PowerBlock Dumbbells review

PowerBlock Dumbbells Review

While PowerBlock dumbbells may look a touch different from your standard dumbbell (maybe a little scarier!), they are wildly popular, and if you are a heavier lifter then these dumbbells may be just the route you need to go down.

Adjustable dumbbells are perfect for those who may not have a lot of space where they live. They are perfect for heavy lifters. 

While there are both home and commercial options, I am writing this assuming that you are going to be a home user, although do bear in mind that a lot of the stuff that I talk about on this page is going to have a little bit of overlap between the two.

TL;DR

4/5

Value for Money

4.5/5

Build Quality

4.5/5

Customer Feedback

Value for Money

Build Quality

Customer Feedback

4/5
4.5/5
4.5/5

Pros

Cons

Cons

Summary:

Powerblock dumbbells are among our top 3 recommended adjustable dumbbells. I personally own a pair since 2015 and can sincerely recommend them. With many reviews on Amazon with a high rating, I’m not the only person to like these bad boys.

They are very well put together and remain in good condition even after years of use. Just like most adjustable dumbbells, they aren’t as comfortable to use at first, but after using them for a week or two, you’ll get used to how they feel. 

Overall, a set of adjustable dumbbells has been one of the most useful home gym equipment I’ve bought. You can work most of your muscles with them, while you can easily store the dumbbells under your bed. This is one of the few products that I also recommend my personal training customers to buy. 

PS! The Powerblock Dumbbells are currently out of stock.

These are the second best option to get right now:

Sale
Bowflex SelectTech 552 Dumbbells (Pair)
  • WIDER WEIGHT RANGE: Each dumbbell adjust from 5 to 52.5 lb. in 2.5 lb. increments up to 25 lb.
  • TURN OF A DIAL: Select the weight you want with the turn of the dial – no more picking up 15 different dumbbells to give you the results you want.
  • SPACE EFFICIENT: Say goodbye to 15 sets of dumbbells cluttering your workout space.
  • 2-MONTH FREE TRIAL: Try our JRNY All-Access Membership for 2 months, free.*
  • JRNY MOBILE-ONLY MEMBERSHIP: Get Motion Tracking, strength-training and bodyweight workouts, at home and on the go from your phone or tablet.*

PS! The Powerblock Dumbbells are currently out of stock.

These are the second best option to get right now:

Sale
Bowflex SelectTech 552 Dumbbells (Pair)
  • WIDER WEIGHT RANGE: Each dumbbell adjust from 5 to 52.5 lb. in 2.5 lb. increments up to 25 lb.
  • TURN OF A DIAL: Select the weight you want with the turn of the dial – no more picking up 15 different dumbbells to give you the results you want.
  • SPACE EFFICIENT: Say goodbye to 15 sets of dumbbells cluttering your workout space.
  • 2-MONTH FREE TRIAL: Try our JRNY All-Access Membership for 2 months, free.*
  • JRNY MOBILE-ONLY MEMBERSHIP: Get Motion Tracking, strength-training and bodyweight workouts, at home and on the go from your phone or tablet.*

#1 Who Are PowerBlock?

While they do not quite have the marketing budget behind them that other companies have, PowerBlock have been kicking around for a long time.

Since 1991, in fact. It is back then, a couple of fitness equipment designers decided that the dumbbell market was far too convoluted.

If you wanted to work out in the comfort of your own home (properly), then you would need dozens and dozens of dumbbells. This is going to take up an astonishing amount of space.

The team behind PowerBlock decided there needed to be a better solution. The way to go was adjustable dumbbells.

The company is now a leader in the dumbbell industry. You can find PowerBlock products in both home and gym environments, with the products getting more popular each year.

Although, the latter should not really come as a surprise since they are putting so much effort into innovating.

#2 What Are Adjustable Dumbbells?

As I said before; dumbbells are cumbersome. If you need more than one or two of them, and the vast majority of people do, they are going to take up a shed ton of space. Adjustable dumbbells counteract that.

Adjustable dumbbells sort-of look like your standard dumbbell. The only difference is that it is going to have multiple weights on it. More than your average dumbbell.

There will either be a pin or dial in place. You adjust this pin or dial. It sets the weight that the dumbbell is at. When you do this, you lift the dumbbell up and the weights you don’t need will be left behind.

These are space-saving as they are incredibly simple to adjust, and when you are done with them, you will have a ton of weight that fits into no more than a small bag.

As I also said, they do look a bit scarier, but this is probably down to all of the knobs and buttons you need to press. They are not actually all that difficult to use.

In fact, you can adjust the weight within seconds. It is about as quick as picking up a whole new weight from the gym, which isn’t too shabby!

What To Look For In An Adjustable Dumbbell?

An adjustable dumbbell is the perfect out-of-the-gym or home workout equipment you need to maintain your workout routine and stay in shape. 

Adjustable dumbbells are a single pair dumbbell that comes with different ranges of weight. You can easily adjust them to fit your exercise needs, whether heavier or lighter weight. 

