MX Select EVO Dumbbells Review 2026: A Comprehensive Guide

Are you tired of tripping over countless dumbbells scattered across your home gym floor? Do you dream of having a complete weight set without sacrificing your entire spare bedroom?

Welcome to the world of MX Select EVO dumbbells, where smart design meets serious strength training.

These adjustable dumbbells have been creating quite a buzz in the fitness community. They promise to replace multiple dumbbell sets with just one compact system.

Key Takeaways:

• Quick dial weight adjustment system: The MX Select EVO dumbbells feature a patented rack and pinion dial mechanism that allows you to change weights in seconds. Simply press the release button, turn the dial to your desired weight, and you are ready to go.
• Multiple weight range options available: The EVO series comes in three main configurations. The MX55 ranges from 10 to 55 pounds, the MX70 goes from 10 to 70 pounds, and the MX100 reaches from 10 to 100 pounds per dumbbell, making them suitable for both beginners and advanced lifters.
• Compact space-saving design: These dumbbells replace between 10 to 20 individual dumbbell sets depending on your model choice. The entire system fits into a footprint of approximately 16 inches by 16 inches, perfect for small home gyms or apartment living.
• Traditional dumbbell feel with modern technology: Unlike some adjustable dumbbells that feel bulky or awkward, the MX Select EVO series maintains a cageless design that closely mimics traditional fixed dumbbells, providing better balance and natural movement during exercises.
• Durable construction with premium materials: Built with steel cores wrapped in polyamide nylon coating, these dumbbells offer quiet operation and long-lasting durability. The knurled steel handles provide excellent grip during intense workouts.
• Investment pricing with quality warranty: While the MX Select EVO dumbbells come with a higher price tag compared to basic adjustable sets, they offer superior build quality and a warranty that protects your investment for home gym use.

What Makes MX Select EVO Dumbbells Different

The fitness equipment market floods consumers with adjustable dumbbell options. But the MX Select EVO series stands out from the crowd with its unique approach to weight adjustment. These dumbbells use a patented rack and pinion system that feels incredibly smooth when changing weights.

Traditional adjustable dumbbells often require you to manually add or remove weight plates. This process can be time consuming and interrupt your workout flow. The MX Select EVO solves this problem with its innovative dial mechanism. You simply press a button, turn the dial, and the internal mechanism selects the exact weight plates you need.

The cageless design represents another major advantage. Many adjustable dumbbells feature open frame designs that can interfere with certain exercises. The MX Select EVO maintains a clean, compact profile that lets you perform chest flyes, shoulder presses, and rows without any awkward plate interference.

Understanding the MX Select EVO Product Line

The MX Select company offers several models within their EVO series. Each model serves different training needs and experience levels. The MX55 EVO represents the entry level option, adjusting from 10 to 55 pounds in 5 pound increments. This model works perfectly for most home gym enthusiasts who focus on traditional strength training exercises.

The MX70 EVO extends the weight range to 70 pounds per dumbbell. This middle tier option provides enough resistance for intermediate to advanced lifters while maintaining the compact design philosophy. The weight adjusts in 10 pound increments with the standard dial system.

For serious lifters who need maximum weight capacity, the MX100 EVO delivers an impressive 10 to 100 pound range. This model features the same smooth adjustment mechanism but accommodates heavier plates to reach that century mark. The MX100 proves particularly valuable for compound movements like goblet squats and heavy rows.

Top 3 Alternatives for MX Select EVO Dumbbells

Build Quality and Construction Details

The construction quality of MX Select EVO dumbbells reflects serious engineering thought. Each dumbbell features a steel core framework that provides structural integrity and durability. This steel construction ensures the dumbbells can withstand regular training sessions without developing wobble or instability.

The weight plates themselves combine steel cores with polyamide nylon coating. This coating serves multiple purposes. It protects your floors from damage during sets. It reduces noise when plates contact each other. And it provides a professional appearance that looks great in any home gym setting.

The handle options deserve special attention. The knurled steel handle version offers traditional gym equipment feel with precise knurling depth that provides secure grip without being overly aggressive. The contoured rubber handle alternative features an antimicrobial coating, though many lifters prefer the classic knurled option for its superior tactile feedback.

