Are FitRx Adjustable Dumbbells Safe in 2026? Full Review

If you are searching for adjustable dumbbells that do not cost $400 and still get the job done, FitRx comes up fast. The SmartBell line sits at Walmart, priced well below Bowflex and PowerBlock, and it has racked up thousands of reviews from people who train at home. Some love them. Some have had real problems with them. And as of April 2026, there are two active recalls that any buyer or current owner needs to know about before picking these up.

What Is FitRx? The Brand Behind the SmartBell

FitRx is a fitness equipment brand operated by Tzumi Electronics, a New York-based consumer electronics importer. Tzumi primarily distributes through Walmart, both in stores and online at Walmart.com. The SmartBell line is FitRx’s core adjustable dumbbell product, and it covers a wide weight range — from a lightweight 25 lb beginner set all the way to a heavy-duty 90 lb model.

The brand competes directly in the budget-to-midrange adjustable dumbbell market. It does not try to match the premium feel of Bowflex SelectTech or the industrial build of PowerBlock Elite. Instead, it goes after people who want a functional, space-saving dumbbell at a price that does not require a serious financial commitment upfront.

The Full FitRx SmartBell Product Line

FitRx SmartBell 25 lb (9-in-1 Quick-Select)

This is the entry-level model, designed for beginners, older adults, and anyone focused on higher-rep, lower-weight training.

Key specifications:

• Weight range: 5 to 25 lbs
• Weight increments: 2.5 lbs
• Total configurations: 9
• Adjustment method: One-handed dial rotation
• Includes: Anti-slip handle, safety lock, storage rack

The 2.5 lb increments are actually useful here. For shoulder isolation work, lateral raises, or rehab-style movements, jumping from 5 to 10 lbs in one step is too much. Having 7.5 as an option matters for a lot of people, and this model provides it.

The 25 lb ceiling is the honest limitation. If you are already pressing or rowing more than that with a full range of motion, this set will run out of challenge relatively quickly.

FitRx SmartBell 52.5 lb (Quick-Select)

This is the most popular model in the lineup, currently sold individually or as a pair (with an optional SmartRack stand). It is the model that most reviews and comparisons discuss.

Key specifications:

• Weight range: 5 to 52.5 lbs per dumbbell
• Weight increments: 2.5 lbs (lighter settings), 5 lbs (heavier settings)
• Total configurations: 15 — specifically 5, 7.5, 10, 12.5, 15, 17.5, 20, 22.5, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, and 52.5 lbs
• Adjustment method: One-handed handle rotation while the dumbbell sits in the storage tray
• Includes: 10 weight plates, molded plastic storage tray
• Color: Black with red accents

The 52.5 lb ceiling covers most intermediate home gym needs. Compound movements like bent-over rows and goblet squats stay challenging up through those heavier settings. The 2.5 lb fine-tuning on the lighter end is useful for shoulder isolation work where a 5 lb jump is often too much.

Important note as of April 2026: The 52.5 lb model (Model 8361, serial numbers KK23288361 through KK23388361 and KK207608361 through KK21347836) is subject to an active CPSC recall. Details are covered in full in the recall section below.

FitRx SmartBell XL 90 lb (Quick-Select)

The XL is the heavy-duty option, aimed at more experienced lifters who need heavier resistance without setting up a full power rack.

Key specifications:

• Weight range: 10 to 90 lbs
• Weight increments: 5 lbs
• Total configurations: 17 — 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, and 90 lbs
• Adjustment method: One-handed handle rotation in storage tray
• Includes: 10 weight plates, molded plastic storage tray
• Model number: 9034

At 90 lbs per hand, this is a serious weight range. Most adjustable dumbbells at this price point max out around 50 to 55 lbs, so the XL fills a genuine gap for stronger home gym users who do not want to move to fixed plates.

Also recalled: The SmartBell XL (Model 9034, serial number KK23289034) was recalled separately due to the same plate dislodgment hazard. See the recall section for what to do.

FitRx SmartBell Total Body Gym (4-in-1)

This is the most versatile product FitRx makes, and it functions differently from the SmartBell adjustable dial system.

What it includes:

• 4 lbs, 5 lbs, and 6 lbs plates (four of each)
• One barbell rod
• Two dumbbell bars
• One kettlebell base
• Two push-up handles
• Five screw nuts
• Total weight: 60 lbs

The 4-in-1 setup lets you configure it as a barbell, two dumbbells, a kettlebell, or push-up handles. It uses a traditional plate-loading system rather than the dial mechanism. This is better suited for garage gyms where you want genuine exercise variety and do not mind taking 30 seconds to swap configurations between exercises.

