Why are urethane dumbbells so expensive? [Cheaper Alternatives]

If you are looking for the best dumbbells for your home gym, you might have come across urethane dumbbells.

These are the premium type of dumbbells that many commercial gyms use, and they have several advantages over other types of dumbbells.

However, they also come with a hefty price tag, which might make you wonder why they are so expensive.

In this article, we will explain what urethane dumbbells are, what makes them more expensive than other dumbbells, and whether they are worth the investment.

What are urethane dumbbells?

Urethane dumbbells are dumbbells that have a steel core and a urethane coating.

Urethane is a type of synthetic rubber that is very durable, resistant to abrasion, impact, sunlight, and chemicals.

Urethane dumbbells have a sleek and compact design, with a round or hexagonal head shape and a straight or contoured handle.

They usually have the weight amount and the brand name clearly displayed on the head.

What are the benefits of urethane dumbbells?

Urethane dumbbells have several benefits that make them superior to other types of dumbbells, such as cast iron, rubber, vinyl, or chrome.

Odorless

Have you ever had to deal with the annoying smell that comes from rubber or vinyl?

If so, I totally get it. But here’s a suggestion for you: why not give polyurethane dumbbells a shot?

These dumbbells are made from top-notch polyurethane materials, which means they’re completely safe and won’t give off any unpleasant odors.

Even in hot environments, you can count on these PU dumbbells to remain odor-free.

Personally, I’ve got a pair of polyurethane dumbbells that I’ve tested up close, and I’m happy to report that there’s absolutely no smell to worry about.

They’re the real deal!

Durability and Accuracy

Urethane dumbbells can withstand repeated drops, bumps, and scratches without chipping, cracking, or fading.

They also do not rust or corrode like metal dumbbells.

So urethane dumbbells can last for years without losing their quality or appearance.

Urethane dumbbells are precision-machined to ensure that they have the exact weight that they claim to have.

Urethane dumbbells do not deform or shrink like rubber or vinyl dumbbells over time.

Aesthetics

Urethane dumbbells have a sleek and modern look that can enhance the appearance of your home gym. They come in various colors and styles, which can match your personal preference and decor.

Hey, do you happen to be a fan of personalized exercise equipment?

Picture this: You want to decorate your dumbbells with cool logos like Captain America or Batman.

Well, with the high plasticity of polyurethane, you can easily turn this idea into reality.

Are urethane dumbbells more expensive than rubber dumbbells?

Yes, urethane dumbbells are more expensive than rubber dumbbells.

Urethane dumbbells can vary from $2 to $8 per pound, while rubber dumbbells tend to be priced around $2 to $2.50 per pound.

The reason for the higher price is that urethane dumbbells have many benefits that make them superior to rubber dumbbells, such as durability, accuracy, odorlessness, and aesthetics.

What are the drawbacks of urethane dumbbells?

Urethane dumbbells are not perfect, however. They also have some drawbacks that you should consider before buying them. Some of these drawbacks are:

Cost: Urethane dumbbells are the most expensive type of dumbbells on the market. They can cost up to $2 or more per pound, depending on the brand and the weight.

This means that a set of urethane dumbbells can cost hundreds or thousands of dollars, which might not be affordable for everyone.

Noise: Urethane dumbbells are not completely silent when they hit the floor or each other.

They can still produce some noise that might bother you or your neighbors, especially if you live in an apartment or a shared space.

You might want to use a mat or a platform to reduce the noise level.

Are urethane dumbbells worth their price?

Urethane dumbbells are worth their price if you are looking for the best quality and performance in your dumbbells.

As we explained in our article, urethane dumbbells have many benefits that make them superior to other types of dumbbells, such as durability, accuracy, odorlessness, and aesthetics.

Are you looking to buy dumbbells that last anywhere from 5 to 10 years?

If that’s the case, then urethane dumbbells could be a great option for you.

They can last for years without losing their quality or appearance.

Cheaper Alternatives

If you are on a tight budget or you do not need the premium features of urethane dumbbells, you might want to consider some alternatives that are cheaper and more accessible.

Rubber hex dumbbells: These are the most common type of dumbbells that you can find in most gyms and stores.

They have a cast iron core and a rubber coating that protects them from damage and reduces noise.

They are cheaper than urethane dumbbells but still durable and reliable.

Cast Iron Dumbbells: These are one of the most common and budget-friendly options available.

They are made from cast iron and often have a black or gray finish. They are durable and provide a cost-effective solution for strength training.

Adjustable Dumbbells: While there are some higher-end adjustable dumbbell sets, you can find more budget-friendly options with a plate-loading design.

These allow you to adjust the weight by adding or removing plates, making them versatile and cost-effective.

Final thoughts

Urethane dumbbells are the best type of dumbbells that you can buy for your home gym.

Although relatively expensive, they have many benefits that make them superior to other types of dumbbells.

However, they also have some drawbacks that you should consider before buying them.

Urethane dumbbells are worth it if you can afford them and if you value quality and performance over cost.

Otherwise, you might want to consider some alternatives that are cheaper and more accessible.

Hey there, I'm Chris Jordan! I'm a certified personal trainer and dietician with over 11 years of experience in the fitness industry. I've helped thousands of people achieve better physical and mental health. When I'm not working, I love spending time with my dog.