BrainGain Adjustable Dumbbells Review
BrainGain has significantly expanded their range and now offers genuine competition to MuscleSquad with their 40kg 16-in-1 (consistent 2.5kg increments). The 24kg model is one of the cheapest selectorised pairs in the UK. The confusing lineup of similar-sounding models with different increment patterns is the main drawback - make sure you're buying the right one.
Quick Verdict
BrainGain has significantly expanded their range and now offers genuine competition to MuscleSquad with their 40kg 16-in-1 (consistent 2.5kg increments). The 24kg model is one of the cheapest selectorised pairs in the UK. The confusing lineup of similar-sounding models with different increment patterns is the main drawback - make sure you're buying the right one.
All BrainGain Variants Compared
| Spec | 24kg 15-in-1 (pair) | 40kg 16-in-1 (pair) | 40kg 17-in-1 (pair) | 32kg 16-in-1 Octagon (pair) | Gen 4 41.5kg 1.5kg increments (pair) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weight range | 2.5-24kg | 2.5-40kg | 5-40kg | 2.5-32kg | 4-41.5kg |
| Increments | 1.5kg | 2.5kg | 2kg | 2.5kg | 1.5kg |
| Weight settings | 15 | 16 | 17 | 16 | 26 |
| Price (pair) | £180 | £350 | £350 | £300 | £689 |
| Dimensions | 39×20×23cm | 46×22×23cm | 46×22×23cm | 44×22×23cm | 44×20×20cm |
| Notes | Uneven increments (1-2.5kg jumps). £179.99 from braingain.fit | Consistent 2.5kg increments. Also available in Octagon shape | 2-3kg increments. Different weight stops to the 16-in-1 | Consistent 2.5kg increments. Octagon (hex) shape | Primarily EU store (from €689). Near-identical specs to Stealth |
The BrainGain range in 60 seconds
BrainGain has evolved significantly from the old 9-in-1 model with its terrible weight jumps. They now offer five distinct models ranging from £180 to £689, covering everything from budget entry-level to the premium Gen 4 with 1.5kg increments. The 40kg 16-in-1 with consistent 2.5kg increments is now a genuine competitor to MuscleSquad.
The problem? The lineup is confusing. BrainGain sells multiple 40kg models with different increment patterns, and the names (16-in-1 vs 17-in-1) don't make it obvious which is better. Buy the wrong one and you'll be stuck with uneven weight jumps.
Which BrainGain should you buy?
Our recommendation:
- Best overall: The 40kg 16-in-1with consistent 2.5kg increments (2.5, 5, 7.5, 10... up to 40kg). This is BrainGain's best UK model and directly competes with MuscleSquad.
- Budget pick: The 24kg 15-in-1at ~£180 pair. The increments are uneven (1-2.5kg jumps), but at this price it's one of the cheapest selectorised options in the UK.
- Avoid the 40kg 17-in-1.Despite having more settings than the 16-in-1, it has irregular 2-3kg jumps (5, 7, 9, 11...) that are worse for progressive overload. The naming is confusing - more settings doesn't mean better increments.
- The Gen 4 (1.5kg increments)is excellent but primarily available from the EU store at ~€689. If you can source it, it's great. But the Stealth offers the same specs with confirmed UK availability and service.
The confusing lineup - explained
BrainGain's biggest problem is that their product range is genuinely confusing. Here's what matters - the weight stop patterns:
24kg 15-in-1 - uneven increments
Weight stops: 2.5, 3.5, 4.5, 5.5, 6.5, 8, 9, 10, 11.5, 13.5, 16, 18, 20.5, 22.5, 24kg. The jumps range from 1kg to 2.5kg with no consistency. Fine at the lighter end, but the 2.5kg gaps at the top (20.5 to 22.5 to 24kg) are noticeable for isolation work.
40kg 16-in-1 - the good one
Weight stops: 2.5, 5, 7.5, 10, 12.5, 15, 17.5, 20, 22.5, 25, 27.5, 30, 32.5, 35, 37.5, 40kg. Consistent 2.5kg increments throughout. This is what you want. Also available in Octagon (hex) shape for anti-roll stability.
