Rep x Pepin Adjustable Dumbbells – Long Term Reppin Review

After seven months of training with the REP x Pepin Fast Series Adjustable Dumbbells, we are finally ready to give our full, honest take. These dumbbells were one of the most hyped fitness products of 2024, showing up everywhere across the internet, but hype only goes so far. Are they really worth dropping $1,000+ for your home gym? Or should you save that cash for something else?

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👉 Direct link to REP Fitness if you’re ready to browse these dumbbells for yourself.

A Quick Backstory

These adjustable dumbbells started with Pepin, a small Canadian manufacturer known for building premium, hand-crafted sets. REP Fitness later teamed up with Pepin to mass-produce and distribute the system, making them more widely available (and slightly more affordable) to the garage gym market.

Tommy has been using the 80 lb set for about seven months—long enough to see how they hold up to real-world training.

The Pros: Why These Dumbbells Shine

Build Quality & Finish
The REP x Pepin dumbbells look and feel premium. The knurled handles, clean finish, and dovetailed plate design all give them a sturdy, high-end feel. Durability has held up well with only minor cosmetic wear after months of daily training.

Quick & Easy Adjustments
The standout feature is the adjustment system. A simple pop-pin and rail setup lets you switch weights in seconds. With the included adder weights (2.5 lbs each), you can move in both 10 lb jumps and finer increments—making warm-ups and drop sets quick and seamless.

Expandable Options
You can start with the 80 lb set (~$1,100 shipped) and expand later to 120 lbs (~$1,500 total). That flexibility makes them more approachable for lifters who don’t always need the heaviest dumbbells.

Space Savings
For home gyms, space is gold. One pair of REP x Pepins replaces a full rack of dumbbells, which could easily run $6,000+ for urethane sets. These condense all that into a single, compact cradle.

The Cons: Not Perfect

Price Tag
At $1,100–$1,500, these are a premium product. Cheaper adjustable dumbbells like Bowflex or Powerblocks exist, though they don’t match the same build quality or weight range.

Cradle Jam Issues
If you slam the dumbbells back into the cradle carelessly (especially when fatigued), plates can wedge and get stuck. Not a deal-breaker, but it’s something to be mindful of.

Adder Weight Pins
Some lifters complain the small pop pins for the adder weights get in the way. REP has already announced free replacements with a lower-profile design—a nice move that shows they’re improving the product long-term.

Form Limitations on Certain Lifts
Because of the side rails, some lifts (like dumbbell RDLs) feel slightly awkward compared to traditional dumbbells. It’s a small adjustment, but noticeable if you’re used to a clean, flat side.

How Do They Compare?

Competitors include:

• Powerblocks – Cheaper, but bulkier and less “dumbbell-like.”

• Ironmasters – Solid and expandable, but slower to adjust.

• Loadable dumbbells – Affordable, but tedious to change plates.

At the end of the day, REP x Pepins strike the best balance of speed, feel, and durability. For serious home gym owners, they’re arguably the top pick.

The Black Widow Dumbbell Cart

One bonus piece of kit worth mentioning: the Black Widow Dumbbell Cart. Made with beefy 3x3 steel and full customization options, it’s a perfect home for the REP x Pepins. It’s not necessary, but it’s one of those statement pieces that adds functionality (mobility, plate storage, drink spotters) and flair to your setup.

Final Verdict

So—are the REP x Pepin Adjustable Dumbbells worth it?

For home gym lifters, the answer is a strong yes. They’re expensive, but the quality, convenience, and space savings make them a smart long-term investment. Compared to buying a full dumbbell set, they’re actually economical.

For commercial gyms, they don’t make much sense—only one lifter can use them at a time, and traditional racks serve more people simultaneously.

👉 Check out our Certified Training Facility Page to see how other lifters are outfitting their gyms.
👉 Browse REP Fitness directly through our Affiliate Link.