[8 Years of Home Training] Why the "40kg Block-Type" Adjustable Dumbbell is Recommended | An Honest Review After 4+ Years of Use

Hello! I'm Torimune, and I've been training at home for 8 years.

In this article, I, with 8 years of strength training experience, will introduce the block-type adjustable dumbbells that I have actually been using for over 4 years.

I felt that 20kg dumbbells were no longer enough. But I didn't want to fail with equipment that costs nearly 100,000 yen.
That was the situation when I bought these block-type adjustable dumbbells in 2021.

I've been using them hard multiple times a week for over 4 years, and they are still going strong.There's no sign of them breaking.

"Which dumbbells should I buy for home training?"

When you search online, dozens of types come up, and it's really confusing.
Moreover, many reviews are based on "first impressions" right after buying.
It's hard to find information on "what happens when you actually use them for a long time?"

I had the same worry myself before purchasing.

That is why in this article, I will share honest opinions that only someone who has used them for over 4 years can write. I will cover both the good points and the subtle drawbacks without holding anything back.

If you don't want to make a mistake in choosing dumbbells for home training, please read until the end.

The block dumbbells I purchased

This is what I purchased.

FIELDOOR Adjustable Quick Dumbbells/Block Dumbbells, Max 40.5kg per side

"So what should I choose now?"I'm sure many of you are wondering that.

So, after thoroughly researching the specifications and structure, the most viable alternative candidate at this moment I found is the BARWING block-type 42kg max model.

The shape and basic structure are almost identical, and it is a model I can fully recommend for those who want to handle heavy weights in home training.

Furthermore,

• the design prevents the plates from interfering with each other, resulting in less rattling noise during movement

• The plates are less likely to rub against each other and get scratched.

• It supports up to 42kg, so it can be used for a longer time.

These are some of the unique advantages of this model.

On the other hand, it is slightly wider than the FIELDOOR model introduced in this article, measuring about 41cm at its maximum weight (FIELDOOR is about 37cm).

Since high-weight dumbbells are easier to handle the shorter they are, this is a point you should be aware of.

That said, looking at the specifications as a whole, it is a very well-made model, and I think it is the top candidate among the block-type models currently available for purchase.

Below, I will introduce my review of the FIELDOOR model, which I have used for over 4 years. Since BARWING also adopts the same block-type structure, I think it will be a helpful reference for imagining the user experience.

Why I chose this adjustable dumbbell

The deciding factor for purchasing this dumbbell was hitting the wall of insufficient load in home training.

The 20kg adjustable dumbbell I had been using until then.
For the first year, I felt it was more than effective enough. The sensation of my chest stretching during dumbbell bench presses, and the pleasant muscle soreness the next day.

I was happy with these results, and every training session was truly enjoyable.

However, after a year had passed, the changes clearly began to slow down.

It was fine for isolation exercises, but for compound exercises (exercises that use multiple muscles simultaneously) like dumbbell bench presses and shoulder presses, I was able to do 10 or 12 reps with 20kg. I could no longer provide any more stimulation to my muscles.

'If I keep going like this, my growth will stop...'

I have a family, and I don't have the time or financial leeway to go to a gym. But I also didn't want to keep stagnating at 20kg. Honestly, training while carrying that dilemma was tough.

That was when the option of 'buying a high-weight adjustable dumbbell' came to mind.

However, the more I researched, the deeper my worries became.

'The expensive ones cost over 100,000 yen...'
'The cheap ones seem like they'll break immediately...'
'Can I really handle 40kg in the first place?'

After much hesitation, these are the three points I prioritized.

• It must be durable and long-lasting

• It must be able to handle heavy weights safely

• The price must be realistic

I couldn't afford high-end models costing over 100,000 yen. But I also didn't want to regret buying cheap, low-quality gear.

After reading countless reviews and comparing specs, I finally arrived at this FIELDOOR Block Dumbbell.

'Alright, I'll bet on this.'

I was honestly nervous when I clicked the purchase button. At the time, the price of just under 40,000 yen was by no means a small expense for me.

But looking back now, I am convinced that this decision was a major turning point in my home training life.

Basic Specifications of the FIELDOOR Adjustable Quick Dumbbell/Block Dumbbell

Here is a brief summary of the basic specs.

FIELDOOR Adjustable Quick Dumbbell/Block Dumbbell, Max 40.5kg per side

Weight Range: 3kg to 40.5kg (27-level adjustment)

• Adjustment Method: Pin insertion type (not a body-rotation type)

• Size: Width 37cm x Depth 21.5cm x Height 20cm (at maximum weight)

• Material: Steel / Plastic, etc.

