MuscleSquad Quick Select Adjustable Dumbbells Review
The best value adjustable dumbbell range in the UK. Four models from £65 to £450 mean there's an entry point for everyone, and the 32.5kg model hits the sweet spot of price, weight range, and compactness. The rattling is annoying but not a dealbreaker. Stick to the 32.5kg or below for consistent 2.5kg increments.
Quick Verdict
The best value adjustable dumbbell range in the UK. Four models from £65 to £450 mean there's an entry point for everyone, and the 32.5kg model hits the sweet spot of price, weight range, and compactness. The rattling is annoying but not a dealbreaker. Stick to the 32.5kg or below for consistent 2.5kg increments.
All MuscleSquad Variants Compared
| Spec | 12.5kg (2.5-12.5kg) | 25kg (2.5-25kg) | 32.5kg (5-32.5kg) | 40kg (5-40kg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weight range | 2.5-12.5kg | 2.5-25kg | 5-32.5kg | 5-40kg |
| Increments | 2.5kg | 2.5kg | 2.5kg | 3.5kg |
| Weight settings | 5 | 10 | 12 | 12 |
| Price (pair) | £65 | £145 | £210 | £450 |
| Dimensions | 34×18×18cm | 38×19×19cm | 42×21×20cm | 45×22×21cm |
| Notes | Beginners and light training only | Good mid-range for general fitness | Best seller - the sweet spot for most home gym users | Heavier max but uses irregular 3-3.5kg increments - avoid unless you need 40kg |
The MuscleSquad range in 60 seconds
MuscleSquad is a UK company based in Milton Keynes, and their Quick Select adjustable dumbbell range is one of the best-value lineups on the market. Four models from £65 to £450 mean there's a genuine entry point for every budget and experience level -from complete beginners to serious home gym users.
The 32.5kg model is the standout. At around £210 per dumbbell with 12 consistent 2.5kg increments and a verified 42cm compact length, it's hard to beat on value. But the range has its quirks - and the 40kg model is one to avoid.
Which MuscleSquad should you buy?
Our recommendation by user type:
- Complete beginners / rehab: The 12.5kg(£65) gets you started for less than a month's gym membership. You'll outgrow it, but it's a low-risk way to test if home training works for you.
- General fitness / home workouts: The 25kg (£145) is the sweet spot for people doing bodyweight + dumbbell routines. 10 settings with 2.5kg increments.
- Serious home gym users (most people): The 32.5kg (~£210 single / ~£420 pair) is the one we recommend. 12 settings, consistent 2.5kg jumps, the most compact design at this weight class (42cm verified), and enough range for years of progression.
- Avoid the 40kg unless you specifically need 40kg and accept the trade-off. It switches to irregular 3-3.5kg increments, which undoes the consistency that makes the 32.5kg great. If you need 40kg+, the Stealth (41.5kg variant) offers 1.5kg increments at a similar total price.
The 42cm compactness claim -verified
MuscleSquad markets the 32.5kg as ultra-compact, and it checks out. The storage tray measures 420mm wide (the dumbbell length), 210mm high, and 200mm deep. Home Gym Experts describe it as "roughly sized and shaped like a shoebox, standing on its side" - less than one square foot per dumbbell.
For comparison across the range and against competitors:
- MuscleSquad 12.5kg: ~34cm
- MuscleSquad 25kg: ~38cm
- MuscleSquad 32.5kg: 42cm
- MuscleSquad 40kg: ~45cm
- Nuobell 232: 48.5cm
- Stealth (32.5kg variant): 40cm (46cm in cradle)
- PowerBlock Stage 1: 30.5cm (but much wider)
If traditional dumbbell-shaped compactness is your priority, the MuscleSquad 32.5kg is the best option at this weight class.
How the dial mechanism works
All four models use the same button-lock dial system. A button on the handle unlocks a large circular dial on one end. While holding the lock button, you twist the dial to your desired weight. The whole process takes 3-5 seconds -fast enough for drop sets and supersets.
The dial clicks positively between settings, and the handle has no flex even when fully loaded. The rubberised grip is comfortable and textured well. The mechanism is consistent across all four models.
The rattle problem (all models)
This is the most common complaint across the entire range, and it's legitimate. Home Gym Experts noted a "surprising amount of play in the weights when locked in place. The plates move as you swing the weights around and you can actually hear them clink."
Is it a dealbreaker? Not functionally -the weights are secure and won't come loose. But if you train in a flat or terraced house, the noise is noticeable. And psychologically, a rattling dumbbell doesn't inspire confidence the way a silent Nuobell does. This applies across all four models.
MuscleSquad as a company
MuscleSquad has a 4.8/5 on Trustpilotfrom over 6,000 reviews, with 94% five-star. One reviewer noted using MuscleSquad equipment "3-4 times a week for 6 years now with no single fault."
Being UK-based (Milton Keynes warehouse) means fast delivery, proper UK customer support, and VAT-inclusive pricing. They sell through their own site, Amazon UK, and Decathlon UK, giving you multiple purchase channels and easier returns than direct-only brands.
Who are these for?
Great for
- Every budget level -genuine entry points from £65
- Home gyms where space is tight (32.5kg at 42cm)
- People who value consistent 2.5kg increments
- UK buyers who want multiple retailer options
- Superset and drop set training
- Anyone who wants to start small and buy a heavier model later
Not for
- Noise-sensitive environments -the rattle affects all models
- Lifters who need finer than 2.5kg increments
- Anyone who needs the 40kg model (the increments are worse)
- People who drop dumbbells
- Olympic or dynamic lifting
Frequently Asked Questions
Which MuscleSquad model should I buy?
Do MuscleSquad dumbbells rattle?
Can I buy MuscleSquad dumbbells from Decathlon?
What is the MuscleSquad warranty?
Are MuscleSquad dumbbells good for drop sets?
Our Ratings
Pros and Cons
What we like
- +Four models from 12.5kg to 40kg covering every budget and experience level
- +32.5kg model is the most compact at this weight class - just 42cm long (verified)
- +Consistent 2.5kg increments on 12.5kg, 25kg, and 32.5kg models
- +3-5 second weight changes enable supersets and drop sets
- +UK company (Milton Keynes) with Trustpilot 4.8/5 from 6,000+ reviews
- +Comfortable textured rubberised grip
- +Available from multiple UK retailers (direct, Amazon, Decathlon)
- +Entry point from just £65 for the 12.5kg model
What could be better
- -Plates rattle noticeably during use - you can hear them clink
- -Difficult to re-rack at lighter weight settings - plates don't sit flat
- -Cannot be dropped - mechanism can crack or jam on impact
- -No expansion between models - you buy one size and that's it
- -40kg model switches to irregular 3-3.5kg increments (avoid it)
- -Stock availability can be inconsistent on the 32.5kg model
Final Verdict
The best value adjustable dumbbell range in the UK. Four models from £65 to £450 mean there's an entry point for everyone, and the 32.5kg model hits the sweet spot of price, weight range, and compactness. The rattling is annoying but not a dealbreaker. Stick to the 32.5kg or below for consistent 2.5kg increments.