When purchasing dumbbells, urethane dumbbells are the clear winners when it comes to looks, performance, and longevity. In this article, we compare what we feel are the best urethane dumbbells in the market today and we created a urethane dumbbell comparison chart giving you a quick birds-eye view of what to expect when purchasing them. We have chosen 10 companies that we feel make some of the best urethane dumbbells around or .
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Urethane dumbbells are more compact, look much nicer and can withstand more punishment than their rubberized counterparts.
As an avid cyclist and runner, it’s important to stay fit and strong and cross-training with weights helps you perform better. So this year I thought it was a good idea to get a weight bench for those days I couldn’t make it to the gym.
There are a lot of different dumbbells out there from metal to rubber to select a weight combo dumbbells and finally to urethane dumbbells. Without a dought, urethane dumbbells are legit and that is why so many commercial gyms have them. They simply can take a beating and still look great.
Note: Some of the companies listed below realistically only sell B2B at the commercial price point of dumbbell sets (i.e. 5-50 lbs sets) and lack any sort of retail distribution to offer purchases of individual dumbbell pairs. Obviously these companies know their business, but companies like Rogue Fitness have been able to capitalize on the home gym and garage gym market and offer commercial-grade dumbbells to their clients at a much lower and reasonable price point.
Given how easy it is to sell and ship products on the internet, I am a little surprised that companies don’t invest a little more in resources to sell to a broader audience. There certainly is a market and demand and for me personally, I want to use gym-quality commercial equipment regardless if I am at the gym or my home. Heck if a cyclist or runner is willing to throw down $ every year to get a new bike, they certainly have enough money to buy good weight equipment.
One thing I have noticed is most commercial quality dumbbells are pretty hard to find used unless you are buying in bulk. Occationally you will find a deal, but most sellers are wanting top dollar even on the used market.
Below is a Comparison Urethane Dumbbell Chart showing all the urethane dumbbells we cover in our review.
Table Of Contents
We recently picked up a Life Fitness Signature Series Incline Bench for doing weights and crosstraining at home. It’s probably one of the best commercial-grade incline benches I have ever seen or used. The bonus was we got it for a steal of a deal. It retails for $1,500 and we picked it up for $200 off of craigslist.
With such an amazing bench, you certainly don’t want to skimp on dumbbells and realistically we only need a few sets to workout with. So I started looking around and it seems urethane dumbbells offer the best overall performance compared to others on the market. The big downfall, of course, is they are wicked expensive. Because they have urethane coating, the price jumps up to roughly $2+ or more a pound, which when your buying multiple sets can really add up fast. The other downside is the used market just isn’t there. No one seems to be selling them cheap on Craigs List or FB Marketplace.
Fixed urethane dumbbells are very popular with most commercial, university and government-run gyms and currently are at the top of the premium dumbbell food chain. At first glance (technically polyurethane or PU) dumbbells don’t look much different than rubber dumbbells, over time, however, they exhibit much better performance, longevity, and appearance.
The main advantage of using a fixed dumbbell is it almost always comes in a smaller, easier to manage size than an adjustable dumbbell.
The main disadvantage, of course, is fixed dumbbells are fixed, meaning if you need lighter or heavier weight you will need to purchase another pair. Depending on your needs, this can get quite expensive, as you need more and more pairs of dumbbells to workout with
If you are still trying to decide what the main advantages are for purchasing urethane dumbbells here is a list
When it comes to disadvantages, the main point is urethane dumbbells are expensive. Depending on the company, they can be really expensive. Another disadvantage is people tend to hang on to them and you rarely see them being sold used on Craigslist or Facebook marketplace. If they are sold, it’s usually in sets or higher weight brackets (70 – 100 lbs) and rarely in the 5 to 50 lb range.
Unlike rubber-coated dumbbells, urethane coated dumbbells usually have a thicker coat or encasing. Cheaper urethane dumbbell manufacturers, like those from China, will skimp on the Urethane as well as other materials to lower the price of the product.
Ivanko claims that they make the thickest Urethane in the Industry.