With that said, there a couple of factors you should consider when choosing the best adjustable equipment for your home gym;

  • Handles: A contoured and padded rubber grip allows you to easily hold on and move your hand and wrist during your workout.
  • Durability: Adjustable dumbbells are just as durable as the fixed dumbbells. With rock-solid plates, strong pins and a solid frame, adjustable dumbbells will stand the test of time. 
  • Lifespan: With proper maintenance (although not much is required), an adjustable dumbbell is a life-long investment for your home gym.
  • Storage: The main feature of an adjustable dumbbell is the all-in-one unit that gives you a full range of weights while being compact and saving you storage space.
  • Weight increments: Adjustable dumbbells come with a 5 lbs increment. Although other companies offer 10lbs, you still have a functional adjustable feature to switch between the different weights.
  • Plate design: Adjustable dumbbell plates are sturdy and rigid. They come in different shapes, round like in the Bowflex and squared like in the power block.

What Are The Benefits of Using Adjustable Dumbbells?

  • Safety: Adjustable dumbells are equipped with a smart locking system, for example, the Powerblock dumbbell has a magnetic pin that provides you with a safe and easy system to adjust each weight.
  • Affordability: Adjustable dumbbells are not the most affordable single piece of gym equipment in the market. However, when you consider the value it provides you, its safe to say that adjustable dumbbells are ergonomic and cost-effective.
  • More range of motion: Adjustable dumbbells offer a piece of sturdy and stable equipment with a full range of motion for incorporating different workouts into your routine. The padded handle and sturdy plates allow for a high range of motion.

#3 The PowerBlock Series Of Products

There are four different ‘series’ of products available with the PowerBlock range. 

While each of them does have a ‘standard’ edition which can’t be updated, I am the type of person to prefer the EXP range, because they are upgradable, which is fantastic for those people who may need a little bit more weight in the future.

Each of these ranges (well, the EXP ranges of each of these products) is split down either further to three weight categories:

There may be a few changes to this when it comes to the commercial standard products, but as I said; I am focusing on the home products here.

The PRO series is the more popular series from PowerBlock, and comes complete with weights that allow you to up in 2.5lb increments, if you wish. 

Although, bear in mind that you can only add 2.5lbs onto the ‘base’ weight (either ending in a 0 or a 5). Which means that you are not going to get as much adjustment as you would on a standard dumbbell.

The SPORT series is much the same as the PRO. The only difference is the handle type. The SPORT has a rubberized grip, whereas the PRO has a chrome handle. It is very much down to you when it comes to which one is the right choice. 

However, do bear in mind that the design of the PRO series means it is a little bit bulkier.

The POWERBLOCK series is the cheapest option in the range. 

However, this does not mean that it is not as good. It is less robust, but it is still one of those weights which is going to last you years and years of use. POWERBLOCK are not a company that likes to cut corners.

The CLASSIC range is also known as the ELITE range. Again, it is on the cheaper side, but it is a touch more robust than the standard POWERBLOCK.

This article compares the Powerblock Sport vs Elite products in more depth.

Do They Come With a Warranty?

Powerblock company offers great warranty and customer support services. They offer a 5-year warranty on all there 3 adjustable dumbbells (sports, elite, and pro). 

For more information, visit the warranty guidelines on their website.

Where Can You Buy The PowerBlock Dumbbells?

You can buy the Powerblock dumbbells on the official site at powerblock.com or you can find them at any of its authorized outlets. Amazon offers a variety of different merchants and sellers, so you can choose your sellers. It can also be shipped in 1-2 days on Amazon.  

#4 Recommended Products

If you are using the products on a daily basis, then you should absolutely go for either the PRO or the SPORT range from PowerBlock. Go for the product which has a handle that feels good for you. 

While the entire range from PowerBlock is robust, I think these are going to be a bit better for long term use. The price isn’t that much higher either.

The Powerblock or even the Powerblock ELITE range are going to be much, much better for low use users i.e. those who may be using them as part of a workout routine, not as the main focus of their workout routine. Do bear in mind that they do not look quite as ‘stylish’, however.

Obviously, the weight is up to you. Always opt for the EXT product so you can add more weights if needed. 

Unless you already know that you are going to be a particularly heavy user, or even a light user, I think that you should aim for the 5-70lbs of any range. 

It is a good compromise. Most people will be using dumbbells around that weight.

#5 Pros and Cons Of PowerBlock

Obviously, the biggest pro of opting for one of the PowerBlock products is the fact that they do not take up a whole lot of space. 

If you are the type of person that really takes their workouts seriously, then you are going to need to have a few dumbbells at your disposal, and the PowerBlock will help you there (as I said, they can replace almost 30 weights, which is absolutely crazy!).

PowerBlock are simple to use and have a quality grip in place which makes them easy to handle. Unlike some of the other adjustable dumbbells on the market, they do not rely on a ‘dial’ system to set the weight that you want. 

It does something completely different which, from my experience, means that it is going to last a whole lot longer. 

