Building a home gym doesn’t have to break the bank. The CAP Barbell 150-pound dumbbell set is a budget-friendly option for beginners looking to add some weight training to their routine. But is it the right fit for you? In this in-depth review, we’ll break down the CAP Barbell set’s features, performance, and potential drawbacks, all to help you make an informed decision.
Gym Rats Supps: Strength Equipment Testers You Can Trust
Our team of reviewers isn’t just a bunch of gym rats (though some of us are!). We’re certified personal trainers, nutrition coaches, gym owners, and even Olympic-level athletes. We use our combined knowledge and experience to put fitness equipment through the wringer, so you know exactly what you’re getting.
CAP Barbell: A Budget-Conscious Brand
CAP Barbell is a familiar name in the home gym equipment world, known for offering affordable options. They don’t sell directly to consumers, but you’ll find their products on popular sites like Amazon and Walmart. Their selection includes weight plates, barbells, kettlebells, and of course, dumbbells.
Before You Buy: What You Need to Know
- Weight Range: This set includes five pairs of dumbbells: 5 lbs, 10 lbs, 15 lbs, 20 lbs, and 25 lbs.
- Storage: A space-saving A-frame rack is included to keep your dumbbells organized.
- Price: Be sure to double-check which set you’re selecting on retailers’ websites, as there may be variations.
Is It Worth It? Let’s Do the Math
For those starting their strength training journey and looking for fixed-weight dumbbells up to 25 pounds, this set is a steal. Fixed dumbbells typically range from $1 to $3 per pound. The CAP Barbell set, priced under $200, falls at just over $1 per pound. That’s a solid deal, especially considering the A-frame rack.
Comparable sets from brands like Rogue, REP Fitness, and Titan can cost $280 to $400 (without shipping) for the same weight range. If you need heavier weights but want to stay budget-friendly, check out our roundup of the best adjustable dumbbells.
Who Should (and Shouldn’t) Consider This Set
Great for:
- Strength training beginners: This set is ideal for those new to weight training and building a foundational base of strength.
- Upper- or lower-body workouts: You can perform a variety of exercises for both your upper and lower body with this set.
- Low-impact workouts: Lighter weights are perfect for low-impact exercise routines.
Not ideal for:
- Experienced lifters: If you regularly lift more than 25 pounds, this set won’t provide enough challenge for progressive overload.
- Those seeking high weight variability: The limited weight range might become restrictive as you gain strength.
- Straight handle preference: Some lifters prefer the feel and control of straight, non-tapered handles.
Putting It to the Test: A Trainer’s Perspective
Our in-house tester, Lindsay, put the CAP Barbell set through its paces with exercises like overhead presses, bicep curls, and shoulder raises. “The 25-pound weight makes it perfect for beginners,” Lindsay says.
While she focused on upper-body movements, the dumbbells are suitable for squats, deadlifts, lunges, and any exercise comfortable with 5- to 25-pound weights.
Lindsay even performed some “drop tests” (not recommended at home!), and reported no damage to the dumbbells. However, she advises against dropping them from overhead heights due to potential injury or equipment damage.
Overall, the CAP Barbell set gets a 4 out of 5 stars for workout performance.
The dumbbells function well, but the grip, knurling, and overall durability led to a slight point deduction.
Footprint Friendly: A Compact Storage Solution
The A-frame rack keeps all five dumbbell pairs organized and requires less than 2 square feet of floor space. It stands 26 inches tall and is designed for easy weight selection, with lighter dumbbells positioned on top.
Durability and Construction: Weighing the Pros and Cons
Cast iron dumbbells are a top choice for durability, but the CAP Barbell set features rubber-coated hex dumbbells. This protects the dumbbell head and your floor if accidentally dropped.
However, the heads themselves are made from gray iron, known for less tensile strength (resistance to stress before breaking). The handles, on the other hand, are constructed from cold-rolled solid steel, a more resilient material.
Lindsay observed no wear and tear after her tests, even with the drop tests (remember, don’t try this at home!). While the set seems durable, the gray iron in the heads raises some concerns. It’s best to avoid dropping these weights repeatedly during workouts. Overall, the durability earns a 3.5 out of 5 stars.
Knurling: Grippy Enough, But Not for Everyone
This set features a non-traditional knurling pattern. Instead of edge-to-edge knurling, it has a center knurl, a smooth ring, another knurled ring, and then smooth steel to the edge. The description mentions “medium depth knurling,” but Lindsay found it to be on the passive side. However, the outer knurled rings offer a slightly more aggressive grip. Overall, she gives the knurling a 3.5 out of 5 stars.
“I prefer a more aggressive knurl,” Lindsay admits, “but the passive knurling here allows for a decent grip and freedom for explosive movements like dumbbell snatches or cleans. Plus, chalk can always help solidify your grip if needed.”
Handle Comfort: A Tapered Design for Natural Feel
The CAP Barbell set boasts ergonomic handles with a taper. The thickest part is in the middle, gradually thinning towards the dumbbell heads. Lindsay liked this design, noting it provided a more natural grip. Additionally, the space between the heads offers ample room for various hand sizes.
“The spacing works well for almost anyone,” Lindsay says, “and the natural feel is great for pushing and pulling motions.” She awards the handles a 4 out of 5 stars, with the half point deduction being a nod to our team members (myself included) who prefer the consistency of straight, non-tapered handles.
Final Verdict: A Budget-Friendly Choice for Beginners
The CAP Barbell 150-pound dumbbell set is an excellent option for beginners starting their strength training journey. The weight range might not be enough for seasoned lifters or those needing progressive overload training. The gray iron used in the dumbbell heads raises some durability concerns for heavy drops.
However, the included A-frame rack is a space-saving bonus, and the price point is unbeatable for those on a budget.
In summary, if you’re a beginner looking for a set of affordable dumbbells to kickstart your home gym, the CAP Barbell 150-pound set is a solid choice. Just remember, there are limitations in terms of weight range and potential durability for heavy drops.
For experienced lifters or those seeking more weight variability and a more aggressive knurl, you might want to explore adjustable dumbbell options or sets with higher weight capacities.
We hope this review empowers you to make an informed decision on your dumbbell purchase!