Polyurethane or just urethane for short is just another form of rubber that has been modified by changing the chemical makeup to make it a different product.
Urethane is a toxic man-made substance. Rubber, on the other hand, comes from trees and plants. Because urethane is man-made, it has been formulated to wear better and stand up to harsher environments and sunlight. That is why many commercial gyms and fitness facilities purchase urethane dumbbells rather than their less expensive rubber counterparts.
Unlike Rubber, urethan doesn’t give off a musky smell, in fact, it is pretty much odorless.
The disadvantage, of course, is since urethane is man-made it ends up costing more to produce and use, doubling or tripling the overall cost of the dumbbell. Certain companies have developed secret formulas to make the urethane adhere better to metal provide less chance for failure and cracking.
While Urethane dumbbells are supposed to be king when it comes to longevity, I do have one pair that has cracked and the urethane has split. Once this has happened, making the necessary repairs may prove futile as there aren’t any really good urethane repair kits.
Now from what I have been told, a cracked urethane dumbbell is more of an anomaly and in fact, I tried searching for others who have experienced this with not much luck.
Many manufacturers carry a 5-year warranty on their urethane dumbbells. The downside is if you didn’t register them, you may be out of luck. Also, most warranties only extend to the original purchaser and are non-transferable. To me, this is a bit of a cop-out. If a company stands behind its product, it shouldn’t matter if the product changed hands within the warranty time frame.
Urethane is the buzz word for quality dumbbells and companies who make them will definitely price them accordingly, making you pay a premium.
Most urethane dumbbells will be priced out of reach of most mortals, well unless you are a gym owner or have a contract to purchase them for the government or military. Priced per pound, quality urethane dumbbells will run anywhere from $4 to $8 a pound.
Most dumbbells come in one of 2 flavors, round or multi-sided. The advantage of the multi-sided dumbbells is they will not roll once set down. Both Eleiko (14 sides) and Iron Grip (12 sides) are multi-sided. The advantage of round dumbbells is the fact that they typically take up less space.
American Barbell has several versions of urethane dumbbells including Series 1, Series 2 and Series 4.
Of all the urethane dumbbells listed in this article, I like the look of the American Barbell the best. While American Barbell’s competitors source their own urethane from the US or Sweeden, American sources theirs from Germany and produce dumbbells from 5 to 200lbs. The steel is still sourced in the US and it comes equipped with a chrome-plated handle.
A 5 – 50lb set retails for around $3,800.
Specifications
Eleiko (https://www.eleiko.com/) hails from Sweeden and has 6 decades of experience. Their top-end urethane dumbbells are called EVO and they make a fixed version and a rotating version, something that other companies in this lineup don’t have. Both versions come with 14 sides that prevent rolling. The rotating version was designed based on Eleiko’s extensive experience with barbells.
The rotating Evo Dumbbell is designed for dynamic explosive movements such as the dumbbell snatch and other weightlifting-movements. The rotating handle also puts less stress on joints in movements such as biceps curls and delivers a unique smooth feeling that you immediately understand when you experience it.
The fixed handle Evo Dumbbell is a more classic design that is perfect for pressing movements, such as chest and shoulder presses.
Both are designed to offer maximum performance and outstanding durability over time. You can do everything from a training standpoint with either one, it’s simply a matter of preference and what type of training you tend to lean towards – dynamic and explosive or more slow and controlled.
I am not sure if the steel is sourced from Sweeden, but if it is, I am quite certain it’s high quality. I have a few WWII Sweedish Mauser rifles that used Sweedish steel and they look amazing and almost like new, even today.
One thing the video above showed is unless they swapped out dumbbells while shooting, the testing dumbbell’s urethane coating didn’t fail or crack.
Specifications
Hampton Fitness was in . The company’s dedicated team of fitness equipment experts is headquartered in Ventura, California, and Hampton free weight products are sold both directly and through a large network of independent dealers all over the country.
The Hampton’s Gel-Grip® Series dumbbells are their top performing urethane dumbbells.