How to Use MX Select EVO Dumbbells

Using the MX Select EVO dumbbells requires understanding their unique adjustment system. Start by placing the dumbbells in their cradle system. The cradle holds all unused weight plates securely while you lift the selected weight.

To adjust the weight, press the Weight Selector Release Button located on the handle. This button pops up the weight selector dial on that end of the dumbbell. Turn the dial to match the number corresponding to your desired weight. The cradle includes a Weight Legend that shows which dial number corresponds to which total weight.

After setting both dials to the same number, the internal rod mechanism captures the correct weight plates. Simply lift the dumbbell handle up and out of the cradle. The selected plates lift with you while unused plates remain in the cradle. The weight plates lock together through a lip and groove system that prevents them from separating during exercise.

When you finish your set, return the dumbbell to the cradle. This step requires some initial practice to align the handle properly. The cradle features guides that help you position the dumbbell correctly. Once the handle seats properly, you can adjust the weight for your next set or store the dumbbells.

Weight Adjustment Speed and Convenience

The speed of weight changes matters significantly during workouts. The MX Select EVO system allows weight adjustments in approximately 5 to 10 seconds per dumbbell. This speed depends on your familiarity with the system and whether you need to adjust both ends to different weights.

Compared to traditional plate loading dumbbells, the EVO system saves considerable time. No more hunting for weight plates, sliding them onto handles, and securing collars. The dial system eliminates these steps entirely. You can transition between exercises or drop set weights without breaking your workout momentum.

The adjustment process does require using both hands. You need one hand to stabilize the dumbbell while the other presses the release button and turns the dial. This requirement means you must return dumbbells to their cradle between sets. You cannot quickly change weight while holding a dumbbell in mid air.

The tactile feedback from the dial system feels satisfying. Each weight increment clicks into place with positive confirmation. You can feel and hear when the dial properly engages the selected weight setting. This feedback prevents accidental weight selection errors that could compromise your workout or safety.

Exercise Performance and Balance

The MX Select EVO dumbbells perform excellently across most dumbbell exercises. The balanced weight distribution around the handle center creates natural movement patterns similar to traditional fixed dumbbells. This balance proves crucial for exercises requiring precise control like shoulder presses and lateral raises.

The cageless design means no frame structures interfere with your body during exercises. You can bring dumbbells together at the top of chest presses without plates clanking against each other. Dumbbell flyes allow full range of motion without cage interference. This freedom of movement represents a significant advantage over open frame adjustable designs.

The handle diameter and grip surface work well for most hand sizes. The knurled version provides secure grip even during sweaty workouts. The handle length accommodates standard grip positioning without excessive space on either side. This compact handle design contributes to the overall balanced feel.

For exercises like farmer carries and loaded carries, these dumbbells excel. The flat ends rest comfortably on your thighs when seated, making it easy to get into position for bench press or incline press movements. This feature often gets overlooked but proves valuable during actual training sessions.

Durability and Long Term Reliability

MX Select builds their EVO series to last for years of regular home gym use. The steel core construction provides structural integrity that resists warping or bending under normal training loads. Users report minimal wear even after thousands of repetitions across multiple years.

The polyamide nylon coating on weight plates shows excellent resistance to chipping and cracking. This coating maintains its appearance and protective qualities through regular use. The material choice balances durability with weight considerations, keeping each dumbbell manageable while ensuring longevity.

The internal adjustment mechanism represents the most critical component for long term reliability. The rack and pinion system uses simple mechanical principles rather than complex electronics. This design choice eliminates potential points of electronic failure. Users report smooth operation even after extended use periods.

Storage and Space Efficiency

Space efficiency represents one of the primary selling points for adjustable dumbbells. The MX Select EVO system delivers impressive space savings compared to traditional dumbbell racks. The entire system occupies approximately 16 inches by 16 inches of floor space, with height varying by model.

This compact footprint means you can set up a complete dumbbell system in areas where traditional racks would not fit. Apartment dwellers appreciate the ability to slide the stand against a wall or tuck it into a corner when not in use. The vertical storage design maximizes efficiency.

