If you’re choosing your first serious pair (or full set) of dumbbells, you’re likely split between rubber hex dumbbells and adjustable dumbbells. Both can build real strength at home. The right choice comes down to how you train, the space you have, and how much you value a “commercial gym” feel.

Below, we’ll give you a straight answer first, then break down training feel, setup speed, durability, footprint, progression, grip, noise and the true cost of ownership. We’ll also include practical notes for Melbourne pickup vs delivery and link the key BRIXX pages so you can act immediately.

The short answer

• Choose hex dumbbells if you want seamless workout flow, rock-solid stability, and gear that feels bomb-proof for a decade. Start with a tidy range and put them on a rack.

• Choose adjustable dumbbells if you need maximum kilograms in minimum space and you don’t mind changing weights between sets.

Most Melbourne home gyms end up with both: an adjustable pair to cover wide ranges early on, and a hex run they grab on autopilot every session.

Explore our most popular set here: BRIXX 5-30 kg Hex Dumbbell Set & 3-Tier Rack

Or see the full range: Hex Dumbbell & Rack Sets

Training feel & confidence under load

Hex dumbbells are fixed-head and don’t move around in your hands. Heavy presses, rows and lunges feel planted and predictable. Because there are no moving parts, you spend zero mental energy checking mechanisms. If you want to see what that looks like across the range, browse Hex Dumbbell & Rack Sets.

Adjustables today are robust, but they still rely on locking systems and plates. They’re perfectly fine for most sets, yet many lifters prefer the planted feel of hex when pushing heavier or when doing fast conditioning circuits.

Verdict: If confidence and “commercial gym feel” matter most, hex wins.

Setup speed and workout flow

Hex: grab-and-go. Supersets and drop sets are instant, which keeps tempo and density high.
Adjustables: expect 10-30 seconds to change weight. Totally fine for straight sets, but it can slow down complexes or density work.

Verdict: For time-efficient training, hex saves minutes every workout.

Durability & “drop tolerance”

Hex dumbbells are wrapped in rubber to protect both heads and floors. They’re not for throwing, but they’re more forgiving on set-down and during long-term home use.

Adjustables are precision tools. Treat them kindly; don’t drop them. If you train late, set them down gently to avoid mechanical shock and noise.

Verdict: For low-maintenance ownership, hex is the safer choice.

Footprint & storage (what actually fits at home)

A hex range lives best on a rack. A 2-tier or 3-tier rack keeps the footprint compact and the training area tidy. If your space is very small, you can start with a shorter run (e.g., 2.5-20 kg) and expand over time.

Adjustable dumbbells win on footprint. One pair on a stand covers many weights and suits apartments brilliantly. If you’re exploring options, start here: Adjustable dumbbells.

Space-smart starting points:

• Apartment/small room: adjustable pair on a stand or a 2-tier rack with a 2.5–20 kg hex run.

• Garage bay: 3-tier rack with 5-30 kg hex plus an adjustable pair for in-between jumps.

• Family share zone: adjustable pair accessible for everyone; heavier hex pairs live on the bottom rack tier.

Browse ready-made solutions: Hex Dumbbell & Rack Sets

Progression you’ll actually use (increments & loading)

Hex shines for granular steps. You can build precisely what you need (e.g., 2.5-25 kg or 5-30 kg) and add pairs as you grow. That keeps progression friction-free and avoids giant jumps when you’re close to a PB.

Adjustables typically move in 2 kg (or similar) increments up to ~32 kg. That’s excellent coverage for a single pair-especially if you’re new to lifting or returning after a layoff. See current options: Adjustable dumbbells.

Verdict: Both can take you far. Hex is king for frictionless micro-progression across many exercises.

Grip, handles & control

Hex handles feel like classic gym dumbbells-knurl, diameter and balance tuned for control. Flat faces mean they don’t roll, so they stay exactly where you leave them between sets.

Adjustables vary more in handle geometry. Some are narrower/wider than you’re used to; if you like a specific knurl feel, test in person when you can.

Verdict: For traditional, confident handling under load, hex wins.

Noise & neighbour-friendliness

Rubber hex heads soften contact with both rack and flooring. Adjustables can be a touch louder when plates touch down. If you train late or upstairs, rubber hex plus a good floor mat is the quietest combo.

The real cost of ownership (value, not discounts)

We’re a premium equipment brand-so we talk value per use, not bargain pricing.

• Hex: Higher upfront if you buy a full run + rack, but ultra-low maintenance and excellent resale in Melbourne.

• Adjustables: Outstanding kg-per-dollar in a single purchase. Protect the mechanism and they hold value well.

A practical path: If you’re early in your home-gym journey, start with a quality adjustable pair to discover your working weights. As you train more often, add a hex range you’ll reach for every session.

See our best-sellers:

• BRIXX 5–30 kg Hex Dumbbell Set & 3-Tier Rack

• Hex Dumbbell & Rack Sets (full collection)

Melbourne pickup vs delivery (what to plan for)

Gym equipment is heavy - and that’s a good thing. Many customers choose same-day warehouse pickup to save on freight and get training sooner. If you prefer delivery, plan the path from truck to room (door widths, stairs, flooring) and the final footprint (especially for 3-tier racks).

• Warehouse address: 62 Goodall Cl, Dandenong South VIC 3175

If you’re mapping a full setup at home, we’re happy to help you pick the right range and rack layout.

FAQ - quick answers (to help you choose faster)

Are adjustable dumbbells safe for heavy presses?
Yes - within the product’s rated limits and with controlled set-downs. For very heavy dumbbell pressing, many lifters prefer the fixed-head stability of hex.

Do rubber hex dumbbells smell or mark floors?
New rubber can have a light odour that fades. Use a rubber mat and rack; avoid storing on painted timber.

What’s the ideal starter hex range?
For most adults: 2.5–25 kg (or 5–30 kg if you already press/row confidently). Add pairs based on the gaps in your programming.

Flat bench or adjustable bench first?
If budget or absolute stability is the focus, start flat. If you’ll use incline/row variations weekly, go adjustable first. (Tip: keep pad height in mind for safe pressing mechanics.)

Need a bench fast? Try a quick site search: Benches

Sample setups (so you can visualise today)

Strength-first apartment:

• Adjustable dumbbells on a stand
• Flat bench with a slim pad height
• Rubber mat, compact storage

Progress-driven garage:

• 3-tier rack with 5-30 kg hex

• Adjustable pair for steps above 30 kg

• Adjustable bench, floor mats, small accessory shelf

Family share space:

• Adjustable pair kept accessible

• Heavier hex pairs on lower rack tiers for safety

• Simple movement templates pinned on the wall

Final recommendation

If you train 3 - 5x per week and want equipment that disappears into the background so you can focus on lifting, start building your hex run now and rack it neatly (browse Hex Dumbbell & Rack Sets). If you’re just getting started, moving frequently, or fitting a gym into a small apartment, adjustable dumbbells deliver exceptional range in tiny space - and pair perfectly with hex when you’re ready to level up (see adjustable dumbbells).

Whichever path you take, make it enjoyable to use. When your kit feels right, you train more - that’s the real return on investment.

Useful links

• Shop our best-seller: BRIXX 5-30 kg Hex Dumbbell Set & 3-Tier Rack

• Explore Hex Dumbbell & Rack Sets

• Adjustable dumbbells: current options