PowerBlock Review: A Complete Guide to the PowerBlock Dumbbell Line (2024 Update)
PowerBlock
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PowerBlock has been making high-quality adjustable dumbbells since 1993, and has become a leader in this corner of the fitness world. Since adjustable dumbbells are the foundation of the brand, they’ve spent a lot of time improving and perfecting the first iteration. Now PowerBlock offers a complete line of adjustable dumbbells, with more options than just about any of their competitors. They offer three main series—Sports, Pro and Elite—and multiple options within each line. In total, there are 15 different dumbbell sets to choose from, and each has its own benefits and drawbacks.
In this PowerBlock review, we’ll break down the main features and highlights of the Sports, Pro, Commercial Pro and Elite series. We’ll also answer the most asked questions about PowerBlock and compare the brand’s adjustable dumbbells to other major competitors in 2024—like Bowflex and NordicTrack.
What is PowerBlock?
PowerBlock is a fitness equipment company that produces adjustable dumbbells, adjustable kettlebells, adjustable barbells and various accessories, like weight benches and stands. Their goal is to make your home workout less cumbersome, more efficient and more productive.
While the brand has a lot to offer, it’s most well-known for its adjustable dumbbells. PowerBlock offers three main dumbbell series: Sports, Elite and Pro. There’s also a Commercial Pro Series that’s designed for heavier use inside a gym or other commercial spaces.
What are adjustable dumbbells and how do they work?
PowerBlock
Adjustable dumbbells have multiple weight plates attached to a handle. They allow you to quickly change how heavy the dumbbell is with a knob, pin or dial. Depending on the weight range, they can typically replace a full set of standard dumbbells. Some of the PowerBlock sets replace eight pairs of dumbbells, while others replace up to 28.
You can find adjustable dumbbells on the lighter end of the scale, ranging from four to 24 pounds, or more heavy duty options that go from five to 90 pounds. Generally, adjustable dumbbells are only slightly larger than heavy traditional dumbbells.
While adjustable dumbbells are a pretty hefty investment, they are usually less expensive overall when compared to buying a full range of standalone dumbbells with a rack. They offer more portability, too. You can more easily move them from room to room, or take your workout outside.
PowerBlock Dumbbells Pros
- Ergonomic design that takes up less space than other brands
- More than a dozen models to choose from
- Lighter weight options with smaller weight increments
- Optional expansion packs for several models
- Reasonable price for a high quality product
PowerBlock Dumbbells Cons
- Have to use a manual pin instead of a dial to change weights
- Some people dislike the stacked, square shape
- The closed handle of the Elite model can limit range of motion
- Hefty shipping and restocking fees
PowerBlock Sports Series
PowerBlock
Who they’re best for: Anyone looking for a high-quality, entry-level set with an open handle design
The Sports Series is PowerBlock’s entry level adjustable dumbbell. All Sport series dumbbells have an open handle design, which means there are no additional support bars around the handle. This gives you more range of motion during your workouts. They have steel weight plates, a contoured rubber grip and either color-coded or numbered weight bands, depending on the specific model.
The PowerBlock Sports 24 model is designed for light lifters. The handle itself weighs only three pounds, and it increases in three pound increments to a maximum weight of 24 pounds. The weights are marked with a colored weight band instead of numbers. Because they’re designed for lighter lifting, this model also has a smaller grip and the most compact design of all of the PowerBlock Dumbbells.
The PowerBlock Sports 50 model is the next step up. They have a similar design to the Sports Series 24, but with a slightly larger grip and numbered weight bands. For reference, the grip on the Series 50 is 1.5 inches, while the Series 24 has a 1.25-inch grip. The empty handle weighs five pounds, and the set goes up to a maximum weight of 50 pounds in five-pound increments.
The PowerBlock Sports EXP is the line’s expandable model. As is, this set ranges from five to 50 pounds, but you have the option to purchase two separate expansion packs. One expansion pack adds 50- to 70-pound weights, and the other adds 70- to 90-pound weights.
In addition to the expansion packs, another feature that sets this model apart is the auto-lock handle. There’s a small lever inside the grip that allows you to make micro-adjustments of 2.5 pounds via adder weights. When you pull the lever, the weight port opens so you can add or remove the adder weights. When you replace the weight stack, this lever will automatically close into the locked position.