FitRx SmartBell Weight Set (3-in-1, 100 lbs Total)

The largest plate-loading set FitRx offers.

What it includes:

• Four 12.5 lb plates, two 10 lb plates, four 5 lb plates, four 2.5 lb plates
• Two kettlebell bases, two push-up/kettlebell handles
• Ten collar locks
• Two barbell bars, two long dumbbell bars, two short dumbbell bars
• Total weight: 100 lbs

Configurations include two dumbbells, one barbell, or kettlebell setups. If you want a genuine range of movement types and do not mind 30 seconds between configurations, this is the better buy over the dial SmartBell.

How the Quick-Select Mechanism Actually Works

Understanding this adjustment system is important for two reasons: it makes using the dumbbells faster and more intuitive, and it helps avoid the misuse patterns that lead to plate dislodgment.

The SmartBell uses a rotating handle system. Here is how it works step by step:

1. Place the dumbbell fully in the storage tray. The dumbbell must be completely seated — if it is even slightly raised, the mechanism will not engage correctly.
2. Press down lightly on the handle to ensure the detents are engaged.
3. Rotate the handle grip toward your desired weight. You will feel and hear a clicking sound as the internal locking system advances through each weight increment.
4. Lift the dumbbell straight up from the tray. The tray retains the unused plates while the handle carries only the selected weight.

The most common user mistake is lifting the dumbbell before it is fully settled into the tray or before the handle rotation has completed. Doing this leaves the mechanism partially engaged, which is the condition that leads to plate slippage mid-set.

Some users find that their units need to be seated with the red FitRx labels facing downward to minimize misalignment risk — this comes up repeatedly in verified purchase reviews and is worth trying if you notice any inconsistency.

Who FitRx SmartBells Actually Work For

Good fit:

• Home gym beginners who train three to four times per week
• Intermediate lifters topping out around 40 to 50 lbs per hand on most exercises
• People with limited space who want a rack-free setup
• Anyone who has been using mismatched fixed dumbbells and wants the convenience of quick weight changes
• Budget-conscious buyers who can not justify $400+ for Bowflex

Less ideal for:

• Advanced lifters whose working weights regularly exceed 52.5 lbs per hand across multiple exercises
• People who train with high intensity and frequently drop weights (the plastic tray mechanism does not tolerate drops well)
• Anyone doing exercises where the bulkier length of adjustable dumbbells creates grip or clearance issues — tricep overhead extensions and skull crushers are specific trouble spots

One thing worth acknowledging directly: a lot of people who review adjustable dumbbells in the $100 to $200 price range are comparing them to $400+ products they cannot afford, and the expectation gap colors their experience. The FitRx is not a Bowflex. It is also half the price. If you approach it with appropriate expectations for what budget-tier adjustable dumbbells deliver, the user experience is different than if you expect SelectTech performance.

FitRx vs. Bowflex SelectTech 552: Honest Comparison

The SelectTech 552 is the most common comparison shoppers make, since both products cover a similar weight range using a dial-based mechanism.

The Bowflex’s two-dial system allows weight adjustments without fully seating the dumbbell in a specific orientation, which some users find more reliable for quick transitions during circuits. The FitRx handle rotation method is fast, but requires more attention to ensure proper seating.

On price per weight range, the FitRx is hard to beat. For build quality and warranty confidence, Bowflex edges ahead.

FitRx vs. PowerBlock Sport 50: A Different Price Tier

PowerBlock’s Sport 50 sits around $350 to $400 for a pair, putting it in a different budget category. The comparison is still worth making because some shoppers genuinely consider both.

PowerBlock uses a pin selector system, where a metal selector pin passes through the handle to grab stacked plates. The mechanism is more mechanically robust than a plastic rotation system, and PowerBlock has a longer track record with adjustable dumbbells going back to the early 1990s.

For someone who trains seriously four to six days per week, PowerBlock’s durability justifies the price difference over three to five years. For someone training two to three days per week without frequent drops or heavy abuse, the FitRx at one-fourth the price is a reasonable trade.

CPSC Recall Information: Read This If You Own FitRx Dumbbells

This section covers two separate recalls affecting FitRx SmartBell products. If you own any FitRx dumbbells, verify your model number and serial number before your next workout.

Recall 1: FitRx SmartBell Quick-Select 5–52.5 lb (Model 8361)

Announced: April 23, 2026, by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

Scope: Approximately 50,000 units

Affected units: Model 8361, serial numbers KK23288361 through KK23388361 and KK207608361 through KK21347836

Where sold: Walmart stores and Walmart.com, January 2024 through November 2024, for approximately $100

The problem: Weight plates can dislodge from the handle during use, creating an impact hazard. The CPSC received more than 115 reports of plates coming loose. At least six injuries were confirmed, including broken toes, bruises, lacerations, and contusions.

