Featured by Men's Health · Test Lab Review
Independently tested by the Men's Health Test Lab: the LION® TitanSilver™ adjustable dumbbells and the LION® ValorEdge™ workout bench. In this article, you’ll read editor Koen Lorijn’s full conclusion, a comparison between the three weight classes, and whether this premium home gym set suits your training.
The LION® TitanSilver™ 4–41.5 kg in use during the Men's Health Test Lab.
Why an independent Men's Health review matters
Anyone who wants to train seriously at home knows how difficult it is to find fitness equipment that truly feels like a long-term investment. Many products look impressive online, but in practice they fall short in ease of use, stability, or finish. That is exactly why it matters when an independent platform like Men's Health thoroughly tests a product for quality, performance, and real user experience.
In two articles, Men's Health highlighted the LIONINSIDE® adjustable dumbbells and the LION® ValorEdge™ workout bench. They specifically looked at how these products perform for athletes who want to train seriously at home — without compromising on quality, comfort, and training options.
LION® TitanSilver™ adjustable dumbbells — the verdict
Men's Health editor Koen Lorijn tested the LION® TitanSilver™ version with a range of 4 to 41.5 kg per dumbbell. His conclusion left little room for doubt:
"The best adjustable dumbbell I’ve ever used."
— Koen Lorijn, Men's Health Test Lab
Close-up of the LION® TitanSilver™ 4–41.5 kg on the Prime Base stand.
That verdict did not come out of nowhere. According to the test, the TitanSilver™ stands out in two areas that are decisive in practice:
1. Super-smooth dial system — changes weight effortlessly
Whereas other adjustable dumbbells, according to Men's Health, often "jam when you don't place them perfectly in the holders," the LIONINSIDE® TitanSilver™ stood out precisely because of how smoothly the mechanism works. "You casually go up and down in weight without worrying that the plate system will fail," writes Koen Lorijn — and calls it "ideal for supersets".
For athletes who like to do supersets or want to train efficiently, that means: less interruption, more rhythm, and less frustration. In a 45-minute workout, you can literally do ten or more weight changes without a single hiccup.
2. Ultra-thin plates — better balance at heavy weights
A common problem with adjustable dumbbells at higher weights is that they become "wide and clunky," at the expense of control and balance. Men's Health explicitly noted that the ultra-thin plates of the LION® TitanSilver™ ensure that the dumbbell remains manageable even at weights above 30 kilos.
In practice, that means:
- More control during presses, rows, curls, and shoulder work
- A more natural feel during training, comparable to classic dumbbells
- Less "clunky" weight distribution in the hand — even during heavy sets
- Safer training, especially during unilateral work on incline benches
The three weight classes side by side
The LIONINSIDE® adjustable dumbbells are available in three ranges. Which one you choose depends on your current training level and where you want to be in 2–3 years:
| Model | Range per dumbbell | Max bench press | Ideal for |
|---|---|---|---|
| TitanSilver™ 23.5 | 4 – 23.5 kg | ~45 kg total | Beginners, functional training, seniors |
| TitanSilver™ 32.5 | 4 – 32.5 kg | ~65 kg total | Advanced users, sweet spot between range and price |
| TitanSilver™ 41.5 Tested by MH | 4 – 41.5 kg | ~83 kg total | Experienced lifters, powerlifters, future-proof purchase |
Each variant essentially replaces a full dumbbell rack. In 1.5 kg increments, you switch between 25+ weights in one set — enough to perform virtually any exercise at the right weight.
An investment that replaces a full rack
Men's Health emphasizes that these dumbbells are an investment (approx. €700 for the 41.5 kg variant). But there is an important argument in return: for that amount, you would never buy a full dumbbell rack with 25+ separate weights. You not only save money, but also:
- Time during training — no searching through a rack
- Space in your home gym — one compact set instead of 50 separate dumbbells
- Peace in your training space — less clutter, more focus
Standard 3-year manufacturer's warranty
When you purchase the LION® TitanSilver™ adjustable dumbbells, you receive a 3-year manufacturer's warranty — confirmation of the confidence LIONINSIDE® has in the product's long-term quality. Defects in the adjustment mechanism or the plates are covered by this warranty.
