If you’re hunting for adjustable dumbbells that look and feel like a traditional fixed dumbbell, you’ll want to read this Snode AD80 review.
| Model | Pros & Cons | Rating |
|---|---|---|
Pros:
| Rated 4.6 out of 5 |
After spending some quality time with the Snode AD80 adjustable dumbbells, I can confidently say they stand out in a crowded field. Here’s what makes them unique:
- Fully Drop-Rated: This is huge. The Snode adjustable dumbbells are warrantied to withstand drops from up to 32 inches, even at their max weight of 80 lbs. That’s an extremely rare feature for adjustable dumbbells and gives me a lot of confidence.
- Fast, One-Dial Adjustment: Changing weights is incredibly quick — about one second with a single twist. It’s fast and easy, even when I’m in the middle of a demanding set.
- Cast Iron Build: No plates with flimsy plastic inserts or fragile plastic cradles here. It’s just rugged cast iron, which I really appreciate.
- Traditional Dumbbell Feel: With round iron weights, a cageless design, knurled steel handle, and balanced loading, they genuinely give me that “real dumbbell” feel that most adjustables can’t replicate.
- Strong Value: Priced under $1,000, I found they either outperform or match competitors in key categories like durability, weight capacity, and overall feel, making them a strong value proposition.
However, I’ve also identified a few noteworthy negatives that you’ll want to consider before deciding if they’re right for your setup.
Keep reading my Snode AD80 review to find out more about these adjustable dumbbells and see if they’re the right fit for your home gym.
Table of Contents
Snode AD80 Review Video
Watch my Snode AD80 review video on YouTube:
Unboxing
My first impression of the Snode AD80 adjustable dumbbells was largely positive, starting right from the unboxing.
When these dumbbells arrived, I was immediately impressed with the packaging. They were nestled in high-quality, dense extruded foam, which meant absolutely zero movement during transit. This meticulous care paid off, as everything arrived in perfect cosmetic and functional condition.
Even the smaller adder weights were cleverly tucked away within the foam, accessible via a neat string-pull system. It’s a small detail, but it showed me Snode paid attention.
Build Quality & Durability
Material Construction
From the moment I picked them up, the robust cast iron build of both the plates and the cradle was evident. This is a big differentiator for me, as so many competitors opt for plastic coatings or flimsy plastic cradles. It gives these dumbbells a really solid, rugged feel.
While the external components are undeniably tough, it’s worth noting that the internal adjustment mechanism does contain some plastic parts; it’s not entirely metal. This is something to be aware of, although the external durability is what truly stands out.
Drop-Resistant Design
One of the features that genuinely impressed me — and offers significant peace of mind — is their drop-resistant design. Snode engineered and warrantied these dumbbells to withstand drops from up to 32 inches even at their full 80 lbs.
I’m typically careful with all of my gym equipment, but knowing they can take a hit is a huge plus in case I fail and need to dump them. It’s a rare claim for adjustable dumbbells, and it definitely influences how confidently I use them during intense sessions.
Weight Range & Increments
When it comes to the weights themselves, I found the range to be good, but the increment jumps are definitely something to consider.
Weight Range
The 10 to 80 lbs per dumbbell range is solid. For my home gym training, it’s sufficient for most lifts, but some lifts I either could use more weight (e.g. one-arm rows). And others, like seated shoulder press, where I’m currently repping 80s, I’ll eventually need a little more weight — though luckily my PowerBlocks go up to 100 lbs per dumbbell.
That said, I’d say the average home gym lifter won’t need anything heavier. But If you’re a very strong lifter, you’ll probably want a heavier max weight.
The Challenge of Large Increments
Here’s where I found my biggest “but”: the dumbbells adjust in large 10-pound increments. This is likely the biggest drawback for most lifters, and it certainly was for me, especially when doing exercises like lateral raises.
Making a 10-lb jump on those can feel like a massive leap, making it tough to efficiently progress over time. This is precisely why I strongly recommend looking into magnetic adder weights. I’ll get into the specifics later, but I really found the 3rd-party ones from M-plate to be a game-changer here.
