20kg Sketra Adjustable Dumbbells Review: Fast Adjusting!
Last Updated February 25, 2024
The Sketra adjustable dumbbell is one of the latest on the market, joining the ranks of many others contending for the title of the “best adjustable dumbbell in India".😁
What sets SKETRA apart is their version of adjustable dumbbells available in 20 kg & 32 kg top weight. It is capable of quickly doing weight adjustments within seconds.
With a simple twist of the handle, you can go from 2 kg up to 20 kg in 4 kg increments replacing 6 dumbbells in 1. (It’s QUICK, it’s EASY, and it’s one of the fastest adjustable dumbbells I’ve ever used.)
While not flawless and with certain aspects we’d refine, no other set of adjustable dumbbells transitions between weight increments as fast as these.
One standout feature is the traditional dumbbell shape of the SKETRA. Unlike some other models, it doesn’t have bulky protrusions that get in the way during certain exercises.
This makes movements like overhead tricep extensions or goblet squats much more comfortable and natural. 😀
✔️ So, we’ll go through this adjustable dumbbell and more in this blog, and by the end of it, you should have a pretty good idea of whether or not these are right for you.
I think there are some for whom the Sketra adjustable dumbbells make a lot of sense, and I think there are others who would be better off looking elsewhere.
20 kg Sketra Adjustable Dumbbells India
Sketra offers a space-saving solution for home gyms in India, replacing multiple fixed dumbbells with a single set. Featuring easy twist handles and quick weight adjustments, they provide convenience and functionality in 1 GO.
Pros
- Easy & quick-weight adjustments.
- The size of dumbbells gets smaller with light weights.
- Fully Knurled handle
- Comes with a tray to keep the dumbbell.
- Range of weights available.
- Feels like using a normal dumbbell.
- Plates are made of metal.
Cons
- Can be tricky to get in the stand.
- Unsure of structural integrity.
- Expensive at first.
- Still can’t beat normal dumbbells in terms of durability.❌
🎥 Watch the complete Review in Hindi
Key Specifications:
| Weight Variant: | 20 kg. |
| Dimensions with casing: | 402 x 190 x 180 mm |
| Dimensions without casing: | 355 x 180 x 180 mm |
| Weight Plate Dimensions: | Diameter: 180mm / Thickness: 14 |
| Handle Diameter: | 32mm |
| Handle Length: | 105mm |
| Handle Construction: | Knurled Aluminium |
| Plate Construction: | Machined Steel |
| Casing Construction: | MS railing & Polymer covering |
Why Should You Trust Us?
😐 For years, we’ve been reviewing adjustable dumbbells on mensquats.com and considering them among the top-tier home gym equipment options you can invest in.
We’ve tested various models, including the Flexnest Flexibells, Bullrock T rex Adjustable Dumbbells, Cube Club dumbbells and the Leeway Iron dumbbells set, among others. This experience allows us to provide informed and reliable recommendations to you.
We can guide you & give out trustworthy insights into the performance, features, and durability of adjustable dumbbells, so you can make informed purchasing decisions.
You can also talk to me on Instagram (_mensquats_), if you have any questions related I will help you out.
Are The Sketra Adjustable Dumbbells Worth It?
The Sketra Adjustable Dumbbell in India fit well for those seeking a conventional-looking dumbbell with fast adjustment features with a finely knurled handle. However, if your lifting needs exceed 20 kg or if you frequently drop your dumbbells, these may not be the ideal choice for you.😐
✔️ Great For:
- People who want to do high-volume sets.
- People who want to quickly change their weights between sets.
- People who like to feel the same traditional style with adjustable dumbbells.
- Gym rats who love a knurled handle.
❌ Not Recommended For:
- People who want to lift over 20 kg/ 32 kg.
- People who have a habit of dropping their dumbbells.
- People who are on a low budget.
Are these adjustable dumbbells durable?
One thing that I’ve come to realise, at least personally, having used many adjustable dumbbells, is that there may not be another class of equipment that offers this many trade-offs.
Now, when it comes to buying home gym equipment, there are going to be trade-offs relative to other options. But adjustable dumbbells have always stood out to me in that regard. 😀
For example, with Flexnest Flexibells, you get really fast adjustments, but you lose that traditional look, feel, and long-term durability. With something like a Bullrock Fitness T-rex dumbbell, you get that traditional look and feel, but you lose those quick adjustments with a loadable handle.
And with the Sketra adjustable dumbbells, it’s certainly no exception.
Initially, I had reservations regarding the quality of the SKETRA, but I was surprised by their partial steel construction. Unlike many similar adjustable dumbbells with predominantly plastic designs, Sketra crafted these with visually appealing stackable pancake plates.
While the predominantly metal build is commendable, my concerns arise due to the presence of hard plastic connecting pieces.
The plastic components linking the iron plates pose a vulnerability, which is susceptible to cracks when a dumbbell is dropped from a top height. While they don’t appear prone to break immediately, with long use there are chances.
