The robust DMoose 2-in-1 set, writes Roger Lockridge, gives you the versatility of both dumbbell and barbell training through a wide weight range…

The DMoose 2-in-1 Adjustable Dumbbell and Barbell set is designed to allow home gym owners with limited space to reap the benefits of both barbell and unilateral dumbbell training. The set converts from one of the best adjustable dumbbells to a top-notch barbell with only a few changes. It also offers a wide 4-90lb / 2-40kg weight range in 16 weights for you to train with.  

This 2-in-1 design means you can train your entire body with the benefits that come with free weights without the hassle of storing barbells, plates and dumbbells.  

Men’s Fitness verdict

You may be able to find less expensive options, but I doubt they’ll have the quality of the DMoose. With its 2-in-1 set, you’re getting a versatile training tool that will last with the proper care.
Pros
  • 4-90lb / 2-40kg weight range
  • One hand weight adjustment with handle
  • Non-slip grip
  • Space-saving design
  • Stand included
Cons
  • Longer dumbbell than traditional versions
  • Single dumbbell only

How we tested the best adjustable dumbbells

Our tester Roger Lockridge is an experienced product reviewer of all manner of fitness kit. He tested this 2-in-1 adjustable dumbbell and barbell at various weights and through a range of exercises at high rep ranges to see how it handles, assessing it in terms of grip, comfort, and weight range. He then provided an overall score, taking build quality, performance and price into consideration.

Close-up of the DMoose 2-in-1 dumbbell
The DMoose’s intuitive weight changing mechanism

DMoose 2-in-1 Adjustable Dumbbell 

The dumbbell version of the DMoose 2-in-1 has a pretty large footprint, but serves as a quality resistance training tool. Despite looking unwieldy, I found I could perform various single-arm exercises with it with ease – including dumbbell rows, lateral raises and overhead triceps extensions. If you wanted to go all the way with single-sided training, you could add in split squats and chest presses too.

It may not be the best option for dumbbell biceps exercises such as concentration curls due to its length, but I hammered out hammer curls with no problem. I’d be careful not to drop it, though, as I’m not convinced how sturdy the plate selection mechanism is. 

DMoose 2-in-1 Adjustable Barbell

By simply adding in the extra pieces to the dumbbell and storage plates, you can switch out the DMoose from a dumbbell to a barbell in no time, to add plenty of variety to your training. Now you’ve got the option of shoulder presses, barbell rows, bench presses and squats to add to you repertoire. Or if you have half an hour to spare, you could tackle our 30-minute dumbbell workout.

It’s useful for isolating your shoulders in a dumbbell workout with front raises or upright rows and worked well with biceps movements like the barbell curl with a wide or close grip. Though not the widest, the handles are quite comfortable to hold with a patterned silicon grip that gave me plenty of purchase. 

DMoose 2-in-1 Adjustable Dumbbell/Barbell performance 

My DMoose 2-in-1 Adjustable Dumbbell and Barbell set showed up in one box with extra styrofoam for protection. The dumbbell came pre-assembled, and my package included the barbell pieces as well as instructions. It only took me a couple of minutes to set the whole thing up.

I already have a full home gym, but I can see where a beginner or someone with a smaller exercise room could benefit from having the DMoose 2-in-1. I started with a variety of dumbbell exercises to test it out, including single-arm rows and pullovers for back, overhead extensions and hammer curls for arms, and single-sided dumbbell press and lateral raises for shoulders. The dial lets you easily select your desired weight while it’s in the stand. So transitioning from one exercise to the next is quick and intuitive.  

After testing the dumbbell out, I added the extra pieces to make the barbell. Again, changing weights was straightforward, allowing me to transition from rear delt rows to shoulder presses, front raises and barbell curls with ease.  In the hand the whole unit felt robust, with no real plate rattling to speak of. 

Should you buy the DMoose 2-in-1 dumbbell/barbell set? 

If you’re starting a home gym and want access to several weights without the space commitment, this would be a great place to start. Beginners would also benefit from having a barbell on hand for when they’re ready to progress. It may not be the same as having a pair of dumbbells, but unilateral training does have its benefits. 

It does come with a hefty price tag, but build quality is good and there’s plenty of value in the set’s versatility. You may be able to find less expensive options, but I doubt they’ll have the quality of the DMoose. With its 2-in-1 set, you’re getting a versatile training tool that will last with the proper care.