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Dumbbells are a staple of most exercise programs and for good reason. Dumbbells are versatile and can help you build fast muscle if you use them right. When compared to traditional dumbbell sets, adjustable dumbbells have many advantages. They're not a perfect piece of equipment by any means, but the amount of money and space you save makes them one of the best home gym products for anyone who is serious about their fitness.
In our PowerBlock adjustable dumbbells review we'll take a close look at all of the specs and features you need to know to decide whether you're going to make them part of your routine. Let's dive in.
PowerBlock Adjustable Dumbbells
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A Quick Look at PowerBlock Adjustable Dumbbells
PowerBlock has three series of adjustable dumbbell products—the pro series, sport series, and elite series. The differences between these series are differences of design and performance rather than differences of quality. Here are some of the key differences you need to know:
Pro Series
The PowerBlock Pro series is the premium of the three. This series has urethane-coated plates that make them more durable than the other series. The Pro series also has certain models that are compatible with other PowerBlock equipment like kettlebells and curl bars. The handle on the Pro series also includes a wedge shape to give your arm more room to work.
Sport Series
The PowerBlock Sport series differs from the Pro series in that none of the Sport adjustable dumbbells are compatible with other PowerBlock equipment, the weight plates are made of steel with a powder coating instead of urethane, and they don't have the wedge on the handle. However, they do share the open handle design.
Elite Series
The Elite series is constructed similarly to the Sport series in that it has steel plates with powder coating. However, the Elite series has a manual locking system whereas the other series have auto locking mechanisms. The other notable difference of the Elite series is that it has supported handles which gives your hand less room to maneuver, but helps keep your wrists neutral.
PowerBlock Pro XP 5-50
SPECS
- Size: 12.5" x 7" x 7.23"
- Weight range: 5-50 lbs.
- Weight increments: 2.5 lbs.
- Traditional dumbbells replaced: 16 pairs (up to 28)
- Expandable: Yes, up to 90 lbs.
Because they are part of the Pro series, these dumbbells also feature the wedge-shaped addition to the open handle design which gives your wrists and forearms maximum range of motion.
What We Like
- Urethane-coated plates to increase durability
- Replaces up to 28 pairs of traditional dumbbells with the extension
- Wedge addition to the handle gives you maximum range of motion
What We Don't Like
- The only Pro series model not compatible with other PowerBlock equipment
- Square design is not aesthetically pleasing to some people
PowerBlock Sport 24
SPECS
- Size: 10" x 5.5" x 5.5"
- Weight range: 3-24 lbs.
- Weight increments: 3 lbs.
- Traditional dumbbells replaced: 8
- Expandable: No
CHECK PRICEThe Sport 24 is the smallest set of adjustable dumbbells that PowerBlock offers in both size and weight range. These dumbbells cap out at 24 pounds and they come in 3-pound increments. The Sport 24 is definitely targeting beginners, so if you're an experienced weightlifter, you may want to consider a different option. However, if you need a light set of dumbbells, these are your pick.
What We Like
- The weight range is great for beginners
- Compact size helps save space
- High durability
What We Don't Like
- No weight expansion
- Handle cage can feel cramped for lifters with larger hands
BUY: PowerBlock Sport 24
PowerBlock Sport 50
SPECS
- Size: 12" x 6.5" x 6.5"
- Weight range: 10-50 lbs.
- Weight increments: 5 lbs.
- Traditional dumbbells replaced: 9
- Expandable: No
CHECK PRICEThe Sport 50 is the next step up in the Sport series from the Sport 24. It has most of the same features as the Sport 24 except that it has a higher weight range of 10-50 pounds and higher weight increments of 5 pounds per adjustment. This dumbbell is designed for experienced lifters who need a versatile weight to add to their home gym, but not necessarily for powerlifters since there is no expansion package.
What We Like
- Higher weight increments mean quicker weight adjustment
- Starting at 10 lbs. means experienced lifters won't have to waste space with smaller weight adjustments
- Patented adjustment pin system makes the weight secure
What We Don't Like
- Not expandable beyond 50 lbs.
