Training Circus Dumbbell

Name: Training Circus Dumbbell
Brand: Mike Bartos PowerCenter
Rating: 4.72 (7 reviews)

The Training Circus Dumbbell is Mike Bartos’ PowerCenter’s (MBPC) entry-level circus dumbbell line for strongman training and competition – a fixed-weight, thick-handled, ball-ended implement built from 100% American steel. It ships in 8”, 10”, 12”, and 12” PRO handle-diameter sizes (the 12” runs 2.375” handle diameter, ~99 lb empty; the 10” runs lighter, ~75 lb empty), each offered as dumbbell-only or with optional end caps and loading-pin spacers for plate loading.

Across 8 independent GymRadar owner reviews (4.71/5 average; 4.88 for performance and build quality, 4.38 for value), the consistent verdict is that it’s “built like a tank” and durable enough for repeated competition drops on plywood flooring without damage. The recurring gripe is fit and finish on the loading pins: several owners report the weight peg is oversized relative to spec, meaning it only accepts looser-tolerance plates, and axle collars can work loose during reps unless end caps are added. Reviewers are unanimous that it’s a premium-priced “buy once, cry once” implement rather than a budget option.

Loading	plate-loadable via loading pin; optional end caps and spacers to secure plates
Weight 10in	~70-75 lb empty
Weight 12in	~97-99 lb empty
Construction	100% American steel, powder-coated finish
Manufacturer	Mike Bartos' PowerCenter (MBPC)
Sizes offered	8", 10", 12", 12" PRO (handle diameter)
Known fit issue	loading pin sized to accommodate looser-tolerance plates on some units; end caps recommended to stop axle collars sliding
Handle diameter 12in	2.375"

What is a Strongman?

Strongman equipment trains raw, functional strength through odd-object lifting, carrying, and loading — atlas stones, yokes, farmer’s handles, sleds, logs, and tires — rather than the fixed, balanced resistance of a barbell. It’s a fit for lifters who’ve plateaued on conventional strength training and want to build the grip, bracing, and full-body coordination that competition strongman and functional fitness demand, or who simply want the most direct training carryover to real-world lifting and carrying tasks. Most pieces are bulky and some (tires, natural stones) are sourced or repurposed rather than bought outright, so plan for storage space and, in a few cases, DIY sourcing as part of owning this equipment.

How it compares

	Training Circus Dumbbell	Strongman Sandbags	Yoke - Custom/DIY	Power Pin
GymRadar rating	4.72/5	4.72/5	4.71/5	4.75/5
Price		$85.00		$45.00
Loading	plate-loadable via loading pin; optional end caps and spacers to secure plates		Sleeve or post-style loading pins sized for standard Olympic plates; some builds use threaded rod + PVC spacers instead of welded pins
Weight 10in	~70-75 lb empty
Weight 12in	~97-99 lb empty
Construction	100% American steel, powder-coated finish
Manufacturer	Mike Bartos' PowerCenter (MBPC)		None (DIY build)	Get RXd
Sizes offered	8", 10", 12", 12" PRO (handle diameter)
Known fit issue	loading pin sized to accommodate looser-tolerance plates on some units; end caps recommended to stop axle collars sliding
Handle diameter 12in	2.375"

4.7/5 · 7 GymRadar reviews

Reviews by source

Expert

4.72/5

7 reviews

Owners are consistent: the Training Circus Dumbbell is built like a tank and holds up to repeated heavy drops in competition and training without damage, which is the standout strength here. Value is the weakest dimension – every reviewer calls it a premium, “buy once, cry once” purchase rather than a budget pick, and several flag an oversized loading pin that only fits looser-tolerance plates unless you add the optional end caps.

+Build quality: "built like a tank," 100% American steel construction (GymRadar owner reviews)
+Durability: survived competition use and repeated heavy drops on plywood flooring without damage (GymRadar owner reviews)
+Functionality: performs like a proper circus dumbbell -- one reviewer compares it favorably to a DIY circus dumbbell they'd used before (GymRadar owner reviews)
+Versatility: offered in 8", 10", 12", and 12" PRO sizes with optional end caps/spacers for plate loading (GymRadar owner reviews, manufacturer product pages)

−Value: consistently described as expensive/premium-priced across multiple reviewers, though most feel it's worth the cost (GymRadar owner reviews)
−Build quality: loading pin runs oversized on some units, so it only accepts looser-tolerance plates; axle collars can work loose during reps without the optional end caps (GymRadar owner reviews)
−Functionality: little independent video or community-forum coverage exists beyond GymRadar's owner reviews, so verdicts on technique-specific feel are thin