The QuickDraw Weights Can Make Your Dumbbells Heavier, but They Scare Me

Buying a full set of individual pairs of dumbbells that range from 5 to 60 pounds can cost well over $1,500, not to mention how much space you’ll have to dedicate to storing them. That’s why I’m a big fan of adjustable dumbbells like the REP QuickDraws or Nüobells , which I’ve reviewed here and here , respectively.

If you know you want to be able to lift up to 60 pounds in five-pound increments, effectively combining 30 dumbbells into one compact set, then adjustable units like the REP QuickDraws will save you a lot of money and space in your home gym.

But let’s say your strength progresses beyond the capabilities of your adjustable dumbbells. First: Great job. Second: What do you do now?

I’ve seen Reddit users ask outright, “What’s stopping me from adding more plates so I can continue training with more weight?” Adding more plates seems like a logical solution, as opposed to spending all that money on a whole new set just a few pounds over the recommended capacity.

So, let’s take a look at what’s stopping you and what’s not. Here’s what you need to know about adding weight to your adjustable dumbbells, from what’s officially considered unsafe to why it’s becoming impractical even without it.

How to Increase the Weight of Adjustable Dumbbells

First, not all adjustable dumbbells allow this type of modification. Selector pin systems (like PowerBlocks) generally don’t allow unauthorized weight additions due to their closed design. Dial systems (like my favorite Nüobells) have safety features that specifically prevent outside-of-the-frame modifications. Then you have rotation-lock dumbbells like QuickDraws, which allow for adjustments and additional weight outside of the frame. For this reason, I’ll be talking specifically about REP QuickDraws rather than Nüobells or Powerblocks.

However, adding weight beyond the manufacturer’s specifications will almost certainly void your warranty. REP Fitness designed these dumbbells for specific weight ranges and cannot guarantee safety beyond those limits. I spoke with a REP (REP-resentative?) representative who told me, “No internal testing has been done beyond the 60-pound maximum weight, so REP cannot guarantee the safety of additional weight beyond that.”

There are safety concerns beyond the warranty. Handles, locking mechanisms, and materials are designed for specific maximum loads. Exceeding these limits can result in equipment failure and potential injury. Even if the dumbbells can technically handle the extra weight, the result can be cumbersome and awkward, affecting your form and increasing your risk of injury.

That being said, it’s still entirely possible to bend the rules and lift 60-pound dumbbells up to 70 pounds. If you’re playing it safe and only adding a few plates on each side, here’s what you need to know:

1. Add only compatible plates : The QuickDraw system uses standard plate sizes that can be expanded with additional compatible plates .

2. Manual addition required : You will need to manually add these plates outside of the cradle system, as the selection mechanism only works within the stated weight range. This pretty much defeats the whole point of the “quick pull”.

3. Secure them properly : Make sure the extra plates are secured with a locking mechanism to prevent dangerous slippage during exercise.

4. Manual tracking required : The dial indicator becomes inaccurate once you exceed the calculated range. You will need to manually calculate and track the added weight.

Is it possible (and should you) increase the weight of the dumbbells in the REP QuickDraw exercise?

The short answer is yes, you can technically add extra weights to the REP QuickDraw dumbbells beyond the stated max.

Long answer: Just because something is possible doesn’t mean you should make it a habit. Sure, it’s perfectly fair to order additional weights in five-pound increments (which, by the way, I like a lot more than a 10-pound jump). However, going over 60 pounds is not sanctioned by the REP.

For this reason, I naturally asked my boyfriend to test my DIY super-QuickDraws creation. In the image below, you can see how I manually added weights to the outside of the frame. With spin locks, you can continue adding weights to the outside of the frame without any resistance. Just put the weights on and flip the lock switch.

I took a picture of it askew so you can see how far the five pound extensions stick out beyond the cradle and how flimsy it starts to look from the start.

As we gradually increased the weight from 65 to 70 to 85 pounds, he noted a growing concern about how much the dumbbells could support while remaining safe. The all-steel construction gives these guys a premium feel for standard use. But when you push the weight limits, it feels like the dumbbells won’t bend or snag, they’ll just snap.

Once again, you’ll have to manually keep track of how much weight you’re adding, as the individual plates aren’t marked and you’ll exceed the marks on the bassinet. This mental math may not be a deterrent to you, but it’s something to note.

Conclusion

In most cases, the hassle and safety concerns outweigh the benefits. The main benefit of QuickDraws—fast, easy weight changes—is completely negated by manually adding plates.

It’s safer and more practical to invest in a set of adjustable dumbbells with a higher capacity (e.g., 80- to 90-pound models) or supplement the set with specific heavier fixed dumbbells for specific exercises. For serious lifters approaching the upper limits of their adjustable dumbbells, I’d recommend supplementing the set with individual heavier dumbbells.

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