Other than that, the design is identical to the Sports Series 50, with numbered weight bands, a 1.5-inch contoured rubber grip and five-pound increments.
| Price | Total Weight | Weight Increments | Number of weight options | Footprint | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
PowerBlock Sports Series 24 | $199 | 24 pounds | Three pounds | Eight | 10.5 inches L x 5.35 inches W x 5 inches H |
PowerBlock Sports Series 50 | $399 | 50 pounds | Five pounds | Nine | 12.5 inches L x 6.5 inches W x 6.5 inches H |
PowerBlock Sports Series EXP | $409–$767 | 50, 70 or 90 pounds | Five pounds | Up to 28 | 50 pounds: 12 inches L x 6.5 inches W x 6.5 inches H 70 pounds: 14 inches L x 6.5 inches W x 6.5 inches H 90 pounds: 16 inches L x 6.5 inches W x 6.5 inches H |
PowerBlock Pro Series
PowerBlock
Who they’re best for: Anyone looking for heftier weights that still have an open handle design
The PowerBlock Pro Series is the next step up. They have a very similar design to the Sports Series with a few notable differences.
Like the Sports Series PowerBlock sets, the Pro Series has an open handle design, ergonomic contoured rubber grips and color-coded weight bands. The plates are made of steel, but they’re urethane-molded for a softer landing and more durability.
The PowerBlock Pro 32 is the most compact option in the set. With a 1.25-inch diameter, it has the smallest grip of the bunch. It’s designed for people who like to lift lower weights, but want to go over the 24-pound max of the comparable set in the Sports series. The empty handle weighs four pounds, and the set goes up to 32 pounds in increments of four pounds.
The PowerBlock Pro 50 has a similar design, but with the addition of the auto-lock feature that allows you to make micro adjustments. This dumbbell ranges from five to 50 pounds with the selector pin; however, the adder weights in the auto-lock system give you the option to adjust in 2.5-pound increments for a total of 20 individual weight adjustments.
The PowerBlock Pro EXP offers the same open handle design, auto-lock and ergonomic grips as the Pro 50, but with the option to add extension sets. As is, the set caps out at 50 pounds, but when you’re ready to move to heavier weights, you can add up to two sets of additional plates. The first set adds 50 to 70 pounds, and the second adds up to 90 pounds. At its maximum capacity, this dumbbell set can replace 28 sets of weights.
| Price | Total Weight | Weight Increments | Number of weight options | Footprint | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
PowerBlock Pro 32 | $339 | 32 pounds | Four pounds | Eight | 10.5 inches L x 5.35 inches W x 5 inches H |
PowerBlock Pro 50 | $499 | 50 pounds | Five pounds (2.5 pounds with adder weights) | 19 | 12.5 inches L x 6.5 inches W x 6.5 inches H |
PowerBlock Pro EXP | $509 (50 pounds); $708 (70 pounds); $907 (90 pounds) | 50, 70 or 90 pounds | Five pounds (2.5 pounds with adder weights) | Up to 28 | 50 pounds: 12 inches L x 6.5 inches W x 6.5 inches H 70 pounds: 14 inches L x 6.5 inches W x 6.5 inches H 90 pounds: 16 inches L x 6.5 inches W x 6.5 inches H |
PowerBlock Commercial Pro Series
PowerBlocks
Who they’re best for: Gym owners, personal trainers and anyone that anticipates heavy, regular use
Most PowerBlock adjustable dumbbells are designed for home use only (and the warranty won’t cover usage outside of that). But the PowerBlock Commercial Pro Series is specifically designed for heavy use in commercial spaces, like gyms. There are five models—32, 50, 90, 125 and 175—each of which is named after its maximum weight capacity.
All of the dumbbells in this series have urethane-coated steel plates for a softer landing, stainless steel hardware, an open handle design and color-coded weight bands. The biggest difference is in the grip. The Commercial Pro 50 and 90 have a knurled (i.e. textured) steel grip, while the 32, 125 and 175 have a rubber, contoured grip. Most of them, with the exception of the Commercial Pro 32, also come with a weight stand.
