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Reviews

CAP Coated Hex Dumbbells: Smarter Than You Think

If you are looking to outfit a home gym, garage gym, or CrossFit box, going with a full set of CAP PVC coated hex dumbbells is an affordable and high-quality choice.

Mindith Rahmat

Written by Mindith Rahmat Last updated on November 9, 2016

We receive free products and receive commissions through our links. See disclosures page.

Dumbbells are still one of the best tools for strength development. They may not have the mystery of kettlebells or the perception of power that comes with barbells and bumpers, but they can make you strong in so many ways. Like all exercise tools, dumbbells come in all shapes and sizes with a wide range of quality and pricing. We decided to give the CAP PVC coated hex dumbbells a test because, frankly, they seem practical and they look good.

Hex style dumbbells are a great choice all around.

CAP Dumbbell Review Details

A set of 20lb hex style cap dumbbells were used for this review. The dumbbells were used in a garage gym setting and in home gym workouts over a period of over nine months. The dumbbells are considered commercial grade. The PVC coated weights have a feel of durability, and are suitable for use in a garage gym or home gym, as much as in a commercial gym. We tested the set over a period of nine months and found overwhelmingly that the CAP dumbbells deliver on quality and affordability. They are, in our opinion, safe, versatile, and built to last. We did notice that the product had a slight smell upon delivery. The odor dissipates quickly when the weights are out of the box and exposed to open air. You may want to keep them stored somewhere ventilated in the beginning. After a little while we had no problem keeping them inside the house, in a bedroom or closet.

A Note on Quality and Usability

The quality of the dumbbells is noticeable. They look like, feel like, and are built for commercial grade gyms, public, or at home. The hex style makes the dumbbells suitable for a great variety of exercises over and above the traditional plate design. Things like dumbbell push ups and man makers are a lot easier with the safe, six-sided, anti-roll, hexagonal design.

The hex design is also easier on the floor. Although the dumbbells are made of solid cast iron, they have a protective plastic (PVC) coating which adds to the general sense of quality. We did not notice any floor damage over repeated use in the nine months we tested the product. The contoured steel handles give you a comfortable grip, even when you are very sweaty. This makes it easier on the user because you may not want to chalk up at home or use gloves.

at a glance table

Our Recommendation

These dumbbells are not cheap, but they are affordable. For this quality of equipment, you should expect to pay more. Per pound, the dumbbells should never cost you more than $2. We have found prices, with free shipping, for a 50lb single dumbbell of around $72. You may find better.

For our particular situation we bought a 20lb pair. We used them almost every day for nine months and, without a doubt, we will continue to use them for as long as they are around.

More on training:

Starting Weightlifting Over 40

Mindith Rahmat

About Mindith Rahmat

Mindith is a born mover. She has spent her life exploring various athletic disciplines, starting with ballet and modern dance from an early age. She went on to become a E-RYT 500 certified yoga therapist and teacher and discovered CrossFit after the birth of her daughter.

Mindith coached CrossFit at a number of boxes near her home in Southern California, which lead to her involvement in Russian kettlebells and Olympic weightlifting. She has coached a wide variety of populations and cares deeply for women’s health, specializing in pregnancy and postpartum fitness. She is currently studying the principles of Natural Movement and Kettlebell Sport, and is working to complete an additional teacher training in the Taoist art of Yin Yoga with Master Paulie Zink.

Mindith founded Breaking Muscle in 2011. Over 5 million people a month have visited the site, hundreds of thousands of them follow Breaking Muscle on social media, nearly 2,000 coaches have written or appeared on its pages, and there are thousands of free, fully-formed training plans freely available. Breaking Muscle has won numerous awards in the industry and is recognized for pioneering new approaches to fitness and coaching techniques. In 2021, Breaking Muscle was acquired by Barbend. Mindith continues to devote time to her kids, pursue her doctorate in psychology, do research, and teach.

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