• Set Contents: Handle core x2, Stopper x2, Block plate x16

The biggest feature is that you can change the weight just by inserting and removing pins.
Once you get used to it, you can change it in less than 5 seconds. Unlike other adjustable dumbbells, you don't need to rotate the dumbbell body, so it's easy to handle without requiring much strength.

[Example: How to change weight from 40.5kg to 22kg]

When you actually use it, it's quite compact and doesn't get in the way even when placed on the floor. For long-term use, this neatness is a subtly important point.

The texture of the plates is better than expected, with no sense of cheapness at all.

I still remember being convinced that 'I'll be able to use this for a long time.'

And in fact, that intuition was correct. The more you start handling heavy weights, the more you realize how excellent this structure is.

The 'Pros' I've learned after using it for over 4 years

This is the main topic. I will share the good points of this dumbbell that I've discovered after actually using it for over 4 years.

Pro 1: Satisfactory weight even for home training (up to 40.5kg)

This is the biggest advantage and the very reason I chose this dumbbell.

The most important factor in muscle hypertrophy is'weight'—I am convinced of this.

Of course, correct form, appropriate repetitions, and sufficient rest are all important. But once you master those, you will inevitably encounter the 'weight barrier'.

People who have been training for years all say'Weight is justice'because they have experienced this barrier.

When I only had dumbbells under 20kg, I always felt an invisible ceiling called the 'limit of load'. But after getting this dumbbell, I felt like that ceiling was suddenly removed.

Every time I increased the weight in stages—27kg, 31kg, 36kg, 40.5kg—I experienced muscle soreness I had never felt before. That feeling of 'This is heavy!' was truly irresistible.

With the right equipment, you can achieve the same muscle hypertrophy effects at home as you would at the gym—I believe I have proven this through my own experience.

Pro #2: Easy to perform 'on-the-knee'

If you have ever used high-weight dumbbells, you will nod in agreement that this is incredibly important.

When performing dumbbell bench presses or shoulder presses, you perform a movement called'on-the-knee' to get into the starting position.
This is a technique where you place the dumbbells on your knees (the front of your thighs) and use momentum to lift them to the starting position.

With the block type,the sides are flat, so it is exceptionally stable when placed on your knees.

This is a truly important point.

For adjustable dumbbells that rotate the grip or both sides, the contact area is small.
While this is not a problem at low to medium weights, the stability at high weights is inferior to the block type.

With screw-on dumbbells, the shaft digs into your thighs, making it impossible to perform the on-the-knee technique.

The heavier the weight, the more dangerous this instability becomes.

There is a risk of them slipping off your knees, damaging the floor, or injuring your wrists. Even more troublesome is when you finish a set.

When you return the dumbbells to your knees after pushing yourself to the limit, a flicker of anxiety crosses your mind: 'Will I be able to place them correctly?'

This psychological brake can sometimes make you give up on that last rep.

In that regard,the block type is perfect.Because it can be firmly supported by its wide sides, you can push yourself to the limit with peace of mind.

If you are going to buy 40kg-class dumbbells, I can confidently say that the block type is the only choice.

Pro #3: Zero worry about plates falling off

I also own a type of adjustable dumbbell where you adjust the weight by rotating the grip.

I handle mine carefully, so I haven't had any issues, but if you handle them roughly and try to lift them while changing the grip, there is a risk that the plates could come off.

In that regard, this pin-type dumbbell has a structure where the plates cannot come off. In four years, I have never had a plate fall off.

When you start handling heavy weights, even the slightest possibility of 'what if the plate comes off...' becomes more stressful than you might imagine.
You want to focus on your training, but it becomes a distraction.

This sense of security is a major benefit that you only truly realize after long-term use.

Good Point 4: No fear of breakage

Dumbbells with grooves in the base have a risk of damaging the base if handled roughly and the alignment is off, though the possibility is low. You should especially avoid returning them to the base forcefully when using heavy weights.

However, these block dumbbells have no interlocking parts. You just slide them between the weight plates, so the structure is such that it is impossible to break them even if you return them roughly.

When you've squeezed out that last rep and you're at your limit... you don't have to worry about whether you can place them back on the base correctly.

This ease of use becomes more valuable the heavier the weight gets.

Good Point 5: Exceptional cost performance

In October 2021, I purchased a set of two of these dumbbells for 38,940 yen.

Calculating for 4 years at 3 times a week, that's 624 sessions. That comes out to about 60 yen per session.