Adjustment & Ease of Use
Adjusting the weight on the Snode AD80 dumbbells is generally a smooth and swift process, though there are a few nuances I discovered in daily use.
Fast and Simple Adjustment
I love how fast and simple it is to change weights. You just turn a single side dial on each dumbbell handle to select your desired weight, and it genuinely takes me only about 1 to 2 seconds to go from the lowest to the maximum weight.
This speed is fantastic for keeping my workouts flowing, especially when I’m doing supersets.
Smooth Rotation (Mostly)
For the most part, the dial rotation is smooth and intuitive. However, I’ve noticed that the dial can occasionally catch. When this happens, it’s usually a sign that the dumbbell isn’t fully seated in the cradle.
The design involves the cradle having indentations that fit into the dumbbell handle, which then activates the internal adjustment mechanism.
So if it’s ever stuck, I just need to rotate the handle slightly back and forth, while nested in the plates. This gets everything lined up properly so the dial unlocks and turns smoothly.
It’s not a deal-breaker, just something to be mindful of during transitions.
Plate Catching During Unracking & Re-Racking
The dumbbells will often snag if I don’t pull them straight up from the cradle, especially at heavier weights.
It’s important to execute a clean vertical pull to keep the plates aligned and prevent any catching or misalignment as you lift it out. It just takes a little practice to get the hang of it.
Same goes for putting the weights back. To put them in seamlessly, you need to drop them in vertically.
A Minor Improvement Idea
One small recommendation I’d make for Snode is to add a simple plus or minus indicator to the weight dial. It would make it even more intuitive to see which way to rotate to increase or decrease the weight. I still sometimes forget which direction to use.
Real Dumbbell Look & Feel
This is where the Snode AD80 adjustable dumbbells truly shine for me. They nail the aesthetic and tactile experience of a traditional gym dumbbell.
Traditional Aesthetic & Feel
These dumbbells look and feel like a classic fixed dumbbell — round, iron, and undeniably serious. When I’m holding them, they’re very well balanced, mimicking the feel of a standard gym dumbbell more closely than most other adjustable sets I’ve tried.
If you appreciate the old-school gym aesthetic, preferring a rugged feel of iron over plastic-heavy modern systems, you’re going to appreciate these. The look and tactile feel are spot on.
No External Cage or Frame
A huge win for me is the absence of an external cage or frame. Unlike PowerBlocks or even the REP x Pepins, there’s nothing restricting my grip or getting in the way during exercises like overhead triceps extensions or dumbbell pullovers. Plus, it’s a big part of the traditional dumbbell aesthetic.
Knurling & Handle Comfort
The handle and its knurling are crucial for any dumbbell, and I found the Snode AD80 dumbbells deliver a very strong performance here.
Knurling Type & Grip Feel
The knurling on these dumbbells has a moderately aggressive feel with a slight volcano-style pattern, providing a consistent texture across the entire handle. The grip is very grippy, but I wouldn’t call it harsh.
When I first started using them after a two-week training hiatus (my hands were a bit softer after returning from vacation!), I did feel a slight sting during the first couple of sessions. However, after that initial break-in period, it simply felt like a nice, strong, secure grip.
Consistency
I was pleased to find that the knurling shows no fade or smooth spots near the ends of the handle, which can be a common issue with poorly made dumbbells or barbells. It’s consistent throughout.
Handle Diameter & Length
The nice, thick 36mm handle feels fantastic in my hands, though I do have larger hands. If your hands are on the smaller side, you’ll feel your forearms working a bit more.
The handle also offers 4.5 inches of usable grip space, which is more than enough for virtually anyone. Even with my large hands, I still have extra space on both sides.
Comfort on Body
While I generally find these comfortable, there’s one specific scenario where they can cause some discomfort: seated shoulder press.
Thigh Discomfort
This is a notable point of contention for me, particularly during seated shoulder presses. When I bring the dumbbells down onto my thighs, the indented plate interface has a sharper edge that can dig in.
Another factor is that the main edges around the plates aren’t rounded; they’re quite sharp. Comparing them to my urethane-coated PowerBlocks, which have much more comfortable rounded edges and a flat dumbbell-end surface, the Snode adjustable dumbbells fall short here.
