CAP Coated Hex Set with Rack Review

One of the drawbacks to dumbbells is that the weight you use for biceps curls is unlikely to be the same as the one you'd use for weighted squats. To solve this conundrum, you'll need to have various options on hand. Among the most economical ways to accomplish this is by buying a complete set. The CAP Coated Hex Set comes with a diverse range of standard hex dumbbells and a storage rack. It is also among the lowest price-per-pound options of any hand-weight collection we tested, making these dumbbells a top recommendation for outfitting a home gym on a budget.

Performance Comparison

Exercise Versatility

Standard dumbbells are generally quite versatile, thanks to their simple design. The CAP Coated Hex Set is no different. These five standard dumbbell pairs are all equally high-performing and useful across numerous exercises, proving just as good for bench pressing as for triceps extensions. What gives this CAP set an edge in versatility isn't just the design of the dumbbells themselves; it's also the range of weight options it includes with the single purchase. From the get-go, you are ready to tackle any number of exercises using whichever combination of weights most suits your needs.

We had no trouble working with any dumbbells in this Coated Hex Set. We grabbed the heavier dumbbells and did some goblet squats, easily holding onto the dumbbell head through those movements. We also used the lighter dumbbells for lateral shoulder raises without difficulty. We did notice that the five-pound dumbbells have a lower clearance than others when used for floor exercises. Specifically, we found our fingers brushed the ground when using them as makeshift push-up bars. Thankfully, this was not an issue when we swapped them out for any of the other larger weights, but something to note.

Ease of Use

The CAP Coated Hex Set comes with a tree-style storage stand. This makes identifying and using the correct dumbbell incredibly easy — as long as you put them back into place in the right order. Fortunately, every dumbbell is labeled for weight on both sides of each head, and their overall size grows noticeably larger as they become heavier. This combination of design traits makes it relatively easy to gauge where to place the weights when re-racking after a workout.

The handle grips on this set of CAP dumbbells are well-sized in diameter and length. The diameter also increases as the amount of each weight grows. This makes them easy to hold in both large and small hands. The knurling of the Coated Hex Set is among the smoothest of any we tested. This can potentially reduce the effectiveness of the dumbbell grips in sweaty hands. However, the ideal amount of knurling primarily comes down to personal preference. We did not experience any difficulty in testing.

Weight Options

This CAP Set comes with five pairs of coated hex dumbbells increasing in weight in five-pound increments, ranging from five to 25 pounds. This is an excellent variety of dumbbells in a single set. As a bonus, CAP also makes matching dumbbells ranging from three to 120 pounds each. So you'll have no trouble if you want to round out your collection with an even more comprehensive range of choices.

Among this set of five dumbbell pairs, there is enough difference between the lightest weight (five pounds) and the heaviest (25 pounds) to make them useful for many different exercises and strength levels. The weight range isn't quite as extensive as some other brands may offer, but it is still more than enough for most users. We also appreciated how easy CAP has made it to expand the set as your workout needs evolve, offering matching dumbbells in a broad range of additional sizes for purchase separately.

Construction Quality

Like most standard dumbbell collections, the CAP Coated Hex Set includes durable, well-made hand weights. These have a rubber-coated steel design that is both functional and protective, preventing scuffs and allowing them to be dropped on the ground without incident. Overall, the dumbbells are very high quality and left us with no concerns about their construction. The CAP dumbbells were measured at 2.4% heavier than their stated weight. This isn't something you'd notice picking them up, but it is slightly more than what we found in most of our lineup.

Although similarly well-made and easy to assemble, we did note a minor issue with the included tree stand. Specifically, it's built with slightly narrower arms than is convenient for stacking weights, opening up the possibility of a pinched finger when replacing dumbbells on the rack. Nonetheless, this may be a non-issue for most users who exercise caution in their movements. The stand easily supports the 150 pounds of dumbbells that come with the set and does not wobble under that burden.

Storage

The included stand helps the Coated Hex Set shine in our storage metric. Dumbbells are, by their very nature, heavy. So, both storage and portability are usually a top concern. The tree-style stand — versus a horizontal rack — stores five sets of dumbbells efficiently. This design also saves space and enables easy access to all weights simultaneously.

Although the stand is designed to hold all dumbbells included in the set, it's not intended to be portable. Even if it were, moving 150 pounds of dumbbells in one go would be challenging for most. Still, some may not wish to have a rack of dumbbells on permanent display in their home. So, if portability is a concern, other storage options may suit your needs better.

Should You Buy the CAP Coated Hex Set with Rack?

We think the CAP Coated Hex Set is an excellent collection of dumbbells. Composed of five pairs of different-sized hand weights, it is ideally suited for all uses in the gym. And, when you factor in the price-per-pound, this set sells at a lower cost than most other dumbbells if you were to create a similar home gym experience. This makes it an even more attractive option. Whether you're just starting out with weights, looking to accessorize your workout space, or somewhere in between, a high-quality set with a wide variety of dumbbell sizes included and a storage system is worth considering.

What Other Dumbbells Should You Consider?

Suppose you're interested in a multiple-weight set but prefer something with a broader range of choices and perhaps a smaller footprint. In that case, we suggest you take a look at the Core Home Fitness Adjustable Set. It is one of the best adjustable dumbbell sets on the market and comes with an innovative design that lets you adjust each hand weight in five-pound increments, moving between five and 50 pounds each. That is twice the maximum weight you will find in the initial CAP set! Although the Core dumbbell set costs significantly more, this flexible design will be worth the expense for some. If you still want the beefy durability of standard dumbbells but with adjustability benefits like the Core, we recommend checking out the Titan Fitness Loadable Olympic Handles. These loadable dumbbells use Olympic plate weights — sold separately — to add weight to each of the handles, which are essentially miniature dumbbells. They are constructed to withstand your most intense workout; each dumbbell can hold up to 400 pounds. For those seeking a collection of beginner-friendly dumbbells, the J/Fit Set with Rack includes three pairs in various weight ranges plus a storage stand. Lastly, if your top concerns are budget or limited floor space, the Amazon Basics Rubber Encased Hex dumbbell comes at a great price per pound and can be purchased individually rather than as a pair.