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Nuobell Adjustable Dumbbells Review

The best-feeling adjustable dumbbell on the market. The patented twist mechanism is genuinely a joy to use and the zero-rattle design makes them feel like fixed dumbbells. But the price is steep across all variants and the 2kg-only increments are a real limitation. Premium quality at a premium price.

Last updated: April 2026|Prices checked: 2026-04-01
Nuobell Adjustable Dumbbells

Quick Verdict

8/10

The best-feeling adjustable dumbbell on the market. The patented twist mechanism is genuinely a joy to use and the zero-rattle design makes them feel like fixed dumbbells. But the price is steep across all variants and the 2kg-only increments are a real limitation. Premium quality at a premium price.

Best featureSmoothest mechanism on the market
Worst featurePrice (£549-£1,099 in the UK)
Price range£549-£1099
Best forLifters who want a premium feel
Max Weight40kg
Increments2kg
Variants4 models
MechanismPatented cradle-activated twist selector
Price range£549-£1099
Best price/kg£13.73
Warranty2 years (4 years if bought direct from NUO)
Available fromFitness Superstore

All NUO Athletics Variants Compared

SpecNuobell 220 (2-20kg)Nuobell 232 (2-32kg)Nuobell S 224 (2-24kg)Nuobell S 240 (2-40kg)
Weight range2-20kg2-32kg2-24kg2-40kg
Increments2kg2kg2kg2kg
Weight settings10161220
Price (pair)£549£699£799£1099
Dimensions38×18×18.5cm48.5×18×18.5cm42×18×18.5cm55×20×18cm
NotesLighter training, beginners, rehab. ~€549 on EU storeThe main UK model - best all-rounderNewer S-line, improved durabilityHeaviest kg model, stainless steel V-connectors. Dimensions approximate

The Nuobell in 60 seconds

The Nuobell is the adjustable dumbbell that actually feels like a proper dumbbell. Swedish company NUO Athletics (founded in 1997 by national rower Tomas Svenberg) has a worldwide patent on the twist selector mechanism, and it shows. The weight changes are the fastest and smoothest we've come across, the plates lock together with zero rattle, and the knurled chrome handle feels like something you'd find in a commercial gym.

The catch? You're paying for it. UK prices range from £549 to over £1,000 depending on the model and retailer, making the Nuobell the most expensive adjustable dumbbell range on the market. And with only 2kg increments across all models, they're not as precise as cheaper alternatives like the Stealth (1.5kg) or PowerBlock (~1.1kg).

Which Nuobell should you buy?

NUO offers four models, spanning from 20kg to 40kg max weight. The variant table above shows the full specs, but here's the quick guide:

Our recommendation:

  • Most people: The Nuobell 232 (2-32kg) is the sweet spot. Widest UK availability, most competitive pricing, and 32kg is enough for the majority of home gym users.
  • Serious lifters: The Nuobell S 240 (2-40kg) adds 8kg of headroom and has improved stainless steel V-connectors for better durability. But it's significantly more expensive and harder to find in the UK.
  • Beginners/light training: The Nuobell 220(2-20kg) works, and you can upgrade later with the expansion kit (€299) to convert it to a 232. But at £549, you're better off just buying the 232 directly.
  • Avoid: The S 224 sits in an awkward middle ground -more expensive than the 232 but with a lower max weight.

The original vs the S-line

NUO released the S-line (S 224, S 240) as an upgrade to the original range. The key improvements:

  • Stainless steel V-connectors replace the plastic connectors on the originals -a direct response to the most common durability complaint
  • Redesigned handle with slightly longer grip (110mm vs 105mm on the 232)
  • 4 shifting half-plates for more precise weight selection
  • 40kg max on the S 240, up from 32kg

If budget allows and you can find them in the UK, the S-line is the better buy for longevity. But the original 232 is still an excellent product and far easier to source.

How the patented twist mechanism works

The Nuobell sits in a plastic cradle. Two pins in the cradle release the twisting mechanism -the handle can only twist when seated in the cradle, which is a smart safety feature that prevents plates from releasing mid-lift.

Rotating the handle extends or retracts an internal rod that hooks into the weight plates. A guide cam slides along a groove in the shaft, with teeth that mesh with machined plates. Each setting clicks into place with a satisfying, audible click. Lift straight up and the selected plates come with you -the rest stay in the cradle.

Every reviewer agrees: this is the fastest weight-change mechanism on the market. Faster than Bowflex's dial, PowerBlock's pin, and Stealth's twist system.