Premium finish of the LION® TitanSilver™ — designed for serious home athletes.
LION® ValorEdge™ workout bench — Men's Health analysis
In addition to the adjustable dumbbells, Men's Health also tested the LION® ValorEdge™ workout bench. It was described as a high-quality, versatile bench for athletes who value stability, finish, and comfort during heavy training sessions.
The strengths of the ValorEdge™
According to Men's Health, the ValorEdge™ particularly excels in versatility and build quality. With 9 adjustable positions for the backrest and 3 for the seat, you can always find the right angle — from seated overhead press to decline bench press.
| Specification | ValorEdge™ Workout Bench |
|---|---|
| Backrest | 9 adjustable positions |
| Seat | 3 adjustable positions |
| Upholstery | Thickly padded premium upholstery |
| Frame | Heavy steel, stable under high loads |
| Mobility | Transport wheels + handle |
| Warranty | 2-year manufacturer's warranty |
| Guide price | €399.99 |
According to Men's Health, the cushions feel "firm, without feeling rock-hard and plasticky" — ideal for athletes who regularly train with heavier weights. Thanks to the handle and transport wheels, you can also move the bench effortlessly through your home gym.
Honest about the points of attention
Men's Health was also transparent about one point of attention: the bench is delivered as a kit, without tools included. With a good wrench, it can be assembled in a short time, but a serious home gym athlete will usually already have that tool at home. In addition, the bench is deliberately not foldable — a design choice that benefits stability, but does mean you need to have space to keep it set up permanently.
Who is the ValorEdge™ made for?
Men's Health concludes that the ValorEdge™ is not a bench for occasional exercisers who want the cheapest option possible. Its strength lies in strong build quality, durability, stability, and comfort during serious strength training — made for those who want to keep training at home frequently, heavily, and for years.
Why the dumbbells + bench combination is so powerful
For those who want to build a serious training environment at home, the combination of LION® TitanSilver™ adjustable dumbbells + LION® ValorEdge™ fitness bench is a complete setup. You train all major muscle groups — chest, back, shoulders, arms, legs — at the same level as in a commercial gym, in less than 2 square meters of space.
| What you get with this combination | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Compact, space-saving solution | No need for a rack 2 meters wide |
| Quick weight adjustment (1.5 kg increments) | Progressive overload without interruption |
| Easy to handle even with heavy weights | Safe unilateral work, better control |
| 9 back positions + 3 seat positions | Every type of exercise at the right angle |
| Premium materials, manufacturer's warranty | An investment that lasts for years |
Who is this setup intended for?
The Men's Health test makes it clear that LIONINSIDE® is not aimed at the mass market, but at a specific type of athlete. This setup is especially suitable for:
| Profile | Why this set is a good fit |
|---|---|
| Dedicated home gym users | Train 3–6x per week, want commercial gym quality at home |
| Strength athletes without space for a rack | Apartment or small space, but still need a range up to 41.5 kg |
| Personal trainers with a compact studio | One set covers all clients, from beginner to advanced |
| Athletes who want to invest once | Premium material that lasts 10+ years, no yearly upgrades |
For beginners who are not yet sure whether strength training is right for them, or for athletes who only do a few exercises occasionally, this is explicitly not the right choice — for that, this quality is simply overkill.
Frequently asked questions about LIONINSIDE® adjustable dumbbells
What did Men's Health think of the LIONINSIDE adjustable dumbbells?
Men's Health Testlab called the LION® TitanSilver™ 4–41.5 kg "the best adjustable dumbbell I have ever used". The editors especially praised the smooth twist system that lets you change weights effortlessly, and the ultra-thin plates that ensure the dumbbell remains easy to handle even at weights above 30 kg.