What to do: Stop using the product immediately. Contact Tzumi Electronics for a free replacement.

• Phone: 866-363-2237 (Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET)
• Email: smartbellrecall@tzumi.com
• Website: fitrxrecovery.com (click “Recalls” at the bottom)

How to identify your unit: The model number and serial number are printed on the side of the storage tray. “FitRx” is printed on both the tray and the dumbbell handles.

Recall 2: FitRx SmartBell XL Quick-Select 10–90 lb (Model 9034)

Announced: Earlier in 2025 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

Affected units: Model 9034, serial number KK23289034

Where sold: Walmart.com, September 2023 through June 2024, between $150 and $200

The problem: The same plate dislodgment issue. More than 60 reports of plates coming loose were linked to at least seven injuries, including bruises, contusions, and abrasions.

What to do: Stop using the product immediately. Contact Tzumi Electronics for a free repair (new handle and storage tray).

• Phone: 866-363-2237 (Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET)
• Email: XLRecall@tzumi.com
• Website: myfitrx.com/Recall or fitrxrecovery.com

Safe Use Guidelines for FitRx SmartBells

Regardless of whether your unit is subject to a recall, these practices reduce the risk of mechanical failure and extend the product’s life.

Before every session:

• Confirm the dumbbell is fully seated in the tray before rotating the handle
• Press the handle down gently to engage the detent mechanism
• After selecting your weight, look at the side alignment markers before lifting
• Give the handle a slight tug while still in the tray to confirm it is locked

During use:

• Lower weights with control, especially at heavier settings
• Never drop the dumbbell from any height, including from your knee
• Avoid exercises where the dumbbell strikes a surface or contacts your other dumbbell
• If you notice any lateral wobble in the plates during a set, stop and re-rack immediately

Regular maintenance:

• Check all screws for tightness every two to four weeks (multiple reviewers reported loose screws after a few weeks of use)
• Inspect the plastic tray for cracks along the tray’s base and weight plate retaining tabs
• If bearing balls or internal hardware fall out, stop using the unit and contact customer support

Common Problems and How to Troubleshoot Them

The handle will not rotate smoothly: The dumbbell is almost certainly not fully seated. Push it down into the tray firmly, making sure all the white release buttons on the side are fully depressed, then try rotating again.

The selected weight is uneven, with different weights on each end: This is a manufacturing alignment issue where the internal gear is offset on one side. It has been reported on multiple units. Test every setting when you first unbox the product. If any setting produces a visible asymmetry, contact Tzumi support immediately before using the dumbbell at load.

A plate falls off during use: Stop the set. Re-rack the dumbbell and inspect both the plate locking tabs and the storage tray alignment. If this happens more than once, treat it as a safety issue and contact support. Do not continue using a unit that has dropped a plate, especially at heavier settings.

The tray tabs feel loose or have cracked: The plastic tray is a consumable component on budget adjustable dumbbells. Cracks in the tray do not necessarily affect the locking mechanism directly, but they suggest the tray structure is compromised. Monitor closely and contact support for replacement parts.

Workout Exercises That Work Well With FitRx SmartBells

The SmartBell’s geometry works better for some movements than others.

Exercises where the SmartBell performs well:

• Dumbbell bench press (flat and incline)
• Bent-over dumbbell rows
• Dumbbell shoulder press
• Goblet squats
• Dumbbell lunges
• Bicep curls (standard and hammer)
• Romanian deadlifts
• Lateral raises (lighter settings)

Exercises where the bulkier size creates issues:

• Skull crushers and tricep overhead extensions (the added length changes the range of motion and can contact the floor sooner)
• Concentration curls (the wider footprint can be awkward)
• Renegade rows (the base sits unevenly on a mat)

For a full-body home gym routine using the 52.5 lb set, the coverage is solid. You can build a three-day push-pull-legs split, a full-body circuit, or a superset-based hypertrophy program entirely within what the SmartBell provides. The limiting factor is not exercise variety, it is the top weight for people whose compound movements have progressed past 52.5 lbs.

Price and Where to Buy

FitRx products are sold exclusively through Walmart — in stores and at Walmart.com. They are not available through Amazon, the FitRx website directly, or other major retailers.

