Chrome dumbbells are about as nice to look at as you can get. The polished brass finish lends them a high-end appearance and ensures that the surface is resistant to rust and durable enough to stand up to heavy use. And if the handle is knurled or has a particular shape, it can be quite easy to hang on to as you press, twist or pull. A top pick for high-end home gyms and small exercise companies concerned with how equipment looks as much as how well it performs.