NÜO has released a new adjustable dumbbell: the NÜOBELL-S. The original NÜOBELL adjustable dumbbells are my daily driver, and I've been using them since they were released in 2020. You can still buy both versions, so which one is best?
NÜOBELL-S Features
Heavier weight: The NÜOBELL-S comes in 24 kg or 40 kg options. The older NÜOBELL went up to 32 kg.
It's worth noting that you can upgrade the smaller 24 kg pair to 40 kg later. So you can start with the smaller size and move up when needed.
Improved materials: The new NÜOBELL-S has been redesigned to use better-quality materials. The original used nylon plate connectors. I've never had any issues with these, and I've been using my set four times a week for over five years. However, I can understand why people would prefer this component to be made of metal as well. The V-connectors on the NÜOBELL-S are made of stainless steel. This just makes the product feel more premium.
The weight plates have also been slightly redesigned so the edges aren't as prominent.
Redesigned handle: The S has a revised handle. It still has machined knurling, but the usable grip length is 5 mm longer. It's still 32 mm in diameter, which I think is a fantastic grip size for most people.
2 kg increments: The NÜOBELL-S uses the same 2 kg weight increments as the older version. The weight adjustment works the same way. You just twist the handle while the dumbbell is in its base. It's still just as fast.
NÜOBELL-S Cons
Length: The 40 kg NÜOBELL-S is 545 mm in length compared to the NÜOBELL's 485 mm. I'm not the widest person, and sometimes I clash the weights during certain exercises even with the regular NÜOBELL. So this could be even more of an issue with the S. However, you do get all that extra weight! The extra length can be managed through slight adjustments to movements, and I don't think it's a dealbreaker.
Price: The NÜOBELL-S is currently around $1,899 in Australia for the 40 kg version. The 24 kg version is around $1,499. The older 32 kg NÜOBELL is around $1,299. So you are paying a premium for the new version.
Is it worth upgrading?
If I was buying a new set of NÜOBELLs today, I would still get the 32 kg version (my current set), just because I don't need the extra weight. I have no reliability concerns with either version of the dumbbells.
However, if you're looking for the best option, the newer NÜOBELL-S has stainless steel V-connectors. I think these dumbbells will last a long time and become a much-loved part of your home gym.
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