And they are still going strong today. In effect, the training cost is naturally approaching zero.

A gym costing 8,000 yen per month would be about 380,000 yen over 4 years. This shows just how cost-effective the initial investment in home training is.

I thought, 'A little under 40,000 yen... that's expensive' when I bought them, but now I truly feel it was a bargain.

Due to recent inflation and rising raw material costs, the price has now increased to about 44,000 yen.There is no telling when this pricing or stock availability might change.

It is a real shame to spend weeks agonizing over choosing equipment, only to have the price go up or the item go out of stock, delaying the start of your training. If you are considering it, I recommend checking it out sooner rather than later.

The 'Subtle Points and Cautions' I'm Writing Honestly

I have written only about the good points so far, but to be honest, there are some downsides.

I want those considering purchasing block-type adjustable dumbbells, not just FIELDOOR, to know not only the good aspects but also the points to be aware of.

'Weight adjustment is in roughly 5kg increments, so fine-tuning is not possible.'

This could be called theonly downside.

Basically, weight changes are in 5kg increments. Fine-tuning is possible by inserting or removing 500g x 4 weights into the main unit, but honestly, it is a hassle.

In other words, this dumbbell isa dumbbell suitable for heavy compound exercises.

It is optimal for exercises that train large muscles, such as dumbbell bench presses, shoulder presses, dumbbell rows, dumbbell squats, and deadlifts.

On the other hand, you might find it slightly difficult to use for isolation exercises that require fine adjustments, such as side raises or arm curls.

The solution is to also use an adjustable dumbbell with a maximum of 20kg.

In fact, that is what I do.

Heavy compound exercises -> 40kg dumbbell / Exercises requiring fine adjustments -> 20kg dumbbell (adjustable in 1-1.5kg increments)

With this combination, I can comfortably perform all exercises.

The disadvantage of not being able to make fine adjustments certainly exists. However, the most important things for home training are an 'environment where you can continue' and 'sufficient load on the muscles'.

This FIELDOOR dumbbell definitely helped me achieve both of those things.

For me, the benefit of being able to handle heavy weights safely far outweighed the disadvantage of not being able to make fine adjustments.

How it compares to other options

There are other dumbbells on the market that allow for finer adjustments or have more sophisticated designs.

Each has its own merits, and I have no intention of dismissing them at all.

However, this block-type perfectly matched my needs of 'wanting to continue home training for a long time with good cost-performance' and 'wanting to handle heavy weights safely'.

What matters is not 'which one is the correct answer,' but 'whether it fits your own training style.'

It is natural for people who go to the gym to say 'the gym is the best,' and it is also natural for people who are satisfied with bodyweight training to feel that dumbbells are unnecessary.

The important thing is to create an environment where you can keep going. And then, to choose equipment that allows you to get the maximum effect in that environment.

Who it is recommended for / Who it is not recommended for

⭕️Recommended for these people

・People who want to continue home training for a long time
For those who don't have time to go to the gym or want to cherish time with their family, an environment where you can do serious training at home is more valuable than anything else.

・People who want to handle heavy weights without going to the gym
This dumbbell solves the problem of 'not having enough load with home training.'

・People in their second year or more of strength training who know the joy of increasing weight
If you know the sense of accomplishment of 'I was able to increase the weight compared to last week!', you should be able to make the most of this dumbbell.

❌Not recommended for these people

・People who have been strength training for less than a year
If you are still at a stage where you can feel sufficient effects with around 20kg, this 40kg adjustable dumbbell is unnecessary.
I recommend starting with an adjustable dumbbell of up to about 20-24kg (a type that can be adjusted finely).

I have written with great enthusiasm in this article about my 'recommendation for 24kg adjustable dumbbells,' which I can assert is 'the only choice for beginners to intermediates!' ↓the only choice for beginners to intermediates!I have written with great enthusiasm in this article about my 'recommendation for 24kg adjustable dumbbells,' which I can assert is 'the only choice for beginners to intermediates!' ↓

If I were to choose a dumbbell for home training again as I am now, I would choose the block-type adjustable dumbbell without hesitation.

That is how satisfied I am with this dumbbell.

Even after 4 years of use, there is zero sign of it breaking. The peace of mind of being able to handle heavy weights safely. And the overwhelming cost-performance.

If you are serious about changing your body through home training, it is well worth the investment. I can say this with certainty.

With the right equipment, you can get results at home that rival those of a gym. These dumbbells proved that to me.

If I were choosing today, I would pick this block type.