The Gel-Grip® urethane handle prevents your hand from moving during your workout. The Gel-Grip handles are ergonomically designed and contoured to support the hand’s natural curve for a comfortable, solid grip.
Its non-porous surface does not collect germs or bacteria as other knurled handles do. The outside shoulders of each handle have been expanded to 50 millimeters, which centers the handle and eliminates the painful impact typical of traditional handles that slide during workouts. Our stainless steel faceplates offer custom-engraved decals for your brand-name recognition.
Available in 36 different sizes from 5 lbs to 52.5 lbs in 2.5 lb increments and 55s lb to 130 lbs in 5 lb increments.
Iron Grip boasts the Made in USA label, so you can be sure the quality of their urethane dumbbells is excellent.
There are several features that make the Iron Grip urethane dumbbells unique including its 12-sided heads and 3 handle configurations including
Another cool feature Iron Grip offers is logo printing on the weights.
Pricing isn’t available on the Iron Grips website, so you will need to contact them for dumbbell costs.
Specifications
Ivanko Urethane dumbbells are 100% Made in the USA. No Welds. No Allen Bolts.
Ivanco has also been producing fitness equipment for quite some time, in fact, their website looks like something out of the ’90s. It might be time for a facelift, but that being said, Ivanco makes excellent weight lifting products.
Ivanko tops our list as the most expensive dumbbells with the 5 – 50lb set selling for $5,150.00, making it roughly 3 times as much as most other companies are charging. While I love the Ivanko brand, I just can’t see the justification for such a purchase, even if the urethane is superior and thicker.
The Ivanko Difference: Our military-grade hard chrome handle has a finish that is 75% the hardness of a diamond. Our commercial-grade urethane, which resists abrasions and scratches, will not split, crack, or peel. Our engraved markings (name & weight designation) are heat-infused to the dumbbell in such a way that they will never fade or come out.
Specifications
Rep Fitness is a small, family-owned business started in by 2 brothers with a love for fitness. There is nothing overly special about their urethane dumbbells, except the price point. For the money, Rep Fitness offers quality at a more affordable price.
Their Rep Fitness urethane 40lb pair retails for $188, significantly less than say Rogue’s $255 price point. Rep Fitness doesn’t list larger 5 – 50lb sets, although I am sure they would do those as well. While Rep Fitness is less expensive than Roque, you do have to pay shipping, which can also add up, so in the end, it might not be as big of a savings deal.
Features:
Rogue Fitness is a leader in CrossFit and Commerical Home Gym equipment, so it should come as no surprise that Rogue makes some outstanding urethane dumbbells. Rogue Urethane Dumbbells are sold in pairs and available in 5LB increments up to 150LB.
Each precision-machined handle on Rogue’s Urethane Dumbbells is the same 6″ in length and includes a medium-grade knurling for a firm but comfortable grip. The handle diameter is 31mm for dumbbells up to 45LB and 34MM for dumbbells 50LB and up.
Rogue sells both Urethane dumbbell sets and individual pairs. Rogue’s 5 – 50LB set is $1,650 and an individual 40LB pair will set you back $255. Rogue does offer free shipping, which can add up, especially when you order the dumbbell sets, so you need to take that into consideration.
Specifications:
See More: Dumbbells Available from Rogue
Want more information on wholesale free weights? Feel free to contact us.
Dumbbell Head Diameter
As far as I know, most Titan Fitness products are produced in China and from the reviews I have seen, tend to be of less quality than companies like Roque Fitness. The good news is Titan Fitness products usually come at a substantial discount compared to others. Another huge benefit of buying Titan products is shipping is free, which when buying weights can add up quickly.
Specifications
Last on our list of urethane dumbbell manufactures is Troy Fitness. Troy makes a 12 sided urethane dumbbell, similar to the Iron Grip dumbbells, but with more roundness going towards the center.