- The plates are not urethane coated like the Pro series
BUY: PowerBlock Sport 50
PowerBlock Sport EXP
SPECS
- Size: 12" x 6.5" x 6.5"
- Weight range: 5-50 lbs.
- Weight increments: 2.5 lbs.
- Traditional dumbbells replaced: 16
- Expandable: Yes, up to 90 lbs.
CHECK PRICEThe PowerBlock Sport EXP is the top of the line for the Sport series. It shares all of the features of the other Sport series models, but the EXP has 2.5-pound increments and expansion kits available to get the weight up to 70 and 90 pounds.
The Sport EXP and the Pro XP 5-50 are very comparable in that they have the same weight increments and weight range. However, the key difference is going to be the handle and the plates. The Sport EXP does not have the wedge addition to the handle like the Pro XP and the plates are not urethane coated.
What We Like
- Highest weight range for the Sport series
- The only Sport series model with an expansion package
- Can replace up to 28 pairs of traditional dumbbells, saving a lot of space
What We Don't Like
- Not compatible with other PowerBlock equipment
- The plates are not urethane coated like the Pro series
BUY: PowerBlock Sport EXP
PowerBlock Elite USA
SPECS
- Size: 12" x 6" x 6"
- Weight range: 5-50 lbs.
- Weight increments: 2.5 lbs.
- Traditional dumbbells replaced: 16
- Expandable: Yes, up to 90 lbs.
CHECK PRICEThe PowerBlock Elite USA is comparable to the Sport EXP and the Pro XP 5-50. The Elite USA has 2.5-pound weight increments, a 5- to 50-pound weight range, and expansion kits that can get you up to 90 pounds. These are a great option for heavy and experienced lifters.
There are two key differences between the Elite USA and its comparable models in the other series. First, the Elite USA is manufactured completely in the USA while the others are manufactured in China. Second, the Elite series does not have an open handle design, so there is much more wrist support, but it can also be snug on larger hands.
What We Like
- Made in the USA
- Handle has wrist support for heavier weights
- Traditional aesthetic design
What We Don't Like
- Not compatible with other PowerBlock equipment
- Handles can feel snug and limit range of motion for people with larger hands
BUY: PowerBlock Elite USA
How PowerBlock Adjustable Dumbbells Work
Adjustable dumbbells house all of the weight plates in a single unit with a bar in the middle. To access the weight, the dumbbell set will have a dial, pin, or other locking mechanism that secures the desired weight to the bar. Once you have your weight locked in, you simply lift the bar out of the case and start your exercise.
PowerBlock adjustable dumbbells use a pin to secure the weight. They also have a square shape which makes the weight distribution different from traditional dumbbells or circular adjustable dumbbell sets. However, the shape should not hinder your range of motion.
FAQs About PowerBlock Adjustable Dumbbells
Are PowerBlocks better than dumbbells?
PowerBlock adjustable dumbbells are different from traditional dumbbells but they are still dumbbells. You can do all of the traditional weight training with PowerBlock dumbbells, but with the added benefit of saving space. PowerBlock adjustable dumbbells can replace up to 28 pairs of traditional dumbbells.
Are PowerBlock dumbbells worth it?
PowerBlock dumbbells are worth it if you want to have access to all of the benefits of traditional dumbbells but don't have enough space to store them. PowerBlock dumbbells can be an investment, but they will save you money in the long run if you're intending on stocking a home gym with traditional weights.
Are PowerBlock dumbbells durable?
PowerBlock adjustable dumbbells are made with high-quality materials and are definitely durable. The weight plates are steel and they are either urethane or powder coated and the handles are coated steel, as well. We wouldn't recommend throwing these dumbbells from a high altitude, but otherwise, yes, they are durable.
How long will PowerBlock dumbbells last?
PowerBlock equipment is known for its durability, but to put your mind at ease, the adjustable dumbbells come with a five-year warranty. How long they will last depends on the kind of punishment you put them through, but the dumbbells should last through years of regular use.