Most of the line is non-expandable, but the Commercial Pro Series 125 does have the option to add an expansion pack from 125 to 175 pounds.
| Price | Total Weight | Weight Increments | Number of weight options | Footprint on stand | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
PowerBlock Pro Commercial 32 | $339 | 32 pounds | Four pounds | Eight | N/A |
PowerBlock Pro Commercial 50 | $949 | 50 pounds | Five pounds | Nine | 21.5 inches x 25 inches |
PowerBlock Pro Commercial 90 | $1,539 | 90 pounds | Five pounds | 18 | 21.5 inches x 25 inches |
PowerBlock Pro Commercial 125 | $1,859 | 125 pounds | 7.5 pounds | 16 | 21.5 inches x 25 inches |
PowerBlock Pro Commercial 175 | $2,238 | 175 pounds | 7.5 pounds | 22 | 21.5 inches x 25 inches |
PowerBlock Elite Series
PowerBlock
Who they’re best for: Anyone who prefers a closed handle design and wants a five to 50-pound weight range.
The PowerBlock Elite Series line only has one model: the Elite 50 USA. It has powder-coated, welded steel plates, a straight grip (most of the others are contoured) and a closed, padded handle. This design restricts movement a little bit, but it does give you extra wrist support and leverage for certain movements, like bicep curls.
The stage one Elite set ranges from five to 50 pounds, but it’s expandable so you have the option to add up to two additional kits. The stage two kit adds up to 70 pounds, and the stage three kit pushes the max weight to 90 pounds. The selector pin allows you to adjust in five-pound increments, but you can more closely control the amount of weight by taking advantage of the adder weights.
The PowerBlock Elite 50 USA is the only set of dumbbells in the line that has a manual dial for the adder weights. By tilting the handle back and placing the dial in the open position, you can adjust this set in 2.5-pound increments. But unlike the auto-lock, you have to move the dial back to the closed position before returning the weight to the rack.
The PowerBlock Elite Series is also the only set that’s made in the U.S.
| Price | Total Weight | Weight Increments | Number of weight options | Footprint | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
PowerBlock Elite Series 50 | $419 (as is); $608 (with stage 1 expansion kit); $797 (with stage 1 and 2 expansion kits) | 50, 70 or 90 pounds | Five pounds (2.5 pounds with adder weights) | 16 as is (up to 28 with expansion kits) | 50 pounds: 11.75 inches L x 6 inches W x 6 inches H 70 pounds: 14 inches L x 6 inches W x 6 inches H 90 pounds: 16.25 inches L x 6 inches W x 6 inches H |
PowerBlock shipping, returns & warranty
Shipping
Shipping for the PowerBlock dumbbells is calculated based on the total weight of the package and your location. For the heavier sets, shipping can cost a couple hundred dollars, so make sure to factor that into your budget.
PowerBlock uses various delivery services, including UPS and FedEx. The company will decide which service is best based on your location.
Most orders are processed and shipped within 14 business days of your order. Once the order ships, the delivery time depends on which service is used.
Returns/exchanges
PowerBlock accepts returns within 30 days of your purchase, but a 20% restocking fee will be deducted from your refund amount. To initiate a return, you have to contact customer service and get an RMA number, then send your item back within seven days. If you don’t have an RMA number, your return will be denied.
All returns must be in the original condition, and the buyer is responsible for shipping charges back to PowerBlock. Original shipping fees won’t be refunded.
The company doesn’t do exchanges. If you want a different item, you’ll have to return the dumbbells you have and make a new purchase.
Warranty
Each series of PowerBlock dumbbells comes with a five-year limited warranty that covers defects in workmanship and/or materials. This applies to the weight plates, side rails, handle assembly and weight selector pins. If any of these components crack or break, PowerBlock will replace or repair them for free. However, you might have to pay for labor and/or shipping costs if the item has to go back to the company. Damage caused by improper use or excessive force isn’t covered.
The warranty only applies to the original purchaser, so it won’t transfer to a third party or secondhand owners.
How do PowerBlock Dumbbells stack up against competitors?
PowerBlock offers more than a dozen sets of adjustable dumbbells, so when it comes to options, there’s really no comparison. However, if you’re looking for a different style you may want to consider these models from Bowflex, NordicTrack and Flybird.
Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells
Bowflex
The BowFlex SelectTech 552 Dumbbells are most comparable to the PowerBlock Sports 50 and Pro 50. The weight ranges from five to 52.5 pounds per dumbbell, and goes up in 2.5- to five-pound increments depending on the specific weight adjustment. On the lower end of the scale, you can adjust by 2.5 pounds, but as you get into the 30 to 50 range, it increases in five-pound increments.
Aside from the rounded weight plates, one of the biggest differences between the Bowflex dumbbells and PowerBlock’s models is how you adjust the weights. Rather than a manual selector pin, these dumbbells have a turn dial on each side of the weight plate. This makes it easier to identify the specific weight and quickly adjust. The Bowflex Dumbbells also have a bulkier design and a steel handle with a rubberized grip.
At $429, the price is on par with PowerBlock’s comparable sets, but they’re backed by a two-year warranty instead of five years.
For more information, check out our in-depth Bowflex SelectTech 552 Dumbbells review.
NordicTrack iSelect Adjustable Dumbbells
NordicTrack
NordicTrack is all about connected fitness. The newest set of dumbbells from the iconic fitness brand has smart features and Alexa integration that allows you to control the weight adjustment with your voice. You can ask Alexa to change the weights for you in between sets, or use a single adjustment knob that controls the pair of dumbbells simultaneously. The weight is displayed on an LCD screen. You do have to connect the dumbbells to an Alexa-enabled device though; they don’t respond on their own.
Another selling point of the smart dumbbells is the preset function. You can save up to 15 presets for various workout techniques, and the dumbbells will automatically respond to the movement by changing the weight for you as you move through your strength training program.
The weights adjust from five to 50 pounds and have a square plate shape similar to PowerBlock’s sets. They have a knurled steel handle that helps increase grip strength, but may be rougher on the hands than contoured rubber. This set comes packaged together in a stand that also has a tablet holder, so if you already subscribe to iFit, you can easily follow along.
The $599 retail price of this set is higher than the 50-pound models from PowerBlock, but that’s to be expected with the smart features. They also include a 30-day free iFit membership and are covered by a one-year warranty on parts and labor.
Flybird Adjustable Dumbbells
Flybird makes adjustable dumbbells that are available exclusively on Amazon. They aren’t as fancy as the options from the other brands, but if you’re looking for an entry-level way to replace your free weights, they do the trick.
These dumbbells come in two options: 25 pounds and 55 pounds. The design is similar to the Bowflex SelectTech with rounded metal plates and a dial system to lock in the weights. Rather than using a knob on the outside of the weights, you turn the handle until it clicks into place. This adjusts both sides of the weight at once, which contribute to this brand’s ease of use.
Unlike the other sets that come in pairs, you have to purchase each Flybird dumbbell separately. The 25-pound dumbbells are $110 each and the 55-pound dumbbells are $200 each, bringing the price within close range of PowerBlock. They’re backed by a one-year warranty that covers the plates and parts.
PowerBlock FAQs
Are PowerBlock adjustable dumbbells durable?
Yes, PowerBlock adjustable dumbbells have a welded steel construction and steel plates that make them extremely durable. Because the Pro Commercial Series is designed to withstand more frequent, heavy use, it’s the most durable, but also most expensive of the options.
What is the best PowerBlock dumbbell series?
It depends what you’re looking for. If you want an entry-level set and/or a lower weight range, the Sports series is the best choice for you. If you prefer slightly heavier weights and an auto-lock feature on the 50-pound set, the Pro series is probably a better fit. The Elite series is ideal for anyone who prefers the closed handle design and manual locking mechanism.
Are PowerBlock dumbbells worth it?
PowerBlock dumbbells are very fairly priced for what you get. They have a high-quality steel construction and huge weight ranges, which is ideal if you have multiple people in one household who want to use them. They’re also backed by a five-year warranty, which is more generous than the brand’s biggest competitors.
Final Thoughts
PowerBlock is a leader in the adjustable dumbbell space, offering several different series that work for people of all fitness levels. You also have plenty of options within each series; you can opt for as little as 24 to 32 pounds or up to 90 pounds with the expansion packs. And because these high-quality dumbbells can replace anywhere from eight to 28 pairs of dumbbells, the price feels more than reasonable.
Prices are accurate and items in stock as of publish time.
