual adjustment mechanism, it is well made and so simple to use. One turn of the wrist and you move the weight dial up or down. Simple. The only issue - a minor one - is removing the weights from the floor rack when you exceed approximately 25 or more lbs. This is simply rectified by using your foot on the side bar of the rack. Quite frankly, more times than not, it never happens if you remove the weights in a firm and deliberate manner. Conclusion? I am quite impressed with this adjustable weight set. Price was outstanding, as I only paid $249.91 and I am fairly confident that this weight set will last the rest of my life due to the quality of materials used to make this set. Read more
The bells are rather large -- no tapering as with Bowflex -- and I do wish I could add weight in 2-1/2 lb increments, at least up to 25 lbs, as with Bowflex, but as the Bowflex bar remains the same length, no matter how many weights are on it while the CF bars grow incrementally with the number of 5-lb plates attached. For lower weight exercises such as for my shoulders (after having had 4 rotator cuff surgeries, I use a set of non adjustable dumbbells and I no longer do ab exercises while hanging from a chin-up bar. Exercise is addictive. My last ortho surgeon, a "sports medicine" doctor, admitted that after breaking his arm, he was back doing curls after a week and broke the arm again, proving that even medical doctors can be as stupid as the next guy. His office is always filled with patients -- most of them, these days, young women. Dumbbells can be especially dangerous, as unlike with a barbell, your arms cannot train or help each other. So, it is important to have a good set of dumbbells, and keeping in mind the dangers, unless you have the room and want to invest in a set of single dumbbells, these from Core Fitness may suit your needs and fancy. As with all good tool, you must them with respect in hopes of not dropping them and damaging the mechanism. But let's see how long they last. Update: NOT QUITE A YEAR. One the set did not pick up the 5 lbs weight and now will not go back into the rack. Unless I can figure our how the mechanism works and fix it, I have just thrown about several hundred bucks. Not sure if there is a warranty. Quit a SCARE. But I figured out how the mechanism worked and solved the problem. Now can use my dumbbells again. BUT BEWARE! I was on my own. So others who purchase this set don't get discouraged and toss the out or get frustrated and damaged the mechanism, just remove the 5# weights from the cradle, reinsert the empty bars correctly, and twist. That will release the dumbbell mechanism in the dumbbell and allow you to twist it until all the weights are off. Then reload the 5# endplates and -- voila! -- you are back in business. UPDATE: Had these since July 2019 -- almost three years -- and used them regularly 3-days a week. Still just as good as new. Great investment. I've been exercising with weights since I bolstered my Charles Atlas exercises with those of Mr. America (1947) Steve Reeves, and I can tell you that these are the greatest development since Atlas introduced the "dynamic tension" for fast and convenient and cheap muscle building. Update: 6/24/22. Still going like the Energizer Bunny! I have to admit, I dropped one and thought it broke. But I fixed it in minutes by taking it back to no plates, then adding plates. Contrary to some raters, I would rate these as tops. As for the company that makes them, I can't say, as I have no complaints. Nor can I make a comparison, with similar dumbbells by other makers. All I know is these do everything claimed and more. Read more
I've had this set for more than a year and use it regularly. It's showing slight wear on the inside of the plates where they interlock. They continue to work really well. Weight selection is really smooth and the mechanisms within are functioning optimally even after repeated use. This is a fantastic set! Read more