What weight classes are available?
The LIONINSIDE® adjustable dumbbells are available in three ranges per dumbbell: 4–23.5 kg (entry-level model), 4–32.5 kg (mid-range model), and 4–41.5 kg (tested by Men's Health). Each variant changes in 1.5 kg increments, meaning you effectively have 20+ weights in one set.
How much does a LIONINSIDE adjustable dumbbell set cost?
Prices start at €499.99 for a complete set of two dumbbells. The 4–32.5 kg version is about €100 more, and the 4–41.5 kg version (the one Men's Health tested) is about €200 more. A matching premium stand is available optionally.
Is there a warranty?
Yes. Every purchase standardly includes a 3-year manufacturer's warranty on the adjustable dumbbells and a 2-year manufacturer's warranty on the LION® ValorEdge™ weight bench. Defects in the adjustment mechanism, the plates, or the upholstery are covered under this warranty.
What is the difference compared to other adjustable dumbbells?
According to the Men's Health test, the LIONINSIDE® set stands out in two ways: (1) the twist system does not jam if you don’t return the dumbbell perfectly, and (2) the ultra-thin plates keep the dumbbell manageable at heavy weights. Both points are often the biggest source of frustration with cheaper alternatives.
Which range suits me?
Beginners and functionally training athletes usually choose the 4–23.5 kg. Advanced users who have already been training for several years often go for 4–32.5 kg. Experienced lifters, powerlifters, and athletes who want to invest with the future in mind choose the 4–41.5 kg — the variant Men's Health tested and the bestseller.
Is the ValorEdge™ weight bench foldable?
No. The bench is deliberately not foldable — this improves stability under heavy loads. Thanks to the transport wheels and handle, the bench is still easy to move to a corner of the room.
Where is LIONINSIDE® based?
LIONINSIDE® is a Dutch premium fitness brand based in Sliedrecht. The showroom is located at Tenorweg 4, 3363 LN Sliedrecht — here you can test all variants yourself by appointment. Dutch customer service via 085 0606 291 or klantenservice@lioninside.nl.
Is this set also suitable for women or beginners?
Yes. The 4–23.5 kg variant is excellent for women, beginners, and functional training. Because you switch in 1.5 kg increments, you won’t outgrow the range quickly and can perform light exercises (curls, lateral raises) and heavier exercises (rows, presses) with the same set.
Can I test the products before I buy them?
Yes. In the showroom in Sliedrecht you can hold, feel, and test all variants and the ValorEdge™ weight bench yourself. A specialist will take the time to advise you based on your training level, space, and goals. Opening hours: Mon through Fri 12:00 – 17:00 or by appointment.
Conclusion: premium fitness for those who train seriously
What becomes clear from the Men's Health feature: LIONINSIDE® is not aimed at cheap mass-produced products, but at athletes who consciously choose quality, ease of use, and durability. The adjustable dumbbells are praised for their smooth rotating system, ultra-thin plates, and pleasant balance. The ValorEdge™ weight bench is valued for its versatility, strong materials, and stable construction.
For those who want to train seriously at home and won’t settle for mediocrity, that is exactly what premium fitness equipment is all about. Not a gadget that ends up forgotten in a corner after a year, but an investment that lasts 10+ years and supports every workout.
Experience the difference yourself
View the products tested by Men's Health or schedule a test visit in our showroom in Sliedrecht. Our specialist will take the time to advise you personally.
Sources:
Men's Health Testlab (March 26, 2026, updated April 14, 2026), "MH testlab: 'The best adjustable dumbbells I have ever used'" by Koen Lorijn — menshealth.nl
Men's Health, "These are the best and most affordable dumbbells for home" — menshealth.nl
About LIONINSIDE®: Dutch premium fitness brand, based in Sliedrecht. Showroom: Tenorweg 4, 3363 LN Sliedrecht. Customer service: 085 0606 291 · klantenservice@lioninside.nl