These dumbbells have a fully knurled straight handle versus rubber contoured. I love that it mimics the feel of a mini barbell handle. It’s knurled for better grip, which is a big plus for me as a fan of barbell training.
Plus, because of this, it is suspected for a fewer slips!😁
✔️ Positives –
1. Fast Adjusting:
The best thing about the Sketra adjustable dumbbells in India is just how quickly they can be adjusted with a simple flick of the wrist. It is possibly the fastest in the entire industry.
It accomplishes that by using a rotating handle that then threads a steel rod through a sequence of plates that corresponds to your selected weight.
2. Many Weights:
The Sketra can be purchased in two variants: 20kg & 32 kg. I have a 20 kg version. Each of those allows for 4-kg increments starting at the first 2 kg weight. So, with the 20 kg version, you get 6 pairs of dumbbells in a very compact space.
3. Rack Space:
When you want to adjust the weight, you have to rack the dumbbells in these two cradles that are provided to you. There are two buttons below when pressed by dumbbell weight, allowing that handle to rotate freely, thereby allowing you to adjust the weight.
But don’t worry, when you’re using the dumbbells, the handles don’t spin, and you’re not at risk of these plates falling off and hurting you.
4. Indication Weight:
At the end, there is a weight call-out with a corresponding +/- to indicate which direction to go when you want to adjust the weight.
This is a very satisfying operation. It’s got a great click to it. You feel it, you hear it, and I would say, this entire adjustment mechanism is by far the biggest selling point of the Sketra dumbbells.
5. Fully knurled shaft:
The handles consist of a 32-millimetre fully knurled shaft, giving it that very traditional look and feel. The knurl itself is very mild, more mild than any other knurl on a dumbbell that I’ve personally used. Still, this makes them feel more natural during workouts.
6. Lower Price.
These dumbbells retail at Rs 20,000 for a 20kg pair. Compare that to a full set of hex dumbbells, and you’re looking at a fraction of the cost. Plus, they’re super easy to adjust.
I was sceptical about the spinning handle adjustment at first, but it’s surprisingly intuitive and satisfying.
Now, with all the positives, there are a few things to keep in mind.
❌ Negatives –
Like any product, the Sketra adjustable dumbbells aren’t without drawbacks.
1. Weight capacity.
The Sketra dumbbells go up to 20kg, which is ample for most home gym users. While it may not satisfy the needs of powerlifters, it’s more than sufficient for general strength training and accessory movements.
2. Adjustment difficulty:
First, when you’re dealing with such a tight tolerance between the connections themselves, there is an element of having to steer these dumbbells back into their cradle and back into their connection slot.
So, if your aim is a little off, then you risk lining them up incorrectly or missing the connection altogether. Which, if you’re coming off a hard set, maybe you’re fatigued, may not be something that you want to have to deal with.
Important to note: These handles are not solid steel; they're actually hollow to allow for this steel rod to protract and retract.
3. Lightweight cradles:
Another risk is with the cradles themselves, which are very lightweight and can include a considerable amount of plastic, especially on these vertical pieces where the risk of hitting them is the highest.
Consider coming in, you’re working on a hard set, maybe you’ve got the full 20kg, you’re trying to rack your dumbbells, and you accidentally hit one of these vertical posts.
Well, there’s a pretty good chance that you might crack them.
4. Connectors are made of plastic:
This brings into question the durability of the overall system.
Realistically, the Sketra dumbbells haven’t been out long enough for anyone to definitively conclude one way or the other.
But I do have my reservations over their long-term durability, especially if you drop them, which I would never recommend that you do.
5. Not Meant For Dropping:
The other downside to these iron plates is another reason why I would never recommend you drop the Sketra dumbbells. 😁
So, my biggest concern is causing damage to your flooring from either dropping enough times from too high or dropping at the wrong angle.
If you’ve got something like a stall mat that’s very dense, then you might not be at as much risk as somebody who has softer flooring, but it is a concern nonetheless.
What if I Drop These Sketra Dumbbells?
You’ll void your warranty.
These come with a 2-year warranty on workmanship and materials, which honestly feels a little light to me.
Look at something like Bullrock T rex dumbbells, which have a 10-year warranty, and then you’ve got the Flexnest dumbbells, which have a decent amount of plastic components and a lack of a track record in terms of durability, and that is a little bit of a concern that I think we should all take into consideration.
But at the end of the day, I think it's just been made abundantly clear at this point: don't drop these dumbbells.
What is The Price?
💸 In terms of price, the Sketra adjustable dumbbells in India are amongst, if not the most expensive on the market at Rs 20,000 for a 20kg pair & Rs 25,999 for a 32 kg pair. 💰
If you compare that to a full set of hex dumbbells, still you’re looking at a fraction of the cost when you go this way.
This PRICE will get you two dumbbells and two cradles.
Compare that to the 17.5kg * 2 Bullrock T-rex dumbbells which retail for Rs 16,980 + shipping and with the option to expand to 80 kg per dumbbell.