It’s always a little more comfortable when I have pants or shorts that cover my thighs fully. And if they’re a bit thicker fabric, even better.
Don’t get me wrong, you can still put the dumbbell ends on your bare thighs, you just may have to deal with a little pinch or pressure if you’re using heavy weight and the dumbbell presses a sensitive spot.
Potential for Bruising
I’ve experienced a potential for bruising on seated shoulder press at heavy weights. Maybe I just bruise easier than most, but I assume it happens from letting the weights down too hard on my thighs and having the protruding part hit my leg.
Oddly, it doesn’t hurt in the moment, but I’ll notice a slight bruise the next day. Whatever the case, I now try to be gentler than I otherwise would when lowering the dumbbells.
Dumbbell Length & Range of Motion
The Snode AD80 adjustable dumbbells measure just over 18 inches long at their max weight of 80 lbs.
While not prohibitively long, they are indeed longer than the average adjustable dumbbell, and I’ve noticed this can occasionally interfere with specific movement patterns.
Interference in Movement
The length can become a factor in certain exercises:
- Lateral Raises: At 50 lbs and above, I’ve found they can contact my thighs, which interrupts the movement. Also, the interlocking plate design has a tendency to snag on clothing, which can be pretty annoying mid-set. Of course, I most people won’t be doing 40, let alone 50 lbs on lateral raises.
- Press Movements: There’s a slight, though often minor, limitation in range of motion when bringing the dumbbells together at the top during shoulder presses or dumbbell bench presses. This impact is only noticeable at the dumbbell’s maximum length.
For comparison, at 80 lbs, the Snode adjustable dumbbells are roughly 1.25 inches longer than the Nuobell. And the Rep x Pepins are even more compact, being about the same length at 125 lbs as the Snode adjustable dumbbells are 80 lbs.
This isn’t a deal-breaker for me, but it’s something to be aware of if compactness is a top priority for you.
Handling & Cradle Interaction
As mentioned earlier, racking and unracking the Snode AD80 dumbbells isn’t always an entirely mindless operation.
To summarize, they’ll often catch if I haphazardly pull them out or drop them in. You just need to be a bit more intentional with your placement, and remove them or place them in, using a directly vertical path.
Cradle Lift Issue
Before I started using the optional Snode dumbbell stand and I was only using the cradles – the sometimes-inefficient unracking process was more of an issue.
At max weight, the cradles would lift up with the dumbbells when trying to pull them out if I didn’t do a clean vertical pullout.
A quick reset and wiggle will easily dislodge it. However, if you have the optional stand, this becomes a non-issue because it anchors the cradles in place.
Optional Snode Dumbbell Stand
If you’re investing in the AD80s, I think the optional Snode Dumbbell Stand is a highly recommended accessory.
Solid Build & Aesthetics
The stand is constructed entirely from cast iron, just like the dumbbells, making it incredibly sturdy and built to last. It also has a really clean aesthetic that perfectly matches and complements the dumbbells, looking great in my home gym.
Easy Assembly & Stability
Assembly was surprisingly fast and straightforward — no complicated instructions or frustrating moments. Once put together, the stand feels incredibly planted and secure.
Minor Alignment Issue
I did encounter a minor alignment issue during assembly, where one side initially came out slightly angled. I was mostly able to fix it (about 90%) by loosening the bolts, repositioning the components, and then re-tightening them firmly.
Stand Cost & My Caster Wheel Upgrade
The stand costs $260, which is a decent value. But my one suggestion for Snode to make it a no-brainer would be to include built-in caster wheels instead of just rubber feet.
I actually took matters into my own hands and installed third-party caster wheels. This was a game-changer! The stand became incredibly easy to move around during my workouts.
A word of caution, though: my first attempt failed because the wheels I bought not only had a stem that was too long, but the wheels themselves were too weak.
I ended up investing in these much more robust wheels that I installed with M12 to M8 thread reducers. They work much better so far, and I look forward to seeing how they hold up long term.
Snode’s Magnetic Adder Weights
Snode offers their own magnetic adder weights to help bridge those 10-lb gaps, but I’m not really a fan.
