Hands-On Adjustable Dumbbells Review: Magic, StairMaster, NordicTrack

When it comes to building a versatile home gym, adjustable dumbbells UK have become one of the most popular investments in 2025. Instead of filling a spare room or garage with racks of fixed weights, one compact set can cover everything from light accessory work to heavy pressing. To see how well they really perform in practice, I spent time unboxing, setting up, and training with three of the most talked-about options: the Magic Dumbbells, the StairMaster TwistLock, and the NordicTrack Select-A-Weight.

This isn’t a quick glance at the specs or a recycled press release. Each set was delivered, unpacked, and put through its paces in my own workouts. From the feel of the grip on the first lift to how smoothly the weight adjustment mechanisms clicked into place mid-set, I tested them as any home gym user would.

In this review, I’ll share my real experience with all three models side by side. You’ll find out how they performed in terms of comfort, stability, ease of adjustment, and overall value for money. Whether you’re searching for compact adjustable dumbbells for a small space, looking for the best adjustable dumbbells 2025 to replace a full rack, or simply want something reliable for day-to-day training, this hands-on guide will help you decide which set is right for you.

Unboxing & Packaging Quality

Magic Dumbbells

When the Magic Dumbbells arrived, the first thing I noticed was how compact the packaging was considering the 2–32 kg range inside. The box was sturdy, and each dumbbell sat in thick protective foam with the stand components neatly boxed on the side. Sliding them out, the matte black plates had a sleek, modern finish, and the twist handle immediately felt different — smoother and more refined than standard steel grips. It was clear this was designed to look more like a smart device than a piece of iron.
Magic Official Product Page

StairMaster TwistLock

The StairMaster TwistLock pair from Best Gym came in a heavier, bulkier box. Inside, the dumbbells were pre-set in their docking trays, which were solid and well-padded for shipping. Lifting them straight out, the handles were smooth but well-contoured, and the twist-lock dials clicked audibly when turned, even before placing them back in the cradle. Compared to the Magic, these felt more “industrial” than high-tech, but reassuringly solid.

NordicTrack Select-A-Weight

The NordicTrack Select-A-Weight arrived in two large cartons, one for each dumbbell and its storage tray. Everything was tightly wrapped and well protected — a necessity given the 5–25 kg weight range per unit. Out of the box, the dumbbells looked closest to traditional fixed weights, with a chunky but balanced design. The knurled steel handle had a more gym-like texture than the Magic or StairMaster, giving it a professional feel from the start. Slotting the dumbbell into the tray made a clean, metallic click that hinted at a precise mechanism.
NordicTrack UK Product Page

Setup & Adjustment Mechanism

Magic Dumbbells

Getting the Magic Dumbbells workout-ready was straightforward. Once the trays were placed on the floor, it was simply a matter of dropping the dumbbells into position and twisting the handle to the desired weight. The adjustment range is impressive — from 2 kg to 32 kg in 2 kg steps — and the mechanism felt smooth with a satisfying click at each setting. On first use, it was easy to switch from a light curl at 6 kg to a heavier row at 24 kg in seconds. The standout here was speed: no fiddling, no multiple levers, just a simple twist and lift.

StairMaster TwistLock

With the StairMaster TwistLock, setup was equally quick. The trays came pre-assembled, so all I had to do was position them on the floor. Unlike the Magic, the TwistLock only allows you to adjust weight when the dumbbell is docked. Once in the cradle, a twist of the handle let me select between 2 kg and 20 kg settings. The action was smooth and reassuring, and the handle “locked in” with a firm stop — it’s clear why these are branded twist lock adjustable dumbbells. In use, they felt intuitive, though the 20 kg maximum does cap progression for heavier lifts.

NordicTrack Select-A-Weight

The NordicTrack Select-A-Weight dumbbells needed their trays assembled, but once set up, the system felt solid. Adjustment works via a Select-A-Weight mechanism built into the tray, with settings from 5 kg to 25 kg across 15 increments. Changing weights required a lift, shift, and lock back into the tray. It wasn’t quite as fast as the Magic, but it was still efficient for supersets and drop sets. The mechanism clicked firmly into place each time, and the clear markings on the tray made it easy to confirm the chosen weight.

