The BCBIG set is a pair of plate-loaded dumbbells, about 8 to 30 pounds each, that can be joined into a barbell. Verywell Fit tested it, named it the best budget adjustable dumbbells and gave it an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 for being easy to assemble, quick to adjust and comfortable to hold. The trade-off it names is build quality: you get what you pay for, and the weights do not feel as durable as others it tested.
Full review
What it is
BCBIG sells this set as a pair of plate-loaded dumbbells that can be joined into a single barbell. In Verywell Fit's key specs, each dumbbell runs from 8 to 31 pounds using 2.75-, 3.3-, 4.4- and 5.5-pound plates, for a 60-pound maximum across the pair, and the set replaces nine sets of fixed weights.
Verywell Fit's testing
Verywell Fit named the BCBIG its best budget adjustable dumbbells and gave it an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5. Its testers found the set budget-friendly, easy to assemble and intuitive, and say the simple knob system let them change weights or grips in just a few seconds. The handles were smooth and comfortable to hold, even when their hands started to sweat.
The barbell conversion is the set's extra: Verywell Fit suggests it for barbell moves such as good mornings, jammers and deadlifts, and one of its product testers said adjusting and adding weights on the barbell is super easy. The outlet sees it as best for beginners or intermediate users.
Where it falls short
Verywell Fit is direct about durability: you get what you pay for, and these weights do not feel as durable as some others it tested. When fully assembled, the barbell can also be large and a bit bulky, although the pieces store in a small space once taken apart.
Strengths
- +Verywell Fit rated it 4.5 out of 5 overall and named it the best budget adjustable dumbbells
- +Easy to assemble, with a knob system Verywell Fit's testers used to change weights or grips in a few seconds
- +Smooth, comfortable handles that stayed comfortable when testers' hands started to sweat
- +Converts into a barbell for moves such as good mornings and deadlifts, per Verywell Fit
Watch-outs
- −Verywell Fit says the weights do not feel as durable as others it tested
- −Fully assembled, the barbell is large and a bit bulky, per Verywell Fit
How it compares
Like the Yes4All Cast Iron and Amazon Basics sets, the BCBIG is loaded by hand, but it adds a connector that turns the pair into a barbell, and at about 30 pounds per dumbbell it goes higher than the Amazon Basics' 19 pounds. The LifePro PowerFlow Plus and MX Select MX55 change weight with a selector instead of loose plates.
Rating sources
Our 4.5 score is the average of these published ratings. More about methodology.
