Design

Both types of dumbbells have steel handles with cast-iron ends. A hex dumbbell is so-named because the ends are hex-shaped with six sides. A pro dumbbell has a pancake-style end, circular with no edges. Either type of dumbbell is available with a rubber coating.

Maintenance

The ends of a hex dumbbell are welded to the handle. If you drop the dumbbell and it cracks, you cannot fix it. You have to throw it away as it is not safe to use. The ends of a pro dumbbell are held in place by an Allen bolt. If the plates become loose and wobble, you can tighten the bolt. If you damage part of a pro dumbbell, you can replace the one part, instead of the whole dumbbell.

Durability

Hex dumbbells have a painted finish, which is vulnerable to chipping if you drop or bump the weights. As you perform an overhead press with hex dumbbells, be careful not to bang the weights together at the top of the movement or you may have paint chips falling in your hair. Pro dumbbells have a flat finish that is not as susceptible to chipping. Using either type of dumbbell with a rubber coating will reduce chipping.

Features

Because the ends have squared edges, hex dumbbells are more likely than pro dumbbells to scratch or damage sensitive flooring if not covered with rubber coating. Hex and pro dumbbells have a large range of resistance options, starting around 5 pounds and increasing in 3 to 5-pound increments. Pro dumbbells have heavier weights, topping out at 150 pounds and sometimes higher. Hex dumbbells typically don't go above 100 pounds per bell. However, pro dumbbells are generally more expensive than their hex counterparts.