Are PVC Dumbbells Good For Under Rs 1,000? (Buy or Skip?)
Last Updated October 31, 2023
PVC dumbbells, are low-cost dumbbells made economically for the sake of creating weights for low-spending habit people or just for beginners.
💯 It has gained popularity in recent times when coronavirus hits. Lakhs of people bought them, and all inventories were sold out.
Definitely, it is an accessible option for everyone who wants to work at home with just moderate weights at the lowest price possible.😊
But whether they are a good choice for you depends.
✅ PVC dumbbells, in many cases, can be a good option.
But definitely, it’s not good for powerlifters or those who demand quality & commercial feel with their equipment.
It’s childish, lightweight, and not as professional as what you get inside gyms.
They have their own set of advantages and disadvantages, and understanding these can help you decide if you really want to buy them or not.👍
What Are PVC Dumbbells?
PVC dumbbells meaning – It’s exercise equipment used for strength training and weightlifting exercises.
It is made up of a PVC (polyvinyl chloride) outer shell, basically plastic which serves as a protective covering for a core material.
PVC material is known for its affordability, and resistance to corrosion because plastic & sand don’t rust. You may have seen its wide application in home electrical.
👍 These characteristics of PVC make it also a popular choice for building home exercise equipment, such as dumbbells or plates.😁
You get the exact looking (adjustable) dumbbells as you see inside the gym, but the quality of that you get here is not so similar.
✅ With the set, you get 1 pair of steel encased dumbbell plastic rods on which 2 ends you can load the given PVC weight plates.
Watch my YouTube Hindi Video:
Pros
- Low price
- Easy handling
- Adjustable design for home gyms.
- Dumbbell rod is made strong.👍
- Comes with collars.
Cons
- Not so durable.
- Bulky design.
- Inner contents can spill out.
- Poor finish.
- Ain’t be loaded with heavy weights.❌
- 1-inch plate holes can’t be used anywhere else.
What Is Inside PVC Dumbbells?
The core weight of PVC dumbbells comes from various substances, such as sand, cement, or a mixture of materials.
❌No, it’s not iron, or rubber which is resilient to drops and has a high life.
But sand, which gives the dumbbell its weight, allows you to perform exercises with your required weight. The specific core material can vary depending on the manufacturer and model.
👌 But common materials used include:
1. Sand:
Sand is cost-effective, readily available, and easy to work with. As per my observation, it has small granules of Raith, & bajarpur which provide a consistent weight distribution for making PVC dumbbells.
2. Cement:
Some PVC dumbbells also have cement particles.
Cement is a dense material and these cement dumbbells can be made of heavyweight, making it suitable for heavier dumbbells.
However, cement-filled PVC dumbbells may be bulkier. We have seen multiple videos about making homemade cement dumbbells.
That’s a DIY process you can try if you resist spending any amount on buying cheap equipment online.
3. Mixture:
In some cases, manufacturers combine sand and cement to strike a perfect balance between weight, density, and comfort. This is what I like to see.
The outer PVC shell is not just for aesthetics; it serves to protect the core material. So if it does not break, the inner core material will be safe inside.
👉 So choose a good brand, which I will help you with here.
FitBox PVC dumbbells review
- Handle Diameter: 1 Inches
- Material: pvc
- Product Dimensions: 14L x 8W Centimeters
- BOX CONTENT : (3kg x 4 12kg + 2kg x 4 8kg) 20kg weight plates & rods
FitBox Sports – Top choice
- 76% positive ratings from 5K+ customers
- 10K+ recent orders from this brand
- 3+ years on Amazon
Before purchasing these dumbbells, I visited a local store nearby, which only had heavy-duty materials like cast iron, but they were quite expensive; the cost was over 3000 rs.
That’s when I came across these PVC dumbbells on Amazon, which were significantly more budget-friendly than the metal ones.
💯 Initially, I had some doubts, but I trusted the positive reviews and decided to give them a try.
These Fitbox Dumbbells are suitable for short-term home gym use. They are filled with loose, sand-like material, raising some concerns about their long-term durability.
However, each pair weighs 10 kg, providing a decent amount of weight for workouts, and with careful handling, they can last long.😁
The centre shaft, which was a concern at the time of purchase, turned out to be sturdy and could bear the weight. It also had a rubber grip in the middle for a secure hold and was easy to assemble.
You may notice a slight noise from the material inside when shaking the dumbbells, but it does not affect the quality of your workouts.
Additionally, there were no visible flaws or damages, and the delivery service was excellent. 👌
The plastic screw threads’ finish could be improved, making it more suitable for setting a weight and using it consistently rather than frequently changing weights.
While the weight of each set was slightly below the intended 10 kg, at 9.6 kg, all the weights are consistent, which is not a significant concern.
✅ At last, these dumbbells offer good value for their price.💰
Can We Do Exercise with PVC Dumbbells?
Absolutely yes. You can perform any exercises with PVC dumbbells as you can with Rubber dumbbells. The shape is the same, and so is its use.
The max weight I have seen PVC dumbbells are selling at is 16-20 kg pair only. If you lift heavy in the gym, the max weight you’ll find in the rack is 50 kg dumbbell each.
👉 So with PVC dumbbells the limitation is – you can’t go heavy.
But they are versatile.✔️
Here are some exercises you can do with PVC dumbbells:
- Bicep Curls: Hold a dumbbell in each hand and curl your arms to work your biceps.
- Shoulder Press: Lift the dumbbells from shoulder height to overhead to target your shoulder muscles.
- Tricep Extensions: Work your triceps by holding a PVC dumbbell with both hands and extending your arms upward.
- Squats: You can add resistance to squats by holding a dumbbell in each hand.
- Lunges: Holding a dumbbell in each hand can increase the intensity of lunges.
