The MuscleSquad Quick Select is a solid, budget-friendly alternative to premium adjustable dumbbells with a useful 5kg to 32.5kg weight range.
As the home fitness market continues to boom, adjustable dumbbells have remained a hot commodity for those looking to stay in shape without stepping into a gym. And it’s easy to see why. These versatile, space-saving weights are ideal for those who love home workouts but don’t really have the space for a full rack of dumbbells. They let you switch up the weight quickly and easily, so you can move smoothly from one exercise to the next. Plus, they’re a great way to keep costs down while still getting a serious workout.
Men’s Fitness verdict
Its wide weights range means the MuscleSquad can be used for all kinds of workouts, and while it may not have the polished finish of higher-end models, its performance is impressive given its price.- Great value
- Selection dial is easy to use
- Large weight range
- Sturdy construction
- Weight plates can rattle
- Bulky design makes some exercises feel awkward
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Also available in 2.5-12kg, 2.5-25kg and 5-40kg options, the MuscleSquad Quick Select Adjustable Dumbbell I tested stands out not only for its wide weight range of 5-32.5kg, but also for the fact it’s a fraction of the cost of premium brands like the Primal Strength Personal Series. Over the past few months, I’ve been testing this adjustable dumbbell to find out if it’s just as good as those pricier options.
MuscleSquad Quick Select design and build
They say that first impressions count, and the MuscleSquad Quick Select Adjustable Dumbbell makes a good one. I found that it’s built tough, feels sturdy during use and the core, which is designed to handle the heavy weights, stays stable even at the max setting of 32.5kg. The weight plates attach securely, though I found they do rattle a bit. But once you get past that, you’ll find the mechanism reliable and it feels like it’s built to last. I don’t doubt that this dumbbell should hold up well over time, as long as you store it properly and keep it dry.
One of the best features has to be the dumbbell’s dial mechanism at each end of the dumbbell. This makes changing the weight a breeze: just press the red safety button, turn the dial to your desired weight and lift the dumbbell off its cradle. The dial clicks into place nicely, giving you peace of mind that the weight is set correctly. This easy adjustment is a big plus, making it super simple to switch between exercises without wasting time.
Despite its solid build, the dumbbell is surprisingly compact and doesn’t take up much space. So it’s great if your home gym is a bit tight on space. The design is pretty standard for a weight like this and mostly focused on function over form. (It’s a black and quite cumbersome-looking design – there’s nothing too sleek about it. However, for the price, it’s a fair trade-off compared to pricier adjustable dumbbells on the market.
MuscleSquad Quick Select performance
When it comes to performance, the MuscleSquad Quick Select Adjustable Dumbbell delivers a pretty solid experience, though it’s got a few quirks worth noting. Adjustable dumbbells always feel a bit different from traditional fixed weights due to their design, and MuscleSquad’s offering is no different. As I mentioned earlier, the weight plates can shift slightly during use, causing a bit of a rattle that might be off-putting at first. However, the plates are held securely by the dumbbell’s mechanism. And after a few sessions the rattling does become less distracting. It’s just a matter of getting used to it.
One big plus for the MuscleSquad Quick Select is its versatility. With a weight range from 5kg to 32.5kg, adjustable in 2.5kg steps, I found it to be super useful for a wide variety of exercises. For example, this range is ideal for progressive overload, which is key for building strength. Whether you’re doing bicep curls, bench presses or rows, being able to quickly change the weight means you can keep your workout intensity up without any interruptions.
MuscleSquad Quick Select drawbacks
That said, the dumbbell’s design has a couple of downsides, albeit minor ones. Some exercises, especially ones needing a stable grip or precise balance like goblet squats or triceps extensions, can feel a bit awkward due to the dumbbell’s size and shape. When the dumbbell is fully loaded, it can be a bit tricky to hold comfortably. Also, that slight shifting of the plates can feel off-putting during exercises that involve rapid or overhead movements, like shoulder presses.
Despite these drawbacks, MuscleSquad’s adjustable dumbbell is excellent for compound lifts and traditional strength training exercises. For moves like bench presses, deadlifts and bent-over rows I found it sturdy and reliable.
Verdict
If you’re in the market for an affordable and reliable adjustable dumbbell, the MuscleSquad Quick Select is a solid option. Its wide weight range means it can be used for all kinds of workouts, from light curls to heavy presses. And while it may not have the polished finish of higher-end models, its performance is impressive, given its price.
Plus, it’s easy to adjust and takes up minimal space, making it ideal for smaller home gyms – or those without a home gym at all. Sure, there are a few minor issues, like the rattling plates and bulky design, but these don’t overshadow the overall value. For a cost of less than £350 for a pair, it really does offer excellent value for money – it’s hard to find a better option at this price point.
How does the MuscleSquad Quick Select compare?
When pitted against leading market rivals like the Bowflex SelectTech adjustable dumbbells, the MuscleSquad holds its ground pretty well. Bowflex’s offering might boast a sleeker design and slightly smoother operation, but the MuscleSquad dumbbell’s performance is not far off, especially considering its lower price point. It also comes in at the same price (at the time of writing) as JaxJox’s DumbbellConnect adjustable dumbbells, but this is really a toss-up between something sleeker and more high-tech (but arguably less efficient) with JaxJox, or a more conventional and – in my opinion – easier to set up and use with MuscleSquad.
While MuscleSquad’s Quick Select is a solid pick for an adjustable dumbbell, there’s definitely room for some tweaks. First off, fixing the rattling weight plates would help make you more confident during use. Making the design a little more slender would also make a difference, especially for exercises where a larger weight size feels a bit awkward.
If you prefer to do your workouts at home but don’t have the space for a full-on dumbbell rack, the Quick Select Adjustable Dumbbell will be right up your street, especially if you’re in the market for a top-quality, budget-friendly option. Just be prepared to invest in two of them if you really want to maximise your workouts.
MuscleSquad Quick Select technical specs
| Weight range | 5kg to 32.5kg |
| Increments | 12 x 2.5kg |
| Dimensions | 8.3 x 16.5 x 7.9in / 210 x 420 x 200mm |
How we test the best adjustable dumbbells
Every product you read about on mensfitness.co.uk has been rigorously tested by our experts – whether freelance reviewers or the core MF team. Over a few months, consumer tech expert Lee Bell put the MuscleSquad Quick Select to the test, incorporating the dumbbell into his fitness routine to find out if it lives up to the brand’s claims. He assessed its performance, features and design, testing it throughout its weight range and through a range of exercises at high rep ranges to see how it handles, assessing it in terms of grip, comfort and weight range. He then provided an overall score, taking build quality, performance and price into consideration.
