Wiser choices in dumbbells

Those dumbbells are getting smarter all the time -- or at least the people who design them are. Today’s versions will take up less space in your home, allow you to change weights more rapidly and even go on the road when you travel. Here are some of the best new dumbbells to pump you up.

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Speed up the workout

Hoist QuikChange: Designed for speedy weight changes, it features unique screw-in collars that, when slightly loosened, allow slotted weight plates to be slipped onto the handle and tightened down.

Likes: You can change weights in about one-third the time of most regular dumbbells, whose collars must be removed completely to insert additional weight plates. Has a rugged stand; spare weights hang securely from rack. The 45-pound maximum per handle is enough weight for most men.

Dislikes: Smaller women may have difficulty with the higher-than-usual minimum weight of 7.5-pounds, the weight of the bar alone. Though seemingly secure, there is a risk of the slotted plates falling out if not properly tightened. It happened to me. Price: $229. (800) 548-5438; hoist fitness.com.

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Weight in rectangles

PowerBlock: This rectangular-shaped dumbbell is reminiscent of a gym-style weight-stack machine. To adjust the weight, you insert a two-pronged selector pin into sideways-stacked color-keyed plates.

Likes: Instant weight change. No delay between exercises. The 5-pound-to-45-pound range covers almost everyone. A 3-pound-to-21-pound model also is available ($119).

Dislikes: Placing your hand inside the unit to hold the handle initially feels odd. Has a rattling sound that can be disconcerting when doing overhead presses. Inserting the pin under the lowest plate is difficult on a carpeted surface because the dumbbell sinks into the carpet pile.

Price: $219 (without stand); (800) 446-5215; powerblock.com.

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Easier to store

York 30-pound Briefcase: Conventional chrome dumbbells whose various parts snap into a nifty, plastic carrying case.

Likes: Inexpensive and all that most people really need. Easy packing allows it to be stored out of sight under a living room couch or office desk.

Dislikes: The 30-pound and 40-pound maximum weight versions are not enough for stronger men. Slow weight changes compared to Hoist and PowerBlock.

Price: $44.99, 30-pound version; $54.99, 40-pound version. (800) 358-9675; york barbell.com.

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Help on the road

AquaBells Travel Weights: Designed for business trips, its plastic handles each hold four inflatable vinyl chambers/plates. Uninflated, the set weighs 1.5-pounds and fits in a large envelope.

Likes: You can fill the plates with tap water in two or three minutes. No metal parts to alarm airport security.

Dislikes: Each dumbbell can hold a maximum of 11 or 12 pounds (not the claimed 16 pounds). The problem? Handles are too short for four fully loaded 4-pound plates.

Price: $49.95. (800) 987-6892;

aquabells.com.