Typical price points as of early 2026:

• 25 lb SmartBell (single): ~$60 to $70
• 52.5 lb SmartBell (single): ~$100
• 52.5 lb SmartBell pair: ~$180 to $200
• SmartRack with two 52.5 lb SmartBells: ~$220 to $250
• SmartBell XL 90 lb: ~$150 to $200 (note: currently recalled)

Prices vary with promotions and Walmart rollbacks. Several reviewers mentioned catching them at $98 per unit during sale periods, which is an exceptional price for that weight range.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Are FitRx SmartBells currently safe to buy in 2026?

The 25 lb model has no active recall and is safe to purchase. The 52.5 lb model (Model 8361) is currently under an active CPSC recall covering units sold January through November 2024. Non-recalled serial numbers should still be bought with careful inspection at unboxing. The SmartBell XL 90 lb (Model 9034) is also recalled. Before purchasing any FitRx product secondhand, verify the model and serial number against the CPSC recall lists.

How do I know if my FitRx dumbbells are recalled?

Check the side panel of your storage tray. The model number and serial number are printed there. Compare them against the affected ranges listed in the recall section of this article or on the CPSC website at cpsc.gov.

What is the FitRx warranty?

FitRx products carry a one-year manufacturer’s warranty through Tzumi Electronics. Warranty claims and support requests are handled through the Tzumi customer support team, accessible via live chat on their website during Eastern Standard Time business hours.

Can FitRx SmartBells be dropped?

No. The plastic storage tray and internal plate locking mechanism are not designed to withstand impact drops. Dropping these from any height accelerates wear on the locking tabs and can misalign the internal mechanism. This applies equally to Bowflex SelectTech, which has faced similar issues.

How does the FitRx 52.5 lb compare to the Bowflex SelectTech 552?

Both cover the same 5 to 52.5 lb range. Bowflex uses a dual-dial system at each end of the handle; FitRx uses a single rotating handle grip. Bowflex is priced roughly twice as high per unit (~$200 vs. ~$100), offers a 2-year warranty vs. FitRx’s 1-year, and has a longer track record. Users report that FitRx requires more care in seating and alignment to avoid plate issues, while Bowflex’s dual-dial system is considered more intuitive for quick transitions. Both have had CPSC recall actions.

Are the weight settings accurate on FitRx SmartBells?

Most units are accurate, but manufacturing quality control has been inconsistent. Some verified purchasers have reported receiving units where the weight plates engage asymmetrically. Test every setting at unboxing using a postal or kitchen scale if you want to verify accuracy.

What is the difference between the FitRx SmartBell and the SmartBell XL?

The standard SmartBell (52.5 lb, Model 8361) covers 5 to 52.5 lbs in 2.5 and 5 lb increments, with 15 weight settings. The SmartBell XL (90 lb, Model 9034) starts at 10 lbs and goes to 90 lbs in 5 lb increments, with 17 settings. The XL is physically larger and heavier. Both have been recalled.

Can I get replacement parts for FitRx SmartBells?

Replacement parts are handled through Tzumi’s customer support team rather than through a public parts catalog. If a specific component fails, contacting Tzumi directly is the fastest route. Response times from verified purchasers have been mixed, so being persistent through multiple channels (phone, email, and live chat) tends to be more effective.

Do FitRx SmartBells come with a storage rack?

The single SmartBell units come with a flat, molded plastic storage tray that holds the plates when you lift. A dedicated dumbbell stand (the SmartRack) is sold separately and holds two SmartBells at an ergonomic height. The SmartRack is included in some bundle purchases. If you order the stand separately, multiple reviews note that it requires careful assembly and leveling.

Final Verdict: Is FitRx Worth It?

If you are building a home gym on a tight budget, have limited space, and your workouts sit in the 5 to 52.5 lb range, the FitRx SmartBell adjustable dumbbell does what it promises. It is one of the few adjustable dumbbell products at the $100-per-unit price point that offers 15 weight configurations and a quick, one-handed adjustment mechanism.

The problems are real. Quality control is inconsistent; the plate dislodgment issue that triggered two CPSC recalls is a genuine safety concern, and the plastic mechanism is not as refined as premium alternatives. You can reduce the risk by inspecting your unit at unboxing, testing every weight setting before loading the dumbbell fully, and using it as designed.

If your budget stretches to $200 per dumbbell, the Bowflex SelectTech 552 offers better customer support and a longer warranty. If you are working with $100 and need a full weight range at home, the FitRx SmartBell covers that — buy from Walmart, where returns are simple, and check your serial number against the recall list before your first workout.

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Thinking about the best adjustable dumbbells for your home gym? Check out Bowflex SelectTech 552 Review to see how this popular system works, its pros and cons, and whether it’s worth the investment.