The included cradle system keeps all weight plates organized and accessible. No more searching for matching dumbbells or dealing with scattered weight plates. Everything stays together in one neat, attractive package. The silver finish looks professional and complements most home gym aesthetics.

Price Point and Value Analysis

The MX Select EVO dumbbells position themselves in the premium adjustable dumbbell category. The MX55 typically retails around 449 to 599 dollars. The MX70 costs approximately 649 dollars, and the MX100 reaches 899 dollars or more depending on retailer and promotions.

This pricing puts them above budget adjustable options but competitive with other quality dial adjustment systems like NÜOBELL dumbbells. When calculating value, consider how many traditional dumbbell pairs these systems replace. The MX55 replaces 10 pairs of dumbbells, while the MX100 replaces up to 20 pairs.

Traditional fixed dumbbells cost approximately 1 to 2 dollars per pound at retail pricing. A complete set covering the same weight range as an MX100 would cost significantly more and require substantial storage space. From this perspective, the EVO system offers reasonable value despite the upfront cost.

Comparing MX Select EVO to Competitor Products

The adjustable dumbbell market includes several notable competitors. NÜOBELL dumbbells represent the closest direct competition, using similar dial adjustment technology. NÜOBELL offers slightly faster weight changes with single dial adjustment but typically costs more per pound of weight capacity.

PowerBlock dumbbells use a completely different pin based selection system within an open frame design. PowerBlocks offer expandable weight capacity and extreme durability but lack the traditional dumbbell feel that MX Select provides. The open frame can interfere with some exercises.

Bowflex SelectTech dumbbells pioneered the adjustable dumbbell category. They use a dial system similar to MX Select but feature a longer handle and different weight plate configuration. Recent Bowflex recalls have raised concerns about durability, while MX Select maintains a strong safety record.

Ironmaster Quick Lock dumbbells appeal to serious lifters wanting maximum durability. They use traditional plate loading with a quick lock system. Ironmasters feel most like gym dumbbells and can be dropped safely, but weight changes take longer than dial systems like the MX Select EVO.

Who Should Buy MX Select EVO Dumbbells

The MX Select EVO series works best for serious home gym enthusiasts who value quality and convenience. If you perform regular strength training workouts multiple times per week, these dumbbells justify their investment through years of reliable use.

Space constrained lifters find tremendous value in the compact design. Whether you work out in an apartment, condo, or spare bedroom, the small footprint allows you to maintain a complete dumbbell collection without dedicating an entire room to equipment storage.

Individuals who appreciate traditional dumbbell feel during exercises will enjoy the cageless design. The natural balance and unrestricted movement patterns closely match fixed dumbbells while providing the convenience of quick weight adjustment.

Intermediate to advanced lifters who need higher weight capacities should consider the MX70 or MX100 models. These options provide enough resistance for serious strength development in major muscle groups. The smooth adjustment makes drop sets and progressive overload training efficient.

Who Should Consider Other Options

Budget conscious shoppers may find better value in less expensive alternatives. If the MX Select price point stretches your budget uncomfortably, quality fixed dumbbells or budget adjustable options might serve your needs better while you save for an upgrade.

Powerlifters and serious strength athletes who regularly drop dumbbells should look elsewhere. The MX Select EVO dumbbells specifically state not to drop them. Ironmaster dumbbells or high quality fixed dumbbells better suit training styles that involve controlled drops.

Beginners who are not sure about their long term commitment to strength training might start with less expensive equipment. Once you confirm that regular dumbbell training fits your lifestyle, you can upgrade to premium options like the MX Select EVO series.

Lifters who need to frequently adjust weights during exercises may prefer systems that allow mid set adjustments. The MX Select requires returning dumbbells to their cradle for weight changes, which does not work for certain advanced training techniques.

Maintenance and Care Requirements

Maintaining your MX Select EVO dumbbells requires minimal effort but pays dividends in longevity. Wipe down the handles after each workout to remove sweat and oils. This simple step prevents corrosion on metal handles and degradation of rubber grips over time.

Keep the dial mechanisms clean and free from debris. Dust and dirt can accumulate in the adjustment system over time. Periodically wipe the dials and release buttons with a slightly damp cloth. Avoid using excessive water or cleaning chemicals that could damage internal components.