Purpose & Cost
These optional magnetic adder weights come as eight 1.25 lb plates, costing $80. Their purpose is clear: to allow for more incremental adjustment between the main 10-lb steps, offering finer tuning for your lifts.
The “Clunky Setup”
Here’s my main reservation with Snode’s adders: the clunky setup. Unless you’re at the full 80 lbs, you must remove the dumbbell from the cradle to attach these adders. This adds time to transitions mid-workout.
For me, it often meant interrupting my flow, putting the dumbbell down, adding the little plates, and then picking it back up. Because of this, I found myself largely skipping them unless a specific lift truly demanded that precision loading.
Basically, the time-consuming increment process negates the benefit of fast dumbbell adjustment.
3rd-Party Magnetic Adder Weights
After trying Snode’s own adders, I discovered the M-Plate magnetic adder weights, and I can confidently say they are a much better alternative.
Elegant and Efficient Design
M-Plates have an elegant and efficient design. They magnetically attach to the inside of the weight stack, which is brilliant. This preserves the dumbbell’s sleek profile and doesn’t occupy any usable space on the ends.
No Cradle Removal Required
Unlike Snode’s stock magnetic adders, you don’t have to remove the dumbbell from the cradle to attach M-Plates. This alone vastly improves mid-workout usability and honestly encourages me to use small increments more frequently.
Improved Training Versatility & Convenience
By reducing the friction of microloading, M-Plates make it significantly easier to fine-tune progression, especially for exercises where 10-lb jumps are just too much.
Their magnet strength is strong enough to stay secure during use, yet they are still easy to attach or remove. This convenience factor is huge for me.
Premium Feel & Unexpected Benefit
M-Plates feel solidly built and look incredibly clean, adding a genuine high-end touch to the Snode system.
Plus, there’s a nice side benefit: a small portion at the top of the M-Plate sticks out slightly, which acts to prevent the AD80s from rolling away. This is super helpful because the AD80s have a fully round profile with no flat surface to keep them from rolling if your floor is graded like mine.
M-Plate Cost
M-Plates cost $130 for the plates themselves, with an extra $30 if you want a convenient holder that attaches directly to the Snode stand.
I highly recommended the M-Plates if you want to make practical use of fractional loading without sacrificing speed or convenience.
SAVE: Use code KING for 10% off the M-Plate adder weights.
Value: What You Get for Your Money
At a price point of $795, I consider the Snode AD80 adjustable dumbbells to be a high-value purchase given their impressive build and performance. They’re comparably priced to the Nuobells but notably less expensive than the REP x Pepins.
If you’re seeking a super durable adjustable dumbbell with a traditional dumbbell feel and 80 lbs is a sufficient max weight for your training, these are a solid, well-priced pick in my book.
However, as I mentioned, I’d still strongly recommend budgeting an extra $130 for the M-Plate add-on plates, even if you decide to purchase them later. They truly enhance the overall experience.
Pros & Cons Summary
To give you a quick overview, here’s my summary of the Snode AD80 adjustable dumbbells’ main strengths and weaknesses:
Pros:
- Can be safely dropped from as high as 32 inches, a rare but comforting feature.
- Go up to 80 lbs (or 85 lbs with add-on weights), which is plenty for most.
- Feature a very fast single-dial adjustment, keeping my workouts moving.
- Boast a robust cast iron build for both plates and cradle, improving durability.
- Have a thick and well-knurled steel handle that feels great in hand.
- Came with excellent packaging and secure delivery, no issues there.
- Priced under $1,000, even after getting the recommended third-party adder weights.
Cons:
- The standard 10-lb increment can be a pain, requiring use of optional magnetic adders for more precision.
- Snode’s optional magnetic adder weights aren’t great; I definitely recommend 3rd-party ones.
- They have a fully round profile with no flat surface, so they tend to roll away if not secured.
- Racking and unracking takes more care than with some competitors like Nuobell or REP x Pepin.
- I’ve noticed slight plate slop/sag at higher weights, though it’s minimal.
- Can be uncomfortable on the thighs during heavy seated lifts due to protruding edges.