Specifications
Vulcan has been around since and is based in Charlotte, North Carolina. They focus on supplying equipment for Olympic weightlifting, CrossFit, Home Gyms and Commercial Gyms
The Vulcan Prime Dumbbells utilize a solid-steel shaft that has a moderate knurl and chrome finish. Like Rep Fitness, Vulcan offers a very competitive price for quality dumbbells.
The Vulcan Prime dumbbells have a black textured urethane head, easy to read grey numeral increments and high-quality construction. Listed at a more than affordable price point, these urethane dumbbells feature a solid steel core, hard chrome plated handle with medium knurl, and a high-grade 90 Shore Hardness urethane head. Rounded inner and outer edges of these dumbbells make them more comfortable to use when performing any movement where the dumbbell comes in contact with your body such dumbbell bench presses, dumbbell cleans, dumbbell presses, and dumbbell push presses.
Specifications
While you certainly can’t go wrong with any of the above company dumbbells, I find the higher priced American Barbell, Iron Grip and Ivanko dumbbells to be on the high end of the price spectrum. These companies sell to large organizations and are set up that way and realistically aren’t looking to fill small orders of dumbbell pairs or cater to low volume sales.
For those individuals looking to set up a home gym or garage gym, your best bet is to purchase from companies like Rep Fitness, Rogue Fitness, and Vulkan. Those companies all have excellent eCommerce set up on their websites for quick individual sales. If you are looking to save on shipping Vulcan and Rep Fitness might be the best choice of the bunch as both have FREE shipping options.
Please let me know in the comments below what your experience is with these companies and how satisfied you are with your purchases.
Rubber vs. urethane dumbbells—what’s the difference, and which is the better choice for your gym? At first glance, both materials offer durability and versatility, but their differences in cost, longevity, and user experience can make a big impact on your workouts. Rubber dumbbells, like rubber hex options, are budget-friendly and ideal for home gyms, while premium urethane dumbbells shine in high-traffic commercial settings with their exceptional durability and sleek finish.
The right dumbbells should be aligned with your goals, workout style, and budget. Can’t choose? Through this guide, we’ll help you make an informed decision. Let’s explore the key features, benefits, and differences of rubber and urethane dumbbells so you can find the best option for your strength training.
Rubber dumbbells are a staple in many gyms, known for their affordability, durability, and versatility. These are typically coated in either virgin rubber or recycled rubber, offering varying levels of quality. Virgin rubber, made from new materials, provides a sleek, higher-quality finish, while recycled rubber is a more eco-friendly and cost-effective option. Both types offer protection for gym floors, reducing noise and minimizing impact during intense workouts.
Rubber dumbbells are an excellent choice for home gyms and garage gyms, where durability and cost-efficiency are top priorities. Their hex shape often prevents rolling, making them safe and convenient for smaller spaces.
Cost-effective and ideal for beginners.
Resistant to damage from frequent use.
Available in lighter weights, typically from 2.5 or 3 lbs, whereas urethane dumbbells in commercial gyms commonly start at 5lbs.
Odor from synthetic rubber can linger.
Slightly less durable than urethane weights under heavy use.
Urethane dumbbells are a premium option designed for high-traffic commercial gyms and studio classes. Coated with urethane, a man-made material, these offer high resistance to wear and tear, even with heavy usage. Unlike rubber, urethane resists cracking, fading, and damage from direct sunlight or other environmental factors, ensuring the dumbbells maintain high quality over time.
These dumbbells are perfect for heavy use, even in commercial settings. Their comfortable grip and chrome handles provide a superior user experience.
Most durable dumbbells available, withstanding intense use.
Odorless and resistant to environmental wear.
Sleek finish for a professional aesthetic.
Higher price point compared to rubber.
Less ideal for budget-conscious home setups.
For gym owners seeking highest quality dumbbells or individuals investing in fitness equipment for long-term use, urethane dumbbells are the best choice.
When choosing between urethane dumbbells and rubber dumbbells, understanding how they perform under regular use and environmental conditions is essential. Both materials are durable, but their longevity and maintenance requirements differ significantly.
