Agree with all above.
The trick is, use all the wepons in the arsenal.
Dumbbells used to be, for me anyway, only for arms, too lightweight for "real" muscle growth etc. ALL wrong.
I like using dumbbells. Since returning to the gym they are now my bread and butter. I'll tell you why.
Historically, I trained with bars. I liked them, easy to load, easy to get heavy, and easy to do math. They also we're good for working with a partner, because you could go to heavy/fail, and be spotted. Maybe pushing a last rep out with a finger from your spotter to help you push through a fail.
Now, at 47yo, I have discovered dumbbells.
My current workout is predicated on a weight progression while lowering reps by two with each set. "Up and down the river" so to speak.
What I like about dumbbells is, that there is secondary muscle recruitment happening that would not be happening with a bar. Or, maybe more accurately, less of it. Lots of ancillary musculature is fired off with having to keep proper form with two independent weights versus weight on a bar.
Also, I have found that working heavy with DB's helps to "even out" discrepancies in strength.
For example, I have found my left arm will reach failure two reps or so before my right will. So, I can use dumbbells to make sure both arms are "even", versus being able to cheat somewhat with a bar.
Granted, you can't really go all that heavy with something like squats or deads. But I currently do both with heavy-ish DB's and get a lovely pump when using a higher rep range. Goblet squats Rock!
Use them all. Each method (BB-KB-DB) all have a place in your workout scheme. Take advantage of the change up. It's keeps things interesting, and it keeps the body from getting lazy from homeostasis.
Just some thoughts....