Build Quality & Ergonomics

Magic Dumbbells

Lifting the Magic Dumbbells for the first time, the immediate impression was their sleek, almost futuristic design. The matte black plates felt sturdy, and the handle was slightly smoother than a standard knurled grip, which gave it a more “tech” feel than a traditional dumbbell. During presses and curls, the weight distribution was balanced, and the compact design meant they didn’t feel overly bulky at heavier settings. However, the polished grip could get slightly slippery with sweaty hands, so I found myself using chalk or gloves after longer sets.

StairMaster TwistLock

The StairMaster TwistLock dumbbells had a more rugged, gym-like feel. The steel handle sat well in the hand, with a textured grip that provided confidence even during higher-rep sets. The plates locked firmly together, and there was minimal rattling when performing rows and presses — something that often separates a premium adjustable set from cheaper alternatives. Ergonomically, the handle was slightly thicker than the Magic, which made it feel more stable for pressing but a little clunky for high-rep curls.

NordicTrack Select-A-Weight

The NordicTrack Select-A-Weight stood out for its professional feel. The knurled steel handle immediately gave the impression of a traditional gym dumbbell, and the plates sat tightly together, with almost no movement even at the heavier ranges. At lighter weights, the dumbbell still felt compact and easy to manoeuvre, while at the higher settings (20–25 kg), it retained balance without becoming unwieldy. The tray system kept adjustments tidy, and ergonomically it was the closest to handling a fixed dumbbell.

Training Performance

Magic Dumbbells

In lighter sessions, starting at 2 kg per side, the Magic Dumbbells excelled. This range made them especially useful for warm-ups, isolation work, or even rehab-style training. As I pushed the weights up for compound lifts — pressing 28 kg or rowing the full 32 kg — the dumbbells felt stable, with no shifting plates or rattling. Switching weights between sets was almost seamless; a quick twist of the handle was all it took to move from curls at 10 kg to heavy presses at 26 kg. For higher-volume workouts where I needed fast adjustments, the Magic were a standout.

StairMaster TwistLock

The StairMaster TwistLock were smooth and practical during moderate training. Their lowest setting, 2 kg, worked well for warm-ups, but the ceiling of 20 kg meant they quickly ran out of headroom for heavy pressing or rows. During supersets, the twist-lock mechanism was quick and reliable — I could re-dock, twist, and lift again in under 10 seconds. On bicep curls and lateral raises, the balanced design felt natural, but on heavier bench presses, the weight limit was noticeable. These felt best suited to beginner-to-intermediate lifters or anyone focused on lighter functional work.

NordicTrack Select-A-Weight

The NordicTrack Select-A-Weight hit a sweet spot for training performance. The 5 kg starting point was a little heavy for warm-ups and very light accessory work, but the smooth increments up to 25 kg provided plenty of room for compound lifts. On pressing movements, the dumbbells felt closest to fixed weights — balanced, sturdy, and comfortable to grip. Dropsets were slightly slower than with the Magic since adjustments required reseating the dumbbell in its tray, but once locked in, the system felt rock solid. For overall training, these offered the most “traditional gym” experience of the three.

Noise, Stability & Safety

Magic Dumbbells

During testing, the Magic Dumbbells felt secure at all weight settings. The plates locked firmly in place with very little play, even at the maximum 32 kg load. Overhead presses and rows felt safe, though I did notice a faint clicking sound when twisting to adjust between increments. Once locked in, however, they were quiet, with no rattling mid-set. The safety caveat is the same for all adjustables: these are not designed to be dropped. Letting them crash to the floor would almost certainly damage the mechanism.

StairMaster TwistLock

The StairMaster TwistLock design adds reassurance by only allowing adjustments when the dumbbell is docked. This prevents accidental slips mid-set. Once set, the plates were stable with no noticeable wobble. They were also amongst the quietest of the three when lifting, with only a muted clunk as they locked back into the cradle. On safety, the lower 20 kg cap arguably makes them better suited for beginners, as there’s less chance of overloading lifts. Still, like all adjustables, they need to be handled with care — they’re not built to withstand repeated drops.

NordicTrack Select-A-Weight

The NordicTrack Select-A-Weight dumbbells felt the most like fixed weights when it came to stability. The knurled handle kept grip secure, and the plates sat tightly together with no rattling, even at heavier loads. In use, they were virtually silent apart from the sound of re-seating them into the tray between weight changes. At 25 kg, I felt confident pressing overhead without worrying about plate shift or imbalance. The only safety limitation is the same as the others: these are precision systems, so dropping them is out of the question.

