Heavy Metal: REP x PÉPIN FAST Series Adjustable Dumbbell Review

Adjustable dumbbells are an excellent way to save space in your home gym. But buying adjustable dumbbells means making some compromises. Often, adjustable dumbbells come in odd shapes, fail to distribute weight evenly, or have plastic components that can affect durability.

The REP x PÉPIN FAST Series Adjustable Dumbbell ($1,500 for a 125-pound pair) appears to buck this trend, featuring hexagonal heads, intuitive weight placement, and an all-metal build that makes it feel indestructible. I’m always excited to test gear durability, so I was excited to give these dumbbells a go.

Additionally, they can accommodate weights of up to 125 pounds per dumbbell, and I was ready to move some heavy weights around. And luckily, that all-metal build survived every failed rep.

In short: Adjustable dumbbells usually require a compromise in form or durability. The REP x PÉPIN FAST Series Adjustable Dumbbells eliminate those compromises with a durable, all-metal build and intuitive design. Plus, at 125 pounds, the dumbbells have the heaviest top-end weight I’ve tested so far, which should please the big-back crowd. 

Looking for more dumbbells? Check out our Best Dumbbells Buyer’s Guide.

REP x PÉPIN FAST Series Adjustable Dumbbell Review

Brand Background

Founded in 2012, Colorado-based REP Fitness creates a wide variety of fitness gear from weight plates to full-featured power racks. Part of its Inventor Series, the REP x PÉPIN FAST Series Adjustable Dumbbell is a result of REP’s partnership with Quebec-based adjustable dumbbell company PÉPIN. 

How I Tested the REP x PÉPIN FAST Series Adjustable Dumbbell

I used the REP x PÉPIN FAST Series Adjustable Dumbbells for 4 months of training and accessory work two to three times a week. I also brought these to my gym to let my powerlifting team use them during workouts.

These workouts included dumbbell bench presses, goblet squats, rows, and accessory work like curls and triceps extensions. I also added some CrossFit work, like dumbbell snatches and cleans, to see how they’d hold up to more dynamic movements.

Notable Features

The REP x PÉPIN FAST Series Adjustable Dumbbell is notable for its extremely durable all-metal construction. The fast adjustment system involves a pair of metal arms that attach to the number of plates required to reach your desired weight. 

They are available in pairs of 85 pounds, 105 pounds, and 125 pounds. The rack that comes with all weight options has enough room for 125 pounds’ worth of plates, so you can start with the 85-pound pair and add weights as you grow stronger. 

Good Lifts

What really made the REP x PÉPIN FAST Series Adjustable Dumbbell stand out was its top weight. The dumbbells range from 10 to 125 pound each in 5-pound increments, making them the heaviest adjustable dumbbells I’ve tested to date. 

During testing, they passed one of my first tests when using adjustable weights: they actually feel like their non-adjustable counterparts. Most adjustable dumbbells aren’t shaped like dumbbells, or they’re made with chintzy plastic materials. Some have what’s known as a skeleton style. This is when the lowest weights are placed furthest from the handles, making them feel awkward and unwieldy when using the least amount of weight.

The REP x PÉPIN FAST Series Adjustable Dumbbell places its lowest weights next to the handle, which means the lightest weight is also the smallest dumbbell. It’s a small detail, but an important one because it gives the weights excellent balance.

Also, unlike the NUOBELL S5100 we reviewed earlier, the REP x PÉPIN FAST Series Adjustable Dumbbell heads are hexagonal instead of round. This added stability when I was doing dumbbell pushups and close-grip dumbbell bench presses. 

Excellent durability also helps these dumbbells stand out from the rest of the adjustable dumbbells that I’ve used. Most adjustable dumbbells are made with plastic parts in the switching mechanism. These plastic components create weak points in the dumbbells that can break when they’re dropped. The REP x PÉPIN FAST Series Adjustable Dumbbell is made entirely of metal, so that’s not an issue. 

The dumbbell’s adjustment comes in the form of metal arms that grab whatever plates you choose. Since there was no weak point, I was able to drop the dumbbells from any height without any repercussions. In fact, I was more worried about the floor than the dumbbells. These bad boys feel like they’re gonna last a lifetime. 

No Reps

I love the weight, feel, and durability of the REP x PÉPIN FAST Series Adjustable Dumbbell, but there are a few minor complaints to be made. The main issue that I have is with the bracketing system that holds the plates in the dumbbells’ racks. 

You must set the brackets yourself, and having them positioned correctly is crucial. If they’re a little off, the dumbbells can get stuck onto the other weight plates when you put them back in the dumbbell rack.

Every time I got them stuck, they were stuck. I had to bang the dumbbell on the floor to break them loose. Thank goodness these bad boys are durable. A little fine-tuning when you set them up will solve this problem, but it’s still annoying. 

The other issue I have with these is a minor one, but it’s worth noting. The dumbbell’s adjustment arms extend across both sides of the handles, which can create a tight fit when using straps. There’s plenty of room for your hands to grip the handles (unless you’ve got some bear paws), but if you use a bulky strap for dumbbell rows, you may not have enough room. 

REP x PÉPIN FAST Series Adjustable Dumbbell: Final Thoughts

If you’re trying to save space in your home gym and you put up some serious weight, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better option than the REP x PÉPIN FAST Series Adjustable Dumbbell. A top weight of 125 pounds is plenty for most lifters, and the all-metal construction means you can drop them without issue. Plus, they feel like traditional dumbbells, and the hexagonal shape gives them solid stability in specific movements. 

They require some extra fine-tuning to prevent the weights from sticking together, and lifters who use straps during heavy dumbbell movements may find them to be a tight fit. But if you’re looking for some heavy adjustable dumbbells that will probably outlast you, the REP x PÉPIN FAST Series Adjustable Dumbbell might be the adjustable dumbbell you’re looking for.