I have seen a lot of people complain about the fact that their dials on their adjustable dumbbells are breaking, but I have never heard a similar complaint about the PowerBlock system.

Obviously, the downside is that you are not going to have as much control over the exact weight with the PowerBlock system. The increments that the product goes up in, for most of their products, will be 5 to 10 pounds. 

For most people, this is probably not going to be that much of an issue. 

However, if you are the type of person that really likes to fine tune the weight that they are lifting down to the absolute pound (or even smaller), then PowerBlock may not be for you.

You must also bear in mind that these dumbbells do have more moving parts than your standard dumbbell, which means that they are not going to last that long. 

However, as I have reiterated several times already; these are dumbbells that are built to last. It is highly unlikely that you will ever be using them to the point where they need to be replaced.

Not to mention the fact that they move as a set, so if you are purchasing one of the upper level products, you are going to need to move a ton of weights to a new location, even if you are only planning to use a couple of pounds once you get there.

Best Features of PowerBlock Dumbbells:

  • Space Saving. If you are stretched for space and only have a small area for your home gym, you should avoid buying the fixed dumbbells. Instead, invest in the Powerblock dumbbell. The outstanding feature of the Powerblock dumbbell is that it can be seamlessly added to your home gym without taking up space.
  • Easy and Safe to Use. The Powerblock dumbbells are simple, safe and easy to use. It offers a durable and rapid adjustable dumbbell. It comes with a sturdy pin to help you change the weights with ease and safety.
  • Versatile. The Powerblock dumbbell offers you to have versatility in your weight training while offering portability. This adjustable dumbbell allows you full free ranges of motion for your different routines.
  • Unique Square-Shaped Plates. The Powerblock dumbbell comes with turgid square-shaped plates that remain fixed and stiff during workouts.
  • Even Weight Distribution. Powerblock dumbbell offers great weight distribution, at least with more weight added to the block-the higher the weight the better the distribution.

Fantastic Reviews

While some people will see PowerBlock is on the pricier side of things, particularly when you compare them to conventional dumbbells, you will very quickly realize that these dumbbells are worth the money. 

In fact, imagine buying a set of 26 dumbbells. The equivalent number of weights than an adjustable dumbbell will provide you with. You will be paying way more than the cost of a PowerBlock .

This is a product which gets rave reviews on just about every single site. 

In fact, I don’t think I have seen anybody say anything negative about the PowerBlock outside of the price, but this is something which can be excused because it isn’t really that expensive. 

If you know what you are buying, then you know that you are getting a fantastic deal.

These products are praised for their build quality and their ease of use. There are a lot of adjustable dumbbells on the market, but none come close to the fantastic quality that PowerBlock provides. 

Sure, it may be difficult to adjust the weight on them eventually. 

That is always going to be the case when it comes to owning something with moving parts, but it is going to be years and years before you get to that point. 

In fact, I have barely heard a story about the PowerBlock failing on the user.

Alternatives To PowerBlock

Obviously, PowerBlock is the original, and they are the company at the forefront of the industry.

However, they are not the only company out there pumping out adjustable dumbbells. aOther companies include Bowflex and Bayou.

The main differences between the various adjustable dumbbells on the market will be the weights you have access to (including the increments), and the overall feel of the weight.

Honestly, I believe that PowerBlock are the best when it comes to their quality rubber grip which really makes the weight a lot easier to hold in your hands.

I have tried some of the competing brands and they seem to slip and slide about everywhere, which is no good when you are carrying the heavier weights.

#5 Summary

For heavy lifters that suffer from a lack of space at home, PowerBlock Dumbbells are the clear route to go down. 

At an affordable price, despite a fantastic build-quality, these dumbbells will easily last you years of daily weight adjustment. Even a low-end user may benefit from having a lower weight PowerBlock Dumbbell in their arsenal. 

Long story short; if you use Dumbbells regularly, there is no reason why you wouldn’t want to go down this route.

PS! The Powerblock Dumbbells are currently out of stock.

These are the second best option to get right now:

Sale
Bowflex SelectTech 552 Dumbbells (Pair)
  • WIDER WEIGHT RANGE: Each dumbbell adjust from 5 to 52.5 lb. in 2.5 lb. increments up to 25 lb.
  • TURN OF A DIAL: Select the weight you want with the turn of the dial – no more picking up 15 different dumbbells to give you the results you want.
  • SPACE EFFICIENT: Say goodbye to 15 sets of dumbbells cluttering your workout space.
  • 2-MONTH FREE TRIAL: Try our JRNY All-Access Membership for 2 months, free.*
  • JRNY MOBILE-ONLY MEMBERSHIP: Get Motion Tracking, strength-training and bodyweight workouts, at home and on the go from your phone or tablet.*

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Article by:

Daniel DeMoss

I’m a personal trainer based in Denver (Matrix Gym) and a true fitness nerd. If I’m not training clients or working out at my home gym, I’m probably skiing, cycling or hiking with my dog Rufus.