As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Links to Amazon on this page are affiliate links.
Weight increments: the jumps between settings
Updated
A jump that sounds small can be huge next to a light weight. Going from 5 to 10 lb doubles the load. Going from 15 to 25 lb adds 67 percent. Going from 5 to 7.5 lb adds 50 percent, which is still a lot, but it is a step most people can take. Count the settings and look at the first jump before you look at the top weight.
The first jump on each set
| Set | Lightest setting | Next setting | First jump | Biggest jump anywhere |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BowFlex Results Series 552 | 5 lb | 7.5 lb | 50% | 5 lb |
| PowerBlock Elite EXP 5-50 | 5 lb | 7.5 lb | 50% | 5 lb |
| NordicTrack 55 lb Select-a-Weight | 10 lb | 12.5 lb | 25% | 5 lb |
| Core Fitness 5-50 Twist | 5 lb | 10 lb | 100% | 5 lb |
| Ativafit 66 lb Dial | 11 lb | 16 lb | 45% | 5 lb |
| FLYBIRD 55 lb 5-in-1 | 15 lb | 25 lb | 67% | 10 lb |
| BowFlex Results Series 1090 | 10 lb | 15 lb | 50% | 5 lb |
- BowFlex Results Series 55250 percent
- PowerBlock Elite EXP 5-5050 percent
- NordicTrack 55 lb Select-a-Weight25 percent
- Core Fitness 5-50 Twist100 percent
- Ativafit 66 lb Dial45 percent
- FLYBIRD 55 lb 5-in-167 percent
- BowFlex Results Series 109050 percent
Why the jump matters
The National Institute on Aging describes strength work as sets of eight to 12 repetitions, done to the point where another repetition would be hard. Say you can do 12 lateral raises with 10 lb. If the next setting is 15 lb, that is 50 percent more, and you may not get close to eight. With a 12.5 lb setting the step is 25 percent. Small muscles feel this most. Rows and squats handle 5 lb jumps far better, since 5 lb on top of 40 is only 12 percent.
What each maker gives you
- BowFlex Results Series 552. BowFlex prints 15 settings: 5, 7.5, 10, 12.5, 15, 17.5, 20, 22.5, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 52.5 lb. The 2.5 lb steps cover 5 to 25 lb, where you need them most.
- PowerBlock Elite EXP 5-50. The listing prints 5, 7.5, 10, 15, 17.5, 20, 25, 27.5, 30, 35, 37.5, 40, 45, 47.5, 50 lb. The 2.5 lb steps come in pairs with gaps between: there is no 12.5, 22.5, 32.5 or 42.5. The small steps use adder weights in the handle, so they take a moment longer.
- NordicTrack 55 lb Select-a-Weight. The maker says 15 adjustments per dumbbell from 10 to 55 lb, and the listing says 2.5, 5 and 10 lb increments. Neither prints the list. The pattern that fits is 10 lb steps with a 2.5 or 5 lb add-on: 10, 12.5, 15, 20, 22.5, 25, 30, 32.5, 35, 40, 42.5, 45, 50, 52.5, 55 lb. That is our working, not a maker list. It starts at 10 lb, and one owner in the review summary misses a 7.5 lb setting.
- Core Fitness 5-50 Twist. Core Home Fitness says 5 to 50 lb in 5 lb increments. That is 10 settings.
- Ativafit 66 lb Dial. The listing prints 12 levels, 11, 16, 21, 26, 31, 36, 41, 46, 51, 56, 61, 66 lb. Even 5 lb steps, but the odd numbers will not match a program written in 5s and 10s.
- FLYBIRD 55 lb 5-in-1. Five settings: 15, 25, 35, 45, 55 lb. Every jump is 10 lb.
- BowFlex Results Series 1090. BowFlex prints 17 settings in 5 lb steps from 10 to 90 lb.
- BowFlex Results Series 55215 settings
- PowerBlock Elite EXP 5-5015 settings
- NordicTrack 55 lb Select-a-Weight15 settings
- Core Fitness 5-50 Twist10 settings
- Ativafit 66 lb Dial12 settings
- FLYBIRD 55 lb 5-in-15 settings
- BowFlex Results Series 109017 settings
A small print note
BowFlex adds a footnote to its settings lists: because of manufacturing tolerances, a setting may vary from its stated weight. Expect that from any plate-loaded dumbbell. It does not change which set fits you.
If your set has big jumps
- Add reps before you add weight. Work up to the top of your rep range, then take the jump.
- Keep one light fixed pair for shoulder work and use the adjustable set for everything else.
- Do not tape or strap loose plates to an adjustable dumbbell. Makers design the lock around their own plates.
Safety note. This page is general information, not medical or training advice. If you are new to lifting or have a health condition, talk with your doctor first. Check that every plate is locked before each lift.
Check your own lifts with the range and jump checker, or compare all seven picks on the roundup page.