40kg 17-in-1 - the confusing one
Weight stops: 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 18, 20, 22, 25, 27, 29, 32, 34, 36, 38, 40kg. The jumps vary from 2kg to 3kg. Despite having 17 settings (one more than the 16-in-1), the uneven spacing makes it worse for progressive overload. Don't be fooled by the higher number.
32kg 16-in-1 Octagon
Consistent 2.5kg increments up to 32kg. Same increment pattern as the 40kg 16-in-1 but with a lower ceiling. Good if you don't need more than 32kg and prefer the hex shape.
Gen 4 41.5kg (EU store)
1.5kg increments from 4kg to 41.5kg (26 settings). The same OEM product as the Stealth. Excellent, but primarily available from the EU BrainGain store at ~€689. UK delivery may attract import charges.
BrainGain vs MuscleSquad
The 40kg 16-in-1 puts BrainGain in direct competition with MuscleSquad for the first time. Both offer consistent 2.5kg increments, but:
- BrainGain 40kg 16-in-1: 16 settings, 40kg max, ~£350 pair
- MuscleSquad 32.5kg: 12 settings, 32.5kg max, ~£420 pair
BrainGain potentially offers more weight for less money. However, MuscleSquad has a stronger reputation (4.8/5 Trustpilot from 6,000+ reviews vs BrainGain's newer presence), wider retail availability (Decathlon, Amazon, direct), and the 42cm compact design. Check current prices on both before deciding.
Build quality
BrainGain uses their "Smart-Click Technology" dial mechanism across all models. Build quality is acceptable for the price, but Amazon UK reviews report some durability concerns after months of heavy use - mechanisms becoming stiff or not clicking into position cleanly.
The 24-month warranty (verified from their product pages) is decent and matches or beats most competitors at this price range. All models cannot be dropped.
Who are these for?
Great for
- Budget buyers - the 24kg at £180 pair is hard to beat on price
- The 40kg 16-in-1 is a strong MuscleSquad alternative with 2.5kg increments
- Amazon buyers who want easy purchase and returns
- People who want the Octagon shape for stability
- Anyone who can source the Gen 4 from the EU store
Not for
- Anyone confused by the lineup - buy the wrong model and you get bad increments
- Lifters who need finer than 2.5kg (the Stealth offers 1.5kg)
- People who want a single clear recommendation (too many models)
- Those who prioritise proven long-term durability
- Anyone who drops dumbbells
Frequently Asked Questions
Which BrainGain model should I buy?
What's the difference between the 16-in-1 and 17-in-1 40kg models?
Are BrainGain dumbbells the same as Stealth?
Is BrainGain a UK company?
How does BrainGain compare to MuscleSquad?
Our Ratings
Pros and Cons
What we like
- +Widest range of any UK dumbbell brand - 5 models from £180 to £689
- +The 40kg 16-in-1 offers consistent 2.5kg increments - matches MuscleSquad at a competitive price
- +24kg model at £180 pair is one of the cheapest selectorised options in the UK
- +UK brand (Ashford, England) with 24-month warranty
- +Quick dial weight changes via Smart-Click Technology
- +Octagon shape option for anti-roll stability
- +Gen 4 model (EU store) offers excellent 1.5kg increments up to 41.5kg
- +Widely available on Amazon UK with easy returns
What could be better
- -Confusing product lineup - multiple 40kg models with different increment patterns
- -24kg 15-in-1 has uneven increments (1-2.5kg jumps) despite the large number of settings
- -17-in-1 40kg has 2-3kg jumps - check you're buying the 16-in-1 for consistent 2.5kg
- -Plastic dial mechanism has durability concerns from Amazon reviewers
- -Some rattle and noise at certain weight settings
- -Cannot be dropped
- -No expansion options on any model
- -Gen 4 (1.5kg increments) has limited UK availability
Final Verdict
BrainGain has significantly expanded their range and now offers genuine competition to MuscleSquad with their 40kg 16-in-1 (consistent 2.5kg increments). The 24kg model is one of the cheapest selectorised pairs in the UK. The confusing lineup of similar-sounding models with different increment patterns is the main drawback - make sure you're buying the right one.