Store the dumbbells in their cradle system when not in use. This protects the adjustment mechanism and keeps weight plates properly aligned. If you notice any looseness or unusual sounds during weight changes, inspect the internal mechanism and contact customer service if needed.

The cradle and stand require occasional hardware checks. Verify that all bolts remain tight and connections stay secure. The repeated insertion and removal of dumbbells can gradually loosen hardware over time. A quick check every few months prevents potential issues.

Warranty Coverage and Customer Support

MX Select provides a one year warranty on their EVO series dumbbells. This warranty covers manufacturing defects and mechanical failures under normal home gym use. The warranty does not cover damage from drops, misuse, or normal wear and tear.

Customer support operates primarily through email and an online contact form on the MX Select website. The company encourages customers to review their FAQ section before submitting inquiries. Response times vary but most customers report receiving replies within one to two business days.

The lack of live chat or phone support frustrates some customers seeking immediate assistance. However, the email based system allows for detailed communication including photos of any issues. This documentation helps resolve problems more effectively than brief phone conversations might accomplish.

Replacement parts availability ensures long term usability. If components wear out or need replacement, MX Select typically stocks necessary parts. This parts support means you will not need to replace the entire system if individual components develop issues after the warranty expires.

Amazon purchases include the standard 30 day return window through Amazon’s policies. This provides additional protection beyond the manufacturer warranty. Keep packaging materials for at least 30 days in case you need to return or exchange the dumbbells.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much space do I need for MX Select EVO dumbbells?

You need approximately 16 inches by 16 inches of floor space for the cradle system. Adding the optional stand requires the same footprint but elevates the dumbbells about 24 inches high. Plan for additional clearance around the stand for easy access. Most people find that a 3 foot by 3 foot area provides comfortable space for storing and accessing the dumbbells during workouts.

Can I drop MX Select EVO dumbbells after heavy sets?

No, MX Select specifically states these dumbbells should not be dropped. The internal adjustment mechanism contains precision components that can be damaged by impact forces. Always control the dumbbells back to the floor or return them to the cradle after completing your sets. If your training style regularly involves dropping dumbbells, consider alternatives like Ironmaster dumbbells designed for that use.

How long does it take to change weights on MX Select EVO dumbbells?

Weight changes take approximately 5 to 10 seconds per dumbbell once you become familiar with the system. Press the release button, turn the dial to your desired weight, and repeat for the other end. New users might take slightly longer while learning the system, but the process becomes quick and automatic with regular use.

Are MX Select EVO dumbbells suitable for beginners?

Yes, beginners can use MX Select EVO dumbbells effectively. The MX55 model starts at just 10 pounds per dumbbell, which works well for people new to strength training. The quick adjustment system helps beginners experiment with different weights to find appropriate resistance levels. However, the premium price point might be excessive for someone unsure about their long term commitment to strength training.

What is the difference between knurled and contoured handles?

Knurled handles feature a traditional textured steel surface that provides excellent grip through mechanical advantage. Contoured handles use a rubber coating with ergonomic shaping and antimicrobial properties. Most experienced lifters prefer knurled handles for their superior grip and traditional feel, while some users appreciate the softer feel of contoured rubber handles during longer training sessions.

Do MX Select EVO dumbbells come with a stand?

The basic package includes the cradle system that sits on the floor. The stand that elevates the dumbbells to waist height is sold separately as an optional accessory. Many users find the stand worth the additional investment for convenience and reduced back strain from bending to floor level repeatedly.

Can I adjust each end of the dumbbell to different weights?

Yes, each end adjusts independently. This feature allows for unilateral training and offset loading patterns. Some advanced training protocols use this capability for proprioception development and muscle imbalance correction. However, most users will set both ends to the same weight for traditional exercises.

What exercises work best with MX Select EVO dumbbells?

These dumbbells excel at virtually all traditional dumbbell exercises including presses, rows, curls, extensions, and raises. The cageless design allows full range of motion without interference. They work well for compound movements like goblet squats and Romanian deadlifts up to the weight capacity limits. The main limitation involves exercises where you rest dumbbells on shoulders, which may feel slightly different than fixed dumbbells.