Space Saving & Storage

Magic Dumbbells

The Magic Dumbbells proved to be genuinely compact. With a weight range of 2–32 kg per dumbbell, they replaced the equivalent of 16 pairs of traditional fixed weights, yet the footprint was smaller than a bedside table. The trays sat neatly against a wall, and because the adjustment was built into the handle, there were no bulky mechanisms sticking out. For anyone setting up a home gym in a small space, these felt like a clever, clutter-free solution.

StairMaster TwistLock

The StairMaster TwistLock came with docking cradles that were sturdier but slightly bulkier than the Magic’s trays. Once placed on the floor, they held the dumbbells securely in place and kept the adjustment system protected. At 2–20 kg, they replaced roughly 10 pairs of traditional dumbbells. While still compact, the trays had a larger footprint, meaning they felt more at home in a dedicated workout corner than tucked under a desk or in a hallway cupboard.

NordicTrack Select-A-Weight

The NordicTrack Select-A-Weight dumbbells had the largest trays of the three, but they were also the most robust. Each tray supported the 5–25 kg range, and while they took up more floor space, they provided a very stable base when docking and adjusting the dumbbells. For storage, they required a dedicated spot — ideally in a home gym setup rather than a living room corner. The trade-off was confidence: once set down, they didn’t budge, even during quick adjustments mid-workout.

Value for Money & Warranty

NordicTrack Select-A-Weight — £249 (cheapest of the three)

At £349 for the 25 kg pair, the NordicTrack set undercuts both Magic and StairMaster right now, making it the best value on headline price. For that spend you get 15 settings (5–25 kg) and a very “fixed-dumbbell” feel in use, which is why it stands out on price-to-performance for most home users. Warranty follows NordicTrack’s standard coverage in the UK (see site for details).Nordic Track

Magic Dumbbells — £299 (widest range per £)

Priced at £299 direct from Magic (down from £499), these offer the broadest range here (2–32 kg in 2 kg steps) and very fast adjustments, which can justify the small premium over NordicTrack if you need lighter starting weights or a higher ceiling in one set. Standard warranty is 1 year.

StairMaster TwistLock (via Decathlon) — £499.99 (highest price; moderate range)

Currently listed at £499.99 (reduced from £699.99) for the 2–20 kg pair, the StairMaster is the most expensive of the three despite the lowest top weight. It’s compact and the docked twist-lock action is confidence-inspiring, but on pure value it’s harder to justify unless you prioritise that specific mechanism and don’t need heavier loads. Warranty/returns follow Decathlon marketplace terms.Best Gym

Bottom line on value:

• Best price: NordicTrack (£249).Nordic Track
   
• Best range per £: Magic (2–32 kg at £299). MAGIC AI: The Mirror Home Gym
   
• Most expensive for lowest ceiling: StairMaster (£455 for 2–20 kg).Best Gym

Who They’re Best (and Worst) For

Magic Dumbbells — Best for Range & Tech Users (£299)

The Magic Dumbbells are ideal if you want the widest weight span in one compact set. Starting at 2 kg makes them accessible for beginners, rehab, or lighter accessory work, while the 32 kg ceiling provides enough resistance for advanced lifts. They’re also quick to adjust, making them a strong choice for anyone who trains with supersets or circuits. On the downside, the 1-year warranty feels short, and the smoother handle may not suit lifters who prefer heavy knurling. Best avoided if you want a budget option or expect to drop weights frequently.

StairMaster TwistLock — Best for Beginners & Compact Spaces (£455)

The StairMaster TwistLock is best for those who value simplicity and safety. The docked twist mechanism feels intuitive, and the 2–20 kg range covers most beginner-to-intermediate workouts. They also feel compact and quiet in use, making them suitable for small home gyms. However, they’re the most expensive of the three while offering the lowest top weight. For advanced lifters or those seeking long-term progression, this set is likely to feel restrictive.

