I have used every type, style, and brand of dumbbells. I like the Cap brand in general. 

What the Cap Hexagon dumbbell is made of:

This type of dumbbell, which is a Cap Hexagon dumbbell, is made from ASTM-grade 20 gray iron and are vinyl dipped and baked. Grey iron is what you would know as cast iron. It is a common, easy to produce and relatively cheap alloy. ASTM stands for the American Society for Testing and Materials. Beyond this we get into stuff that I think only engineers would find interesting.

They have a semi-gloss finish that prevents rust and the paint does not chip off easily. I have had mine (more than one weight) and have not had any problems with them. If you leave them; however, in a damp garage, for example, you may see rust after a while. Cap is a good brand, though, and if the only place you can store them is damp, go for Cap rather than a no-name brand.

Using them:
 
I need gloves when I use Cap Hexagon Dumbbells unless you don't wear rings or don't mind calluses. I prefer dumbbells that are coated with rubber or plastic. There is no difference to my workout. This is just personal preference and what I am comfortable using. 

I like the hexagon shape because the dumbbells do not roll; however, this is a feature I don't like when doing some exercises. For example when I do two handed triceps extensions I find it much easier to use a dumbbell with round ends rather than hexagonal ends which the Cap Hexagon Dumbbells have. The reason for this is because the dumbbell is much easier to hold onto if it has a more extended end. 

The good and bad: 

I like the easy-to-read raised silver numbers on the Cap Hexagon Dumbbells.

I have mixed feelings about the metal in the middle. On the one hand there is a texture to the middle and if I am not wearing gloves (or if you aren’t) and my hands are sweaty, this texture prevents my hands from slipping. On the other hand it really does make holding them uncomfortable. 
   
One reason you might have to buy Cap Hexagon Dumbbells rather than the more user friendly (In my opinion) neoprene or vinyl dumbbells is because the former do not come in high weights. Once you get to 25 pounds you are pretty much stuck with steel.

We have many types of dumbbells in my home gym including 10-pound Cap Hexagon Dumbbells. This is a good weight for those who have been working out and have started at 5-pounds and gone up to 8-pounds. Ten will last you awhile. From 10, the next progression is 12 and then 15. The average woman would not be going higher than 15 pounds.

If you are buying these as a gift for a young man, for example, 10 pounds is a good place to start. Teens love the steel and would much prefer steel over anything coated. They will make a good graduation gift.

Although these are not my favorite, there is no reason not to recommend them. For people who lift heavy weights the style won't be an issue and you may not like the round dumbbells because they do roll around. The 10-pounders are a good place to start building your home gym if you are coming from a gym already.

These contain one or more phthalate chemicals known to the state of California to cause birth defects and other reproductive harm.

The price is in the $25.00 and up for a set. If you can find a dumbbell for $1.00 a pound grab it no matter what the shape!

Recommended: Yes