- Chest Press: For this you need a weight bench, lie on your back and press the dumbbells upward to target your chest muscles.
- Rows: Bend at the waist, holding the dumbbells, and pull them towards your waist to engage your back muscles.
- Deadlifts: Use dumbbells for deadlifts & good mornings to strengthen your lower back.
As I said, PVC dumbbells are particularly convenient for home workouts, without the need for an expensive gym membership or heavy, space-consuming weight sets.
👍 So if you want them for your lightest sets or want to give a try for training at home.
You can!
Are PVC Dumbbells Durable?
Honestly NO! The durability of PVC dumbbells can be poor & if you drop them often expect it will break sooner!
The guideline for using PVC dumbbells is – Handle them with care! 😁
You need to check for factors, like:
1. Quality:
It can significantly impact their durability. PVC equipment has a bad reputation. Higher-quality material dumbbells are generally made stronger than PVC ones and less likely to wear out quickly.
That’s why you won’t find PVC dumbbells used in commercial gyms, their only iron & rubber go well!
Therefore, I recommend if you are going to buy PVC, buy from a quality-driven brand – like FitBox.
2. Usage:
How frequently and intensely you use it also determines its durability in the long run. Generally, PVC dumbbells are well-suited for light to moderate use and to be handled with a single person. Heavy use may cause miscarriage or any other problems.
3. Care:
Proper maintenance is the KEY.
These dumbbells can go to sky height or just be a big blunder!
Keep them clean, and dry, in the corner to prevent any damage.
4. Weight Limit:
One thing to note is PVC plates are very thick, because of their inner core material which is not so dense in composition.
Therefore, the plates you are getting with the set is what you can use in the dumbbell rod. Exceeding the recommended weight limit for PVC dumbbells can lead to damage or not be very safe.
It’s important to always use collars because most PVC dumbbells that come are adjustable.
If you’re buying fixed PVC weight then it’s not an issue!
Are PVC dumbbells good?
👉 In summary, the answer to the question “are PVC dumbbells good?”, YES they offer you affordability, the same design and functionality at cheap costs.
But their quality isn’t like anything you would find in Rubber dumbbells or iron dumbbells, they are much superior if you’re looking to experience a commercial-like feel or aspire for longevity. 💯
And if you don’t do proper care, or drop them you may need to re-buy them after a few months, or days.
There is no repair or spare parts available for such a cheap PVC type of dumbbell.
I get replies from college/ school students (max customers of PVC equipment) asking how we can repair our broken PVC dumbbells, so please tell us.
The answer is to do DIY. 👇
Either fix it yourself with some adhesive or if it can’t be repaired then throw it.
Eventually, the plates of PVC will lose their weight due to the spill of its inner contents & then it will become unbalanced & not fit for exercise.
My Final Verdict
If you want just weight, because some people say weight is weight, and PVC dumbbells are what you can afford. Go with PVC.
✔️ A 10 kg, or 16 kg set of rubber dumbbells would easily cost you Rs 3,000 and more. Nobody is going to give it to you for under Rs 1,000.
For the sake of affordability, these dumbbells are what you can buy! 👇
Rs 1,000 for your personal pair of dumbbells isn’t a bad deal! You can do the same exercises, train in the same way and not need to time the gym to get fit. What else do you want?
However, if you want to become stronger, build chiselled muscles, and grow that bicep then you need to continuously buy heavier weights for your home gym.
Or head to the gym to get access to multiple free weights.
There is no better option!
PVC are your home buddies, which can be replaced as gym equipment! But can’t be your lifelong partner in getting muscular. 🚀
You’ll ultimately feel the need for heavier weights.
FAQs
Q1: How to Make PVC Dumbbells?
To make PVC dumbbells at home, cut PVC pipe, seal ends with caps and adhesive, fill with sand or cement, and let it dry. You may be able to create the same-looking dumbbells, in addition, do add the grip on the handle.
Q2: What is the difference between PVC and Steel Dumbbells?
- PVC dumbbells have a PVC outer shell and limited weight options because it’s not so dense material.
- Steel dumbbells are all metal, durable, and come in a wide range of weights. Steel dumbbells can be made of 70 to 80 kgs.
PVC is more affordable, while steel dumbbells are pricier but more long-lasting.
Q3: Do PVC Dumbbells Break Easily?
Yes, they do if you drop them without any rubber flooring protection.
Otherwise, PVC dumbbells are durable for regular use. But obviously, they are not as sturdy as steel or rubber dumbbells.
Q4: PVC vs Rubber vs Urethane Dumbbells: Which to Choose?
The choice depends on your budget, workout needs, and personal preferences.
- PVC is budget-friendly but bulky looking & light in weight options.
- Rubber dumbbells are used in gyms, and provide the longest durability. You can get it of any weight.
- Urethane is a premium material, offering durability and aesthetics at a higher cost.
If you have a choice then know Urethane > Rubber > PVC.
Q5: How do I choose dumbbell weight?
There is no set parameter that a person with this much weight or height has to choose this or that weight.
Pick the weight you can lift with the correct form, and don’t engage other muscle groups.
A 20 kg boy can lift a 10 kg pair of dumbbells or go for 15 kg. It depends on his strength and training experience.
The lowest you can start with is a 2.5 kg pair and the highest is no limit.
Also, Read my other BLOGS on buying dumbbells –
1. I Bought RUBX Hex Dumbbells And Here’s What I’ve Found!
2. Cube Club Adjustable Dumbbells Price in India
3. Best Dumbbell Brand In India? Bullrock Fitness.
4. 5 Best Adjustable Dumbbell Set India (Review)
5. Best Adjustable Weight Bench for Home Gym India
Thanks for reading!