Rubber dumbbells, particularly those made from virgin rubber, are designed to withstand frequent use and provide good protection for gym floors. However, rubber-coated dumbbells may show signs of cracking or fading over time, especially if exposed to direct sunlight or extreme temperatures. They are best suited for home or garage gyms with moderate wear-and-tear demands.
In contrast, urethane dumbbells are the most durable option on the market. Even with heavy use in large commercial gyms, the urethane coating is resistant to cracking, chipping, and abrasion. Urethane’s durability extends to its ability to maintain its finish and solid steel core integrity despite exposure to direct sunlight or high-impact environments.
For high-traffic fitness centers focusing on controlled movements such as pressing, rows, and shrugs, urethane dumbbells are excellent due to their durability and sleek appearance. However, rubber-coated dumbbells are recommended in environments like CrossFit gyms, where high-intensity workouts involve dynamic lifts (e.g., snatches, cleans) with frequent and consistent dropping. They are more cost-effective to replace and better withstand constant impact.
In home gyms, both types can last a long time with proper care, but urethane weights will maintain their premium appearance and quality feel over the years, making them a valuable investment for users seeking long-term value.
Proper care can significantly extend your dumbbells' lifespan. Rubber dumbbells require regular cleaning to remove dust and debris accumulating on their surface Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight or extreme temperatures should be avoided, as these factors can cause the rubber to crack, harden, or lose its elasticity over time. Using mats or protective flooring can also help minimize wear and tear on both the dumbbells and your gym space.
In contrast, urethane dumbbells are virtually maintenance-free, making them an ideal choice for those seeking low-effort upkeep. Their smooth, odorless coating resists cracking, fading, and damage from environmental factors, even in high-traffic commercial gyms. Wiping them down using a damp cloth is enough to maintain their premium appearance, ensuring they look brand new even after extensive use.
The grip and feel of rubber and urethane dumbbells differ significantly. Rubber dumbbells typically feature straight, knurled handles paired with a rubber coating around the dumbbell heads. This combination provides a soft yet firm grip, making them ideal for beginners or those performing lighter, controlled movements.
The rubber coating helps reduce slippage during exercises, even with sweaty hands, but it may feel slightly tacky, particularly with recycled rubber options. Over time, the tackiness can become more noticeable, potentially requiring additional care or cleaning to maintain a comfortable grip.
Urethane dumbbells are designed with premium grip and comfort in mind. Their handles are often made from chrome or solid steel with finely knurled surfaces, offering a secure grip during intense strength training or heavy lifts. The smooth urethane coating on the dumbbell heads helps maintain a clean, polished look and feel over time.
Rubber dumbbells are quieter in terms of noise and ambiance. The rubber material absorbs impact, making them ideal for spaces where noise might be a concern. However, they may emit a noticeable odor over time. While slightly louder due to their harder surface, urethane dumbbells maintain an odor-free, clean environment, making them perfect for studio classes or high-traffic commercial gyms.
Rubber dumbbells, particularly rubber hex dumbbells, are generally more affordable, with prices ranging from under $100 for lighter dumbbell sets to upwards of $5,000 for complete sets or packages. For instance, the York Barbell Rubber Hex Dumbbells ranges from $20 to $640, while the TAG Fitness Rubber Hex Dumbbell Sets fall between $470 to $5,000 or higher. Additionally, the Body-Solid Rubber Hex Dumbbell Sets SDRS are priced between $1,099 and $4,799.
On the other hand, urethane dumbbells tend to come at a higher price point. The Intek Strength Armor Series Solid Urethane Dumbbell Sets range from $1,730 to above $12,000, while TKO Strength's Signature Round Urethane Dumbbell Sets are priced between $2,199 and $9,299. Troy Barbell's 12-Sided Urethane Dumbbell Sets are available from around $3,950 to $8,000 or more.
Rubber dumbbells are typically made from virgin rubber, which is newly sourced, or recycled rubber, repurposed from used materials. Virgin rubber production requires harvesting natural resources, making it less eco-friendly compared with recycled rubber, which minimizes waste and reduces carbon footprint. The con with recycled rubber is it may have a coarser finish and slight imperfections due to the recycling process.
