A Strength and Conditioning Coach Puts the Stakt Adjustable Weights to the Test

As a strength and conditioning coach, I've seen and used many, many types of hand weights and adjustable dumbbells over time. And they haven't always been cute. That's understandable - they're (rightfully) mostly focused on functionality, not aesthetics. But with the Stakt Weights ($98), you don't have to choose between the two. The silicone-based hand weights are easy to hold, easy to adjust, and aesthetically pleasing, with a sleek cylindrical design that come in three neutral color ways that could almost be the third element in your favorite matching set.I first heard about Stakt via the company's foldable yoga mat, the Stakt Mat, which I loved. (Read my full review here.) Just as the Stakt Mat simplifies your workout by doubling as an exercise block or extra padding, the adjustable Stakt Weights aim to help you streamline your fitness gear by delivering three different weights (two pounds, four pounds, and six pounds) in one set of equipment. The brand offered to send me the new Stakt Weights to try for myself, and I put them to the test. Here, my honest thoughts about how they hold up during resistance training and other workout sessions.What's the Criteria For Good Hand Weights?The best hand weights should have a surface that won't hurt your hands, but is still grippy enough to not slip from your grasp. They should also be balanced and durable enough to stand up to years of tough workouts. Extra points go to hand weights that are easy to store.What I Like About the Stakt WeightsTo start, I love how aesthetically pleasing the Stakt Hand Weights are. It's hard to deny - they're, like, really pretty. They're a far cry from the old-style rubberized dumbbells.Everyone loves cute workout gear, but the Stakt Hand Weights are functional, as well. The Stakt Hand Weights are made from a soft, smooth silicone base material that's a very welcome change-up to the typical metal dumbbells commonly found . . . practically everywhere, especially in hotels or older, commercial gyms. I use a set of adjustable dumbbells in my home gym and while I love the fact that they save space, they're also unapologetically bulky and have a fairly potent oil coating that has an annoying tendency to linger on your palm after use. While the Stakt Weights are lighter - fully loaded, each weight clocks in at six pounds - the ease of using them, especially for certain exercises, makes for a distraction-free workout session. I loved using the Stakt Weights for resistance training, high-intensity interval training sessions, and mobility work. To illustrate what makes the Stakt Weights so useful: In my coaching (and my own workouts), I often do shoulder mobility exercises like Shoulder Controlled Articular Rotations (from a training system known as Functional Range Conditioning; I'm doing a sped-up version in the GIF above) and Y-T-Ws or Y-T-Is. While these shoulder mobility exercises can be done completely unweighted, they can also be performed with a light weight. But because the movements bring your shoulder joint through its full range of motion, holding onto either a regular dumbbell or a change plate ultimately can wind up feeling uncomfortable, especially with the deeper range of motion behind the back. The Stakt Weights eliminate this problem entirely, thanks to the simple and ergonomic design, which allows a full grip around the center of the weight. With exercises like these, where the emphasis is not on how much weight you can use, even using the base weight of two pounds is a perfect addition to add just a subtle touch of resistance.I also found the weights to be very versatile. Again, the base of each weight is two pounds and can be increased in two pound increments (via weighted attachments that screw onto the end of each weight) to reach a total of six pounds. They work well for a variety of upper-body exercises, including supine chest presses, bent-over rows, bicep curls, tricep extensions, Z presses, or shoulder presses, along with lower-body focused exercises, like squats, deadlifts, and lunges. I'd also love to see these used for adding a light amount of resistance to some mobility work, including thoracic rotations, half kneeling windmills, or open books. The size makes it easy to get creative, too. For instance, as a dancer and martial artist, I often work on strengthening intrinsic muscles through wrist curls, or with the feet through towel crunches - I would definitely add a weight like this on top of a towel to mix in a little added weight and resistance. I really like the simplicity of the design. Adjusting the weight is straightforward, and they're easy to use during workouts. They're small enough to be portable. They're also aesthetically pleasing, and the color way matches perfectly with the corresponding Dune beige Stakt Mat.What to Consider Before Trying the Stakt WeightsI didn't encounter any major challenges when using the Stakt Weights. It's worth noting that the weighted attachments connect to the base weight by being screwed on, so it does take a second to change the weight and you do have to be sure you've tightly screwed it in to secure the additional weight. I found it to be a relatively seamless experience. If that seems finicky to you, you may prefer to get a few different sets of bar weights or light dumbbells, like the PS Bar Weight ($5-$7), which come in two- and three-pound options, or the Amazon Basics Hand Weights ($39), which you can purchase as a rack with three-, five-, and eight-pound dumbbells.I will also note that the material attracts dog hair (the Stakt Mat had this problem as well), but it's easy to wipe away and if you don't have a pet, this shouldn't be an issue. I'd love to see what's next for this innovative design, and if heavier weights or other colors will be released in the future. Who the Stakt Weights Are Best ForThe Stakt Hand Weights are ideal for anyone who loves working out at home, and is looking for a light- to medium-weight option. They're also perfect for someone in search off aesthetically appealing gym equipment that doesn't sacrifice function. And the Stakt Weights are even relatively travel-friendly - more so than your typical dumbbell, anyway.Are the Stakt Weights Worth the Splurge?At $88 for two weights, the price point might seem a bit steep. But while you could find, single, six-pound dumbbells for less, consider that the Stakt Weights are really giving you six weights in one: a pair of two pound weights, a pair of four pound weights, and a pair of six pound weights. Plus, the weights are high quality, which can really make a workout experience more enjoyable. You can also sign up for their newsletter for a $10 off coupon, or experiment with their bundle deals for discounts on multiple products.Additional Details About the Stakt WeightsThe Stakt Weights adjust between two, four, and six pounds. In total, the pair of two individual hand weights equal approximately 12 pounds.The Stakt Hand Weight base is 5 inches in length. Each Stakt Hand Weight insert, also referred to as a boost, is about 4.25 inches in length (when unattached; 2.5 inches when assembled together). With both attachments connected, each weight measures about 10.5 inches in length. The Stakt Hand Weights come in three color options: Iron, Dune, and Seafoam (currently sold out).Stakt offers free on-demand workout classes in their virtual library. Where Are the Stakt Weights Available?You can buy the Stakt Weights on ShopStakt.com.RatingJade Esmeralda, MS, CSCS, is a health and fitness staff writer and a strength and conditioning specialist. A lifelong martial artist and dancer, Jade has a strong passion for strength and conditioning, sports science, and human performance. She graduated with a Master of Science degree in exercise science and strength and conditioning from George Washington University.