Then you’ve got the Flexnest Adjustable dumbbells 24 kg; those retail for around Rs 17,998. Even if you buy a stand, this equates to a total all-in cost of Rs 26,997.
And you can see that the Sketra dumbbells are among the most expensive.💸
Who Should Not Buy Sketra Dumbbells?
If you’re someone who requires more than a 20 kg dumbbell? Then there is an option for a 32 kg variant.
Or someone who wants a more durable track record, the ability to drop your weights, & you don’t mind having a little more of an adjustment time.
Also, if someone wants to spend a little less money. Then I would suggest they focus their attention elsewhere.
Now, I’ve been pretty brutal to these Sketra dumbbells, and they’re still working.
But the question is: Are they going to be as durable as something like fixed dumbbells, where the build is almost entirely rubber?
Or Bullrock T-rex, where it’s essentially an improved-upon loadable dumbbell handle that can go really heavy?
No.
But there’s no perfect adjustable dumbbell. They all have their trade-offs, and these are pretty good as long as you know theirs.✔️
Who Should Buy Sketra Dumbbells?
I think if you’re a casual lifter who spends a big premium on traditional dumbbell look and feel and wants very fast adjustments, the SKETRA adjustable dumbbells are a great option. If you’re looking at the 20 kg version in particular. ☺️
I would recommend you spend the extra Rs 6,000 over the 32 kg version because these do offer some pretty significant weight increments.
❌ Warning: There are some Sketra-like clones that you can find for much cheaper on places like Amazon and things like that. I would not recommend going that route. I don't know if it's the same quality, I don't know if you get the same type of warranty, and I've seen some of their advertisements that seem a little bit too fishy to me.
🚀 So, I would stick with legitimate authorised retailers. These were provided to me by a company called SKETRA. They’re one of the few authorised retailers here in India.
Thank you, Sketra.
Conclusion
✔️ Sketra adjustable dumbbells are a solid contender for other brands. Its unique design and quick adjustment system make it a compelling option for people wanting them for their home workouts.
However, potential durability issues due to the plastic connectors between the plates raise some durability concerns, especially if you’re prone to dropping your dumbbells.
Also, it can’t be expanded beyond 20kg or 32kgs, if you want them to be. And yes, the price is a PRO, but it could also be a CON when compared to other adjustable dumbbells on the market.
Aesthetically, I think the Sketra are some of, if not the best-looking adjustable dumbbells in India. They’re very sleek; they have a minimalistic look that I tend to favour.
Sketra Adjustable Dumbbells For Home Gym
FAQs
Q1: How do these adjustable dumbbells work?
The way the Sketra adjustable dumbbells work is that each of these plates is joined together with a male and female connector made of plastic. Once you’ve made your selection, you pull up on the handle, and it magically brings with it the number of plates that are associated with that weight.
Q2: Why buy a sketra adjustable Dumbbell set?
Because they’re Compact. They take up minimal space in your home gym, which is great if you’re tight on space. The 20 kg to 32 kg range gives you versatility without needing a ton of dumbbells cluttering up your space.
Q3: Do They Roll On The Floor?
One of the common complaints of a round-headed dumbbell is the fact that they do tend to roll around the gym a bit more than, say, a rubber hex dumbbell.
And while the Sketra will tend to roll somewhat, they do come to a pretty fast stop, and sometimes they’ll even roll back to their original starting position.
This is made possible because on the underside of that female connector is around two and a quarter inch of flat area.
So, if you’re in a home gym and you’re dealing with a sloped floor, then you can rest assured that your dumbbells probably aren’t going to roll away from you; they’re going to stay put in a nice, sort of confined area.
Q4: What is a good dumbbell weight to start with?
A good starting weight for adjustable dumbbells at 20 kilograms would be around 8 to 10 kilograms for upper body exercises and 10 to 12 kilograms for lower body exercises for most beginners.
Adjust the weight according to your strength, ensuring it challenges you without breaking the correct form.
Q5: Why are adjustable dumbbells so expensive?
Yes, adjustable dumbbells come with a hefty price tag compared to their fixed weights. This is due to several factors:
- The intricate mechanisms within require specialised machinery and assembly.
- Necessitating stronger materials like steel to handle frequent adjustments.
However, don’t just focus on the initial cost. It saves you money and space in the long run. Plus, the ease of changing weights is a big PRO for home setups.
Also, read our other articles –
1. Cube PowerBells Twist Review: Adjustable Dumbbell Set India
2. 5 Kettlebell Exercise Benefits. Kettlebell Vs Dumbbell?
3. Are PVC Dumbbells Good For Under Rs 1,000? (Buy or Skip?)
4. I Bought RUBX Hex Dumbbells And Here’s What I’ve Found!
5. Best Gym Dumbbell Rack in India Review – Most DURABLE Rack?
So, what are your thoughts? Would you invest in the Sketra, or do you prefer more established options?
If you are looking to pick up some adjustable dumbbells, I would certainly recommend checking them out.
Let me know in the comments below.