Urethane dumbbells, in comparison, are made from man-made synthetic materials, which require more energy and resources during production. This results in higher emissions, but their long lifespan reduces the need for frequent replacements.
Choosing the right dumbbells comes down to your budget, gym setup, and workout goals. We’ve seen how both rubber and urethane dumbbells offer unique advantages, but taking a side-by-side look at their strengths will help you make an informed decision.
Budget and Preferences: If cost is a priority, rubber dumbbells are the best option. They’re more affordable, making them perfect for home gyms, garage gyms, or buyers building a gym on a budget. In contrast, urethane dumbbells, with their sleek finish and higher quality, are ideal for those willing to invest in long-term durability.
Environment: Both dumbbells are versatile and practical for home gyms or casual setups. For settings where movements are controlled, such as high-end commercial gyms or studio classes, urethane dumbbells align better due to their premium build and ability to maintain a polished aesthetic over time. For high-intensity environments, rubber-coated ones are ideal.
In summary, urethane dumbbells are ideal for traditional commercial gyms focusing on controlled exercises, offering long-term durability and a professional aesthetic. Conversely, rubber-coated dumbbells are recommended for high-intensity environments like CrossFit gyms due to their superior impact resistance and cost-effectiveness.
If you’re also looking into other dumbbell types or maybe rubber and urethane are currently inaccessible to you, here are some alternatives you might want to consider.
Cast iron dumbbells are a classic choice known for their simplicity and durability. These dumbbells are typically uncoated, giving them a raw iron grip that appeals to traditional strength trainers. They are compact and ideal for gyms with limited storage space but can be rough on gym floors without proper flooring or mats.
Adjustable dumbbells are a perfect addition to home or garage gyms because they are versatile and space-saving. They allow users to modify weight increments quickly, replacing multiple dumbbell sets with one compact system. If you’re curious how these are different from fixed dumbbells, read this article.
Chrome dumbbells offer a sleek, polished appearance and are common in studio classes or environments prioritizing aesthetics. They are typically lighter in weight and paired with rubber-coated handles for a comfortable grip, making them a great choice for lighter workouts or studio training.
These dumbbells are coated in synthetic materials like neoprene or vinyl, providing a soft, non-slip surface. Vinyl Dumbbells are designed for lighter weights, making them ideal for beginners, studio workouts, or rehabilitation exercises. Vibrant colors and smooth texture also make them popular for group fitness settings.
Rubber dumbbells are the better option for beginners due to their affordability and versatility. They are ideal for learning basic movements and are less intimidating for home gym setups.
Urethane dumbbells are better for heavy use in commercial gyms because they are more durable, odor-free, and wear-resistant. Rubber dumbbells work well for smaller studios or home gyms but may show wear faster.
Rubber dumbbells are gentle on gym floors due to their protective coating, especially when made with virgin rubber. However, heavier impacts can still cause minor scuffs if proper flooring isn’t used.
Rubber dumbbells provide a softer, slightly tacky grip that works well for beginners. Urethane dumbbells offer a smooth, premium grip with chrome or steel handles, making them ideal for heavier lifts and longer sessions.
When it comes to choosing between urethane and rubber hex dumbbells, the decision hinges on your budget, workout environment, and personal needs. Both options offer durability, versatility, and protection for your gym floors, making them valuable additions to any gym setup.
Rubber dumbbells, particularly rubber hex dumbbells, are ideal for home gyms or garage gyms, offering a cost-effective and versatile solution. They’re beginner-friendly and provide excellent noise reduction, making them suitable for smaller spaces. However, they require regular maintenance and may show wear faster under heavy use, especially in high-traffic settings.
Urethane dumbbells, on the other hand, shine in commercial gyms and premium fitness facilities. Their sleek finish, resistance to environmental wear, and virtually maintenance-free design make them a top-tier choice for gym owners and fitness enthusiasts seeking long-term durability. While they come at a higher price point, their longevity and polished aesthetic justify the investment for those prioritizing quality.