NordicTrack Select-A-Weight — Best Value All-Rounder (£249)

At £249, the NordicTrack Select-A-Weight dumbbells are the most affordable of the three, yet they deliver excellent build quality and a professional feel. With a 5–25 kg range, they suit most lifters and feel closest to traditional fixed weights thanks to the knurled steel handle. They’re the standout choice if you want cheap adjustable dumbbells UK without compromising on quality. The only drawback is the higher minimum weight: beginners who need very light loads may find the 5 kg starting point limiting.

FAQs

1. How easy is it to change weights mid-set?

• Magic Dumbbells: Fastest of the three — just twist the handle and lift. Ideal for drop sets.
   
• StairMaster TwistLock: Quick but requires docking before adjusting, which adds a couple of seconds.
   
• NordicTrack: Smooth but slightly slower; you need to re-seat into the tray to lock the new weight.
   

2. Do the dumbbells feel stable at maximum load?

• Magic (32 kg) and NordicTrack (25 kg) felt rock solid at their top end with no plate movement.
   
• StairMaster (20 kg) was stable but limited by its lower ceiling.
   

3. Can you drop adjustable dumbbells like fixed weights?

No. None of these are designed to be dropped — doing so could damage the locking mechanism or trays. If you’re used to dropping heavy weights in a gym, these sets require more care.

4. Which dumbbell is quietest in use?

The StairMaster TwistLock was the quietest, thanks to its docked mechanism. Magic produced a faint click when adjusting, while NordicTrack gave a clean metallic sound when re-seating in the tray.

5. Do they come pre-assembled?

• Magic: Yes — trays and dumbbells were ready to use straight out of the box.
   
• StairMaster: Yes — trays pre-assembled, no tools required.
   
• NordicTrack: Some minor tray assembly required, but straightforward.
   

6. How accurate is the stated weight?

In use, the loads felt consistent and matched the marked increments. Magic’s 2 kg jumps were noticeable, while NordicTrack’s mix of 2–2.5 kg increments gave slightly finer tuning.

7. Which adjustable dumbbells are best for beginners?

• Magic (starting at 2 kg) is best for absolute beginners, rehab, or those needing very light loads.
   
• StairMaster (also starting at 2 kg) works well for beginners but tops out at 20 kg, which may limit progression.
   
• NordicTrack starts at 5 kg, so it’s less suited to complete beginners but better for intermediate lifters.
   

8. Which is best for advanced lifters?

• Magic’s 32 kg ceiling is the clear winner for advanced users.
   
• NordicTrack’s 25 kg is enough for most, but some may outgrow it.
   
• StairMaster at 20 kg is too light for heavy progression.

Final Verdict: The Right Dumbbells for You

After unboxing, setting up, and training with all three sets, it’s clear that each adjustable dumbbell has its strengths — but also clear differences in who they suit best.

The Magic Dumbbells impressed with their 2–32 kg range and lightning-fast twist adjustment. They felt sleek, space-saving, and ideal for anyone who wants a wide spectrum of weights in one compact set. The trade-off is a shorter warranty and a smoother handle that may not appeal to lifters who like aggressive knurling.

The StairMaster TwistLock stood out for its intuitive docked adjustment and quiet operation. They’re stable, compact, and beginner-friendly, but at 20 kg max they hit a ceiling quickly, and the higher price makes them harder to recommend for advanced users.

The NordicTrack Select-A-Weight offered the best balance of value and feel, coming in at £349 — the cheapest of the three. They start heavier at 5 kg, so beginners may find them less versatile, but the solid build and knurled handle made them feel the most like fixed gym dumbbells.

Final verdict:

• Best for all-round use: NordicTrack Select-A-Weight.
   
• Best for range and progression: Magic Dumbbells.
   
• Best for beginners or compact setups: StairMaster TwistLock.
   

Ultimately, the best adjustable dumbbells 2025 will depend on whether you value range, compact design, or price — but whichever you choose, all three deliver the space-saving flexibility that makes adjustable dumbbells a smart addition to any home gym.

by Julian House – 2nd October 2025

Julian House is a staff writer at My Favourite Voucher Codes specialising in home fitness gear, adjustable dumbbells and budget-friendly strength training. He creates in-depth, hands-on reviews that help UK shoppers build compact home gyms for less with verified voucher codes, loyalty rewards and cashback stacking. Through his work, Julian highlights MFVC’s pledge to donate 20% of profits to charity each month, connecting smarter shopping with positive social impact. His goal is to give readers confidence to train at home with reliable equipment that offers genuine value.