The FIELDOOR model introduced here is already discontinued.

If I were to buy 40kg-class adjustable dumbbells from scratch today, after comparing product pages and specifications, I would choose the BARWING 42kg block-type as my top candidate👇

The reason is that it inherits the strengths of the block type I have been using for over 4 years.

I have checked the product page and specifications in detail, and it has:

• The high stability unique to the block type

• Ease of performing 'on-the-knee' movements

• A structure where there is no worry about plates falling off

• A design that allows for safe handling even with heavy weights

It is well-equipped with the points I prioritize for home training.

Furthermore, there are attractions unique to this model.

Design where plates do not interfere with each other

Because there is an appropriate gap between the plates, they are less likely to rub against each other during movement, and rattling noise is suppressed.

Considering long-term use, it is a nice point that the plates are less likely to get scratched.

Supports up to 42kg

It can be used up to a maximum of 42kg, which is even heavier than the 40.5kg of the FIELDOOR, making it more than enough weight for most home training users.
It is highly unlikely you will need to replace them even if your strength increases.

Points of concern

The only thing I was concerned about is that it is slightly longer in width than the FIELDOOR introduced in this article.

At maximum weight, it is about 41cm long. On the other hand, the model I use is about 37cm. This 4cm difference affects maneuverability as the weight increases.

That said, this width is a trade-off for a design where the plates do not interfere with each other.

Looking at the actual product specifications, it is a sufficiently practical size, and if this point does not bother you, it is a very attractive model.

If you think, 'This width is too big,' then this model is also recommended👇

This is the same type as the dumbbell I use, with a width of about 37cm at maximum weight." It is said to be the predecessor to the dumbbell I introduced earlier, but it also weighs 41.5kg and is a suitable model for those who prioritize size.

BARWING is a strong candidate if you are looking for a block-type you can buy now

Because I have been using block-type adjustable dumbbells for over 4 years, I am confident in the quality of this design.

Although the FIELDOOR model I introduced this time is no longer sold, if you are looking for a 40kg-class block-type that you can buy now, this BARWING model is definitely a strong candidate.

If you are looking for an adjustable dumbbell that you can use for a long time in your home training, please check the detailed specifications on the product page.

Conclusion: A catalyst to change your home training

You who are reading this article are surely someone who wants to seriously change your body through home training.

'I don't have time to go to the gym, but I want to change my body.'
'I want to continue strength training while still valuing time with my family.'
'My current dumbbells are no longer enough.'

Aren't those the thoughts you are holding?

I was the same. I want to cherish time with my family. But I also want to change my body. Home training was what I chose to balance these two things.

And now, I can proudly say that this choice was not wrong. This dumbbell has definitely changed my home training life.

Muscles that had hit a plateau at 20kg grew in stages: 27kg, 31kg, 36kg, and then 40.5kg.

Of course, just buying dumbbells won't change your body. Consistency is the most important thing.

If this can be the catalyst for your home training to move to the next stage, there is nothing that would make me happier.

Let's build our ideal bodies together through home training.

Thank you for reading to the end this time as well!

📌 Recommended Related Articles

① Also recommended for beginners to intermediates

While the 40kg class is attractive, it is over-spec for those who have just started strength training or those who can still get a sufficient workout with around 20kg.

For those people, I have written a detailed review of the 24kg adjustable dumbbell, which I consider to be the 'only choice for beginners to intermediates'.

If you prioritize ease of weight adjustment and cost-performance, please start by reading this article.

② If you want to adjust in 1kg increments, look here

Block-type dumbbells are ideal for heavy compound movements, but I know some people want to adjust the weight more precisely with a single unit.

For those people, I also recommend the Lysin Helix Mirror, which can be adjusted in 1kg increments from 3kg to 40kg.

I have written a review article detailing its specifications, so if you want to compare it with the block type, please use it as a reference.

③ Items to prepare if you are buying high-weight dumbbells

If you are going to use 40kg-class dumbbells, floor protection and noise reduction are essential.

I also introduce the training mats I recommend, so if you are about to set up your home training environment, please refer to this as well.

④ If I were starting now

This is my 'comprehensive guide to home training items' which summarizes my essential gear.

I hope this will be helpful for those who are unsure about what to buy, such as dumbbells, pull-up stands, or power belts, and are thinking, 'I don't know what to choose...'

※ This article contains Amazon Associate links. As an Amazon Associate, Torimune earns income from qualifying purchases. The products introduced are those I have actually used myself or those I truly feel I can recommend after many years of home training.