- Their length slightly restricts ROM on certain exercises.
Alternatives
The Nuobells and Rep x Pepin Fast Series compete most directly with the Snode adjustable dumbbells. While I don’t own either, I’ve spoken in-depth with people in the home gym community who do. So I can tell you how they compare across major categories:
Snode AD80 vs. REP x Pepin Fast Series (“REPINs”):
- Adjustment: The REPINs require adjusting two pins per dumbbell, whereas the Snode offers a much quicker single dial.
- Increments: Both have 10 lb increments default, but the REPINs come standard with two pairs of 2.5 lb adders that install without removing the dumbbells from the cradle.
- Durability: Both are droppable, which is a major plus for either. Though, Rep’s does have an all-metal adjustment mechanism (no plastic at all except for the protective UHMW.
- Weight Range: REPINs go heavier, up to 125 lbs, if you need more weight.
- Noise: The Snode adjustable dumbbells are bit quieter to use.
- Design: The REPINs have a metal frame that, for me, can limit range of motion hand placement, at least to an extent, on exercises like overhead triceps extensions.
- Compactness: REPINs are more compact.
- Price: The REPINs are much more expensive, from $500-900 more depending on which weight version you get.
Snode AD80 vs. Nuobell:
- Durability: This is a huge win for Snode. The Snode is vastly more durable, being drop-rated, and its plates (including the dovetail groove/insert) are fully cast iron rather than plastic. I’ve heard numerous user reports of breakage with the Nuobells’ more fragile plastic construction for their dovetail design.
- Adjustment Speed: Nuobell adjusts faster by twisting the handle, compared to Snode’s side dial.
- Increments: Nuobell uses 5-lb increments, which are finer than Snode’s 10-lb increments.
- Compactness: The Nuobell is more compact by approximately 1.25 inches at 80 lbs.
- Reliability: From what I’ve heard from others about Nuobells and my experience with the Snode adjustable dumbbells, I believe the Snode offers far better long-term reliability, particularly if you train aggressively.
- My Decision Factor: For me, the decision between these two ultimately boils down to prioritizing durability (Snode) versus compactness and the absolute fastest adjustment speed and ease of racking/unracking (Nuobell).
Overall Rating
Snode AD80 Adjustable Dumbbells
The Snode AD80 Adjustable Dumbbells are a robust, cast-iron set designed for home gyms. They offer a traditional dumbbell feel, fast single-dial adjustment (10-80 lbs), and are uniquely drop-rated. While they have larger 10-lb increments, their durability and value make them a compelling choice for serious lifters.
Product In-Stock: InStock
4.6
Final Thoughts: Are They Right for You?
If you’re really looking for heavy-duty adjustable dumbbells that feel and perform like fixed dumbbells, the Snode AD80 dumbbells are a very compelling option.
I’ve found that they are exceptionally durable and have a traditional dumbbell feel while still adjusting very quickly.
The downsides — like the 10-lb weight jumps, occasional re-racking quirks, and some discomfort on the thighs during heavy seated lifts — are real, but I’ve found them to be manageable. And with third-party M-Plate magnetic adder weights, you can largely solve the increment issue while significantly improving convenience, which I highly recommend.
They won’t be for everyone. If you prioritize ultra-fast adjustment speed, a super compact size, or smaller, default increments, you might find yourself leaning towards Nuobells.
Or if you want durability at a much heavier weight, the REPINs are more appropriate for your needs if you can afford them.
My bottom line: if 80 lbs is enough for your training and you appreciate the idea of a durable, quick-adjusting adjustable dumbbell that feels and performs like a legitimate iron dumbbell, these should be at the top of your list — especially considering their price point.
Hopefully my Snode AD80 review has helped you decide whether or not these are the best adjustable dumbbells for your home gym.
If you decide to buy, be sure to use code KING20 to save an extra $20 off the Snode dumbbells (FYI, my code stacks on top of other coupons Snode may be offering).
Buy Now – Snode AD80 Adjustable Dumbbells – Use Code KING20 »
And remember, you can also save 10% on the M-Plate adder weights with code KING. It’ll make progressing so much more efficient.
