The Dumbbell can be one of the most problematic components in a health club today. Standards and expectations have been substantially raised along with price over the last 10 years and GP Industries has gone to great lengths to combat the punishment they endure.

What are the advantages OR disadvantages between a welded or permanent pressed dumbbell VS a GP dumbbell? 

Although a Welded Dumbbell or a permanent press Dumbbell gives the impression that it will not come loose or have failures it actually can be worse in that respect. A welded dumbbell is forced to use a low strength steel handle based on welding parameters, a high strength steel handle is VERY difficult to weld correctly and poses extreme dangers if done incorrectly. A permanent press dumbbell if not welded or bolted after pressing has the ability over time to work itself loose. In either case individual component replacement is not possible. In many cases a handle or number may get damaged and replacing a part of the dumbbell is much cheaper than replacing the entire dumbbell. All 3 versions of GP Industries dumbbells are component replaceable and welded or pressed on versions are not. 

What methods of attachment does GP Industries use on their dumbbells? 

GP Industries use 2 handle designs, the 1st is a High Strength US made steel handle and locking system that will not move or back off unless an actual tool is applied to the securing nut but has the ability to move forward to allow adjustment in the case of severe dropping forces over time to retighten the connection. Basically a slack adjustment for damage and worn surfaces created from abuse. It is important to note that if this ever arises the dumbbell has seen abuse that would bend or break most if not all products available today from other manufacturers. It also can be taken apart as mentioned above to replace a component. This handle comes standard on our Series II and Series III dumbbells. The 2nd design is our patented High Strength US made steel spline handle that is virtually the ONLY dumbbell fastening system ever created that can claim the handle to head connection actually gets stronger the more it’s dropped. The self cutting splines on the handle groove the inside of the dumbbell head upon installation creating a male female spline scenario similar to the way a car steering wheel is attached making head rotation impossible even without the locking system attached. This handle is STANDARD on Series I dumbbells and OPTIONAL on Series II dumbbells and again is component replaceable. It is NOT available on Series III Rubber dumbbells. 

How do I know which handle is correct for my application? 

 It’s simple, the standard handle will be fine in ALL environments EXCEPT severe abuse OR Non supervised situations, in those applications the spline handle is the better choice. 

What are the differences in Urethane coatings? 

High grade formulas from the U.S. or Germany offer superior impact and tear strength. Other import formulas can be very inconsistent. GP uses a high grade German Urethane. 

In what environment is a Rubber dumbbell a good choice? 

 GP Industries Solid Head Rubber dumbbell works fine in any NON Abusive situations including fitness centers, personal training, hotels & apartments and corporate centers. Rubber compounds DO NOT have the impact or tear resistance properties as found in a good Urethane coating. Long periods of dropping on edge or on hard surfaces will eventually split the coating. This dumbbell is a great value and again a component may be changed if ever damaged. 

What is GP Industries method of markings and logos on their dumbbells? 

 GP Industries use 2 methods, the 1st is IN Mold Decorating OR Color molding. In this method the Logo & numbers are molded into the head becoming part of the dumbbell. This method is super strong and looks very High Tech! The 2nd is a pad printing method which in some cases has big advantages particularly where the logo is multi colored or has finite detail. These logos cannot be done with conventional engrave and paint methods. 

What about durability comparisons? 

 Color molding is by far the most durable of anything available but is NOT easy to produce correctly. GP Industries spent 2 years perfecting the process. Pad printing , the method in which coffee mugs, pens, golf balls etc are printed has excellent adhesion and WILL NOT come off with cleaners. It’s cheap, fast and looks great. Engraving and painting of logos and numbers has it’s pitfalls especially on permanent dumbbells. The 1st being that members love to pick at things like paint on dumbbells and with one defaced number the entire dumbbell is compromised. You either send the entire dumbbell back for repair OR buy a new one. The 2nd is a two part problem, long lead times and recently discovered a disaster when a name change occurs. How do you use a Joes Gym logo when you just changed to Hanks?? Additionally re selling those pieces later are virtually impossible. At GP Industries we love the idea of replaceable components and logos. 

SO can you summarize the different features on each offering? 

 SERIES I- In Mold Decorated GP logo and number, center cap logo capability with pad printing. IF no logo is desired the center area is blank. High Strength US Spline Handle and super tough Urethane coating. NOTE: Volume customers like Gold’s, Snap, Life Fitness etc can use an IN Mold decorated center logo cap as pictured here. 

 SERIES II-In Mold Decorated center cap with GP Logo and Number increment, High Strength US NON-Spline handle and super tough Urethane coating, U.S. spline handle upgrade ability . NOTE: Logo capability limited to center area and shares with number as pictured here. 

 SERIES III- GP Logo and number molded black in head, High Strength US Non Spline handle, Center cap logo capable as pictured here.