UK pricing -it varies wildly

This is one of the frustrating things about buying a Nuobell in the UK. The same model can cost £300 more depending on the retailer. Prices we found at time of writing for the 232:

  • Vuplus UK: £599 (marked down from £899)
  • Vuplus UK (Black Out): £849
  • NUO EU Store: €692-769 (~£590-660, but may attract import duty + 20% VAT post-Brexit)
  • Amazon UK: £145-448 (range includes singles and possible third-party clones -verify authenticity)

Tip: Always shop around. Vuplus and the NUO EU store tend to be the most competitive, but check delivery and import charges carefully if ordering from the EU. And be cautious with Amazon listings -verify the seller is authorised to avoid clones.

The 2kg increment limitation

This is our biggest gripe across the entire Nuobell range. Every model uses 2kg increments. For compound movements (bench press, rows, squats), that's fine. But for isolation work like lateral raises, bicep curls, or tricep extensions, a 2kg jump can represent a 15-25% increase -too much for smooth progressive overload.

The Stealth offers 1.5kg increments at every weight tier, and the PowerBlockgets down to ~1.1kg with adder weights. Both are cheaper. If fine increments matter to your training, the Nuobell isn't the best choice despite its premium price.

Build quality and the durability question

The plates are machined steel with an aluminium handle core. Build quality is excellent across all models -everything feels precise and well-machined. The knurling on the chrome handle is deep enough for a secure grip without tearing up your hands.

The durability concern on the original models (220, 232) centres on the steel and plastic constructionof the originals (retailers list materials as "steel and plastic"). The S-line addresses this with stainless steel V-connectors. None of the models can be dropped -doing so voids the warranty and can crack the mechanism.

NUO sells replacement parts (handles at €149, half plates at €39), which is reassuring for long-term ownership.

Who are these for?

Great for

  • People who value a premium feel above all else
  • Anyone frustrated by rattly, clunky adjustable dumbbells
  • Home gym setups where aesthetics matter
  • Lifters who primarily do compound movements
  • Those who want the S-line's improved durability for long-term use

Not for

  • Budget-conscious buyers -better value exists elsewhere
  • Anyone who needs fine increments for isolation work
  • People who drop dumbbells
  • Those who want consistent UK pricing (it varies too much)
  • Anyone who wants to try before buying -limited UK showrooms

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Nuobell model should I buy in the UK?
The Nuobell 232 (2-32kg) for most people. It's the most widely stocked in the UK and the most competitively priced. Only go for the S 240 if you definitely need more than 32kg and can find it from a UK retailer.
Can I upgrade from a Nuobell 220 to a 232?
Yes. NUO sells an expansion kit (€299 from the EU store) that converts a 220 into a 232. But at that combined price, you'd have been better off buying the 232 directly.
What's the difference between Nuobell and Nuobell S?
The S-line has sturdier stainless steel V-connectors (replacing plastic), a redesigned handle, and goes up to 40kg on the S 240. It's an improvement on durability but is harder to find in the UK and more expensive.
Are Nuobell dumbbells worth the money?
If you prioritise mechanism feel and zero rattle above all else, yes. If you want the best value for money or need fine increments, the Stealth or MuscleSquad offer more for less.
Can I use Nuobell for CrossFit or Olympic lifting?
No. They cannot be dropped and the internal connectors can crack on impact. These are designed for controlled dumbbell exercises only.

Our Ratings

8/10
Build Quality
8/10
Value for Money
6/10
Adjustment Speed
10/10
Weight Range
8/10
Increment Granularity
7/10
Compactness
7/10
Noise Level
10/10
Grip & Balance
9/10

Pros and Cons

What we like

  • +The fastest, smoothest adjustment mechanism we've tested - genuinely instant
  • +Zero rattle or plate movement during lifts - feels like a fixed dumbbell
  • +Excellent knurled chrome handle with secure grip
  • +Patented design - this isn't a white-label product
  • +Range from 20kg to 40kg max across four models
  • +Multiple colour options (Silver, Black, Green, Ash, Marine)
  • +S-line models offer improved durability with stainless steel connectors
  • +Expansion kit available to upgrade 220 to 232

What could be better

  • -Most expensive adjustable dumbbells on the UK market (£549-£1,099)
  • -Only 2kg increments across all models - too coarse for isolation exercises
  • -Steel and plastic construction on original models - S-line upgrades to stainless steel V-connectors
  • -Cannot be dropped - voids warranty and can destroy mechanism
  • -Must be precisely re-racked in cradle or mechanism jams
  • -UK pricing varies wildly between retailers (up to £300 difference)
  • -S-line models have limited UK availability

Final Verdict

The best-feeling adjustable dumbbell on the market. The patented twist mechanism is genuinely a joy to use and the zero-rattle design makes them feel like fixed dumbbells. But the price is steep across all variants and the 2kg-only increments are a real limitation. Premium quality at a premium price.

8/10